In This Issue: December 2024 December 2024 Digital Magazine Welcome to the December 2024 issue of Natural Awakenings. Flip through the pages of our digital magazine or scroll through the article below! Task-Specific Exercises And Injury Recovery Educating my patients on the impact performing therapeutic exercises has in the rehabilitation process is always of the utmost importance. Read More » What’s the Big Deal with Vitamin D? Vitamin D is one of the most important nutrients in the human body, playing a major role in bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Read More » Holiday Gift Certificates From Bear Creek Organics: Gift An Edible Landscape That Keeps On Giving Christmas, Birthdays, Anniversaries…a time for giving gifts that say, “You are special. I treasure you. I love you.” Read More » Soulful Holiday Gifts: Restorative Presents for Loved Ones The holiday season can be stressful, but self-care is essential. From pampering spa days to thoughtful gestures, learn how to gift and prioritize peace this festive season. Read More » Jean Shafiroff on A Philanthropist’s Calling Jean Shafiroff, philanthropist and author of Successful Philanthropy, shares insights on giving back, inspiring others, and finding purpose through generosity. Read More » Healthier Holiday Cookies: Easy Switches That Don’t Compromise on Taste Delight in holiday cookies with a healthy twist! Discover sugar swaps, gluten-free tips, and wholesome ingredients for festive treats that are indulgent yet nourishing. Read More » Molasses Cookies With Dates Indulge in these spiced molasses cookies. Made with almond flour, ginger, cinnamon, and sweetened naturally with dates and molasses, they’re a wholesome holiday favorite. Read More » Thumbprint Cookies With Jam Savor these delightful vegan thumbprint cookies. Made with almond and whole wheat flour, they're filled with fruity preserves for a festive and wholesome treat perfect for sharing. Read More » Chocolate Coffee Cookies Enjoy these rich, vegan chocolate nut cookies. Packed with dark chocolate, pecans, and hazelnuts, they're a decadent treat perfect for the holidays or any occasion. Read More » Chewy Chocolate Chip Almond Cookies Indulge in these guilt-free, vegan chocolate chip cookies with a nutty twist! Packed with wholesome ingredients like almond flour, oats, and dark chocolate, they're perfect for holiday baking. Read More » From Melancholy to Sweet Remembrance The holidays can stir nostalgia for what never was, yet healing comes through creating new traditions and finding joy in the present. Explore ways to soothe the holiday blues. Read More » Click Local: How Online Shopping Boosts Neighborhood Businesses Support your community while enjoying online convenience. Discover how local businesses combine personal service with digital tools to thrive in today's shopping landscape. Read More » 12 Ways to Fitness These exercises, you can develop strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance, making them a well-rounded routine for overall fitness. Read More » Something To Smile About: A Look at Non-Toxic Dental Products Natural dental care is transforming oral hygiene. From fluoride alternatives to microbiome-friendly practices, explore a healthier, eco-conscious smile revolution. Read More » Practicing Sensory Skills at Home: How To Teach Kids the Senses Boost your child's sensory skills with fun games and activities. From "Eye Spy" to sensory bins and interoception exercises, discover ways to nurture confidence and curiosity. Read More » Caring for Anxious Pets While We’re Away: How To Choose the Right Kennel or Pet Sitter Discover expert tips on easing anxiety in pets when you're away, from choosing experienced sitters to holistic calming strategies like CBD and soothing scents. Read More » Service Dogs Benefit Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder A study of veterans with PTSD found those with trained psychiatric service dogs showed reduced symptoms, lower anxiety, and better social functioning. Read More » Acupuncture for Shingles Acupuncture shows promise as a safe, effective treatment for shingles, easing pain and reducing skin lesions, according to a review of 59 trials with nearly 4,000 patients. Read More » Wet Cupping Therapy for Asthma Wet cupping therapy may improve respiratory symptoms in mild to moderate asthma, offering a complementary option alongside standard treatments, a Turkish study suggests. Read More » Stem-Cell Treatment To Reverse Type 1 Diabetes A phase 1 trial shows promise for reversing Type 1 diabetes: a patient produced insulin independently after stem-cell therapy, remaining injection-free for a year. Read More » Mindfulness App Helps Intensive Care Patients A mobile app-based mindfulness program, including guided meditations and symptom management, significantly eased psychological distress in ICU survivors, a study finds. Read More » Artificial Beaver Dams Protect Wildlife Artificial beaver dams, mimicking nature’s designs, are revitalizing the Northern Great Plains, restoring ecosystems, improving soil and water, and even attracting real beavers. Read More » Sweat Monitor Measures Overexertion A smart elastic band from Northwestern University tracks muscle exertion by analyzing sweat acidity, helping users optimize workouts and prevent soreness. Read More » Linking Biodiversity to Human Health Biodiversity loss has human costs: a study links declining bat populations to increased pesticide use and higher infant mortality, highlighting nature's role in health and agriculture. Read More » Funny but Serious Science The Ig Nobel Prizes celebrated quirky science: researchers showed mammals can breathe through their anuses, and a plant that mimics plastic leaves, sparking laughter and curiosity. Read More » Benefits of Bars Switch to shampoo, conditioner, and dish soap bars for a greener routine. Cut plastic waste, save money, and enjoy natural ingredients with these eco-friendly, long-lasting alternatives. Read More » Delights Await at the Annual Holiday Spiritual & Holistic Bazaar An enchanting weekend of holiday shopping and community spirit returns at the annual Holiday Spiritual & Holistic Bazaar, taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 14 and 15 at the Leesport Farmers Market Banquet Hall. Read More » Exciting New Additions at Magnolia Quantum Wellness & MedSpa in Mt. Pocono, Pennsylvania Magnolia Quantum Wellness & MedSpa is thrilled to announce a series of innovative additions designed to enhance your wellness journey. Nestled in the serene surroundings of Mt. Pocono, our 6,000 sq ft facility provides holistic healing experiences, and our latest offerings are a testament to that commitment. Read More » In-Print