just begin magazine
issue no.6
photo credit: dorian ash
.ERA EW OHW
“If you Just Begin you'll never have to question if you didn't start...” photo credit: dorian ash
Welcome to Just Begin Magazine! Our philosophy is to JUST BEGIN on whatever makes you happy. Just Begin Magazine celebrates all that’s good in the world. With our platform, we will share positive news and wonderful people. Our mission is to inspire change for the environment, community, sustainability, and creativity by covering everything in workplace wellness, industrial health and safety, holistic living, clean beauty, living sustainably, travel, environment, and happiness. By our magazine being digital, we are reducing waste and helping those around us become more eco-conscious. We’re also committed to giving back by donating to a charity through our giving back program in every issue.
contents INSIDE YOUR GUIDE TO ISSUE NO.05
Spotlights
Holistic Living 27 Skin Care Routine for Men In 8 Steps
29 6 Self-Care Tips For Men
31 Crystals for Men
02 Ozzy's Book Corner
33 Apple Pie Recipe
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07 Our Fall Favorites
How to Practice Candle Gazing Meditation
37 New England Clam Chowder
09-25 Mens' Health Month Stories
Workplace Wellness 40 8 Tips for Good Health At Work
44 How To Practice Mindfulness In The Workplace
Happiness
47 We Need Care Too
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Doctor to Know
How To Become Your Best Self
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Dr. Eric Balaguer
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5 Tips To Help You Learn How To Be Mentally Tough
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Dr. Sergio Glait Dr. James Grimes
08 How To Improve Mood And Energy In 5 Minutes
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Dr. Richard Simon 60
Dr. Diego Lima
Travel 63 Guide To The Champagne Region
66 Travel Guide to Paris, France
Be Inspired 73 JJ McDaniel
81 David Vittoria
83 Jeffrey Bell
85 Ozzy Diaz Senior
"NOTICE THAT AUTUMN IS MORE THE SEASON OF THE SOUL THAN OF NATURE."
letter from the editor MELLY DIAZ
This edition is very special to me because it's a chance to highlight some of the amazing men in my life in honor of men's health month. On page 83 we sit down with my dad Ozzy Diaz Sr. and page 21 with my brother Ozzy Diaz Jr. Throughout this edition you will notice some photography prints by my partner Dorian Ash.
In our Be Inspired section on page 81 I get the chance to speak with JJ McDaniel an Entrepreneur, father, husband, and yogi on how he has built his hospitality business and balances his work/family life. I know this year has been a tough one for all of us so we hope this edition brings some light to the negativity. Love,
Melly Diaz
our team follow along on social anailis diaz Executive Editor Executive Writer
instagram: @justbeginmag facebook: @justbeginmag linkedin: just begin magazine pinterest: just begin magazine
mari diaz Deputy Creative Director Founder
melly diaz Editor in Chief Creative Director Director, Brand Marketing
samantha diaz Editor at Large Director of Photography Design Director
"KEEP GOING, BECAUSE YOU DID NOT COME THIS FAR JUST TO COME THIS FAR."
H A P P I N E S S Travel, Move, Eat, Think, Grow, and Create
JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE
Our mission is to inspire and
JOURNAL COVERS SOME KEY
empower you to make your
AREAS IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY
world a happier place.
LIVING JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 1
book corner
ozzy's
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1. beneath the wheel by
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hermann hesse 2. vintage 1954 by antoine laurain
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3. the old man and the sea by ernest hemingway 4. pachinko by min jin lee
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5. dracula by bram stoker 6. harry potter and the sorcerer's stone by j.k.
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rowling 7. empire of the summer moon by s.c gwynne 8. daniel's story by carol matas 9. the monk who sold his ferrari - robin sharma JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 2
HOW TO BECOME YOUR BEST SELF You know what you should do to be happy with yourself and have the life of your dreams, but your lack of self-confidence is stopping you from reaching your goals. In this article, We will share some useful self-confidence tips that we hope will help you finally take the first steps to reach your goals and be happy with yourself.
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1. Write Your Goals
4. Find A Supportive Environment &
If you don’t clearly define your goals, you might be the most self-confident person in the world, you will never take any step to reach them. We advise you to take half an hour to write your goals down with a pencil and a piece of paper. It's best to write them without order at first, as they come to your mind. Let them flow, from your mind to the piece of paper, without censorship. Once you have written your goals, try to divide them into smaller goals.And once again, divide them into small actionable steps. Make each step as small as possible.In the end, organize these goals and steps by order of importance, and start planning everything out.
Supportive People
2. Invest In Yourself Studies have shown that we are more inclined to commit to something when we actually paid for it. Here's an example: You decide to lose weight, and therefore start working out at home. Soon enough, you drop the ball out of lack of motivation. But now, if you choose to pay a personal coach to train you every week, with a defined schedule, chances are you will go to your sessions, day after day. Because every time you feel like dropping the ball, you realize that would mean losing the $50 or more you paid to your personal coach.And in this day and age, everyone is motivated by money.
Apart from people, your environment also plays a huge role in your self-confidence.To be happy with yourself, you need to start going to places, and ideally living in a place, where you feel energized, self-confident, and motivated to crush your goals.For most of us, this would typically be places with green spaces, warm sun, peace, and tranquility, and even birds singing.Ideally, you should live in a place that makes you feel wonderful and self-confident all by itself. But if this is not an option, then simply commit to going in such a place for a few hours every day, and take advantage of this time to work on your goals. The more supportive people are present in your life, the higher your self-confidence, and the higher the chances to be happy with yourself. Hang out with people that make you feel great and ready to crush your goals, and forget about the ones that always drag you down.
3. Track Your Progress Self-Confidence is not innate, it comes and goes. What happens to most people that are truly resolved to making a major change in their lives, such as starting an online business, working out, changing their diet, etc. is that they slowly lose self-confidence.With time, when they don’t track their progress, they feel like all the efforts they’re putting in bring no results. And therefore, they slowly lose hope. But what they fail to realize is that they actually got results, but since they did not keep precise track of their progress, it feels like no progress has been made. It's because more often than not, it takes time to see drastic results. Therefore, the key to keeping your self-confidence up, in order to be happy with yourself, is to track your progress and see how your efforts pay off.
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5 TIPS TO HELP YOU LEARN HOW TO BE MENTALLY TOUGH
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Different people will provide different tips on how to be mentally strong. While the exact tip might vary, the context remains the same.
Stop blaming others and circumstances When things go wrong, blaming another person or the situation helps you boost your ego. If you do so, you overlook a fault in yourself. You might assume you do not blame others but we all do in simple ways we do not realize. For every single problem, you can find an area where you could have done better. Yes, every single one, no exceptions. This applies to work and in life Read more You only have 24 hours in a day and you are only at one place at a time. Even if you put in the best effort to learn, there is a limit on how much you can learn each day by yourself.Reading books exposes you to the lives of others. You understand what they went through, the mistakes they committed and the tricks that guided them to success. Read books on diverse topics and you will have more dots to connect. If you do not know which book to read, use the our book favorites section.
Pause for 5 seconds before replying when angry Anger can trigger an unnecessary comment or action which can ruin relationships. What you do or say in a fit of rage can be held against you forever. At times the damage is beyond repair too. Pausing for 5 seconds helps you regain your composure. As you regain your composure, your brain starts working normally. Your thoughts apply logic and reason because you’re mentally stable. Those 5 seconds can prevent unnecessary actions or hurtful statements. Your journey towards learning how to be strong minded involves being able to control impulsive reactions. To be mentally strong, do not let your amygdala take over when it does not need to. Accept that you need to improve We tend to overestimate our abilities. Our ego prompts us to think we already do our best. When we make a mistake we blame the circumstances but when things go right we pat ourselves on the back for our awesomeness.No matter how good you are, you will find people better than you. Accept that you need to do better and try to improve every day. Look at improvement as a lifetime journey than a destination.Accepting ignorance is a common attribute of the strong minded.
Practice active listening When 2 people talk, both keep thinking about what to say next. During this thought, you miss listening to the other person’s point of view. Even if you do, you fail to process it enough.Listening to understand differs significantly from only listening. Whenever you have a conversation with a person, focus all your attention on what the other person has to say, not what you must say next. If you need time to frame your words, pause a few seconds before responding. You will notice wise people taking a few seconds before responding. Apply the same.When you listen actively, not only do you understand the other person better, but you also come across as a skillful communicator.
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3. black pumas music 4. coat 5. sandalwood incense 6. best damn beard oil 7. wild tonic kombucha 8. vegan leather boots
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HOW TO IMPROVE MOOD AND ENERGY IN 5 MINUTES To manifest your most amazing dreams, you need to be in a mindset that creates a vibration of joy, abundance, and positivity. However, it’s not always easy to stay in that state. So, you may need some mood boosters to give you more energy and raise your vibration! While the best ways to improve your mood tend to involve consistent, long-term changes in habit, sometimes you just need a quick fix that will help you feel better. If you’re feeling low or simply want to ensure that you’re in a mentally good place before a particular way, here are some smart and powerful mood boosters you can do in five minutes or less.
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1. GET SOME LIGHT You might not immediately think that going outside will make you feel better if the weather isn’t so great, but the truth is that any sun exposure can help regulate mood (even when the sky is overcast). Light is necessary for vitamin D production, and deficiencies in this vitamin are evidentially linked to higher rates of depression.
2. TAKE A HOT BATH Think of phrases like “I am feeling happy, excited and ready to make the best of the day” or “I love myself, I love my life and I can’t wait to fulfill my life’s purpose”. To mix things up, try writing them down sometimes instead of saying them.
3. GET RID OF CLUTTER Just five minutes spent throwing away unneeded things and tidying your living space can make you feel more in control, more productive and happier about your current situation. This is especially true if you tidy the places where you work and relax.
4. SNIFF LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL Lemons, in fact, are mood boosters! This tip sounds strange at first glance, but your sense of smell is actually intimately connected to your emotional state. A lemon is uplifting!For example, one group of Japanese scientists found that the linalool in lemons can inhibit inappropriate activations of the body’s “fight or flight” response. And if the scent of lemon is too sharp for you, try basil or lavender; studies on these smells also show a reduction in stress levels. These scent based mood boosters are not only completely natural but will also help remove negativity from your environment too.
5. DO A DEEP BREATHING EXERCISE Breathe in through your nose to a count of 5. Then, hold your breath for another 5 seconds. Now, exhale for the final 5 seconds.Repeat this breathing pattern five times. Notice what it does to your body.This type of deep breathing expands your diaphragm, helps you to let go of built-up tension, and some studies even connect it to pain relief. JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 9
In honor of Men's Health Month Just Begin Magazine will be highlighting the creative spaces of extraordinary men through inspirational stories. JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 10
Who are some of your biggest inspirations? My father and mother are my biggest inspirations. They came to America with almost nothing and became extremely successful in many facets of life. They were the best parents my brother and I could ask for.
What your biggest challenge when starting a business? The biggest challenge was my fear of failure, I was hesitant to jump all in when starting a solo practice. Once I finally made that leap there was no looking back!
RAVIINDER PARMAR, M.D
What do you see as some of your biggest accomplishments? Ask me this question again in five years!
Can you tell us about your early career and how you got yourself established in your industry? When I was a child, I knew I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up. In my early career it was important for me to remember all the years of hard work and effort that was put into becoming a physician. As a young physician, I focused and still focus on becoming better doctor each day. This motivation helped me to get established as a pain management physician.
How does a day in your life look like these days? With the pandemic a lot in my schedule has changed. These days, I wake up early and do a workout at home or outdoors. The morning workout really helps me to get the most out of each day. I like to get to work a little early to prepare for the day. Once I am done caring for patients, I head home to spend time with my wife and daughter.
What’s the most enjoyable or fulfilling part of what you do ? By far the most fulfilling aspect of medicine is the ability to help and care for others. It is the reason why I went into medicine and I am very fortunate to be able to help others as my career.
What would you tell someone who is interested in starting a business or pursuing a passion? * You really have to want it, you can't "kind of want it". If you are truly passionate about it, then go for it and don't let anybody distract you from achieving your goals.
How do you balance your personal health and work life? Honestly, balancing time can be quite difficult. I often have to go back to the basic principle that time is one of the few things that I have complete control over. It is completely up to me how I choose to spend my time. I try very hard to never say, "I don't have time. I make time for the important things in my life.
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What’s the most enjoyable or fulfilling part of what you do ? Bringing a smile to someone's face and striving to provide a learning opportunity for everyone I connect with on a daily basis. It is incredibly important to me to pay forward what I have learned from others who took time early in my career to coach and mentor me.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations? My wife Dawn inspires me to be my best self. My wife is a marathon runner and I quite frankly can barely run (laughing). I'm in awe of her preparation and mental fortitude to push under extreme circumstances. That characteristic bleeds into her day to day life and she is a strong light and the rock of our family.
JAVIER OTHON Can you tell us about your early career and how you got yourself established in your industry?
