This year has brought our family a number of unexpected health challenges. From ER visits to emergency surgeries, I’ve had to stay on my toes when making health care choices. In addition to navigating choices for the patient, being the care giver has an impact that is easy to ignore for a time, but the stress accumulates. Leaning on my support team of practitioners and their recommendations has been invaluable. I reached out for massage and energy healing and stayed attentive to nutrition and exercise.

This issue marks our 23rd publishing anniversary. Through Natural Awakenings, I’ve been blessed to learn from some of the best in their chosen health and wellness field. My family relies on these practitioners to maintain our health. Our functional medical doctor is our foundation, and our team also consists of an osteopath, herbalist, massage therapist, and energy healer. Of course, finding trusted sources for our wellness products rounds out the optimum wellness approach.

We designed this special annual guide to provide you resources to build your own wellness dream team. We recommend you keep this issue year-round for reference. It includes an extensive directory and a wide array of wellness profiles. Our community is blessed with talented wellness professionals to help you with your personal health goals. Get to know some of them listed in the dream team roster starting on page 22. Be sure to bookmark this resource online at DreamTeam.my-NA.com for easy access. And enjoy a new book by a local author spotlighted in our Natural Library [page 31].

Our April theme explores how every traveler can make a difference how every traveler can make a difference not only for the Earth but for the local communities they visit [page 40]. Embark on a healthy eating journey empowered to make choices aligned with your values and priorities when selecting food products [page 46]. Understand the challenges and solutions for Single-Use Plastics [page 50]. Plus, learn how traditional and complementary interventions can help Parkinson’s Patients [page 52].

Throughout this issue, you will find a wealth of expertise and guidance by calling on our advertisers. We hope you enjoy this resource and that it enhances your wellness journey.

Here’s to a healthy mind, body, spirit and planet!

Kris Urquhart, Publisher