Observer
Health Matters SEPTEMBER 2015
TAI CHI MIND-BODY CONNECTION
Prominent local Realtors Ian Black and Jim Soda share a love of Tai Chi. PAGES 2-3
Fall prevention
Health calendar
Picture of health
See which factors put you at risk.
Don’t miss these local events.
Linh Gordon went from overweight to a fit champion
PAGE 4
PAGE 6
PAGE 8
2
HEALTH MATTERS
|
YourObserver.com
SEPTEMBER 2015
Tai Chi trains mind and body The 300-year-old Chinese exercise form provides activity with little stress to the body. JESSICA SALMOND STAFF WRITER
The movements are slow, but focused, the breaths deep but calculated. Ian Black and Jim Soda, prominent Realtors in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, look cool, calm and collected as their arms and legs swirl around them. It’s almost like dancing. The pair spends two sessions a week practicing the ancient exercise of Tai Chi, under the instruction of Black’s wife, Rosann Argenti. Argenti has been teaching Tai Chi since the 1980s, and even had her own television show about the exercise called “Tai Chi Innerwave,” which aired on PBS for nine years. Jim Soda, a residential Realtor with The Soda Group, part of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty office in Lakewood Ranch, jokingly said he became interested in Tai Chi when he noticed Black could hit a golf ball farther on the golf course than he could. So, about six months ago, he started doing sessions with Black and Argenti. Already, he’s hooked. Soda said he’d always had a difficult time sticking to a workout routine, whether riding a stationary biking or lifting weights, partly because of lower back problems. “Every time I did them, I got hurt,” Soda said. “Tai Chi was the first thing I could do that I didn’t
hurt myself.” The practice combines movements similar to martial arts with the slower pace of yoga for a gentle, yet effective exercise. Soda said after he learned the rhythm, movements and breathing techniques, he started noticing an almost immediate difference. He was pain-free after the sessions, and he became more energetic and more focused, both in the office and during Tai Chi lessons. “It helps you relax, gives you a business focus,” Soda said. “So much is going on. It helps you dial down and get a new attitude. It’s like a breath of fresh air.” Argenti and Black have been married for eight years, but Black, certified commercial investment member for his commercial realty company, Ian Black Real Estate, began learning the exercise from her after the couple met through a mutual friend 23 years ago. Black had always had a penchant for athletics — he used to play rugby and tennis — but found something different in Tai Chi. “This became a whole new system. It was a different way of looking at life,” he said. “I became more balanced, more focused.” Argenti noticed the difference in him, as well. She said after he started practicing, he became mentally and physically stronger and more focused, and opened his life up to more creative hobbies. The mental stability of the exercise also gave him a calm and
HEALTH BENEFITS OF TAI CHI n Increases endurance, strength and flexibility n Improves posture n Increases cardiovascular strength n Improves balance n Sharpens mental focus n Reduces tension n Eases chronic pain n No age limitations
HISTORY Tai Chi is a form of Chinese exercise that is more than 300 years old. Families in the early times would develop movement techniques that would be unique to that family. The exercise started growing in popularity in the United States in California in the ’70s and ’80s. Instructor Rosann Argenti teaches the 17th century Chen family style, called Chan Su Chin, which means “silk reeling cocoon.” After her students master the movements of this family group, she includes 24 Yang Style, short form.
CONTACT
Website: Sports-TaiChi.com Email: rosann@sports-taichi.com
focused attitude when dealing with his clients. The couple practices Tai Chi together, even when they travel. Because the exercise requires minimal space and no special equipment, it’s easily portable. Argenti calls it a health care system because it exercises and tones
Sales Office Now Open! Celebrating Senior Living! HarborChase is Sarasota’s newest Assisted Living and Memory Care community. Join our Charter Club and be the first to select your luxurious apartment, with 24-hour on-site nursing, extended congregate care license (ECC) to ensure our families and residents receive all the special attention the need.
Assisted Living & Memory Care 5311 Proctor Road, Sarasota, FL 34233 | www.HarborChase.com | Assisted Living Facility # Pending
176478
Call (941) 468-2838 today!
HEALTH MATTERS
YourObserver.com
|
SEPTEMBER 2015
3
Elevate your skin’s health. When you look good on the outside, you feel better on the inside. Balance your well-being with a custom dermalogica® facial.
