Lee's Summit, MO January 2025 by City Lifestyle

Health and Fitness

CELEBRATING HEALTH AT ANY AGE

Lee’s Summit’s Premier Aesthetic Center

Where aging is OPTIONAL

N E W H O M E ! N e w Y e a r ,

Why make resolutions you know you won’t keep? Instead , make this the year you wake up in your dream kitchen , spacious living room , or the perfect backyard oasis. Whether it’s your first home or your forever home , now ’ s the time to make the move!

New Year Brings a New Horizon

For many of us, this time of year is full of excitement. It presents us with a reset, new horizons and goals to pursue.

But for others, January can be a reminder of failed attempts from years past and the burden of expectation that this year will be different.

We approached this issue of Lee’s Summit City Lifestyle from a mindset of not supplying quick fixes to check boxes in the short term but valuing what is sustainable over the long haul. We wanted to provide inspiration for making lasting, realistic, long-term improvements to your physical, emotional and mental health.

Over the years I have invested in a variety of activities including running, and HIIT (high intensity interval training), but the one constant and stable activity that has helped me to remain flexible and mobile is Pilates. I have learned that using my core strength helps me to lift heavy items easier, run with fewer injuries, and helps to relieve my back pain from scoliosis. Ironically it is the activity that also helps the most for my mental health. I don’t like setting goals but look for ways to do something active that brings my heart rate up every single day. Remaining constant seems to be key for overall impact.

When it comes to anything in life - business, finance, food, home and personal health – it’s not what you do some days that move the needle - it’s what you do MOST days. For better or worse!

For instance, taking a vacation every day would be financially and practically unfeasible, but taking a trip a few times a year is doable. Having a beautiful steak dinner with a few cocktails and creme brulee every night for dinner isn’t best for your health, but doing so once in a while might be fine!

It’s not the sometimes choices we make, it’s the most of the time choices.

So plan the vacation AND work to establish more regular rest in your work week. Join a fitness community or gym AND enjoy that slice of cake that you’ve been wanting to try at the Chicken Salad Chick restaurant recently opened in Lee’s Summit! It’s not what you do some days - it’s what you do most days that will lead to a more peaceful, filling and fabulous year.

Here’s to you! We’re rooting for you.

January 2025

PUBLISHER

Laura Paszkiewicz

laura@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Stephanie Williams

stephanie.williams@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, Judy Goppert

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Janie Jones, West Elm Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

CTO Ajay Krishnan

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

LAURA PASZKIEWICZ, PUBLISHER

Chicken Salad Chick Grand Opening

Georgia-based franchise, Chicken Salad Chick, will open its doors in Lee’s Summit, 1020 N.W. Pryor Road, on Dec. 10th. Items on the restaurant’s menu include the chicken salad BLT, Olivia’s Old South (chicken salad with sweet pickles and egg), Fruity Fran (chicken salad with seedless grapes, Fiji apples and pineapple) and Kickin’ Kay Lynne (chicken salad with buffalo sauce, ranch, bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, jalapenos and Sriracha). Visit chickensaladchick.com/locations/ mo/lee-summit for more information.

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ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Pilates for life!

Who says you can’t stay active into your golden years, say into your sixties, seventies, eighties and beyond? There is that saying, “You’re as young as you feel.” Some days, we don’t “feel” young but going to Better Bodies Pilates can help you physically turn back time.

These individuals who enjoy Pilates have shared their thoughts on how it keeps them upbeat and moving.

“Pilates gives me the tools to think about and correct my posture through core strengthening, focus on spinal mobility and the stretching element.”

Beth, 50 years old Pilates Client 4 months

What has Pilates done for you?

Sitting at a desk has resulted in tight muscles, especially my hips. The stretching, in Pilates, has helped so much that my hip is no longer hurting. I've also noticed increased core strength.

What ways do you stay active as a result of Pilates?

The flexibility and core strength has helped me when doing my weight-lifting workouts. It helps me hold myself up and not feel so fatigued after sitting at a desk job all day. It also helps keep me feeling energized to keep up with my teenagers!

What surprised you when you added Pilates to your fitness routine?

I was surprised at how well I felt after each session. I am more aware of my posture and feel energized.

Linda, 66 years old Pilates Client 16 years

What has Pilates done for you?

