We welcome the return of refreshing, rejuvenating May to the Bay Area, with the extra-ordinary weather typical of this season. Temperatures continue a steady climb, reaching and mostly remaining near perfection. The air, the beautiful Gulf waters, the great outdoors are calling.

Sunday, May 12 is a day set aside to recognize the mothers and motherly others in our lives. With respect to that special meaning, this issue of Natural Awakenings focuses on women’s health issues in terms of natural wellness in body, mind, and spirit.

I’m always on the lookout for news of evolving and creative natural health approaches that can help smooth the path to holistic wellness. This month author Kathleen Barnes offers wise words on "Aging Gracefully: It’s No Mystery: We Now Know How" (page 26). This article is an enlightening mix of new and old common sense approaches for boldly going into older years the healthiest, most exciting ways. Sounds like a good plan to me.

In this month’s Conscious Eating feature, writers Sayer Ji and Tania Melkonian tell of the healthy support offered by "Edible Hormones" (page 36), examining some leading foods that can help in this respect, and why and how they work.

As always, open your mind and read on.