Recently, I took some time away from my computer to spend with my family. One of the highlights was attending an annual Taiwanese American Conference in Lancaster that my family has been involved with since before I was born. This year I had the pleasure of introducing my own children to this part of my life, which means so much to me, so that they too can share in its greater sense of community.

As it happened, this year’s event theme was community. It got me thinking about what community means, and I came up with this: a group of people with a sense of cohesiveness, offering camaraderie and a system of support toward a common vested interest.

I am delighted that my sense of community keeps enlarging. From being part of the Taiwanese American community myself, embracing friends I’ve grown up with and have stayed in touch with for decades as a result of the conference, the circle has expanded to include the next generation, as we see our children grow up together. As publisher of Natural Awakenings for over a year now, my role in the natural health community has evolved, as well. I rejoice in the blessings and support of our local community plus a nationwide community of 90 Natural Awakenings publishers. We all encourage one another with creative ideas and practical expertise. A second high point of my Lancaster visit was lunch with two sister publishers.

I am also grateful how strongly our local community has come together to support this extra special issue. This month’s focus is on Cancer-Free Living and Healthy Families, with an emphasis on Children’s Health. In Linda Sechrist’s feature article, “Rethinking Cancer,” pioneering experts explain and illustrate natural approaches to prevention, plus several mind-body-spirit therapies that give us good hope despite a disease diagnosis. At BeatCancer.org, Susan Silberstein, Ph.D., founder of the Center for Advancement in Cancer Education, outlines specific therapies for healing cancer.

We don’t need to look far to find a practitioner versed in such helpful therapies. This month we introduce you to two more of them. Dr. Jo Ellen Halteman, owner of Halteman Thermal Imaging, in Gilbertsville, offers an effective and more gentle alternative to mammograms. Dr. Adriana Moise, a pediatrician with Cevallos & Moise Pediatric Associates, in Quakertown, takes an integrative approach to children’s healthcare.

As a mother, I believe the key to lifelong health is reinforcing helpful values at a young age, understanding that my kids need to be well-equipped to make their own decisions as they journey beyond my doors. While I didn’t adhere to all of my parents’ wholesome teachings throughout my life, today I have come full circle. For me, the return to a healthier lifestyle was an easier transition than it might have been because of the solid foundation my parents built for me.

My hope is that this issue will give you fresh insights in how to keep your family healthy and happy, not only today or tomorrow, but for many years to come.

To optimal wellness, Audrey

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDP_H6Rf4zw&w=560&h=315]

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