Welcome to the premiere issue of Natural Awakenings of Central Pennsylvania, your new, free monthly magazine for natural health and sustainable living.

Our mission is to be your go-to resource of education and inspiration, here to support an ever-improving quality of life for you and your family and our community. We are joining with more than 3 million Natural Awakenings readers in 80 communities across the country that are making a personal and planetary difference.

Each month, we’ll bring you valuable articles by wellknown national and local experts. Together, we’ll share cutting-edge information on health, wellness, fitness, nutrition, personal growth, creative expression and sustainable living to help you improve the quality of your life, physically, mentally, emotionally and environmentally. Our news briefs target local events and updates, as well as national progress and concerns that affect us all. Our calendars will enable you to easily and dynamically network with others in this healthy living community.

Natural Awakenings is also our community’s primary forum to connect with local practitioners of integrative medicine, alternative wellness therapies and complementary healing arts. Every article strives to help you better understand and take control of your own health and well-being.

Also look for the Natural Awakenings Network (NAN) card, coming soon. Members will enjoy discounts ranging from five to 50 percent on products offered through participating NAN providers here and in participating communities around the country, so that you never find yourself without caring, expert health alternatives wherever you travel.

This month, our Natural Foods theme reflects people’s increasing demand to know where their food comes from and for better quality nutrition and information from suppliers. Should we buy “natural,” “local” or “organic”? Lisa Marshall explores the pros and cons in “America’s Growing Food Revolution.” From Beth Davis’ interviews with local experts and businesses, we hear about our regional efforts to produce and distribute high-quality food close to home.

Yoga students are helping to lead the demand for more natural foods, and we’re keen on the wealth of classes available throughout our community. Yogi Seane Corn discusses how to find a yoga style that best suits you. If you haven’t tried a class yet, forego your preconceptions and check it out; it’s not just for women—real men love yoga, too.

Thank goodness America is finally going green. In coming months we’ll sort through the green smokescreen and learn about the explosion of innovations by companies and organizations now taking a greener path. The concept of sustainability is here to stay. This month, you’ll learn about the transformative Transition Town movement and how you can get involved in our localized version, with Transition Harrisburg.

A big thank-you goes to our advertisers and distribution locations for your enthusiastic support. We couldn’t do this without you. We ask that everyone remember to support them when you shop for products and services, and mention that you too, are a fan of Natural Awakenings. We are always eager to learn from our readers; please share your ideas, articles and feedback with us. Send your news, calendar listings and local story ideas to [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Here’s to a naturally healthy life for us and generations to come,

Dave Korba, Publisher