Why is there no food in this house?” With two teenagers and everyone operating on a different schedule, that question can be heard emanating from my kitchen fairly often. It is a challenge to keep a variety of healthy foods that are easy to prepare in stock. I’m hesitant to buy too much perishable food at one time since my dinner plan for four often turns into dinner for one. Work in some dietary restrictions of gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free plus protein for an athletic teen and I’m beginning to think that learning to cook for a family could be its own college degree.

Staying healthy and preventing a long list of chronic diseases is great motivation for trying to keep the pantry filled with healthy choices. In our feature article, Rethinking Cancer, Susan Silberstein, Ph.D., founder and president of the Center for Advancement in Cancer Education tells us, “When it comes to one’s lifetime risk of cancer, healthy diet and lifestyle choices can make all the difference.” We all know someone whose life has been touched by cancer. The impact of this diagnosis is felt emotionally, physically, and among family members. This month’s feature spotlights natural therapies, products, and local resources to help those who are navigating the arduous journey of recovery.

In this issue you’ll also fi nd ways to shrink your eco- footprint and become plastic-free. Learn natural options to enhance eye care for your pet . Consider tips to get top value from each dollar in your food budget to eat well and spend less. Renee Peterson Trudeau explores soulful parenting to help empower families to handle the challenges of everyday life with harmony and ease. Discover nature’s antibiotics to recover health with less risk in our Healing Ways column. It is our hope that in this issue something resonates with you to lead you to the practitioner or support group that makes a difference in your life.

Here’s to healthy choices!