I originally started taking Pilates to deal with back pain as well as maintain flexibility in my body. I started out taking mat Pilates and found that the combination of mat and the Pilates equipment was just the right combination. The small class sizes and experienced teachers make me feel like I'm in a private lesson even when I'm with a class.

What ways do you stay active as a result of Pilates?

I am an avid animal lover and the "victim" of many foster fails! I love being active with my rescue animals including several daily walks and car rides. In the summer my husband and I spend as much time boating as my schedule will allow.

What surprised you when you added Pilates to your fitness routine?

What has surprised me the most is how Pilates gives me a sense of well-being and that helps me deal with the stress of being a business owner in a fast-paced environment.

John, 76 years old

What has Pilates done for you?

Basically, it has helped me to retain flexibility so I can lead an active life. I live on a farm and am an active outdoorsman. My back was the original reason I started Pilates. I spent 32 years in the Army, 19 of them jumping out of airplanes. As a result, I had difficulty walking without pain. I can joyfully say that I now have improved balance, and my hips and lower back are almost pain free!

What ways do you stay active as a result of Pilates?

I spend many hours in the woods with my dogs either hunting, training them or just walking. I also drive my tractor. Pilates has allowed me to sit in the seat and not get cramped. It also allows me to turn around and back up, something I could not do before. The flexibility I have gained along with core strength affords me the opportunity to get on and off equipment. I can often outwalk people many years my junior!

What surprised you when you added Pilates to your fitness routine?

It helped me mentally to get out from in front of the TV and get outside. Secondly, it helped me retain a younger frame of mind. Third, I can do things I should not be able to do at my age. I encourage all my friends to get into Pilates and experience what I’m feeling!

Dick, 65 years old Pilates Client 16 years

What has Pilates done for you?

I do a combination of Pilates Mat and Pilates equipment. Pilates gives me the tools to think about and correct my posture through core strengthening, focus on spinal mobility and the stretching element.

What ways do you stay active as a result of Pilates?

I am a life-long swimmer and took up wake surfing 10 years ago in my mid 50's. Pilates has been an integral part of keeping me mobile in all directions of movement. It has provided me with the tools of core strength, stability and mobility that I need for the activities I like to do in my "work retired" phase.

What surprised you when you added Pilates to your fitness routine?

What has surprised me the most is I never get bored in Pilates. The variety of exercises and the focus on different planes of movement make it enjoyable every session!

Becky, 63 years old Pilates Client 20 years

What has Pilates done for you?

I knew from my first Pilates session 20 years ago I was "in love." Pilates just made "sense." Working my spine in every direction, in every session, worked not only my back muscles, but my core muscles as well. I immediately felt lifted and empowered with this newfound strength and the "tools" that Pilates gives your brain.

What ways do you stay active as a result of Pilates?

The strength I've gained from Pilates has helped me immensely with balance and posture which I need to stand all day and spot clients and teach Pilates! It also helps me with my hobby of wake surfing which I share a love of with my husband. Our motto is "move more" and Pilates helps me move well in everything I do whether walking our dogs, wake surfing, yoga or strength training.

What surprised you when you added Pilates to your fitness routine?

What surprised me the most about Pilates is how fast the sessions seem to fly. I will never forget my first lesson, which I think I actually dreaded, and could not believe how quickly the hour flew. It was unlike any form of "fitness" I had ever done. One of our clients coined the phrase "Pilates is my sport" and how true that is.

Contact Becky via text or call at 816-309-6367 and visit betterbodiespilates.com

ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WEST ELM PHOTOGRAPHY

There is a new, exciting place in Lee’s Summit to find this experience. It is beem® Light Sauna.

“We opened on October 1st and to date, have nearly 190 clients, some that come in every day,” noted owner Brian Greenwald. “We are so excited to be here and see the smiles on our clients’ faces after each session. We have plans to open two more locations in the next three to four years, branching out in Liberty and then Parkville. There is already another beem® open in Overland Park, and more to come in JOCO in the next few years as well.”

So, what is this concept and why did he decide to forage into this new career? His is a storied path, beginning when he moved to the Kansas City area in 1999 with his wife, Lisa. He took a job alongside Gary Lezak as the number two meteorologist at KSHB, doing on-air weather and reporting as needed.

