UNDERSTANDING MEN'S HEALTH NUMBERS
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January—Health & Wellness
This month’s theme in North Peoria Lifestyle is Health and Wellness.
Now that the holidays are over, a new year lies ahead. This is a great time to reflect on the last year, set new goals and habits, or plan big projects to transform yourself or your living space.
What better way to focus on a new you or a new living space than attending the 2nd Annual North Peoria Home Show?
Coming up on January 18th at the Peoria Sports Complex, the North Peoria Home Show will showcase home improvement vendors, community and nonprofit partners, food trucks, a live stage with four bands, VIP tours of the stadium, and, of course, a beer garden.
Last year was our inaugural year, and we are growing! We started the home show hoping to get 30 vendors and ended up cutting it off at 92! We had 500 attendees, and this year, we are going BIG, partnering with the Peoria Chamber of Commerce and holding it at the Peoria Sports Complex.
Be sure to find a few hours on Saturday, 1/18, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to get out and meet your community. You will shake hands with neighbors and local business owners, learn about local charities, and perhaps even see your own face via live cam, the Cactus League’s largest jumbotron!
Your home, health, and wellness require planning and inspiration to help you build a life you will enjoy. Want free tickets? Visit www.northpeoriahomeshow.com and use EARLY25 to get two free tickets for you and your family.
In the meantime, we welcome you to turn the pages of this month's magazine to find inspiration for your own health and wellness goals, and we certainly hope to see you at the North Peoria Home Show on January 18th!
JULIE LACROIX, PUBLISHER @NORTHPEORIALIFESTYLE
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Julie LaCroix | julie.lacroix@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Susan Lanier-Graham
susan.lanier-graham@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Nichole Eckman | nichole.eckman@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jen David | jen.david@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Nichole Eckman | nichole.eckman@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Mimi Slawoff | mslawoff@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Susan Lanier-Graham, Jeff McQueen, Gretchen Pahia, Mimi Slawoff, Rebecca Taig
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Nichole Eckman
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 Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
3:5-6
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Arizona's #1 State Farm agency, Brad Siok State Farm, opened new offices in Peoria 2: Brad Siok State Farm team at the new offices at Yearling and Lake Pleasant 3: Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame inductees for 2024 with Governor Katie Hobbs. 4: David Tracy, Julie LaCroix, Tad Snidecor, Russ Yensen, Jeff Bruno, and Council Member Brad Shafer 5: Peoria inductees Scott Duke (2023), Tad Snidecor (2024), and Anthony Irby (2024) 6: Governor Katie Hobbs with 2024 inductee Tad Snidecor 7: Castle Hill Partners with Councilmember Brad Schafer and Chamber President Rhonda Carlson at Saddleback groundbreaking
Want to be seen in the magazine?
CAKE EVENT CO AND CASTLE HILL PARTNERS
JULIE LACROIX
JULIE LACROIX
JULIE LACROIX
JULIE LACROIX
SIOK STATE FARM
business monthly
Business Correction: GMS Concrete
In the November issue, we featured Catherine Medina of Medina Family Law Associates. However, we inadvertently used the incorrect name of her family's business.
The Medinas have owned and operated a concrete company, GMS Concrete (GMSConcrete.com), for over 40 years. The long-time Glendale residents and business owners are pillars of the community, delivering outstanding service, pricing, and quality to the home-building industry. Reach GMS at 602.269.8341.
Our sincere apologies to Ms. Medina and GMS Concrete.
Castle Hill Partners
Kicks Off 5,300Acre Peoria Master Planned Community
Austin-based community developer Castle Hill Partners (CastleHillCo. com) has broken ground on Saddleback (SaddlebackArizona.com), a new, master-planned residential community in North Peoria. Saddleback will offer various home options woven into the Sonoran Hills, along with 2,500+ acres of open space, 60+ miles of trails, and 6,500 homesites just five minutes from Lake Pleasant. Saddleback’s first homes will be available for purchase in mid-2026.
