The “F” Word—Fluoride: A 70-Year Controversy
Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD
The Hidden Source of Your Neck and Shoulder Pain
Theresa Edmunds, CHC
Does Magnesium Really Affect Longevity and Brain Health?
Lynn Brewer
The
Mystique of Manuka, The Superhero of Honeys
Cindy McCartney
Sunscreen—Not Just for the Beach
Susie Bagwell
5 Steps to Addressing Mycotoxins in Your Environment
Julie Nicoll
Resource for Essential Living Spring 2024 10BEST Awards & 2024 Essential Living Guide
SWFL’s
2 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
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Finance
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3 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024 Departments
LETTER
BUZZ
Fusion for Pain Relief Hurricanes and Honey Pain-Free in Paradise
CranioFascial
Board Room: Naples' First Charcuterie and Wine Bar
10BEST AWARDS
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
46
The Mystique of Manuka, The Superhero of Honeys
Cindy McCartney
By
The Hidden Source of Your Neck and Shoulder Pain
Theresa Edmunds, CHC
By
Does Magnesium Really A ect Longevity and Brain Health?
Lynn Brewer
By
Can a Half Inch of Your Hair Really Tell You About Your Health?
Denise A. Pancyrz , CHN, DSS™
Sunscreen—Not Just for the Beach By Susie Bagwell
Can Your Organs Be Slowly Starving Themselves Without You Knowing?
Lisa H. Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT
By
Herniated Discs Do Not Cause Back Pain!
Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT
By
5 Steps to Addressing Mycotoxins in Your Environment
Julie S. Hurst-Nicoll
By
Touchpoints 180TM : Ketosis for Mental Health
Dr. Lori Calabrese, MD Purpose
By
Golf Lessons Don’t Work!
Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT
By
Maximizing Your Retirement Savings By Nina Azwoir, First Vice President of Investments, Wintrust Wealth Management CONTENTS 34
Spring 2024
Photo: Michael Owen
Feature
The “F” Word—Fluoride: A 70-Year Controversy
Josephine Perez, DMD
By Dr.
Hey, I’m Dr. Diane!
Ihopeyou’re all as excited about this issue as I am—our inaugural reader-nominated 10Best Awards issue! We at Essential Naples are proud to offer the first reader-nominated awards exclusively for the holistic business community in Southwest Florida. We hope you use this issue as a resource for all of 2024.
We’re so proud of our 10BEST Awards because they bring massive awareness throughout SWFL for Holistic Businesses and Practitioners and Essential Naples Magazine…and we receive wonderful feedback from the winners and readers.
“Our SWFL holistic practitioners are incredibly passionate about helping their local communities, and all our winners are overwhelmingly grateful to you— our readers—for helping to bring more awareness to all the amazing natural and eco-friendly choices we have in our fabulous Florida locale.”
—Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD
Many business owners in categories such as Green Living, Holistic Spas, and Holistic Psychotherapy said they had just discovered the magazine and didn’t realize their customers were avid readers and fans. Because of this, we were able to increase our advertiser demographic and distribution, and holistic business owners increased their exposure! These awards are a fantastic way for business owners to increase their market share and expand their business.
We hope this issue inspires you to reach out to and support these extraordinary people. Our SWFL holistic practitioners are incredibly passionate about helping their local communities, and all our winners are overwhelmingly grateful to you— our readers—for helping to bring more awareness to all the amazing natural and eco-friendly choices we have in our fabulous Florida locale.
overwhelmingly
Of course, we couldn’t produce an issue without including our usual fabulous content, so this month, don’t miss the great articles we have on fluoride, longevity and brain health, and pain reduction. I hope you enjoy…and please let us know your thoughts on our new 10BEST/Spring issue!
Wishing you health and happiness,
Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD Publisher & Owner, ELM Publishing
4 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
LETTER
Essential NAPLES
Vol. 4, Issue 4
Essential Naples is a quarterly lifestyle publication in SWFL for health-minded locals who need credible information on holistic health and well-being trends. Our coverage is 100% local with expert content that interests both local residents and professional integrated practitioners.
PUBLISHER/OWNER
Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD
Diane@essentialnaples.com
DIR. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/OWNER
Christopher Urso
Curso@naturalnutmeg.com
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Lori Hubbard
lori@naturalnutmeg.com
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Ashley Frament layout@naturalnutmeg.com
ADVISORY BOARD
Nina Azwoir, Financial
Deanna M. Cherrone, MD
Derrick DeSilva, MD
Theresa Edmunds, CHC
Betsy Opyt, RD, LD/N, CDE
Denise Pancyrz, Nutrition
Josephine Perez, DMD
DISTRIBUTION
Naples and SWFL, please contact curso@naturalnutmeg.com
Essential Naples Magazine essentialnaples.com
In keeping with our concern for the environment, Essential Naples is proudly printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks.
Essential Naples is a free publication supported solely by our advertisers and distributed throughout SWFL. Please email curso@naturalnutmeg.com for locations near you.
© 2024 by Natural Nutmeg, LLC. All rights reserved. Parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, with permission. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your feedback.
Contact diane@essentialnaples.com to feature your business in Essential Naples! Summer • The Healing Your Body with Energy Medicine Issue Fall • The Boosting Your Immune System Naturally Issue Winter • The Balancing Your Hormones and Fat Loss Issue Here’s What Essential Naples Has in Store for 2024! 5 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
CranioFascial Fusion for Pain Relief
Craniosacral therapy is a type of bodywork that can create dynamic improvements in your life. It helps release tensions deep within the body to relieve pain, restore function, and improve overall health. It has been shown to help chronic pain syndromes such as arthritis and degenerative or inflammatory conditions.
This system contains the skull, mouth, and spinal cord and the fluid within. Imbalances in this system can affect all aspects of central nervous system function. It is gentle, yet effective, and can be performed on all ages, from babies to the elderly.
Myofascial release involves gentle pressure into the connective tissue, eliminating pain and restoring motion. Fascia is the body’s connective tissue that permeates all regions of the body, like a threedimensional body stocking extending without interruption from head to toe. Injury, trauma (emotional or physical), accident, or repetitive posture creates pain, tension, pressure, and restrictions in areas that appear to be unrelated to the original complaint.
Many of us experience daily stresses and strains that are absorbed by the body, but we can only handle so much before the body begins to tighten and change.
The craniosacral therapy practitioner will feel these areas of restrictions and “release” the fascia to change the body’s tissue, allowing more movement, optimum functioning, and a reduction of pain, releasing an anti-inflammatory response.
Reduces back and shoulder pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, whiplash, migraines, neurological disorders, restricted mobility, multiple sclerosis, depression, TMJ, carpal tunnel, sciatica, and sports injuries and is suitable for everyone.
Catherine is a Holistic Health Massage Practitioner with over three decades of experience. She developed CranioFascial Fusion, a practice that is highly e ective at combatting the root causes of pain and is highly recommended by her patients. Catherine is passionate about helping people achieve their full potential and improving their overall health and well-being. Call 239.375.8690 or 320.248.8854 or visit craniofascialfusion.com to learn more.
Hurricanes and Honey
The Weather Channel is a favorite channel of mine, especially when Jim Cantore gets himself all worked up about thundersnow or some other crazy weather phenomenon. Seriously, though, I did take note when I heard on TWC that it could be a very active hurricane season.
I know it’s super early in spring to be talking about hurricanes (and fingers crossed that we will get by unscathed this year). But very soon there will be guides on newspaper racks in Publix with lists and tips and tricks about everything “Hurricane Preparedness.” I recently went through one of those guides I picked up last year (and for some reason held onto), and noticed that there was one glaring omission to the emergency kit list: Honey!
Honey truly is nature’s perfect food. In the instance of a power outage or emergency, honey is especially important to have on hand. The first reason is that raw honey does not go bad. It doesn’t need (and should not be) refrigerated or cooked, so those are three crucial reasons honey should be in your emergency pack, along with lanterns, toilet paper, batteries, and other necessities. Honey is also a great energy booster, strengthens immunity, and can help with gut health, throat problems, burns and wounds. We also have many customers who use it to fight allergies.
The best part of all these benefits? Raw honey is absolutely delicious! Stop by Grand Central Honey and let us help you choose the right one for your needs. Stay safe out there!
Cindy McCartney is the owner of beeand honey-centric boutique Grand Central Honey in Naples. The store stocks a curated collection of honeys from local artisan apiaries, as well as those in the US and abroad, most recently Africa. Customers can taste any honey at The Bee Bar to find their perfect match. Check out the store’s website to see the amazing selection of gi s, candles, books and much more— all honey- and bee-themed!
Grand Central Honey 4444 Tamiami Trail N. #2, Naples, FL 34103• grandcentralhoney.com • 239.331.3386 buzz@grandcentralhoney.com See ad on page 23>
6 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
BUZZ
Pain-Free in Paradise
Naples Robotic Pain Relief has been designated as a Blue Zone Project Ambassador. “We are pleased to be considered a business that helps people live longer, happier lives,” said owner Theresa Edmunds.
Blue Zone Project looks at places in the world where people live longer lives. Several years ago SWFL was designated a Blue Zone area.
“We can help people live younger longer,” says Theresa. “When you resolve your pain issues, you can get back to being active and doing the things you love. That enhances your life on so many levels.”
Robotic Muscle Therapy is a noninvasive technology that uses a robotic arm and computerized module to provide gentle, static pressure and vibration, which actually lengthens tight muscles, resulting in pain resolution. “When large muscles are short and tight, they put pressure on bones, joints, and nerves, resulting in pain,” Edmunds explains.
This technology can optimize athletics and reduce injury risk by increasing flexibility and balance. As muscles are released and lengthened, range of motion increases and posture improves. “Several clients have said they look younger because their posture is better. And keeping your flexibility and balance is key to aging well,” says Edmunds.
With different placements, back, hip, shoulder, neck, and knee pain as well as carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, and plantar fasciitis can be alleviated. “Many clients come to us after they have tried ‘everything.’ It’s very rewarding to help people feel better and get back to the activities they enjoy. After all, that’s why most of us live here. We love helping people live ‘Pain Free in Paradise’!”
Learn more at naplesroboticpainrelief.com. Call 239.778.6842.
