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Natural Awakenings South Central Pennsylvania

Letter From Publisher

Perhaps like me, you’re at the age where you reflect back and yearn for the good old days before social media, the Internet and CNN; the days when my head didn’t spin trying to keep up with incessant, sensationalized news stories and discerning the click bait vying for my eyeballs, my money and my mind.

Those were the days of youthful innocence, when life seemed simple and we trusted Walter Cronkite and Huntley & Brinkley to bring us objective news for 30 minutes every evening. My mind was clear, focused and intent on reading the next book or sitting on the porch swing listening to the robins chirp while waiting for dinner.

Today, with too many options, information overload and the constant buzz of media on a 24/7 news cycle, I find myself skeptical of 99 percent of what even the mainstream outlets report. Lobbyists and political campaign contributions have aided massive corporations in dominating the media landscape. Mergers and acquisitions rubber-stamped by regulators have allowed Big Pharma, Big Food and Factory Farms to control much of what we see, hear and read. According to physician Mark Hyman, this “toxic triad” profits by driving the one-third of the U.S. economy that makes people obese, ill and diseased.

In this month’s feature article, “Real News That Matters,” Linda Sechrist delves into the value of independent media and how they help us think for ourselves. I hope you’ll read it with an open mind and ask questions, while confidently taking charge of your decisions and your path through life.

Independent media like Natural Awakenings magazine are vital for bringing about awareness of needed change. Every issue is filled with innovative products, services and the growing, unified voice of practitioners willing to help families safely and effectively navigate the naysayers and meet their healthcare goals. There’s a lot of information out there, as well as disinformation, and it’s prudent to make sure to align ourselves with sources we trust.

Take note of the Holy Mole’ editorial cartoon at the bottom of this page and remember that as comfortable as it may be to follow a path or narrative laid out by others, the discernment of our real truth lies within, and usually takes some work to uncover.

So, goodnight, Chet and goodnight, David. And goodnight from your trusted, local independent news and information source, reminding you to feel good, live simply and laugh more.