Natural Awakenings Twin Cities April 2023

HEALTHY LIVING | HEALTHY PLANET 

FREE 

PEOPLE. PLANET. PURPOSE. 

TWIN CITIES-EDITION 

APRIL 2023

Next Month: TOP WOMEN IN WELLNESS 

Anna Cabeca 

DO, OBGYN,FACOG 

Stress and Libido 

Carol Penn, DO 

Aging Gracefully 

Jaquel Patterson, ND, IFMCP 

Sleep, Cortisol and its 

Relation to Stress 

Don't miss interviews 

and lifestyle tips for 

reducing stress. 

Scan the QR code to 

JOIN US LIVE ONLINE 

as these top women in 

wellness share their expert 

insights for 

reducing stress 

and achieving 

WELLthier Living! 

Arti Chandra, MD, MPH 

Healing Your Gut 

Carrie Jones, MD, FAAP 

Stress and your Thyroid 

Trevor Cates, ND 

Stress Impact on Skin 

Jaclyn Chasse, ND 

Stress and Fertility 

Jyl Steinbeck 

Women’s Health & Homeopathy 

Kela Smith, PhD DNM 

Stress & Fertility 

Anne Marie Fine, ND 

Cracking the Beauty Code 

2 Twin Cities Edition NAtwincities.com

Our 5 Core Distinctives 

Nuestros 5 Distintivos Principales 

Faith Based, 

Classical 

Education 

Educación 

clásica basada 

en la fe 

Discipline 

& High 

Expectations 

Disciplina 

y altas 

expectativas 

Parental 

Involvement 

Involucramiento 

de los padres 

Accountability 

Responsabilidad 

Affordable 

for All 

Asequible 

para todos 

Connect with 

our team! 

¡Conéctate con 

nuestro equipo! 

Now Enrolling 

Grades 

K-11 

Ahora inscribiendo 

grados K-11 

Mira este video 

para aprender 

más sobre 

nuestra escuela! 

Watch this 

video to learn 

more about 

our school 

Hope Academy is a private, Christ-Centered, classical school founded in 

2000 to equip youth of the city to become responsible, servant leaders 

of the 21st century. Today we serve 587 students in grades K-12! 

Hope Academy es una escuela clásica privada, centrada en Cristo, fundada en el 

año 2000 para equipar a los jóvenes de nuestra ciudad para convertirse en líderes 

responsables y servidores del siglo XXI. Hoy servimos a 587 estudiantes en los 

grados K-12. 

JOIN US FOR A TOUR! 

¡Acompáñanos a un tour! 

To RSVP go to: 

hopeschool.org/inquire 

Visite hopeschool.org/inquire para registrarse. 

Questions? Contact our Admissions Team at 

admissions@hopeschool.org or 612-489-5154. 

April 2023 

2300 Chicago Ave Minneapolis MN 55404 

3

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET 

letter from the publisher 

TWIN CITIES EDITION 

Publisher Candi Broeffle 

Editors Cheryl Hynes 

Randy Kambic 

Ad Sales Candi Broeffle 

Design & Production Sara Shrode 

CONTACT US 

P.O. Box 27617 

Golden Valley, MN 55427 

Ph: 763-270-8604 

NAtwincities.com 

SUBSCRIPTIONS 

Subscriptions are available by sending $25 

(for 12 issues) to the above address. 

NATIONAL TEAM 

CEO Kimberly B. Whittle 

COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne 

Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs 

Layout Designer Gabrielle W-Perillo 

Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert 

Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy 

National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell 

CONTACT US 

P.O. Box 154 

Far Hills, NJ 07934 

Ph: 239.206.2000 

NaturalAwakenings@KnoWEwell.com 

© 2023 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. 

Although some parts of this publication may be 

reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior 

permission be obtained in writing. 

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed 

locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please 

call to find a location near you or if you would like 

copies placed at your business. 

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in 

the articles and advertisements, nor are we 

responsible for the products and services advertised. 

Check with a healthcare professional regarding the 

appropriate use of any treatment. 

Candi Broeffle 

Our April issue is focused 

on Sustainable 

Living, and I am confident 

it is as evident to all of 

you, as it is to me, that our 

world is grappling with a 

plethora of environmental 

challenges, including 

climate change, deforestation 

and plastic pollution, 

among others. These 

adversities have grave 

implications not only for 

our planet but also for 

our health, economy and 

social welfare. 

It is up to us, as conscientious 

members of society, to act proactively towards ensuring the sustainability of 

our planet, both for the current and future generations. In essence, sustainability involves 

meeting our present needs without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet 

their own. To this end, it is of utmost importance that each one of us assumes responsibility 

in safeguarding our environment and fostering a sustainable future. 

The onus of achieving sustainability does not rest solely on individuals but is 

also shared by businesses and governments. For instance, companies can implement 

sustainable business practices such as waste reduction, energy conservation and 

adoption of renewable resources. Similarly, governments can promulgate policies 

and regulations that foster sustainable development and environmental protection. 

On a personal level, we can make a difference by making small yet impactful changes 

in our daily routine, such as minimizing the use of single-use plastics, conserving 

energy and supporting sustainable products and services. 

The advantages of sustainability are far-reaching and varied. It can contribute to a 

healthier and more equitable society, conserve the environment and its biodiversity and 

promote economic growth and stability. By adopting sustainable practices, we can chart a 

path towards a brighter and better future for ourselves and future generations. 

Therefore, I invite you in joining me in embracing the sustainability movement and 

taking an active stance towards protecting our planet. Let us unite in our efforts to create 

a more sustainable and prosperous future for all. Together, we can make a meaningful 

impact and effect positive change. 

In Solidarity, 

Natural Awakenings 

Magazine is ranked 

5th Nationally in 

CISION’S ® 2016 

Top 10 Health & 

Fitness Magazines 

Candi Broeffle, Publisher 

Natural Awakenings is printed on 

recycled newsprint with soy-based ink. 


Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle 

magazine publishers empowering local communities 

with knowledge, resources and connections to lead 

healthier lives on a healthy planet. 

Contents 

14 

14 A NEW DAWN ON THE 

FARM FRONT 

Stepping Away From 

Industrialized Agriculture 

18 HEAL THE LAND, 

HEAL OURSELVES 

20 THE WINDS OF CHANGE 

Young Activists Pursue Climate Justice 

and Green Living 

18 

20 

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS 

22 JEFF MOYER 

on Farming for Human 

and Planetary Health 

24 KID-APPROVED 

AUTISM DIETS 

Strategies to Optimize Nutrition 

and Acceptance 

22 

HOW TO ADVERTISE 

To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a 

media kit, please contact us at 763-270-8604 or email 

Publisher@NAtwincities.com. Deadline for ads: the 15th 

of the month. 

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS 

Email articles, news items and ideas to: 

Publisher@NAtwincities.com. 

Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month. 

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS 

Email Calendar Events to: Publisher@NAtwincities.com. 

Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month. 

REGIONAL MARKETS 

Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! 

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised 

family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 

1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. 

For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit 

NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. 

26 THE PROBLEM 

WITH SUGAR 

DEPARTMENTS 

6 news briefs 

10 health briefs 

12 global briefs 

17 eco tip 

20 green living 

22 wise words 

24 healthy kids 

27 calendar 

29 resource guide 


5

news briefs 

Women’s Wellness Series of Events in May 

This May, join Natural Awakenings and KnoWEwell for a women’s wellness event 

entitled Overcoming Stress: How to Balance It All. Each Tuesday at 7 p.m. 

CST, top integrative and functional medicine experts in women’s health will present 

cutting-edge insights into the many ways that stress can impact hormones, thyroid 

function, fertility and libido, and also provide tangible recommendations to improve 

skin care, aging, sleep and mindset. The speakers are: 

n 

n 

n 

Anna Cabeca, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, author of 

The Hormone Fix 

Trevor Cates, naturopathic doctor, author of Clean Skin From Within 

Anne Marie Fine, naturopathic doctor, author of Cracking the Beauty Code 

n 

n 

n 

n 

n 

n 

n 

Carrie Jones, functional medi 

cine physician specializing in 

hormone and thyroid health 

Jaquel Patterson, naturopathic 

physician, success coach, author 

of Women and Lyme 

Carol A. Penn, board-certified 

physician, mindset coach, author 

of Meditation in a Time of Madness 

Michelle Sands, naturopathic 

doctor, author of Hormone 

Harmony Over 35 

Jaclyn Smeaton, naturopathic 

doctor specializing in hormone 

health and reproductive medicine 

Kela Smith, holistic-integrative 

fertility and hormone doctor 

Jyl Steinbeck, personal trainer 

and lifestyle expert 

The $59 event fee includes all 

Tuesday evening sessions. To 

learn more and register, visit 

Tinyurl.com/KWWstress or 

scan the QR Code. 


Why Health Coaching 

Could Be the Game- 

Changer You Need 

As people are becoming more healthconscious, 

the demand for health 

coaches is on the rise. On April 13, from 11 

a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Candi Broeffle, publisher 

of Natural Awakenings Twin Cities 

magazine, will interview Bruce Cryer, 

executive director of the Integrative Health 

Institute at Salem University, in a webinar 

focused on the benefits of health coaching 

and how to become one through their affordable 

online program. 

A health coach is a trained professional 

who helps individuals make positive 

lifestyle changes and achieve their health 

goals. Health coaches work in various settings, 

including private practice, healthcare 

clinics and wellness centers. Clients seek 

health coaching for a number of reasons, 

but the overall goal is to improve health and 

well-being. 

Understanding the stress and trauma 

all people experience and gaining the tools 

needed to be able to make better choices 

are just some of the skills students learn as 

a health coach. “Whether you are curious 

about health coaching for yourself, or if 

you are passionate about making a difference 

in others’ lives, this program may be 

just what is needed,” says Broeffle. 

Cost: Free. Location: Online. To register, visit 

KnoWEWell.com/Webinar/Why-Health-Coaching-Could-Be-Game-Changer-You-Need. 

Ladies Night Out in Bloomington 

The businesses at the International Village Building, in Bloomington, are hosting a 

Ladies Night Out, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., on April 13, on-site. The event features local 

vendors, live music and free food and health screenings, with proceeds benefiting Gilda’s 

Club Twin Cities, a nonprofit cancer-support community founded in memory of Gilda 

Radner, Saturday Night Live star. 

Attendees will enjoy an evening out with their girlfriends and appreciate special 

deals from participating businesses, including relaxing chair massages, free health 

screenings and a chance to win one of the over $500 in prizes. Additionally, participants 

can receive free chiropractic and range of motion screening and free consultations for 

health coaching from Mind Body Soul and acupuncture from Anodyne Acupuncture. 

There are several businesses with items for sale, including Lifewave patches, SleepM 

masks, Young Living Oils and supplements, Cure Quest tinctures, Bella Gina Boutique 

jewelry, Edgard’s Syrup and more. Attendees enjoy free food donated by Jimmy Johns, 

Aroma Indian Cuisine, Solomon Bakery and Umbria, and music by accordionist Dan 

Turpening. 

Organized by Golden Sun Chiropractic Wellness Center, and Healing Taj, a holistic 

stretching and massage studio, those in attendance will enjoy a fantastic night out with 

friends and go home feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, with the takeaway of valuable 

information about their health. 

Cost: Free. Location: 220 W. 98th St., Ste. 7, Bloomington. For more information, call 

952-922-1478 or visit GoldenSunChiro.com and/or HealingTaj.com. See ad, page 18. 

