Healthy Living September 2017

Producer of the Best Tasting Bottled Water in the World!

Azure® Alkaline Spring Water

pH8.3

Our water is fresh, native, balanced, pure spring water and is guaranteed to be 100% bottled from the source without any artificial modifications or alterations to acquire its unique and special qualities.

ALKALINE SPRING WATER HAS ITS UNIQUE BENEFITS AND A CLEAN REFRESHING TASTE:

• Super Hydrating & Detoxifying

• Boosts Immune System

• Anti-Oxidant/Anti-Aging

• Improves Digestion

• Increases Energy

• Replenishes Essential Minerals

• Enhances Circulation & Metabolism

Azure® Alkaline Spring Water comes from Heatherwood Spring which is a part of the Crystal River Springs Complex in West Central Florida.

Your partners for life

Dr. Will Barsoum joined the team at Cardiovascular Associates in January 2017. To say he is thrilled about this exciting opportunity would be an understatement.

“The practice has developed an excellent reputation because the doctors are ethical, knowledgeable, and caring,” he said. “I share their vision of delivering quality cardiovascular care to the wonderful residents of Lake County.”

Dr. Barsoum attended medical school at St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada and completed a residency and two fellowships at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. He brings a unique skill set to Cardiovascular Associates and is experienced in treating peripheral vascular disease and pulmonary embolism.

“For me, it’s a major milestone whenever I can improve a patient’s quality of life and increase their longevity.”

He previously practiced in Lake County for more than two years before moving to Orlando.

“I’m happy to be returning to the area. This is where I want to raise my family. We have the best of both worlds. There is plenty of nature, but you don’t have to look far for shopping and entertainment.”

TINY CELLS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE.

Are stem cells a miracle? Not exactly. However, stem cells are a highly effective means of repairing damaged tissue. Stem cell therapy is a non-surgical procedure that gives the body the tools it needs to heal itself naturally. Stem cells repair damaged tissue and regenerate bone, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and muscle. Pain lessens and range of motion increases after a simple injection—without risk of infection.

Schedule a consult today to see if you are eligible for this cutting edge therapy.

Alfred J. Cook Jr. Orthopedic Surgeon

John T. Williams Jr. Orthopedic Surgeon

Vaginal dryness putting

CONTENTS

@YOUR SERVICE

HOT OFF THE PRESS !

DIGITIZE YOUR LIFE.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Order a subscription of your favorite magazine to be delivered directly to your home for just $72. Each subscription includes 12 consecutive issues of Lake & Sumter Style, Village Style or Healthy Living. Choose 2 or more magazines for $85 per year. To order, call 352.787.4112 or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: If you are a seasonal resident or have moved, send your address change request to general@ akersmediagroup.com or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749.

BACK ISSUES: Order a single issue by mail for $7, or 2 or more single issues for $9. To pick up a back issue from our office, please call 24 hours in advance.

DOUG AKERS / president doug@akersmediagroup.com

KENDRA AKERS / publisher/editor-in-chief kendra@akersmediagroup.com

JAMIE EZRA MARK / chief creative officer jamie@akersmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL // DESIGN // PHOTOGRAPHY

LEIGH NEELY managing editor leigh@akersmediagroup.com

JAMES COMBS staff writer james@akersmediagroup.com

THERESA CAMPBELL staff writer theresa@akersmediagroup.com

CHRIS GERBASI staff writer chris@akersmediagroup.com

THANKING THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR LIVES

JASON FUGATE creative director jason@akersmediagroup.com

VOLKAN ULGEN art director volkan@akersmediagroup.com

JOSH CLARK senior designer josh@akersmediagroup.com

MICHAEL GAULIN production director michael@akersmediagroup.com

FRED LOPEZ chief photographer // fred@akersmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

FRED HILTON, RICHARD T. BOSSHARDT M.D.,

JAIME ALONSO, DR. MICHELLE BRAUN, DARALL LEON, JACK CROSSWELL, BRIDGET WEBBER

SALES // MARKETING

TIM MCRAE / vice president of sales tim@akersmediagroup.com

MIKE STEGALL advertising executive mike@akersmediagroup.com

TATIANNA GELIGA advertising executive tatianna@akersmediagroup.com

Back by popular demand, I take great pleasure and excitement in introducing you to Healthy Living’s second annual “Top 20 Most Influential People in Health and Wellness.”

In June, we published a call for nominations and asked our readers to visit our website to select individuals who inspired them. It could be your doctor, fitness trainer, nutritionist, or any person who influenced you or others to live a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle. It appears there are many people in our community who are inspiring others because we received hundreds of nominations. Therefore, we narrowed the field by selecting the top 20 people who received the most nominations.

The next step was to have readers vote on who they thought was the most influential person and offer that person the opportunity to be featured on the cover to represent the top 20. Our voting methodology was to post the top 20 on our Facebook page and have our followers “like” the person they felt was the best. Again, we received a tremendous response.

The results are in, and I gladly present to you the best of the best in the field of health and wellness. Congratulations to you all. And, special congratulations go to Dr. Richard Bosshardt for your overwhelming influence on our community.

JACQUELYN SINGER advertising executive jacquelyn@akersmediagroup.com

CREE HOWARD sales executive assistant cree@akersmediagroup.com

ADMINISTRATION

DEB MATLOCK / office manager deb@akersmediagroup.com

AUBREY AKERS / advertising coordinator aubrey@akersmediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION

SCOTT HEGG / distribution manager scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

DIGITAL SOCIAL MEDIA

GARRETT REARDON / digital specialist garrett@akersmediagroup.com

If you missed the opportunity to nominate and vote for your favorite, please stop what you are doing, visit our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Lakehealthyliving, and “LIKE” our page. We offer many additional opportunities through our website and social media pages for readers to become involved in editorial content. Healthy Living is a magazine for our community and you.

Thank you to all our readers who participated. We could not have done this without you.

Sincerely,

34749 akersmediagroup.com

Kendra Akers

A BETTER FLOW

South Lake Hospital is one of Florida’s first hospitals to utilize a new therapy called the UroLift System to improve bladder function. During the procedure, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2013, a surgeon places an implant to hold the obstructive prostate tissue in a retracted position, opening the urethra. This is an alternative to a more invasive surgical option called transurethral resection procedure.

Half of men age 60 and older have enlarged prostate glands, according to the American Urological Association. It’s a benign but bothersome condition that blocks the flow of urine through the urethra. Traditional treatment methods such as medication and surgery can relieve symptoms but also leave patients with incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

“We’ve had patients from all over Central Florida come to our hospital to have this procedure,” says Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist and co-director of the Personalized Urology & Robotics (PUR) Clinic in Clermont.

LRMC TAKES BABY STEPS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center recently announced the hospital is participating in the 2017 Baby Steps to Baby Friendly project. The goal is to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration in Florida. The project is designed to implement and enhance the practices in maternity care to support and promote breastfeeding. The hospital recently completed all the mandated steps of the program.

“Completing the project means that we have earned a $20,000 grant from the state of Florida to be used for staff education and required projects for the final Baby Friendly designation,” says Sandra Mullin, director of LRMC’s Maternal Child Health Unit. The next phase is completing the Baby Friendly survey in August 2018.

