NORTHERN MICHIGAN
A MyNorth Media Publication
Michael Wnek Cara McDonald
PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Elizabeth Edwards Emily Tyra Carly Simpson Allison Jarrell
SENIOR EDITOR FEATURES EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR DIGITAL CONTENT & SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST
Rachel Soulliere
PROOFREADERS
Elizabeth Aseritis Caroline Dahlquist
ART DIRECTOR
Tim Hussey Theresa Burau-Baehr
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR, SPECIAL SECTIONS
Rachel Watson
CONTENTS 6
WILD SWIMMING FOR THE SOUL Finding wellness in water can be as simple as drinking a glass or running through a sprinkler. For Ashlea Walter, it’s open-water swimming in Lake Michigan—where she finds a release from gravity and worries that seem to only live on land. No matter how you choose to immerse, you’ll be rewarded with an instant mood boost.
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FEEDING A HEALTHY COMMUNITY Culinary medicine—connecting patients and providers with healthy locally grown food—has long been the goal of Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities. Now, they’ve opened a first-of-its-kind teaching kitchen in Traverse City to further that mission.
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LIVING WITH LYME DISEASE DIRECTOR OF SALES SALES COORDINATOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
MARKETING DIRECTOR MARKETING COORDINATOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Julie Parker Erin VanFossen Mike Alfaro Ann Gatrell Julie James Meg Lau Kirk Small Erin Lutke Ashlyn Korienek Nichole Earle Beth Putz
OFFICE MANAGER
Prevention is important, but for those battling Lyme disease, a swift and accurate diagnosis can be a life-changing step toward wellness.
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MENTAL HEALTH HELP FOR UP NORTH KIDS Roughly 22 percent of American kids will face a severe mental health issue. But getting support and treatment for the under-18 set and their families is limited and infinitely complicated. Thankfully, Northern Michigan families can lean on the Grand Traverse affiliate of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
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WHERE THE BETTER ANGELS WORK Hospice volunteers guide patients and loved ones through one of the most emotional, challenging and beautiful parts of life.
ON THE COVER Open-Water Swimmer Ashlea Walter Photo by Andy Wakeman EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICES
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