People in the publishing business work several months ahead of time on multiple issues, so we tend to lose track of which month it is. Maybe that’s why it’s so hard for me to believe that August is already upon us—the traditional end of summer.

It often takes a child’s heart to wake us to the moment and make us savor every last bit of fun in the sun. I fondly recall youthful summer nights playing flashlight tag, manhunt and any other variation our dozen neighborhood kids could dream up. We relished days spent climbing trees, riding bikes and catching, counting and examining resident bugs and frogs. Of course, we always crammed in all the swimming we could before the school year started.

These days, I still cherish being outside for every waking moment possible. I especially like to relax and listen to nature’s nightly chorus as I scan black velvet skies for shooting stars. I hope you and yours are making the most of summer.

This issue comes packed with good information to keep you and your children vibrant, healthy and ready for anything, whatever the season. Lisa Marshall lays a foundation with our feature, “Drug-Free Kids,” on page 20. Here, we take a look at natural alternatives to medications for common kids’ ailments, from bug bites, coughs and congestion to earaches, fever, growing pains and heartburn. Locally, we check in with America’s Compounding Center, in Newton, to learn about alternative treatments for ADHD (page 22).

We even serve up natural headache remedies for people of any age, including recommendations by Dr. John Duffy at Waltham Chiropractic, on page 15. Who knew that chiropractic treatment can render so much help in relieving headaches?

We’re also excited about the practical and wholesome benefits of hobby farming, from growing your own food and cultivating honey to producing energy onsite. For a taste of the bounty of our local rural lands, Kim Childs takes us to Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, a short drive from the city, in Lincoln. For five decades, this working farm and sanctuary has modeled and taught sustainable living and respect for all of Earth’s creatures while hosting a wealth of family-friendly activities. On August 6, everyone is invited to their free Nature Play Discovery Day. Find details on page 31.

Fresh, delicious juices and smoothies are another summertime treat. You’ll want to check out our “Juice Up” story on page 26, with recipes from Cambridge’s Alive Urban Oasis and Organic Cafe, and family wellness coach Nina Manolson of Somerville on page 29.

Finally, be sure to visit us at our Boston GreenFest sponsor’s booth the weekend of August 19-20. We would love to meet you! The festival kicks off August 18 at Boston City Hall Plaza with a 5 p.m. concert. Throughout the event, you can enjoy interactive exhibits, workshops and presentations as well as continuous live entertainment on three stages: TimeTunnel, EcoFashion and Family GreenFilmFest. Check out our Calendar on pages 32-37 for more funtastic summer ideas.

Feel good ~ Live simply ~ Laugh more,

Maisie Raftery, Publisher