The fall 2013 school session begins later this month, inspiring renewed awareness of our responsibility as a community to maintain the health and safety of the youth of Tampa Bay. This issue of Natural Awakenings is sure to spark imagination in that respect. Whether through avenues of education, nutrition, fitness or sustainable living efforts, the natural approach helps our youth thrive and successfully meet this world’s challenges.

I was moved to tears watching the recent HBO presentation of Miss You Can Do It 2013. What an uplifting event! Celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year, this national non-profit pageant was created by Abbey Curran for young girls and women with special needs and challenges. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Curran earned the Miss Iowa USA title in 2008, the first state winner in the pageant’s history to have dealt with a special challenge her entire life. She deserves kudos for creating this wonderful platform celebrating these beautiful young women and their indomitable spirit.

This August 2013 issue of Natural Awakenings is an exciting mix of good news that offers us all a renewed sense of determination. Our Healthy Kids feature, "Kid-Smart Supplements", offers expert suggestions on supplement choices sure to help children thrive. In Wise Words, life balance coach and author Renée Peterson Trudeau gives intriguing insights on soulful parenting in "Happy Parents, Happy Kids".

As always, open your mind and read on.