What do you see as some of your biggest accomplishments? I am grateful to say that I have a number of them. Being accepted into PT school, marring my wife, raising our daughters Mia and Sienna, and going from a staff clinician to Chief Operating Officer at CORA Physical Therapy are ones I rank at the top.
Early on, I worked as a physical therapist in a hospital and ALF setting. I later transitioned to an outpatient setting as a staff clinician. It was in that What would you tell someone who is setting where my natural curiosity to live a life of servitude spawned. My interested in starting a business or efforts to support my colleagues, patients, and my company led me to lead multi-site physical therapy centers for CORA Physical Therapy. During pursuing a passion? this period I took a strong interest in the psyche of the injured worker. I’ve always felt this population was misunderstood and underserved. This Lead with your heart, serve others, and remain grounded interest led me to become the Director of Workers’ Compensation services on a purpose. If you do, success can’t help but to follow for CORA. It was during this time, where I interacted with employees and you. And at that, I mean truly succeeding at life. other functions across the organization, that my tenet to serve started to gain momentum. I began working in conjunction with leadership to identify business and cultural gaps. My goal was to ensure that our teams How do you balance your personal found their calling in working for CORA. To serve everyone: community, patients, and colleagues, everyone is important. Eventually, this road led health and work life? me to where I am today as the Chief Operating Officer at CORA Physical I have a unique approach (I think). I don't separate the Therapy. two. The mere concept of separating personal and work How does a day in your life look like these days? seems disingenuous to me. My family and coworkers are one. They know everything about my girls, and my I am an early riser, so first and foremost acknowledging my gratitude for girls know everything about my work. We have one shot another opportunity – another day to make a difference - and for the at life, and living all together is the secret to happiness. loves in my life is how I start the day. I then read for 15 minutes on any topic I seek to increase expertise on. Next, I get some exercise in and get my kids ready for school. My wife and I connect to discuss the day/week’s plan for our family. Once I am grounded and the family is taken care of, I connect with my VP’s and other executive leaders in the JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 12 organization and we get to work.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., my Grandfather, and Larry Winters.
What do you see as some of your biggest accomplishments? I have received awards, trophies, and accolades, but the biggest accomplishment is the thank you notes, cards, and emails that injured workers have sent, thanking me for taking care of them.
JEFFREY BELL Can you tell us about your early career and how you got yourself established in your industry? I spent 14 years in the Paint Industry and needed a change for my health. I went to a temp agency and was sent to a company to work for a "week". That was 15 years ago and I can say, I am happy to celebrate that anniversary. I spent a little over 10 of those years in the Utilization Review department and then became an adjuster.
What would you tell someone who is interested in starting a business or pursuing a passion? I would say follow your dreams and do it with everything you have. Don't lose focus and don't let the negative naysayers steal your dream. Every day is a new day to be better than you were yesterday.
How do you balance your personal health and work life? I enjoy cooking BBQ, singing Karaoke, cruising, and going to Busch Gardens.
How does a day in your life look like these days? I take the normal 2-3 hours I spent in the car traveling roundtrip to the office and apply those to my files. During this pandemic, it was important to have a seamless transition for our clients and their employees.
What’s the most enjoyable or fulfilling part of what you do ? This morning, thousands of people left their homes and families to go to work. Some of them will have some sort of industrial accident today. They instantly start worrying about what will happen, what is the next step, how will they provide for their family? It is the job of an adjuster to set their minds at ease, walk them through the process, get them the best medical care possible and back to work as fast as possible.
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Who are some of your biggest inspirations? One of my biggest inspirations has always been my grandfather. Despite the lack of opportunities presented to him in Cuba, and no higher education he was able to create his own business and support his family. He marked a difference in everyone he met, always had a smile and a helping hand, and he always encouraged everyone to pursue their goals and dreams.
What do you see as some of your biggest accomplishments?
JADELL MENDEZ Can you tell us about your early career and how you got yourself established in your industry? I am a foreign medical graduate from Cuba who immigrated to the United States in 1996. I was fortunate enough to work in the medical field upon my arrival to the country, and I enrolled the University of Miami where I first encountered Case Management and Workers Compensation. I was immediately attracted to it and began shifting my career goals towards that field. With years of experience and additional training I became a Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) and Qualified Rehabilitation Provider (QRP), joining the Workers Compensation workforce in the early 2000’s . I have been working as a Medical Case Manager ever since.
How does a day in your life look like these days? I begin my day with a strong Cuban Coffee in hand. I always check my emails early so I can get an idea of how my schedule will look for the day, plan my to do list, and prepare my files for any in-person appointments with injured employees and physicians. I am constantly communicating via phone and email with clients, physicians, and adjusters throughout the day. After I complete any in person appointments I usually end my workday by reviewing medical records, or completing reports on visits. I spend the rest of my evening with my family.
What’s the most enjoyable or fulfilling part of what you do ? In the process of getting injured employees back into the workforce I enjoy finding the right medical team to take care of them, and having all parties involved in the process including adjuster, employer, and attorneys well informed and actively working as a team with the same purpose of providing that injured worker with a quick and safe return to work. Seeing the successful outcome (when possible) is the most fulfilling part of my job.
My biggest accomplishment has been to be able to work in a field I love. I was able to have come to this country as an immigrant medical graduate and successfully build a career with a nationwide certification (CDMS) alongside other professionals. I am proud to have been able to create a name for myself in my field, and to be recognized for my work and success.
What would you tell someone who is interested in starting a business or pursuing a passion? My advice would be: Never stop dreaming. Educate yourself as much as you can on what you want to achieve, be prepared, stay focused, and enjoy every aspect of what you are creating and building along the way. Believe in yourself and always aim to give nothing less than your best on what you strive to do. Most importantly, always maintain a balance between work and life, make the time to enjoy what you create.
How do you balance your personal health and work life? Since I work from home I am lucky enough to have my family around. With all of the changes that the pandemic has brought our daily life I have strongly focused on making my health a priority. I always try to make time for exercise and get my family involved when possible. It is important to me that I get enough sleep to recharge and keep my mind fresh for the next busy day. The best way I recharge my energy and headspace is by spending time with my family on the weekends.
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Who are some of your biggest inspirations? To have fulfilled life with my family, retire from law enforcement feeling accomplishment by making a difference and to be happy
What do you see as some of your biggest accomplishments? My children and by giving them a positive role model and graduating college with my masters degree
What would you tell someone who is interested in starting a business or pursuing a passion?
HECTOR LOPEZ Can you tell us about your early career and how you got yourself established in your industry? After the military I worked security at Universal Studios and Walt Disney World. During those years I was going to school and met many law enforcement officers. I was drawn to law enforcement because of my background and the need to help
Go all in, with everything! As we say in the Marine Corps “Adapt, Overcome and improvise”. Do everything with Honor, Courage, and Commitment!
How do you balance your personal health and work life? Always make time for family and leave work at work! Create a hobby or something the family can do together
How does a day in your life look like these days? A day I’m my life revolves around family time personal growth and continuing to hopefully make a difference.
What’s the most enjoyable or fulfilling part of what you do ? Connecting and Helping people. JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 15
What your biggest challenge when starting a business? The biggest challenge when starting a business is finding a loyal team that can see and support your vision while also staying by your side throughout the ups and downs of the journey.
What do you see as some of your biggest accomplishments?
KEVIN LEDERER Can you tell us about your early career and how you got yourself established in your industry? I began working in the private investigation and insurance industry right out of college for Command Investigations. I always made it a point to be a leader, hard worker and take advantage of every opportunity presented to me. By having this mindset I was able to be promoted rapidly at Command Investigations and establish a strong reputation within the private investigation and insurance industry.
How does a day in your life look like these days? My typical day starts with a workout at the local gym followed by a nice walk through my neighborhood with my two dogs, Tank and Tuck. After that I head to the office to tackle the workday before coming home to relax or spend some time with family and or friends.
What’s the most enjoyable or fulfilling part of what you do ? I'd say the most fulfilling part of what I do is knowing that I made an effort to have a positive impact on everyone that I interacted with that day. Whether a coworker or client, I always try to treat others with respect and greet them with positivity. You never know how one little act of kindness could change someone's day for the better.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations? By far, my greatest inspirations are my father and grandfather. There are no words that can describe the magnitude of impact that both of these men have had on my life. They taught me how to lead with humility, be kind and loving unconditionally and most importantly the need for a relationship with Jesus Christ.
One of my biggest accomplishments includes participating in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride and becoming one of the top 50 fundraisers in the world for them. This fundraiser is to raise awareness for men's health and specifically for their mental health and prostate cancer. Having a father who battled and overcame prostate cancer and also losing one of my childhood best friends to suicide, this fundraiser has always held a special place in my heart. If you know me, you know I love my family and motorcycles so participating in a motorcycle ride fundraiser that has all participants around the world ride their motorcycle together while wearing their best gentlemanly attire on the same day to raise awareness for this was right up my alley. In 2019, I was able to become the top fundraiser in Central Florida and be a top 50 fundraiser in the entire world out of over 116,000 participants. Another one of my proudest accomplishments is completing the Bataan Memorial Death March in White Sands Missile Range, NM with several other men from Command Investigations. This is a 26.2 mile march through an extremely difficult terrain to commemorate the US soldiers that died and also survived the Bataan Death March in the Philippines during World War II. The sense of accomplishment and pride crossing that finish line with my comrades was indescribable.
What would you tell someone who is interested in starting a business or pursuing a passion? My advice would be to surround yourself with seasoned professionals within the industry you are looking to start a business in or passion you are wanting to pursue. You need to surround yourself with people that want to see you succeed, are smarter than you and have done 'it' before so you can learn from them.
How do you balance your personal health and work life? This was something I struggled with when I first came into the professional world. My main advice with this is having a healthy lifestyle which includes exercising consistently, having a good diet, praying/meditating daily and staying organized. In addition to that, make sure you know when it is time to take a break from work. In today's world many people are made to feel that they should be working nonstop without a break or vacation - that is not true. Take advantage of your vacation time, enjoy days off, spend time with family/friends, travel often, and do things outside of work that make you happy. There is more to life than money and work. JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 16
What your biggest challenge when starting a business? When my wife and I took all the equity out of our home to start Team Post Op. We wanted to pursue having our own business as we are entrepreneurs at heart. It was very scary using money from credit cards to keep us afloat during the lean times when we first started but in the end it was incredibly rewarding to build a successful family business with my wife, Aileen. We now have our 26 year old son and 23 year old daughter working with us.
What do you see as some of your biggest accomplishments? We are the largest DME provider in the State of Florida. We employ over 60 people and am happy to say that we cover 100% of our employee health costs. Moreover, we did not fire people during these trying times that have challenged many businesses. We pride ourselves on
ED MARTI
being a family company. Family is important to us and it's one of the reasons we have been so successful. We are accountable to each other. Everyone needs our company to be successful and that is why we all
Can you tell us about your early career and how you got yourself established in your industry? I started working as a surgical rep for US Surgical in 1991.I then took a job working for Medtronic in 1999. In 2007 I started Team Post Op. Ever since then I have been in the DME business. Love it.
understand the importance of going above and beyond to provide great service.
What would you tell someone who is interested in starting a business or pursuing a passion?
How does a day in your life look like these days?
To make sure they understand that during the first year
I actually spend a lot of time on Research & Development. I have over
or two it will feel like they made a horrible decision as
one dozen patents/trademarks to my name, all in the physical wellness
they will operate in the "red" but to be successful they
market. But when I'm not inventing products I work with everyone at Team Post Op. We have over 60 employees working out of Florida and Georgia.
What’s the most enjoyable or fulfilling part of what you do ? When I have patients tell me that one of the products I invented helped make them feel better and improved their quality of life.
need to take care of the customer. If you take care of the customer, then success will follow.
How do you balance your personal health and work life? I love playing and coaching sports. I have coached many players currently in MLB and NFL.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations? My Parents, Jose Marti, and Roberto Clemente. JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 17
Who are some of your biggest inspirations? My wife is by far is my biggest inspiration. She has been by my side every step of the way and has ensured that our dreams become a reality.
What your biggest challenge when starting a business? Fear was the biggest challenges I had. My fear was not about failing, but more about not being able to provide for my family.
What do you see as some of your biggest accomplishments? My family is my biggest accomplishment. I had my first child at the age of 16 with my beautiful wife. While
DAVE CRESPO
some kids were thinking about what they would be wearing to the prom, my wife and I were thinking of how we were going to pay bills. We both worked hard and despite all of the obstacles we faced, it never
Can you tell us about your early career and how you got yourself established in your industry? I became a father at a very young age and worked many odd jobs while going to school so I could support my family. My Uncle was an investigator in NYC and he said that I was wasting my talent doing these jobs. He gave me an opportunity as an intern in the insurance investigation field. Since then, I have been a Field Investigator, SIU Investigator, Operations Manager, VP of Operations to my current role of Owner/Operator.
How does a day in your life look like these days? My days are spent, working doing what I love, spending time with my
stopped us from achieving our goals.
What would you tell someone who is interested in starting a business or pursuing a passion? Don't be scared, do the research and if it makes sense, go for it!