We o er a complimentary consultation so clients can learn more about this revolutionary technology. We learn about your condition, and you discover whether this therapy can help you. You truly have nothing to lose—except your pain. Theresa Edmunds is a Certified Health Coach and co-owner of Naples Robotics Pain Relief. She is passionate about helping people feel better. To schedule a no-cost consultation or for more information, contact 239.778.6842 or visitnaplesroboticpainrelief.com. See ad on page 29 >
The Board Room: Naples’ First Charcuterie
and Wine Bar
We started The Board Room, an American-made charcuterie and wine bar, with a singular goal: To share our passion for wine, cheese, and meats in an elegant and cozy environment. As the first of its kind in Naples, Florida, our concept restaurant is transforming the local culinary scene. At The Board Room, we provide a unique dining experience where sharing wine means cherishing moments with those you love the most.
This passion project, five years in the making, reflects the heart and soul of owners Nick and Nila. Their love for entertaining has been the driving force behind creating a space where every guest feels welcomed and cherished.
Located at 808 Wiggins Pass, our wine bar isn't just a destination for in-house reservations. We also specialize in “Board-to-Go” and custom grazing tables, catering to both intimate gatherings and larger groups, ensuring a unique and memorable experience for all.
So the next time you're planning an outing with friends or hosting a party, give us a call. Let us help you create an elegant, exceptional, and memorable experience that will be talked about long after the last glass is poured.
Nick and Nila Abel are the co-owners of The Board Room: American-Made Charcuterie & Wine Bar, located at 808 Wiggins Pass Road, Unit 104 in Naples. For more information, email theboardroomnaples@gmail.com, call or text 239.308.7180, and find us @boardroomnaples on Instagram and Facebook. See ad on Inside Front Cover >
7 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
FINANCE Maximizing Your Retirement Savings Nina Azwoir Want more BUZZ ? Checkout www.essentialnaples.com www
WEssential NAPLES
1st Annual 10BEST WINNERS
Congratulations to our 10BEST Winners!
elcome to the inaugural Essential Naples 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards issue—our celebration of all things holistic we love about Southwest Florida. These awards bring massive awareness throughout the area for holistic businesses and practitioners, and we have received amazing feedback from the winners and readers. Many new business owners in categories including Holistic Spas, Acupuncture, and Green Living said they had just discovered the magazine and didn’t realize their customers were avid readers and fans.
We are proud to be the first reader-nominated awards exclusively for the holistic business community in Southwest Florida. Enjoy all the selections and let us know what you think about the winners and any businesses that are still best-kept secrets!
By Dr. Diane Hayden, Publisher of Essential Naples Magazine
Pure Dental
10Best Functional & Regenerative Medicine/ Integrative MD/Dentist
Pure Dental is comprehensive dentistry focusing on the individual. Our office has state-of-the-art technology: 3D cone beam (CBCT), stem cell (PRF), safe mercury removal (SMART and Protect Protocol), and BPA- and BISGMAfree restorations. We check the biofilm, saliva evaluation, airway evaluation, radiation-mitigating supplements and vitamins, biocompatibility testing, ozone treatments, and tooth regenerations options. We have surgically clean air and fresh ozonated water runs through all our plumbing—made fresh every day. We work closely with Functional Medicine, Integrative Medicine, and nutritionists because It All Matters. We also have Cocoa, our emotional support dog!
9 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
Pure Dental • Naples, FL • 239.692.9623 • info@puredentalnaples.com • puredentalnaples.com
Acupuncture/Traditional Chinese Medicine
Richard Hiler
Feel Amazing Institute Naples • 239.330.1000 sta @feelamazing.com naplesneurodoc.com
Feel Amazing Spine and Joint Institute focuses on Neuropathy solutions for legs, feet, and hands, and Spinal Decompression to relieve chronic or severe back and neck pain. Call for a free telephone consultation with a Chiropractic Neurologist or for a free recorded webinar.
Dr. Michelle Brown Bonita Springs, FL
Dr. Noelle Ham Naples, FL
Acupuncture Center of Naples Naples, FL
Omni Balanced Life Center Naples, FL
AcuHerbal Wellness Center Ft. Myers, FL
Acupuncture and Natural Health Solutions Naples, FL
Biggs Acupuncture Naples, FL
Chang Cares Acupuncture Naples, FL
Camys Acupuncture Naples, FL
Bodywork/Massage Therapy/ Chiropractic Physician/Physical Therapy
Berman Physical Therapy
Jake Berman, PT, DPT Naples, FL • 239.431.0232
Drberman@bermanpt.com Bermanpt.com
Most people think pain is a normal part of the aging process. We help people age 50+ avoid surgery and pain pills so they can keep active, mobile, and living their best life!
Theresa Edmunds, CHC
Naples Robotic Pain Relief Naples, FL • 239.778.6824
theresaedmunds@hotmail.com naplesroboticpainrelief.com
Educating clients about all aspects of natural health. Truly healthy food, living chemical-free and detoxing, healthy home, emotional well-being, reducing stress, movement, supplements/ homeopathy. Helping you recover, enhance, and protect your health. Providing the foundation you need to live your best life full of energy and vitality.
Julie Meer
Dorn Pain Academy LLC Naples, FL • 239.315.1975 juliemeer@dornacadintl.com dornacadintl.com
Pain relief, for all ages, through intuitive touch and unique global modalities including (USA) Meer Method®, (Australian) Spinal Flow®, (German) Dorn Method. There is an innate instinct and intellegence inside every human body to restore, reduce and revise itself of pain or discomfort. We just need to help it along!
Richard Hiler
Feel Amazing Institute
Naples • 239.330.1000 sta @feelamazing.com naplesneurodoc.com
Feel Amazing Spine and Joint Institute focuses on Neuropathy solutions for legs, feet, and hands, and Spinal Decompression to relieve chronic or severe back and neck pain. Call for a free telephone consultation with a Chiropractic Neurologist or for a free recorded webinar.
Dr. Kyla Myers Naples, FL
Bergtold Chiropractic Naples, FL
Dr. Cade Copeland Naples, FL
Dr. Eric Narrell Bonita Springs, FL
Dr. Amanda Ferguson Naples, FL
Naples Massage Naples, FL
10 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
10BEST WINNERS
Susie Bagwell, I Love Oils, Inc. dōTERRA Wellness Advocate
10Best Life/Business/Finance/Health Coach
Ithinkone of the worst things people can do is not care about their health. Sometimes it only takes one very small change or pivot to make a profound impact on your daily routine and the results you get from living a healthier life. Nor can the impact we have on everyone around us by committing ourselves to making these small, incremental changes to make ourselves better and better every day be overstated.
It seems like a lifetime ago that so many ultraprocessed foods, snacks, and other modern-day conveniences started to creep into our lives at an alarming rate. Even though most of us knew that these things are shortcuts, that they are typically not very good for us, and that there is much more value in doing things the right way—the ease of use, time savings and financial opportunities seemed too tempting. It is only now that our culture seems to be facing a new social awakening as to how to take proper advantage of conveniences and still do things the right way.
When we were introduced to essential oils, it was an amazing solution for our family. It definitely helped us to take better care of ourselves in a more natural way. However, I never could have anticipated how such a small change in our daily routine, a change toward purity and natural wellness, would trickle into one of the most powerful features of our family’s life.
I am so happy to have been nominated as one of the Essential Naples Magazine 10BEST Health Coaches in the area. I am not a doctor, I am not a science guru, and I am not out here peddling snake oils. However, I am someone who is fortunate enough to have caring friends who shared with me some minor changes I could make to get back to a more natural healthier way of life.
Looking back over the decades of motherhood, career, time with friends and family and a variety of challenges we all experience in life I can definitely say that it is totally worth it. To experience the joy that comes from being able to thrive in physical, mental, and emotional health because you have built a foundation that is natural for you is one of the best feelings in the world. The truth is it is not that hard, it just takes the commitment to get started and to decide that it is OK for you to want to feel better and that you need to feel better about yourself.
I hope that everyone reading this can continue to make those essential changes that will improve their lives and the lives of everyone around them. Thank you for recognizing me as your Wellness Advocate. Everyone on our team is committed to helping our customers reclaim their health and get stronger together. Susie
11 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
• I Love Oils, Inc.–dōTERRA Wellness Advocate • Fort Myers, FL • 586.604.3500 • Iloveoils.com
Bagwell
Theresa Edmunds, Certified Health Coach
Naples Robotic Pain Relief
Idiscovered Robotic Precision Therapy after my husband had a shoulder injury from golf. He had been suffering for two years with no resolution. After three robotic muscle treatments he was pain free and the problem completely resolved. I was so impressed with this technology that I decided to become certified in RPT as a neuromuscular therapist, and we opened Naples Robotic Pain Relief in 2022. I find my work very rewarding and enjoy helping people resolve their pain and get back to doing the things they love.
Robotic Precision Therapy is a revolutionary technology that deeply relaxes muscles in a way no other therapy can. As muscles are relaxed using the gentle pressure of the robotic arm, the muscle tissue releases contraction. This precise, computerized therapy allows muscle tissues to lengthen back to their original state—something no other method is capable of. Using static pressure in combination with vibration, this technology releases tension, taking pressure of bones, joints, and nerves. As this happens, not only is range of motion restored and posture improved, but long-term pain relief is also achieved.
Many clients have been seeking relief for months— or even years—before finding Naples Robotic Pain Relief. This innovative technology succeeds where other therapies have failed. With over six hundred muscles in the body, Robotic Precision Therapy is often just the solution people are searching for. Why simply manage pain when it’s possible to actually resolve it?
Theresa Edmunds, CHC Naples, Fl • 239.778.6824 theresaedmunds@hotmail.com naplesroboticpainrelief.com
Beth McCarthy
Joyful Wellness LLC
Bon Appetit! I'm Beth McCarthy, owner of Joyful Wellness, a healthy lifestyle consulting and cooking company.
My company was born from a personal journey that moved me into the holistic health world after my experience with breast cancer. This experience opened my eyes to the incredible power of food for healing, igniting my passion to share this discovery. My purpose is to illuminate the path for others to recognize the delicious and healing potential of embracing a whole-foods diet.
My services include weekly Personal Health Chef Services to bring nourishment and delight, healthy lifestyle coaching to support personal transformation, in-home boutique catering for intimate gatherings with healthful, beautiful cuisine, and interactive cooking classes designed to share the joy of healthy home cooking in an engaging, fun way.