DOCTOR REACHES MILESTONE

Dr. James Young, a Lady Lake urologist, is the first in the United States to reach the milestone of treating more than 300 patients with Rezum System Minimally Invasive BPH Therapy, according to Prostate Evaluation Center and PR Newswire. He founded Prostate Evaluation Center in 1982. Dr. Young ranks in the top 100th percentile of all urologists in the United States, based on hundreds of patient surveys and reviews, according to Healthgrades.com, an online physician and hospital resource.

“After more than 30 years of treating BPH, in my opinion, the Rezum System is the most dramatic advance in technology for treating men with enlarged prostates that I expect to see in my lifetime,” Dr. Young says.

LSSC HOSTS HEALTH SEMINAR

There’s a unique event at Lake-Sumter State College featuring 12 local speakers and the theme is “Inciting Innovation.”

Health-related topics include “A New Suicide Prevention Protocol” presented by Ashleigh Husbands, regional suicide prevention specialist with the Florida Linking Individuals Needing Care project. Patrick Rader, a professor of English at LSSC, will discuss managing chronic pain drug free and how he uses the works of late author Hunter S. Thompson to help him manage the severe pain he has dealt with since a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 1999. Brenda Skoczelas, professor of physics at LSSC, will talk about how she has developed ways to test for nerve damage in a patient using the magnetic field. Kallie McDaniel is a 17-year-old graduate of LSSC working on dual bachelor’s degrees in neuroscience and biology for her pre-med track before going to Mercer University to pursue a doctorate in regenerative medicine. She will discuss the extraordinary power and potential of neural stem cells.

Registration is $10 for LSSC students, $20 for faculty and staff, and $30 for members of the community. The event is scheduled from 9:30am-4:30pm Sept. 15 at the Paul P. Williams Auditorium, 9501 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg.

FIT TO THRILL

Get Fit Lake, a website listing fitness-related activities in Lake County, will host its inaugural Get Fit Lake Day. The event will be Sept. 23 from 10am to 2pm at ViaPort Mall, located at 10401 U.S. Hwy. 441 in Leesburg.

Numerous local vendors will be at the event to educate attendees about the area’s health and fitness opportunities. Vendors will also have fun-filled activities for people of all ages.

“I’m very excited about this event because it’s a broad presentation of what Lake County has to offer for healthy lifestyles,” says Annacelia Gander, who launched the Get Fit Lake website in 2008. “That means eating well, hearing well, and living well.”

Some of the vendors include Clermont Waterfront Boats and Bikes, Martial Arts World, and Swimming 4 Life. For more information, please visit GetFitLake.com.

Healthy Inspiration

DEFYING ALL ODDS

Motorcycle racer Monty Klein: ‘I’ve been racing my whole life, so it is in me. To stop doing something you really love would kill you.’

WRITER: THERESA CAMPBELL PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

Open-heart surgeries, a pacemaker, four broken ribs, a shattered left shoulder blade, punctured lung, punctured spleen, and a broken right hand never stopped Monty Klein, 56, from getting back on his bike and pursuing his passion for motorcycle racing.

Of course, he had to wait for the OK from his doctors.

“When you have a love or passion for something, you’re not going to let anything stand in your way, no matter if it’s golf, bowling, or motorcycle racing,” he says. “Why would you? Look at some of these veterans who come back from overseas with their legs blown off. They go get prosthetics and you see them competing or running a marathon, and that is very inspiring.”

Monty has been racing since age 9, starting with go-carts, then motocross, and now he’s regarded as one of Florida’s best in the 30-plus, 40-plus, and 50-plus age categories of the flat track series of the Southern Dirt Track Association, where he has earned multiple state championships.

He competed in the nationals of the American Motorcyclist Association Dirt Track Championship hosted over the Fourth of July weekend in Du Quoin, Illinois, where his goal was to win and be declared the fastest amateur racer in the country.

After finishing second in several individual events, he was in position to win the overall championship in the 30-plus class and take a solid second place in the 40-plus and 50-plus classes.

“But in the last series of events, my engine blew up!” Monty says, devastated to drop to third. “It was a huge bummer, but that was my first time out there. Now they know who I am, so I will be back next year and kick some butt!”

Monty’s determination drives his desire to succeed.

“I don’t believe I ever heard Monty say the word ‘can’t,’ or that there is something he can’t do because of either his age or health issues he has had. He just sees them as challenges and works on ways to improve and change things up,” says Jan Taylor, Monty’s girlfriend. “He is unique as far as anyone I have ever met, and he’s amazing to watch. I think what I have learned from him is as long as you’re breathing, there is no excuse. Go for it and live your life.”

Monty doesn’t see himself giving up racing anytime soon. He even jokes about racing at age 100: “If I was able to, I’d race my wheelchair.”

NASAL RELIEF ALLERGY AND SINUS

352.728.2404

LEESBURG THE VILLAGES® TAVARES

Michael A. Freedman, DO

S. Dwight Vaught, MD

Judith Milstead, MD

Dino Madonna, MD

GO AHEAD. FILL UP THAT SIPPY CUP WITH COFFEE

WRITER: FRED HILTON

The earliest reliable evidence of coffee drinking goes back to the middle of the 15th century in the Middle East. Coffee grew in popularity in America during the Revolutionary War—given a boost when the Sons of Liberty dumped 342 crates of British tea into the Boston Harbor. Americans have been hooked ever since.

One tradition surrounding coffee has been solidly in place for nearly 100 years. A little kid, seeing Mommy and Daddy enjoying their coffee, asks for a sip. “No way!” little kid is told. “It’ll stunt your growth!”

It won’t. Heavy-hitter sources like The New York Times, Harvard University, and the Smithsonian Institution all agree the coffee-stunting-growth bit is bogus.

Writing in the Times, Anahad O’Connor says: “After decades of research on the physiological results of coffee consumption, there is no evidence that it has any effect on height…Coffee will not stunt growth.”

A study by the Harvard Medical School says: “Whether or not coffee turns out to have significant health benefits, this popular beverage doesn’t stunt your growth. Your height is largely determined by the height of your parents and the quality of your diet and overall health while growing.”

Smithsonian magazine agrees: “As much as we hate to give argumentative kids more ammo in undermining their parents, we love dispelling cherished scientific misconceptions. Despite decades of research into the effects of coffee drinking, there is absolutely no evidence that it stunts kids’ growth.” The magazine cites Mark Pendergrast, the author of “Uncommon Grounds: The History of Coffee and How It Transformed Our World,” who writes, “To my knowledge, no one has ever turned up evidence that drinking coffee has any effect on how much children grow.”

Modern concerns about coffee’s health effects go back to the early 20th century, when an advertising campaign for a caffeine-free coffee alternative, Postum, vilified coffee for claimed health hazards. Postum was also marketed as a kid-friendly hot beverage. Postum claimed that coffee should never be served to children because it made them sluggish, irritable, and sleepless. A 1933 advertisement claimed, “it hampers proper development and growth.”