Introductory 1-hour massage
Introductory 1-hour facial
with free aromatherapy –
with free aromatherapy –
$4999*
$5999*
TM
Jessica Salmond
Ian Black and Jim Soda, led by instructor Rosann Argenti, hold the single whip push pose.
massageheights.com/thelandings
4948 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231
their bodies or people who suffer from problems like osteoporosis and fibromyalgia. “Tai Chi can help anyone in any stage of life develop inner strength, physical stability and mental acuity,” she said.
*featuring *Introductory rate valid for Members and first-time Guests only. Actual massage and facial time is 50-Minutes hands-on. Additional local taxes and fees may apply. See Retreat for details. Each Massage Heights Retreat is independently owned and operated. Franchise opportunities available. ©2015 Massage Heights, LLC. ME# 22238
175878
the mind and body. Argenti develops personalized programs for her clients and gives both private and semi-private Tai Chi lessons to a variety of people, from athletes to seniors who need an exercise form that is easier on
The Landings 941.927.1030
Turn your passion for helping people inTo your career
with a Massage Therapy Diploma or Master’s in Oriental Medicine from East West College of Natural Medicine.
call Today!
941-355-9080
180025
College of Natural Medicine 178515
3808 N. Tamiami Trail | Sarasota, FL 34234 | 941-355-9080 | ewcollege.edu
HEALTH MATTERS
|
Back to School Physicals
$
YourObserver.com
SEPTEMBER 2015
Pines of Sarasota takes a stand against falls
Sprains Strains and Broken Bones
Sports Physicals
A new fall-prevention program assesses your risk of falling and makes suggestions for improvement.
25 School & Sports PHYSICALS
AMANDA MORALES
With age comes poise. With more age comes loss of balance. Pines of Sarasota, a rehabilitation and senior care community, hopes to combat injuries, hospitalizations and even deaths resulting from falls with risk assessment tests. The Ready & Steady program has been offered to residents at Pines of Sarasota on a trial basis and now is open to the public. “Most of the time we see patients in rehab, unfortunately, is after the fact that they’ve fallen already or have injuries,” said Joel Amistoso, director of rehabilitation services at Pines of Sarasota. “If we can actually see them ahead of time, hopefully, we can help to prevent the fall and having to have a new hip or new knee.” According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals 65 and older who fall once are two to three times more likely to fall again. Statistics from the CDC also show that falls result in more than 2.5 million injuries, more than 734,000 hospitalizations and more than 21,700 deaths each year.
Open 7 Days a Week • 8am-8pm No Appointment Necessary Walk-Ins Welcome
181854
1 Bradenton 4647 Manatee Ave. W. (941) 745-5999 2 Lakewood Ranch 9908 S.R. 64 E (941) 747-8600 3 Sarasota 6272 Lake Osprey Dr. (941) 907-2800 4 Sarasota West 1435 S. Tamiami Trail (941) 554-4301 www.SarasotaUrgentCare.net
BY THE NUMBERS
STAFF WRITER
1/3 of Americans 65
and older fall each year
Every 13 seconds, an older
adult is treated for a fall
2.5 million
injuries occur from falls annually
734,000
hospitalizations happen due to falls each year
21,700
deaths result from falls annually
Amistoso said that many of the ways older adults end up with injuries result from doing the activities they enjoy most, such as tennis, golf and walking along the beach. Through the Ready & Steady program, he can better determine what measures patients can take
FOR SENIORS BY ACTIVE SENIORS
®
SHC
Complete Dentistry
Senior Home Companions, Inc.SM
Companionship & In-Home Care A Safe and Reliable Source for Quality Care Since 1992
DAILY LIVING NEEDS HOURLY • OVERNIGHT • 24 HOUR
Private Practice! Personal Attention! DR. COREY WARRENBRAND
A Nurse Registry Providing: Personal Care and Homemaker/Companion Services
(941)
One-visit dentistry
Bonded, Insured & Licensed in the State of Florida with the AHCA NR#30211323 & HSC 5023
CEREC is proven by hundreds of clinical studies and is offered by thousands of dentists to millions of patients around the world each year. Proven performance, unrivaled success, and unequaled capabilities have made CEREC the number one dental CAD/CAM choice for over 28 years.
DON’T
WHY CEREC, SINGLE APPOINTMENT DENTAL CARE?
PUT IT OFF for another
•Protects and preserves your own tooth’s structural integrity •Ceramics are bio-compatible •Only one appointment •Perfect looks, comfort and quality You’ll never •Long lasting and durable have to wear a •No Impressions •No Temporaries temporary again!
moment.
CALL FOR NEW PATIENT SPECIALS!