Kari Seaverson DDS 

John Seaverson DDS 

Tooth by the Lake 

HOLISTIC GENERAL DENTISTRY 

1401 Mainstreet 

Hopkins, MN 55343 

952-475-1101 

ToothByTheLake.net 

The most environmentally friendly 

product is the one you didn’t buy. 

~Joshua Becker 

Experience healthier dentistry 


7

Thyroid medication: why less really is more 

by Dr. Raquel Espinol 

ADVERTORIAL 

Introduction 

The thyroid gland regulates metabolism by releasing hormones 

called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). When the thyroid 

underperforms, it causes everything in your body to work less 

efficiently. This is known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism affects 

more than 30 million American adults and is five to eight times 

more common in females. 1 By conservative estimates, one in eight 

women will develop hypothyroidism. 1 

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune 

disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This makes up 75-85% of 

hypothyroid cases. Oftentimes, people with Hashimoto’s struggle 

to find a medication or treatment plan that works for them and 

continue to suffer through symptoms like: 

• Fatigue 

• Feeling cold 

• Losing hair 

• Gaining weight 

• Depression 

While there are many treatment options for hypothyroidism, not all 

are created equal. Selecting the most appropriate one is vital to 

managing this disease. 

Thyroid hormones: T3 and T4 

The two hormones to remember are T4 (thyroxine) and T3 

(triiodothyronine). T4 circulates throughout your bloodstream and 

is stored in your tissues until needed. Once your body finds a 

need, it converts T4 into T3. Establishing the exact levels of T4 and 

T3, and determining if the conversion process is working normally, 

are critical to designing the best treatment approach. 

While most healthcare providers understand the critical nature of 

T4 to T3 conversion, many fail to recognize the factors that affect 

this process. These include: 

• Nutritional deficiencies/excesses 

• Autoimmune diseases 

• Gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac disease, acid reflux, or 

irritable bowel syndrome 

• Use of interfering medications like proton pump inhibitors 

(Nexium ® and Prevacid ® , for example) or H2 blockers (Tagamet ® , 

for example), which inhibit the dissolution and absorption of 

thyroid hormone tablets 

• The body’s own obstacles to converting T4 to T3 

Some people continue to suffer from hypothyroid symptoms 

despite being on medication for years. But with some effort, 

patients can work with their doctor to find an approach that 

works for them. 

What can interfere with hypothyroid therapy? 

Some commonly used prescription 

drugs that can interfere with thyroid 

medication absorption and efficacy: 

• Antacids 

• Lithium 

• Amiodarone 

• Antibiotics 

• Antidepressants 

• Dopamine agonists 

• Colestipol 

• Cholestyramine 

• Estrogen, testosterone 

Some commonly used nutraceuticals 

that can interfere with the 

absorption of thyroid medicines: 

• Iron 

• Calcium 

• Magnesium 

• Chromium picolinate 

Some foods that can interfere with 

absorption of medication: 

• Soy products 

• High-fiber/high-bran foods 

• Calcium-enriched foods/beverages 

Digestive complications or diseases such as celiac disease, autoimmune gastritis, and irritable bowel syndrome can also 

complicate thyroid hormone therapy. 

Make sure to discuss with your doctor all of your medical conditions, medications (both prescription and nonprescription), and nutritional 

supplements before starting or switching thyroid hormone therapy. 

Dr. Raquel Espinol graduated with honors and received her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from 

Sonoran University of Health Sciences (formerly Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine). She 

struggled with her own thyroid condition, which was not successfully managed until she discovered 

naturopathic medicine and worked with a naturopathic doctor to control her condition. This firsthand 

success inspired her to pursue a career in naturopathic medicine specializing in thyroid diseases. 

Dr. Espinol works with men and women addressing thyroid conditions, hormone imbalances, 

and weight loss. She is licensed to practice in Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, and Montana.

ADVERTORIAL 

Common choices for treating hypothyroidism 

The most common treatments for hypothyroidism include T4 

monotherapy with levothyroxine, natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) 

aka “glandular thyroid,” and a regimen of T4 and T3 medications 

taken together. Figuring out the best option for you may take some 

time. See the accompanying chart for pros/cons of commonly 

used hypothyroidism therapies. 

T4 monotherapy 

Pros: 

• Current standard of care for hypothyroidism 

• Proven safe and effective 

• Available at all pharmacies 

• Usually low cost 

Cons: 

• GI conditions, medications, sensitivities to excipients/ 

inactive ingredients in tablet formulations can interfere with 

absorption and tolerability 

Natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) 

Pros: 

• Contains both key thyroid hormones: T4 and T3 

• An option for people who need supplemental T3 

Cons: 

• Derived from thyroid glands of pigs – an issue for vegans 

• NDT therapies are tablets that contain excipients or “fillers” 

• The T4:T3 ratio contained in NDT tablets is 5:1 – different 

than the normal human ratio of these hormones 

• Can lead to cardiac problems like rapid heartbeat, insomnia, 

and feelings of anxiety 

• It comes from pigs and may contain porcine antigens, 

which may be problematic for some people 

• Not all pharmacies carry NDT products. Not all insurance 

carriers pay for them 

Combined T4 and T3 medication therapy 

Pros: 

• Consistent potency 

• Can be an option for those in need of supplemental T3 

• Available at most pharmacies 

Cons: 

• Two separate medicines that need to be taken daily. T4 is 

taken once a day; T3 may be recommended in multiple 

daily doses 

• Some insurance plans may require two medication copays 

• T3 can be risky for some patients with cardiovascular 

conditions. Some patients can experience heart palpitations 

and other side effects 

Malabsorption and drug underperformance 

Most thyroid hormone therapies come in tablet form. These 

contain inactive ingredients such as wheat starch (gluten), talc, 

lactose, sugars, and dyes that help hold the tablet together, but 

also can impede the absorption of their active ingredient, which 

results in suboptimal or inconsistent levels of thyroid hormones. 

When this happens, many patients often believe they need to 

change medication rather than address the factors that contribute 

to their therapy’s poor performance. They turn to their physician 

for new therapies in the hope that these can provide long hopedfor 

relief from their symptoms. 2 

Nutritional support 

Nutrition can play a role in managing hypothyroidism. However, 

few patients can treat hypothyroidism with nutritional supplements 

alone. Some examples of helpful nutritional supplements include 

inositol, nigella, B vitamins, and selenium. However, excess 

amounts of certain nutritional supplements can also lead to 

hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Always tell your physician 

about all drugs and supplements that you are currently taking as 

well as your soy, fiber, and non-animal product intake. 

Thyroid treatment: sometimes less is more 

Less is often more when it comes to hypothyroid treatment. 

Tirosint ® -SOL (levothyroxine sodium) oral solution is a unique 

liquid hypothyroid medication made with only three ingredients. 

It contains no fillers or other ingredients that can irritate your 

stomach or lead to poor drug absorption. Because it’s a liquid, it 

doesn’t need to dissolve in your stomach like a tablet or capsule 

before your body starts to absorb it. It’s not made with any 

ingredients sourced from animals, and it’s easy to swallow and 

comes in precise monodose ampules that can be conveniently 

stored for travel. You can pour it into a glass of water and drink it, 

or you can squeeze the contents of the ampule directly into 

your mouth. 

Since Tirosint-SOL consists of just water, glycerol, and 

levothyroxine, it’s a very simple yet effective solution for treating 

hypothyroidism. This is important to me. Additionally, I want 

to ensure my patients have consistent access to the thyroid 

medication that works best for them. That being said, Tirosint-SOL 

has a generous coupon program and low-cost mail-order option 

to help patients without insurance or with high insurance copays/ 

deductibles. These can be found on the product’s website. 

So, which treatment is right for you? 

Share your answers to the following with your physicians so 

they can work with you to pick the right option for you: 

• Have you been treated for hypothyroidism and are 

dissatisfied with the results? 

• Do you want a simpler approach? 

• Do you need a drug that is free of excipients like gluten, 

dyes, lactose, and preservatives? 

• Do you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or 

another GI condition? 

• Problems swallowing? 

Please see Important Safety Information on the following page or 

toward the back of this issue, and Full Prescribing Information at 

TirosintSOL.com. 

References: 1. American Thyroid Association Website. https://www.thyroid.org/mediamain/press-room/. 

Accessed December 8, 2022. 2. McMillan M, et al. Results of the 

CONTROL Surveillance Project. Drugs in R&D. 2015;16(1):53-68. 

PM-01-22-0089

ADVERTORIAL 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION 

WARNING: NOT FOR THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY OR FOR WEIGHT LOSS 

• Thyroid hormones, including TIROSINT-SOL, either alone or with other 

therapeutic agents, should not be used for the treatment of obesity or for 

weight loss. 

• In euthyroid patients, doses within the range of daily hormonal requirements 

are ineffective for weight reduction. 

• Larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening manifestations 

of toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic 

amines such as those used for their anorectic effects. 

Contraindications 

• Hypersensitivity to glycerol 

• Uncorrected adrenal insufficiency 

Warnings and Precautions 

• Cardiac adverse reactions in the elderly and in patients with underlying cardiovascular 

disease: Initiate TIROSINT-SOL at less than the full replacement dose because of the 

increased risk of cardiac adverse reactions, including atrial fibrillation 

• Myxedema coma: Do not use oral thyroid hormone drug products to treat 

myxedema coma 

• Acute adrenal crisis in patients with concomitant adrenal insufficiency: Treat with 

replacement glucocorticoids prior to initiation of TIROSINT-SOL treatment 

• Prevention of hyperthyroidism or incomplete treatment of hypothyroidism: Proper dose 

titration and careful monitoring is critical to prevent the persistence of hypothyroidism or 

the development of hyperthyroidism 

• Worsening of diabetic control: Therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus may worsen 

glycemic control and result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. 

Carefully monitor glycemic control after starting, changing, or discontinuing thyroid 

hormone therapy 

• Decreased bone mineral density associated with thyroid hormone over-replacement: 

Over-replacement can increase bone reabsorption and decrease bone mineral density. 

Give the lowest effective dose 

Limitations of Use 

• Not indicated for suppression of benign thyroid nodules and nontoxic diffuse goiter in 

iodine-sufficient patients 

• Not indicated for treatment of transient hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of 

subacute thyroiditis 

Adverse Reactions 

Adverse reactions associated with TIROSINT-SOL are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due 

to therapeutic overdosage including: arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, dyspnea, muscle 

spasm, headache, nervousness, irritability, insomnia, tremors, muscle weakness, increased 

appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, heat intolerance, menstrual irregularities, and skin rash 

For Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, 

visit www.TirosintSOL.com 

health briefs 

Pomegranate May Offer 

Skin and Gut Benefits 

Pomegranate fruit has 

been widely used in traditional 

medicine, and a new, 

randomized, double-blind, 

placebo-controlled study 

published in the Journal of 

Clinical Medicine looked at 

the effects of taking pomegranate 

extract for a period 

of four weeks on different 

aspects of skin and gut 

health. Using facial imaging, 

researchers found the 

group that received the pomegranate extract had significant 

reductions in wrinkle severity and a decrease in the rate 

of forehead sebum excretion. They also found beneficial 

effects to the gut-skin axis, noting that participants in the 

pomegranate extract group had a higher abundance of Eggerthellaceae 

in the gut with accompanying wrinkle reduction. 

The scientists concluded that the skin benefits from pomegranate 

extract may be due to the potent antioxidant and 

anti-inflammatory properties of phytochemicals, as pomegranate 

contains more than 100 bioactive constituents. 

