There is a particular energy to May that feels both renewing and clarifying. It draws us outward into longer days and greener spaces, while also asking us to pay closer attention to the ways we care for ourselves and one another. In this issue of Natural Awakenings, we focus on two topics that continue to shape the health and well-being of our community: women and their vitality, and the ongoing presence of Lyme disease in our region.

Lyme disease is not an abstract concern here. It is woven into daily life, influencing how we move through our environments and how we protect those closest to us. While many of us take preventive steps for ourselves, our children and our pets, there is also a growing interest in understanding what lies beyond conventional approaches. This month, we explore holistic perspectives that may support both prevention and recovery. We are deeply appreciative of the local contributors who have shared their knowledge and lived experiences. Their insights allow us to present a more layered and thoughtful conversation, one that we are honored to extend to you.

If Lyme asks us to be vigilant, this next focus asks us to be expansive. Vitality Her Way is an invitation to consider the fullness of women’s experiences, from strength and resilience to the quieter, often unspoken transitions that come with aging. Perimenopause and menopause are not simply medical phases, but lived realities that shape energy, identity and daily life. This is something I understand not only as a publisher, but personally. There is a recalibration that happens in this stage of life, one that calls for patience, self-awareness and, often, a redefinition of what vitality truly means.

Women are so often the steady force within families and communities, offering care, guidance and emotional presence while quietly managing their own evolving needs. Too often, those needs are minimized or postponed. This issue creates space to bring them forward, to acknowledge the physical and emotional shifts that deserve attention and support. Whether you see yourself reflected in these pages or are reading to better understand someone you care about, there is value in leaning into these perspectives with curiosity and empathy. Understanding leads to stronger connections, and stronger connections create healthier communities.

As you move through May, I encourage you to act with intention. Offer a thoughtful gesture to a woman in your life; it may be your mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend or teacher. Small acts, when rooted in awareness, have a way of creating lasting resonance.

Renewal is both external and internal during this time of year..Spend time in nature, take in the light and the quiet moments it offers and remain mindful as you explore. In doing so, we not only protect our physical health, but we nurture a deeper sense of connection to the world around us.

Erica Mills