Educated at the prestigious Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver, I've embraced the philosophy that true health starts in the kitchen. My certification as a Natural Chef is more than a title—it's a testament to my belief in the transformative power of thoughtful nutrition. Joyful Wellness is not just my business; it's a haven for those seeking to renew their health through mindful eating and living.
Join me today and embark on a journey where food becomes your ally in health transformation, vibrant living and unparalleled happiness. Whether you're navigating health challenges, juggling a busy life, or simply eager to embrace a healthier lifestyle, Joyful Wellness is your next step toward a vibrant, new, joyful life.
Beth McCarthy • Joyful Wellness LLC • Naples, FL 719.440.2815 • floridahealthychef.com
12 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024 SPOTLIGHT
10BEST WINNERS
Coach: Life/Business/Finance/Health
Nina Azwoir
Wintrust Wealth Management
Naples, FL • 239.697.5204
nazwoir@wintrustwealth.com
nazwoir.wintrustwealth.com
Nina Azwoir is a licensed Financial Advisor with over 17 years of industry experience in the realm of wealth management, financial planning, and retirement solutions. Nina has the knowledge and perspective to help keep her clients and their financial future on a steady course as they navigate through life and retirement. Her highest priority is her clients and their families. Reach out to Nina for your complimentary financial plan.
Susie Bagwell
I Love Oils, Inc.
Fort Myers, FL • 586.604.3500
susie@iloveoils.com iloveoils.com
Susie Bagwell has been using essential oils for over 20 years and helps her customers with cutting edge natural solutions. Her “Smell ’em Wear ’em Drink ’em” slogan applies to more than just certified pure essential oils. Her dōTERRA brand products also include bioavailable supplements and exclusive home care products.
Energy Healers
Peg Doyle
Wellness and You Naples, FL • 508.359.6804
peg@wellnessandyou.com wellnessandyou.com
As a nationally certified holistic health coach for 20+ years, I help mature women reclaim their energy and achieve lifelong wellness. I provide a customized, non-judgmental nutrition and lifestyle program using proven, research-based principles that lead to lasting results. Virtual and in-person options are available. Trusted and confidential.
Kathleen D'Orsi, LCSW, BHSP Naples, FL. • 732.672.5069 kdorsi@comcast.net
Kathleendorsi.com
Kathleen is a licensed psychotherapist who provides unique and highly specialized Energy Healing. This service complements traditional medical and psychological treatment. Kathleen works with your own Human Design Chart to improve spiritual and personal development.
Jenni Berman, PA-C, CPT, CNS Berman Health and Wellness
Naples, FL • 239.431.0232 bermanpt.com/wellness
Berman Health and Wellness is a Functional Medicine Center that helps individuals reach their goal weight and optimize their gut health, while avoiding needless medications and achieving the highest quality of life imaginable. Our goal is to evaluate the metabolism, gut health, and bloodwork to optimize each aspect of the client.
Peg Doyle
Wellness and You
Naples FL • 508.359.6804
peg@wellnessandyou.com wellnessandyou.com
As a nationally certified holistic health coach for 20+ years, I help mature women reclaim their energy and achieve lifelong wellness. I provide a customized, non-judgmental nutrition and lifestyle program using proven, research-based principles that lead to lasting results. Virtual and in-person options are available. Trusted and confidential.
Theresa Edmunds, CHC
Naples, FL • 239.778.6824
theresaedmunds@hotmail.com
naplesroboticpainrelief.com
Educating clients about all aspects of natural health.
Truly healthy food, living chemical-free and detoxing, healthy home, emotional well-being, reducing stress, movement, supplements/ homeopathy. Helping you recover, enhance, and protect your health. Providing the foundation you need to live your best life full of energy and vitality.
Dr. Charity Godfrey Naples, FL
Naples Holistic Naples, FL
Janessa Borges Naples, FL
HatchPath Naples, FL
Sue McDonald Naples, FL
Dayana Infante
Celestial Elevation Health and Wellness
Naples, FL and Virtual • 239.272.0438 celestialelevationglobal@gmail.com www.celestialelevation.com
Ready to awaken your divine blueprint? I specialize in helping people shift physical and emotional patterns, activate natural health, and achieve higher consciousness by working directly with the Soul through Quantum Energy Work. Learn to reframe emotions and behaviors so you can achieve optimum peace and well-being.
Goddess I Am
Naples, FL
Light The Way Spiritual Center Naples, FL
Onmi Balanced Life Center Naples, FL
Lisa H. Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT MV Solutions Science & Art of Healing
Naples, FL • 239.821.1223
www.mvSolutions.pro
www.scienceandartofhealing.com
Healing is voltage, and life is in the blood! Naples GlycoCheck testing site measures and analyzes your microvascular health. Unhealthy microvascular health is a precursor to several serious diseases. Know your score—it’s important! Discover powerful new approaches to optimize your health and wellbeing from the cellular level with redox signaling, frequency, and more.
Profound Life Wellness
Naples, FL
Urban Meditation
Naples, FL
Zel Rau Naples, FL
13 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
Esthetician/Holistic & Organic Spa
Cloud 9 Float Spa
Fort Myers, FL • 239.887.4161 www.c9floatspa.com
Floating, also known as Flotation Therapy, has been used for years for its mental, spiritual, meditative, and physical benefits and has a vast amount of published research to support its claims.
Radiance by Mak Naples, FL
Nu You
Naples, FL
Skin Deep Naples
Naples, FL
Holistic Glow Med Spa Naples, FL
Omni Balanced Life Center Naples, FL
Jurni The Wellness Spa
Naples, FL
The OM Spa
Naples, FL
Skin Wellness Physicians
Naples, Fl
Art of Dermatology
Naples, FL
Functional & Regenerative Medicine/ Integrative MD/Biological Dentist
Richard Hiler
Feel Amazing Institute
Naples • 239.330.1000 sta @feelamazing.com naplesneurodoc.com
Feel Amazing Spine and Joint Institute focuses on Neuropathy solutions for legs, feet, and hands, and Spinal Decompression to relieve chronic or severe back and neck pain. Call for a free telephone consultation with a Chiropractic Neurologist or for a free recorded webinar.
Josephine Perez, DMD
Pure Dental
Naples, FL • 239.692.9623 puredentalnaples.com
Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD, has been practicing dentistry for 29 years. She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dentistry in Boston and interned at New Orleans Coast Guard/Navy Base. Her holistic approach to dentistry encompasses each person’s unique and entire (or whole, therefore holistic) state of physical and emotional well-being. The ability to maintain health through preventive measures and treatments of oral disease is her priority. Dr. Perez focuses on the underlying condition, rather than only treating the symptoms. She tests for biocompatibility to find pathways to reduce inflammation.
Carol Roberts
Best Medicine Sarasota, FL • 941.404.8030 bestmedicinefl@gmail.com BestMedicine.US
Best Medicine is the holistic/ functional practice of Carol L. Roberts, MD, providing longevity services, including natural hormone replacement therapy, and second opinions for chronic conditions undertreated by conventional medicine. Located in Sarasota, Florida, Dr. Roberts has decades of experience in the field and truly listens to her patients.
Zorayda Torres, MD
Upstream Medical Consults, PLLC Bonita Springs, FL • 239.444.5636 info@upstreammd.com upstreammd.com
Dr. Torres is an internist with more than 20 years of clinical experience. Since 2015, she has been providing functional medicine consultations for those seeking more answers beyond the limits of conventional care. She hopes to reduce your disease burden and improve your quality of life.
Jo Vaccarino, CCT, LMT, MLD-C
Be Well Thermal Imaging and Natural Health Clinic
Naples, FL • 239.250.9312 jo@bwditi.com bewellnaples.com
Be Well with mind and body balancing modalities. Clinical Thermography is a noninvasive test to help guide treatments and/or further testing. Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) is a targeted therapy based on over a century of practice that can help with pain, injury, trauma, anxiety, and a variety of wellness goals
Eduardo Maristany Naples, FL
Nancy Vance Naples, FL
Moon Family Health Center
Naples, FL
Naples Vitality Naples, FL
Robert Rubin, MD Naples, FL
14 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
10BEST WINNERS
American Mold Experts
10Best Holistic Interior Design/ Home Organization/Green Living
Innovation from day one exempli�ies this family-owned business, American Mold Experts. In 2008, we opened our doors in Indiana, bringing to the market the �irst green product to remove mold versus the industry standard of using harsh chemicals that often leave a chemical imprint in the home. Mold-sick patients or anyone with a compromised immune system will also be sensitive to those harsh remediation chemicals.
Innovation: Because our protocol was new, we once again went against the industry standards and automatically conducted post-veri�ication testing to evaluate the success of their process. The industry standard typically did not include any such testing. But mold is microscopic, so how else would a remediation company con�irm success?
Understanding that mold can grow in 24–48 hours if still present after a remediation, we altered our post-test veri�ication timeline to be conducted 72 hours or more after a remediation, allowing the remediated space more time to regulate. If any mold or leak was missed in the remediation process, mold will show up in the delayed tests. Allowing more time before post-test veri�ication is another way we provide the best for our customers.
The innovation continues: American Mold Experts typically offers our clients a warranty against mold growth after a remediation. Part of our program is to educate clients on what causes mold and how they can keep mold at bay in the future. We also added “disturbed” air sampling, which provides much more accurate results. Research shows that within 45 minutes after a room has no activity, particulates will settle to the ground and no longer be in the air.
More recently, it was discovered that some mold species produces a byproduct called mycotoxins— poisons capable of causing much more severe health effects. The FDA had been testing mycotoxins in food products for years, but not until recently has mycotoxins exposure been measured in indoor environments. Realizing they were affecting our clients' health, we began testing for environmental mycotoxins in 2012, well before any other company. In fact, most companies still aren't testing for mycotoxins, even today!
“Traditional” mold remediations do not address mycotoxins and, in many cases, a traditional remediation actually increases airborne mycotoxins. In keeping with our history of innovation, American Mold Experts have made mold, mycotoxins and working with mold-sick patients our specialty.
What will our next innovation to help our clients and keep the competition on their toes be? Stay tuned.
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American Mold Experts • Naples, FL & Indianapolis, IN • 239.302.8862 • 877.877.9744 info@americanmoldexperts.com • AMEswfl.com • americanmoldexperts.com
Pictured from left to right: Bill Nicoll, Julie Hurst-Nicoll, Leigh Ann Briggs, Scott Briggs
Lisa H. Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT MV Solutions
Idon’t consider my business a job—it’s innate, a passion, and I love it! I grew up in the beautiful Berkshires, made my way to Naples almost 35 years ago, and have had a private practice in Naples since 1999.
