After we missed so much of normal life in 2020, even the dog days of summer feel sweet in 2021. If nothing else, the heat and humidity now make us appreciate the cooler days and nights ahead. Another cool thing I’m looking forward to is our Emerald Coast Holistic Health Expo, which is back from being shuttered last year. 

If you’ve never been to the expo, make this the year that you start a new annual tradition and take advantage of the biggest holistic health and lifestyle event in Northwest Florida. (Did I mention that admission is free?) Mark your calendar now for the weekend of September 11-12. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

At the Expo you can learn about protecting your mind-body health naturally, through self-care. Learn about the newest CBD products from Zilis, which has developed numerous products to address pain and general health. Local bodyworker Bull Tullock, of Bodies by Bull, will be there demonstrating the ART technique for melting stiff, sore muscles. Dr. Susan Welch will be back to talk about her holistic dental practice. Both Golden Almond, from Fort Walton, and Body-B-Healthy, from Crestview, will showcase their full line of supplements, with experts on hand to discuss supplementation for optimal health and to answer questions. You can learn about stem cell regenerative therapy from New Hope Regeneration, whose Infiniti cells—from thoroughly screened, donated human umbilical cords—can assist your internal repair system. Osteostrong of Pensacola will explain their quick and painless 20-minute workout that gives bones new life and reverses osteoporosis. And PAWS will be there with cats and dogs waiting for fur-ever homes.

These are just a taste of what you’ll find at the Emerald Coast Holistic Health Expo, which takes place at the Destination-Fort Walton Convention Center (formerly the Emerald Coast Convention Center). There will also be door prizes galore. We hope you’ll join us!

In the meantime, boost your health and happiness by reading this month’s magazine, beginning with “Think Yourself Happy: Seven Ways to Change Your Mind and Be Happier,” on page 26. If all else fails, smile—it’s an easy way to trick your brain and lift your mood (plus smiles are contagious). Read more on page 35. And if you need a pick-me-up, read our Healing Ways column on page 42, about the benefits of hiring a life coach. This article gave me a new favorite expression, “turtle steps”: the small goals we set that add up to big, life-changing ones over time. We all can take turtle steps, even on the toughest days.

Finally, don’t miss two excellent articles from our local wellness community. On page 18, Ramona Shires, owner of White Sands Natural Health, in Pensacola, explains how to avoid and treat heat exhaustion and heat stroke. And our therapy spotlight, on page 22, features Amy Millican, owner of CRYO850, in Destin, discussing a natural, nonsurgical way you can jumpstart detoxification—and lose those love handles along the way.

See you at the Expo!