The notion that coffee is unfit for children—and, specifically, that it stunts their growth—worked its way into the country’s cultural consciousness despite a total lack of scientific evidence.

Coffee won’t stunt your child’s growth, but do you really want a kid who’s even more wired than usual?

Sources:

“The Claim: Drinking Coffee Can Stunt a Child’s Growth,” by Anahad O’Connor, The New York Times, Oct. 18, 2005. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/18/health/the-claim-drinking-coffee-can-stunt-a-childs-growth.html?_r=1

“Is it true that caffeine can stunt a child’s growth?” by the BabyCenter editorial team. https://www.babycenter. com/404_is-it-true-that-caffeine-can-stunt-a-childs-growth_10310763.bc

“Can Coffee Really Stunt Your Growth?,” Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, July 2015. http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/can-coffee-really-stunt-your-growth

“It’s a Myth: There’s No Evidence That Coffee Stunts Kids’ Growth,” by Joseph Stromberg, Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian magazine, Dec. 20, 2013. http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/its-a-myth-theres-no-evidence-thatcoffee-stunts-kids-growth-180948068/

“Does Coffee Stunt Your Growth?,” roastycoffee.com. https://www.roastycoffee.com/does-coffee-stunt-your-growth/

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ROTATOR CUFF TEARS

Written byJonathan R. Pritt, M.D.

Therotator cuff is the anatomic name of a set of tendons in the shoulder that are critical to normal shoulder function and strength. There are four muscles that converge to form the rotator cuff. They originate from the scapula or shoulder blade. These muscles cross the shoulder joint and turn into a cuff of tendon tissue that attaches to the humerus bone on the front, top and back of the shoulder joint. As the name suggests, these muscles play an important role in the rotation and motion of the shoulder joint in all planes.

The rotator cuff can tear as a result of injury or, much more commonly, as a result of age related degeneration. If the tear is small, the symptoms can be minimal or can result in significant pain when the shoulder is put to use. Pain at night is extremely common and is often the reason patients decide to see a physician. A larger tear can cause pain and significant weakness when the arm is used away from the body or overhead.

Chronic changes that occur as a result of a rotator cuff tear can be seen on simple X-rays of the shoulder. However, an MRI is often needed to appreciate smaller tears or sudden tears of the rotator cuff. A spectrum of tear patterns and progression can be seen on an MRI, from small tears and partial fraying of the tendons to massive tears that are no longer repairable. The treatment options vary depending on the size and progression of the tears.

Treatments of rotator cuff tears include specialized physical therapy to strengthen the rotator cuff, steroid injections to minimize pain around the rotator cuff, and surgery to repair the cuff and remove any unhealthy tissue from the area.

If an individual has a rotator cuff tear that is symptomatic and the primary symptom is pain with use and/or pain at night during sleep, then that

person could anticipate an 80% chance of significant pain improvement with a steroid injection and formal physical therapy. Therapy can take up to 12 weeks to improve pain symptoms. Therapy focuseson retraining the muscles around the shoulder so that they work in proper dynamics.

Steroid injections around the rotator cuff act as a potent anti-inflammatory to the area of the rotator cuff and surrounding tissues that can become inflamed. Injectable steroids are molecules related to cortisone, which is the body’s native regulator of inflammation. These injections offer a high percentage chance of pain relief for a period of time but do not replace the need for physical rehabilitation of the shoulder. Steroid injections have very low infection risks or other side effects. Although these injections do have a low risk of infection, they tend to increase blood sugars in patients with diabetes.

When surgery is required to address rotator cuff disease, it falls under two broad categories - debridement or repair.

Debridement is an option for small, partial thickness, tears of the rotator cuff or in the situation of an irrepairable tear in some individuals. Debridement means removal of tissue that is unhealthy and irritated. This is usually done arthroscopically through small poke holes in the skin where small instruments can be placed in and around the joint to see and perform the necessary work. With this procedure, post operative

recovery is accelerated, requiring only a few days in a sling for comfort followed by physical therapy. It’s not actually caused by anything.

On the other hand, if the rotator cuff is surgically repaired, then recovery is more limited. Rotator cuff repair can be done arthroscopically or through an open incision depending on the surgeons preference. Recovery after rotator cuff repair is typically 4-6 weeks of sling protection, 6-8 weeks of therapy for range of motion, and 3 months of strengthening. Surgery offers an 80-85% chance of good to excellent pain relief.

In the situation of large or massive irrepairable rotator cuff tears that also develop significant arthritis, a specific type of joint replacement surgery may be an option. This is called reverse total shoulder replacement. Reverse total shoulder replacement “reverses” the normal ball and socket geometry of the shoulder joint to help replace some of the function of the rotator cuff. This surgery offers a high percentage of pain relief and improvement in function.

Rotator cuff disease is a very common cause of shoulder pain. There are good surgical and nonsurgical options for treatment of rotator cuff problems. Treatment choice is based on individual factors and disease severity. It is best to consult with an orthopaedic physician with any questions or concerns regarding shoulder pain.

TOP A tip of the hat to the

Lake and Sumter counties are fortunate to be in the hub of great health care in Florida. It doesn’t matter what kind of care you need to keep yourself at your healthiest, you can find it here. Healthy Living is proud to present the Top 20 Health & Wellness Professionals as selected by the readers. These people are known for their skills, the quality of care they provide, and their ability to connect with people in a special way.

DR. RICHARD T. BOSSHARDT

PLASTIC SURGEON

Passion: I love the artistic and technical challenges of plastic surgery. While many operations in other specialties are “lifesaving,” many in my specialty are “life changing.” Many patients describe their experience in exactly those words. I love the challenge of trying to make something normal better and of making something that is deformed normal again. It is a happy specialty.

Pet peeve: That most telephone calls are answered by machines, not people. In our office, a person answers every call.

Guilty pleasure: Desserts…no, make that reading a good book on a rainy day. Sounds better.

If you could have a drink with anyone, who would it be and what would you drink? A cup of tea with C.S. Lewis.

JOY H. KRISTOFFERSON GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

Passion: Watching members realize their true fitness potential and reaching their goals. Knowing I’m part of it to help them along the way is amazing.

Greatest career achievement: Being nominated for the second time to the Top 20. Knowing members feel that way is a humbling honor. I love my peeps!!

Secret to success: Keeping a positive attitude. Listening to members’ needs and concerns. Giving modifications to help them perform different exercises they wouldn’t normally try. I love to laugh, so I try to make everyone smile and enjoy themselves while working out.

Pet peeve: Hypocrites. Rude people.

Guilty pleasure: Mint chocolate anything. Ice cream.

MICHELLE

DR. PEDRO GELIGA NEUROLOGIST

Passion: The wonders and mysteries of the brain fascinate me, and it’s my passion to continue to help people navigate through the confusing and often scary process of coping with incurable and emotionally devastating diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.

Hero: Dr. Wolf, who was the director of the Neurology Department in Syracuse, New York.

Favorite exercise: Salsa dancing with Sandra, my wife of 40 years.

Healthy snack: Fruit, especially icecold seedless grapes.

If you could have a drink with anyone, who would it be and what would you drink? Abe Lincoln and a nice glass (or three) of any California wine.