“After 17 years, I wanted a change, so bought my first franchise, The Cleaning Authority, and located it in downtown Lee's Summit. Now 20 years later, it is one of the largest home cleaning companies in eastern Jackson County. We service nearly 500 houses and have a staff of nearly 35. My office has won numerous awards from our franchisor for customer service and retention and that's been our number one priority from day one. We had two offices at one time, but after covid scaled back to just the one office and that will remain our main focus.”

With a strong management in place, he wanted to find something new to do so in early 2023 he started researching new ventures and found beem® Light Sauna, out of Charlotte, NC.

He expressed that the health and wellness industry, like house cleaning, will always grow, and if clients love the service and you take good care of them, they will continue with the service, just like with house cleaning. He naturally chose Lee’s Summit as his starting location as he has an established clientele.

West Elm Photography

General Manager, Sydney Sorkin, has a history in the sauna industry and mirrors his passion. She shared that sauna therapy has been around for centuries as a great tool for health and wellness. Infrared sauna therapy has only existed since the mid to late 1960s. Rapid growth in industry and technology led to the realization that infrared panels could be created, to specifically have light wavelengths penetrate the body and heat from the inside out, bringing amazing health benefits.

People can target their specific health and wellness needs, whether it’s simply stress relief, workout recovery, detoxification, etc.

“We offer private suites for individual and couples’ appointments for light therapy and four individual sauna suites, two ‘social’ sauna suites, and two red light therapy rooms. Each wavelength of light therapy offers specific benefits, based on a person’s health and wellness goals,” she continued. “Infrared sauna therapy is provided in 40-minute sessions. The gentle heat feels very different from traditional saunas, as the light heats you up from the inside out, rather than heating the air. Clients can stay longer than they would in a traditional sauna and take in the many benefits!”

Benefits included are remove toxins, reduce stress, ignite metabolism, relieve pain, boost immunity and renew skin.

Your Light Therapy session time will vary by service. Enjoy a private 40-minute infrared sauna session, a 15-minute red light therapy session, or both. En-suite entertainment features surround sound for streaming music, shows, meditation apps, and podcasts. Unwind with their complimentary mint towels Infused with essential oils to cool you during your session.

West Elm Photography

“We love seeing our clients emerge from the saunas feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.”

Chromotherapy gives clients the chance to choose the color for each session. Studies show that different colored lights provide different benefits. Also, red light therapy targets the dermis and epidermis of the skin and helps skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, acne and sunburn, inflammation, stress relief and injury recovery.

“The best light therapy is easily determined, once we have an idea of a client’s health and wellness goals,” she explained. “We discuss heat intolerance and any additional possible contraindications.

If a person is averse to heat and/or has schedule constraints, our red-light beds provide wonderful 15-minute healing sessions. If a person recently had surgery and healing a wound or injury, they may want to use the red-light bed as well.”

The spa has private suites, each set up for the guests' relaxation. Saunas have blue tooth systems and I-pads, with Netflix or Spotify, so clients can watch their favorite show or just relax with some quiet music. Guests enjoy towels, including an ice-cold peppermint towel to help refresh their face at the end of their session.

They look forward to collaborating with more in the health and wellness spaces in Lee’s Summit in 2025, to encourage people to live healthier, happier lives.

“We love seeing our clients emerge from the saunas feeling refreshed and rejuvenated,” she noted.

Visit beemlightsauna.com/locations/lees-summit

West Elm Photography

Jewell Orthodontics is a patient-focused practice dedicated to providing top notch orthodontic care to the community of Lee’s Summit and surrounding areas. As a Lee’s Summit native, Dr. Jewell is excited to offer progressive orthodontic technology and an approach where beautiful smiles and healthy bites are created in a welcoming and convenient atmosphere. If you are looking for the most modern and personalized orthodontic care in the Lee’s Summit area, we would love to meet you!

