Putting this May 2012 NA Tampa Bay together has boosted my spirits to the max. So much going on locally and beyond, as is so very apparent on these pages. I’m grateful to be living in this vibrant community at this point in time. The natural health movement is alive and well on the West Coast of Florida.

Speaking of natural health movements, it pleases me to see the growing presence of people out riding bikes in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. Once again, the Bay Area is at the forefront of positive change. May is National Bike Month, calling attention to the advantages bicycling offers -- fun, fitness and the opportunity to make good, sound, eco-friendly sense. Good stuff. The League of American Bicyclists (LAB) is one of several organizations advocating on behalf of a "bicycle-friendly America." (See BikeLeague.org for local actions.)

May Day (May 1) is a long-standing celebration of spring, human fertility and the renewal of nature. How appropriate that we also celebrate "Mothers Day" on the second Sunday of this month. Each year with this seasonal reminder, I find myself reflecting on the nurturing women in my own life. In this issue of NA Tampa Bay we pay tribute to our maternal nature, focusing especially on good health and well-being of the female half of our human equation.

In "The Hormone Balancing Act" (page 28), writer Kathleen Barnes offers insight on the crucial role hormones play in our lives, highlighting natural strategies for being more hormone-wise. In our Healthy Kids feature (page 32), writer Beth Davis shares "Mom-to-Mom Wisdom," presenting numerous ways to realize a more holistic and natural approach to "conscious parenting". This article offers tips from several savvy moms on ways to nurture any caring relationship. Be sure to check out our Health Briefs this month (page 16) and our wide ranging calendars of events. As always, this magazine is over flowing with cutting edge news on health and the multitude ways we all can achieve it.

As always, open your mind and read on.