In This Issue: August 2022 August 2022 Digital Magazine Please enjoy the August Self-Empowerment Edition of Natural Awakenings. Flip through the pages of our Digital Magazine or scroll through the articles below. Why Do Kids Struggle in School? Sponsored Content Stress has been on the rise for decades. Instances of brain malfunctions and brain-centered disabilities of all kinds are also on the rise. Children’s developing brains are especially vulnerable to stress. Read More » The Less Stressway Recently, as I was driving a convertible on the open road of Florida’s Turnpike, enjoying the scenery and the warm air brushing across my cheek, I saw this inspirational sign along the road—“The Less Stressway”. Read More » Do You Know Who Your Grandchild Is? The Grandparent Scam From health care/Medicare/health insurance fraud to fake computer tech support to romance/online dating imposters, financial scams targeting seniors have become so prevalent that they’re now considered “the crime of the 21st century.” Read More » Spinning Into the Future It’s inspiring to see how NASA technology is helping to fight climate change. Many innovations were pioneered for space travel while others originated from studying life and flight on Earth. Read More » Discovering Me! Early in my life, I learned that I did not measure up. I wasn’t as tough as the guys on the streets, as smart as the kids in my class, or a great athlete. Read More » Abandoned Farmland Regeneration Can Mitigate Climate Change Rural outmigration is leaving cropland abandoned, affording an opportunity for ecological restoration and carbon sequestration that could lead to a positive impact on the climate crisis. Read More » Avoid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs to Lower Long-Term Pain Risk Taking anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief can actually lead to chronic long-term pain, say researchers. Read More » Basil Grilled Oysters Delicious recipe for grilled oysters topped with a basil vinaigrette. Read More » Brazilian Atlantic Forest Faces Danger The Mata Atlantica is fighting for its life against overdevelopment, where deforestation surged 66 percent last year. Read More » Change Your Words Change Your Life When we change the way we speak about our life, we reclaim the power to change its trajectory. Read More » Cioppino This seafood soup, popularized by Italian immigrants in San Francisco, offers up an appealing assortment of fish and shellfish in a tomato-based broth. Read More » Eat Green and Orange Produce to Lower Dementia Risk Researchers have found that green veggies and orange fruits can help stave off dementia. Read More » Fashion Industry Sustainability Campaigns Fall Short A recent report finds that environmental certification programs claiming to verify the sustainability of fashion brands facilitate “greenwashing” for the apparel industry. Read More » Follow a Mediterranean Diet to Tackle Depression Eating a Mediterranean diet can help to significantly lower levels of depression and improve quality of life. Read More » Mark Mincolla on the Healing Power of Our Superconsciousness In The Way of Miracles: Accessing Your Superconsciousness, nutritional therapist and quantum energy healer Mark Mincolla, Ph.D. explores our natural ability to heal and create miracles. Read More » Mindful Kudos: Best Ways to Praise Kids and Boost Self-Confidence Praise can build character, motivation and resilience in kids if delivered in the correct way. Here is some research-based advice for parents when it comes to skillfully praising children. Read More » New Underwater Maps Track Fish To better track the location and movement of marine fish in U.S. waters, The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries is using a new interactive website. Read More » Optimize Gut Health in Kids with ADHD or Autism Symptoms The key role that the microbiome plays in children’s health has been documented in a study that links gut health to symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. Read More » Planet-Friendly Picnicking: Strategies for a Plastic-Free Outing It’s time to level up our picnicking game by going plastic-free. With a little planning, simple swap-outs are easy and less costly in the long run. Read More » Preventing Dog Dementia: Five Strategies to Preserve Cognitive Health Signs and symptoms of cognitive dysfunction in dogs, plus ways to reduce the risk and preserve canine brain health. Read More » Raising a Well-Rounded Child: Practical Ways to Build Lasting Life Skills For kids to develop the solid foundation they need, parents should practice a full-spectrum approach that rounds out their experiences and skills, while instilling confidence and resilience. Read More » Sautéed Mussels This recipe for sautéed mussels is bursting with fresh flavors. Read More » Soothing Scents: Top Eight Essential Oils for Anxiety Relief Breathing in essential oils has been shown to improve mood and mental wellness. In particular, eight unique essential oils for anxiety have been explored in scientific literature. Read More » Sustainable Shellfish: Superfood of the Sea Shellfish is delicious, fast-growing, nutritionally dense, sustainably produced, locally available from coast to coast and comes in nature’s own sturdy packaging. Read More » Take a Silent Hike: Tips for Walking Mindfully in Nature Silent hikes offer an opportunity to be immersed in nature and quiet the internal chatter that too often consumes our daily routine. Read More » Take a Social Media Break to Improve Mental Health A new study finds that taking a break from social media for one week can significantly improve well-being, depression and anxiety. Read More » Takeaways from Childhood Experts: Some Sound Strategies for Child-Raising Expert tips and strategies to help parents navigate child-raising. Read More » The Greening of Packaging: Cleaning and Personal Care Products Go Eco Consumers are demanding that home cleaning and personal care products come in environmentally friendly packaging that reduces waste and plastic use. Read More » Tobacco Industry is Big Plastic Polluter Cigarette butts are the most common source of plastic pollution in the global environment, surpassing bottles, plastic bags and food wrappers. Read More » United Nations to Better Represent Indigenous Peoples The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues called on governments, courts and UN agencies to implement mechanisms to support and protect Indigenous peoples’ lands and lives. Read More » Vegan Shellfish Alternatives Vegans or people with shellfish allergies can still enjoy the rich umami flavor of an oyster or clam with a little creativity. Here are a few suggested alternatives. Read More » What’s New in Eco-Manufacturing and Packaging From refillable lipstick to toothpaste tablets to reusable wipes and more, discover the latest trends in eco-manufacturing and packaging. Read More » In-Print