Where Urban Meets Rustic

Nestled on 42 acres along the banks of the Arkansas River in Buena Vista, Colorado, sits a quaint little town, South Main, developed by Zed Shelby. Discovered while on a kayaking trip, Shelby, a former professional kayaker, envisioned an urban space in a rural setting, with a walkable neighborhood, treelined streets and accessibility to everything within walking distance. Zed and his sister, Katie, bought the property in 2003, and while there was skepticism that the area could be developed successfully from developers that approached, Zed and Katie disagreed and decided to take the project on themselves. Without any experience in developing, but an entrepreneurial spirit, they hired a civil engineer and project manager and began to research all of their favorite cities around the world and what made them special. From the architecture of buildings to the ideal space of the width of streets to how far apart to plant trees, Shelby took notes on the best towns to emulate. Towns such as Seaside, Aspen, areas in France and New Orleans, to name a few, were considered to gather information and inspired influence over creating the perfect walkable town for this stretch of urban space along the banks of the river. Now with his wife, Kennley, Shelby continues to develop South Main with new and exciting lodging options

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

and visitor experiences that provide everything you may need at your fingertips to experience the adventure and beauty that Buena Vista has to offer.

What is coined as New Urbanism, placemakers create new places for people to congregate to make memories, spend time together and enjoy the area without the need to go very far. South Main is heavily influenced by the architecture of New Orleans— the Creole style, which melds french, spanish and caribbean architecture influences. Everything was selected and designed very thoughtfully to create a quaint town that offers world-class waves, as the Arkansas River that hugs Buena Vista is one of the most commercially rafted rivers in the country. What sets this stretch of river apart is that it has been carefully engineered to create a surfing experience, as visitors can quite literally surf the waves, or if that is too action-packed for their liking, they can spend a day enjoying the banks of the river watching people surf while hiking the surrounding trails.

photo by Mark Skovorodko

South Main offers multiple lodging options for visitors to enjoy. The Chateau, which is the original part of the property, consists of 20 rooms and is a picture-esque nod to a fairytale atmosphere. Adorned with vines, flowers and a natural canopy of aspen leaves, the arched walkway is the perfect setting for a wedding or to enjoy the beauty of both the architecture and the surrounding mountains and naturistic sound of the Arkansas river rushing through. Other lodging options as part of South Main include the Surf Hotel which consists of 62 rooms and has a whole vibe of its own.

Consistent with the New Orleansstyle architecture each room is gorgeously designed with divine, charming detail right down to every light fixture, door knob and linen choice. The rooms have expansive windows

and a fully walk-out balcony. The wrap-around, walk-out balconies are fully open all around the entire hotel, and provide oversized rocking chairs that overlook the river and boast 360 views of the surrounding mountains. For family accommodations, they offer flats that house anywhere from 2 to 13 people and include full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, laundry rooms, family rooms and balconies with mountain views. These expansive spaces give a feeling for guests of a home away from home and come equipped with anything visitors may need during their stay. These private residences are located right in the heart of town in South Main where guests can walk to nearby stores, restaurants, coffee shops, or enjoy a concert on the lawn outside the Surf Hotel, eat at the renowned farm-to-table restaurant, Wesley & Rose, located inside the Surf Hotel, or have a cocktail by the fireplace inside the Surf Hotel. The best part of this walkable town is that it lacks the traffic and congestion of other mountain towns but has the perfect amount of charm of an urban town.

photos by Mark Skovorodko

Photos by Brandon Lopez

photo by Mark Skovorodko

This space is beautiful to take in year round as while Buena Vista does get snow in the winter, due to being nestled in the valley surrounded by mountains, the weather is more temperate and the area gets a lighter dusting than typical Colorado towns. It is the perfect location for a getaway any time of the year. While adventures on the river for whitewater rafting, kayaking or hiking the beautiful Colorado landscape is perfect for warmer months, they are also known for their many hot springs and proximity to ski resorts without the hustle and bustle of a ski town. Located only 30 minutes from Monarch ski resort, which is locally-owned and known for its family-friendly slopes, it is the perfect way to enjoy a day of skiing, cross country skiing or soak in the natural hot springs. Take in the scenery on your private balcony or sit by the fireplace in the Surf Hotel and enjoy a cocktail at the bar. Wesley & Rose can accommodate both small dinner parties or large, including a private dining room that can seat 30. They are also known for their Sunday brunch which serves a variety of deductible offerings.

In addition to providing the perfect vacation destination, South Main is also known for hosting boutique weddings as the location has everything from location for the ceremony, lodging accommodations, and an ivy ballroom perfect for a large indoor reception or the expansive lawn for an outdoor venue if desired. They also host many corporate retreats and can accommodate large groups to spread out for meetings, team building activities, guest speakers and stunning accommodations. Coming this spring, The Surf House will be available for booking and includes high-end apartment-style living with a stunning view in every room. They all include a fireplace, a walkout balcony, clawfoot tubs, multiple bedrooms, a kitchen, laundry room and more. These spaces are also perfect for bridal parties as the units include a changing room for the bride.