LORI ESAREY

MS, ARNP-C, CS, CFT, ABAAHP, FAARFM, OWNER // TOTAL NUTRITION AND THERAPEUTICS

myself that I’m living

Guilty pleasure: Oh, my goodness! Donut King! Their apple fritters are the most amazing ever!

Healthy snack: Anyone who knows me knows I L-O-V-E PICKLES! I love pickles so much that I marinade chicken in my leftover pickle juice and then air fry it! So good! Can’t say it enough!

Passion: Who couldn’t be passionate when every day they see lives radically changing—people healing physically and emotionally, developing healthy relationships with food and ending years of bondage, clients reducing or eliminating medications, and basically taking ownership of their health? It warms my heart!

Your hero: Those who have gone before me and are working beside me pioneering this type of medicine. Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Amy Myers, Dr. Perlmutter, and Dr. Davis, to name a few.

Pet peeve: People who find every excuse why they can’t instead of why they can.

Hobbies: Being active and traveling.

RYNA LAVALLE FOUNDER/PRESIDENT // CARING CANINES THERAPY DOGS

Passion: We visit many different types of facilities—Waterman Hospital, area nursing homes, assisted-living centers, and Boggy Creek Camp for seriously ill children. To see the joy our dogs bring to the clients and patients is what makes me so passionate.

Greatest career achievement: Beginning this organization in 2003 with just five or six handlers and their dogs and watching it grow to over 100 teams has been quite an accomplishment.

Your hero: Dr. Ben Carson, for his worldwide accomplishments and dedication to children with neurological disorders.

Pet peeve: Insincerity. I strongly feel if a person makes a commitment he or she should always follow through.

JAIME ALONSO HEALTH COACH

Secret to success: I surround myself with positive, successful people and focus on what can help people grow.

OWNER/CHIROPRACTOR

OLCOTT CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER

Helping people get back to the activities they enjoy.

Greatest career achievement: Opening my first office. Inefficiency and greed.

Being down to earth with a relaxing environment and honesty.

“Do or do not. There is not try.” – Yoda. Bourbon (specifically Old Fashioneds).

Watching hockey and running.

JOANNE M. KELLER

ARNP // FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER

I have been in the nursing profession for 32 years, 21 of those as an advanced practice registered nurse (nurse

How long in your field: I have been in the nursing profession for 32 years, 21 of those as an advanced practice registered nurse (nurse practitioner).

Accomplishing my goal of becoming a board-certified fellow in anti-aging and regenerative medicine

Greatest career achievement: Accomplishing my goal of becoming a board-certified fellow in anti-aging and regenerative medicine through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

Pet peeve: Spelling mistakes on business signs.

If you could have a drink with anyone, who would it be and what would you drink? I would drink an ice-cold Bud with my brother George, my special angel brother in heaven.

If you could have a drink with anyone, who would it be and I would drink an iced-cold Bud with my

DR. JASON DAVIS CHIROPRACTOR // THE VILLAGES CHIROPRACTOR

Passion: Helping injured people regain and maintain a fulfilling and active life. I’ve been doing this for 18 years.

Greatest career achievement: Helping a patient who was bedridden for a year be able to walk and be a part of her family’s and friends’ special moments again.

Your hero: My wife Dianna. She has an uncanny ability to balance our work and home lives.

Guilty pleasure: Indulging in abundant amounts of fishing gear and trips to share and experience with our kids, as I remember were some of my favorite childhood memories with my grandma.

Healthy snack: Fresh organic vegetables with ranch dressing.

KATHY HAVILAND FOUNDER/PRESIDENT // TRI-COUNTY SENIOR OUTREACH SERVICES LLC

How long in your field: At the age of 16 I started working in senior health care in a skilled nursing center in Croton-OnHudson, New York. I was the evening and weekend receptionist. Many weekends would find me calling bingo or conducting trivia games. So, I guess you could say I have been in the field well over 36 years.

Secret to success: Listening, determination, focus, optimism, and a great deal of multitasking.

Pet peeve: When an elder situation comes to me due to the misdirection, inexperience, or monetary motivation of others. It is frustrating to pick up the pieces and get a client back on track after poor guidance.

DESANTIS

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING // PALMS HOME CARE WITH INTEGRITY

Assertiveness, motivation, and self-esteem.

God’s crazy about you!

Ice cream and coffee.

Healthy snack: No-bake peanut butter/chocolate energy bites.

Your hero: The many medical doctors, nurses, therapists, and caregivers who do their part every day.

Passion: The privilege of making a difference.

Favorite exercise: Morning walk/run or biking.

LARRY BLEVINS PA // MESOS PLASTIC SURGERY

Greatest achievement: I am a retired U.S. Army captain and during my tenure as an officer, I was presented with many awards including two Bronze Stars and a Combat Medical Badge. I felt honored to spend my time helping train young soldiers and mold them into proud, respectable adults. But I have to say that over the past nine years I have been blessed with an even more challenging task in raising three young daughters, and they are definitely the greatest achievement of my life.

Your hero: Dr. Stephen N. Xenakis (Ret. Brig. General) who taught me how to be an honorable officer and a leader.

Healthy snack: Whatever my wife tells me I should eat.

Hobbies: Beating Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Balingit at competitive tennis.

ALFRED J. COOK JR.

JOHNSON

GLOVER CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

Being able to make a positive change in someone because they came

Greatest career achievement: Starting a clinic with virtually nothing but a dream, with failure not being

Professional

If you could have a drink with anyone, who would it be and what My grandpa. I was very close to him before he passed away. It would be at my clinic because I’d like him to see what I’ve accomplished less than half a

I.

Passion about your job: when patients are more vulnerable and being able to give them hope, healing, and peace.

Secret to your success: highest standard of care. Treating others the same way I like all of my family to be treated.

Your hero: McDonald House.

Favorite quote: Serving is the highest purpose.

Guilty pleasure: custom pastries.

JOHN T. WILLIAMS

ADVANCED

TIM PRUETT

K. WADE FOSTER

CENTERS

ADVANCED ORTHOPEDICS INSTITUTE

LAKEVIEW COMPREHENSIVE DENTISTRY

ORTHOPEDICS INSTITUTE

FLORIDA DERMATOLOGY & SKIN CANCER

LISA

E-Z NUTRITION

DR. NITZA

CARDIOLOGIST / OWNER TRI COUNTY HEART INSTITUTE

“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.”

—Buddha

DILLY TUNA STUFFED BELL PEPPER

INGREDIENTS

“My favorite thing to do is teach how to cook easy, healthy, budget-friendly meals with minimal ingredients!”

Jaime Alonso

Certified Health Coach

I received my initial training and certification as a wellness coach at Spencer Institute. I continued my training as a health coach at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition’s cutting-edge health coach training program. I studied more than 100 dietary theories, practical lifestyle management techniques, and innovative coaching methods with some of the world’s top health and wellness experts. My teachers included Dr. Andrew Weil, director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine; Dr. Deepak Chopra, leader in the field of mind-body medicine; Dr. David Katz, director of Yale University’s Prevention Research Center; Dr. Walter Willet, chair of nutrition at Harvard University; Geenan Roth, bestselling author and expert on emotional eating; and other leading researchers and nutrition authorities.