How do you balance your personal health and work life? You have to be disciplined and ensure that you are setting time to take care of your physical and mental health.
family, training my team, refining my goals and being grateful.
What’s the most enjoyable or fulfilling part of what you do ? Every case is different and comes with many challenges. I look forward to these challenges each time. I also enjoy training our younger investigators.
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Who are some of your biggest inspirations? My partner David Crespo is one of my biggest inspirations. He is an honorable leader with integrity and experience. He is an amazing family man and role model for his successful children and grandson. I have never met someone who is so skilled in this industry and works so hard everyday leading our team from the front. I'm proud to get the opportunity to stand side by side with him and our team.
What your biggest challenge when starting a business?
JASON HALL Can you tell us about your early career and how you got yourself established in your industry? I served in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom on a Long Range Surveillance Detachment (LRS-D) team. After this tour of duty, I returned home and continued my surveillance career working as a state licensed private investigator. Years later I moved into operations managing a team of investigators and in recent years I have worked in sales/marketing/account management with insurance companies for investigations.
How does a day in your life look like these days? Each day starts with a review of the cases worked by our team the day before. I prepare the final reports from our investigations and update our clients on the results that were obtained. I then schedule any remaining time on our assignments with the team member that is best for the case. Many afternoons are dedicated to marketing and keeping up relationships with our clients.
What’s the most enjoyable or fulfilling part of what you do ? Many times when a case comes over to my desk we are aware that the claimant is fraudulent. It is our agency's responsibility to document information, videos and online activity to confirm a fraud case. I find it most enjoyable when information is located confirming our suspicions.
Our biggest challenge was learning the payment curve. In this industry when we work a case our team members are paid immediately when the service is conducted. Payment from some accounts in this industry are 30 to 90 days out. For the first few months it was a struggle to make ends meet but with responsible accounting we were able to get off the ground and build capital to negotiate the payment curve.
What do you see as some of your biggest accomplishments? The honor of serving in the U.S Army as a surveillance paratrooper and building Iconic Investigations LLC are some of my biggest accomplishments.
What would you tell someone who is interested in starting a business or pursuing a passion? Lead your team from the front and set the example for others to follow. Stay motivated and positive as opportunities are around every corner.
How do you balance your personal health and work life? Scheduling healthy routines ensures that there is balance and delegating overwhelming tasks to skilled team members to alleviate added stress.
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What your biggest challenge when starting a business? In my past life, I had owned a business. The challenge was there were many times when you didn’t take a paycheck in order to make payroll or invest back into the company...that’s a very humbling experience.
What do you see as some of your biggest accomplishments?
DONNIE WOODS Can you tell us about your early career and how you got yourself established in your industry? My first job out of college was as a Sales Representative for a large printing paper company and I have been in sales my entire career. STREAMLINE was a small, growing company in the work comp industry that a few years ago was looking to start a Business Development position for the Florida Territory.
How does a day in your life look like these days? Working during a Pandemic has definitely changed how we do sales and marketing. We can’t do office visits at this time but I still manage to get out often to meet clients for lunch or dinner. For others that aren’t comfortable going out, more emailing , phone calls or zoom now to stay in front of them. We have to be more creative in how we market than ever before.
When I started with STREAMLINE a few years ago, there were many in Florida and regionally who had never heard of us. I’m proud of the hard work myself and our team has put in to grow STREAMLINE to where we are today.
What would you tell someone who is interested in starting a business or pursuing a passion? You have to enjoy what you’re doing or it will feel like work.
How do you balance your personal health and work life? Spending quality time with my family and friends. Also, I exercise regularly to help my mental and physical well-being.
What’s the most enjoyable or fulfilling part of what you do ? The friendships you develop in our industry and providing a service to help our client friends with their injured workers.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations? My Grandparents and Parents. They all taught me a strong work ethic. My Parents worked very hard and we never knew how much or little we had. We knew that we always had what we needed. JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 20
What’s the most enjoyable or fulfilling part of what you do ? Success on any and all cases and being sought out by many law firms to do work for them. It is an honor to perform work on cases folks are trusting us to capture evidentiary value that eventually helps them to mitigate the claim and/or prove fraud.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations? My dad who was a Commander in the Coast Guard and before that he had a position whereby he was in charge of investigations on ships that were at sea for 6 months to two years at a time. I also have a lot of respect other Private Investigator's David Wasser and Brian McGuiness. Also I have to say on a personal level, James Beckham is someone I would emulate and like to become like.
DON BLAIR Can you tell us about your early career and how you got yourself established in your industry? I was a Claimant and then eventually started investigating Claimants. I was working undercover on a drug investigation and was injured on the job. Its a unique story that has gifted me with a perspective as a Claimant who went through the entire WC experience, with surgeries, physical rehab, reaching my MMI and agreeing to a washout and then transferring into the investigative private investigator sector. This is where Claims Investigation Agency began to evolve and has continued to grow each year. In my first year, I cemented three large clients, a cruise lines and two large insurance companies. Then about 5 years ago, I decided to hire a marketing director, Anailis Diaz who successfully started to obtain new clients for us and the company grew exponentially.
How does a day in your life look like these days? I am still in the field, investigative wise. I believe that in order to relate to my field investigators that I need to stay current in the field. Having said that and by design, I am the "game time" field manager, I am personally connected to each investigator in every state and I make the "in game" decisions that are critical to the outcome of cases - much like a football head coach, that makes game time decisions during the course of the game that often decides winning or losing. I am in constant contact with our Marketing Director, Anailis Diaz as the playing field for Marketing has completely changed as a result of the pandemic.
What your biggest challenge when starting a business? Money flow. Luckily, originally the business was coowned by James Beckham and he bankrolled the business during the embryonic stages of the business.
What do you see as some of your biggest accomplishments? Having Claims Investigation Agency become a top tier investigative company and being licensed in several other states. Also, being on the approved vendors list for 26 municipalities and 14 school boards in Florida.
What would you tell someone who is interested in starting a business or pursuing a passion? Make sure that you are ready for what may come your way. 100 % believe in yourself and your product. Be ready for the peaks and valley's. Have a true passion for what you are doing. The passion will get you through the hard times.
How do you balance your personal health and work life? There is no doubt that my health life has become way secondary because the majority of my my time is spent on the business on many different levels. I do walk a mile each day though !! and try to watch what I eat. JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 21
Some of you may talk to him on the phone, while others may constantly email him. Some may know him as Mari’s son while others know he will one day be the CEO and leader of OM Marketing. Meet Ozzy Diaz Jr., the future of OM Marketing.
THE FUTURE OF OM by Anailis Diaz
Ozzy is the son to Mari & Ozzy Sr., the owners of OM Marketing. The couple began involving their children at a young age. Ozzy Jr. recalls starting with the business at age 15. “I was about 15 years old and I started with calls, God knows if my voice had even dropped yet! My mom would have me making PCP calls and doing follow up calls with Urgent Cares.” As a child, Ozzy wanted to be a doctor. “I thought I wanted to be doctor and once I shadowed, I realized that it wasn’t what I wanted to do.” As years passed, Ozzy began receiving more responsibility from his parents. “When I was about 18 years old, my mom asked me to put together a symposium in Miami. It was my first real event and I did it at jungle island.” After working with his parents for a few years during his late teen years and early twenties, Ozzy wanted a change. He left to begin working for a restaurant called Hurricane. But why? JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 22
“I wanted to experience what an actual job was. I felt like I was being babied. Not in a bad way but like there were times I would mess us, which granted I was being lazy but I wasn’t taking it seriously because it was my mom. I think I didn't take seriously because I didn’t have the concept of what reality was. Working at OM made me feel like it was just something my mom was making me do, not a job.” Once he left OM to Hurricanes, Ozzy began the hustle and bustle of a what he considered a real job. So what brought him back to OM after his time at the restaurant? “I started out performing my job and realizing why am I doing all this work for someone else. I was working so hard and the managers at the restaurant were ruining it for the employees with the customers. I was always stressing on how I could make the restaurant more money.”
After a long day at work, Ozzy went back home and began talking to Mari, his mother. “I had gone back and I was explaining everything to her more or less and during our conversation she asked, ‘Well, why don't you just come back and work for me?,’ because I kept stressing her. I kept thinking, ‘I’m making this restaurant so much money and I will not make anything of this” During a conversation with Mari, it clicked. “When I was talking to my mom, she helped me realize that OM was mine. She told me, ‘As much as this is mine, it’s yours.’ And then it made more sense to me to come back and work for her because I was building for my future. It helped my mom, my dad, my sisters, and my extended family. I wanted to come back as an employee and not her son.” Over time, Ozzy began taking on additional roles and tasks to help build the future of OM. “I have a call with my mom every day. When I first started, I always asked her questions and soaked up the information to learn and then teach to the other employees.” He recalls telling his mom to focus on other parts of the business. “My mom has always had the ideas and begins everything and I’ve been more the person to execute her visions and goals.” At a young age, Ozzy worked hard. When asked, ‘What sacrifices did you make to get to where you are today within OM?’ he said, “during my time at OM, I was taking college classes and I was 75% through with my credits and had a couple of semesters left, but at the time, I remember, and again this is just my perception, but I saw my parents struggling. They weren’t struggling in the sense of maintaining the business but they were struggling to keep up with all of the work. They were working really hard. We had a revolving door of employees and a lot of long term employees. I remember understanding that when one of our long term employees was leaving, the work was going to fall on my mom on top of everything she had.” He recalls not wanting to see her struggle and stressed. “I didn't want to see that. I wouldn't want to see my parents go through the stress. It’s unfair. It’s unfair because they work really hard. I don’t think I’ve ever told my mom this.” So, what plans does Ozzy Jr. have for OM Marketing? “That's a tough question. My plans for the company are the same as my parents. But to give you a better answer, I would like to broaden outside of Workers’ Compensation. I want to grow our community and continuing the education side of the company.
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ALEX PEREZ
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Playing Major League Baseball for a living is a dream many young boys share. Playing the game you love in front of fans is the ultimate dream job. This was the dream Alex Perez had growing up. Meet Alex! Perez grew up in Miami, FL, the hot bed of sports. His grandfather taught Alex to love the game of baseball. He began playing baseball at the age of 5 at Shenandoah park skipping Tee Ball and going straight into Coach pitch. His love and talent for the game grew as he became older. As he advanced in his little league career, Perez participated in Cooperstown in New York, The Pony World series in Texas, and the World Wide Sports Tournament in Orlando, Florida. Baseball took Perez all around the United States growing up to play in different tournaments and showcases.
Alex went on to start every game in his four year career, which had never been done before at Virginia Tech. Perez started 224 career games and still holds the record for the longest streak in the entire Nation for consecutive starts. Long Story Short, Perez had an outstanding college career, one of the most successful careers in Hokie history. His next step: The MLB. In June of 2015, Perez was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 23rd round of the 2015 MLB June Amateur Draft. “I worked so hard to get to this point in my life, I knew it was going to be hard but I had to keep working,” says Alex. Perez proceeded to play 4 years (2015-2019) with the Twins in their minor league system. He scaled the ladder
Nonetheless, Perez’s says, “my dream growing up was to attend a D1 school and eventually get drafted to play in the MLB.” As he strived to make his dreams come true, Alex attended Immaculata La Salle High School. During his high school career, Perez was named the Miami Herald Pitcher of the Year and made first-team all-county and first-team MiamiDade selection. Later, a part of Perez’s dream came true. He received a scholarship to continue his academic and athletic career at D-1 Powerhouse Virginia Tech. Perez says, “I knew I was half way home, I was one step closer to my ultimate goal. I knew I had to work harder then ever.”
and made it all the way up to Triple-A but not before winning a Championship Ring with Double-A Affiliate, The Chattanooga Lookouts. After his career with the Twins, Perez signed with the American Association’s Winnipeg Goldeyes before hanging up his cleats. “I gave myself a goal and I accomplished that goal. Playing in the major leagues is hard and requires a lot of sweat, blood and tears. I wanted to keep going and do it all, but I was ready to begin a life and not focus on an uncertainty,” says Alex. At the end of 2019 into 2020, Perez was ready to give back to the community. Alex says, “Baseball was and will always be a part of my life. I wanted to do something for the youth. I was always involved in camps and in my off seasons I would coach. I knew I would always want give back.” Perez began an academy called Prodigy Baseball. He started with a 10u team out of Miami, FL. As he strives to build his academy, Perez says he is determined to give these players as much as the game gave him. He has now focused his time and attention to molding the youth into the best possible ball players and people they can be. He says, “my goal is to give back to a game that gave me so much.” JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 25
HOLISTIC LIVING
IN THIS HOLISTIC LIVING SECTION YOU WILL FIND EVERYTHING HOLISTIC, FROM PRACTITIONERS, PRODUCTS, CLASSES, RETREATS, BOOKS & MORE.
