Local Holiday Gift-Giving Ideas

Shop Local, Eco-Friendly, Holistic and Healthy Read More »

Horn Farm Center to Rebuild

The nonprofit Horn Farm Center’s historic farmhouse was struck by lightning on October 25, destroying the second and third floors, but no one was injured. Read More »

KUDOS - The Family Wellness Center

Cheri Koons, RN, BSN, has joined the expert nutrition team at The Family Wellness Center. Read More »

Get in the Groove for Fitness & Dance

The Groove DANCEfloor Experience, a creative and fun dance workout, is coming to Lebanon, Hummelstown, and Middletown. Read More »

Holiday Happenings at Brownstone Station

Brownstone Station Wellness Center will host Hummelstown Holiday Happenings on December 5 Read More »

Find Special Offers in Online Holiday Shopping Guide

Browse through the online, local, Holiday Shopping Guide located on the Natural Awakenings website. Read More »

Letter from Publisher - December 2021

The Power of Community - “It is not the hearing that improves life, but the listening.” – Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Read More »

A Dietician’s Healthy Dark Chocolate Bark

This festive dark chocolate bark recipe is holiday-themed with red, white and green toppings of dried cranberries, shredded coconut and pistachios. Read More »

Amp Up Immunity: Proven Boosters for Good Health

Enhance immunity with specific adaptogens and mushroom powders. These study-proven substances perform specific functions in the immune system that boost our resistance to illness. Read More »

Avoid Antibiotics to Lower Colon Cancer Risk

A clear link exists between taking antibiotics for six months and developing colorectal cancer in the next five to 10 years, report researchers. Read More »

Baked Apples

This sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan recipe for stuffed baked apples is a healthy holiday dessert, perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Read More »

Baklava Cookie Cups

A healthy recipe twist on baklava using natural sweeteners instead of sugar. Read More »

Circles of Healing: The Power of Gathering in Community

Small support groups, such as wisdom circles, story circles, power of eight intention circles, prayer circles and dialogue circles, are creating experiences of wholeness and belonging. Read More »

Coral Reefs May Soon Be Just a Memory

Half of the world's coral reefs have been lost since the 1950s, with 14 percent diminishing between 2009 and 2018 alone, due to climate change, overfishing and pollution. Read More »

Drink More Water to Help Prevent Heart Disease

Researchers report that people that drink sufficient water every day have a reduced risk of the thickening of the heart’s left ventricle. Read More »

Eat an Avocado Daily to Redistribute Belly Fat

The deep visceral fat that surrounds internal organs is a major indicator of metabolic syndrome and diabetes, but it can be decreased in women by eating an avocado each day. Read More »

Eat Walnuts to Reduce Bad Cholesterol and Heart Disease

Healthy older adults that ate about a half cup of walnuts every day for two years gained a modest reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad cholesterol”, reports a study. Read More »

Forever Chemicals in Indoor Air

A new technique for measuring the presence of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in indoor air has found them in kindergarten classrooms, offices, laboratories and homes. Read More »

Greening the Holidays: How to Celebrate Sustainably

Sustainable modifications to the holiday dinner, eco-friendly decorating tactics and green gift ideas to celebrate the season in ways that are less harmful to the planet. Read More »

Holiday Zen: Stress-Free Fitness and Self-Care

Despite our best efforts, holiday time can frazzle our nerves. These simple, self-care fitness tips can help to relieve holiday stress and break the cycle of seasonal overindulgence. Read More »

Honey Lavender Cookies

Skip the sugar cookies this holiday season and opt for healthier treats made with honey, lavender and whole wheat flour. Read More »

Ideas for Starting and Maintaining a Circle

No matter the purpose of gathering, here are tips on how to start and maintain a small group or circle of individuals supporting one another. Read More »

Large-Scale Solar Power Cost Plummets

A report finds a significant decrease in the cost of renewable energy sources compared to 2020, with solar leading the pack by a wide margin. Read More »

Native Americans Win Historic Water Battle

The Indigenous Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have reached a historic $1.9 billion water rights settlement, resolving thousands of tribal claims to waterways in Montana. Read More »

Planting 500 Billion Trees

A UK tech company claims their drone can plant two trees per second using artificial intelligence for guidance, with a goal of planting 500 billion trees by 2060. Read More »

Season of Light: Celebrating the Soul of Winter

Winter has its own jewel-toned beauty that rivals summer’s most dazzling hour if we pay attention. Read More »

Sustainable Kitchen: Advice for Buying and Storing Food

Sustainability can begin at home, starting in the kitchen. Here are some zero-waste lifestyle tips we can apply when shopping for and storing our food. Read More »

The Best Books for Kids: Gift Choices that Can Open Up Worlds

Gifting kids books is a perfect way to encourage childhood reading. Here are tips for selecting the best children's books. Read More »

The Sweet Danger of Sugar: Ways to Enjoy Healthier Holiday Fare

Low-sugar eating strategies and dessert recipes to protect our physical and mental health this holiday season. Read More »

Thomas Moore on the Art of Soulful Listening

Bestselling author and psychotherapist Thomas Moore explores deeper connections through soulful listening in his latest book, Soul Therapy: The Art and Craft of Caring Conversations. Read More »

Tips for Selecting Safe Dog Toys

Recommendations to help in choosing toys that will keep a dog not only happy, but safe. Read More »

Tips to Eat Less Sugar

Expert advice from dietitians on ways to reduce our sugar intake including healthier food alternatives and supplements to help. Read More »

Toyland for Pooches: Choosing Safe Playthings a Dog Will Love

Veterinary advice on what to consider when selecting toys for dogs that are safe, stimulating and long-lasting. Read More »

Try Damask Rose Extract to Boost Liver Function

A new study has found that Damask rose (Rosa damascene) extract can boosts liver function in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Read More »

Try Garlic to Relieve Endometriosis Pain

For women suffering from pelvic and back pain associated with endometriosis (uterus growth), garlic may help. Read More »

Wind Energy Can Be a Climate Change Hero

Research indicates that advanced wind energy strategies could reduce atmospheric average temperatures of about 32 to 33 degrees Fahrenheit by 2199. Read More »

IN THIS ISSUE – December 2021

This month’s feature is… “The Healing Power of Intentional Conversations” Read More »

Recipes – Low – or No – Sugar Holiday Treats

Baklava Cookie Cups, Baked Apples, Healthy Dark Chocolate Bark, Honey Lavender Cookies Read More »

Horn Farm Center's Annual Appeal

Executive Director, Alexis Campbell's annual appeal letter, with details regarding the recent fire Read More »