April 2013
Welcome, April!
Our outside environment is abuzz with positive energy, and the world is alive again! Gardeners, walkers, bikers and what I call “putzers” are emerging in abundance. It’s an exciting time of year!
Getting more active outside means spending more time in nature. Recently I read an interesting article about ecotherapy and its regenerative powers: stress, anxiety and depression reduction, and overall mood improvement. More and more health care providers are giving their patients “nature prescriptions” for treatment of various medical conditions as well. Research is showing that spending time in a natural setting has benefits for mind, body and spirit.
On April 22 we pay homage to our precious Mother Earth. There are many ways to celebrate Earth Day and make a difference: treat your yard to some compost (best of all, that which you made yourself!), “reduce, reuse and recycle,” pick up litter, shop local or ride your bike for an errand. Small acts by each of us can really add up to make a big difference!
This month brings another observance, World Health Day, on April 7. Celebrate by learning about health issues around the globe and what you can do to help. Check out the World Health Organization’s website at http://who.int/world-health-day/en/ for more information.
There are some wonderful healthy living articles in this issue to help you on your journey. Dennis Kotnour shares some common roadblocks to weight loss of which we should be mindful. Debi Morton encourages us to purchase and grow organic, and presents some interesting facts in that regard. Sonya Theis educates us on a healing modality called spiritual response technique. And there’s much more, so please read on!
I hope you’re able to get wrapped up in the positive energy of this time of year and enjoy some quality time with nature. Please find your own special way to honor our planet this Earth Day!
In health and happiness,
Jackie