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Grease deep baking pan (deep enough to hold a bell pepper) with coconut, avocado, or grapeseed oil.

3. Slice off tops of bell peppers, removing stem and seeds, and rinsing and patting dry.

4. In a large bowl, combine tuna (drained) with 4 tablespoons of mayo and 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard.

5. Add 1 tablespoon of dill weed (or more based on your liking).

6. Scoop mixture into peppers (enough to fill to top).

7. Sprinkle with paprika.

8. Place peppers in baking pan and bake 25 minutes or until softened.

At Total Nutrition and Therapeutics, I help you create a “sustainable” lifestyle change. Meeting you where you are in your journey and equipping you with practical tools to grow and learn new strategies; teaching you how to shop and plan meals; helping you create new ideas; and learning how to eat out are a few of the handson lessons you receive. I teach you how to live well for life!

PEP UP YOUR PEPPERS WITH TUNA!

4 red, orange, or yellow bell peppers

Mayo

Coconut, avocado, or grapeseed oil

Dijon mustard

4 4-oz. cans/bags of tuna

Paprika

Dill weed

HEALTH

The simple basics may lead to a better you.

WRITER: RICHARD T. BOSSHARDT, MD, FACS

Staying as healthy as you can is not rocket science. No, you cannot avoid medical issues, illnesses, and accidents indefinitely, but you can certainly tip the balance in your favor by taking some simple steps. I call them the ABCs of health.

Ais for attention or awareness

You can lose your health quite easily, and quickly, simply by not paying attention. Very small changes occurring over a period of years may produce dramatic deterioration in your health. Gain a pound or two per year and in a couple of decades you will be obese. If you don’t check your blood pressure regularly, small, incremental increases can lead to hypertension. Untreated high blood pressure puts you at increased risk of a stroke or heart attack. A periodic checkup by your doctor simply isn’t enough. Pay attention to your body.

Bis for background

We know that genetics play an important role in health. Know your family history. Is there breast cancer? You might consider getting checked for the breast cancer gene mutation, which runs in families. Colon cancer? You might wish to begin screening earlier in life. My family’s history includes heart disease and strokes, so I pay attention to my own risk factors by getting my cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked and making sure my blood pressure is consistently normal.

Cis for commitment

I know from personal experience, and professionally as a doctor, that unless there is a commitment on the part of the person to live a healthy lifestyle, nothing I can say or do will have any meaningful impact. I also know that once people make that commitment, there is little they cannot accomplish. Stories abound of people who took seemingly impossible situations and turned them around by making a commitment to do this.

Dis for diet

The typical American diet is one of the single biggest factors that turned us into what is almost certainly the unhealthiest population in history, with epidemic obesity, chronic illnesses, cancer, heart disease, and more. You are what you eat is more than a truism; it is my reality and yours. While details may

change, the basics of a healthy diet are well known. One of the best books on diet I have ever read is Michael Pollan’s “Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual.” His advice is simple and practical. You can read it in one sitting.

Eis for exercise

Those who read my writings regularly are probably tired of hearing me promote exercise. If there is a “magic bullet” for staying healthy, exercise is it. A few hours a week of vigorous exercise will pay dividends above and beyond just about anything else. It reduces your risk of most everything from Alzheimer’s disease to cancer to heart disease. While it can be a challenge to begin a regular exercise program, those who do almost unanimously find that once it becomes part of their lifestyle, it is difficult to quit. Exercise or suffer the consequences. It is as simple as that.

Fis for friends and family

We are social beings. You are more likely to live a healthy lifestyle if you engage your family and friends in doing the same. Parents need to lead kids by example. Find friends with similar interests, whether it is going to the gym, running, cycling, and so on. Your success will feed theirs and vice versa. If we did more of this, we would go further in solving the health care problems in our country than any legislation ever would.

Gis for goals

I find I am at my best in living a healthy lifestyle when I have a goal. For me, it may be training for a marathon or triathlon. For others, it may be a weight goal, getting off medications, completing a 5K run, making it to the gym regularly for a specified period, or something else entirely. The goal doesn’t matter as long as it is yours. It should be specific and attainable, but challenging at the same time. Goals give us something to shoot for and hold us accountable. What is yours?

His for holistic

This word is overused and misunderstood. It means that everything we do is interconnected. Our lifestyle encompasses all the decisions we make every day—decisions that either promote or detract from our good health. We make lifestyle choices every day. Choose wisely.

“Nutrition is an exciting, dynamic field—there are more than 10,000 articles published on human nutrition in medical journals every year.”

—Michael Greger

BRAIN-BOOSTING EXERCISES

WRITER: DR. MICHELLE BRAUN

The best “brain-boosting” activities are captured by the acronym “SAVE.” They are:

Slightly challenging

To grow the strongest neuronal connections, we must try an activity in which we are not already expert. The tasks you choose should be slightly above your current abilities, but not so difficult that they are frustrating. You should seek head-scratching moments that require you to actively think through information.

Absorbing

You should feel engaged and interested in the tasks you do, so that you spend more time doing them. More time equals more neuronal connections.

Varied

Mix up the activities you do so that you grow neuronal connections in different areas of your brain.

Enlarge your knowledge

Choose activities that make you a “beginner again” and teach you new information. For example, if you are already an expert at crosswords, you are likely to grow more neuronal connections if you do a different type of task, rather than more crosswords.

The best brain-boosting activities are different for everyone. Examples include learning a new language, a new route to work, a new gardening technique, new information about a topic you love, watching

educational television, and any other task that is Slightly challenging, Absorbing, Varied, and Enlarges your knowledge.

A Mayo Clinic study published early this year demonstrated the breadth of activities that help minimize cognitive decline. Results showed the risk of developing memory problems decreased by 30 percent when people used computers, by 28 percent when they did craft activities, by 23 percent when they were involved in social activities, and by 22 percent when playing games. The effect was strongest when the activities were done one to two times weekly.

Other powerful tools that boost memory and decrease the future risk of Alzheimer’s disease include:

Cardiovascular exercise (the most powerful tool).

A brain-healthy diet.

Maintaining good vascular health (controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight).

Minimizing stress and depression.

Good sleep quality and quantity.

About the author

Dr. Michelle Braun is a Yale- and Harvard-trained, board-certified neuropsychologist who is passionate about empowering individuals to boost brain health, reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, and triumph over “brain blips.”

That place right now is The Heart of the Villages. Our physicians and medical professionals have been treating Central Floridians for years with a level of exemplary cardio care that comes straight from the heart. We’re in a new location now, but our hearts are where they’ve always been—with you and the health of your family.

New location! The Oaks Professional Center, 8575 NE 138th Lane Call today for a consultation at 352.674.2080 heartofthevillages.com

Life is precious when your heart’s in the right place.

NUTRITION AND ALZHEIMER’S

WRITER: DR. MICHELLE BRAUN

The impact of a brain-healthy diet is powerful in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Over the years, components of the Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets have been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. The most effective components of the Mediterranean and DASH diets were recently combined with other brain-boosting foods to form the MIND Diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay). The MIND Diet is one of the most effective diets in reducing the risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s, in other words, Alzheimer’s that develops after the age of 65.