Walk into your local Fred Astaire Dance Studio and dance out.
CompleteDentistry.org | 941.925.2225
2225 Stickney Point Rd., Sarasota, FL We accept insurance and offer payment plans
2738 Bee Ridge Rd. | 941-921-6651 182023
The patient and other person responsible for payment has the right to refuse pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, exam, or treatment which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted or reduced fee service, examination or treatment.ADA, D4355, D0210, D0330, D09999
Judith Cuppy, President
Call us for an appointment for a complimentary lesson! See our website for more information at fredastairesarasota.com
181637
CEREC
®
924-0494
www.seniorhomecompanions.com
Why patients are choosing CEREC
164175
4
HEALTH MATTERS
YourObserver.com
TRUST YOUR
SMILE TO A SPECIALIST
“A Higher Level of Care for your Mouth” • Complex Implant & Esthetic Rehabilitation • Comprehensive Dentistry • Personalized Attention • Exceptional Care • Extraordinary Results
Benjamin Tindal, DMD, MS
CALL US TODAY
941- 225 - 2520
Amanda Morales
To Reserve Your Complimentary Implant or Esthetic Consultation
Pines of Sarasota Lead Physical Therapist James McClure, right, helps Dickie Smothers try out the Biodex Balance System.
your own thing at home, or maybe you need to go back to your doctor and get that medication checked,” Amistoso said. “Maybe from time to time you may need physical therapy. If you have joint pain, stiffness or your balance is not straight, we can work with you with that.”
5911 North Honore Ave., Suite 123 Sarasota, 34243 Located on the SW corner of Honore Ave. & University Blvd.
tindalsmiles.com
49
Introductory 1-hour massage session*
5999
Introductory 1-hour Murad Healthy skin facial session*
$ with a Massage Envy membership, start today!
99
Discover the benefits of regular massage and Healthy Skin facials at MassageEnvy.com/membership.
SARASOTA NORTH
SARASOTA MIDTOWN
SARASOTA SOUTH
University Walk - University Parkway and Tuttle Avenue between Panera Bread and Publix.
Midtown Plaza, US 41 and Bahia Vista Between Panera Bread and Michaels on East
Expo Center, Clark Road and Sawyer Road Between Buffalo Wild Wings and Moe’s Restaurant
(941) 556-6400
(941) 308-7600
(941) 927-6200
2855 University Parkway Sarasota, FL 34243
181587
Proudly Serving Lakewood Ranch Sarasota, Venice & Bradenton
$
MM# 23392
5
SEPTEMBER 2015
1279 South Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34239 MM# 27535
4055 Clark Road Sarasota, FL 34233 MM# 20895
* See clinic for details. Rates and services vary by location and session. Each location is independently owned and operated © 2015 Massage Envy Franchising, LLC
MassageEnvy.com · Convenient Hours Open 7 Days: M-F 8am-10pm, Sat-Sun 9am-8pm
181590
to prevent potential falls. First, patients answer a questionnaire that asks questions varying from what prescriptions they take to their level of activity. “Believe it or not, just doing the questionnaire will tell you if you’re going to be at risk or not,” Amistoso said. “An example would be if you’re taking more than four medications — that is combining over the county and prescription drugs. If so, the CDC says you’re already at a higher risk.” Other questions on the test help determine the patient’s level of strength or physical limitations. For example, whether a patient has been to an eye doctor in the last 12 months is an indication of their level of depth perception. The second step is called a “T.U.G.” test or a Timed Up and Go test. This test measures how long it takes the patient to stand from a sitting position and walk 10 feet, turn around and return to a chair to sit down. The “T.U.G.” test is followed by standing on a Biodex Balance System machine. Patients step up to a platform with a blue disk below their feet. A screen in front of them shows two dots on a target. The goal is to keep both dots lined up in the center of the target by balancing while the disk shifts in different directions. Armrests on the side of the platform allow patients to catch themselves if they become off-balance, but the objective is to do the exercise with as little support as possible. The results of all three tests are then compiled to determine the best ways to prevent future falls. Pines of Sarasota offers clients physical therapy and other treatments to help clients improve balance, for example. “It can be as simple as doing
|
HEALTH MATTERS
|
YourObserver.com
SEPTEMBER 2015
HEALTH CALENDAR
6
We are NOT your
Typical Pharmacy! Jeffrey Wagner, RPh
Jerry Pireaux, RPh
Lakewood Ranch PhaRmacy and COMPOUNDING CENTER We offer A State-of-theArt compounding lab to prepare customized medications to meet your unique needs.