Photos by Brandon Lopez

Although there is everything you need in South Main, the town of Buena Vista boasts a charming old town area that is filled with shops, restaurants and cafes. For outdoor enthusiasts, activities available include bike trails, rock climbing, white water rafting, kayaking, hiking trails of all levels of difficulty, cross country skiing, surfing the river, or soaking in the hot springs. And the best part about traveling to Buena Vista, is that it is an easy drive from Denver with easy, direct highway access. Buena Vista, which used to be the best kept secret, has been discovered. While it offers a quiet getaway that doesn’t have the commercialism and crowded experience of Vail or Estes Park, the word is out, and it is starting to grow into one of the best little Colorado getaways that can offer whatever you are looking for- a serene, peaceful experience, or an action-packed, Colorado adventure. The breathtaking mountain views coupled with the stunning accommodations will not disappoint and is the perfect backdrop to your next mountain vacation.

To book a stay or for more information, visit surfhotel.com/

Photos by Brandon Lopez

DR. PAUL MATLOCK WAS BITTEN BY THE DENTIST BUG EARLY IN LIFE.

A True Calling

ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

“

I also enjoy the entrepreneurial aspect of my profession. The temerity and work ethic involved in running a business fuels me.

Destiny found Paul Matlock when he was a child of ten years old and met an inspiring dentist in his hometown of St. Louis. He had been seeing him throughout his young life and found him to be a positive role model in his formative years.

“He always welcomed all my questions about dentistry as I got older and allowed me to shadow and work in his office from time to time in junior high and early high school,” he noted. “I have known I wanted to be in health care as I have always longed to serve others, to heal, and to provide comfort to those in pain.”

A consummate DIY-er, he recalls when he was around nine, he took apart his parents’ cuckoo clock, every cog and gear, then successfully put it all back together! This attention to detail is a great attribute in dentistry.

“I also enjoy the entrepreneurial aspect of my profession. The temerity and work ethic involved in running a business fuels me,” he continued. “When I was in high school and I found out that there was a six-year dental program at UMKC, which in 1988 was a pilot program, I knew that’s where I needed to be, as the traditional path is four years of undergrad university and four years of dental school.”

Ever a promoter of community, he pointed out that two other dentists in Lees Summit are classmates of his, Dr Aime Broyles and Dr Beth Nill.

His guidance counselor warned him that it was a very competitive program and that with so many applicants, it would be unlikely he would get in, and maybe he should settle for a secondary choice.

“That only motivated me more! At that time, I think there were over 500 applicants for a total of 23 spots. In February of 1989, I interviewed at UMKC, my very first visit to Kansas City. After that interview, I knew this was where I belonged and three weeks later, I was selected,” he smiled. “I have never looked back!”

He enjoys seeing patients he has known for over 20 years and values those relationships he has fostered with those that have trusted him with their dental care over the decades. Now, they are bringing in their kids.

He expressed, “I have grand-patients! There is no ‘cookie cutter’ treatment and everything we do is fully focused on the wants, needs, and expectations of each individual patient.”

His community involvement is precious to him. He is very active in the community.

Some of his good deeds include being an active member and officer in Lee’s Summit Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of the Presentation. In that role, he delivers meals to the sick and homebound, and raises money for Special Olympics, specifically the Track and Field Event in Lee’s Summit every spring.

“I coordinate the KOC Citizenship Essay Contest every year for 8th graders at OLP, and volunteer monthly at St Michael the Archangel High School in Lees Summit as part of the Grounds Crew. I also am an active member of OLP’s music ministry,” he shared. “I strive to live a life of servant-leadership and am proud that my staff are active in volunteering for their communities in various roles. In summary, I think helping others motivates me to take care not only of my patients, but the community I call home.”

realty report

A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN LEE’S SUMMIT.

This data is a sampling of sold properties from November 2024. Source: IRES MLS system.