There are many brain-healthy diets on the market, but the MIND Diet appears to include the most effective components of the available diets and is very easy to follow. People who eat the MIND Diet consistently over years likely have a greater reduction in the risk of Alzheimer’s. Some studies suggest the MIND Diet may also help with weight loss.

Individuals who closely followed the MIND Diet for four years had a 53 percent reduced risk of Alzheimer’s. Even individuals who followed it moderately had a 35 percent reduced risk of Alzheimer’s. The positive impact of the MIND Diet is likely related to better blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight. Antioxidants may also help minimize the destruction of nerve cells by free radicals and inflammation.

The MIND Diet includes 10 recommended foods, including whole grains (three times per day); a salad, one other vegetable, and a glass of red wine daily; nuts on most days; beans every other day; poultry and berries at least twice a week; and fish at least once a week. Minimal consumption of five foods associated with decreased brain health is also recommended (fried foods, butter, cheese, red meat, pastries, and sweets). Consumption of fried and high-sugar foods has been associated with shrinkage of tissue in brain areas related to memory.

The positive impact of brain-healthy foods on reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s is significantly increased when accompanied by cardiovascular exercise, good stress management, sleeping

at least seven hours per night, engaging in daily active learning, and maintaining healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight. Check with your health-care provider before changing diet, as some brainhealthy foods may not be recommended for individuals on certain medications or with certain medical conditions.

About the author

Dr. Michelle Braun is a Yale- and Harvard-trained, board-certified neuropsychologist who is passionate about empowering individuals to boost brain health, reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, and triumph over “brain blips.”

A SUITE PLACE FOR independent living

In and around The Villages, a basic 400-square-foot apartment in a assisted living facility can start at $36,000 per year. Even those who have adequately planned for retirement may find this expense unbearable.

Fortunately, there is another option being offered by Hometown Builders, a local Certified General Contractor based in Wildwood.

Multigenerational is the term used to describe these specialized living spaces that can accommodate your mom or dad, your son or daughter who’s just getting started in life, or just old friends and neighbors from back home that love to visit any time of the year. Its living area that is close enough for you to check in on your loved one with ease but private enough where everyone enjoys their own space.

Lisa Malloy Designer Elisa Adams-Rae Certified General Contractor

“The purpose of training is to tighten up the slack, toughen the body, and polish the spirit.”

—Morihel Ueshiba

HOW TO BUILD CONFIDENCE IN

4

WEEKS

BRIDGET WEBBER

hen your self-esteem is low, you miss opportunities to thrive. You turn down invitations, underestimate your value, and hide in your shell. Taking a step-by-step approach to building dence allows you to shine progressively. As a result, moving out of your comfort zone is gradual.

WEEK ONE: YOUR CRITICAL INNER VOICE

Your inner voice can be your greatest enemy or best friend. Learning how to make it your comrade is the first dence. When it says, “You aren’t good enough,” your self-esteem dips. Understanding your voice will make a big difference to your self-confidence.

Initially, you need to know how the voice in your head works. What it says depends on the subjects you entertain. Feed your mind fearful topics, and you’ll get anxiety-based feedback. The voice is a helpful gauge, reflecting areas of focus. If it tells you things that distress you, this is your cue to concentrate on positive topics.

dence-building task this week is to practice shifting your focus. Move your mind to subjects that generate kind feedback. Start by recognizing areas you give the most attention at the moment. Maybe you focus adversely on your appearance, how incompetent you think you are, or an unhappy memory. Doing so places anxiety at the forefront of your mind, causing negative reactions.

ed what you’ve been focusing on, think of a topic to replace destructive rumination. Consider a subject that makes you feel good. A pleasant memory, an uplifting song you can play in your head, or an achievement you’re proud of will be suitable. Over the next seven days, shift your focus from negative topics to your

Remember, your inner voice is not a problem; it’s a tool that measures where you’re applying attention. Use it to

From now on, use only these or similar words to describe your appearance.

Now list your achievements. Consider everything from sponsored walks you finished to exams you passed. Include successes like having forged a great friendship and attaining personal growth. Also, list positive traits you think you own. If you can’t think of any, ask those closest to you what they would add. When you believe you aren’t valuable, read the list and boost faith in yourself.

WEEK THREE: VALIDATION

Do you look for approval from people? You might also take the negative things they say to heart. When you need proof from others that you’re good enough, their words and behavior toward you are powerful. If they are unkind or devalue you, you are depressed.

This week, build your confidence by noticing when you look for approval. Stop yourself in the act of doing so, inwardly saying, “I am always good enough. ” When others criticize, know that no one can judge you accurately. They can only dip into their experiences and what they’ve been taught. Once again, say, “I am always good enough.”

WEEK FOUR: HELP SOMEONE ELSE WITH THEIR CONFIDENCE

You might have unrealistic expectations about your qualities. Do you compare yourself to others or try to be someone you are not? You might tell yourself you should be more attractive. Or you may imagine you should have similar talents to someone you know.

This week, notice when you disapprove of yourself. Spot when you want your personality, abilities, or appearance to be different. On each occasion, silently say, “That’s not

Next, practice the art of self-acceptance. Look in a mirror without being judgmental. Observe your shape, lines, skin tone, and curves, viewing with curiosity. Describe what you see aloud, using only positive words, like curvy or svelte.

Helping others overcome similar challenges will elevate your self-esteem. As you consider ways they misjudge themselves, you will recognize ways you do the same yourself. Also, you will think differently. You’ll be optimistic and have a sense that everything will be all right. The compassion you offer them is just what you need from yourself.

This week, think of someone you know who isn’t confident. Consider how you can help the individual increase self-worth. If you can’t think of anyone, make up a character. Think of the behavior the person might carry out, for instance, using self-defeating language and refusing compliments. What advice would you offer? Write helpful ideas in a notebook and follow your recommendations.

You can build confidence week by week until you see yourself in a positive light. Carry out the exercises suggested for a new perspective, courage, and more self-esteem.

Amy Diehl, PA-C

Amy completed her Master's of Physician Assistant Studies at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Manchester NH in 2011. After initially working in primary care, she missed working in the OR and joined a multi-specialty surgical group. She spent 5 years assisting over one hundred surgeons throughout the Central Florida area. Her focus was in general surgery, urology, orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology. It was during this time she was trained on the Da Vinci Robotic Systems and found her niche as a surgical first assistant for the robot. It was also during this time she met the surgeons of Mid-Florida Surgical Associates while assisting some of their surgical cases in Clermont, Fl. She was presented the opportunity to come on board and assist the group of general surgeons as part of the team in the OR and the office. She looks forward to focusing solely on general surgery with such an experienced group of doctors. Amy joined Mid-Florida Surgical Associates in July 2017.

