Each year, as we move into the fall season, I am reminded by the falling leaves and dying plants that life is continually in transition. Change is not only inevitable, it is constant. Most transitions are small. Some, however, are staggering in their intensity: death, divorce, loss of employment, serious illness.

     The key to surviving and thriving during change is acceptance. For once life tosses you full force into a tumultuous period, there is no going back.  The articles in this issue focus on various life changes, transitions and “changing seasons” offering help, hope and stability during chaos.

     Still, some life challenges are preventable. Two of our department writers, Drs Bethany Klug and Nancy Russell, look at the rampant rate of cancer. Both concur that eliminating the toxins prevalent in meats, dairy products, water and processed foods  is crucial for prevention.

     In addition to the articles on life’s transitions, this issue contains information on National Yoga Month as well as an eight-page special section on self improvement. The information on page 12 lists various yoga studios throughout the metro offering free classes in honor of National Yoga Month. And as September is also Self Improvement Month, the special section, starting on page 16, is filled with information about local practitioners who aid in self improvement.

     We are also running a promotion offering Renaissance Festival tickets to the first 10 people who send in testimonials of their experiences with our advertisers. Read the ad on page 10 and send in your testimonial. Each week, the staff and I hear feedback on the wonderful results individuals receive from utilizing the practitioners in Evolving. We want to hear your story, as well!

      I was raised with the belief that illness doesn’t exist. Or at least, that we are perfect manifestations with the ability to heal ourselves. As I grew up and started a family of my own, my beliefs slightly changed. I still believe the body has inherent wisdom and can correct itself if allowed, but I also would see a doctor if I had a serious ailment. Still, if there is a problem, my first course is usually an alternative treatment.

     Although I have rarely been ill, I still wonder if it is from positive thinking or good genes. I do know, however, that good health is more than the absence of apparent disease. Medical doctors treat disease, but I prefer to take preventative measures: healthy diet, exercise, positive attitude, loving relationships, time spent in nature; all measures, that I believe, help keep me well. 

     Alternative health care offers an opportunity to feed the body’s need to heal itself, naturally. My experience with medical doctors has been a cycle of experimentation: one medication causing side affects that lead to another medication. In the end, I was never sure if the mixed mess of side affects was worse than the original symptoms. Alternative medicine, however, offers gentle ways to heal yourself. I would never recommend anyone self-treat a serious ailment, but for the everyday stresses and aches of life, I would recommend alternative treatments such as yoga, meditation, reflexology, herbal remedies, etc.

     Each month our writers share their knowledge and experience. This month, we add a new department called holistic health update, by Nancy Russell, M.D. Dr. Russell blends traditional and alternative medicine in her holistic medical practice and I’m sure we will all benefit from her experience. I am honored to add her to our extraordinary stable of writers.