Contributors In memory of… In memory of…

Akers Media mourns the unexpected passing of contributing writer Jeff Romnes. Jeff was a regular contributor to Healthy Living magazine in the area of health and fitness. He was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and had earned a degree in psychology. He worked as a counselor, in the computer software development industry, and for the last nine years of his life in the fitness industry. Jeff was the Central Florida area director for group fitness with Gold’s Gym. He was a fitness and small group TRX instructor at their Mount Dora and Dr. Phillips locations. Jeff will be missed.

TABATHA ARCARO-ORTIZ, M.S., R.D., L.D/N.

Tabatha Arcaro-Ortiz received her bachelor’s degree in food science and human nutrition from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from Georgia State University. She is a clinical dietitian who has worked at Leesburg Regional Medical Center for the past twelve years. For nutritional counseling, please call 352.323.5641 to make an appointment with an LRMC outpatient dietitian or email Tabatha at tortiz@cfhalliance.org.

RICK BOSSHARDT, M.D., FACS

Rick Bosshardt, M.D., graduated from the University of Miami School of Medicine in 1978. He founded Bosshardt & Marzek Plastic Surgery Associates, Lake County’s first practice to provide full-time cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery services, in 1989.

RICHARD BURGUET

Richard Burguet, B.A., M-Div., has been ordained in the Presbyterian Church in America for more than thirty years. He has served churches in South Carolina, Mississippi, Maryland, and Georgia. Richard is pastor of New Hope Presbyterian in Eustis and is co-author of Covenants Disciples Workbook. New Hope is at 19535 Eustis Airport Road and on the web at www.newhopepca.com.

RUTH ANN BYRD

Ruth Ann Byrd, owner of Aesthetic Skin Solutions in The Villages, is a licensed aesthetician specializing in skin rejuvenation and clinical treatment of sun damage, rosacea, and acne. She is also licensed in electrolysis, laser hair removal, and permanent makeup. Ruth Ann is dedicated to helping individuals look their best by improving the health and appearance of their skin. She can be contacted at 352.874.3653.

TRACY DRAPER

Tracy Draper is an AFAA certified personal trainer with over ten years of experience in the profession. Sports were a big part of her teen years. After having children, she rekindled her competitive fire and won titles in triathlons, aquabike, and cycling events in Central Florida. Visit her at www.TrainingWithTracy.net.

MARY EDWARDS

Mary Edwards is a wife and mother to four young children, a business owner, and a blogger. She strives to teach others how to save money and improve their budgets. Mary also enjoys sharing her knowledge in community outreach programs and coupon classes. Mary is the owner and author at www.couponersunited.com.

ADRIAN FINOL, M.D.

Dr. Adrian Finol graduated with his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Central University of Venezuela in 1999. He completed his general surgical residency at the Albert Einstein Medical Center/Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and his thoracic and cardiovascular fellowship at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. He is also board-certified in his field.

VICKI GRAY

Vicki Gray is a licensed clinical social worker who provides counseling to individuals, couples, and families at Wellspring Counseling in Miami. She also teaches at Florida International University (FIU) in the School of Social Work. Vicki and her husband, David, have three lovely daughters, Marlee, Amanda, and Katie.

PHILIP HALL

Philip graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in sports and fitness. He has more than four years experience in the fitness industry. Philip is a nationally certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He specializes in rapid fat loss, nutrition planning, and boot camps. Philip is the director of fitness at Northside Sportsplex in Longwood. Contact him at 407.831.7627 or orphall87@hotmail.com.

FRED HILTON

Fred Hilton spent thirty-six years as the chief public relations officer/spokesman for James Madison University in Virginia and ten years prior as a reporter and editor for The Roanoke Times in Roanoke, Virginia. He is now happily retired in The Villages with his interior designer wife, Leta, their Cadillac Escalade golf cart, and their dog, Paris. (Yes, that makes her Paris Hilton).

