February 2012 Publisher Letter

This month’s issue is filled with scientific support for practical ways to nurture young people’s brain development and sustain healthy mental capacities throughout our life.

Seven Steps to a Happier and Healthier Relationship

Just like a garden, a relationship takes work, but the labor invested yields rewarding fruits. Here are seven steps to keeping a relationship healthy.

Environment

Genes and Brain Development

One of the most dramatic discoveries in science over the past decade has been the understanding of how early experiences and environmental factors shape the expression of how, where and when genes function to build the brain.

Easy Seasonal Cleansing the Ayurvedic Way

As the seasons transition, especially from winter into spring, many traditions, including Ayurveda, recommend cleansing the body. Ayurveda provides a nourishing and effective approach to cleansing that seeks to maintain and restore balance and harmony.

Dancing to Keep the Brain and Body Young

It’s easy to list the typical benefits of dancing. It is a physical exercise that enhances flexibility, strength, tone, posture and balance. It can also reduce stress, build confidence and provide a social outlet.

Gayatri Center for Healing

Hands and Hearts that Heal

A fervent desire to facilitate healing is the central force behind Gayatri Center for Healing, motivating its founder Lynne Austin and her business partner, Jacque Stock.

Wabi Sabi Love

Embracing Imperfections in Relationships

Arielle Ford explores how we can shift our focus from what’s wrong to what’s right, cultivating a more loving connection through humor, listening, intimacy and generosity.

Improve Your Snooze

Sleep Aids versus Sleep Sappers

Can what we eat help us enjoy better sleep? Yes, says our panel of experts—see which foods, drinks and supplements they recommend to ease your zzz’s.

How a Brain Grows

Five Ways to Aid Development

Try these scientifically backed tips, designed for parents and caregivers, to positively influence a child’s developing brain.

How Can We All Get Along?

Resolving conflict benefits mind and body.

Whether we experience a minor disagreement at home, a workplace quarrel or a complicated political dispute, the process of working through a conflict can leave us feeling stronger and improve our relationships.

Follow your Path and Dream Destiny with Earth Medicine Training

Shamanic practitioner Amy Wilinski, owner of Golden Light Healing, will lead Whispers on the Wind: an Earth Medicine Training Program, beginning February 29.

“Healthful Indian Flavors with Alamelu” Airing on MPTV

Culinary educator and consultant Alamelu Vairavan is hosting a 13-show cooking series on Milwaukee Public Television (MPTV). The series began January 7 and airs Saturdays, 12:30 p.m., on channel 10 and 16.

Good Harvest Market Hosts Winter Health Fair

Good Harvest hosts its sixth annual Winter Health Fair from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., February 25, in the community room.

Vibrant Life Health Fair and Tasting Safari

Vibrant Life Vibrant Child presents a Health Fair and Tasting Safari, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., February 25, at the Waukesha County Expo Center.

Ananda-Based Living Program Starting at Aspire Wellness

Aspire Wellness & Lifestyle Center will launch a new program, Ananda-Based Living—a series of workshops, lectures and personal coaching sessions designed to help individuals define and increase bliss in their lives. The four-hour workshop is on March 3.

Life Coach Wendy Kay Releases Book Mastering the Art of Feeling Good

Wendy Kay, nationally practicing certified professional coach and founder of WellWealth, LLC, has just released the book, Mastering the Art of Feeling Good.

Lymph Drainage Therapy Promotion

Barb Schieffer, a certified advanced energy healer (CAEH) who provides Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) in the greater Milwaukee area, is presenting an introductory information session at The Atrium at Rolling Spirit, in Greendale, at 6 p.m., February 8.

New Matrix Energetics Healing Practice in Brookfield

Debra Mater, Ph.D., has opened a healing practice, applying the new science of Matrix Energetics.

Victory Garden Initiative Hosts Food Leader Certification Program

Victory Garden Initiative wants to create leaders in the sustainable food movement and is currently accepting applicants and sponsors for their inaugural educational and certification program.

Enhancing Balance with New Tai Chi Fundamentals Program

Patricia and Michael Culotti, owners of Enhancing Balance, teach classes and seminars in the Tai Chi Fundamentals (TCF) program at various locations throughout Milwaukee, Madison and Waukesha. A TCF professional training seminar will be held March 16 and 17, in Waukesha.

Arté Wine and Painting Studio Hosts One-Night Painting Parties

The new entertainment venue, Arté Wine and Painting Studio, in Wauwatosa, hosts one-night painting parties, in which a skilled local artist teaches guests to paint while they enjoy sipping wine.

Elegant and Prestigious Baby Planner

DeAnna Tharpe, certified child-proofer, has developed Elegant & Prestigious Baby Planner, a company that customizes and empowers the client’s experience of having a baby. Tharpe will host a free meet-and-greet at Angelo’s Café Vino, from 1 to 8 p.m., February 25.

Free Natural Awakenings App Now Available

Keeping in touch with the best choices for a green and healthy lifestyle is now easier than ever, thanks to Natural Awakenings’ new iPhone and iPad app.

Green Laundry List

Use Cold Water and Eco-Wise Detergents

Crucial Shareware

Open Hardware Addresses Environmental Problems

Low Tech

Silicon Valley School Eschews Computers

Blogging News

Teens See More Kindness than Cruelty Online

Natural Wonders

Virgin Forests are Irreplaceable

Big Book

Encyclopedia of Life Update

Vitamin C Helps Us See

Tip for Keeping Your Eyes Healthy

Regular Bedtimes Make Kids Smarter

The Key to Developmentally Excelling

Alcohol Impairs Recovery from Illness

Think Twice Before Downing a Hot Toddy

Potassium Protects the Heart

Take in More for Better Cardiac Health

Does Yawning Cool the Brain?

It Doesn't Just Mean You're Bored

Seaweed Loves the Heart

A Rich Source of Heart-Healthy Goodness