My professional journey began with an AS degree in physical therapy. I chose to pursue PT because I was very athletic and healthy and wanted to help those who were less so. That education led to a craving to learn more about the human body, which led to my BS and MSS degrees. My extensive experience, skill, and training as a PT assistant, exercise physiologist, and massage therapist have allowed me to be a unique therapist who draws from those three disciplines to benefit my clients. You might call me a perpetual student, as I am currently pursing my PhD in quantum physics-based Integrative Medicine.
Early in my career, I mainly worked in outpatient rehab and MD PT practices. I became disenchanted by the methods with which I was helping people heal and be well. Since my early education taught the symptom-treating model, I changed course and sought everything I could find on the healing mechanism and root cause approaches. Along that path, I met some brilliant people who would change my life personally and in service (remember the word “GlycoCheck”!).
Until now, science has focused on 1% of our total vascular system— the large arteries. Now we can see the other 99% (microvessels), and it’s a total health game-changer. Why? It gives us valuable information about the health of our vascular system and, most importantly, the protective lining called glycocalyx. When the glycocalyx is healthy, so are our blood vessels, which are essential for good health and vitality. When it is compromised, organs begin to starve, and the delivery of oxygen, hormones, and nutrients is compromised. It is so important to know the health of your massive vascular delivery system (it also removes waste), and YES, there is something you can do to change it for the better if you need to.
Think of all the nutritious food and beneficial supplements you take to bolster your health. Now, you can find out how well your body is actually delivering those nutrients. Have you ever wondered why someone with no cardiovascular history has a heart attack and perhaps even dies from one? I wonder about the health of their microvascular system. Knowledge is power, and now we can obtain this knowledge and be proactive with it.
My practice specializes in optimizing health from the cellular level with redox signaling, frequency, and advanced testing, technologies, and products. Healing is truly a voltage (energy) approach. The key is GlycoCheck, an extremely important test for your health with a clinically proven solution for change.
“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. ” —Rumi
Lisa H. Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT • MV Solutions • Science & Art of Healing Naples, FL • 239.821.1223 • mvSolutions.pro • scienceandartofhealing.com
16 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024 SPOTLIGHT
Holistic Interior Design/ Home Organization/Green Living
Julie S. Hurst-Nicoll
American Mold Experts
Central Indiana and Southwest Florida 239.302.8862 • 877.877.9744
Naples, FL • AMEswfl.com
info@americanmoldexperts.com
A fully licensed and bonded, women-owned business with two generations in mold remediation. Julie holds educational sessions for industry conferences and is a regular author of issues related to mold, mycotoxins, and patient mold illness, having herself been a victim of mold toxicity. She and her partner developed a green solution alternative to removing toxic mold and mycotoxins.
BCB Homes Naples, FL
The Crest at Naples Naples, FL
Lisa Kahn Design Naples, FL
Thoughtful Threads Naples, FL
Green & Clean SWFL Ft. Myers, Fl
Naples Compost Naples, FL
La Playa Resort Naples, FL
Naples Soap Company Naples, FL
Kristin MacRae
Organized Energized Living Bonita Springs, FL
Hypnotherapy/Holistic Psychotherapy
Linda Burton
Linda Burton LMHC
Naples, FL • 239.450.2491
333eternalgrace@gmail.com
LindaBurtontherapy.com
and Psychology Today
I specialize in substance-abuse, anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, life transitions, and grief issues. My holistic approach focuses on healing the mind, body and spirit. Relaxation, breathwork, and mindfulness help to reduce stress, improve focus and create balance. The path to a healthy, fulfilling life is a personal journey toward wholeness.
Michele Durham
Access Holistic Healing
Naples, FL • 239.776.2211
info@accessholistichealing.com accessholistichealing.com
As a certified and national guild member, I take a holistic approach to healing MINDBODY-SPIRIT using herbs, light and sound therapy, medical grade infrared sauna, and salt booth. Specialized techniques include hypnosis, neurolinguistic programming, and quantum healing hypnosis (QHHT) to heal trauma, quit smoking, lose weight, eliminate anxiety, and more!
Hypnotherapy Solutions
Naples, FL
Advanced Hypnotherapy of Naples
Naples, FL
Sansone Hypnosis Bonita Springs, FL
Monarch Wellness Naples, FL
Victoria Elkins Naples, FL
AIM Counseling Bonita Springs, FL
Jennifer Vear Hoy Naples, FL
Revive Psychology Naples, FL
17 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
10BEST WINNERS
Nutrition/Registered Dietitian/Private Chef
Jenni Berman, PA-C, CPT, CNS
Berman Health and Wellness
Naples, FL • 239.431.0232
bermanpt.com/wellness
Berman Health and Wellness is a Functional Medicine Center that helps individuals reach their goal weight and optimize their gut health, while avoiding needless medications and achieving the highest quality of life imaginable. Our goal is to evaluate the metabolism, gut health, and bloodwork to optimize each aspect of the client.
Beth McCarthy
Joyful Wellness LLC
Naples, FL • 719.440.2815
yogabeth@mac.com
floridahealthychef.com
Are you ready to live your most delicious, vibrant life? Experience unparalleled health and renewed vitality with Joyful Wellness, your destination for in-home weekly personal nutrition chef services, culinary and healthy lifestyle coaching, in-home cooking classes, and beautifully crafted boutique-style organic catering. Transform your health today!
Betsy Opyt, RD, LD/N, CDE
Healthy Concepts Consulting
Naples, FL • 239.297.8844
betsy@healthyconceptsconsulting.com healthyconceptsconsulting.com
Betsy is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, Integrative and Functional Nutrition Therapist, and yoga teacher. She specializes in nutrigenomics, gut health, food sensitivities, detoxing, inflammatory diseases, and longevity living. Also a professional speaker and advocate for healthy living and is available for individual consultations, group programs, and speaking engagements.
Denise A. Pancyrz, CHN, DSS™
CuraVida Wellness Solutions
Marco Island, FL • 877.287.2843 denise@mycuravida.com MyCuraVida.com
Chronic disease is first addressed with finding root cause. Each wellness package starts with functional medicine testing hair analysis setting the stage for a sound nutritional foundation. We are a comprehensive integrative virtual wellness center resolving type 2 diabetes, digestive issues, weight loss, joint pain, and more.
Yoga/Pilates/Barre Studio
Lacie Delgado
everyBODY Pilates and Yoga
Bonita Springs, FL • 239.221.3116
everybodypilatesinc@gmail.com
everybodystudio.com
everyBODY Pilates Group Equipment Classes, Private/Duet/Small group sessions. Healing The Body, Mind, and Spirit with Strength, Movement, and Flexibility. Using the fundamentals from Joseph Pilates combined with the gifted talents and knowledge of Lacie Delgado. "Pilates is so much more than a fitness or exercise class..it's a way of life."
Pinky Bacsinila
Skylight Yoga & Fitness
Naples, FL • 239.649.5002
info@skylightyogafit.com
skylightyogafit.com
More than its name… Skylight Yoga & Fitness is a boutique studio offering yoga, fitness, pilates, reformer, and stretch programs for all levels via small group and private sessions. An inclusive, welcoming, fun community awaits and supports you on your wellness journey. A hidden gem in central Naples.
Stacey Justiniano
Naples, FL
Naples Vitality
Naples, FL
Naples Nutrition Naples, FL
Lean and Green Body
Naples, FL
Heather Bauer Naples, FL
D-Signed Nutrition Bonita Springs, FL
Love Yoga Center Naples, FL
Sand Barre Naples, FL
Indra Yoga Ft. Myers, FL
Practice Yoga Naples, FL
Naples Yoga Center Naples, FL
Pilates Firm Naples, FL
Pilates Hive Naples, FL
Honor Yoga Naples, FL
18 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
10BEST WINNERS
Nina Azwoir First Vice President Wintrust Investments
10Best Life/Business/ Finance/Health Coach
Hey there, friend! My name is Nina Azwoir, and I am a licensed Financial Advisor with over 20 years of industry experience. I am astute in the realm of wealth management, financial planning, and retirement solutions, and I have the accumulated knowledge and perspective to help keep my clients and their financial future on a steady course as they navigate through life and retirement. I also have a strong understanding of the dynamics of wealth and applying strategic solutions to protect and preserve my client’s life’s work.
My highest priority is my clients and their families. My clients’ priorities are my driving force as I help identify opportunities and provide solutions, helping them reach their financial goals through comprehensive investment planning and development of creative investment and insurance solutions that help build and preserve wealth for future generations.
As a financial advisor, my commitment extends beyond numbers to genuine client care. I believe in treating clients like family, prioritizing trust and personalized service. Beyond the office, I'm deeply involved in community initiatives, fostering financial literacy and empowerment. My approach combines expertise with a personal touch, so that I can set a new standard of excellence for you and your family. In my own time, I take leisure in arts and culture, challenging myself through weight training, and enjoying boating in the many paradises Florida has to offer. Let's connect, get to know each other, and embark on this journey together!
19 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
Nina Azwoir, First Vice President • Wintrust Wealth Management • Naples, FL O: 239.687.5204 C: 239.529.6999 • nazwoir@wintrustwealth.com • wintrustwealth.com/nazwoir.html
The Mystique of Manuka, The Superhero of Honeys
By Cindy McCartney
“One of the primary antibacterial components of manuka honey is a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO), which comes from the conversion of another compound in manuka honey known as dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a high concentration of which is found in the nectar of manuka flowers.”
—Cindy McCartney
Manuka is often regarded as the “superhero of honeys.” It is a favorite of those who seek general antibacterial protection, immunity, health, and well-being. It is also used by some medical practitioners to treat burns and wounds as well as other skin conditions.
What’s the big deal with manuka, anyway? This article will give a brief overview, but there is so much more to know. This special honey is found in New Zealand and Australia and is produced by the bees which pollinate the Leptospermum scoparium bush (also known as the tea tree).
What Is MGO, and What Does It Do?
One of the primary antibacterial components of manuka honey is a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO), which comes from the conversion of another compound in manuka honey known as dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a high concentration of which is found in the nectar of manuka flowers.