Answering the Call

Annual Resiliency Gala

Answering the Call welcomes you to the 1st Annual Resiliency Gala. In the past 10 years, ATC has donated over $1.3 million to our local first responders and their families in time of need. Join us at the John Knox Pavilion in Lee’s Summit, January 18, 2025 from 5-9 pm at the 1st Annual Resiliency Gala. Wear your best red, white or blue cocktail attire as we create greater community awareness and support by honoring the stories of those who have directly been helped by Answering the Call. Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, dinner, drinks and an evening filled with hope and inspiring resilience.

Please visit www.atc911.org to help support the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect and serve each of us every day.

Adolescent Self-Esteem: Fostering a Positive Self-Image

The teenage years are a time of significant growth, exploration, and change. Alongside these exciting developments, teens often grapple with self-esteem challenges as they try to figure out who they are and where they fit in. With the pressures of academics, friendships, and social media, it’s no surprise that many teens struggle with self-confidence. The start of a new year is a perfect time to focus on building self-esteem and fostering a positive self-image in the adolescents in your life.

What Influences Teen Self-Esteem?

Self-esteem is shaped by many factors, including family relationships, friendships, academic performance, and body image. During adolescence, teens begin comparing themselves to others more frequently, which can either build or undermine their confidence. Social media has heightened these comparisons, often presenting an unrealistic picture of “perfection.”

The changes happening in the teenage brain also play a role. Adolescents are more sensitive to social feedback, making criticism feel more intense. Understanding these influences helps parents and caregivers provide the right support.

Signs of Low Self-Esteem

Recognizing the signs of low self-esteem is an important first step. Teens with low selfconfidence might:

• Engage in negative self-talk, such as saying, “I’m not good enough.”

• Avoid new experiences for fear of failure.

• Withdraw from social situations or become overly sensitive to criticism.

• Struggle with feelings of worthlessness or doubt their abilities.

If you notice these behaviors, it’s important to intervene early. Low self-esteem can lead to more

serious issues like anxiety or depression if left unaddressed.

How Parents and Caregivers Can Help

Boosting a teen’s self-esteem starts at home. Here are some practical strategies to create a supportive environment:

• Model Positive Behavior: Teens often mirror what they see in their parents. Be mindful of how you talk about yourself. Replace critical self-talk with positive affirmations and show that mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow.

• Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space for your teen to express their feelings without fear of judgment. Listen actively and validate their experiences, even if you don’t always agree. When teens feel heard, they’re more likely to open up.

• Celebrate Strengths, Not Perfection: Help your teen focus on their unique strengths and accomplishments rather than trying to meet unrealistic standards. Praise effort, perseverance, and improvement over outcomes. This teaches them to value growth over perfection.

• Set Boundaries with Social Media: Social media can amplify insecurities, so encourage a healthy relationship with technology. Set limits on screen time and discuss how the images they see online are often curated or edited.

• Promote Realistic Expectations: Help your teen set achievable goals. Small successes can build confidence and motivate them to tackle bigger challenges.

Building Resilience and Confidence

Resilience is a key component of self-esteem. Encourage your teen to step outside their

Community Choice Pediatrics is Hiring!

We’re looking for dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) to join our full-time team in a dynamic and rapidly expanding practice. Apply online: www.communitychoicepeds.com/careers/

comfort zone by trying new activities, whether it’s joining a club, volunteering, or exploring a new hobby. Learning to face challenges helps teens develop a sense of competence and pride. Teaching problem-solving skills can also build confidence. Guide your teen through setbacks by helping them identify solutions and focus on what they can control. Celebrate their problemsolving efforts, even if the results aren’t perfect. Physical health also contributes to mental wellbeing. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can significantly improve mood and energy levels, making it easier for teens to feel good about themselves.

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, low self-esteem can become a more serious issue. If your teen consistently feels worthless or shows signs of depression, it may be time to seek professional support. Therapists, school counselors, and support groups can provide valuable tools for building self-confidence.

A Fresh Start for the New Year

Supporting your teen’s self-esteem is an essential part of helping them navigate the challenges of adolescence. By fostering open communication, modeling positivity, and providing tools to build confidence, you can empower them to develop a strong sense of self-worth. Remember, every small effort makes a big difference, and it’s never too late to start.

If you have any questions or concerns about your teen’s mental or emotional health, our team at Community Choice Pediatrics is here to help. Visit our website to schedule an appointment and receive personalized guidance from our dedicated professionals. Let’s work together to ensure your teen grows into a confident, resilient individual ready to take on the world.