159900
ADVANTAGES: • Change formulation to gel, cream, lozenge or liquid • Improve or eliminate undesirable flavors and allergic components USES: • Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement • Dermatology • Dental • Veterinary • Topical Pain Creams • Wound Care
We accept most prescription insurance and Medicare D drug coverage plans.
EVENTS
HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO Runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 26 at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Corp. and the hospital will host more than 50 local health and wellness vendors. Meet local physicians, gather product samples and participate in free health screenings. Blake Wallenda will perform balancing acts in the kids’ zone. For information, call 782-2100. WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S Begins at 9 a.m. with registration and the walk starts at 10 a.m. Oct. 3 at Riverwalk Rossi Park, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Participants will complete a twomile walk and will learn about Alzheimer’s disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical trial enrollment and support programs and services from the Alzheimer’s Association. For information, call 365-8883 or visit act.alz.org/ Manatee. THE 5K COLOR BLAST FUN RUN Starts at 10 a.m. Oct. 25 at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Run or walk your way through five color zones at which you’ll be covered in color. All participants receive a T-shirt, medal, one color pack, tattoo, car decal and entry to the post-race dance party with music, entertainment, food, vendors and a fun family atmosphere. Cost is $15 for children ages 6 to 10. Adult admission is $40. For information, visit the5kcolorblast.com.
Open Monday- Friday 8am-5:30pm
Just across the parking lot from Hospital Emergency Room in Medical Office Building II
6310 Health Parkway, Suite 130 Bradenton, FL 34202
941-907-1500 | Fax: 941-907-1544
CLASSES AND SEMINARS HEALTHY PET DIET PRACTICES Runs from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota. Veterinary Neurologist Dr. Anne Chauvet will discuss healthy pet diets during the “Chow Time” presentation. Topics include understanding your pet’s optimal weight and healthy methods for maintaining it. For information, call 929-1818. SHOULD I GET A MAMMOGRAM? Runs from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Oct. 15 at the Lower Level Seating Court in front of Macy’s at The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. Dr. Jeffery Wasserman will share the latest information on who should get a mammogram, and the benefits of 3-D mammography. Light refreshments will be served. Seating is limited. For information, call 708-8100.
FITNESS ZUMBA CLASSES Run from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, in the Cypress or Papaya Rooms on the second floor of the Waldemere Medical Plaza, 1921 Waldemere St., Sarasota. Zumba integrates the basic principles of aerobic, interval and resistance training to maximize calorie burning, cardiovascular benefits and total body toning. Cost is $5. For information, call 315-6868.
Mon - Thurs 10am - 6 pm
Call Today to Schedule Your Consultation 941.926.2300
Fri 10 am - 5pm Sat 10 am - 3pm
are you bothered by your Scrubs • Chef Wear • Shoes • Accessories Cherokee • Wonder Wink • Peaches • Landau Timberland • KLOGS • Littmann • MDF Nursemates • Uncommon Threads Grey’s Anatomy • Healing Hands
Dr. Brad Abrams is now offering KYBELLA TM, the first and only FDA approved non-surgical treatment for double chins. KYBELLA TM is injected into the area underneath your chin where it permanently dissolves the fat.
941922 -1102 2112 Gulf Gate Drive • Sarasota, FL 34231
like us on
• No incisions. No stiches.
No scars. FDA Appproved.
Gift Certificates Available
160771
We are always happy to do special orders. Group Discounts Available
• 15-20 min treatment.
Results after 2-4 injections.
• Little to no downtime.
OF SARASOTA • Melvin Korattiyil, D.M.D.
• LONG-LASTING RESULTS!
2345 Bee Ridge Road, Suite 4, Sarasota, FL 34239
Images courtesy of Kybella TM. Photos of clinical trial patients, before and after treatment with Kybella TM. Results may vary.
We treat our patients like family We accept most Insurances • CareCredit Family-owned and operated dental practice Accepting New Patients
is now Offering
•
Get the care you deserve! NEW PATIENTS AND MOST INSURANCES WELCOMED
CALL TODAY! 941.923.7060 www.SupremeSmilesofSarasota.com
181746
3328 Bee Ridge Rd 941.926.2300 abramsderm.com
• • •
181715 181715
Bradley Abrams, D.O. Bradley Abrams, D.O. is one of the first and only physician chosen in the Sarasota - Bradenton Area to be trained by Kythera Biopharmaceuticals Inc. in the treatment of submental fat, known as “double -chin” using FDA approved injectible KybellaTM. Dr. Abrams is one of the most recognized cosmetic dermatologist in Sarasota-Bradenton area known for his expertise in the latest injectables and facial rejuvenation techniques and has over 15 years in cosmetic treatments, including fillers and toxins.
