Somehow New Year’s Day always feels like Groundhog’s Day, with the same resolutions to get serious about getting healthy. But not this year. As we begin 2021, our health focus isn’t about some arbitrary goal (typically involving a bathroom scale). Right now, we all share the same colossal concerns about our health—physical and mental. Here at Natural Awakenings, we’ve never felt a greater responsibility to provide you with the resources, information and inspiration you need to get through this difficult time safely.  

March will be our 10th anniversary publishing Natural Awakenings, which has been on the forefront of natural health. It’s amazing to think how far alternative medicine has come. We’re proud to have been behind the forward-thinking movement combining the best of Eastern and Western medicine. Over the last decade we’ve raised awareness of these modalities, therapies and lifestyle changes, which address the root cause of health problems in order to eliminate painful, debilitating and potentially life-threating symptoms. 

As of today, Natural Awakenings has connected readers with more than 1,200 local practitioners and businesses focused on improving well-being through nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, positivity and stewardship of the earth, which of course is critical to our very existence. It has been our great pleasure to watch this dedicated community of providers and services expand tenfold across Northwest Florida. 

We’ve also witnessed the evolution of integrative medicine across the nation, as alternative medicine is incorporated into traditional medical settings. This month’s feature article, “Integrative Hospital Care,” page 32, describes how top medical facilities are now offering supportive therapies such as acupuncture, reiki, homeopathy, touch therapy, yoga, clinical aromatherapy and chiropractic.

At the same time, midwives are offering not just an alternative to traditional hospital birth, but also an alternative to in-office prenatal care. This month’s Community Spotlight introduces a team of midwives that provides home-based services from Pensacola to Panama City. We also have a special feature article on page 26 for local moms-to-be looking for natural ways to stay calm, relaxed and comfortable throughout their pregnancies. Yoga, chiropractic and float therapy can all be part of prenatal plan.

We’ve mentioned in previous letters the new platform KnoWEWell, which brings providers of all whole-health approaches to one online space. This month we introduce you to the woman behind that vision, CEO Kimberly Whittle. She wants to share transformative knowledge, including healing approaches and therapies from around the world, and help people connect with providers and organizations focused on holistic health. Turn to page 22 to read her insights on the current global health crisis.

Natural Awakenings is hosting a Zoom learning series of eight classes to help people reap the benefits from the KnoWEwell modules. Each class will cover a different topic but will begin with a brief demonstration of the platform: how to find and connect with providers; join groups focused on specific wellness topics; and access the vast information, webinars and courses on the platform. Each Zoom class will then continue with a unique presentation from a local specialist in health and wellness. Attendees will also receive sample products and services and special discounts. Turn to page 18 for topics, presenters, dates, times and registration information. 

As the world focuses on health and well-being, both Natural Awakenings and KnoWEwell will do our part to make 2021 better than just a return to normal.

Wishing you the best New Year!

Scott & Daralyn