10 Twin Cities Edition NAtwincities.com 

Mr Boiko Oleg/ShutterStock.com 

Possible Links 

Between Veggie Diets 

and Depression 

Plant-based diets have 

been associated with 

several health benefits, 

but not much is known 

about their effects on 

mental health. A new 

Brazilian study published 

in the Journal of Affective 

Disorders surveyed 

more than 14,000 people 

between the ages of 35 

Josep Suria/ShutterStock.com 

and 74 for a period of 

six months and found 

that those following a vegetarian diet were twice as 

likely to have a depressive episode than meat eaters, 

even when other lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol 

consumption, physical activity and micronutrient intake 

were taken into account. The nature of this correlation 

between vegetarianism and depression is still unclear, 

and more research is needed.

Broeffle, CPC 

Candi 

ComposureCoaching.com 

Food Impressions/ShutterStock.com 

De-Stress With Sauerkraut 

A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry has shown 

that eating more fermented foods and fiber 

daily for just four weeks significantly 

lowered perceived stress levels. 

Forty-five participants 

with relatively low-fiber 

diets were split into 

two groups. 

One group met 

with a dietitian that 

recommended 

a psychobiotic 

diet, which included 

six to eight daily 

servings of fruits 

and vegetables high 

in prebiotic fibers, such as 

onions, leeks, cabbage, apples, bananas 

and oats; five to eight daily servings of grains; three to four servings of legumes 

per week; and two to three daily servings of fermented foods like sauerkraut, 

kefir and kombucha. The control group received only general dietary advice 

based on the healthy eating food pyramid. 

The group following the psychobiotic diet reported feeling less stressed 

compared with those in the control group. Moreover, significant changes in the 

level of certain key chemicals produced by gut microbes were found in these 

participants. Some of these chemicals have been linked to improved mental 

health, which could explain why the participants reported feeling less stressed. 

The quality of sleep improved in both groups, but those on the psychobiotic diet 

reported greater sleep improvements. 

I wake up in the morning asking myself what can I do today, 

how can I help the world today. 

Julia Butterfly Hill 

Brrraaavveeee Endeeeeaaavvorrr? 

Are you ready for your 

Coaching for those ready for 

their next chapter of life: 

Follow your dreams 

Start a business 

Become the person you 

were destined to be 

Call (763) 270-8604 today 

I t ' s T i m e t o L i v e feeeeaaarrrlleeeesssslly 

for a free Discovery Session 

Silver Fillings: 

Just ugly? 

Or harmful too? 

This is a picture 

of a “Silver” 

or “Amalgam” 

filling. It is 50 - 

52% MERCURY! 

If the mercury in 

this filling were spilled in a school, 

it would be evacuated.... 

This is a picture 

of a “light cured” 

composite filling. 

They can last as 

long or longer 

than mercury 

fillings with no danger of releasing 

harmful heavy metals. 

As noted on Dr. Mercola, 

Dr. Oz, and 60 Minutes... 

Mercury fillings may have a 

significant negative impact on your 

overall health. 

Make 2023 2017 YOUR year 

for healthy choices! 

Dr. Madelyn Pearson is the 

current president of the 

Holistic Dental Association and 

has advanced training in safe 

mercury removal. 

Call or visit our website for 

more info: (651) 483-9800 

www.NaturalSmilesDental.com 


11

global briefs 

Insect-Inspired Drones 

Build Structures 

Two London-based roboticists, Mirko Kovac and Robert 

Stuart-Smith, have developed new technology that 

mimics the way bees work together to build a structure. 

They used two free-flying drones to build a human-sized 

tower. The “build drone” carried expanding foam and 

sprayed it in slow, steady circles to form layers, while the 

“scan drone” surveyed the structure and identified spots 

where the last layer was either too thin or too thick, and it 

then created a plan for the build drone to even things out 

on the next pass to keep the structure straight and sturdy. 

In a second demonstration of the technology, the 

drones made a cylinder the size of a large round cake 

using a cement-like material. The duo exhibited a 

great deal of precision in stacking the material to within 

millimeters. 

The team plans to take the drones outdoors to deal 

with the elements and add to the complexity of the 

objectives and number of drones involved. If the technology 

can be perfected, these collaborative construction drones 

could be used in places where it is difficult for humans and 

heavy machinery to reach, like the tops of buildings, remote 

pipelines and disaster areas. 

Goinyk Production/ShutterStock.com 

Lowering the Carbon 

Footprint of Batteries 

A Swedish battery manufacturer, Northvolt, in partnership 

with Stora Enso, one of the largest private forest 

owners in the world, has developed a battery for electric 

vehicles (EV) with an anode made of sustainably raised 

and harvested wood instead of graphite, paving the way 

for battery production from a renewable source. 

The partners figured out a way to extract lignin, a 

carbon-rich natural binder that comprises up to 30 

percent of many trees, and turn it into a material they 

call Lignode. According to Stora Enso, by replacing 

graphite or copper anodes with Lignode, lithium-ion 

batteries will offer faster charging and discharging, 

higher cycling stability and more efficient performance 

in low temperature. 

More than 50 percent of the EV’s carbon footprint 

comes from the manufacture of its battery—both in 

sourcing raw materials and producing the component. 

Mining graphite is an expensive and labor-intensive process 

that requires considerable resources that come from 

parts of the world where workers’ rights are inadequately 

protected. While Northvolt’s battery is not on the market 

yet, this development, along with others like solid-state 

batteries, may help to reduce the carbon footprint of EVs. 

Goinyk Production/AdobeStock.com 


TheOdd1/AdobeStock.com 

Invasive Wild Hogs 

Pose Numerous Threats 

There are approximately 

6 million non-native, feral 

pigs in the United States. 

They destroy an estimated 

$2.5 billion in crops, pastures, 

forests and livestock 

each year across 35 states 

and jeopardize endangered 

species, including 

the Florida panther, green 

sea turtles and redcheeked 

salamanders. But their greatest threat may be 

the potential to carry disease to humans, domesticated 

hogs and other animals. 

The pigs were brought to the Americas from Europe as 

early as the 1500s. They reproduce quickly, with up to two 

litters of four to 12 piglets every 12 to 15 months, and can 

grow to be five feet long and weigh more than 500 pounds. 

Feral swine can carry a long list of pathogens, including 

leptospirosis, brucellosis, swine influenza, salmonella, 

hepatitis and pathogenic E. coli. The U.S. Department of 

Agriculture describes swine as a “mixing vessel species”, 

meaning that they are susceptible to human viruses and 

have the ability to create novel forms of those diseases. Human 

risk to known and new pathogens is greater from feral 

swine than other wildlife due to our proximity to them and 

their large numbers. Hunters and farmers are at greatest 

risk. Anyone that handles feral swine should wear rubber 

gloves and avoid fluid exchanges. 

Gas Stove Pollution 

Goes Unnoticed 

A new study published in 

Environmental Science & 

Technology finds that gas 

stoves frequently leak 

dangerous pollutants into 

the kitchen. A team from 

PSE Health Energy collected 

samples from 159 gas 

Bilanol/ShutterStock.com 

stoves across California and 

sent them to a laboratory for 

analysis. The researchers 

found 12 pollutants in total, and four of these gases—benzene, 

toluene, hexane and m- or p-xylene—were present in 

98 percent of the samples. Most of the stoves leaked at least 

a little, even when they were turned off. 

The natural gas used in stoves is comprised mostly of 

methane and other hydrocarbons and gases. Before it 

is delivered into homes and business, most of the nonmethane 

gases are removed and a strong-scented chemical 

is added to alert people to possible leaks. The leaks 

studied by the California researchers were not substantial 

enough for people to notice this rotten-egg smell, but they 

could still expose users to harmful and potentially cancercausing 

pollutants. Those with gas stoves are encouraged 

to turn on their exhaust fans whenever they are in use. 

Rebuilding Coral Reefs With Sound 

Rapid ocean warming and other effects caused by climate change have stressed and degraded corals around the globe, 

and scientists have been studying ways to rebuild, manage and conserve these vital ecosystems. A new Australian study 

published in Journal of Applied Ecology tested whether playing certain sounds underwater at reef restoration sites could 

boost the recruitment of oysters and enhance their habitat-building activities. Australia’s flat oyster is a key reef-building 

organism targeted for restoration efforts. 

Previous studies had shown that the sound of healthy reefs differs from that of damaged reefs. Using inexpensive marine 

speakers, the researchers reproduced the sound of a healthy reef at four sites across two of the largest oyster reef 

restorations in Australia and compared the results to areas that did not receive this soundscape enrichment. The sonically 

enhanced areas resulted in the presence of more and larger oysters that formed more three-dimensional habitats 

atop the reef restorations. The scientists propose that the use of marine soundscapes during early stages of new reef 

restoration projects could reduce the cost of habitat recovery. 

stockphoto-graf/ShutterStock.com 


13

Image courtesy of RodaInstitute.org 

A NEW DAWN 

ON THE FARM FRONT 

STEPPING AWAY FROM INDUSTRIALIZED AGRICULTURE 

by Sandra Yeyati 


Prostock-studio/ShutterSTock.com 

We all have to eat, and the food industry is big business, 

with wide-ranging implications across many 

arenas. Because agriculture is controlled by a handful 

of multinational corporations, the priority to maximize profits 

often conflicts with what is best for human and planetary health. 

In many ways, our food production and consumption practices 

are broken or on the brink of failure. They are inhumane, socially 

unjust, environmentally unsound and unsustainable. 

Viable, achievable solutions to these immense challenges exist, 

and the emerging consensus is that regenerative organic agriculture 

is the key to preserving human health and helping solve the 

climate crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic uncovered weaknesses 

in the system, such as supply chain vulnerabilities, and altered 

human behavior as more people started cooking at home and exploring 

healthier lifestyle choices. The time is right to make positive 

changes to the way we grow, distribute and consume food. 

The Problems With Our Current 

Industrial Farming Model 

For decades, doctors, scientists, farmers and nonprofits at the 

forefront of the environmental movement have been sounding the 

alarm about the inherent weaknesses in the national food chain 

and the harmful effects of industrial agriculture. In his book Food 

Fix: How to Save Our Health, Our Economy, Our Communities and 

Our Planet—One Bite at a Time, Dr. Mark Hyman notes, “Food is 

the nexus of most of our world’s health, economic, environmental, 

climate, social and even political crises. While this may seem like 

an exaggeration, it is not.” 

In the late 1800s, American farming began to transition from 

small, diverse operations that produced a variety of crops and 

livestock to feed a family or community to an industrialized 

system dominated by multinational corporations that focused 

on maximizing yields of just a few crops, primarily corn, soy and 

wheat. Today, these crops overwhelmingly end up as animal feed, 

biofuels and cheap, processed food ingredients—a staple of the 

standard American diet since the 1950s. 

Industrial agriculture is now the dominant food production 

system in this country, characterized by large-scale monoculture, 

heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and meat produced 

in confined animal feeding operations (CAFO). 

Most modest family farms have been forced to 

either get into business with a big company 

(contract farming) or go out of business. The 

Natural Resources Defense Council reports 

that 90 percent of the 9 billion chickens raised 

each year in the U.S. are grown under contract, and 

57 percent of hogs are owned and slaughtered by 

just four companies. According to Rodale 

Institute, only 8 percent of farms produce 

more than four crops, while specialty 

crops like fruits, vegetables and nuts are 

grown on just 3 percent of cropland. 

With industrial dominance comes 

numerous devastating consequences. 

Human Health Costs 

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, industrially produced 

food is bad for us on several fronts. Heavy pesticide use is 

poisoning our food, fertilizer is polluting our drinking water, junk 

food made of corn and soybeans is degrading our health and the 

overuse of antibiotics in CAFOs is accelerating the development 

of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Bioethicist Peter Singer advises, 

“Factory farms are breeding grounds for new viruses. We’ve had 

swine flu and avian flu coming out of factory farms. It’s quite possible 

that the next pandemic will originate there.” 

