Hot Property

Modern Waterfront Retreat

By Ronda M. Parag

The Beach Park neighborhood in South Tampa is highly desirable and this newly constructed, modern waterfront home offers an open floor plan and attractive finishes. The single family, two story home, designed and constructed by Madison Homes, offers over 5,400 square feet with five bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms. Make an entrance through the grand two-story foyer with a large entry drop zone created by the circular, paved driveway. The first floor has a private office, (ideal for working at home), a first floor guest suite, great room with open concept kitchen with double islands, and dining room that opens to the lanai with outdoor kitchen. The dream kitchen includes a breakfast bar, cooking island with sink and prep area, walk-in pantry and stone counters. Two hanging geometric chandeliers highlight the main island that is ideal for meal preparations. The mix of dark wood and white cabinetry create a contemporary ambience in the space.

Light contemporary wood flooring is throughout the home, while porcelain tile covers the bathrooms. The modern, open stairway leads to the second floor featuring a living loft, luxury owners retreat, spacious lanai and three generous junior suites. The home is ideal for multi-generational living and

today’s active lifestyle.

As we enter the cooler season, the spacious outdoor lanai with ceiling fans offers the ideal cooking, dining and relaxation space. Retreat to the ground level to lounge poolside or relax on the private dock. The sparkling pool has a built-in spa for that resort-like feel. There is ample parking and storage in the spacious three car garage. M

Located in South Tampa at 17 W. Spanish Main St., Tampa, FL. The home is currently offered at $3,400,000 through Coldwell Banker Realty. Presented by Jeff Shelton, of the Hughes Shelton Group. Call at 813.690.1688 or visit www.HughesShelton.com for more information or to schedule a private tour.

A WOMEN’S HEALTH THROUGH THE AGES

By Mary Lou Janson

Ever wonder what your older self would say to a younger you about what you did, or didn’t, do to take care of your personal health over the decades?

Would the senior you be shaking the finger of shame for following poor health practices or giving the more youthful you a thumbs up for being proactive and adhering to preventative measures?

hen it comes to managing women’s health through the ages, and stages, of their lives, attention needs to be paid and commitments W made to maintain healthy bodies. Heredity certainly has a hand in how well we age, but lifestyle factors also impact our quality of later life.

Maybe you never followed through on that vow to quit smoking. Or days spent sans sun block at the beach caused sun damage to your skin. Do you regularly consume fast foods and frozen meals packed with added sugars, fats and salt that can play havoc with cholesterol levels?

Whether your are in your 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond, there is still time to take charge and make changes, according to experts.

“It’s never too late to take the proper steps,” said Dr. Karolina Borodo, OB/GYN at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital in Tampa. “With each decade metabolisms naturally and genetically slow down. One way women can make sure their weight stays within a safe range is by monitoring their body mass index (BMI).”

The U.S. Department on Health and Human Services reports that more than two in three women are overweight or obese. That excess weight can cause heart disease, diabetes and contribute to many cancers.

“If your BMI is normal in your 40s and 50s, you will likely be set up for success,” Borodo added. Keeping a daily journal of what and when food is consumed, avoiding late night snacks and not skipping meals throughout the day before overburdening your metabolism by overeating at night are among her suggestions for keeping weight under control. “Set small goals for yourself or you will set yourself up for failure,” Borodo added.

If normal eating routines and exercise regimens hit a roadblock when COVID-19 caused businesses to temporarily close, kept people home and disrupted daily schedules, it’s likely that weight gain, loss of sleep or increased stress levels occurred.

“It’s important to be in a great space, both mentally and physically. A good diet and exercise can improve your mood and your metabolism,” said Dr. Alyssa Brown, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology for Tampa General Hospital and USF Health. ‘The ‘Quarantine 15’ (weight gain) was very real if you were unemployed, not working out and found your food options were limited because you were not leaving home and your ability to diet and exercise properly The ‘Red’ course at Streamsong probably lapsed.” Dr. Karolina Borodo

“With each decade metabolisms naturally and genetically slow down. One way women can make sure their weight stays within a safe range is by monitoring their body mass index.”

Dr. Alyssa Brown

“Women in their 50s typically have questions about hormone replacement therapy. It’s important that they go to a reputable physician for that information because the data changes so frequently.”

With the reopening of doctors offices and the ability to consult with medical professionals through virtual doctor visits via video chats, resources and support to overcome those challenges are once again readily available, she noted.

For woman in their 30s, Brown finds much of their focus is on family planning, whether they are trying to get pregnant or postpone pregnancy. Screenings for cervical cancers and HPV, and avoiding diseases transmitted through sexual activity are also critical health care topics for that age group.

In their 40s, women may be seeking relief regarding changes in their libido, problems related to pain with intercourse and the eventual on-set of menopause. “It’s also important to understand their family history and how it relates to breast cancer,” said Brown.

Once women reach their 50s, it’s time to undergo screening for colon cancers, routine checks for diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol and to measure and monitor bone density levels to determine if treatment for osteoporosis is needed.

“Women in their 50s typically have questions about hormone replacement therapy. It’s important that they go to a reputable physician for that information because the data changes so frequently,” Brown stated.

In addition women should follow these basic guidelines:

Go for foods made from whole grains, fresh produce, lean proteins like seafood and high fiber foods such as beans. Select foods that are low in saturated fats and opt for fresh foods in favor of those that are overly processed and high in trans fats.

Exercise regularly to decrease stress levels, maintain muscle, diminish fat and boost the body’s immune system. CDC guidelines recommend adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity each week. For women, strength training and weight-bearing exercises are key to preventing osteoporosis.

Maintain regular check ups, screenings and tests as advised by primary care physicians, OB-GYNs, dermatologists and any other specialists your primary care doctor may recommend. The overall goal is to prevent serious medical issues or minimize health threats through early detection.

“It’s not easy to get back on track, but you want to find a way to be at, and remain at, your top health,” said Borodo. M

SOURCES: www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/index.html www.womenshealth.gov/healthy-weight/weight-and-obesity www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm www.baycare.org/hospitals/st-josephs-womens-hospital/patients-and-visitors www.tgh.org/WomensHealth