Our mission is to be the bridge to help those on their journey to Health and Wellness. Alternatives for Healing's goal is to provide natural alternatives for those that are searching for a holistic path to wellness. JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 26
SKIN CARE
Behind are the days where appropriate skin care
ROUTINE
much as women, but they are catching up. Men
FOR MEN
cosmetic companies, which have developed
IN 8 STEPS
for men was regarded as nonsense. Today men skin care is more acceptable, and more men worry about their appearance, maybe not as want to look good, young, attractive, healthy and why not? The growing concerns in men to take care of their appearance have been noticed by many new cosmetic products for men. But before rushing to buy skin care products, make sure that you understand the basics of your skin and what you should be using. Don't just use your partner's cosmetic products because the skin is different.
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1. Clean the skin every day, morning and night with specific products to get rid of dirt. 2. If you are serious about your skin use sunblock every day of the year, as the sun is the major factor that causes aging skin. Many man skin care products incorporate sunscreen to their formulas. Make sure it has high SPF and that protects from ultraviolet light. 3. Hydrate every day to protect the skin from external factors and dryness. 4. Use a specific product to protect the area around the eyes and prevent dark circles and puffy eyes. 5. Apply a specific product before shaving and a moisturizing lotion after. Try to shave after the shower, use a quality razor and change the razor's blades regularly. 6. Exfoliate the skin at least once a week to get rid of dead cells and excess of oil. It will also help with cellular renovation and to avoid the appearance of spots. 7. Use products, aimed at your age group. The moisturizer that you use during the day, or the nutritive during the night can at the same time, act as anti aging. Ask in the beauty counter about the skin care ingredients that the product may contain. 8. Use a nutritive product during the night to regenerate the skin.
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6 SELF CARE TIPS FOR MEN
When was the last time you did something for yourself? Like REALLY did something for yourself. If you can’t pinpoint to an exact time. Then you need to sit down and read this. Self care for men is as equally as important for men as its for women. It’s essential for maintaining balance in everyone’s life, no matter what gender you are. Men often overlook self care for themselves. Sure you play basketball every Tuesday night, but when is the last time you had a physical done? We get it, taking time out of your busy schedule can seem impossible. Especially since you barely have time for anything but work. Yet, it’s critical to make “the time” for self care. Because all work and no play can make everyone a bit crazy. JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 29
In a social climate where terms like toxic masculinity and
TAKE A SOAK IN THE TUB
misogyny pigeonhole otherwise lovely, caring, and aware
Bathing was once thought of as a social event.
males, I would argue that our menfolk would greatly
Although nowadays it tends to be more of a solo
benefit from some healthy, therapeutic touch. So what
event and often overlooked by men as a form of
keeps some men from scheduling a session? I’ll be frank.
relaxation. Don’t let woman have all the fun. Grab
Many men associate touch with sex, and intimate contact,
some men inspired bath products and soak up away
even if it’s non-sexual and therapeutic, can be confusing.
your stress.
TRY DIFFUSING SOME ESSENTIAL OILS
GET YOUR SWEAT ON
JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE
Essential oils are not as girly as you may think. Their
Make time for at least a 30-minute session at a gym
benefits overshadow any perception you may have with
a couple of times a week. Choose one near your
them. And are worth giving a try. You never know they
home to get a workout before or after work. Or
maybe your answer to sleepless nights.
choose one near your work to sneak one in during your lunch break. The gym is a great place to let out some steam while becoming irresistible fit and healthy. Better yet, ditch the gym and move your workout outside. The fresh air will energize you and help you soak up some vitamin D.
TRY MEDITATING OR YOGA Meditation is easier than you think. We suggest downloading the Calm app or the Insight App to get started. Basically, all you need a quiet place to meditate and openness to the process to reap the benefits of meditation. Start with five minutes a day and see how you do.
PICK UP A BOOK Even if you are not a big reader. You can benefit from slowing down and focusing on a good book.
RECONNECT WITH YOUR FRIENDS So often we get so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget to reconnect with our friends. So grab your buddies and have some fun. Whether you decide to get into a self care routine or do one thing a week or month. It’s important to find a few self care activities that you can incorporate into your life on a regular basis. Not a one-time thing. Find what works for you.
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Crystals for Men By Samantha Diaz Men and women are hormonally wired to think and behave in different ways. Men typically find satisfaction in work, which is related to the production of the hormone testosterone. However, the levels of stress in today’s work environment and the everincreasing demands on workers in any industry today easily create an imbalance where men feel pressured to pour all their energy into work and push their personal life and emotional relationships to the margins. Over time, this imbalance typically creates a range of health problems, including those that significantly erode a man’s self-esteem. But here I will turn to crystals that may help to counteract this, create a greater balance and help in reducing stress, and thus provide you with a great foundation upon which to build a life that you desire.
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GARNET Since Garnet is associated with the base (Root) or first chakra, it strengthens our will for survival and activates numerous mechanisms for stabilizing our connection with the earthly world and with our place within that world. Bringing our attention back to the present, it helps us accomplish that which is essential for our general well-being. It is also great for stabilization of relationships as well as connections between the intellectual and emotional realms. In relationships, it reinvigorates physical passion in a quite powerful manner. At the same time, Garnet also promotes faithfulness and commitment based on a deep spiritual connection. Garnet is a great motivator. For those who have become disillusioned with their job, it infuses new energy into old projects, provides one with new creative insights into resolution of old dilemmas, and makes one more productive and enthusiastic as a result. This is why it is also known as a stone for improving luck in business.
TIGER’S EYE Associated with the Solar Plexus chakra, it is extremely important for men, since most of the problems that men encounter go to their stomachs. In some parts of the world, there is an expression, “I can’t digest that”, which refers to something we dislike. It is not accidental that this particular term is used—it has been shown that many things we dislike but cannot express or cannot process for whatever reason, get lodged in our guts. This not only blocks our physical digestion and creates various health problems in terms of metabolism, but also prevents us accessing our “gut feelings” – another term for intuition which, especially for men, operates primarily from this place. Many men have found that this stone helps them get into a state where those blocks are seen, their origin understood, and their cause(s) brought to awareness and cleared. Clearing this up opens the space for noticing the “gut feelings” again and “knowing” ahead of time what plan of action to take. The vibrations of Tiger’s Eye promote quiet determination, increase self-respect, solidify courage and help one get through tough times peacefully and productively.
BLACK ONYX Black Onyx also helps men release their feelings of sadness in periods of grief. This is important, because due to social expectations, men have been taught to ignore or repress them, and that typically leads to all kinds of health problems, including heart-attacks. On other occasions, however, it is great for maintaining self-control, determination and focus. It repels the negative energy of others and transforms one’s excess energy by grounding it into a positive one. This provides a balanced inner emotional environment which is ideal for potentially stressful work situations. Through emanating emotional balance and inner strength, the wearer has the potential to strongly influence others and contribute to the peaceful resolution of arguments.
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JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE RECIPES
APPLE PIE
INSTRUCTIONS Prep Time: 20 MINUTES Cook Time: 45 MINUTES Cooling Time: 2 HOURS Total Time: 1 HOUR & 5 MINUTES 1. Heat oven to 425. 2. Place 1 of the pie crusts in 9″ glass pie plate and press firmly against the sides and bottom of the plate. Take a knife and run
INGREDIENTS 1 box Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crust 8 cups Rome Apples peeled & thinly sliced (any type of apple will do)
it along the top of the pie plate to remove any excess crust hanging over the edge. 3. Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a large spoon, stiring gently 4. Fill the crust with the mixed ingredients. 5. Top the ingredients with the second crust. Take the excess top
1 tablespoon lemon juice
crust and tuck in down the outside ege of the bottom crust.
3/4 cup sugar
Press edges together to seal it. You can make any kind of edge
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
you like but I like to pinch it up all the way around
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
6. Cut shapes or slits in the top of the crust to vent it. I do 4 elongated oval slits around the center. 7. Bake for 20 minutes and then place foil strips around the edge of the pie so it doesn’t burn the edge. Bake for another 20 – 25 minutes.
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HOW TO PRACTICE CANDLE GAZING MEDITATION
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Have you ever looked at a flickering candle flame Now, it’s worth noting that there is no scientific evidence to support these claims... so take these and thought how calming and meditative it benefits with a grain of salt. Nonetheless, Trataka is appears, you’re not alone! Did you know that a great tool to enhance meditation and that’s an candle gazing is actually an ancient practice, awesome benefit in itself! otherwise known as Trataka? It’s a powerful practice that you can easily incorporate into your We get all the usual benefits of a meditative state, but according to Hatha yoga traditions there are also routine to experience its benefits! several other benefits such as: Improves vision/eyesight Candle gazing can be a very efficient way to Improves clarity and decision making Improves concentration and memory practice meditation and is a great option for Deepens sleep and helps sleep related disorders those who struggle to stop their mind Enhances patience and willpower wandering. That’s because by keeping the eyes Improves productivity open and having an animated object to focus on Calms the mind and promoting inner peace Provides stress and anxiety relief it is easier to stay focused and enter a state of pure awareness, as we aim to in transcendental meditation.
So if we’ve sparked your interest, here’s how you can do your very own candle gazing meditation in a few easy steps!
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Set up your space Like any other meditation practice, the space around you is important to set the scene and get you in the zone. Dim the lights, perhaps using a himalayan salt lamp to give a warm ambience to the room. Make sure you won’t be disturbed and turn off any electronics.
Place your candle on a surface in front of you Put your candle on a hard surface away from any flammable items. You want the candle to be around eye level so bare this in mind and preferably use a table rather than the floor. Now, most importantly, light the candle. (Ideally want to choose a non-toxic candle that’s made from natural soy wax or beeswax.)
Sit in a comfortable position Sit as you would in any other meditation - whatever position is most comfortable for you. You may choose to sit on a meditation cushion with a blanket over you to keep warm for the duration of your practice. You should be around 3ft to 4ft from your candle. Gaze at the candle Your focus now is to keep your gaze fixed at the candle flame without fidgeting or blinking. Your eyes are likely to water after some time but this is normal. Continue until you cannot physically keep your eyes open any longer.
Finish meditation by closing your eyes When you close your eyes, you may see an image of the candle flame in your mind’s eye. Try to direct this image at your third eye chakra (the point between your eyebrows). When the image completely fades, reopen your eyes and repeat the process. If you like, you can experiment with using different colors and smells to resonate with a particular chakra that you might be trying to unblock. Candle gazing doesn’t have to be a complex practice, but there are definitely steps you can take to make it a more powerful and beneficial practice.
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JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE RECIPES
New England Clam Chowder Servings: 1 SERVING Cook Time: 45 MINUTES Total Time: 45 MINUTES
Fresh clams, potatoes, cream, and a little butter add up to one of the most famous soups in the world. We love chowders, add a little seafood, and
PROCEDURE 1. Start by FRYING the bacon to a crisp, remove and set aside to allow it to cool down. Keep the bacon fat, you will fry the
you’ve got paradise in a bowl. This may be the best
vegetables in it. We are omitting the butter, the bacon gives it
Creamy New England Clam Chowder you have
the kick it needs (or vice versa).
ever tried. 2. Once the bacon has cooled, chop it finely and reserve 2 tbsp to top with once the soup is ready to serve.
INGREDIENTS 1 pack Bacon "Antibiotics & Hormone" free
3. Next chop your celery into small pieces and do the same with
2 large Onion
the onion. Toss all of this back into the pot along with the
6 sticks Celery Sticks
bacon fat and fry till the onions till translucent. Then add in the
3 cloves Garlic
minced garlic and saute one more minute.
1/2 cup All purpose flour 1 cup Vegetable stock
4. Next whisk in the flour and stir all together cooking for one minute, your wanting to lightly brown the flour before whisking
4 cups Heavy Cream 4 cups White mini potatoes 340 grams Bag of frozen clams
in the cream, clam juice & vegetable stock, chopped bacon, bay leaves and dry spices. Cook for about one minute, before adding in the diced mini potatoes.
1 tbsp Dried thyme 2 bay leaves
5. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to a low simmer, cooking
1 tbsp White Pepper
till the potatoes are fork tender *about 10 minutes. Then remove
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
the bay leaf.
2 tbsp Red wine vinegar 1 tsp Salt 3 tbsp Fresh chopped parsley
bay seasoning. Then simmer on medium - low heat for about 35 minutes. *Do not boil the clams. Allow the soup to cool down some before adding in 2 tbsp of red wine vinegar to add depth
NUTRITION Calories: 999 Total Fat: 73g Saturated Fat: 45g Trans Fat: 2g UnSaturated Fat: 23g Cholesterol: 269mg
6. Pour in the chopped clams and season with pepper and old
of flavor. Sodium: 1783mg Carbohydrates: 56g Fiber: 6g Sugar: 11g Protein: 32g
7. Stir and season with salt to taste, then ladle into large soup bowls and garnish with a little *chopped bacon and parsley if desired. Enjoy!
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WORKPLACE WELLNESS
A fresh approach to corporate wellbeing, health, and productivity in the workplace
Move, Nourish, and Thrive JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 39
10 TIPS FOR GOOD HEALTH AT WORK If you happen to be one of the many American who spends 8+ hours each day at an office job, you may already intimately know the importance of workplace wellness. Though a desk job is not considered “physical” work, it certainly takes a physical toll on your body. As we spend about a third of our time (half of our waking hours!) at the office, it’s an important place to maintain good physical and mental health practices—which ultimately make a big impact on our overall health and well-being.