Benjamin V. Chu, PA-C

Benjamin received his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, majoring in Biology. After graduating in 2007, he attended Arcadia University in Christiana, Delaware where he received his Masters of Medical Science and became a board certified Physician Assistant. Benjamin began his career as a Physician Assistant in multispecialty surgery in Northern Delaware and developed a great interest in minimally invasive robotic surgery. He moved back to his hometown of Windermere to further his surgical skills and to be closer to his parents. Benjamin joined Mid-Florida Surgical Associates in July 2017. Benjamin is married to Beth Chu and they have two young children, Eli and Alice. Ben enjoys spending time with his family, cycling, travel, and cooking.

The focus of our practice is to provide the very best in surgical care to our patients. We strive to treat you like family.

LET US MAKE YOUR SHOWER BEAUTIFUL AND SAFE.

Has your current shower seen better days? Have you been exploring the possibility of a shower replacement? If so, don’t put yourself through the hassle of hiring different tradesmen to complete such a project. The Floor Shoppe is your one-stop shop for your shower replacement. In fact, we can help you with everything from demolition, waterproofing, and ceramic tile installation to plumbing fixtures, grab bars, and frameless glass doors.

There’s even greater news! A typical job from start to finish can be completed in as little as five days. We pride ourselves on getting the job done right and on time no matter the size or configuration of your shower. Because we take a customer-oriented approach to all shower replacement projects, we feel it is important to listen to and address all your concerns and needs.

The Floor Shoppe has been the leader in quality flooring sales and installations for more than 35 years. We’ve also been working with The Villages new construction division for 25 years and recently completed our 10,000th home.

Please visit our inspirational showroom at 9815 U.S. Hwy. 301 in the Wildwood Oaks Business Center.

Quality and style in as little as five days.

When it comes to surgery, I want the best options available to me. The Robotic Surgery Program at Orlando Health South Lake Hospital includes surgeons trained in roboticassisted surgery. Robotic surgery may offer the advantages of:

• Improved surgical precision

• Less pain and scarring

• Less blood loss and risk of infection

• Shortened hospital stay

• Faster recovery

Having access to the most advanced surgical options close to home is why I choose Orlando Health South Lake Hospital.

I choose a team of talented surgeons skilled in robotics. I choose Orlando Health.

“It’s wrong to rob banks, yeah, but is it right for banks to loan people money, knowing full well they can’t pay it back?”

—Jeff Bridges

HOW TO PAY DOWN YOUR MORTGAGE QUICKLY

You don’t always have to have a house payment.

WRITER: JACK CROSSWELL

Buying a new home is a great way to build long-term wealth and hedge against inflation over time. While there are clear advantages from buying a home, being burdened with a big mortgage is a daunting task. For those who are concerned about their mortgage and want to pay it off quickly, there are several tips to pay off their mortgage faster than ever.

Budget and buy a reasonable home

The most important tip in paying down your mortgage quickly is to budget and buy a home you can reasonably afford. One of the biggest ways people get into debt is buying a home well outside their budget. As a general rule, your total monthly housing costs (including taxes and insurance) should not cost more than 25 percent of your gross monthly income, ensuring you have more than enough money to continue to save after your purchase.

Increase payments annually

One advantage of owning is your payments are fixed for up to 30 years. This is unlike renting, which can see large annual increases of 5 percent or more in some markets. Over time being a home owner is more affordable than renting. If you are willing to forgo this monthly payment benefit and increase your payments to your mortgage each year, you could pay your loan much faster. Simply increasing your payments by 3

percent per year will cut more than a decade off your loan repayment time.

Apply tax benefits to loan balance

Another way to pay a mortgage down faster is to apply your tax benefits to the loan balance. Those who own their home can deduct their mortgage interest, mortgage insurance, and property taxes off state, federal, and local taxes.

Depending on your situation, this could save thousands of dollars per year in tax charges. If you can take this amount of money and apply it to your loan balance, it will lead to a quick reduction in the principal balance.

Take advantage of low rates

Mortgage rates tend to fluctuate a lot over long periods of time. Because of this, you may be able to take advantage by refinancing for lower payments. When you do this, your interest payments decline. However, if you continue to make the same monthly payments, your principal balance will decline much faster and you eventually will be mortgage-free.

Owning a home is a great long-term investment decision, but for most people it requires a sizeable mortgage. For those looking to pay off their mortgage and live debt free, these tips can help.

TIPS TO PREPARE YOURSELF FOR LOAN APPROVAL

A personal loan is not always easy to secure.

BY: DARALL LEON

At various stages of life, you may need to apply for a personal loan to fulfill a debt or handle monthly bills. In most cases, personal loans have higher interest rates than car loans or home mortgages. If you have problems getting the loan you want, try these useful tips to improve your chances of approval.

Select the best loan type

First, choose the best type of loan for your needs. Service providers usually offer two types of loans: unsecured and secured. The former does not require collateral whereas the second one works by securing some assets in the form of collateral. However, the interest rate for the unsecured one is much higher compared to secured loans.

Recognize your limitations

Your credit score is going to be a major factor in whether you secure loan approval or not. If you hold a bad

credit score, the process may be more difficult. Many individuals experience higher chances of approval when they have a score in the 600 or 700 ranges. Track your score and monthly payments to be sure you’re doing well.

It is also important to check all error reports to ensure your score is safe and no mistakes are present to affect your chances of getting loan approval. You may receive offers from lenders promising a higher loan amount. However, it is not recommended to obtain loans greater than the amount you need.

Search for a trusting and highly reputed lender

Your selection of a lender will be based more on your credit score and personal needs. Some service providers may provide guaranteed approval for loans up to $10,000. However, always check the terms and conditions before signing loan

documents. In addition, ask questions if you have doubts or need more details. Ask your lawyer for help in document preparation and collection of essential materials.

Set up a checklist

When you have your preferred lender and type of loan, prepare a checklist of plans. Gather all necessary details and essential documents to prepare your approval file. It is also essential to obtain details about your financial resources, employer, and other required items. Once you have completed your application, submit it to your lender for review.

These tips are useful not only for yourself, but also for family members or friends. They can be invaluable for sustaining your financial health for many years. The next time you are planning a big purchase, ensure your financial status is loan-approval ready.

Something to smile about

While many children are stricken with fear about getting braces, it was actually a pleasant childhood experience for David Wollenschlaeger. In fact, that day helped pave the way for his future career.

“I went in there with crooked teeth and walked out with straight teeth,” he recalls. “My orthodontist was upbeat, happy, and always smiling. I knew right then that I wanted to become an orthodontist.”

That was in 1971. Several years later, he met a female orthodontist during his high school’s career day. That cemented his career choice.

Fast-forward several decades. Dr. Wollenschlaeger has been practicing orthodontics in Lake County since 1990. As an orthodontist, he provides more benefits to patients than simply straightening teeth. When not properly aligned, teeth are more difficult to

clean, leading to cavities, gum disease, or even tooth loss. Moreover, the way in which the upper and lower teeth come together when you close your mouth can cause uneven wearing of the surfaces and possibly even temporomandibular joint disorder.

He uses what he refers to as the “Cadillac of materials”— meaning braces manufactured by reputable companies such as 3M Unitek, GAC, and Ormco. He also utilizes Align Technology’s popular Invisalign, a series of invisible, removable aligners that have no metals or wires.

