February 2025 Natural Awakenings Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

In this issue: Understanding and Managing Myopia in a Changing Visual World; 2025: A Year of Transformation; A Joyful Path to a Healthy Heart; Unlocking the Body’s Healing Power; The Stress-Free Heart; Ten Heart-Healthy Habits to Lower Cardiovascular Disease Risk; The Thriving Heart; Holistic Lifestyle for Dogs; Chocolate Champions; Plus Much More...

February 2025 Letter From Publisher

A Heartfelt February: It’s only natural at the onset of February for our thoughts to turn towards the heart. Read More »

Natalie Van Vleck

Art Exhibit Featuring the Artwork of Flanders Founder

Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust is thrilled to present Bringing Natalie Home, an exhibition celebrating the artwork of its founder, Natalie Van Vleck. Read More »

Award-Winning Body-Mind-Spirit Expo Returns to Westchester This Spring

The Awaken Wellness Fair will be held at the Westchester Marriott, in Tarrytown, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 30. Read More »

Be a Part of the 2025 Natural Living Directory

Businesses and practitioners in holistic health, wellness, fitness and sustainable living industries are encouraged to reach out now before the March 10, 2025, deadline to advertise in the 2025 Natural Living Directory. Read More »

Best Prep for Pregnancy: Online Event and Expo Offers Fertility Guidance

Helping couples make informed decisions about their reproductive health, Best Prep for Pregnancy is a five-day online event and expo from March 25 through 29, 2025, featuring more than 30 experts and exhibitors. Read More »

Photo by Wannajakorn on AdobeStock.com

A Joyful Path to a Healthy Heart

We often think of joy as a fleeting moment—a burst of laughter or a beautiful sunset. But what if we could intentionally create joy? Read More »

2025: The Global Year of the 9 A Year of Transformation

2025 reduces to the number nine, symbolizing a deep understanding of the bigger picture and embodying truth and transformation. This year’s global year represents a natural progression following upheaval—a time to collect the pieces, rebuild and embrace the power of change. Read More »

Stay Grounded to Help Your Heart

With so many distractions competing for our attention it’s easy to lose center and feel unbalanced. Read More »

Ten Heart-Healthy Habits to Lower Cardiovascular Disease Risk

The path to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease is within reach for most people. By embracing certain lifestyle changes and taking advantage of nutritional support, individuals can dramatically improve their heart health. Read More »

The Stress-Free Heart: Rekindling Romance Through Brain Wellness

February is American Heart Health Month, a reminder that heart health can encompass both the physical and emotional. Read More »

Photo by bobakphoto on iStock.com

Understanding and Managing Myopia in a Changing Visual World

By 2040, it’s estimated that more than 50 percent of U.S. children and adults will be myopic or “nearsighted”, according to a paper in the Journal of Ophthalmology. Read More »

Rachel Borsavage

Unlocking the Body’s Healing Power with Spinal Flow: A Journey to Wellness with Rachel Borsavage

Rachel Borsavage, founder of Spinal Flow with Rachel, licensed massage therapist (LMT), and certified yoga instructor since 2013, is on a mission to help others unlock their body’s natural ability to heal. Read More »

Senior man making a heart symbol with his hands

The Thriving Heart: Integrative Approaches to Cardiology

Integrative Approaches to Cardiology: Holistic and traditional practices combine to prevent heart disease and support a thriving, healthy heart. Read More »

Anil Gupta on Immediate Happiness

Life coach Anil Gupta reveals how forgiveness, gratitude, and giving create lasting happiness. Read More »

Woman eating a chocolate bar

Chocolate Champions: Benefits of Dark Chocolate and Cacao

Benefits of Dark Chocolate and Cacao: Explore the heart-healthy, mood-boosting power of dark chocolate and why it’s more than just a sweet treat. Read More »

MIGHTY MUSHROOM CACAO BITES

Mighty Mushroom Cacao Bites

Energy-packed bites with cacao, dates, and functional mushroom powders for health and vitality. Read More »

HEART-OPENING DRINKING CHOCOLATE

Heart-Opening Drinking Chocolate

Ceremonial-grade cacao in a rich, frothy drink with warming spices and optional sweetener. Read More »

Chili and Cocoa Spice Mixture

A versatile blend of cacao and spices to enhance meats, seafood, or vegetables Read More »

CHOCOLATE-BRAISED SHORT RIBS

Chocolate-Braised Short Ribs

Chocolate-Braised Short Ribs: Tender ribs slow-cooked with cocoa, red wine, and spices for a rich, flavorful dish. Read More »

Men sharing a hug

Healing Power of Hugs

Discover how hugs reduce stress, boost immunity, and foster mindfulness with tips to make this simple act part of your daily life. Read More »

monarch butterfly perched on a flower

Bringing Back the Monarch Butterfly: How Milkweed and City Gardens Can Help

Urban milkweed gardens play a critical role in saving monarch butterflies and supporting ecosystems. Read More »

Stretching for Heart Health: Gentle Movements To Regulate Stress and Circulation

Simple stretches improve circulation, reduce stress, and promote heart health in just minutes a day. Read More »

fitness tools bar bells lean chicken measuring tape

Metabolic Health Strategies: Weight Management With the Help of Medications

Metabolic Health Therapies: GLP-1 medications aid weight loss and improve health. Learn about their benefits, challenges, and their role in extending longevity. Read More »

child at the dentist

Trends in Child Dentistry: Tech Advances Improve Treatment Outcomes

Innovative technologies like lasers and aligners are transforming children’s dental care with safer, more effective solutions. Read More »

Holistic Lifestyle for Dogs: How Herbs, Mushrooms and the Outdoors Can Help

Herbs, mushrooms, and outdoor activities support a dog’s emotional and physical health for a balanced, happy life. Read More »

DIY Valentine's gift birdseed heart

Handmade Gifts for Valentine’s Day

Meaningful, sustainable Valentine’s crafts like birdseed ornaments and melted crayon hearts make gift-giving special. Read More »