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1. PRIORITIZE AN ERGONOMIC SET-UP
4. CREATE AN INTENTIONAL WORK SPACE
Working long hours at a desk with improper posture can (and mostly
You may or may not have much control over where your office is
likely will) wreak havoc on your body over time. It’s best to set up your
located and how it’s set up, but workplace wellness begins with our
desk, chair (or yoga ball), monitor and keyboard in ergonomically
workplace environment. We’re best able to set ourselves up for
correct positions. This interactive workspace planner helps determine
healthy practices at work when our office environment supports
how your desk should be best positioned for your height. Due to the
positive working conditions that help us stay inspired, focused and
importance of ergonomic work stations for employee health, many
productive. Think about how you work best: Do you need a quiet
companies and organizations now offer in-house ergonomic
space? Plenty of light? Do you need desk space to write on, a place to
assessments to get you set up properly.If you’re interested and able,
easily access paper files or documents? Are you most focused if
and your workplace offers this as an option, a standing desk is ideal—
you’re facing a wall, or most inspired if your desk positions you to
as you may know, sitting is not too good for your health.
look out a window?Though it seems simple, intentionally setting up
2. ADD PLANTS
your workspace to increase focus and productivity can significantly reduce workplace stress down the road.
Whether you’re able to create a full-blown garden at your desk, or you just have one plant in a corner, there are a couple key reasons to add
5. GET UP FROM YOUR DESK REGULARLY
plants to your office space: Sadly, indoor air is typically much more
When you’re busy / overworked / rushing to meet deadlines, it’s
polluted than the air right outside your office building. But certain
tough to pry yourself away from the computer, simply for the sake of
plants—like easy-to-care-for peace lilies, rubber plants and spider
health. But ideally (for your health), you should get up from your
plants—are great natural air purifiers. Adding them to your workspace can help to remove toxins from the air you’re breathing in.Exposure to greenery from plants is shown to reduce fatigue, boost creativity and productivity, and may even make you happier! Woohoo!
3. 20/20/20 VISION RULE Computer eye strain is real—and can lead to dry eyes, blurry vision and headaches. When working on a computer it’s a good idea to
desk at least every half hour. For some people this feels near impossible, or breaks focus and diminishes productivity, so play around with the timeline works best for you. It’s helpful to set reminders that prevent you from “forgetting” to get up. For example, set an alarm on your phone for 30 minutes. Even if you just stand up and walk around your office for a few seconds as you’re turning off the alarm, that counts as movement, which is good!
follow the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 41
6. PLAN A HEALTHY LUNCH
8. DRESS THE PART
Workplace lunchtime can be one of the pitfalls of an
There’s a saying: Dress for the job you wish you
otherwise healthy lifestyle. If you haven’t planned
had.While workplace fashion may seem like a
ahead for your workday lunch, you may find yourself at
superficial addition to a wellness list, we’ve included it
the mercy of whichever options are available nearby—
here because of how significantly your external
which, often, are not the healthiest, and not something
appearance can influence your confidence and how you
you’d turn to if you had more choice.Whether your
feel about yourself in the workplace. (And, confidence
particular workplace lunch options mean that your best
hugely influences your willingness to take risks that will
bet for a healthy lunch is to bring one yourself, or if you
advance your career.)Though there’s absolutely nothing
have other options available to you, be intentional
wrong with a casual approach to workplace fashion if
about what’s for lunch each day and how it supports
that’s what works for you, many people find that they
your overall nutrition and healthy eating habits.It’s
feel their best while wearing work clothes that make
helpful to create a weekly meal plan that outlines what
them feel good and feel the part. It’s true that what you
you’re eating for lunch each week—this small planning
wear to work can help you feel more professional,
effort ensures you have all the ingredients on hand for
productive and, most importantly, more confident—so
healthy lunches.
have some fun intentionally dressing the part if you’d
7. CULTIVATE POSITIVE PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
like.
Workplace social drama can have a hugely negative impact on your overall well-being. Your colleagues are some of the people you likely spend the most time with in your daily life. Negative relationships in that area can certainly cause stress and discomfort—and even make you feel less comfortable or excited going to work.Cultivate positive relationships in your workplace by being a kind, courteous colleague who’s known for being a team player and showing kindness and professionalism to everyone. Don’t start office drama, and don’t encourage office drama—both contribute to a toxic work environment. Though you can’t control how others behave, removing yourself from any unprofessional situation (or speaking up against it) sends a message to your colleagues that you expect professional behavior in the workplace.Some of the most effective business relationships come from connecting well with others. Particularly if you work closely with your colleagues, make an effort to get to know them—what do they do for fun outside of work, what’s most important to them, what are their professional goals and how can you help them along the way?
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Working in partnership with employers to support a healthier happier workplace. Our goal is to help your staff be the healthiest, happiest and very best version of themselves. Prices & Booking Information: WCTEAM3@OMMKTG.COM
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HOW TO PRACTICE MINDFULNESS IN THE WORKPLACE
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Working in an office can be really exciting and rewarding while other times it can be stressful and feel soul-sucking. So how do you handle it when your boss is blowing up your inbox asking about that project? What about when a coworker was supposed to help you on a presentation but then flakes out last minute? Your clients are calling you left and right as you watch your voicemail light up. Or maybe, you share your workspace with an individual who is just spreading their stressed out and negative vibes like pink-eye in a kindergarten classroom? If you’re anything like us, you might struggle with handling it well. We get it – working in an office environment is hard. Like feeding into your coworker’s bad vibes. Getting so stressed out that you make yourself sick or anticipating that your boss coming into your office yelling at you for doing something wrong or coming in 2 minutes late. It can be so overwhelmeing with your workload that you would just become paralyzed and then fall behind. Worst of all – putting your work ahead of everything in your life. your health, your friends, your family, YOUR SANITY – it all took a backseat to your career. Until you have a total burnout and realize that you had to make some SERIOUS changes to the way that you approach your life-work balance.
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DON’T GO ON AUTOPILOT You know when you’re driving and you suddenly realize that you are getting off at your exit or you’ve somehow moved over 3 lanes and have no idea how you got there? You completely zoned out but your brain still kept working for you to get to your destination. That doesn’t just happen on the road, it can happen in your life too. Especially when it comes to monotonous tasks. Even if it’s the simplest task, be mindful of your actions while participating in the task. For example, if you’re changing the paper from the printer, feel the paper glide past your fingers. Continue to breathe deep. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY Eat breakfast, drink enough water throughout the day, bring a healthy lunch, have snacks on hand, get a workout in. It’s really difficult to be mindful and present when you’re dragging from not having enough energy or even having the slightest amount of dehydration. My suggestion? Keep snacks and oatmeal at your desk for desperate times. GET AWAY FROM YOUR DESK I spent close to 5 years working in retail before I transitioned into corporate. This meant, I was used to spending 8 hours a day on my feet, walking around, standing behind the register etc. My body was in constant motion. Then I suddenly went to sitting in a chair for 8 hours and talking on the phone. I noticed that I was having really bad anxiety at certain times of the day. When I told my acupuncturist about this, he suggested that I take walks as many times as possible and to stand up from my desk every 15-25 minutes. I was really fortunate because my office was lenient with break policies and I could basically go outside and walk whenever my little heart pleased. I made sure to stand up and do a little bit of stretching as often as possible, just to get the blood flowing. I would get up to use the restroom, grab a snack, head to the water filter, talk to a coworker or even print something at a printer on a different floor. This helped SO much. The way that my acupuncturist explained it was that I had a lot of pent up energy in my body that wasn’t being expressed or used up. When my energy was just sitting there and not being used, it was just gassing my anxiety. I became so dedicated to my walks that I actually blocked out 15 minute walks about 2-3 times a day in my calendar and schedule my meetings and calls around them. Within a few weeks of walking and stretching at my desk, I noticed a huge improvement in my overall wellbeing. TO SUM THIS WHOLE THING UP: Being mindful in the workplace will make you more productive, happier and calmer.Who doesn’t want MORE of that?!But on the real, you spend more time at your job than you do with your friends and family. It should be a healthy and happy place for you to be.
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We Need Care Too by Sandra Zawalski During the events of this year many articles, podcasts and
Many men don’t like to talk about their feelings, or show
other forms of social media have discussed, preached, and
their feelings when they might be sad, depressed, anxious,
perhaps taught females how to care for themselves so that
etc. Many were raised to not let anyone see them cry, to
they can care for others. What about the men in our lives?
“hold back” and just “deal with it”. We are slowly seeing a
Do the men think that taking care of themselves make
shift in this attitude, but it does continue.
them less masculine? A well cared body can make you feel good about yourself and your life which can convey to
With that being said, how does a man care for himself?
others that you value yourself. Having a plan can help in
Pretty much the way all people do. Eat well, exercise,
enhancing your health, manage stress and maintain
meditate, and be around those that care about you. All of
professionalism. This can all lead to decreasing and
my research demonstrated men’s self-care isn’t much
possibly preventing stress and anxiety. With nearly 1 in 10
different than women’s! They love being pampered,
men experiencing depression and anxiety and only half
relaxing and being healthy.
sought treatment this can lead to an unhealthy mind. Like women, men’s self-care is not a one size fits all. Some Traditionally, men were thought of as the bread winners of
do better at quieter activities, such as meditation, walks or
a family. Times have changed as has the number of dual
being alone for short periods. Some like to be at the gym,
income families. However, men remain worried about
throwing weight around, loud music and noise. They
financial situations. What happens if there is a loss of one
must find what works for them. The key is to find what
income? Which partner has the health care insurance, and
options are available for them while at the same time de-
will that be lost also? This is not to say women don’t also
stigmatizing the notion of self-care for men.
feel this way, but this article is about the men in our lives. J U SJ TU SBTE G GA AG Z IANZEI N| E4 0| 4 7 B IENG IMNA M
The first step in this process is to make time for yourself. This should be a priority even when there is a list a mile long of other areas that need action. If you don’t care for yourselves you will run out of gas, energy, and motivation. When this happens, you can be prone to physical illness, mental illness and unable to assist those you love. Secondly you need to engage with others. Studies demonstrate that being with others will have a positive influence on mental health. Embrace health, both physically and mentally. This is the third step. Make and keep those doctor’s appointments. A yearly physical can tell you what you have done that is good for your body during the past year and what still needs work. How is your weight, A1c, cholesterol and such? Find passion and connection. During lockdowns, many had to resort to finding those connections. For some, those that love sports, well they may have had to look at fantasy sports. Those that went to the gym, they had to be creative and workout in other ways. This was a good time to try and know what brings joy to your life and being proactive about practicing or engaging with these aspects has been shown to increase well-being. Lastly, know your burnout signs. When you don’t feel like yourself, what could be causing it? Been in the house at a computer for too long? Sit outside. Are you wiped out at the end of the day and have nothing else to give someone? Take a few minutes to decompress. Sit in a quiet room, make that transition from work to home. Self-activity isn’t an activity that can be built into your daily life, rather it is a mindset. Putting yourself first is no longer seen as selfish or arrogant. You need to check in with yourself daily or at least weekly to see how you are feeling or doing. Are you available to others without feeling overwhelmed? Remember, if you don’t make time for your wellness you will be forced to make time for your illness.
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INDUSTRIAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
Promoting Industrial Safety Solutions and Best Practices To Ensure Safer Workplaces For All. JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 49
STAY INFORMED ABOUT THE LATEST HEALTH AND SAFETY NEWS AND BEST PRACTICE WITH IN-DEPTH ARTICLES ON INJURY PREVENTION, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, AND INDUSTRIAL WELLNESS.
Just Begin Magazine is driven by thousands of
Our Faces of Industrial Health and Safety series
physicians, adjusters, employers, nurses,
seeks to highlight innovative people and projects
attorneys, service providers, and claims & healthcare professionals whose ideas have the potential to transform the field of health care in remarkable ways.
that diverge from the norm to test new ways of thinking. JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 50
JOIN IN TOUCH The true value of networking doesn't come from how many people we can meet but rather how many people we can introduce to others! www.intouchwc.com
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CEP VIRTUAL CLASSROOM FREE Continuing Education Units for Nurses, Certified Case Managers (CCM) Attorneys (CLE) and Workers' Comp Claims Adjusters
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DOCTOR TO KNOW DON'T TRUST YOUR INJURED EMPLOYEES TO JUST ANY DOCTOR
This feature is designed to highlight workers’ compensation doctors and practices following best practices and helping injured employees recover and get back to work in the most effective manner possible. Want to make a nomination a Doctor or a Practice? Submit it today! Go to justbeginmag.com JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 53
Dr. Eric Balaguer Board-Certified Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon
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Tell us a little about yourself and who you are? Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The son of Joaquin Balaguer and the US Army general and Leila Balaguer, a small business owner. I am the youngest of 3 siblings. Liselle is the oldest, who currently lives in Puerto Rico after she retired from American Airlines and Joaquin, who currently practices in Puerto Rico as a foot and ankle surgeon. Since I was very young, I started playing sports and there is virtually no sport that was offered in the island that he not tried. Even to this day, I remain active in multiple sports. Since an early age, I had a great interest in surgery. Will frequently steal my brothers biologic kit and enjoyed repairing my stuffed animals. After graduating high school, I left the island to embark in my first journey as I started my bachelor's degree in biology at The Ohio State University. It was then, that I had my first test in adversity as I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma at the
Joined the Miami hand Institute, where I spent 7 years practicing before moving to the Miami Institute for joint reconstruction. I was very happy to Join my good friend, Dr. Herrera as well like Dr. Corces, Dr Rajadhyaksha, Dr Font and the other partners of the group.