The Clubhouse Restaurant at Turf Paradise
Turf Paradise opens daily at 10 a.m. General admission is $5. Now through May 3rd, you can try the expanded restaurant menu under new supervision. The team is headed by Chef Tom D'Ambrosio and Kyle Hollenbeck, Arizona natives best known as the team behind Aioli Gourmet Burgers. You can also check out Frau Diablo's Corner, the pizza parlor in the Clubhouse. TurfParadise.com
Photography by GMS Concrete
Photography by CakeEventCo and Castle Hill Partners
Photography by Turf Paradise
Arizona Broadway Theatre Purchases First Residence to House Performers,
Artisans
Arizona Broadway Theatre (AZBroadway.org), currently in its 20th season, recently purchased a residence in Peoria to house out-oftown directors, designers, performers, and apprentices. This is the nonprofit organization's first purchase of this type. Built in 1984 with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and roughly 2,000 square feet, the property is now nine bedrooms and two bathrooms with a separate casita, situated on nearly 1/2 acre with a swimming pool, hot tub, and ample parking.
ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICHOLE ECKMAN
NORTH PEORIA Home Show
LOCAL NORTHWEST VALLEY BUSINESSES OFFER SOLUTIONS TO HELP YOU MAINTAIN A HEALTHY HOME AND LIFESTYLE
The North Peoria Home Show (NorthPeoriaHomeShow.com) is a vibrant community event showcasing the best of Northwest Valley businesses and nonprofits. Founded by Julie LaCroix of North Peoria Lifestyle and Tyler Croft of Croft & Co Lending, the 2nd Annual North Peoria Home Show promotes homeownership, community, charity, and economic growth.
When is the 2nd Annual North Peoria Home Show?
The show features over 90 vendors available to answer your questions on January 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Peoria Sports Complex. With the Peoria Chamber of Commerce as a strategic partner, this year's event will be bigger and better than the inaugural event.
What Businesses are Sponsoring the Home Show?
Sponsors include Desert Financial Credit Union; Armored Roofing; All American Pool Servicing; Power; Renewal by Andersen; Pioneer Title Agency; The Super Clean Bros; Sledge Concrete Coatings; Jacuzzi Bath Remodel; Bell Bank Mortgage; Semper Fi Heating, Cooling, Plumbing; Alvarados Heating and Cooling; AZ Floor Solutions; State Farm Team Siok; and Silver Dragon Games.
“We support homeowners and businesses through every stage of their journey, from buying their first home to expanding their premises.”
What Will I Find at the Home Show?
Various businesses showcase their services, offering practical solutions to ensure you start 2025 with a healthy lifestyle, a happy home, and plans for your bucket list projects.
Healthy Lifestyles
Chat with YogaSix Lake Pleasant about their offerings, and stop by Pedego Electric Bikes to check out the newest bikes. Vitalant will be on hand for blood donations. Stop by Gameday Men's Health to learn your numbers and prioritize your health. Chat with the folks at Desert Financial about your banking needs. Then, stop by Breakthrough Smash Room and feel the release of breaking things—in a fun way!
Home Services
Discover a variety of home improvement vendors and services, from home builders and remodelers to landscapers, kitchen and bath specialists, window experts, pool services, and roofers. Armored Roofing can help you ensure your roof is ready for another season of Arizona weather. All American Pool Servicing can have you chilling in your backyard oasis by summer. 11 Bravo Mobile Auto Glass has your vehicles covered with mobile glass replacement.
Entertainment
Enjoy live music, theatre performances from Arizona Broadway Theatre, and a Kids' Play Area with a jump house. Bands and DJs are also on stage all day.
Arts and Crafts
Explore creativity with Arts and Crafts Vendors, featuring local artists, photographers, jewelers, and home decor specialists. Find a unique local item for your home.
Home Improvement Demos
Watch and learn from live demonstrations by experts in home improvement. From power washing to garage organization, gain valuable insights and ideas for your home projects.
Food and Beverage
Savor the tastes of local cuisine with diverse food vendors and relax in the beer garden.
How Do I Attend?
Visit NorthPeoriaHomeshow.com and click "Get Tickets" to purchase your tickets now. Use code EARLY25 for two free tickets (a $10 value). If you're a veteran, use code VET2025 for free entry!
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS
Make Men's Healthcare a Priority with Gameday Men's Health
ARTICLE BY GRETCHEN PAHIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICHOLE ECKMAN
Getting healthy in the New Year is a goal for many North Peoria residents. However, one area often overlooked and underserved is men’s health issues, including testosterone replacement, prostate cancer screening, and more. Research shows that men are more likely to miss appointments or never make them in the first place, ignoring symptoms that may impact their overall well-being.
“Men who are hesitant to speak about their health can thrive in an environment set up for their success.”
That is why Evan Miller created the brand Gameday Men’s Health Clinics (GamedayMensHealth.com). As the company's CEO, with nearly 200 clinics nationwide, Miller's mission is vital. “We’re committed to a proactive approach to men’s health,” says Miller.
