July 2025: Natural Awakenings Tucson Edition

July 2025

In this issue: Artists at Work Award Recognizes Tucson Artist Katrina Kerstetter; Why it’s Important to be Grounded in an AI World; Where the Wild Things Grow; Protein-Forward Breakfasts; The Microadventure Mindset; Edible Landscapes; Plus Much More...

July 2025 Letter From Publisher

July in Tucson is no joke—let’s be real, it’s hot. But if there’s one thing the Sonoran Desert teaches us, it’s how to thrive under pressure. Read More »

At the Foot of the Superstitions by Artist Alexandria Winslow

On the Cover: At the Foot of the Superstitions by Artist Alexandria Winslow

Alexandria Winslow didn’t grow up in Southern Arizona, but when she arrived in 1982, she knew she had found home. Read More »

Discover Wellness Through Intuition with Taesha Mata

Tucson-based medical intuitive and naturopath, Taesha Mata, offers deeply transformative channeled readings Read More »

Experience the Healing Music of Daniel Nahmod

Renowned singer-songwriter and inspirational speaker Daniel Nahmod will grace Tucson with his poetic and soul-stirring message of peace, compassion and love on Sunday, July 27. Read More »

Medicare Options Available for Those with Chronic Conditions

Individuals on Medicare who are living with chronic health conditions may qualify for a Special Needs Plan (SNP) Read More »

New Drug-Free Pain Relief Available in Tucson

A growing number of Tucson residents are experiencing real relief from chronic pain, thanks to Cell2n PEMF Read More »

Tucson Botanical Gardens Acquires Yume Japanese Gardens

In a historic collaboration, Tucson Botanical Gardens (TBG) has acquired Yume Japanese Gardens Read More »

Tucson City of Gastronomy Awarded Grant to Launch Resilience Kitchen

Tucson City of Gastronomy (TCOG) has received a $750,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation’s Humanities in Place Program Read More »

Artists at Work Award Recognizes Tucson Artist Katrina Kerstetter

Mixed media artist Katrina Kerstetter is a heart warrior of the first order, who uses her skills to empower others less fortunate than her. Read More »

Deb Beroset with a Club Moxie Group

Where the Wild Things Grow: Reclaiming Yourself in Nature’s Mirror

The photo shows us grinning on a wooden bridge deep in the North Georgia Mountains—women of all ages, arms around each other, radiant with joy. Read More »

Why it’s Important to be Grounded in an AI World

No question about it, artificial intelligence is revolutionizing our work in remarkable ways, from automating complex decisions to unearthing insights and enhancing communication. Read More »

micro adventure couple

The Microadventure Mindset: Finding Natural Splendor Close to Home

Short, local outdoor escapes—“microadventures”—boost well-being, connect people to nearby nature, and foster community, making adventure accessible to all. Read More »

Julian Hoffman on Finding Our Place in an Interconnected World

Writer Julian Hoffman urges redefining home to include wild places, sharing how ordinary people can protect ecosystems through love, grief, and collective action. Read More »

Protein breakfasts

Protein-Forward Breakfasts: Starting the Day Strong

Starting the day with protein supports metabolism, mood, and satiety, with dietitians recommending plant-based scrambles, nut butters, and cottage cheese for lasting energy. Read More »

SOUTHWESTERN-STYLE TOFU BREAKFAST SCRAMBLE

Southwestern-Style Tofu Breakfast Scramble

Crumbled tofu sautéed with turmeric and smoked paprika mimics scrambled eggs, topped with guacamole and salsa for a plant-based, protein-rich start. Read More »

HONEY PAPAYA YOGURT PARFAIT

Honey Papaya Yogurt Parfait

Greek yogurt, diced papaya, granola, and a touch of honey layer into a refreshing, high-protein parfait that’s naturally sweet and ideal for busy mornings. Read More »

woman in a field of sun flowers

Abandoning Routine and Courting Delight

Small seasonal joys—sunset picnics, solo road trips, barefoot walks—invite a playful reset from routine, reminding us to embrace summer’s sensory abundance. Read More »

kids picking produce from the landscaping

Edible Landscapes: Creating Regenerative Sustenance

Food forests mimic natural ecosystems to produce resilient, edible landscapes, offering biodiversity, soil health, and local food solutions—even in small urban spaces. Read More »

Couple on bikes

The New Cycle of Innovation: How Tech Is Shaping the Future of Bicycling

Tech advances in gravel and e-bikes, safer tires, and app-connected rides are transforming cycling into a more inclusive, versatile, and environmentally friendly mode of transport. Read More »

woman in a pink sun hat

Sun-Kissed, Not Stressed: Keys to Protecting and Replenishing Summer Skin

Natural ingredients like oatmeal, honey, and lavender help soothe summer skin, offering eco-friendly alternatives to chemical sunscreens and replenishing hydration after sun exposure. Read More »

kids in a community garden

The Power of Outdoor Play: Expanding a Child’s Development With the Help of Mother Nature

Outdoor play fosters emotional resilience and cognitive skills, with nature’s sensory-rich environments shown to lower stress and boost attention in children, including those with ADHD. Read More »

dog in water therapy for arthritis

Alleviating Arthritis in Dogs: Joint Health Begins in the Gut

Gut health may hold the key to easing canine arthritis, with research linking digestive inflammation to joint pain and highlighting benefits of whole foods over processed diets. Read More »

Paternal Dietary Influences on Sperm Quality

A small study shows that diet changes can quickly alter sperm gene regulators, suggesting that paternal nutrition may influence offspring health from conception. Read More »

Tick-Borne Disease Spreads to Mid-Atlantic States

Tick-Borne Disease Spreads to Mid-Atlantic States

Ticks in Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware are now carrying babesiosis, a rare parasite once limited to the Northeast and Midwest, raising public health concerns. Read More »

At-Home Cervical Cancer Screening

At-Home Cervical Cancer Screening

A newly FDA-approved self-test device enables at-home HPV screening, offering a less invasive alternative to Pap smears and encouraging broader participation. Read More »

Shingles vaccine

Shingles Vaccine May Reduce Dementia Risk

A study links shingles vaccination to a 20% lower dementia risk, suggesting immune response and reduced inflammation may play protective roles—especially in women. Read More »

Novel Defense Against Infections

New research reveals proteasomes generate infection-fighting peptides, potentially opening a path to novel antibiotic therapies for resistant bacterial strains. Read More »

3D-Printed Train Station man saluting

3D-Printed Train Station

A 3D-printed station in Japan was installed overnight, slashing costs and build time, showcasing how additive manufacturing can transform public infrastructure Read More »

Chilean Deep-Sea Ecosystems Discovered

Scientists discovered 60+ new species and methane-fed life in unexplored Chilean seafloor canyons, using robotic dives nearly 10,000 feet below the surface. Read More »

Seeing a New Color

Researchers used lasers to stimulate eye cells, leading participants to see “olo,” a vivid bluish-green color reportedly outside the standard human color range. Read More »

Solar-Powered Sea Slug

Solar-Powered Sea Slug

The leaf sheep sea slug stores algae chloroplasts and photosynthesizes, a rare trait in animals that lets it convert sunlight into energy for days. Read More »

Family wants fresh air

U.S. Air Quality Is Declining

A record 156 million Americans now live with unhealthy air, as climate change fuels wildfire smoke and extreme heat, reversing decades of clean air progress Read More »

up cycled tires as planters

Rescuing Old Items for Garden Décor

Old teapots, ladders, and boots become whimsical, low-cost garden art, as upcycling breathes creative, eco-conscious life into outdoor spaces Read More »