What is your “why?” What inspires you everyday to do more/better? What inspired me the most is my family. I was very fortunate to marry a very smart, talented surgeon who also happens to be the mother of 3 beautiful 7-year-old boys. I know I am their role model and I aim to be both a better person as well as a better professional every single day to set that example for them, making sure they become great members of society. Also, the beautiful thing about her profession is that she never becomes a true master of the your knowledge and skills. So, every day she learns something new and every day you thrive to be better than the one before.
age of 19. After I overcame my illness, I resume my studies and started medical school back in Puerto Rico. There, I had the chance to help my brother as he was starting his own practice, going the operating room with the orthopedic residents when I had time off, but most importantly, spend good quality time with my parents as this was the last period in my life that I would leave under their roof. Once I graduated medical school, I decided to take a position at Columbia University orthopedic research laboratory. It was the end when I met who will be 1 of very good friends and current practice partner Dr. Mauricio Herrera. 2 years later, I started my internship followed by my residency training in surgery. Once again, my training was interrupted by another adverse event, this time being non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Thanks to resilience,
Take us back to when you first began in medicine what was it like for you? Extremely humbling. After many years of learning and training you finally start practicing on your own and it is a very humbling moment. It is then when you realize that so many people's lives are in your hands and that this patient's I trust you with their bodies for you to fix their problems. But, thank I was never truly by myself in my first years in practice. I had a great mentor, white practice with who provided great wisdom along the way.
support for my family and friends and a lot of prayer, I was able to once again overcome this horrible disease. After recovered from my treatment, I was able to finally finish my residency training. My next chapter took place here in the city of Miami as I became a fellow of hand and upper extremity surgery at the orthopedic department of University of Miami. I fell in love with the city and after consulting with my wife, we both decided that this is where we were going to raise her family. I did had to go back to New York to Work and wait for my wife to finish her training And soon as she did, We moved permanently to Miami.
What is the most challenging part about your job? The most challenging part about my job is the multiple roadblocks we constantly face in order to take care of her patients. Sometimes it comes from insurance companies, sometimes from family members, and sometimes from the patients themselves. I am a very ethical and honest physician and sometimes I feel I have to work very hard to gain the trust of patients or other people in the healthcare business because of what other people has done in the past
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What is your philosophy in treating a WC patient?
If you could give one wellness tip what would it be?
I treat Worker's Comp. patients similar as I treat my athletes. This patient need to be treated early, aggressively so they can return to the regular duties quickly with minimum disability possible. It is also very important to start communicating this patient's that they will overcome her injuries and return to regular activities just like they were prior to the injury. I found that approach to be very helpful in placing this patient in the right mindset to overcome their injury
Take care of your body. The most important thing you can have in your life is your health.
If you could change one thing about WC industry what would it be? I think we should have better communications with the adjusters . It is very important for the patient's to get the care they need, as fast as they need in the right place. That can only be accomplished with good communications within the doctor and adjuster
WANT TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT? (305) 595-1317 www.balaguerhand.com www.miamiorthodoc.com
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DR. SERGIO GLAIT Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in treating hand and upper extremity injuries
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Tell us a little about yourself and who you are?
What is your philosophy in treating a WC patient?
I am an orthopaedic surgeon that specializes in treating hand and upper extremity injuries (hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder). I am a native of South Florida and I am fluent in Spanish and French.
To be their advocate and help them get through their injury in order to return to work as quick as possible.
What is your “why?” What inspires you everyday to do more/better? To improve the lives of my patients and help them get back to a better quality of life.
Take us back to when you first began in medicine what was it like for you? It was like beginning a journey with multiple roads and not knowing which one to take.
What is the most challenging part about your job? Helping patients get the best possible outcome possible when their injury is severe and perfection is simply not possible.
If you could change one thing about WC industry what would it be? Allow diagnostic tests to be placed on a universal portal for easy access so efficient care can be provided to patients when they arrive to the office without any studies on hand.
If you could give one wellness tip what would it be? Exercise daily and eat a well balanced diet.
WANT TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT? (954) 473-6344 www.ocsfdocs.com
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DR. JAMES GRIMES Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
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What is your “why?” What inspires you everyday to do more/better? I thoroughly enjoy helping people and following their progress to recovery. I’ve had multiple orthopaedic injuries and treatments. I’m able to incorporate orthopaedic knowledge as well as training to medical students, physical therapists, and residents in the newest and most aggressive modalities for their recovery.
Take us back to when you first began in medicine what was it like for you? My first desire to be in medicine was at five years old. After progressing through a university degree, I did surgical research and recognized that I had a talent for performing surgical procedures. I’ve been blessed to be here at the forefront of orthopaedic surgery ever since.
What is the most challenging part about your job?
What is your philosophy in treating a WC patient? That the primary question is still the same: There was a cause for their injury and an effect. It is essential to put the two together to determine the cause, the effect, and how to treat it to the best of my ability. I have repeated this many times to work comp patients: “I will never lie to you; I will never lie for you.” I have eight children and have many sayings. Most of them center around “do the right thing, do it once, never lie to anybody about anything.”
If you could give one wellness tip what would it be? The one wellness tip I would give is reserved for those who really want to change and make a difference in their life. Surprisingly enough, that would be to fast at least twice a week. It resets the body’s health, decreases inflammation, and allows the patient to control their intake. In reality, my primary wellness tips are focused on protein intake, calcium, and vitamin D intake, and exercise.
The most challenging part of my job is taking multiple pieces of information and consolidating them into a cause and effect equation to find the best solution for every patient, as each is unique. Quite fun overall.
If you could change one thing about WC industry what would it be? Not that it’s possible to change anything about any industry, but it’s been shown that the most predictive result of whether or not someone will go back to their previous work is their job satisfaction. I try to discern this from patients going in, and that is quite predictive of how we proceed, not in terms of treatment, but how can we get to as good as possible and accept that going forward.
WANT TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT? (904) 825-0540 www.oastaug.com
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DR. RICHARD SIMON Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
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What is your “why?” What inspires you everyday to do more/better? What inspires me daily is the satisfaction of knowing how I have been able to make a positive impact on patients that were injured. When they thank me or insist that I treat them for subsequent problems, confirms my "why".
Take us back to when you first began in medicine what was it like for you? I was very excited to start developing a practice and caring for patients. I have been fortunate over the years to provide care to many patients from local companies, high schools, colleges and professional sports. It has been very satisfying to now treating the children of those patients.
What is the most challenging part about your job? Wearing multiple hats, first and foremost the physician hat. Giving patients the excellent care they deserve. Then the managing partner hat, making sure the physicians of the Orthopedic Center of South Florida are positioned to provide excellent care to the community and finally the employer hat, having over 100 employees making certain they have a safe and conducive environment to represent the Orthopedic Center of South Florida.
What is your philosophy in treating a WC patient? Using my training in sports medicine and apply it to the injured worker. Getting them back to not only there pre-injury state to return to work full duty, but to get back to their life, being able able to participate and enjoy what they did before getting injured.
If you could change one thing about WC industry what would it be? Decrease the amount of red tape.
If you could give one wellness tip what would it be? Moderation.
WANT TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT? (954) 473-6344 www.ocsfdocs.com
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DR. DIEGO LIMA Multi-specialized Shoulder and Elbow, Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstruction fellowshiptrained Orthopaedic Surgeon
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What is your “why?” What inspires you everyday to do more/better? In life we are always being asked to make decisions, some of which are exponentially more difficult than others. Especially difficult are those decisions we must make when we are young that we know will affect the entire trajectory of our lives. For me, the decision to pursue a career in medicine was tough, but ultimately it felt like the right thing to do as it combined the two things I was most passionate about: science, and caring for others. I would listen to my father, an orthopaedic surgeon, talk about his most challenging cases and their outcomes. What struck me was how well those patients had done post-operatively under my father’s continued care; but what resonated with me was why. I watched my father, how he rose early to study, attended professional conferences and spent time teaching in an effort to continuously improve his own skills while enabling others to do the same. As my mentor he encouraged me to apply to medical school and I did. As a first year medical student I remained my father’s mentee, accompanying him to the operating room whenever the opportunity arose. This time in the OR made me realize that I truly desired was to be able to meaningfully impact my future patients’ lives; to give them back something they had lost. I was meant to be an orthopaedic surgeon.
Take us back to when you first began in medicine what was it like for you? In medical school mentorship came easily to me. As a third year medical student I signed up for tutorship responsibilities where once a week for an entire year I would go to the anatomy lab and tutor junior medical students in anatomy, and in my fifth year I did the same, but this time I spent the year tutoring students in the ER in orthopaedics. As eager to learn as I was to teach, I joined an orthopaedic residency program and spent all of my free time observing and assisting the residents.
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I also attended ward discussions, lectures, and clinical visits. With a great deal of encouragement from my father, I applied for clerkships overseas and landed a position in the United States at the University of Texas Health Science Center. There I spent an intensive three months expanding my knowledge in Orthopaedics. Upon returning home to Brazil I applied and was accepted to one of the most prestigious orthopaedic residency programs in the country. I served as chief resident, and also served as a clinical fellow in Musculoskeletal Oncology and Hip Reconstruction.
What is the most challenging part about your job? The most challenging part of my job is also the most interesting one. Empathizing with each and every patient that seeks my medical attention makes them realizing that they are not going through that journey alone. I am together to guide them and help them getting better.
What is your philosophy in treating a WC patient? My goal has always been taking a patient with any injury to the level that they were prior or better. A great part of our interaction with patients is educating them on how to avoid injuries, getting their minds and body fit for the challenges of the modern and fast-paced world.
If you could change one thing about WC industry what would it be? We know better care comes when patients have resources rapidly available. Therefore, timing to begin a designated treatment plays a major role in patient rehabilitation and return to productivity faster. The industry is aiming for that nonetheless there is room for improvement.
If you could give one wellness tip what would it be? The tip I would give is something passed along from one of my patients. A 71-year-old fit male with a mindset of a champion. I asked him how we could be so healthy at that age and he replied to me: "Eat healthy and exercise, keep your mind free of stress." And that's how I approach my life in any aspect.
TRAVEL WANDER THEIR WAY
Travelling is all about going on a journey
JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE TRAVEL JOURNAL COVERS KEY AREAS IN ALL THINGS TRAVEL & EXPLORATION
and creating memories and embracing every moment you have. In this section, we will have travel tips and ways to help your travel experiences much better, safer, exciting, and fun. JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 65
GUIDE TO THE CHAMPAGNE REGION BY SAMANTHA DIAZ Épernay is located at the Grand Region of France as commonly referred to as the 'capital of Champagne" like the drink but Reims is the capital of the Champagne region. So, it's best to say that the best thing to do in town is tour vineyards, cellars and go tasting famous bubbly around the area. Most of the champagne houses are located on the 'Avenue de Champagne' which is a UNESCO hertiage site that has beautiful buildings on both sides including great names like Moët & Chandon, Mercier, Perrier-Jouët, and G.H. Martzel. Other great wineries like Veuve Clicquot are located in Reims.
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Fun fact: Did you know that to be considered
As we went in December, so most of the businesses
champagne, the grapes used for the process must be
were closed due to the holidays. Tour options may differ
from this region and being under the rule of
between companies, some with visits of the cellars.
appellation? If it's not from Épernay then it's
Others have factory and cellar tours, and there are tours
technically sparkling wine, prosecco, or something
for the vineyards. So it's best to do some research online
else but never champagne.
and inquire more information about the tours.
For the process of making champagne, the grapes
TOURS
are harvested by hand and typically around late September and early October. However, since 2016, they have started to be collected in late August and September due to the intense anticipated heat. There are three types of grapes that determine the champagne: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. Each process is done separately and mixed between them only from January 1st because of the laws of the region. Épernay also offers an excellent base for exploring champagne routes. But, if you aren't afraid of heights, then you can take a
Our first tour was Moët & Chandon, Moët et Chandon began as Moët et Cie (Moët & Co.), established by Épernay wine trader Claude Moët in 1743 then later his grandson Jean-Rémy Moët, who really helped create and globalize the Moët identity. We did the Grand Vintage tour and it lasted about 1 hour 30 minutes and cost 47,00 € (or $55.53) per person. You can visit the cellars, learn the history of Moët & Chandon and the harvesting process, fall in love with the smoothness and freshness of their Grand Vintage white and rosé. You can also do a tasting of their new vintage champagnes. There are different tour options.
hot air ballon tour over Reims Mountains.
