Perhaps like me, you grew up during the the height of the baby boom. The entire country basked in the growing efficiency of technological conveniences. Modernized agriculture, processed foods and TV dinners were all the rage. How convenient it seemed to buy a meal in a package that you could just heat and serve. Like lemmings running off a cliff, most of us blindly followed Madison Avenue down the path of “modernization.”

Fortunately, there is a significant shift occurring in America. More people appear to be waking up to the vital importance of the quality of the food, water and medications we ingest. The new path we’re on is toward simple and sustainable living, healthy foods and natural wellness.

There is also a growing awareness to the importance of a healthy balance between body, mind and spirit. According to Dr. Penny Koval, founder of the Living Well Institute, in Hershey, mainstream healthcare is beginning to transition from the term integrative medicine to whole person health.

Local natural health practitioner, Jessica Shoemaker, ND, from Natural Paths to Wellness at The Family Wellness Center in Harrisburg, has been leading the naturopathic way in our area for years. Local mindfulness and meditation coach Ron Blouch also is setting the pace in developing and enhancing body, mind, spirit awareness by working with people of all ages.

In fact, all around us I see greater awareness and dedication to helping us and our children live healthier and more enlightened and balanced lives.

Dr. Chris Turnpaugh, of Mechanicsburg, devotes his professional life to treating children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, solely through natural means. Nancy Mesaros, of Flex Health and Wellness, in Cleona focuses on educating clients about doable approaches to natural health through nutrition, supported by thermography testing.

I’m blessed to live in an area that provides many choices for healthy, local, organic foods and natural health care. It’s exciting to meet the practitioners in our communities that are passionate about helping and serving others. There are too many to mention in this letter, so check inside these pages and look for us each month as we continue to introduce you to them. It is our intention to be a guide for you to find the resources you need to create a healthier and happier life for you and your family.

Again, a very special, “Thank you,” goes to our growing community of business partners, advertisers and distribution sites that make it possible for us to bring you this free monthly magazine. We ask that you please consider supporting them whenever you shop for needed products and services.

Your participation and feedback at every level is a big part of this magazine and we appreciate your involvement.

To a long, healthy and happy life,

Dave Korba, Publisher