The MGO level in manuka determines its function, strength, and purpose. MGO levels range from approximately 50+ MGO to a very rare,
potent, and medical-grade 2000+ MGO. Other scales indicate the concentration of methylglyoxal—NPA and UMF. These grading systems are like the MGO measures but range from 2+ to 34+.
For this article, I’ll reference the MGO scale.
Those in the range from 50+ to 250+ MGO are considered “table grade” but promote well-being, immunity, and healthy skin. Many people take this range as a “maintenance dose,” putting it in their smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt. And, of course, its caramel-like taste is delicious straight from the jar!
Moving up the MGO scale, the properties of manuka are increasingly therapeutic. The range from 300–450+ MGO is considered medicinal/ therapeutic strength, while the range from approximately 450+ MGO through about 850+ MGO is considered high medicinal strength. This level of MGO treats gut health, provides oral care, and is used to fight colds and flu, sore throats and coughs, in addition to having the features of the 50+–250+ range.
The super-concentrated range from about 900+ MGO to 2000+ MGO is considered superior
20 SPRING 2024 ESSENTIAL Naples Health
strength/medical grade and is often used by medical professionals to treat burns, wounds, ulcers, and infections. Remember as you read about manuka that there are many reports, web posts, and articles about the MGO scale—you will find a wide range of opinions about where each concentration’s benefits start and stop and the recommended dosage.
At Grand Central Honey, we carry four MGO levels of manuka: 125+, 425+, 725+, and 1025+ MGO. This range is broad enough for any user to find the right one for their needs. We always advise our customers interested in trying manuka to check with their healthcare professional to ensure it is suitable for them.
Other Uses of Manuka Honey
The uses of manuka go even further. Many skincare lines use manuka as their base, as do first-aid products such as manuka bandages, burn salves, foot treatments, shampoos, and conditioners. Grand Central Honey also carries bandages, skin creams, and a burn salve made with manuka. This salve saved me from the maddening itch on my leg where a few rogue no-see-ums had chowed down. I tried some of the salve, and voila! My itching stopped.
Customers also swear by the relief they get for sore throats and hoarseness from manuka. We have throat sprays and manuka lozenges for this function. In fact, a local newscaster comes in to purchase these because their speaking voice is so vital to their work.
If you decide to try manuka, we would be happy to introduce you. We look forward to seeing you at Grand Central Honey soon!!
Cindy McCartney, owner of Grand Central Honey, invites you to experience a truly interactive, informative, and delicious experience with some fun tastings. Everything in the store is dedicated to the amazing contributions honeybees make to our world by pollinating our food sources. Grand Central Honey vets each brand they carry to ensure customers are buying pure honey. They are located in Naples at 4444 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 2, and open 11 am to around 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Visit grandcentralhoney. com and find them on Instagram and Facebook. See ad on page 23 >
21 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024 BERMANGOLF.COM // 239-431-0232 THE BERMAN METHOD GAIN 20+ YARDS OFF THE TEE, SHOOT LOWER SCORES, PLAY PAIN FREE! Maximize your Energy, Focus,& Well-Being dōTERRA Lifelong Vitality Pack Live Younger, Longer Schedule your personal wellness consultation with Susie now! Call 586-604-3500 Group classes available Susie Bagwell, Independent dōTERRA Wellness Advocate iloveoils susie@iloveoils.com www.iloveoils.com
The Hidden Source of Your Neck and Shoulder Pain
By Theresa Edmunds, CHC
A“Using a robotic arm to apply precise, consistent pressure and vibration, the contraction of the muscle can be released. As the contracted muscle relaxes, muscle tissue can actually lengthen back to its normal state.
When this happens, the underlying problem is alleviated, posture realigns, and pain is resolved.”
—Theresa Edmunds, CHC
lmost everyone has experienced neck or shoulder pain at some point. This type of pain isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a problem that can make getting through the day a challenge. Driving becomes a test of endurance, working at your desk feels like a marathon, and even sleeping can be a battle when you have neck or shoulder pain.
This type of pain often has a hidden source: the pectoral muscles. The pectoral muscle is a large muscle covering the chest and ribcage. Its main function is to provide range of motion to the arms and raise and lower the shoulders.
When the pectorals become contracted, they can cause neck or shoulder pain and affect the trapezoid, upper back, arms, elbows, and even hands—sometimes causing numbness or tingling through to the fingers.
Our modern lifestyle, including the regular use of computers and cell phones, exacerbates the issue. Looking down while sitting is an unnatural posture. Having our arms in front of our body for prolonged periods, such as driving, leads to contracted pectorals and imbalance in the body's structure.
The Problem with Poor Posture
These forward movements, without much involvement of the back muscles, lead to poor posture and weak muscles. With our arms in a sustained position in front of the body, our pectoral muscles begin to shorten. This eventually pulls our shoulders into a rounded position, which in turn causes the head to come forward. This poor posture then
strains the muscles of the upper back and neck, causing tension and weakness.
When muscles become contracted, they create stress and pressure on the joints, nerves, and the spine. In the case of the pectoral muscle group, symptoms may include pain in the shoulders, neck, upper spine, tingling in the arms, restriction of movement, and stiffness in these areas.
Muscles start off long and pliable, able to move freely and allow us a full range of motion. As we engage in repetitive motion or certain postures, our muscles start to contract. Contracted muscles are not only shortened but also lose their flexibility and range of motion.
Large muscles in the body are difficult to relax once contracted. It takes pressure to soften these muscles, but generally, manual massage cannot apply enough sustained pressure on the muscle for a long enough time to release the pectoral muscle, nor can stretching. If we can’t lengthen these muscles, we cannot correct the posture causing the strain.
Naples Robotic Pain Relief
The human hand just cannot access these muscles effectively with consistent, controlled pressure. That is where robotic muscle therapy has the advantage. Using a robotic arm to apply precise, consistent pressure and vibration, the contraction of the muscle can be released. As the contracted muscle relaxes, muscle tissue can actually lengthen back to its usual state. When this happens, the underlying problem is alleviated, posture realigns, and pain is resolved.
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The benefits of this therapy cannot be overstated. Many people try this technology after all else has failed. This technology is achieving amazing results, returning people to a life that, in some cases, they thought was unattainable.
This specialized technology is currently only available in a handful of clinics. Although it was developed in Sarasota about twenty-five years ago, it has recently returned to SWFL as Naples Robotic Pain Relief.
This passive, non-invasive, drug-free therapy is helping people get back to the activities they love. With the capability to use twenty-six different placements, this therapy is effective for most pain-related issues. The goal for every client is pain resolution.
Features of Robotic Precision Therapy
• Personalized Treatment: Robotic therapy is tailored to your specific needs and pain level. It focuses on targeting the precise muscles causing discomfort.
• Noninvasive: Unlike surgical interventions, robotic therapy is non-invasive, reducing the risks associated with surgery.
• Progress Tracking: The therapy allows for precise tracking of your progress, ensuring that treatment effectively addresses your pain.
• Minimal Downtime: With robotic therapy, there is little to no downtime, meaning you can resume your daily activities sooner.
• Long-Term Benefits: Clients experience lasting relief from pain, and many have a 100% resolution.
Neck pain doesn't have to be a constant struggle. With robotic muscle therapy, you have a cutting-edge option for relief. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain or just looking for a way to relax tight muscles, we can help you on your healing journey. So why wait? Discover the benefits of this unique method for yourself. After all, isn't it time you took control of your pain and got back to enjoying life to the fullest?
We offer a complimentary consultation so clients can learn more about this revolutionary technology. We learn about your condition, and you discover whether this therapy can help you. You truly have nothing to lose— except your pain. Theresa Edmunds is a Certified Health Coach and co-owner of Naples Robotic Pain Relief. She is passionate about helping people feel better. To schedule a no-cost consultation or for more information, contact 239.778.6842 or visit naplesroboticpainrelief.com. See ad on page 29 >
23 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
Does Magnesium Really Affect Longevity and Brain Health?
By Lynn Brewer
More than 83% of people in the nation are magnesium deficient—YES, that is a fact. The good news is that visiting Cloud9 Float Spa and Wellness Center can help!
How Do I Know If I Have Magnesium Deficiency?
Some signs you may be magnesium deficient include the following:
“The only way to obtain the magnesium your body needs to support you properly is by infusion—and this is where floating comes in as the preferred mind-and-body solution to receiving magnesium.”
—Lynn Brewer
Magnesium deficiency can lead to a range of chronic health issues, including calcium deficiency, poor heart health, weakness, anxiety, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, respiratory issues, fatigue, poor memory, and confusion.
Magnesium is intimately involved in over six hundred reactions in the body, including the metabolism of food, the transmission of nerve impulses, the synthesis of fatty acids and proteins, muscle movements, gene maintenance, and protein formation. It is one of seven essential microminerals that must be consumed daily in large amounts—100 milligrams or more. We store about 25 grams of magnesium in our body, with more than 50% of this being stored in the skeletal system. The rest goes to muscles, soft tissue, and bodily fluids. The only way to obtain the magnesium your body needs to support you properly is by infusion—and this is where floating comes in as the preferred mindand-body solution to receiving magnesium.
Magnesium is essential for proper brain function and mood regulation. Research indicates that without enough magnesium, you are more prone to depression, which impacts over 14.8 million American adults. Studies also indicate that even having a slight reduction level of magnesium can cause severe changes in how the heart, blood vessels, blood cells and other tissues function.
• Anxiety and depression
• Muscle cramps
• High blood pressure
• Hormone problems
• Sleep issues
• Low energy
• Low vitamins D and K
It has been scientifically proven that a one-hour float can absorb up to 27% of a person’s needed magnesium.
How Does Magnesium Help Me Function?
When a person includes floating in their monthly health program, they not only increase their immune system but also help their whole system remain in better health. Studies further indicate that even having a slightly reduced level of magnesium can cause severe changes in how the heart, blood vessels, blood cells, and other tissues function.
Magnesium is critical for proper electrical and mechanical functioning within nerves, muscles (such as the heart), and blood vessels.
Research has shown that low brain magnesium is evident during a migraine attack. One study found that regular floating reduces the frequency as well as the intensity of migraine attacks by just
Health
24 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
over 41%. With regular floating, sufferers can reduce or mostly eliminate migraine attacks.
What Are Some Other Good Sources of Magnesium?
