Central Florida/Greater Orlando Edition: December 2021 Welcome to the December 2021 issue! Happy, Healthy Holiday Greetings! Facing competition from big companies like Walmart and Amazon, our local businesses need your support more than ever. We hope you will “pay where you play.” Most of our advertisers offer holiday gift certificates! Read More » Back by Popular Demand The Spirit Fest: Metaphysical and Holistic Fair will be held on Saturday and Sunday, January 8-9, 2022, from 10 am to 6 pm at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. Read More » 32nd Annual Say No To Drugs Holiday Classic 5K/10K The 32nd annual Say No To Drugs Holiday Classic 5K/10K will take place on December 18, 2021 at Sand Key Park in Clearwater. Read More » Free Gardening Classes at South Seminole Farm & Nursery South Seminole Farm & Nursery offers free gardening classes on topics relating to our Central Florida area Read More » Get a Custom Fit with Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear Z-CoiL changes lives with their revolutionary, patented footwear technology. Each pair features open or enclosed replaceable springs in the heel and a built-in orthotic. Read More » Limited Seating! Armand and Angelina Offer Harp Meditation Back by popular demand, the international duo, Armand and Angelina, will hold a Harp Meditation on Thursday, Dec 9, 2021. Read More » Season of Light: Celebrating the Soul of Winter Winter has its own jewel-toned beauty that rivals summer’s most dazzling hour if we pay attention. Read More » A Dietician’s Healthy Dark Chocolate Bark This festive dark chocolate bark recipe is holiday-themed with red, white and green toppings of dried cranberries, shredded coconut and pistachios. Read More » Avoid Antibiotics to Lower Colon Cancer Risk A clear link exists between taking antibiotics for six months and developing colorectal cancer in the next five to 10 years, report researchers. Read More » Baked Apples This sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan recipe for stuffed baked apples is a healthy holiday dessert, perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Read More » Baklava Cookie Cups A healthy recipe twist on baklava using natural sweeteners instead of sugar. Read More » Drink More Water to Help Prevent Heart Disease Researchers report that people that drink sufficient water every day have a reduced risk of the thickening of the heart’s left ventricle. Read More » Eat an Avocado Daily to Redistribute Belly Fat The deep visceral fat that surrounds internal organs is a major indicator of metabolic syndrome and diabetes, but it can be decreased in women by eating an avocado each day. Read More » Eat Walnuts to Reduce Bad Cholesterol and Heart Disease Healthy older adults that ate about a half cup of walnuts every day for two years gained a modest reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad cholesterol”, reports a study. Read More » Greening the Holidays: How to Celebrate Sustainably Sustainable modifications to the holiday dinner, eco-friendly decorating tactics and green gift ideas to celebrate the season in ways that are less harmful to the planet. Read More » Honey Lavender Cookies Skip the sugar cookies this holiday season and opt for healthier treats made with honey, lavender and whole wheat flour. Read More » Sustainable Kitchen: Advice for Buying and Storing Food Sustainability can begin at home, starting in the kitchen. Here are some zero-waste lifestyle tips we can apply when shopping for and storing our food. Read More » The Sweet Danger of Sugar: Ways to Enjoy Healthier Holiday Fare Low-sugar eating strategies and dessert recipes to protect our physical and mental health this holiday season. Read More » Tips to Eat Less Sugar Expert advice from dietitians on ways to reduce our sugar intake including healthier food alternatives and supplements to help. Read More » Toyland for Pooches: Choosing Safe Playthings a Dog Will Love Veterinary advice on what to consider when selecting toys for dogs that are safe, stimulating and long-lasting. Read More » Try Damask Rose Extract to Boost Liver Function A new study has found that Damask rose (Rosa damascene) extract can boosts liver function in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Read More » Try Garlic to Relieve Endometriosis Pain For women suffering from pelvic and back pain associated with endometriosis (uterus growth), garlic may help. Read More » Walk About: Simple Steps to Well-Being People that wear a fitness watch get a little buzz on the wrist as a reminder to get more steps in each hour, but many ignore the simple opportunity that exists to exercise upright for free anytime and anywhere Read More » Reader Feedback Helps Us Grow Take our readership survey and be entered to receive a $100 Visa gift card. Read More » In-Print