A healthy mouth is the first step towards a healthy body! Meet a dental team that truly cares about your well-being.
HEALTH MATTERS
YourObserver.com
Established 1981 If you know someone, a friend or family member, who is suffering from any of the following, please pass along this coupon. It may be the encouragement he or she needs to make a difference in their life. Treating painful conditions of the: Back • Neck • Shoulder • Headache Auto Injury • Sciatic Nerve (leg pain)
SPECIAL OFFER TO NEW PATIENTS - $65 Chiropractic examination including:
Dr. Chris Hicklin 3220 Clark Road, Sarasota 941-923-4357 Visit us at www.chiropracticsarasota.com
Rehab patients celebrate recovery
First month of one compounded hormone prescription is FREE*
Formerly Manatee Sarasota Eye Clinic
50% OFF CalApatite Bone Builder 180 count (Calcium, Vitamin D & Magnesium or patient’s choice)**
Specializing In:
50% OFF Saliva Testing FREE access to our Lending Library of Women’s Health Related Topics Reserved seating to our Wellness Seminars at the pharmacy 181586
The patient and any other person responsible for payments has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment or be reimbursed tor payment for any other service, examination or treatment which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free discounted fee or reduced fee service, examination or treatment. 155132
We continue to feature the same board-certified and fellowship-trained ophthalmologists
Save Money with Our New “HORMONE CLUB”
FREE consultation with Hormone Expert Pharmacist Discount on nutrition products (such as Melatonin)***
Stop by the Pharmacy today to sign up and start saving! Sarasota Specialty Pharmacy and Wellness Center
Offer expires on 9/30/15.
Only Our Name Has Changed
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota will join rehabilitation providers nationwide in celebration of National Rehabilitation Week Sept. 20 through Sept. 26. Themed “Passport to Independence,” the week highlights effective ways to guide patients toward their goal of going home. HealthSouth, a 96-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital, will celebrate with an annual patient reunion from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Sept. 23, in the hospital dining room, 6400 Edgelake Drive, Sarasota. Travel industry consultant Linda Odom will speak about traveling with disabilities. For information, call 921-8795.
2075 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239 • 941-366-0880 • www.sarasotarx.com
a preliminary consultation and health history, a complete orthopedic examination of the spine (99202), spinal x-rays, if necessary (72020) and a report of findings.
Gerry Letendre RPh, MBA
• • • • • • • • •
• Murray Friedberg, M.D. • Robert Edelman, M.D. • Scott Silverman, M.D. • Eric Berman, M.D. • Robert Sambursky, M.D. • Pooja Khator, M.D. • Allison Menezes, M.D. • Jeffrey Davis, M.D. • Anita Shane, M.D.
Laser Cataract Surgery Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery Advanced Lens Implants Glaucoma Care 1427 South Tamiami Trail Sarasota Macular Degeneration LASIK Surgery 6310 Health Park Way, Ste 340 Pediatric Eye Care Lakewood Ranch Neuro-Ophthalmology 217 Manatee Avenue East Dry Eye Treatment Bradenton
CoastalEye.com • 941-748-1818 Most Insurance Plans Welcomed
179089
The nation’s leading network of dialysis facilities will celebrate the opening of its new Sarasota location. Fresenius Medical Care North America will hold an open house for its relocated Sarasota Coastal Dialysis Center, 2989 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 24, at the facility. At the event, guests can see demonstrations of the latest dialysis technology and single-use dialyzers, as well as treatment stations designed for patient comfort with heated treatment chairs, individual televisions and wireless Internet access. Nurses and staff will be available to discuss patient services and treatment options, as well. For information, contact Nancy Simpson at 373-9270.
