Welcome to Natural Awakenings, 

Houston's only lifestyle of sustainability and health publication.

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Letter from the Publishers

Greetings,

Summer’s here, and with it comes the warm weather we’ve been looking forward to. We’re so lucky to have had those rains earlier this year—they’ve given us a bounty of fresh, local organic food to enjoy. Eating seasonally is not only healthy but also ties in perfectly with Ayurveda, keeping us balanced and feeling great.

Now’s the time to dive into all the delicious fruits and veggies that are in season. These fresh foods are amazing for our skin, giving us that summer glow we all love. 

Summer’s also ideal for hitting the water and having some fun. Whether it’s swimming, water aerobics, paddleboarding, or kayaking, there’s no shortage of cool activities to keep us active and refreshed. It’s a great way to enjoy the sun and stay fit at the same time.

So, let’s make the most of this sunny season by eating well and getting out there for some water adventures. Here’s to a healthy, happy summer filled with good food and great times!

Bright Blessings,

Cindy & Mike Hart

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ARTICLES

Eco-Tip: Saving Our Oceans

June 8 is World Ocean Day, a time to inspire action and celebrate the incredible splendor of the ocean and all of its wondrous life-forms. There is a growing movement that calls for the protection and management of 30 percent of the world’s lands, fresh waters and oceans by 2030. Scientists believe that this is the critical mass needed to stem biodiversity loss and climate change facing our planet.

Covering 71 percent of Earth, the global ocean is the largest ecosystem on the planet, performing vital regulatory functions that influence weather and climate systems, impacting even those living far inland. This invaluable life source is in a dire state due to the damage humans have inflicted and continue to impose. /ET-saving-our-oceans

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Feature Story: Solving Mental Health Issues in Men

Finding Meaning in Turbulent Times

by Dr. Reef Karim

Many men struggle with mental health issues, often experiencing debilitating emotional turmoil, alone and in silence. Evidence of this suffering can be quantified in a number of ways.

An epidemic of “despair deaths” related to alcoholism, substance abuse and suicide is documented to be worse in men than women. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American males were almost four times more likely to commit suicide than women in 2021. The National Institutes of Health  reports overdose mortality rates for opioids and stimulant drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine are two to three times greater in men. While men use drugs at higher rates than women, this alone does not explain the gap in overdose deaths. /FS-solving-mental-health-issues-in-men

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Prostate Protection
A Look at Holistic Cancer-Prevention Strategies

by Zak Logan

Most men don’t usually think about their prostate until they face an exam or experience symptoms such as pain or difficulties while urinating. These symptoms may be attributed to a benign enlargement of the gland, usually in older men, or to the presence of cancer cells. This understated reproductive player, which can be stimulated for sexual pleasure, is responsible for regulating urine flow, secreting semen and converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) at puberty. /CE-prostate-protection

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Building Quality Muscle
How Diet and Resistance Training Can Help  

by JJ Virgin, CNS, CHFS
 
Muscles act like metabolic Spanx, holding everything in the body tighter, supporting joints to prevent injuries, keeping bones strong and helping the immune system remain resilient to infection. Skeletal muscle acts as an endocrine-producing organ, supporting a healthy metabolism and balancing hormones. Strong, healthy muscles help us feel better, move more easily and live more powerfully.

Once someone crosses the threshold into their 40s, there is a natural decline in muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia. Adults can lose 3 to 8 percent of muscle mass per decade after turning 30, with losses accelerating after 60. Preventing this decline and supporting quality muscle is key. “Muscle can be stimulated largely in two ways: first, through dietary protein, and second, through resistance,” explains Gabrielle Lyon, a board-certified family physician and author of Forever Strong. /FB-building-quality-muscle

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Green-Home Design Tips
Healthy Options for a Sustainable Sanctuary 

by Brian Johnson, BBEC, EMRS, BBNC

Americans spend about 90 percent of their lives indoors, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Unhealthy indoor environments, which might rise to the level of a sick building syndrome (SBS) diagnosis, can cause headaches; eye, nose or throat irritation; dry cough; itchy skin; nausea; fatigue; and difficulty concentrating.

There is no need to settle for noxious, poorly ventilated, artificially illuminated, mold boxes. The best new and remodeled homes embrace eco-friendly, non-toxic and environmentally safe building designs and principles. Achieving a greener and healthier home is a collaborative process among homeowners, municipal planners, developers, architects and builders. /GL-green-home-design-tips

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