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Our next champagne tour was Veuve Clicquot, its is
Our other champagne tour was at Mercier, it was
a French Champagne house based in Reims. Veuve
created by Eugène Mercier, a daring and visionary
Clicquot was founded by Phillippe Clicquot-Muiron
entrepreneur, broke with champagne tradition and
in 1772. However, Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin (the
created a "champagne for all occasions". Famous for
company’s heir François's widow) was the actual
the largest wine cask in the world! With a
“Veuve Clicquot,” which means “Widow Clicquot"
monumental gage of over 20 tons, measuring 5
and famous for created the the riddling rack that
meters in height and able to hold up to 200,000
allowed a more efficient process of disgorgement for
bottles. We did the Golden Bubbles tour, a self-guided
the final corking of Champagne bottles.
audio tour then by boarding the little train and traveling across the 11 miles-long cellars, witnessing
We did the Clicquot Signature tour where we toured
the exceptional history of this nonconformist brand.
the cellars through Clicquot anecdotes and followed
Followed by the tasting of three champagnes - Brut,
by the blind tasting of two glasses of their
Brut Rosé and Réserve. The cost of the tour was 28,00
champagnes. it lasted about 1 hour and 20 minutes
€ (or $33.06) per person and lasted for 1 hour.
and costed 55,00 € (or $64.97) per person. The experience was wonderful and it's nice to learn the
As you can see, the champagne region is
ways of harvesting the grapes and understand the
extraordinary and worth the visit. With things to do
technique and process of making champagne.
and places to see. We plan to go back and explore new places and we hope you get the chance to see it too!
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PHOTO CREDIT: DORIAN ASH
A little step may be the beginning of a great journey. JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 69
TRAVEL GUIDE TO PARIS, FRANCE
When I visit someplace new I like to see as much as I can and make the most of my time there. Visiting Paris was no different. I wasn't sure when I would make it back so I wanted to devour as much of the city as possible! Paris, often referred as the 'City of Lights', it's one of my favorite cities to explore, especially when every corner looks like a postcard! There is so much to see and do in Paris so I narrowed down the top things to do and see in Paris in my article. I included my favorite restaurants and places to get sweets & baked goods. I know it seems like a lot to pack in, but keep in mind that many of these locations are places to walk by en route to different destinations and don’t require a lot of time to visit. The itinerary includes locations that are grouped in
By Samantha Diaz
the same area so that it is easy to explore by foot.
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WHAT TO SEE & DO IN PARIS SEE THE EIFFEL TOWER & ARC DU TRIOMPHE It may be cliche, but the Eiffel tower is a must-see for everyone visiting Paris. There are plenty of areas where you can get the best Eiffel tower views but my favorite is from Trocadero. Now grab a croissant, and head to the Arc du Triomphe. This is one of the icons of Paris and is not to be missed.
EXPLORE MONTMARTRE & MOULIN ROUGE Montmartre is one of my favorite areas in Paris because of its charm, and it’s definitely worth an afternoon of just exploring. Located in the 18th Arrondissement in Paris, the main attraction in the area is the Sacre Coeur. However, be sure to walk the streets around it for hidden gems like the only wine vineyard in Paris, or the many chic cafes like La Maison Rose and Le Consulat. But this neighborhood is rich in history and once home to the likes of Picasso, Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas, Matisse, and other influential characters. This area is also great for photography so be sure to bring your camera for charming streets and great views of the city. Once down from the hill, it’s a short walk over to another Parisian icon, Moulin Rouge. While Montmartre feels touristy and artistic, the streets around Moulin Rouge definitely feel a bit more seedy. I wouldn’t suggest spending a ton of time in the area. And if a Moulin Rouge ticket isn’t in your budget (97-420 euro per ticket!), then all you need is a quick picture out front in honour of the movie.
VISIT VERSAILLES Are you planning on taking a day trip from Paris to Versailles? For fans of history, Versailles is something that must be included on your Paris bucket list. If you don’t have time to visit Versailles, then check out the Palais Garnier.
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SEE THE LOUVRE & CAFE MARLY Once inside, head straight to Mona Lisa. This room is only going to get busier as the day goes on so you want to get it done quickly. You’ll also want to lower your expectations because, in my humble non-artist opinion, Mona Lisa might be the least exceptional piece of art in the entire building. Having seen her now, I really don’t get the hype. I much prefer the colorful and giant painting directly opposite her and the famous the Winged Victory of Samothrace. But, since she’s so iconic, you do have to see her – at least to laugh at the huge crowd pressing their cameras and phones as close as they can get to the glass. But beside the Mona Lisa, there are many more beautiful sculptures and paintings. After exploring the Louvre, go to Cafe Marly and order a coffee & croissant and enjoy the view of the Louvre Pyramid.
VISIT NOTRE-DAME & SHAKESPEARE AND COMPANY BOOKSTORE From the Louvre, walk east along the Seine until you reach Pont Neuf. Cross it and stop at the island in the middle of the Seine, Ile de la Cite. This is where we find Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. If you love Gothic architecture then definitely check it out. Once you’ve admired the churches, continue crossing the Seine on the Pont Notre Dame to arrive at the Shakespeare and Company bookstore. This famous bookstore was frequented by the likes of Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce in the 1920s so grab a cup of coffee and buy a book because you will love this place.
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EAT AT PIZZERIA RENATO I know, not really expecting to eat Italian food in Paris but trust me when I say that the food here is absolutely incredible! I can say it was my favorite restaurant so far. The staff there made you feel welcomed like long lost friends and treated as such the whole time we were there. and it was inviting, comfortable, and overall peaceful. But the food here was a culinary experience, I highly recommend eating the truffle mushroom ravioli, macoroni and cheese, and tiramisu. EAT AT LE FLORE EN L'ÎLE & CAFE FLORE If you want to eat like a true Parisian, the check out Le Flore en l'Île, where you can spend a delicious moment on Île Saint-Louis, a natural island at the heart of the French capital. Enjoy a unique view of the Cathedral Notre-Dame while Parisian street artists and musicians play on Saint-Louis bridge. Enjoy traditional French cuisine and delicious desserts among which the famous Berthillon ice cream. Don't forget to try the escargot and onion soup (heads up, call it onion soup NOT french onion soup) it was absolutely delicious. If ever in Paris, then you got to go to Café de Flore. Café de Flore would probably not exist if it wasn’t for the dozens of writers who passed through its doors, day after day, year after year. For almost fifty years, this place was the place for literary meetings, philosophical debates and artistic daydreams. BUY BAKED GOODS & SWEETS AT SÉBASTIEN GAUDARD Sébastien Gaudard is a French pastry chef that aspires to restore the past to the shine of the present. A paradoxically current approach, part of a quest for excellence and transmission that he wishes to share with as many people as possible. This bakery is phenomenal especially their croissant. This bakery in Paris has many treats like eclairs, creme puffs, etc. TRY MACAROONS FROM LADURÉE Escape the cold with a café au lait and a few macarons at Ladurée, Ladurée is home to some of the best macarons in Paris, if not the world. They are credited with developing the beloved double-decker macaron with its two sides and creamy ganache filling. Did you know that Ladurée created the first tea room for women. Back in the 1800s, women were not allowed into cafes. The Ladurée tea salon enabled them to finally socialize outside the home. There's plenty more to see and do in Paris and we plan to go back soon to explore more new places and things. It's nice to see new place and hear a different language and try to learn it and just be present in the moment.
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"If you are what you eat, then I only want to eat the good stuff. "
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Be Inspired. Every single day there are people helping others and doing incredible things in all corners of the planet and the majority of them aren't celebrated, but we think they deserve to be recognized. We aim to bring a refreshing twist on what we typically know as 'news', reporting on positive changes, and truly inspiring people.
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JJ McDaniel Entrepreneur | Father | Husband | Yogi interviewed and written by Melly Diaz
@jamcdaniel
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I had the opportunity to speak to JJ McDaniel - a Miami Beach entrepreneur, father, husband, yogi, and friend on how he balances his work and overall health. JJ is an entrepreneur that focuses in the fields of hospitality, fitness, and the consulting space. He is no stranger to the hospitality industry— At fourteen years old his first job was at a local pizza shop in his hometown. His mother had driven him to the pizza shop one day during the summer with no notice and he started working as a dishwasher that same day. It was the unexpected summer job that opened the doors to his life in hospitality. Eventually JJ became the first person in his family to graduate from high school and go off to college. He studied at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, paying for his degree with the help of his hospitality jobs. Like many entrepreneurs, JJ doesn’t work in the field he studied— which was actually journalism. However, he stated he wouldn’t have it any other way. It was there at UNC where he met his wife Tomris and made lifelong friends. The experiences he had ultimately led him to the life where he is now. After graduating college he was offered to continue at his job at the East End Martini Bar and worked there for 6 years. He later transitioned to the corporate side of hospitality and he stated “I like to joke to people that I got my masters in hospitality because you learn from big companies that have restaurants worldwide.” In present time he is now the owner of multiple virtual restaurant concepts, consultant for major hospitality companies, and a yoga instructor. “It’s an interesting ride when I look back— it’s not really a ladder, everyone jokes that you climb the career ladder; it's never been that for me. It’s been a jungle gym, obstacle course of chaos and control trying to balance everything.” I was introduced to JJ by the former healthy food concept, “Dirt”, local to Miami. It was a restaurant that really touched the community in a positive way making healthy food FUN. However, after being a part of Dirt for multiple years the restaurant closed towards the end of 2019 and he phased his way out right before the global pandemic hit. “We kind of joke internally we didn’t predict the future but something that was really difficult for us at the time really happened at a good time because it allowed us all to transition and move on to the next thing.” After COVID-19 hit he had a moment to pause and contemplate his next move. He used the time to speak to others in the industry, collaborate with his wife Tomris, and really look inwards on what his next project would be.
“I had a lot of revenue streams that were just—over—instantly. So I had two choices. I can sit here and be upset about it and let that really affect how I am in the house or what’s next how can I get past this?” There was still a big need to affect the community with food. Many of his past customers were asking for the healthy food he had created with his Dirt team. JJ and his wife then launched MBark, a vegan gluten free chocolate bark available to purchase on-demand online. However, the community needed MORE. He reached out to the old Dirt culinary team and asked who was interested in collaborating again. Now JJ has launched One Kitchen and Supper Miami, a virtual restaurant concept, offering the community of Miami the opportunity to eat healthy foods and fill the void they have been missing. “There’s just something about having a commercial kitchen and your team back where you can really create and execute food on a different level” he stated. In 2019 he was experiencing knee pain and thought he would ultimately have to have surgery but he discovered the healing powers of yoga. He later then met Michael Schaeffer, CEO of Yoga Labs, and decided to take classes from Michael to become a certified yoga instructor. JJ has rooted himself in Miami’s community of health & wellness, so much that he was brought on by Lululemon as a local ambassador. He has launched his virtual restaurants, and also his on demand yoga classes. I know what you’re thinking, what else can this one man do? “The whole goal this process has been is—let’s shift. Let’s shift to how we want to operate and how we want to live our lives not to someone else's schedule and that's what we’ve done. Now instead of working on one demanding project and sometimes creating on the side now we are creating and making sure we can do that from anywhere.” Running multiple businesses can be time consuming and challenging, however, I spoke to JJ on what his philosophy is when it comes to work and health . “I think we underestimate the importance of health and our success” he stated. The last thing he wants to be is not feeling good when he is doing business or spending time with his family. When JJ is not creating or working his top priority is to spend quality time with his two children and wife. “I always want to be committed to them and everything else falls in line.” It was an honor to spend time speaking with JJ on his journey and sharing his story with you. To learn more about JJ McDaniel make sure to listen to the full interview on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website. JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 77
MAKE SURE TO VISIT: www.jjmcdanielyoga.com www.mbark.shop www.eatonekitchen.com www.hornethospitality.com
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David Vittoria
written by claire muselman
be inspired David Vittoria is one amazing man and I am honored to have had the opportunity to interview him for this month’s edition of Just Begin Magazine. I met David in January of 2020 as we were both panelists for a Mindfulness Retreat sponsored by the Alliance of Women in Workers’ Compensation. To say us sitting next to one another was a coincidence is an understatement because he single-handedly helped me change my life after a personal tragedy occurred this past summer. I can personally speak to what an amazing impact this man has on people. His passion to help human suffering is heartfelt and authentic. He has a burning desire to make a bigger difference which makes him uniquely special. David, thank you.
I have always had an innate passion and purpose entrusted in myself to help mitigate suffering and to help overall human suffering. In 1991, I would complete 15 minute rounds with patients and have first-hand knowledge to see humans suffering. To witness suffering in this capacity changes you. When working in mental health, you do not simply take a job, you step in to fulfill your purpose. I went through a lot of adversity as a child with a single mother which led to substantial freedom as a child. It became a free for all and as that continued through my adolescent stage, chaos rained. Eventually, the dots connected which has continued to drive my passion and my purpose to reduce human suffering.