Zach Bush, a triple board-certified physician and producer of 

the documentary Farmer’s Footprint, says, “Over the last 25 years, 

we have seen the most profound explosion of chronic disease in 

human history. Research from around the globe now suggests 

that environmental factors are contributing to a combination 

of genetic, neurologic, autoimmune and metabolic injuries that 

underpin the collapse of health in our children and adults.” 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report 

that chronic and mental health conditions account for 90 percent 

of the nation’s $4.1 trillion in annual health care expenditures. 

Obesity affects 20 percent of children and 42 percent of adults. 

More than 850,000 Americans die of heart disease or stroke annually, 

and 37 million have diabetes. Each year, more than 1.7 

million people are diagnosed with cancer, while 600,000 succumb 

to the disease. 

“Most of those diseases are caused by our industrial diet, which 

means they are avoidable if we transform the food we grow, the 

food we produce and the food we eat. Eleven million people die 

every year from a bad diet,” Hyman asserts. 

Solutions Using Regenerative 

Organic Farming 

Led by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, which includes organizations 

and brands like Rodale Institute, Dr. Bronner’s and 

Patagonia, the Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) standard 

helps consumers make informed choices about their food purchases. 

Its three pillars—soil health, animal welfare and social 

fairness—are designed to ameliorate the problems associated 

with conventional agriculture. 

Soil Health Equals Planetary 

and Human Health 

Chemical-heavy farming practices employed 

by conventional agriculture deplete 

topsoil, draining it of all its organic matter— 

the very microbiome needed to nourish the 

plants we grow and ultimately nourish 

us. In 2014, Maria-Helena Semedo, of 

the United Nations Food and Agriculture 

Organization, said that if current 

farming practices continue, we have 

only 60 years of harvest left. The clock 

is ticking. 


15

Farming techniques proposed by the ROC are designed to continually rebuild soil. They 

are proven by years of science done at Rodale Institute and practical results achieved by 

regenerative organic farmers already growing food this way. “On the farm that we operate 

here at the Institute, we know that Native Americans were farming this land 8,000 to 

10,000 years ago. We’d like to be farming this land 8,000 to 10,000 years from now. We 

probably won’t be using tractors or diesel fuel, but we will be using the soil,” says Rodale 

Institute CEO Jeff Moyer. 

Under ROC standards that include a variety of rotating crops, cover crops, no tillage, 

no synthetic inputs of any kind, no genetically modified seeds and staggered grazing by 

animals, farms become biodiverse ecosystems with organically rich soil that absorbs water, 

doesn’t erode over time and produces safe, nutritious food. As J.I. Rodale said, “Healthy 

soil equals healthy food equals healthy people.” 

Healthy soil draws carbon from the atmosphere deep into the ground, and that is a 

boost for our fight against climate change. “Regenerative organic farming has a very positive 

impact on climate, because we’re sequestering more carbon than we are emitting,” 

Moyer explains. “Under its current production model, agriculture is part of the problem. 

If it’s part of the problem, then it can and should be part of the solution. That’s the whole 

premise behind the [ROC] standard itself—treating agriculture as one of the primary 

tools that we’re going to use as a society to improve our relationship with the planet.” 

Animal Welfare Is 

the Right Thing to Do 

Under the ROC model, animals must be 

raised in a humane way that frees them 

from discomfort, fear, distress, hunger, 

pain, injury and disease, while also being 

able to express normal behavior. To achieve 

these aims, they need to be taken out of 

CAFOs and reintegrated into farmland, so 

that they are pasture-raised and grass-fed, 

creating meat that is more nutritious and 

less diseased without chemical interventions. 

“We’re integrating animals onto the 

cropland, with livestock, chickens, sheep 

and hogs. Imagine what the Great Plains 

of the United States was 500 years ago. You 

had bison, elk, deer, rabbits, wolves and 

myriad different birds, because the birds always 

followed the migrating animals. We’re 

trying to mimic that to a small degree 

on our ranch,” says North Dakota farmer 

Gabe Brown, who started transitioning 

into regenerative organic practices in the 

mid-1990s and wrote an influential book 

on the subject, Dirt to Soil: One Family’s 

Journey into Regenerative Agriculture. 

mythja/ShutterStock.com 

Social Fairness and 

Farming Resilience 

Taking care of the farmers and workers 

that plant, raise, harvest and transport 

our food is not just the right thing to do, 

it also creates a system that is more stable 

and resilient, says Graham Christensen, 

a Nebraska farmer and president of GC 

Resolve. “There are serious issues with how 

the big agricultural companies are treating 

workers. We saw horrible situations 

with COVID in the meatpacking plants 

and how the workers were being treated. 

This is just one of the many reasons that 

this over-centralized, monopolized system 

is affecting people in bad ways,” he says. 

“Regenerative organic farming requires 

more hands-on work, which creates jobs. 

Structural changes in the food production 

system to decentralize agriculture in favor 

of regional markets comprised of smaller 

farms would allow for more equity and 

better management of the ecosystem.” 

Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural 

Awakenings magazine. 


eco tip 

Sustainable Grocery Shopping 

Lithiumphoto/ShutterStock.com 

There are many ways to be environmentally responsible 

when shopping for food. Here are a few tips. 

Bring Reusable Shopping Bags 

Americans use approximately 100 billion single-use 

plastic bags each year, which accumulate in landfills and 

waterways and never truly decompose. Some states have 

banned disposable bags, but many still permit them. 

Come prepared to the grocery store with reusable bags to 

reduce the use of single-use plastics. 

Shop the Perimeter 

Food packaging and containers make up 23 percent of 

landfill waste. Shop around the perimeter of the store as 

much as possible to find the freshest, healthiest foods 

with the least amount of packaging, such as produce, bulk 

items, dairy, fresh fish and meat. Bulk items like nuts, dry 

beans, coffee, tea and grains can be purchased in exactly 

the amount needed with no packaging. 

Plan Ahead 

The average American wastes about 21 percent of the 

food they buy, which equates to about $1,800 a year. To 

avoid overbuying and shrink the carbon footprint of multiple 

shopping trips, plan meals a week (or month) ahead 

and come with a shopping list organized by the sections 

or aisles of the store. 

Shop Local and In Season 

Local produce has a drastically smaller carbon footprint 

than fruits and vegetables that must travel long distances 

by truck, airplane or ship. Buying local, in-season 

produce reduces waste because the produce is fresher 

when purchased and will not spoil as quickly at home. If 

the family’s diet includes meats, choose pasture-raised, 

grass-fed products from farmers that practice regenerative 

organic agriculture, which improves the quality 

of the land and maintains local ecosystems. 

Read Labels 

Choose foods that were produced with the environment 

in mind by looking for the following labels, seals 

and certifications: 

n USDA Organic 

n Biodynamic (BDA) for food produced without 

chemical pesticides or herbicides, using organic, 

non-GMO seeds 

n Non-GMO Project Verified for foods that were not 

genetically engineered 

n FAIRTRADE Mark and Fair Trade Certified for food 

producers committed to reasonable wages and the 

safe, fair treatment of workers 

n Climate Neutral Certified for food manufacturers committed 

to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions 

n Safe Catch for sustainably caught fish 

n Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and 

Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) for sustainably 

farmed seafood 


17

y Candi Broeffle 

Many understand the importance of healing ourselves before we can heal 

others. This is also true when it comes to healing the land upon which our 

homes are built. When enough of us begin to heal our own piece of property, 

this will create a ripple effect that begins to heal the whole of Mother Earth and 

thus help to heal ourselves. 

Why the Land Needs Healing. Just like us, the land we live on carries energy 

from the past. Even newly built homes on a piece of property where no houses previously 

existed can carry history from past events that occurred on that land. Consider 

the long history of our country and all of the events that have happened since it was 

first inhabited by humans. There were hundreds of years of Indigenous battles, fighting 

among and between the more than 1,000 tribes that existed before the Europeans 

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arrived. For those familiar with the history 

of this country and what occurred 

after the European settlers arrived, this 

will give us a sense of the energy that 

has been absorbed into the land. The 

grief, anger, trauma and abuse that were 

created as Europeans claimed this land 

as their own still exists in many parts of 

the country. 

There are many conflicting reports 

to the number of Indigenous populations 

that lived in this country prior to 

the arrival of the European settlers, but 

what everyone agrees on is the huge 

number that died from famine, disease 

or massacre. The emotional energy created 

by these events lingers on as well 

as the trauma created. Some of the souls 

involved in these events have also been 

stuck here ever since. 

For those that live in the southern and 

eastern areas of the country, there is also 

some very heavy energy created by the 

Revolutionary and Civil wars. Once this 

energy is created, it continues to remain 

until it is cleared. There are many healers 

currently focused on releasing and clearing 

this energy, as well as the souls trapped 

by these experiences. 

The Effects of Living on Land that 

Needs Healing. As a Master Dowser, 

Annette Rugolo has been witness to 

dozens of homes that were built on land 

carrying energy from a traumatic and 

sometimes horrific event. “When the 

home is built, it now contains that energy, 

and after a family moves into their newly 

built home, they wonder what is happening 

and why they are feeling so depleted, 

out of balance and sometimes, sick,” 

explains Rugolo. “What should have been 

their dream home turns into a nightmare, 

or at the very least, a bad decision.” 

The children in the homes are 

usually the first to feel or react to this 

energy. Nightmares, night terrors and 

emotional imbalances begin to surface 

after the family moves in. The parents 

try to handle things in more traditional 

ways, most times without results, until 

someone suggests the home and land 

might need energy healing. Because of 

the amazing and highly intuitive children 

being born into our world, many 


adults are beginning to understand that the land does indeed 

hold energy, and this energy can either negatively or positively 

affect their family. When someone in the family is more intuitive, 

the awareness that something is wrong can be immediate. 

They walk into the house on moving day and immediately feel 

something is off. The search then begins to find a solution to 

what they are feeling. 

Other times, it may take a few months to realize that the 

energy of the home is depleting them. This is because many 

people have resources and tools to stay in a high vibration. 

Living in a home with unresolved trauma, however, takes a lot 

of effort to stay above the lower vibrational field of the home 

and land. Over time, they begin to feel worn out and depleted. 

It would be compared to holding two 10-pound weights at 

arms-length, 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. After a 

while, it becomes impossible to sustain. Exhaustion, issues 

with sleeping, a lowered immune system and emotional issues 

begin to surface. 

Benefits of Healing the Land. People are constantly learning 

more about the healing benefits of nature and all it has 

to offer. When sitting in a beautiful place in nature, they are 

nourished and restored. They leave feeling more in balance, 

with a sense of wholeness within. People are drawn to places 

in nature because they intuitively know the energy of the land 

restores something in them that living in our fast-paced culture 

does not always provide. When the land our home is built on is 

cleared of energy from past events, we can more easily connect 

with the vibration of the Earth in our home. 

“In a perfect world, it would be great if all land would be 

healed before developments are built,” shares Rugolo. “Everyone 

involved in the building of these homes would feel 

uplifted by the energy of the land instead of fighting against 

it. The builders and designers would feel even more inspired 

to create not only beautiful homes, but homes filled with 

beautiful energy, and the families moving in would feel safe 

and uplifted.” 

How to Heal the Land. The first step is to understand 

that the land of our home and property has an energy, or 

consciousness, that is affecting everyone in the home. It is 

important to begin “listening” to what the land is telling us: 

Find a quiet space; go to the heart and send energy to the 

heart of the land. If we do not feel a connection, it is giving information 

that some energy needs to be cleared. 

