If your search for reliable and well-researched health and wellness wisdom has brought you to Natural Awakenings, you’ll be pleased to learn that this month’s issue focuses on some of today’s most important health issues facing millions of Americans—genetically altered foods, air quality and seasonal allergies.

I get so excited when I open up my computer to see that I’ve received my national publisher’s preview of what topics will be covered in the national portions of the March edition, which heralds the coming of spring. Since planning the national editorial content for the magazine begins a few months in advance, this means that while I’m still all bundled up in winter wear, and virtually hibernating to escape the snow, sleet and ice of winter, I get to start daydreaming of longer, warmer days.

With spring trying to break through this month, seasonal allergies are not far behind. This means that you shouldn’t miss reading "All the Right Moves" and "Fight Back Naturally." These, and the article by local biological dentist, Amparo David, who teaches us how to resolve allergies with nose breathing, are focused on helping people and pets with allergies.

Did you know that 70 percent of the immune system resides in the lining of the gut? That’s just one critical issue writer Melinda Hemmelgarn addresses in "Nutrition Upgrades: Five Strategies for Better Health." Ditch the diet, eat for yourself and the planet and learn about the care and feeding of that all-important microbiome.

March 22 is World Water Day. In "Saving a Drop to Drink: Our Role in the Coming Water Crisis," writer Jim Motavalli helps us to take stock of water scarcity, the top long-term global risk for the next decade. Jim’s advice on how we can reduce our water footprint is invaluable. Bet you didn’t know it takes more than 3,000 gallons to produce a smartphone and up to 620 gallons to water a 1,000-square-foot lawn. There’s plenty of food for thought here that goes far beyond watering our lawns and low-flush toilets.

As always, thanks for spending time with Natural Awakenings Boston. We appreciate the opportunity to meet you wherever you happen to be on your path and hope you find something useful within this month's edition that supports you today or in the future.

Maisie Raftery, Publisher