Magnesium-rich foods are found abundantly in nature. Try these delicious options:
• Spinach
• Seeds: Pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, chia, hemp, and flax seeds (anti-inflammatory and rich in protein)
• Cocoa/cacao, including dark chocolate
• Almonds, which are also high in protein and vitamin E
• Bananas: The best source of magnesium among all common fruits (also a great source of vitamin C)
• Co ee: The highest source of liquid magnesium you can consume. Remember that calcium from milk and refined sugar can interfere with magnesium absorption. Drink black coffee or add whole-food sweeteners like honey instead.
What Is Considered a Regular Floating Schedule?
Research has indicated that if the floater has any autoimmune diagnosis, their floating schedule would be floating weekly for 60 minutes for the first two months, then moved to twice monthly to see how they feel. Yes, your body will let you know in many ways if you are where you need to be with your magnesium level. We are all different, so what applies to one person may not work for the next.
Floating is a very individual health regime. What we found to work for the majority of clients is to start with at least six one-hour sessions and then move to twice monthly, at which time we can evaluate the client’s magnesium level.
Improve your health today! Call Cloud9 Float Spa & Wellness Center at 239.887.4161 to schedule your life-altering sessions. Cloud9 Float Spa & Wellness Center team members are here to answer any questions about the health benefits of magnesium and floating and help you start your health journey. All Cloud9 Float Spa team members are here to help you achieve a better life. With this one simple addition to your lifestyle, you can live longer and become healthier.
Come be part of the solution to a healthy life at Fort Myers Cloud 9 Float Spa today! Lynn Brewer, co-owner of Cloud9 Float Spa & Wellness Center, located at 13710 Metropolis Ave., Suite 104, Fort Myers, FL 33912. Call 239.887.4161, email info@ c9floatspa.com, and visit www.c9floatspa.com. SWFL’s Only Float Spa. See ad on page 39 >
25 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024 BERMAN H PYSICALTHER A PY AVOID SURGERY AVOID PAIN PILLS BERMANPT.COM 501 N GOODLETTE FRANK RD, UNIT C-100 NAPLES FLORIDA 34102 Keep Active and Mobile while Feeling Younger as you Age Gracefully. Specializing in Back and Shoulder Pain. CALL 239-431-0232 TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR A FREE TASTER SESSION TODAY!
Can a Half Inch of Your Hair Really Tell You About Your Health?
“With an innovative functional medicine hair analysis, it’s possible to obtain information that gets to the root of your health issues. Once you know the root cause, it becomes simpler to create a safe, customized protocol for
healing.”
—Denise A. Pancyrz
By Denise A. Pancyrz, CHN, DSS™
Year after year, you have lab testing performed to provide an update on your health status.
Over time, repeated tests can show changes in your health, allowing you and your healthcare provider to track progress and make necessary adjustments to your treatment or lifestyle.
If you are like millions of Americans, your annual testing continues, but you may not be seeing the desired results for your health issues.
Adults in the U.S. are suffering:
• >83 million from joint pain/arthritis
• 70 million from insomnia
• 2/3 from fatigue
• 60–70 million from digestive issues
• 32 million from food sensitivities
• 136 million from diabetes and prediabetes
Many also suffer from headaches, sleeplessness, seasonal allergies, glucose issues, weight issues, and more.
What Do You Expect From Your Lab Results?
What if you can get information that can help you improve or eliminate the following issues?
• Joint pain
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Digestive issues
• Food sensitivities
• Diabetes and prediabetes
• Headaches
• Seasonal allergies
• Weight issues
An Innovative Functional Medicine Test
With an innovative functional medicine hair analysis, it’s possible to obtain information that gets to the root of your health issues. Once you know the root cause, it becomes simpler to create a safe, customized protocol for healing.
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26 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
Testing for food intolerances, mineral deficiencies, toxic elements, and intestinal dysbiosis is just one of the bundles of testing that can be ordered. Food additive intolerance testing is particularly valuable if you consume packaged food or beverages, medication, or supplements. Appropriate selections can then be made to help rather than hinder your progress.
A liver overview includes a report on compatible herbal remedies. This report is vital since a healthy liver can improve cholesterol, glucose, and glycogen storage, detoxification, and metabolization of proteins, carbs, and fats. Knowing the herbs your system aligns with can boost improvement. A report on anti-aging and wellness is also available for vitamin and mineral deficiencies and oxidizing agents. This helps you target your diet and proper supplementation.
Hair analysis testing only requires a half inch of hair from anywhere on the body!
Learn to Heal in 3 Steps!
1. Insightful hair analysis functional medicine test.
2. Customized protocol, health education, monitoring, and care put your plan into action.
3. See and feel the results!
Access to accurate and timely information is crucial for promoting health, preventing diseases, and managing medical conditions effectively. It empowers you to make informed decisions about your health and healthcare options.
Visit MyCuraVida.com for coaching information and to book a free consultation. To set up a speaking event, call 1.877.CuraVida or email Info@MyCuraVida.com.
Denise A. Pancyrz, CHN, DSS™ is a Diabetes Reversal and Holistic Lifestyle Coach, speaker, and best-selling author of The Virgin Diabetic, Reverse the Effects of Type 2 Diabetes, Reduce Medication, and Improve Your Glucose Levels, available on Amazon. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Denise was prescribed four daily insulin shots along with oral medication for diabetes and heart disease. This protocol helped to bring her glucose levels down; however, she did not feel as healthy and vibrant as expected. After changing her protocol by learning to rest and preserve her pancreas, she was able to eliminate all medication and insulin, regaining her energy. Visit ReverseMyDiabetes.net for coaching and training information, to book a free consultation, or to set up a speaking event. Contact Denise by calling 888.848.1763, or email her at Denise@ReverseMyDiabetes.net. See ad on page 35 >
· Reduce Inflammation
· Reduce Joint / Arthritic Pain
· Support Weight Loss
· Lower Blood Pressure
· Support Brain / Heart Health
TMBOOSTIE is carefully formulated to provide a broad spectrum of nutrient dense vitamins and minerals in one convenient packet.
Why is Sprouting So Important?
Sprouting (soaked & gently dried nuts and seeds) offers superior nutrition, easier digestion, more readily absorbed nutrients, and better taste!
Holy Cow! I just finished a session with Jacqueline Kane & my mind is blown! This is such powerful healing that everything has shifted for me. I can’t recommend Jacqueline enough.
- Lisa Roche
Constant low back means your sacral chakra is not in balance.
An imbalanced sacral chakra is the result of suppressed emotions, feelings and desires. It can also mean you may have had sexual trauma and resist intimacy.
My 4 Weeks to A Happy Low Back program will get to the root cause of your pain.
27 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024 Inner Child Healing to Create a Life of Ease, Flow & Abundance 111 Main St., Collinsville, CT 06019 (860) 307-0232
www.jacquelinemkane.com
Pain is a warning sign that something needs to be resolved. Call Jacqueline at 860-307-0232 to book your appointment You can heal too! Vegan | Organic | GMO Free | Gluten Free | Sugar Free | Lectin Free A POWERHOUSE OF NUTRITION
1-800-988-7541 www.BoostieYourHealth.com Goldie@BoostieYourHealth.com
Sunscreen—Not Just for the Beach
By Susie Bagwell
With dōTERRA sun, you get all this:
• Non-nano zinc oxide—a safe, natural mineral sunscreen fi lter
• Vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and reef-safe formulas
• Aloe vera, vitamin E, and other nourishing natural ingredients
• Broad-spectrum protection
And none of this:
• Oxybenzone
• Chemical sunscreen fi lters
• Parabens
• Phthalates
• Harsh, synthetic ingredients
We love the sun here in Southwest Florida. It is an integral part of our flora, our economy, and our way of life. But if you think sunscreen is only for when you go to the beach, think again! Wearing sunscreen daily not only protects your skin from the sun but is also one of the best-kept secrets for anti-aging. Choosing a reef-safe formula also protects our environment.
Do You Want Healthy, Younger-Looking Skin?
Try sunscreen products that protect and hydrate at the same time. The sun's rays are powerful enough to destroy our DNA, which can happen when solar radiation reaches your skin. The most damaging UV radiation comes from UVA and UVB radiation. That's why we need to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen that can help prevent these harmful rays from damaging our skin cells.
Some people may believe it's not good to wear sunscreen every day. But just like eating a good breakfast or staying active is an important part of our daily routine, keeping ourselves safe from these harmful rays is vital to our health. The sun's rays can penetrate clouds and glass and bounce off water and sand! That's why we must wear sunscreen every day—it is essential to a healthy way of life to protect our skin.
When your skin is exposed to the sun's rays, this can damage your skin's connective tissue, causing you to develop more wrinkles and lines. Believe it or not, sunscreen can be one of the best anti-aging
products on the market! Sun damage on the skin can also raise your risk for skin cancer, one of the most common types of cancer in the United States.
Can’t I Skip the Moisturizer and Use Sunscreen Instead?
Unfortunately, it doesn't really work that way. We need to find products that will both nourish and protect our skin. We recommend dōTERRA’s natural mineral-based “sun” products. They are packed with skin-loving ingredients like avocado oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E. The face and body lotion give your skin hydration while delivering SPF 30 for broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30, which offers protection of 97% UVB light. Apply evenly if using a spray— spray in one spot for two seconds and rub it in thoroughly. For sticks and creams, always apply twice to the exposed area. Reapplying every 80 minutes will help you stay protected when the products wear off every few hours.
Apply sunscreen daily! This is the most effective way to decrease the early signs of aging and the risk of skin cancer.
Stay Safe with doTERRA Sun
A good sunscreen system doesn't have to be complicated. Consider these products:
• dōTERRA sun Lip Balm: Non-nano zinc oxide with SPF 20 broad spectrum protection
• dōTERRA sun Body Spray: For quick 30 SPF full body application
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Health
• dōTERRA sun Face + Body Lotion: For thorough 30 SPF coverage
• dōTERRA sun Face Stick: Designed to feel and function like a lightweight daily moisturizer
• dōTERRA sun Face + Body Stick: Extra 40 SPF coverage where needed
• dōTERRA sun After Sun Spray: Vitamin E, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, red algae extract, and Arnica montana flower extract that provides soothing, nourishing benefits to the skin.
With both hydration and skin protection packed into one product line, you get the benefits of UVA and UVB protection and hydration that nourishes and moisturizes with minimal visible residue. All these products are packed with high-quality natural ingredients that you can confidently wear every day and feel good about knowing they are reef-safe and protecting our Southwest Florida environment.