David Vittoria is a thought-leader and industry game changer. He is currently the Senior Vice President of Clinical Business & Product Development for Carisk Partners with over 30 years of experience in the field of mental health and wellness. He provides clinical oversight of all workers’ compensation behavioral health programs at Carisk.
I was introduced to the workers’ compensation space about three years ago when I was recruited by Carisk Partners. They wanted me to oversee clinical services in the Managed Behavioral Health Division. I then shifted over to work with some equally committed, and very dedicated colleagues, to help build a program around workers’ compensation which fueled my drive and purpose to expand the thoughts around mitigating human suffering. With workers’ compensation, we are able to focus on care and complex case management while also understanding the co-occurring medical conditions one experiences. It can be easily forgotten overall health is 50-percent mental health and 50-percent physical health.
C: Inquiring minds want to know… how did you end up in workers’ compensation? My career started in 1991 when I began working in a psychiatric hospital where my now wife was my then boss.
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C: From where you stand, where do you see opportunity areas existing in workers’ compensation? We all have opportunities. There are four components which provide opportunity throughout all parties in the workers’ compensation industry: 1. Stigma. Workers’ compensation has a stigma, the same way mental health has had a stigma for so many years. When we look at the stigma side surrounding mental health, there has been a lot to combat for change in how it is perceived because the stigma has been dealt with for a lot longer than the stigma surrounding workers compensation. 2. Body part focus. When someone experiences a workers’ compensation injury, people immediately focus on the body part when in reality, 2/3 of an injury involves a mental health
C: Advocacy is a large passion of mine as well. Where do you suggest the easiest opportunities exist to enhance collaboration with injured workers? Start with using your name, and use the injured workers’ name. Humans love to hear the sound of their own name. “Good Morning, David! How are you today, David? Thank you for your time, David!” It can be so simple. Reflective listening is another avenue where someone is able to reiterate what the injured worker has just said. This acknowledges what is true for the injured worker by enhancing the information transmitted and also by helping the injured worker feel seen as well as heard. The advocacy model can be quite simple if we follow the rules to human decency: Keep your commitments. Say please and thank you. Actively listen. Use an injured workers’ first name, repeatedly. Walk the talk.
component. 3. Failure to recognize the social determinants of health. An unwillingness to address social determinants of health has become an issue because we are not thinking through care plans in totality. When looking at a care plan, how often does one factor in food, money, care, transportation? If there is a reduction in wages, how will an injured worker have enough money to cover rent or food? And if they are unable to access food such as meat, milk, or even water, how can we expect an injured worker to heal? There is a benign neglect to the social determinants of health needing to be acknowledged and at the forefront of one’s mind when looking at the road to recovery. This has been amplified with the pandemic in the accessibility to basic human needs. 4. Advocacy v. Adjudication. The advocacy model in workers’ compensation is imperative. Many people state they do not have the “time” to act in the manners necessary in order for this model to be successful. It could take an additional five minutes of time with a human being to be successful during a telephone call and many adjusters think they do not have the time to put this energy forward. Five minutes. The old ‘check box’ method continues as claims organizations measure productivity through boxes. This falls short of any expansion into growing a relationship for success to collaborate with the care plan when adjusters proceed through the motions of checking boxes versus focusing on human care. We
The workers’ compensation industry needs to remember an injured worker who is suffering. We identify these people by their physical status, injured, and their employment status, worker. In what other area do we identify people in these terms? If you are injured in a car accident, you are not identified as female car-wreck. We have to do a better job with what we call human suffering. Claimant, file number, claim number… how is this human?
C: How would you recommend we change these opportunity areas? There is a lot of interconnectedness within these four areas. 1. Stigma. Challenge yourself to help people better understand by seeking out areas of opportunity to enhance and expand ones knowledge around the workers’ compensation. Language is a limiting variable. Utilize names not labels, and quit supporting what we are used to doing. Challenge the status quo. Be innovative. What we have always done is not working and needs to change. Words matter. Take time to debunk pre-conceived notions, especially within yourself. Why do we dehumanize? Think about how you can help others. Help people enhance their inherent strengths and bolster their beliefs – in themselves, and in others. These are the key drivers towards success. Be open to learning more!
have seen time over time the check box adjudication method does not work.
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2. Body part focus. While body parts of the injury are
I have been married to my wonderful wife, Isabel for 22 years,
important, they are not the whole focus when looking at
and I like to spend every moment with her. Seeing her
returning an injured worker back to their pre-injury state to the best of our ability. Take a step back. Are we missing anything? Look at the whole person. Many times adjusters
strength, possibility, and potential, it is incredible. I also love spending time with my kids as my daughter teaches me something new every day and my son, his courage and resilience keep me in awe. People are what matter.
will make the comments when mental health is brought up: “Oh, I cannot ask that…” Well, what happens if you don’t? 3. Social determinants of health. We need to reset, learn, educate, and get informed. The focus should surround what might be in this person’s best interest from a mental/physical standpoint. Consider everything and keep your options open! Thinking outside the box can result in much more favorable and optimal outcomes.
C: 22 years! That is wonderful!! What do you believe are the secrets to a successful marriage? Date Night. Keep the commitments you make to one another. Do what you say you are going to do. Receive love. I am able to receive love because I am worthy. I wish more people were able to realize this about themselves. It can make all the difference.
4. Advocacy versus Adjudication. Check the implicit bias at backwards from the ideal state of human healing versus the
C: How do you find balance with your work life and your home life?
“what is the minimal medical and financial obligation”
Life requires balance and congruence. I used to think balance
thought process people have been trained over the years to
was an actual hourly equation. Now, I realize balance is focused
think. The financial impact is far less when focus is placed
around authenticity.
the door. We should encourage and support working
upon the ideal state of human healing.
C: To what do you attribute your success?
C: You give to others abundantly. What do you do to refresh and recharge yourself?
In 30 years, I have worked at four places which is uncommon
I run. I run four miles in the morning and four miles in the
these days. I attribute this to the people I’ve been fortunate to
evening. Running helps me love myself. It is “me” time and
work with, and the leaders of these organizations; especially
helps me find mindfulness, presence, and allows my head to
here at Carisk. I have been able to develop and grow through
clear to create a meditative state. My wife also helps me
the people I have had the pleasure to work with during this
recharge. We faced some loss earlier this year with the loss of
time. My childhood also played a significant component into
her father and the loss of my mother. She helps me and I help
who I am and how I treat myself, my family, and my friends. I was faced with scarcity when I was younger and I have been able to turn the scarcity mindset into abundance. I am able to achieve today and provide to others through the conscious mindset of abundance. I define abundance as helping others become the best versions of themselves. I will say, without a doubt, I believe we are unable to appreciate the light in life without understanding the darkness.
C: When you are not focused on workers’ compensation, where do you spend your time? I focus on what matters and this means being fully conscious. I run morning and at night. I like to be outside in nature, where the mountains meet the beach.
her. My wife and kids refuel me through love… after all, recharging and refueling yourself is filling yourself with love, self-love, loving, and being loved. When I was younger, I thought I had to be really good at my job to feel love in other areas of my life. What I failed to realize is this concept needed to be flipflopped. I take care of myself. I am loved and I love. Now I am able to share a lot of this in other areas of my life. I also used to think it took two half people to make a whole person/couple. Where this concept falls short is that it builds in each half person is broken. What are the consequences of the broken elements? What can you learn about yourself to be better? To be whole? How can you learn to be more congruent? I now know I am a whole person. Isabella is a whole person. Through the growth and development I achieved with self-work, I have come to accept Isabella’s strength and limitations because I understand my own.
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C: What final thoughts would you share with those in workers’ compensation? Take time to create conscious connection with the four elements (Stigma, Body part focus, Social Determinants of Health, & Advocacy v. Adjudication) when designing a care plan with
C: And lastly, you talked about self-work. Where would you suggest someone begins when looking to being this journey? Permission to Put Yourself First by Nancy Levin
awareness. You are in your position for a reason and a purpose.
Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love is the Key to
Take what you have learned from your personal experience in
Unlocking Your Greatness by Vex King
life, couple it with clinical experience, and personal relationships. Be aware. Pay attention. PEOPLE. People matter.
Full Catastrophe Living by John Kabat--Zinn
BE INSPIRED C E L E B R A T E .
R E C O G N I Z E .
A P P R E C I A T E .
If you know a person, a group, organization, charity - in any part of the US - who has done something wonderful or just makes the world a little happier!
Nominees will be featured in the BE INSPIRED section in the next issue of JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE. Whether it is someone who has devoted their time to volunteering, someone who has helped the local community, someone who has cared for others, or just someone who is uplifting and makes a difference to your life – nominate them today and make a difference to their life. We believe that people deserve to be celebrated!
To nominate a person, a group, organization, charity, Visit justbeginmag.com JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 82
JEFFREY BELL written and interviewed by Anailis Diaz
Meet Jeffery Bell, a claims adjuster within the
Over the last few months, Jeffery has taken the
workers’ compensation industry and now a rising
role of an entrepreneur while working full time
entrepreneur.
for this corporate job. “I restarted my ecommerce business named Global Freedom
Bell grew up in Memphis, home of barbecue and Elvis before moving to Tampa, Florida. During his early career, Bell spent 14 years in the Paint Industry until one day he got tired of breathing in paint fumes and wanted to make a
Business Academy.” E-commerce or electronic commerce is a business model that allows individuals to buy and sell things over the internet. “It is an ecommerce online business with everyday products such as nutrition, home
change for his health. He went to a temporary
cleaning supplies, personal cleaning, soaps,
agency which later put him with a national
shampoos, energy drinks, etc.. Basically the only
shipping company for a six month contract and
thing I purchase outside of my website is
then a safety company for a week. “Another
groceries.”
company was looking for data entry and I went there and I’ve been there for 15 years. I spent a
Bell says, “I also partner with other full time
little over 10 of those years in the Utilization
professionals and train/coach them on how to
Review department and then became an
become financially independent.”
adjuster.” JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 83
As a Memphis boy, Bell loves barbecue. His love for BBQ came from a nurse he worked with. “The nurse’s husband I worked with did barbecue Competitions. She was a volunteer for one of the larges barbecue competitions around Memphis in May. I began volunteering at the event and met him. I began hanging out with him and learning the trade.” A few years later, Bell started doing some competitions locally around the Memphis are. “We had great success for about a year and a half. I did about two years of competitions and then started judging. Till today, I am still a certified barbecue judge.”
When asked for his favorite dish, “My two favorite things that I like to cook and the most requested, actually three are my mango habanero wings, my baby back ribs and the brisket. During his additional free time, Bell enjoys singing karaoke. His favorite, Elvis. Bell says, “I can sing in front of hundred/thousands of people, I like it. I don't mind singing.” Bell has been nominated for the Awesome Claims Manager/Adjuster/Examiner Award for the InTouch Awards. The Awesome Claims Manager/Adjuster/Examiner Award honors superior abilities to manage multiple claims toward successful resolution by ensuring each injured employee is directed to the most appropriate Providers, that each injured employee receives the best care and treatment specific to each injury, that costs are contained through the utilization of all services required to help each injured employee, and that the best outcome possible is achieved on each claim. To vote for Jeffery, visit intouchwc.com and sign up for free. JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE | 84
MEET THE O IN OM MARKETING.
photo credit: dorian ash
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MEET THE O OF OM MARKETING, OZZY DIAZ, SR. Many in the industry have had the pleasure of meeting his wife, Mari Diaz but many do not know the “O.”
For those wondering, OM stands for Ozzy/Mari Marketing. The couple has been together for over 30 years since they were 13 years old.
The couple has worked to build the company to where it is today. Before beginning OM, Ozzy was
Together they are able to put everything into life.
in pharmaceutical. After years in Corporate America, the couple began Many have not had the pleasure of meeting the man behind the scenes of OM.
Ozzy has been handling all the financing of the company as it took off. “I need to make sure that
OM. The couple recalls when it all began. “Mari came home and told me she wanted to start our own company. I was on board and we started a marketing, recruiting, and sales company."
funds are there and we have the funds to expand to create all the divisions of the company that we
The couple is working to pass along their company
have created.”
to their son, Ozzy Jr..
In addition to finances, Ozzy and Mari coordinate
When asked what his current goals for the
many new ideas for the company. Together, the
company, he said, “My number one goal is to
couple has been able to brainstorm and come up
develop all the division and have them grow where
with new things. “We come together to think of
each division is self-sustainable. As far as the
these new ideas, how we are going to develop them,
future, I want to grow this company to leave a
and what are the steps we need to take to make it happen. Mari is a lot of the time the creator of the
legacy behind for my children and the employees we are lucky to have.”
idea and I help put those ideas into play,” says Ozzy.
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Bring Art To Your Home TO PURCHASE DORIAN'S PRINTS VISIT: WWW.SHOTSBYDORIAN.DARKROOM.TECH
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Available in Canvas, Frames, and More. photo by Dorian Ash
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Available in Canvas, Frames, and More. photo by Dorian Ash
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Available in Canvas, Frames, and More. photo by Dorian Ash
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