Visualize a violet light bathing the property. The violet light 

has the ability to release energies created by past events. 

Honor the land by burying a rose quartz, clear quartz or 

amethyst crystal somewhere on the property. As we hold the 

crystal, ask to be guided as to the best place to bury it. 

Invite the nature spirits to help heal the land. Many are starting 

to work in collaboration with the beings of Mother Earth and 

just need to be asked. 

Everything we do with the intention of healing the land 

will create change. What we are feeling is not our imagination. 

Today, there are many stepping into the service of healing the 

land and there may be times when someone with more experience 

with curing and releasing trauma from land needs to be 

called in. 

Annette Rugolo is a Master Diamond Dowser 

and has been helping people heal their homes 

and land since 2005. Her book, Soul Whisperer: 

Releasing Lost Souls, written in 2019, provides 

powerful insights into the world of spirits and 

was written to help others understand why they 

are here and the importance of helping them move on. Her work 

as a Soul Guide has helped thousands transform their lives by 

releasing blockages, karmic lifetimes, patterns and programs 

that had them stuck. Her sessions empower the individual to 

live their soul’s purpose. For more information, visit Annette 

Rugolo.com. See ad, page 26. 

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19

green living 

THE WINDS OF CHANGE 

YOUNG ACTIVISTS PURSUE 

CLIMATE JUSTICE AND GREEN LIVING 

by Sheila Julson 

oatawaAdobeStock.com 

Kristi Blokhin/ShutterStock.com 

Born in the mid-to-late 1990s up to the early 2010s, 

Generation Z environmental activists agree that urgent action 

is needed to achieve climate justice, and they’re willing to 

do what it takes to get results. “Climate and environmental 

justice and environmental racism are very big concerns 

among youth, whether or not they are youth of color. It’s not 

just about energy, water or air—it’s also very much about 

people,” says Ana Garcia-Doyle, executive director of One 

Earth Collective. The Chicago nonprofit inspires action, 

facilitates learning and promotes environmental justice 

through annual programs like the One Earth Film Festival and 

One Earth Youth Voices, a summit designed to give voice to 

the next generation’s environmental concerns. 


oatawaAdobeStock.com 

Jacob Lund/ShutterStock.com 

Teens Take Charge 

Marin Chalmers, a sophomore at Oak Park 

River Forest High School, in Illinois, and 

member of One Earth’s Youth Advisory 

Council, has been participating in the One 

Earth Young Filmmakers contest since the 

seventh grade. Her short documentary, 

Sondaica, is about wildlife and ecosystems. 

Chalmers credits One Earth with helping 

her connect with people that normally 

would not be involved with climate activism. 

Her peers share in the understanding 

that there’s a climate crisis. “The Earth is 

breaking,” she explains. “We need to fix 

it. Everybody needs to do a better job of 

taking action.” Getting people to pay attention 

is challenging, Chalmers laments, 

especially given America’s overwhelming 

dependence on automobiles and the lack 

of public transportation. “A lot of people 

want to help, but just don’t know how,” 

she notes. “Some people don’t have the 

financial ability to make environmentally 

sound choices.” 

Although individual action can help 

mitigate climate change, 16-year-old 

Sebastian Delgado, a Revolutionary Youth 

Action League (ROYAL) volunteer, blames 

polluting, profit-driven corporations for 

the climate crisis. “The biggest threat to our 

climate and people of color is capitalism,” 

he explains. “We need a new economic 

system that’s not based on profit.” 

ROYAL volunteers like Delgado collaborated 

with Marlene Brito-Millán, Ph.D., an 

ecology assistant professor at Loyola University 

Chicago, and Dr. Bryan Ramson, a 

nuclear physicist and research associate at 

Fermilab, to craft a social justice plan that 

incorporates climate town hall meetings 

to raise awareness and develop action 

plans. According to Delgado, even when 

concerned citizens contact their elected 

representatives, leaders can be slow to act. 

“Climate change has been happening for 

decades, and we’re still dealing with the 

same issues,” he remarks, adding that bold 

ideas and unwavering action are needed 

when government officials won’t listen to 

their constituents. 

Greening Urban Areas 

In Austin, a predominantly Black neighborhood 

on the west side of Chicago, 

two 20-year-olds, Cortez Dean and Ethan 

Horne, work at paid internships in an urban 

farming program called Austin Grown, 

which raises chickens and maintains gardens 

with vegetables and native pollinators. 

A collaboration between One Earth Collective 

and BUILD Chicago, a nationally 

respected youth development organization, 

Austin Grown serves urban communities 

where fruits and vegetables are hard to 

find. The organization also offers gardening 

and healthy eating classes to the public. 

Dean is learning firsthand how climate 

change adversely affects farms, gardens and 

forests where food and medicinal plants 

are grown. During a summer heat wave, he 

witnessed a sewer pipe explode, filling his 

neighborhood with a powerful stench, and 

he worries that aging infrastructure will 

contaminate their drinking water. 

“People assume there’s time to solve 

climate change, but we’re not slowing 

things down. There’s a lot of work to be 

done,” Horne says, noting that food deserts 

disproportionately affect communities of 

color. “There are lots of areas with no grocery 

stores, or stores that only offer chips 

and candy, but no fruits and vegetables.” 

Dean and Horne concur that gardening 

provides needed green infrastructure and 

nutritional food to underserved populations. 

“I didn’t fully understand climate 

change until I put my hands into the soil. 

When you do that, you’ll see Earth for 

what it is—and the damage we’ve done to 

it,” Dean says. 

Activism on 

University Campuses 

Originally from Waukesha County, Wisconsin, 

21-year-old Grace Arnold feels 

lucky to have attended two schools with 

strong environmental programs and student 

engagement. At the University of Vermont, 

she participated in marches against 

fossil fuels and joined lively discussions 

about climate-related racism at the Social 

Justice Coalition. Now a student at University 

of Texas at Austin, she is enrolled 

in environmental studies classes and notes, 

“Students are forming environmental 

clubs. I’m grateful to again be surrounded 

by people trying to get their voices heard.” 

Arnold was a social media volunteer 

for Plastic-Free MKE, a Milwaukee-based 

organization dedicated to reducing singleuse 

plastic waste. She credits social media 

as a powerful tool that helps her generation 

reach people and organize activism. 

“Climate change is intertwined with social, 

economic and political issues,” she relates. 

“But small actions can make big impacts— 

and voting is a powerful thing.” 

Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and contributor 

to Natural Awakenings magazine. 


21

wise words 

JEFF MOYER 

ON FARMING 

FOR HUMAN 

AND PLANETARY 

HEALTH 

by Sandra Yeyati 

Image courtesy of RodaInstitute.org 

Jeff Moyer is CEO of Rodale Institute, 

which champions regenerative organic 

agriculture through scientific research, 

farmer-support programs and consumer 

education. On Earth Day, he plans to retire 

after dedicating 47 years to the influential 

nonprofit. Moyer revolutionized organic 

agriculture when he developed and popularized 

the roller crimper, a device that 

simplifies no-till crop management and reduces 

or eliminates the need for herbicides 

to control weeds. Under his leadership and 

as a member of the Regenerative Organic 

Alliance, Rodale Institute helped develop 

a Regenerative Organic Certified standard 

that expands USDA Certified Organic 

requirements to include soil health, animal 

welfare and social fairness pillars. 


Tanacha/BigStock.com 

Why is conventional 

agriculture problematic? 

Because it boils down the measurement 

of farming success to one word: yield. By 

focusing just on yield and sacrificing longterm 

resource stability to get it, we’re chewing 

up topsoil at a national rate of five-anda-half 

tons per acre of farmland per year 

for short-term economic benefit. You can 

only do that so long before you run out of 

topsoil. It doesn’t make sense long-term. 

What farming practices does 

Rodale Institute promote? 

We’re suggesting a different production 

model, based on science, that incorporates 

other metrics of success: soil health and 

long-term planetary and human health. As 

a side bar, let’s say you’re a smoker and you 

stop smoking—your lungs will regenerate. 

The same is true with soil. If we change production 

practices, the soil will regenerate. 

Under our Regenerative Organic Certified 

standard, we want well-thought-out 

crop rotations to get more biodiversity 

into the system, cover crops and reduced 

tillage to get more earthworms, and a 

reintegration of livestock into farms. I’m 

not going to argue whether people should 

be eating animals, but if you are going to 

have animals in the system, they should 

be raised on farms with grass, not feed lots 

with grain. 

Why is soil health such 

a priority? 

Healthy soil is more 

biologically active and 

has a positive impact 

on climate because it 

doesn’t just sequester 

more carbon, it 

sequesters it at greater 

depths. We want carbon 

to last in the soil 

for a very long period 

of time. We don’t want 

it to be short-cycled in 

and out of the system, 

and we want to sequester 

it at greater depths 

where we can control 

it and maintain it 

for hundreds of years. Ideally, we’ll get it 

deeper and deeper in the soil over time. 

Can regenerative organic 

agriculture affordably feed 

the world? 

Affordability is a strange term. Can we 

produce all the food we need at a reasonable 

cost? Absolutely. The problem with the 

conventional model is that we don’t pay the 

true cost of food production at the point of 

purchase. As an example, when we have to 

dredge the Mississippi River because of all 

the soil that’s washing into it from agricultural 

lands, you don’t pay that bill at the 

supermarket or restaurant. You pay it as a 

hidden cost, buried in our tax structure. 

In an organic system, you’re paying the 

true cost of the production of that food at 

the point of purchase, which makes more 

sense. And if you add the cost of human 

health—diabetes, heart disease—all the 

things that our current food production 

and food consumption model embodies, 

then the system we have now is outrageously 

expensive, and regenerative organic food 

is cheaper than conventional food. 

Can regenerative organic 

agriculture produce the amount 

of food needed worldwide? 

Yes. In most parts of the world, we use 

agricultural lands to produce all kinds of 

commodity products that aren’t food. Forty 

percent of the corn we produce in the U.S. 

goes to ethanol production and another 

40 percent goes to livestock feed. The ink 

in your pen was made with soybean oil. If 

we decided to produce the most amount of 

food on an acre or hectare of land, we can 

produce way more food than we need. 

What we’re saying is that conventional 

agriculture cannot feed the world longterm. 

In the short-term, we’re producing a 

lot of cheap food, but our current production 

model is doomed to failure over time 

because we’re going to run out of healthy 

soil to farm. 

Are you hopeful about the 

future of agriculture? 

Very hopeful. The USDA says that most 

organic farms are more profitable and 

expanding at a more rapid rate than their 

conventional counterparts, and that’s 

because we have a growing population of 

support in the marketplace. People are beginning 

to pay attention to how their food 

is produced, asking the right questions and 

recognizing that they have a vote with their 

food purchasing dollars. We’re seeing the 

concept of regenerative organic enter into 

the daily conversation, just like we did a 

few years ago with organic. People didn’t 

know what organic meant at first. Recent 

USDA statistics suggest that roughly 80 

percent of the nation’s population has eaten 

something organic in the last 30 days, so 

people are seeking out organic, and we’re 

going to follow the same course with regenerative 

organic. 

Sandra Yeyati is national editor of 

Natural Awakenings magazine. 


23

healthy kids 

KID-APPROVED 

AUTISM DIETS 

STRATEGIES TO OPTIMIZE 

NUTRITION AND ACCEPTANCE 

by Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by challenges with social 

interaction and communication. For parents of children with autism, learning to 

manage this condition requires a multidimensional approach, including consideration 

of food and nutrition. A personalized, nutritious diet can help manage behavioral 

problems, health risks and quality of life for kids with autism. 

