It was 30 years ago this month that Natural Awakenings was first launched in Naples, Florida. Since then, our publication has grown throughout Florida and the rest of the country. Publishing our first edition in April 2002, we are honored to be among the first publishers to spread the message of natural health and a healthy planet to our community. It has been enlightening, educational and a true pleasure interacting with our readers, advertisers and colleagues while creating many cherished memories over the years.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we offer a heartfelt thank you to the loyal readers that have come to know and love this media brand and allowed it to flourish. “We are deeply grateful to the advertisers and community partners that promote green living, healthy people, healthy pets and a healthy planet with their products, services and information,” says Kimberly Whittle, our CEO of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation. “Without them and the readers that support them, this magazine could not offer outstanding journalism and inspirational content each month without cost to the community.”

As has been the practice for the last three decades, Natural Awakenings continues to adapt its concepts, content and communication to reflect the needs of our community without losing sight of its mission. You may notice we have launched a new look this month. It is the first of several exciting enhancements that are coming in 2024, we look forward to sharing them with you.

This month, we begin the year’s journey by exploring Graceful Aging [page 18] in our feature article with advice for living a longer, healthier and more fulfilled life. Learn how recent discoveries indicate it may be possible to reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s in Individualized Alzheimer’s Treatments: A New Frontier in Disease Reversal [page 26]. Find tips for a life in balance in Preventing Falls in Advanced Age [page 28]. Enjoy recipes to address hypothyroidism in Thyroid-Friendly Eating [page 20]. Then see how Kidfluencers are using social media for positive change [page 24]. Our online exclusives at my-NA.com include Rewards of Animal Ownership: How Pets Enhance Human Well-Being and Growing Young in Nature: How Seniors Heal in the Great Outdoors. It is my new year’s wish that you find inspiration from our content to support healthy 2024 resolutions.

Here's to a Happy Healthy New Year!

Kris Urquhart, Publisher