There are now two locations in the Northwest Valley, including Gameday Men's Health Arrowhead Ranch, at 18555 N 79th Avenue, Suite D107, in Glendale.
Franchise partners Vicki and Connor Castleman say opening a Gameday Men’s Health Clinic in the Valley was a no-brainer. “Opening a clinic that allows men to be the focus of our care, in an environment that removes a clinical feel, helps men get the care they deserve,” explains Vicki Castleman.
KNOW YOUR HEALTH NUMBERS
Gameday Men's Health stresses the importance of men knowing their health numbers to understand their healthcare situations and have access to
care for potential issues. “Because we have an onsite lab in our clinic, we can offer a total testosterone and PSA (prostate-specific antigen) screening in the office, with results and consultations completed in under an hour,” says Vicki Castleman.
Gameday Men’s Health offers free consultations to men looking to “know their numbers” and prioritize their own healthcare. Castleman says this is such an essential part of their mission. “We offer same-day results, eliminating the need for a return or follow-up appointment and possibly missing needed treatments.”
Why are these numbers so important? Low testosterone can lead to low energy, brain fog, issues with focusing, and much more. Having an elevated PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer or disease, which would require further evaluation. “This test is essentially a life-saving screening for men since prostate cancer is an often missed diagnosis,” explains Castleman.
MEN'S HEALTH STATS
Castleman explains that while men may not be aware of the health issues lurking underneath the surface, the statistics speak for themselves and should be cause for concern.
• Men have a lower life expectancy than women. In the United States, men's life expectancy was 73.5 years in 2021, almost six years less than women's.
• Men are more likely to suffer from heart disease, cancer, stroke, or diabetes.
• Men are more likely to participate in behaviors that put their health at risk, such as smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Men are less likely to schedule routine checkups. Forty percent of men never schedule routine checkups.
HELPING MEN PRIORITIZE THEIR OWN HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
The purpose of Gameday Men’s Health is to help men overcome the stigma of seeking care and be educated about the facts of their health. The company offers a free initial consultation to all men who want to know their numbers and prioritize their health.
Castleman sums up the importance of knowing your numbers. “Knowing your numbers simply means that we want all men to be educated about their personal health and feeling their best.”
While Castleman and her team urge all men to continue to see their PCP regularly, what they offer at Gameday will provide additional and supplemental care. “We will provide a complete blood panel to our members and help educate and provide direction through their ongoing clinician meetings on any areas of concern.”
Vicki Castleman
“The concept behind Gameday Men’s Health is to help men overcome the stigma of seeking care and be educated about the facts of their health.”
ADDITIONAL SERVICES AT GAMEDAY MEN'S HEALTH CLINICS
In addition to testosterone and PSA screenings, Gameday Men’s Health Clinics also monitor weight, blood pressure, estrogen levels, and hematocrit. Their blood panel also covers cholesterol, kidney function levels, and more.
“We cover a wide variety of areas and topics for men who are on a health and wellness journey, or simply those who are looking for answers to their personal health care issues,” explains Castleman.
Whether it be to optimize their hormonal health or focus on other areas of concern, Gameday covers the Core 4 in all treatments:
• Hormonal Health
• Weight Loss
• Vitamins and Peptides
• Performance Enhancement treatments (including musculoskeletal treatments for joints, injuries, scar tissue, and more)
Castleman believes that men who are hesitant to speak about their health can thrive in an environment that is set up for their success.
4 WESTERN US SKI RESORTS
ARTICLE BY MIMI SLAWOFF
SKIING IS AN INCREDIBLE WORKOUT AND THESE WESTERN SKI SLOPES OFFER FUN AND FITNESS
Skiing is one of the best workouts! Luckily, Western ski resorts are defined by ideal snow conditions, a variety of terrain, and bluebird skies. It's no wonder skiers and snowboarders flock to Western resorts to swoosh through powder and on groomed trails in tranquil forests and eagerly swap stories at après-ski venues.
Winter carnivals and concerts enhance the fun and are part of the enticing ski culture.
No matter your ski level, you’ll find terrain and an après-ski scene that fits your style at these top resorts.
Photo courtesy Visit Park City
PARK CITY, UT
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO
Boasting fluffy Champagne Powder snow, Steamboat—Ski Town USA—has 182 named trails on six peaks. Steamboat, which produced 98 Winter Olympians, has scenic trails through aspens and views of the Yampa Valley. Night skiing/riding is available weekends through mid-March. Steamboat celebrates its Western heritage with Cowboy Downhill (January) and Winter Carnival (February). Take a shuttle to Strawberry Park Hot Springs for a soak.