Beth Lambert, executive director of Epidemic Answers, says, “Once you come to 

understand autism as a whole-body condition, rather than just a brain-based or genetic 

condition, you start to understand the importance of nutrition in treatment and symptom 

management.” Not only does a nutritious diet help maintain brain balance, it also helps 

address many of the nutrition-related concerns that children with autism face, such as 

food sensitivities and allergies, digestive disruptions, sensory issues with textures and 

nutrient deficiencies. Each of these issues can impact a child’s behavior. 

An essential piece of the autism and diet connection is gut health. Gaby McPherson, 

MS, RDN, LDN, at Fruitful Nutrition says, “Because a child’s gut health is linked 

to their brain health, it’s crucial to boost their gut function to reduce these symptoms 

that can impact their behaviors. Who wants to go around with a tummy ache and 

constipation every day?” 

Yaffi Lvova, RDN, author of Beyond a Bite: Playful Sensory Food Exploration for ASD 

and Neurodivergent Kids, advises that individual abilities also should be considered when 

developing a nutrition plan. “Autistic children often have sensory sensitivities that make it 

difficult to eat certain (sometimes many) foods,” she says. 


Therapeutic Diets 

Many therapeutic diets have been evaluated 

for children with autism. Most involve 

the elimination of one or more foods, 

which can be challenging for a child that 

already has difficulty getting a wide variety 

of nutrients. 

A popular option is the gluten- and 

casein-free diet. Gluten is the protein 

found in wheat, barley and rye. Casein is 

a protein found in milk and other dairy 

products. While some children with autism 

may be sensitive to gluten or dairy, this is 

not a one-size-fits-all approach, and there 

is mixed data in support of this regimen. 

Another choice is the specific carbohydrate 

diet (SCD), which involves limiting 

certain carbohydrates, processed foods, 

most dairy, sugar and more, with the goal 

of reducing food sensitivities and improving 

the gut microbiome. Mixed outcomes 

have been reported with this diet due in 

part to its elimination of high-fiber foods 

that may be beneficial for brain health. 

McPherson explains, “Gut bacteria digest 

(or ferment) fiber in the large intestines 

to produce short-chain fatty acids, which 

are known to improve brain health significantly.” 

Standret Natalia/ShutterStock.com

Alena Haurylik/Stock.Adobe.com 

The Feingold diet is another approach 

that eliminates artificial flavors, sweeteners, 

preservatives and salicylates. 

Salicylates are compounds found in certain 

fruits and vegetables. While there is 

some evidence that food dyes may play a 

role in children’s behavior, most studies 

on this diet have not demonstrated a 

significant impact on ASD symptoms. 

be at the forefront of any diet to address 

digestive concerns. “While many children 

on the spectrum may strongly prefer foods 

like chips, crackers, bread or white pastas, 

these foods tend to be lacking in fiber,” she 

says. “Good sources of fiber are split peas, 

multigrain breads and pears.” 

A registered dietitian can also help 

families evaluate whether a diet is working. 

Lvova says, “It can be challenging to 

see whether a specific diet is working or 

not. When a change is made, the parents 

and caregivers often pay more attention 

in order to see if there is a difference, 

and the child responds positively to the 

change in attention. By keeping expectations 

realistic and ensuring a relaxed 

mealtime atmosphere, your child will 

have the best chance to meet their nutritional 

needs.” Ultimately, the goal is to 

make meals a positive experience for the 

child, with less emotional investment on 

which foods they can or cannot eat. 

Ana Reisdorf is a registered dietitian and 

freelance writer with more than 15 years 

of experience in the fields of nutrition 

and dietetics. 

Personalized Nutrition 

Instead of following a specific therapeutic 

diet, most experts now understand 

that a diet for ASD needs to be personalized 

to each child. It is ideal to work with 

a registered dietitian that can address 

nutrient and feeding concerns and is 

trained to make individualized recommendations. 

A primary area to focus on, 

according to Lambert, is correcting vitamin 

deficiencies, which may play a role 

in improving behavioral and digestive 

challenges. Nutrients of concern include 

zinc, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium 

and essential fatty acids. 

McPherson also relates that fiber should 

Let's Talk Natural Wellness 

In-depth interviews with natural health 

professionals who share the latest 

information for you to lead a 

healthier, happier life. 

Sundays from 10-11 am 

Podcasts available at AM950Radio.com 


25

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Annette Rugolo, 

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by Joyce Sobotta 

Sugar can suppress the immune system and cause fatigue, 

hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating 

and irritability in adults and children. It can increase 

inflammation, fluid retention, pain, hemorrhoids, varicose veins 

and premature aging. Especially to be avoided are high-fructose 

corn syrup and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, Splenda 

and sucralose. These types of sweeteners can create digestive 

complications, nervous system problems, headaches and mood 

disorders, including depression and anxiety. Sugar can increase 

the risk of heart disease, cause higher LDL cholesterol levels, 

high blood pressure, diabetes, memory loss, Parkinson’s disease, 

Alzheimer’s disease and all cancers. 

Hormonal imbalances in men and women may be caused by 

excess sugar and refined carbohydrates because they increase estradiol—especially 

in the thyroid and adrenal glands. Sugar also 

lowers libido and may increase PMS symptoms. The more sugar 

that is eaten, the more elasticity and function of the body are lost 

because it robs the body of vitamins and minerals. Mineral deficiencies 

make bones and tendons brittle and may lead to restless 

legs, heart problems, arthritis and osteoporosis. Sugar contributes 

to uncontrolled obesity and yeast infections (Candida). 

Excessive sugar can worsen allergic and asthmatic conditions 

and ADD and ADHD. Indigestion and acid reflux may be 

caused by too much sugar. Consuming high amounts of sugar 

can increase IBS and constipation because sugar lacks enzymes 

which break down food to help digestion. Sugar increases the 

concentration of bile acids in stool and bacteria in the colon 

which produce cancer-causing compounds. 

An excellent way to sweeten foods is with natural fruits and 

their juices. Other natural alternatives to incorporate sweetness 

into one’s diet include honey, maple syrup, molasses, monk fruit 

and stevia. 

Excerpted from Breast Health is In Your Hands, 

Tips for Breast Vitality and Sensuality Chapter on 

Nutrition and Digestion, authored by Joyce 

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calendar of events 

featured event 

Discover Your Highest 

Purpose 

Sri Harold Klemp, the spiritual leader 

of Eckankar, shares wisdom through 

stories and spiritual insights that bring 

meaning, connection and humor to the 

workings of Spirit in everyday life. 

Fridays at 7pm 

Watch on Channel 6 or via MCN6.org 

For more information, visit Eckankar.org, 

TempleOfECK.org or 

Facebook.com/Eckankar. 

MONDAY-FRIDAY, ALL MONTH 

Honoree Visitors Welcomed – You are invited 

to come and learn more about the Hope Academy 

community with an in-person tour scheduled at 

your convenience during regular school hours. Call 

612.540.2092 or RSVP at hopeschool.org/inquire. 

WEDNESDAYS, APRIL 5, 12, 19, 26 

Mom’s Bible Studies (English) – 10am-12pm. Come 

join other moms for a wonderful time of Christcentered 

learning, growing and fellowship. Light 

breakfast & childcare provided. Free. First Care/Odam 

Clinic Building, 2015 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis. 

HopeSchool.org/family-ministry/family-resources. 

FRIDAY, APRIL 7 

Maker Adult – 10am-1pm. Use the library’s laptops 

to design a 3D model, create your own stickers, cards, 

or other cardstock cutouts, or utilize the video and 

photo editing software. Or access the library’s digitization 

equipment to convert your physical photos, 

slides, negatives, cassette tapes, 8mm and Super 8 

film, and VHS and VHS-C tapes to digital files. Free. 

2180 North Hamline Ave., Roseville. RCLReads. 

BiblioCommons.com/events. 

DROP-IN Genealogy: Tools of the Trade – 

2:30-4pm. Library Associate Emily is trained in 

genealogical research and can show you the tools 

you need to get started on your genealogy journey 

or to break down the wall of missing information. 

Free. Highland Park, 1974 Ford Parkway, Saint Paul. 

Sppl.BiblioCommons.com/events. 

FRIDAYS, APRIL 7, 14, 21, 28. 

Black-African American Basic Computer Class 

– 3:30-5pm. Community members who identify as 

Black American have the opportunity to learn basic 

computer skills using the Northstar curriculum. In 

this class, attendees will learn basic computer skills, 

email navigation, and internet essentials Free. Rondo 

Community Library, 461 N. Dale St., Saint Paul. 

Sppl.BiblioCommons.com/events. 

VIERNES, ABRIL 7, 14, 21, 28 

Spanish Bible Study (Jesús y las Mujeres) – 10 am 

a 12 pm. Todos los viernes y un sábado al mes. Son 

siete semanas y luego tendremos nuestro banquete 

de latinas en diciembre. Inscribase con Gloria Reyes 

enlace de padres latinos al 612-540-2039. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 8 

Fix-It Clinic – 12-4pm. Bring your broken household 

items to a free Fix-It Clinic and work together with 

friendly, skilled volunteers to diagnose, troubleshoot 

and fix your item. We can help you with small appliances, 

clothing that is clean, electronics, mobile 

devices and more. Free. 12601 Ridgedale Dr., 

Minnetonka. Hclib.BiblioCommons.com/events. 

SATURDAYS, APRIL 8, 22 

League of Extraordinary Makers – 2-4pm. Bring 

your knitting, crochet, sewing, cross-stitch, quilting, 

rugs, weaves, or other fiber arts projects to work 

on and meet other local fiber artists. All levels of 

experience welcome. Free. 12601 Ridgedale Dr., 

Minnetonka. Hclib.BiblioCommons.com/events. 

MONDAY, APRIL 10 

Green Seniors: Blue Birds – 10-11am. This program 

welcomes seniors interested in learning more 

about the natural world. Programs are one hour long 

and may include some walking. Coffee and light 

refreshments will be provided. $5. Main Property, 

Farm Entrance 3, 1701 Charlton Street, West St. 

Paul. DodgeNatureCenter.org/event. 

TUESDAY, APRIL 11 

Lactation Lounge with Ramsey County Health – 

10am-12pm. A free drop-in breastfeeding/ chestfeeding 

support service. Come share tips and socialize with 

other expecting, breastfeeding/chestfeeding and pumping 

families. Free. Highland Park, 1974 Ford Parkway, 

Saint Paul. Sppl.BiblioCommons.com/events. 

TUESDAYS, APRIL 11, 18, 25 

Pop-Up Advocacy – 11am-3pm. Pop-Up Advocacy 

is an opportunity to meet one-on-one with a Resource 

Advocate from Women’s Advocates, a nonprofit organization 

that creates a path to self-determination and 

healing for victim/survivors leaving abusive relationships. 

Free. Rondo Community Library, 461 N Dale 

St., Saint Paul. Sppl.BiblioCommons.com/events. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12 

Virtual Class – Green Shakshuka – 5-6pm. This 

virtual Budget Cooking class features a delicious 

green shakshuka that can feed four people for less 

than $15 and can be adapted based on what is in 

your pantry. Free. Online. MSMarket.coop/event. 

WEDNESDAYS, APRIL 12, 19, 26 

Seed Sorting Party – 1-2pm. Help sort and 

label donated seeds for the Nokomis Community 

Seed Library. A seed library is a collection 

of community-donated seeds that can be borrowed 

from the library and planted at home. Free. 

