Februrary 2024 Publisher Letter
Feb 01, 2024 12:00AM ● By Jordan Peschek
“I ache to be seen, heard, acknowledged, respected, desired, accepted, valued, savored…and I am going to offer it to myself
I don’t need to wait until I lose weight, make more money, color my hair, am more confident, meet the “right” person, change my quirky habits. I am loved for who I am. Right now.”
– Ann Ruane
These words are shared by Ann Ruane in her book, Fall in Love with the Whispers of your Heart. I appreciate this reminder to be love, to embody love, to open our hearts not just to others but to ourselves, and to appreciate our wholeness. Even the sports fans might have noticed that many football players have been wearing the two words, “Be Love” on the back of their helmets this season.
A healthy heart is about so many things: physical, mental, spiritual, communal. This February issue of Natural Awakenings speaks to the heart in many contexts.
Our feature story, Oral Health Tips to Prevent Heart Disease, on page 12, reminds us that oral health truly does impact our overall health. In Mindful Breathwork, our Healing Ways article on page 24, we highlight stress management tips for heart health. Yes, those deep breaths can calm the heart. We also dive into 5 Key Supplements for Cardiovascular Health on page 18.
It is common knowledge that healthy eating translates to a healthier heart, but we have a fresh look this month at plant-based milk alternatives on page 20 that offer nutritional benefits and pros for the planet, too. The Healthy Kids feature, Helping America’s Kids Eat Better, on page 20, reminds us that heart health spans all ages. Finally, all pet lovers know that our animal friends can fill our hearts in a deep and profound way. See our Natural Pet feature on page 26. We encourage you all to give a huge hug to your children, your partner, your parents and pets this month. Give love and be love.
Love,
Jordan Peschek, RN-BSN