This 19th-century mining town has two ski resorts. Deer Valley, a ski-only 5-star resort, offers ski valets and ski butlers (who deliver your gear). Expanded terrain features three new lifts, including the 6-person Keetley Express bubble chairlift. Spanning 7,000 acres, Park City Mountain is the largest ski resort in the US. Access slopes via two main base lodges and the Town Lift on Historic Main Street, an après-ski hub.
BIG SKY RESORT, MT
Sporting 5,850 skiable acres and 320 named runs, Big Sky is North America's third-largest ski resort but never feels crowded. On average, Big Sky offers more than an acre per skier. Heated bubble D-Line chairlifts (there’s a new 8-seater) provide comfort up the mountain. The new Explorer Gondola accesses Lone Pine Summit. For après-ski entertainment, catch live music at Montana Jack and Mountain Village.
MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN, CA
While Mammoth (open through June) has four base lodges and spans over 3,500 acres with 175 named trails, they’re sprawled out, so even on busy days, you can escape crowds. Ski to the mountain’s backside to whisper-quiet trails under pines. This year, the new Doppelmayr D-Line 6 seat replaces Broadway Express. Join the après-ski scene at the slope-side Yodler or in the lively Village.
Photo courtesy Steamboat Ski Resort
Photo courtesy Big Sky Resort
Photo courtesy Visit Park City
Photo by Mimi Slawoff
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YES, WE CAN THRIVE After 55
Top Wellness Trends Redefining Healthy Senior Living
ARTICLE BY JEFF MCQUEEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRILOGY BY SHEA HOMES
Jeff McQueen is co-founder and president of Trilogy by Shea Homes. At Trilogy (SheaHomes.com/trilogy), we have been designing communities and lifestyle experiences for 25 years. We now operate 55+ resort communities across the country. At each community, we focus on whole-life wellness for our homeowners. We recently announced the addition of our newest 414-home Trilogy Boutique Community, Ridgecrest, in Peoria, where we look forward to bringing wellness to life. These are five wellness trends we are focused on.
SOCIAL CONNECTION
Coming out of the pandemic, we are seeing a renewed focus on the correlation between social connections and living a healthy life. At Trilogy, we are supporting social connections through community design. Inspired by some of the best European boutique hotels, our new clubs offer flexible spaces in a beautiful, upscale, lobby-like area where members can nosh, sip, meet, and play—anytime, anywhere, all day and into the night—making it easier than ever to meet new people and make connections.
PHYSICAL FITNESS
Focusing on strength, flexibility, endurance, and nutrition is vital at this stage of life to help achieve personal wellness goals. Activities like pickleball, kickboxing, hiking, and aqua fitness integrate fitness with fun. Meanwhile, modern fitness equipment can track mobility, balance, cognitive skills, cardio performance, and strength, and even assign a wellness score that can be monitored over time.
INTELLECTUAL ENRICHMENT
Research shows that cognitive health and physical health are often interconnected. Joining clubs and taking classes are excellent ways to help keep your mind sharp. Intellectual enrichment doesn’t have to feel like a chore—stimulate your brain by joining an interest group focused on wine tasting, chess, spirits and cigars, gardening, or history.
SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING
Regardless of how—or from whom or what—you derive your inner purpose, nurturing your spiritual well-being is critical to the wellness journey.
SENSE OF PURPOSE
An NIH-funded study examined the correlation between having a sense of purpose and longevity. It found that those who understand what drives their joy and happiness and pursue aligned activities enhance their ability to live long and healthy lives.
THIS HEALTHY, GLUTEN-FREE OPTION OF THE CLASSIC CHINESE DISH IS IDEAL FOR KICKSTARTING THE NEW YEAR
Orange Chicken
INGREDIENTS
For the Chicken
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five spice
• 1 Tablespoon arrowroot powder
• 2 Tablespoons sesame seed oil
For the Orange Sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 cup (240 grams) freshly squeezed orange juice (about 5 large navel oranges)
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/4 cup (72 grams) coconut-aminos
• 1 Tablespoon (21 grams) honey
DIRECTIONS
1. Dice the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Add the cubed chicken thighs to a large bowl and toss with the salt, black pepper, Chinese five spice, and arrowroot powder.
2. Heat the sesame oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to
the hot oil and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. If your pan is not big enough, sear the chicken in batches. Do not crowd the skillet. Remove the skillet from the heat, pour the chicken pieces into a bowl, and set aside.