5100 34th Ave., S., Minneapolis. Hclib.Biblio 

Commons.com/events. 

Crafternoon – 2-4pm. Join us for a different craft 

each session or bring your own knitting, beading, 

felting or other craft project to work on. Meet other 

local crafters and share in the joy of making cool 

things. Drop in or stay the entire time. Free. 620 Rice 

St., Wayzata. Hclib.BiblioCommons.com/events. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 13 

Ladies Night Out – 6-8:30pm. Enjoy an evening 

out with your girlfriends, including relaxing chair 

massages, free health and chiropractic screenings, 

consultations with a health coach and acupuncturist, 

a chance to win one of the over $500 in prizes, 

and more! Free. International Village Professional 

Building, 220 West 98th Street, Bloomington. 952- 

922-1478. GoldenSunChiro.com and/or HealingTaj. 

com. See ad, page 18. 

Webinar: Why Health Coaching Could Be the 

Game Changer You Need – 12-1:30pm. Learn why 

health coaching is an ever growing career path, how 

a health coach supports their client’s health goals, and 

how you can become a health coach through a new, 

affordable online program at Salem University in West 

Virginia. KnoWEWell.com/Webinar/Why-Health- 

Coaching-Could-Be-Game-Changer-You-Need. 

THURSDAYS, APRIL 13, 20, 27 

Coordinated Entry Housing Assessment – 1-4pm. 

Single adults 25 years or older, currently experiencing 

homelessness and not staying in a shelter, will 

need to complete a housing assessment to determine 

long-term housing options. Free. George Latimer 

Central Library, 90 West 4th Street, Saint Paul. Sppl. 


THURSDAYS, APRIL 13, 27 

Adult Time – 4-6pm. Come join us for adult-only 

time to hang out with neighbors to play games, listen 

to music, grab a snack, or write. We’ll have community 

resources and a space for adults to socialize 

and relax. 1011 Rice Street, Saint Paul. RCLReads. 



Diamond Dowsing Club – 10:30am-12pm. Are 

you someone who has taken a Diamond Dowsing 

class and feel your practice has gone stagnant or are 

you actively engaged in dowsing and wish to continue 

to grow in your dowsing skills? Join Annette 

Rugolo and have an opportunity to get immediate 

answers to your dowsing questions. $98. Online. 

AnnetteRugolo.com/calendar. 

Open Door Support Group – 10:30am-12pm. 

NAMI Minnesota’s Open Door support groups 

provide ongoing support for individuals with an 

anxiety or panic disorder. Groups are a place to find 

support, learn new skills and strategies, and better 

understand and manage anxiety in daily life. Free. 

5100 34th Ave. S., Minneapolis. Hclib.BiblioCommons.com/events. 


East Lake Vegan Recipe Club – 6:30-7:30pm. If 

you are curious about vegan cooking, this virtual 

club is for you. Each month participants make recipes 

from popular cookbooks prior to meeting, then 

share their reflections with the group. Free. Online. 

HCLib.BiblioCommons.com/events. 


Virtual Class – Ugandan Beef Stew – 6-7:30pm. 

Join Henry Kisitu’s cooking class and learn how 

to make the perfect Ugandan beef stew recipe, 

passed down for generations and sure to become 

a family favorite in your household. Free. Online. 

MSMarket.coop/event. 


City of Minneapolis Small Business Support – 


27

10:30am-12:30pm. Meet with a representative from 

City of Minneapolis Small Business Team to learn 

about their resources for small business owners and 

entrepreneurs. Free. 2727 E. Lake St., Minneapolis. 

Hclib.BiblioCommons.com/events. 

Spanish Club – 1-2:30pm. Meet with other adults for 

friendly conversation, games and activities while speaking 

in Spanish. For native speakers or anyone interested 

in learning, speaking, or practicing their Spanish skills. 

Free. Online. Hclib.BiblioCommons.com/events. 


Virtual Sacred Journey to Sedona – 10am-4pm. 

Are you ready to free your mind and body from 

limitations? Do you want to receive the gifts our 

planet has to offer through these sacred journeys 

to these power centers? Join Annette Rugolo and 

other kindred spirits as we remember and reclaim 

our special connections to these sacred places. $128. 

Online. AnnetteRugolo.com/calendar. 

Lao New Year: Water Festival 2023 – 10-11:30am. 

Celebrate the Lao New Year, also known as Water 

Festival, by learning the traditions and process of 

various rituals. Unique customs feature the Giving 

Alms, Baci-Ceremony along with the Scented Water 

tradition, and traditional Lao dances. Free.7001 York 

Ave. S., Edina. Hclib.BiblioCommons.com/events. 


Virtual Class – Medicinal Herb Gardening – 

6-7:30pm. Budding herbalist Laurie Witzkowski will 

introduce you to the wonders of cultivating a garden 

of medicinal plants in your yard or containers. You 

will learn about the properties and uses of some of the 

many medicinal plants available at Mississippi Market’s 

plant sale. Free. Online. MSMarket.coop/event. 

featured event 

The Light Up 

with Nea Clare 

This Live Channeling Event with Nea 

Clare is an opportunity for you to connect 

with a community of like-SOULed beings 

for inspiration, connection and alignment. 

Sunday, April 30 

from 3-6pm 

Cost: $20 

Strike Theatre, 824 18th Ave NE., 

Minneapolis. YesWardCoaching.com/LightUp. 

EVENTS FOR KIDS 

FRIDAY, APRIL 7 

Nature Playdate: F is for Farm – 10-11am. Get a 

peek inside the barn and visit with farmyard friends. 

Pet a pig and hold a chicken in this up-close encounter 

with Dodge farm animals. Share your child’s joy 

in discovering and interacting with nature through 

outdoor adventures, live animals, and creative play. 

$10. Main Property, Farm Entrance 3, 1701 Charlton 

Street, West St. Paul. DodgeNatureCenter.org/event. 

Drop in: Insect Art – 2-3:30pm. Grades 1-5. Drop 

in and create your own sculpted creature inspired 

by the anatomy and life cycle of insects by bending 

together fun materials. Materials provided. Free. 4440 

Humboldt Ave. N., Minneapolis. Hclib.Biblio 


FRIDAYS, APRIL 7, 14, 21, 28 

Baby Meet-Up – 10-11am. A special time set aside 

for babies and their caregivers to meet up for weekly 

play at the library. No registration necessary. Free. 

New Brighton Library, 400 10th St. N.W., New 

Brighton. RCLReads.BiblioCommons.com/events. 

SATURDAYS, APRIL 8, 15, 22,29 

Dayton’s Bluff Fun Lab – 2-4pm. We do all sorts 

of activities together from Perler Beads to origami to 

candy making, there is something different each week. 

Hang out with your friends and meet new kids from the 

neighborhood. Free. 645 E. 7th St., Saint Paul. Sppl. 


MONDAYS, APRIL 10, 17, 24 

AniMondays –3:30-5pm. For tweens and teens in 

grades 6-12. Please join us for a fun hang out space 

to watch and geek out about your favorite anime. 

Free. Roseville Library, 2180 North Hamline Ave., 

Roseville. RCLReads.BiblioCommons.com/events. 

Homework Center – 4-7pm. Homework Centers 

are comfortable spaces at the library where students 

of all ages can drop in and work on their homework 

independently or with the help of volunteer tutors. 

Free. Rondo Community Library, 461 N. Dale St., 



Youth Game Night – 6-7:30pm. Grades 5-12. Join 

us for digital, tabletop, and card games including 

Monopoly, Apples to Apples, Machi Koro, Nintendo 

Switch, and more. Free. 12154 Ensign Ave. N., 

Champlin. RCLReads.BiblioCommons.com/events. 

Sleepy Stories – 6:30-7pm. Children ages 0-5 

years and their caregivers are invited for bedtime 

stories, songs, and fun. Bring children in their comfy 

clothes so they can go right to bed when you get 

home. Free. Penn Lake Library, 8800 Penn Ave. S., 

Bloomington. Hclib.BiblioCommons.com/events. 

Teens Know Best – 6:30-8pm. TKB is for teens, 

ages 12-18, who want to read and review YA books 

that aren’t available to the public yet. YA publishers 

read TKB reviews and use them to influence the 

future of the publishing industry. Free. 2576 Mounds 

View Boulevard, Mounds View. RCLReads.Biblio 


TUESDAYS, APRIL 11, 18, 25 

Preschool Storytime in the Gym – 10:30-11am. 

Join us in the gym for stories, songs, rhymes, and 

fun. Following storytime, stay for Tot Time, which 

runs until noon. Free. 1200 Payne Avenue, Saint 

Paul. Sppl.BiblioCommons.com/events. 


Cosmic Gaming Wednesdays: Video Gaming – 

4-6pm. Join us to play video games on systems like 

the Nintendo Switch and Xbox One, eat snacks, and 

hang out. Free. 4560 Victoria St., N. Shoreview. 

RCLReads.BiblioCommons.com/events. 

WEDNESDAYS, APRIL 12, 19, 26 

Storytime - 10:30-11am. Join an interactive learning 

opportunities where kids of all ages enjoy stories, 

rhymes, songs and fun with our Children’s Specialists 

to help your kids develop love for books and literature 

while making friends. Free. 461 N Dale St., Saint 


Maker Kids – 4:30-5:30pm. Create. Think. Craft. 

Tinker. Build. Learn. A new activity each week. 

Come make with us. A tutor will be on hand to help 

keep you on track. Free. 2180 North Hamline Ave., 

Roseville. RCLReads.BiblioCommons.com/events. 

Playdate @ Highland Park Library – 10am- 

12pm. Play and make new friends at Playdate @ 

Highland Park Library. The Children’s Storytime 

Room will be open for extra playtime with toys, 

books, and music. Free. 1974 Ford Parkway, Saint 


Createch – 3:30-5pm. Explore technology, games, 

music and art in a drop-in setting. For ages 12-18. 

Free. Rondo Community Library, 461 N Dale St., 



Kids Chess Club – 10am-11:30am. Welcome all 

kids who want to play chess with other kids! Play 

for fun and to learn chess basics. Open to all children 

in grades K-6. All levels are encouraged to attend, 

and new players will be offered help to learn the 

rules and get started! Free. 2880 Hennepin Ave., 

Minneapolis. Hclib.BiblioCommons.com/events. 

Chemists in the Library – 1:30-3:30pm. Grades 

1-12. Drop in and do an easy hands-on chemistry 

activity. MN American Chemical Society volunteers 

will lead the experiments. Materials provided. 

Free. 4440 Humboldt Ave. N., Minneapolis. Hclib. 


MONDAY, APRIL 17 

Teen Tech Squad – 4:30-6pm. Come explore with 

the library’s Teen Tech Squad. Youth K-12 are 

encouraged to get creative and participate in other 

fun projects. Led by the library’s Teen Tech Squad. 

Free. 565 Prairie Center Dr., Eden Prairie. Hclib. 



Teen Dungeons and Dragons – 6:30-8pm. Dayton’s 

Bluff library is a safe space for both experts 

who want to join a campaign and newbs who want 

to learn the game. Free. Dayton’s Stuff, 645 E 7th 

St, Saint Paul. Sppl.BiblioCommons.com/events. 


Lego Lab – 4-6pm. Calling all future engineers 

and architects. We’ve got the bricks, but we need 

you to bring your imagination. No experience 

necessary. We’ll also have DUPLOS®, so all ages 

are welcome. Free. 2727 E. Lake St., Minneapolis. 

