health&healing

“MAINTAINING HEALTH IN A TOXIC WORLD”

AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2026

Do we indeed live in a “toxic world”? It’s hard to argue otherwise. There is little question that toxic threats to our health are numerous and insidious: in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat. There are harmful ingredients to be found in skin care products and prescription drugs, mold growing in our basements, and the surprising dangers of social media.

In the next issue, area practitioners will explore how these challenges to our health can be met—with education and by the choices we make. They’ll also weigh in on how to deal with and recover from the consequences of toxic exposure.

“CHRONIC ILLNESS AND THE POWER OF CHOICE”

OCTOBER – NOVEMBER 2026

Experts report that about half of all adults in the U.S. have one or more chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis. In a recent, typical year, seven of the top ten causes of death were chronic diseases, and two of them—heart disease and cancer—accounted for nearly half of all deaths. A grim picture. But, at the same time, there are promising developments in medical understanding and treatment options. Lifestyle changes—including exercise and diet—can be transformative, as can new medications and therapies. In this issue, we ask local practitioners to offer guidance to lessen the impact of chronic illnesses

“LINKING MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH”

DECEMBER – JANUARY 2026-27

We’re presented evidence on a daily basis of the inextricable link between our physical and mental health. Elderly adults, for example, who are more physically fit tend to have better spatial memory than those who are less fit. There’s a good deal of evidence that uncontrolled anger can lead to heart problems. And so much more. Simply put, keeping physically fit means keeping mentally fit as well. Reflecting this understanding, health care providers offer a wide range of healing practices—such as biofeedback, hypnosis, and meditation—to address health conditions from asthma and cancer to diabetes and obesity. In this edition of Health&Healing, local practitioners will explore these connections.

“NATURE & NURTURE: YOUR GENES, YOUR ENVIRONMENT & YOUR HEALTH”

FEBRUARY – MARCH 2027

What matters most—your genes or your environment? This long-standing debate has new relevance at a time when understanding of the role of genetics increases almost daily, along with awareness of environmental challenges to our health.  While we know more about genes’ impact on health; we also are learning more about the powerful influence of environmental factors—from toxins and stress to diet and technology. Maybe most significant is what we’re learning about the lifestyle choices that turn genes “on” and “off.” In March, we’ll be asking area practitioners about the options they offer and the choices we can make to ensure that “nature” and “nurture” work together to support health.