7
SEPTEMBER 2015
John Russo, DDS, MHS
Specialist in Periodontics The trusted name in Periodontics for more than 20 years Periodontists are specialists recognized by the American Dental Association. As a result of their specialty training, periodontists have the expertise to provide the surgical phase of dental implant treatment. Using a team approach, they work in collaboration with restorative dentists to provide patients with dental implants - the most advanced and natural tooth replacement system ever devised. Graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry • Graduate of Medical University of South Carolina Clinical Assistant Professor, Medical University of South Carolina • Director of Russo Seminars – Bone and Soft Tissue Grafting Course, Medical University of South Carolina since 2001 – www.russoseminars.com • More Than 150 Guest Lectures at Professional Dental Seminars • Advisory Committee Member, State College of Florida – Dental Hygiene Program since 1998 • Council/Section Editor, Implant Dentistry • Past President of Sarasota County Dental Association • To receive a complimentary copy of The Russo Report, please call.
1704 BAY ROAD, SARASOTA |
941-955-3100
NEW PATIENTS WELCOME www.russoperio.com
Like us on Facebook!
181639
Remote Area Medical’s first event in Florida is still months away, but local organizers have big needs to fill. Specifically, they need more than 500 volunteers, including medical practitioners and the general public, to help pull off the event, which will transform Manatee Technical College into a medical clinic Nov. 21 and Nov. 22. The clinic will provide more than $1 million worth of free dental, vision, general medical and educational services to the public. Care is targeted toward indigent care, but no one is turned away based on income. Organizers Doug Schiller and Dr. Richard Conard expect more than 2,500 people to come from Sarasota and Manatee counties and throughout Florida to receive services. Remote Area Medical is a national nonprofit that provides medical care to underserved, impoverished or isolated communities through mobile clinics, among other services. The public can apply for the RAM clinic in East County starting Nov. 20 and clients will be served on a first-come, firstserved basis. The MTC campus will offer free parking and provide port-a-lets for the public as they wait to receive services. Individuals who wish to volunteer or make a donation toward the clinic’s $87,000 budgetary needs, can call Schiller at 9326147.
Dialysis center relocates
HEALTH BRIEFS
Remote Area Medical seeks volunteers
|
8
HEALTH MATTERS
|
YourObserver.com
SEPTEMBER 2015
PI CTURE O F HE ALTH WITH LINH GORDON BEFORE
DIET Water: 64 ounces a day Breakfast: Oatmeal or egg whites Lunch: Brown rice or sweet potatoes with chicken or fish and vegetables Dinner: Usually a variation similar to lunch Cheat meals: Pizza, Mexican food and chicken wings
Amanda Morales
After losing 75 pounds, Linh Gordon strives to maintain her healthy lifestyle.
AMANDA MORALES STAFF WRITER
disease by changing their diets and exercising routinely. “I’m preaching all the time how to live a healthy way all the time. I have to live it as well,” Gordon says. Gordon has witnessed her parents and her husband’s parents manage their lives around diabetes. “There’s this disease that’s 365 days a year, and they’re the only one who can control it,” Gordon says. With her continued focus on health, Gordon sticks to a healthy
AFTER
Courtesy photos
ENVISION thE FuturE The latest technology keeps the wheels of healthcare turning. Emerging technologies will make healthcare delivery safer, faster and better for healthcare providers and patients. Supporting technology ensures that the most current, efficient technology is available to Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and the community. Your gift makes a difference. Call us today to find out how at (941) 917-1286 www.smhf.org
ENVISION
tomorrow’s healthcare today
tM
180197
A
fter giving birth to her son 12 years ago, registered nurse Linh Gordon, 43, went on a mission to turn around her exercise and eating habits. She’d once been the picture of athleticism and participated in bodybuilding competitions. But, during three years of infertility treatments and during pregnancy, she’d gained 75 pounds. After birth, getting back into
shape became a priority. In addition to wanting to lose weight for herself, Gordon wanted to set an example for her son, Maven, and patients at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. She restricted her diet and returned to an exercise routine, which she largely continues today, and has kept the extra weight — all 75 pounds — off. Gordon has worked as a certified diabetes educator at SMH for seven years, meeting with patients and consulting with them on how to take control of the
eating regimen. Her meals consist of a lean protein, such as chicken or fish, with a complex carbohydrate of brown rice or sweet potatoes. She even extends it to include the diet of her now 12-year-old son. “He tells us, ‘I need more protein.’ What 12-year-old says that?” she asks. She limits her diet to what she considers clean eating and backs it up with daily workouts of high intensity interval training mixed with weigh resistance training to achieve a lean mass, or more muscular physique. She completes 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise a day. Gordon also makes sure to get six to seven hours of sleep per night. Recently Gordon has begun participating in fitness competitions as a means of indicating that she’s reached her health goals. In 2013, she placed third in the St. Petersburg Classic. “I want to live a healthier lifestyle for my second part of life,” she says.