Hclib.BiblioCommons.com/events. 


community resource 

guide 

Connecting you to the leaders in natural 

health care and green living in our 

community. To find out how you can be 

included in the Community Resource 

Guide, email Publisher@NAtwincities. 

com to request our media kit. 

BODY WORK 

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE & 

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY 

Barb Ryan, CMT, CSD • 612-922-2389 

Bhakti Wellness Center 

7550 France Avenue S, #220, Edina 

WisdomSisterStudio.com 

Specializing in persistent and 

chronic pain and mysteries of the 

body. Also for people seeking the 

experience of deep relaxation 

and increased self-connection. 

Skilled and compassionate care. 

See ad, page 26. 

COACHING 

ANNETTE RUGOLO 

Soul Coach, Author and Teacher 


We are in a time of fast evolution 

and we have the opportunity to release 

deeply held emotional and 

mental patterns along with karmic 

lifetimes that are keeping us stuck. 

The tools I have acquired and honed 

for more than 20 years will help you 

move beyond the stuck places in 

your life and help you align with the light of your soul. 

You will receive tools of empowerment that will help 

you continue on your life’s path and soul’s journey. 

See ad, page 26. 

COMPOSURE COACHING 

Candi Broeffle, MBA, CPC 

Candi@ComposureCoaching.com 

763-270-8604 

ComposureCoaching.com 

Master your business so you can 

practice your passion. Business 

coaching for purpose-driven entrepreneurs 

to clarify your vision, 

build your confidence and create 

a soul-centered strategy. Call today 

for a free Discovery Session 

and get on your path to business 

success. See ad, page 11. 

COACHING 

TRANSFORMATIONAL COACH 

AND LIFE MASTERY TEACHER 

Nea Clare 

NeaClare.com • Nea@NeaClare.com 

Would you like to say “YES” 

and make your dreams come 

true? If so, I can help! Book a 

strategy call with me today. I 

work exclusively for extraordinary 

women who are tired of 

waiting on the right time or 

circumstances before pursuing 

their dream career path – we’ll 

explore how life coaching has tremendous transformative 

power in strengthening self-confidence 

while also giving one unshakeable faith in your capability 

to achieve your goals. What you want is on 

the other side of your hesitation. If it is time to 

breakthrough, schedule a call today at 612-227-3854 

or email Nea@NeaClare.com. See ad, page 19. 

DENTIST 

HEALTH CENTERED DENTISTRY 

N7915-902 St 

River Falls, WI • 715-426-7777 

HealthCenteredDentistry.com 

Whole Person Dentistry observes 

and deals with the mind, 

body and spirit, not just your 

teeth. This approach to dentistry 

encompasses both modern 

science and knowledge 

drawn from the world’s great 

traditions in natural healing. 

NATURAL SMILES DENTAL CARE 

3434 Lexington Ave. N., Suite 700 

Shoreview • 651-483-9800 

NaturalSmilesDental.com 

We’re an integrative 

practice committed to 

promoting dental wellness 

and overall assistance to 

the whole person. We 

desire to participate in the 

creation of healthier lives, 

while being sensitive to physical, philosophical, 

emotional and financial concerns. See ad, page 11. 

PURE DENTAL 

Dr. Amy Ha Truong 

6230 10th St. N., Ste 520, Oakdale 

651-731-3064 • PureDentalMN.com 

Pure Dental offers integrative, 

holistic, alternative and biological 

dentistry for your dental health. 

We take pride in providing 

quality, holistic dental care and 

service for our patients. See ad, 

page 12. 

DENTIST 

SEDATION AND IMPLANT DENTISTRY 

1815 Suburban Ave, St. Paul 

ToothBuilder.com • 651-735-4661 

We are a holistic dental practice 

devoted to restoring and enhancing 

the natural beauty of your smile 

using conservative, state-of-the-art 

dental procedures that result in 

beautiful, long-lasting smiles! We 

specialize in safe removal of 

infected teeth as well as placing 

ceramic implants and restorations. See ad, page 25. 

TOOTH BY THE LAKE 

1401 Main St, Hopkins 

952-475-1101 • ToothByTheLake.net 

We build a foundation of trust 

by treating our patients as 

individuals. Understanding 

how uneasy some patients 

may feel about their dental 

visits, we make a difference 

by providing a relaxing and 

positive experience. See ad, page 7. 

EDUCATION 

HOPE ACADEMY 

2300 Chicago Ave. S., 

Minneapolis, MN 55404 

612.489.5154 • HopeSchool.org 

Hope Academy is a private, 

Christ-centered opportunityequalizer 

education for 

inner-city youths. Currently 

we serve 550 students in 

grades K-12, with a vision 

of growing to 700 students. We encourage your 

questions and welcome your presence. Contact us 

today! See ad, page 3. 

ENERGY HEALING 

EMOTION CODE HEALING 

Master Hong 

Certified Emotion Code Practitioner 

11012 Cedar Lake Rd., Minnetonka 

952-513-7285 or 914-708-9463 

Chronic pain? Suffering from 

emotions? Relationship problems? 

Life not going as planned? The 

Emotion Code is a tool I use to 

help you break through any 

emotional and spiritual blocks so 

you can live your best life. Trial 

session only $35. 


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ENERGY HEALING 

YOUR HEALING CONNECTION 

Mary Rice 

YourHealingConnection.com 

YourHealingConnection@gmail.com 

Mary uses The Body Code* to 

transform the lives of her clients. 

This comprehensive energetic 

healing method, developed by Dr. 

Bradley Nelson, allows her to 

quickly and easily identify specific 

imbalances that can underlie 

chronic ill health, pain and 

discomfort, dysfunction, and stress. Dr. Nelson 

discovered that you can access the wisdom of the 

subconscious to identify and address the energetic 

imbalances that cause health problems. The “hidden” 

root causes of disease and dysfunction are these 

emotional and physical imbalances that can drain 

energy and prevent healing, leaving you unable to live 

the life you deserve. The best part is, you can do this 

from the comfort of your own home via phone or 

Zoom. Set up a free 20-minute consultation today! 

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALING 

ANNETTE RUGOLO 

Master Dowser 


Is the energy of your home depleting 

you or supporting you? If you 

feel like you are hitting your head 

against a brick wall, it may be the 

wall of dense energy in your home. 

To more easily expand into our 

light and our soul purpose, it is 

important that the spaces we live 

energetically support us. Contact 

me for more information on dowsing, environmental 

healing and space clearing. See ad, page 26. 

GRAPHIC DESIGN 

CAMPFIRE STUDIO 

Sara Shrode, Graphic Designer 

612-554-6304 • CampfireStudio.net 

Sara@CampfireStudio.net 

Ignite the possibilities of 

your next project by 

having Campfire Studio 

design it! Innovative, fullservice 

graphic design studio that takes the essence 

of a campfire—warmth, stories, community—and 

infuses it into every design project we do. 

HEALTH FOOD STORES 

MASTEL’S HEALTH FOODS 

1526 St Clair Ave, St Paul 

Mastels.com • 651-690-1692 

Mastel’s Health Foods is Minnesota’s 

oldest health and wellness 

store. We carry a full line of vitamins, 

minerals, supplements, herbs 

and more. We emphasize organic, 

biodynamic, biodegradable, holistic 

and hypoallergenic products and 

pride ourselves on stocking hardto-find 

items. See ad, page 26. 

INTEGRATED HEALTH 

APRIL JONES ND, MS 

AprilJonesND.com 

Info@AprilJonesND.com • 952-373-1173 

Dr. Jones is a registered naturopathic 

doctor providing virtual 

naturopathic medicine and holistic 

nutrition appointments. 

She works alongside patients to 

identify the root cause of health 

concerns while supporting them 

in becoming the healthiest version 

of themselves. Dr. Jones’ 

clinical areas of focus include health optimization, 

disease prevention, preconception and postpartum 

care, gastrointestinal health, and natural support 

for anxiety. Schedule a free introductory call to 

learn more.TH 

GENEVIEVE WACHUTKA 

7801 East Bush Lake Rd., Suite 240, 

Bloomington 

763-222-8600 • GenevieveWachutka.com 

Genevieve specializes in the 

practical application of timetested 

tools and metaphysical 

wisdom to embody more of your 

potential, and experience greater 

clarity, joy, and purpose in life. 

Benefits include increased intuition 

and clarity; upleveled daily 

baseline of joy; peace within 

your heart and mind; improved relationship with 

self; and the ability to navigate a path of self-mastery 

to realize your greatness. Text 763-222-8600 or 

email Hello@GenevieveWachutka.com to schedule 

a complimentary discovery session. See ad, page 26. 

MARKETING 

NATURAL AWAKENINGS 

TWIN CITIES MAGAZINE 

NAtwincities.com/Pages/Advertise 

763-270-8604 

Multiple advertising 

opportunities allow you to 

build and maintain your 

brand’s presence within your target market of 

health-conscious individuals. Through cutting-edge, 

inspiring print content and dynamic online 

presence, Natural Awakenings helps you get 

connected and stay effective. Online advertising is 

also very attractive, with great rates and 

opportunities to promote your business. Maximize 

your visibility and take advantage of unique 

opportunities to promote your business. 

MARKETING 

PARTNERING UP VIRTUAL 

ASSISTANT SERVICES 

PartneringUpVa.com • 763-270-8604 

As a business owner, you’re 

expected to be available 24 

hours a day, seven days a 

week to run your business, 

leaving you little time to 

focus on what you do best; strategize for growth, market 

your services and serve your clients. Partnering Up takes 

pride in helping small business owners outsource their 

tasks to our top notch, trained and highly skilled Virtual 

and Marketing Assistants that can help you automate 

your business. 

PROFESSIONAL LISTENING 

PROFESSIONAL LISTENING 

BarbBarb Ryan, CSD • 612-922-2389 

Wisdom Listening 

WisdomSisterStudio.com 

Longing for someone who will 

listen without judgment? Facing 

a tough decision and need a 

space to explore possibilities? 

Have some secrets corroding 

your being? Need a place to vent 

about loved ones without repercussions? 

Wisdom Listening can 

help. It’s not therapy or coaching. 

My sole objective is to provide a safe and 

supportive space for you to unburden and explore 

your mind, heart, and soul. Book your virtual session 

now. See ad, page 19. 

RADIO/PODCASTS 

AM950 THE PROGRESSIVE VOICE 

OF MINNESOTA 

AM950Radio.com 

The only Progressive Talk Radio 

station in Minnesota. We strive to 

provide the best progressive 

programming available and 

feature national talkers Thom 

Hartmann, Stephanie Miller, Mike 

Crute and Brad Friedman. We are 

also dedicated to local programming that creates a 

community forum for important Minnesota Progressive 

issues. See ad, page 32. 

SPIRITUAL TEACHING 

ECKANKAR TEMPLE OF ECK 

7450 Powers Blvd., Chanhassen 

952-380-2200 • Eckankar.org 

Are you looking for the 

personal experience of 

God? Eckankar can help 

you fulfill your dream. We 

offer ways to explore your 

own unique and natural 

relationship with the Divine 

through personalized study to apply in your 

everyday life. 


12TH ANNUAL 

Midwes Women 

HERBAL 

CONFERENCE 

MAY 26-28, 2023 IN ALMOND, WI 

join us for a pre-conference 2- or 3-day immersion and/or one 

of the many 3-hour workshops taking place may 22-26, 2023! 

JOIN EXCELLENT TEACHERS FOR A DEEP DIVE INTO: 

HERBAL MEDICINE, TRADITIONAL FOODS, DIVINATION, 

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, BASKET MAKING & MORE! 

LEARN MORE & REGISTER: midwestwomensherbal.com 


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Natural Awakenings Twin Cities April 2023

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