Welcome to our annual Men’s Wellness issue with great information on how we men can invigorate and improve our lives. I’m also excited by this month’s ideas for healthy escapes designed to recharge our personal batteries and propel us to new heights.

One my favorite tunes, in heavy rotation on my current playlist, is Imelda May’s Proud and Humble, which rocks. Upwelling from deep in her soul, she acknowledges her gratitude for God’s blessings and opportunities while confessing pride for her accomplished use of received talents. May’s gritty vocals, accented by a stellar saxophone riff, have me carrying that message with me. I too am grateful for the opportunity to publish this magazine, and proud of our joint achievements.

June marks our fifth anniversary of awakening the Lehigh Valley to the benefits of healthy living on a healthy planet. We’ve experienced ups and downs, starts and stops and many joys plus a heaping helping of hard work and crazy hours, but the whole experience has been awesome. Thanks go to all those that make this adventure in natural living possible. Our mission has brought me into contact with wonderful, welcoming people. We are blessed to have so many supportive advertisers and thousands of readers that support them. It’s a triple win in which everyone comes out healthier and happier at the end of the day.

We are further blessed to have a circle of people able to deliver on my goal of producing a world-class publication. It all starts with our home office in Naples, Florida, but our pool of talented freelance writers, editors, designers and distributors make it happen locally. Our printer even makes this environmentally responsible newsprint look like a million bucks. All of our contributors deserve ongoing thanks.  

This magazine was conceived as a catalyst for change. I still remember my first meetings with business owners, some of whom looked at me as if I had two heads. To them, the idea of a healthy living magazine featuring natural modalities and sustainable practices sounded like a pipe dream. Yet I have always felt that the ancient wisdom of hands-on bodywork, chiropractic care, herbal therapy, good nutrition and a positive outlook blended with cutting edge non-surgical innovation was a powerfully effective and truthful path that could not be denied. Today I enjoy many more positive comments that reflect society’s greater understanding of the value we bring to the media landscape. 

We have succeeded in blazing a trail throughout our region. The Lehigh Valley edition was the first Natural Awakenings magazine franchise in Pennsylvania and I’m happy to report that we are now completely surrounded by sister franchises. The final link, the Reading/Lancaster edition, will launch soon. 

As Timbuk3 tunefully sang in the 1980s, “The future is so bright, I have to wear shades.” I just moved to a new home with a spacious home office suited to support the magazine’s continued growth. We also are pleased to announce several new partnerships with local venues that will allow the pages of Natural Awakenings to “come alive” in the community. Our first event is a Natural Day at the Easton Farmers’ Market on Saturday, June 30 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. (see page 2). Please join us for outdoor fun as we explore downtown Easton, find fresh foods from local producers and meet some of our advertisers and other like-minded people. I look forward to seeing you there and at many more events in the future.

Enjoy this issue and look for us being here for you for many more years to come. 

Make the most of your special summer escape,

 

     Reid Boyer, Publisher