SUZANNE HOWARD, LCSW

Suzanne Howard is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist at Central Florida Counseling and Psychological Services, Inc. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Florida International University and a Masters of Social Work from Barry University. She is the current chair of the Lake/Sumter Unit of the National Association of Social Workers. Visit www.counseling-health.com.

WENDY LYN PHILLIPS

Wendy Lyn Phillips is a beauty and image expert with more than twenty-five years of experience. As an entrepreneur for all of her adult life, she has coached thousands on the value of sales, communication, and a compelling presence. She is a speaker and author of the best-selling book, Naked to Knockout; Beauty from the Inside Out. Visit www.WendyLynOnline.com to find out more.

CHRISANN REID, LCSW

Chrisann Reid is the owner and clinical director of Central Florida Counseling and Psychological Services, Inc. Chrisann earned her bachelor’s degree at James Madison University in Virginia, majoring in both psychology and social work. She earned her master’s degree in social work at Florida International University in Miami. She is a licensed psychotherapist who works with persons experiencing a wide range of emotional and behavioral problems. Visit her website at www.counseling-health.com.

JAMES ROACH

James Roach is a 1996 graduate of the Naval Academy with a degree in economics. He has been a Navy pilot for fifteen years and is currently a commercial airline pilot based out of Orlando. James lives in Lake County with his wife, Tiffany, and their four children.

ELLEN B.

Wilcox

Ellen B. Wilcox is a graduate estate planning consultant. Educated at Gettysburg College, the University of Maryland in Paris, France, and Arizona State University, Ms. Wilcox brings more than thirty-three years of experience to her clients. She is president and CEO of Wilcox Wealth Management, a full service financial advisory company in Lady Lake. Ms. Wilcox may be reached at 352.259.1547.

The Heart Of The Matter

February is American Heart Month. Remember the fact that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the following tips to prevent or fight heart disease:

• Choose lean meats and skinless poultry, and prepare them without added saturated or trans fat.

• Select fat-free, one-percent fat, and low-fat dairy products.

• Minimize the amount of foods you consume that are high in dietary cholesterol. Try eating less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol each day.

• Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars.

• Try eating more foods that are low in sodium.

• Drink alcohol in moderation.

• Watch those portion sizes. ■

Reduce shingles risk

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated one million cases of shingles occurs each year in the United States. Shingles is a localized skin rash characterized by painful blisters and is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles most commonly occurs in people ages 50 and older who have medical conditions which keep the immune system from working properly or anyone who receives drugs that may weaken the immune system. The only way to reduce the risk of developing shingles and the long-term pain that accompanies the disease is to get vaccinated.

The Lake County Health Department offers shingles vaccinations at three locations. The Umatilla Health Center can be reached at 352.771.5500, the Leesburg Health Center can be reached at 352.360.6548, and the Clermont Health Center can be reached at 352.989.9001. ■

A taste of goodwill

The fourth annual Taste of the Villages will be held February 6th at the Wildwood Community Center. Attendees will enjoy specialty dishes from nearly one dozen local restaurants and enjoy live music and a live auction.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Lazarus Free Medical Clinic, a program of Catholic Charities of Central Florida and the San Pedro de Jesus Maldonado Mission. The clinic provides medical care, health education, and emergency prescription medications at no cost to residents of Lake, Sumter, and Marion counties who have no medical insurance or those who are at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level.

The event costs $25 per person. For more information, call 352.350.3527. ■

A heartfelt con-GRADulations

In November, The Villages Regional Hospital held its annual graduation celebration for past cardiac rehabilitation participants.

“Our goal is to bring together our cardiac rehab patients to share their stories and experiences,” says Kathy Rodriguez, secretary of cardiac rehab at the hospital. “It is always encouraging to speak with others who have experienced the same things you have and to hear what past patients couldn’t wait to get back to doing after completing the rehab program.”

Cardiac rehab at The Villages Regional Hospital is a customized program of exercise and education. Your doctor may recommend the program to help you return to better health after a heart attack, open-heart surgery, or if you have other heart conditions. The goal is to help patients regain strength, improve cardiac function, prevent the condition from worsening, and identify other risk factors for future heart problems. ■