Susie Bagwell advocate and has over 20 years of experience with essential oils. She is a former massage therapist and teaches classes throughout the area at schools, hospitals, and wellness centers. She can also be found at various farmers' markets throughout Southwest Florida, where she offers discounted wellness packages. To schedule a wellness consulta tion, call or text 586.604.3500 or visit www.iloveoils. com. See ad on page 21 >
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Call 239-821-1223 Lisa H Sprague MSS,PTA,LMT • 5633 Strand Blvd #312, Naples, FL 34110 239-821-1223 • Lisa@mvsolutions.pro • mvsolutions.pro Why Test with GlycoCheck™ ? Isn’t it time to know so you can do something about it? can get you answers! Your organs could be slowly starving and you don’t even know it. MV SOLUTIONS MICR OVASCULAR TESTI NG Afterwepinpoint YOUR specificproblem, weusethe RX2600Therapeutic ROBOT toadminister gentlepressure in intervals toa specificareaof a muscle.Taking tensionoff andrestoring balance, greatly increasing mobility and relieving pain. 239-778-6842 • theresa@naplesroboticpainrelief.com “ Thistherapywas lifechanging forme!I couldbarely walk,wasin constantpainand scheduled forhipsurgery.Icanceledthe surgery after just3 visitsandhavebeen playinggolfandtennispain-free eversince.” -Julie P.,Michigan Tired of Pain? Take Your Recovery To The Next Level Schedule an appointment today! 239-778-6842 4500 Executive Dr, Ste. 110-5, Naples, FL • naplesroboticpainrelief.com Meet Your Nw Therapeutic ROBOT e Naples Robotic Pain Relief is changing the game with a new standard of innovation
Can Your Organs Be Slowly Starving Without You Knowing?
By Lisa H. Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT
Why Is It?
70% of the time the first sign of heart disease is SUDDEN DEATH?
If you could, would you want to know your true risk factor?
Is it really possible that your organs can be starving slowly, and you’re completely unaware of it? The short answer is yes—and this may be due to a specific health issue! We know this through over 15 years of studies and research on the glycocalyx, the protective micro-thin gel lining of all our capillaries, making up 99% of the circulatory system (that’s 60,000 miles!). The integrity of the glycocalyx structure and function is extremely important because it is responsible for the continuous delivery of nutrients, hormones and oxygen and removal of waste products from all your tissues and organs.
The glycocalyx can become damaged over time due to poor nutrition, lack of exercise, stress, smoking, genetics, and other factors and become leaky. The wall of the vessel becomes vulnerable to attack from substances in the blood that cause scaring, plaque, clots, and calcification. This damage can obstruct the delivery of these vital nutrients and oxygen and compromise the removal of waste products and carbon dioxide from our organs. When this happens, conditions and diseases can silently begin.
Some early warning signs of glycocalyx dysfunction are high blood pressure, cold hands and feet, type 2 diabetes, neuropathy, memory loss, hearing loss, and hair thinning. Many peer-reviewed studies by researchers worldwide link the glycocalyx damage with multiple diseases and conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, cancer metastasis, long-haul COVID-19 complications, dementia, and more.
What Is GlycoCheck?
It is now possible to measure and analyze your microvascular health, including the health of your Glycocalyx, with an FDA Class 1 Medical device called GlycoCheck and objectively report your Microvascular Health Score (lower scores are linked to heart disease, hypertension, dementia, kidney disease, stroke, and diabetes).
GlycoCheck is a noninvasive test that uses a video microscope camera that you will place and hold under your tongue to evaluate your microvascular system—down to the smallest capillaries— and reflect your entire body’s health. During this test, you will be able to watch the live movement of your red blood cells as they travel through your microvessels. After the test, which takes approximately 15 minutes, you will schedule to receive a follow-up consultation, a report of findings, a video, and information on next steps.
How Does GlycoCheck Work?
The GlycoCheck produces a single Microvascular Health Score that reveals the health of glycocalyx by measuring several critical parameters of the microvascular system:
• Capillary Density: Gives the capacity of your capillary network to get nutrients to organs and tissue cells. Higher numbers are better.
• Capillary Blood Volume (CBV) Recruitment Capacity: Shows the additional number of functional capillary blood vessels that can be engaged when flow increases. Higher is better.
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• CBV Dynamic: Indicates the maximum functional capacity of the capillary network. Higher is better.
• Perfused Boundary Region (PBR) Flow Corrected: Gauges the level of damage to the EDX. A lower number indicates a healthier glycocalyx.
• Microvascular Health Score (MVHS):
This is your overall score based on capillary density, recruitment capacity, and glycocalyx health. A higher score means better microvascular health.
How You Can Restore, Regenerate, and Protect Your Glycocalyx
No matter what your microvascular health score is, you can still improve the health of your vascular system! Clinically proven to repair the damage in your arteries, veins, and microcapillaries is a new anti-aging patented product called Endocalyx Pro.
Endocalyx Pro is made up of seven synergistic ingredients from three classes of compounds: polysaccharides (helps restore), amino sugars (helps regenerate), and antioxidants (helps protect). You can restore the health of your endothelial glycocalyx and capillary function with Endocalyx Pro and monitor your progress with GlycoCheck.
Lifestyle choices are just as important. Support the health of your glycocalyx with a healthy lifestyle, reduced stress, regular exercise, and an anti-inflammatory, Mediterranean-style diet.
The Benefits of a GlycoCheck Test
1. Knowledge of your true vascular health for you may look and even feel healthy on the outside, but inside your microvascular system a completely different situation could be developing.
2. Valuable information you can give your doctor that will be an asset for your overall care.
3. Take action to repair and protect your microcirculation and change the health of your microvascular system, therefore your health.
4. Protect yourself from premature health decline.
5. Peace of mind.
If you’re looking to enhance your quality of health and longevity and gain insight into your true cardiovascular potential and risk, start with Microvascular Solutions.
For practitioners, the GlycoCheck is not only an objective tool to monitor changes in your patient’s microvascular system—it also allows you to monitor the impact of your treatments. GlycoCheck
and Endocalyx Pro provide objective data and the solution to a healthy microvascular system that ultimately enhances whole-body health. Microvascular Solutions provides sales, training, and ongoing support to practitioners interested in using this technology in their practice.
It’s not too late to slow down or reverse the breakdown of your glycocalyx. Ask us about the advanced technology that takes improving glycocalyx to the next level!
GlycoCheck has been in research hospitals and universities internationally for the last 15 years and is now in the process of being released to healthcare practitioners. I am very blessed to have one of the first thirty GlycoCheck systems released in the U.S. (three in Florida). I am certified in GlycoCheck and was selected to be one of only sixty certified trainers in the U.S. I have been scanning the last ten months for local physicians who are using the results to better help their patients.
This could very much be a life-changing 15 minutes of your life or the life of someone you love. If you have any questions, please contact me at 239.821.1223, or call 239.262.3478 to schedule your appointment. Once you schedule, I will contact you to review the pre-scan instructions and answer any questions you might have. I am very excited to bring this breakthrough technology to our area.
Lisa H. Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT is a licensed health care practitioner with over 35 years of experience and owner of MV Solutions and Science and Art of Healing. She specializes in GlycoCheck and is a certified trainer for NuLife Sciences. She believes in a holistic approach to healing. Powering your potential from the cellular level and frequency-based therapies are core to her private practices. Contact Lisa at 239.821.1223. Visit MVSolutions.pro and ScienceandArtofHealing.com to learn more. See ad on page 29 >
“GlycoCheck is a noninvasive test that uses a video microscope camera that you will place and hold under your tongue to evaluate your microvascular system—down to the smallest capillaries—and reflect your entire body’s health.”
—By Lisa H. Sprague, MSS, PTA,
LMT
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Herniated Discs DO NOT Cause Back Pain!
By Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT
“Over 60% of people over the age of 40 consistently show some type of disc herniation, disc bulging, nerve root compression, or degeneration of some sort, YET none of them reported having any pain!”
—Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT
One of the most frustrating things that I hear on a weekly, if not daily basis, is that “I have a herniated disc causing my back pain so there’s nothing you can do about my back pain. I have to have surgery.” And this couldn’t be farther from the truth! I can honestly tell you that over the course of my entire career, I’ve only come across TWO patients who had a disc herniation bad enough that required surgery—and I’ve treated hundreds, if not thousands, of patients who had disc herniations!
The reason is that disc herniations in themselves do NOT cause pain! Read that sentence again, please, and let me explain. Most people who have severe back pain who do not try quality physical therapy first (not the run-of-the-mill, cookie-cutter PT) and go straight to their PCP or orthopedic surgeon will end up having an MRI. Nine times out of ten, this will show disc herniation, disc bulging, or nerve compression of some sort, which they immediately attribute to causing their back pain. However, over the past 10 years, more and more studies are proving that disc herniations themselves do not cause pain.
These studies are looking at asymptomatic (no symptoms or back pain) people over the age of 40 and giving them an MRI, and the results are mind-blowing! Over 60% of people over the age of 40 consistently show some type of disc herniation, disc bulging, nerve root compression, or degeneration of some sort, YET none of them reported having any pain! Because of this, we cannot say that disc herniations in themselves cause back pain. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. What we can say is that disc herniations can be correlated with back pain, but by no means can we say that they cause back pain.
Blame Your Big Butt…Muscle
What I can tell you, after working with thousands of people who had back pain over the years, is the one common factor among them: glute (your big butt muscle) weakness. Another common factor is SI joint (sacroiliac joint) instability. After strengthening the glutes, stabilizing the SI joint, and doing a little core work, 99.9% of my patients’ back pain resolved! Please notice that I didn’t say anything about working on disc issues…
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My thought process is this: Why did the disc herniation happen in the first place? The truth is that disc herniations occur because they become overworked and underpaid due to something (glutes) somewhere else not doing its job correctly. This brings me to our entire treatment philosophy, which is to treat the problem (glute weakness) and not the symptoms (disc herniations as the result of glute weakness). An amazing thing happens when you start treating the problem that’s actually causing your symptoms…you get better!
Try PT First!
Now you may be asking, if it is really that simple, why aren’t all PCPs, PTs, and orthopedic surgeons thinking this way, too? And it’s really quite simple—“Big Pharma” wants to get paid! Think about it: The longer you’re in pain, the more money they make. And even after a surgery that’s supposed to “fix” your pain, it’s extremely rare that someone wouldn’t at least fill the script for pain meds the surgeon eagerly hands over—so they get paid again!