It is getting difficult to differentiate between dentists doing orthodontics and orthodontists doing orthodontics. However, orthodontists such as Dr. Wollenschlaeger complete postgraduate training at an accredited orthodontic residency program. Thus, orthodontists possess the

breadth of knowledge to understand all possible treatment complications and offer the best treatment options.

“If you’re going to pay money for braces, it’s extremely important to have it done right,” Dr. Wollenschlaeger says. “Orthodontists are specifically educated and trained to straighten teeth.”

Dr. Wollenschlaeger completed dental school at the University of Florida and completed his orthodontics residency at Indiana University. Certainly, his results speak for themselves.

“Patients send me graduation pictures and cards, and I’m now treating the children and grandchildren of my first patients. For me, it’s very gratifying to improve their self-esteem, as well as their quality of bite.”

33050 Professional Drive, Leesburg, FL 352.787.6800

drdaveortho.com

As an orthodontist, Dr. David Wollenschlaeger is in the business of creating healthy, beautiful smiles.

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

DR. DAVID WOLLENSCHLAEGER

DO

Help is

with Lake Eye’s Dry Eye Solutions

Lake Eye offers Dry Eye Solutions, dedicated to providing relief from all causes of dry eye. It starts with a diagnosis from our Board Certified ophthalmologists, who can determine if your condition is caused by a disease such as diabetes or a thyroid disorder, certain lifestyle habits, or the most common cause, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, or MGD, a blockage of the glands that lubricate the eye.

Lake Eye offers an array of safe, effective solutions for mild to severe intermittent and chronic dry eye conditions, including nutritional supplements, prescription eye drops and the latest MGD treatment, LipiFlow®, a breakthrough drug-free procedure that gently massages away gland obstructions, for relief and improved function that can last up to 2 years.

Why spend another day with dry, irritated eyes and blurred vision? Relief is just a phone call away.

SUPERIOR CATARACT SURGERY

With Breakthrough Technologies that Restore Vision From Every Distance.

As the first local practice to offer the industry’s most accurate laser cataract surgery and the only FDA-approved extended depth-of-focus lenses for crisp multi-range vision, Lake Eye remains at the forefront of advanced cataract treatment. Drs. Scot Holman, Scott Wehrly and Vinay Gutti combine world-class surgical experience and breakthrough technologies to restore healthy vision - and better lives - to countless satisfied patients.

Lake Eye – the clear choice for clear vision.

The nation’s largest dermatology practice has three locations in The Villages® community. We now accept UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage.

1503 Buenos Aires Blvd., Bldg. 100 The Villages, FL 32162

352.753.2812

Dr. Michael Bond

Dr. William Steffes

Dr. Christine Moorhead

Scott Clark, PA-C

Nicole Hwa, PA-C

Anita Lockhart, Licensed Aesthetician

Dr. Michael Bond

Dr. Michael Burton

Al Sy, PA-C

Appointments: 866.400.DERM (3376)

Introducing Michael E. Burton, MD Cosmetic Surgery of the Body, Breasts and Face

In the hands of a highly-skilled surgeon, the enhancement of the human form becomes part medicine, part art.

While training with world-renowned leaders in the field of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Burton also pursued a degree in fine arts, with advanced courses in figure drawing, painting, and sculpture.

As an international volunteer with Operation Smile, his skill and commitment to compassionate care led him to help children with cleft lip and palate deformities lead better lives.

Now, he’s bringing his skills to our offices in The Villages® to help you look as young as you feel.

Brownwood Paddock Square™

Final Impression

JAMES COMBS UNPLUGGED

Do yourself a favor and take a hike

Imagine a world where the only Angry Birds you see are the ones swooping down on prey.

The only ringing you hear is the rat-tattat of woodpeckers.

And the only blackberry within miles is the kind that dangles from plants.

Yes, I’ve recently discovered that life can be enjoyed without technology. For me, taking weekly outdoor hikes in Lake County’s picturesque preserves has provided the ultimate unplugged experience. For a few hours each Saturday, I go cold turkey on technology. The withdrawal symptoms are relatively mild. However, I did regret not being able to watch Bobby’s Facebook video about the ear wax procedure he underwent.

Why do I feel inclined to immerse myself in the outdoors? It’s a time for inner peace, tranquility, and even self-reflection.

After spending countless hours on the computer each week and interacting with sources and co-workers, detaching from the outside world and enjoying the sound of nature’s silence is a beautiful thing. Equally beautiful are the magnificent sights of wetlands, longleaf pine ecosystems, pristine lakes, and sawgrass marshes that dot the landscape of the seven preserves maintained by the Lake County Water Authority.

All seven feature hiking trails, and several even offer opportunities for canoeing and camping.

Each has its own personality. Sabal Bluff Preserve, for instance, is very open and makes me feel as though I’m walking across an African savanna.

In contrast, I feel like I’m in an enchanted forest thanks to the densely wooded trails at Flat Island Preserve, where it seems like Tarzan should be swinging wildly through the trees.

The flowing streams, small waterfalls, and hilly terrain at Hidden Waters Preserve conjure up images of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

I’m tempted to write a book about my weekly excursions. “Luxury Without a Laptop,” “Playtime Without Pokémon,” and “Sightseeing Without Social Media” all would be apt titles.

But the point of my book would be this: When nature calls, technology enthusiasts should answer the call of the wild and enjoy the sights and sounds of Lake County’s beautiful preserves. Just leave your phone in the car.

Or, at the very least, resist the urge to tweet every step of your hike.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

WELCOMES

Ajmal Ali Baig, MD Diplomate, American Board of Surgery

601 E. Dixie Ave., Suite 101

Leesburg, FL 34748

PHONE (352) 323-1160

FAX (352) 728-7811

fellowship trained general surgeon with formal training and specialization in minimally invasive and robotic surgery.

Dr. Baig has the expertise to customize surgical care for patients according to their individual needs.

He uses basic principles of surgery and incorporates them with advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery techniques to deliver outstanding results. He prefers the most advanced technique with the least invasive option possible.

Ajmal Ali Baig, MD

Florida Hospital Waterman

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

PINKING CEREMONY

September 28, 2017 4:30 to 6:30pm

Florida Hospital Waterman Atrium

Kick-off breast cancer awareness month with a community celebration. Bring a new bra for donation to Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties and be entered into a drawing for one of our Grand Prizes.

PINK OUT 5K WALK/RUN

October 19, 2017 6pm

Wooton Park, Tavares

Join us on a beautiful three-mile course through downtown Tavares as we rally for women battling breast cancer in our community. Proceeds help promote breast cancer awareness, diagnosis and treatment including mammograms for women in need. COST: $25

LADIES LEGACY LUNCHEON

October 27, 2017 10:00am

Lunch will be served at 11:30

Lake Receptions

Please join Florida Hospital Waterman Foundation for an event that celebrates women and their unique experiences! This year, Wendy B. Libby, Ph. D., President of Stetson University will be speaking about “Daring to Be Significant!” COST: $30

for more information and to register!

Don’t forget to schedule your mammogram. Florida Hospital Waterman is offering $99 mammograms throughout the month of October.