3. Return the hot skillet to the burner and pour ¼ cup of cold water into it. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a spatula to help release any brown pieces of chicken that may be stuck. Discard the liquid contents in the sink and wipe the pan clean for the orange glaze.
4. Lower the burner to medium heat. Add the minced ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 20-30 seconds or until the garlic is fragrant. Work quickly to prevent the garlic from burning. Pour the orange juice, orange zest, coconut aminos, and honey into the pan and whisk to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer while continuing to whisk until it has reduced to about half, which will take about 6-8 minutes.
5. Once the sauce has reduced, return the chicken to the pan along with all of its juices. Turn the heat up to high, and using a rubber spatula, toss the chicken in the sauce until it thickens and becomes sticky, about 3 minutes.
6. Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and garnish with diced greens and sesame seeds.
ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM
Embrace Gratitude for a Healthier You
Gratitude Journal
Take a few minutes daily to write down things you are grateful for. Stuck? Try writing something for each alphabet letter—A: Arizona weather in January; S: Sunsets in the desert.
Take Time in Nature
Getting outside is a great way to feel grateful. Float in the pool, letting the water bring positivity. Or, with more than 35 trails covering 324 miles in Peoria, disconnect with a desert stroll.
Express Gratitude
Telling others how much you appreciate them makes you more aware of things you feel grateful for. Send handwritten notes. Take an extra 30 seconds to thank a store clerk.
Gratitude Meditation or Yoga
Dedicate time to focus on the positives. Find a quiet spot to sit and reflect on the good things in life. Going through those alphabetical gratitude lists is an excellent way to focus during a gratitude meditation.
Volunteer
Studies show that when we volunteer our time to help others, we begin to focus on the positive aspects of our own lives, leading to less anxiety and overall well-being.
events
EVERY SATURDAY
Park West Market
Park West Shopping Center | 9:00 AM
Support local and discover unique finds at Park West Market! Explore handmade crafts, fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local eats from food trucks and vendors. Shop one-of-a-kind jewelry, home décor, and more, all while enjoying live music and family-friendly entertainment. “Celebrate Arizona’s vibrant small business community every Saturday! To learn more, head to TheParkWestMarket.com.
EVERY SATURDAY
Second Saturdays
Downtown Peoria | 4:00 PM
Discover our city’s vibrant arts and music scene at Peoria’s 2nd Saturdays, held every month from now to April! Head to historic Downtown Peoria at Jefferson Street and 83rd Avenue from 4 to 8 p.m. to celebrate local talent, featuring live performances, original artwork, and handcrafted goods. For more details, visit PeoriaAZ.gov.
NOW THROUGH JANUARY 29TH
Stars Youth Sports: Soccer
CCV North Peoria | 9:00 AM
CCV Stars is a youth sports experience focused on developing character and integrity on and off the field. Registration deadline is January 29th. Open to students from age 4 through 12th grade. First practice is the week of 3/10 and the last games are 5/9 and 5/10. 7007 W Happy Valley Road, Peoria. CCVStars.com/springsports
JANUARY 17TH THROUGH FEBRUARY 21ST
Hello Dolly!
Arizona Broadway Theatre | 5:30 PM
Step into a world of love, laughter, and unforgettable music with Hello, Dolly! at Arizona Broadway Theatre. This cherished classic brings to life classic hits with show-stopping performances, extravagant costumes, and stunning sets. Start your year with a heartwarming tale that will leave you smiling long after the curtain falls! Buy your tickets now at AZBroadway.org
JANUARY 18TH
North Peoria Home Show
Peoria Sports Complex Parking Lot | 10:00 AM
Join us for an exciting day of inspiration and innovation at the North Peoria Home Show & Expo! From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., explore over 90 local vendors, discover DIY tips, enjoy live music, indulge in food and drinks, and participate in raffles. Celebrate homeownership, community, and economic growth with us! To learn more, visit NorthPeoriaHomeShow.com
JANUARY 26TH
Arizona Rocks! Half Marathon and 10K/5K Trail Run
Paloma Community Park | 8:00 AM
Get ready for the Arizona Rocks! Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K trail runs at Paloma Park in Peoria, hosted by StartLine Racing! Whether you're an experienced runner or new to the trails, this event has something for everyone. Enjoy breathtaking views, challenging routes, and a vibrant running community as you conquer the park's scenic trails! Sign up at RaceRoster.com.