And if that’s not enough to convince you, the results of a study that looked at 472,000 Medicare beneficiaries who received a diagnosis of low back pain in 2014 found that those who chose PT first over injections or surgery spent on average 75% less on their total care. The actual numbers are that those who chose PT first spent, on average, $3,992 to resolve their back pain, compared to those who chose surgery first, who spent an average of $16,195!
For more information on how your health insurance and Big Pharma are not keeping your best interests in mind, check out The Berman Method Podcast or Bermanpt.com!
Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and the owner of Berman Physical Therapy, where they focus on treating the actual problem causing your symptoms (pain) to help you avoid taking pain pills and dangerous surgeries. So, if you’re tired of feeling “old” and you are looking for another way to keep active and mobile, call Dr. Berman at 239.431.0232 to take advantage of a FREE 30-minute taster session!
See ad on page 25 >
33 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
The “F” Word—Fluoride: A 70-Year Controversy
By Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD
When I was in dental school, we were taught that fluoride was like a vitamin. They taught us how to prescribe this “supplement” —even to pregnant women.
That was then—science changes! Those of us who keep up with the research, understand now that fluoride is not that wonderful game changer that would end cavities. The aim of science is not to open the door to infinite wisdom, but to set a limit to infinite error
The Truth About Fluoride
I wrote my first article on fluoride over 10 years ago. I never published it for fear of losing my license and having my dental peers blacklist me from the dental community. Today, the evidence and research-based science is overwhelming— the research-based evidence is in favor of the “no fluoride” understanding. The truth is that it is extremely easy to search for this information. The meta-analysis research is easily accessible
to anyone—just search the medical publication PubMed.com.
Unfortunately, many “scholars” are still standing by the 1950s idea that “fluoride is beneficial especially in low-income sectors”; or that “topical fluoride hardens tooth structure,” without taking into account that fluoride is basically everywhere: in our water, processed foods, and pharmaceuticals. Drugs used and prescribed everyday worldwide contain some type of fluoride; for example, statins, antibiotics, antidiabetics, and inhaled anesthetics.
The scary fact is that according to studies, 50% of ingested fluoride is absorbed into the bones.
There are many accounts on how fluoride came to be adopted, but for the purpose of this article, we are only going to look at the most recent studies on the side effects of consuming fluoride.
A thin strip of fluoride covering a child’s toothbrush contains 0.75–1.5 mg, which exceeds “ recommended” amounts even by prescription. Even more worrisome is that fluoride is cumulative.
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Would you give your child anything that had a blackbox warning from the FDA? If more than a pea-sized amount is ingested, call POISON CONTROL—this warning is on every fluoride toothpaste. Do you use a PEA-SIZED amount of tooth paste?!
As Dr. Mark Briener states in his article, “The Brain-Mouth Connection,” in the Natural Nutmeg Magazine March/April issue, “How do you justify giving the same dose of any drug to an infant as to a two-hundred-pound man?” And according to the FDA, fluoride is considered a drug.
The Research
There is a huge amount of research supporting the idea that fluoride is not the healthy supplement it has been purported to be. The table that follows includes some of the many peer-reviewed, scholarly research articles showing the effects of fluoride in childhood development.
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“The WHO data since the 1970s states, ‘Although the prevalence of cavities has declined, the majority of worldwide communities not fluoridating, or those that never adopted fluoridation, have also experienced a reduction in cavities exceeding 75%.’ ”
—Josephine Perez, DMD
1Fluoride exposure and cognitive neurodevelopment: Systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Veneri F, Vinceti M, Generali L, Giannone ME, Mazzoleni E, Birnbaum LS, Consolo U, Filippini T. Environ Res. 2023 Mar 15;221:115239. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115239. Epub 2023 Jan 10. PMID: 36639015 Review.
2Fluoride exposure from infant formula and child IQ in a Canadian birth cohort. Till C, Green R, Flora D, Hornung R, Martinez-Mier EA, Blazer M, Farmus L, Ayotte P, Muckle G, Lanphear B. Environ Int. 2020 Jan;134:105315. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105315. Epub 2019 Nov 16. PMID: 31743803 Free PMC article.
3A Benchmark Dose Analysis for Maternal Pregnancy Urine-Fluoride and IQ in Children. Grandjean P, Hu H, Till C, Green R, Bashash M, Flora D, Tellez-Rojo MM, Song PXK, Lanphear B, Budtz-Jørgensen E. Risk Anal. 2022 Mar;42(3):439–449. doi: 10.1111/risa.13767. Epub 2021 Jun 8. PMID: 34101876 Free PMC article.
4Association Between Maternal Fluoride Exposure During Pregnancy and IQ Scores in O spring in Canada. Green R, Lanphear B, Hornung R, Flora D, Martinez-Mier EA, Neufeld R, Ayotte P, Muckle G, Till C. JAMA Pediatr. 2019 Oct 1;173(10):940–948. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.1729. PMID: 31424532 Free PMC article.
5A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between fluoride exposure and neurological disorders. Miranda GHN, Alvarenga MOP, Ferreira MKM, Puty B, Bittencourt LO, Fagundes NCF, Pessan JP, Buzalaf MAR, Lima RR. Sci Rep. 2021 Nov 22;11(1):22659. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-99688-w. PMID: 34811523 Free PMC article.
6Developmental fluoride neurotoxicity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Choi AL, Sun G, Zhang Y, Grandjean P. Environ Health Perspect. 2012 Oct;120(10):1362–8. doi: 10.1289/ehp.1104912. Epub 2012 Jul 20. PMID: 22820538 Free PMC article. Review.
7Domain-specific e ects of prenatal fluoride exposure on child IQ at 4, 5, and 6-12 years in the ELEMENT cohort. Goodman CV, Bashash M, Green R, Song P, Peterson KE, Schnaas L, Mercado-García A, Martínez-Medina S, Hernández-Avila M, Martinez- Mier A, Téllez-Rojo MM, Hu H, Till C. Environ Res. 2022 Aug;211:112993. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112993. Epub 2022 Mar 9.
8Association between low fluoride exposure and children's intelligence: a meta-analysis relevant to community water fluoridation. Kumar JV, Moss ME, Liu H, Fisher-Owens S. Public Health. 2023 Jun;219:73–84. doi: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.03.011. Epub 2023 Apr 28. PMID: 37120936
9Association of Dental Fluorosis and Urinary Fluoride with Intelligence among Schoolchildren. Lin YY, Hsu WY, Yen CE, Hu SW. Children (Basel). 2023 May 31;10(6):987. doi: 10.3390/children10060987. PMID: 37371219 Free PMC article.
10Assessment of Fluoride Content in Water and Its Impact on the Intelligence Quotient of School Children Aged 12–13 Years. Kaur D, Kaur K, Sharma A, Goyal H, Pahuja A, Solanki D. Cureus. 2022 Oct 10;14(10):e30157. doi: 10.7759/cureus.30157. eCollection 2022 Oct. PMID: 36397910 Free PMC article.
11Fluoride exposure and intelligence in school-age children: evidence from di erent windows of exposure susceptibility. Xu K, An N, Huang H, Duan L, Ma J, Ding J, He T, Zhu J, Li Z, Cheng X, Zhou G, Ba Y. BMC Public Health. 2020 Nov 4;20(1):1657. doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-09765-4. PMID: 33148225 Free PMC article. Retracted.
12Prenatal fluoride exposure and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children at 6-12 years of age in Mexico City. Bashash M, Marchand M, Hu H, Till C, Martinez-Mier EA, Sanchez BN, Basu N, Peterson KE, Green R, Schnaas L, Mercado-García A, Hernández-Avila M, Téllez-Rojo MM. Environ Int. 2018 Dec;121(Pt 1):658–666. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.09.017. Epub 2018 Oct 10.
13A case study of neurodevelopmental risks from combined exposures to lead, methyl-mercury, inorganic arsenic, polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and fluoride. Sprong C, Te Biesebeek JD, Chatterjee M, Wolterink G, van den Brand A, Blaznik U, Christodoulou D, Crépet A, Hamborg Jensen B, Sokolić D, Rauscher-Gabernig E, Ruprich J, Kortenkamp A, van Klaveren J.
14Community Water Fluoridation Exposure: A Review of Neurological and Cognitive E ects [Internet]. [No authors listed] Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2019 Oct 23. PMID: 31873994 Free Books & Documents. Review.
15Community Water Fluoridation Exposure: A Review of Neurological and Cognitive E ects—A 2020 Update [Internet]. [No authors listed] Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2020 Nov 4. PMID: 33600099 Free Books & Documents. Review.
16E ect of fluoridated water on intelligence in 10-12-year-old school children. Aravind A, Dhanya RS, Narayan A, Sam G, Adarsh VJ, Kiran M. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent. 2016 Dec;6(Suppl 3):S237–S242. doi: 10.4103/2231-0762.197204. PMID: 28217543 Free PMC article.
17Does fluoride exposure a ect thyroid function? A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Iamandii I, De Pasquale L, Giannone ME, Veneri F, Generali L, Consolo U, Birnbaum LS, Castenmiller J, Halldorsson TI, Filippini T, Vinceti M. Environ Res. 2024 Feb 1;242:117759. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117759. Epub 2023 Nov 28. PMID: 38029816 Review.
18Thyroid function, intelligence, and low-moderate fluoride exposure among Chinese school-age children. Wang M, Liu L, Li H, Li Y, Liu H, Hou C, Zeng Q, Li P, Zhao Q, Dong L, Zhou G, Yu X, Liu L, Guan Q, Zhang S, Wang A. Environ Int. 2020 Jan;134:105229. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105229. Epub 2019 Nov 4. PMID: 31698198
19A Scoping Review of Iodine and Fluoride in Pregnancy in Relation to Maternal Thyroid Function and O spring Neurodevelopment. Griebel-Thompson AK, Sands S, Chollet-Hinton L, Christifano D, Sullivan DK, Hull H, Carlson SE. Adv Nutr. 2023 Mar;14(2):317–338. doi: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.01.003. Epub 2023 Feb 1. PMID: 36796438 Free PMC article. Review.
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20Fluoride Exposure in Early Life as the Possible Root Cause of Disease In Later Life. Nakamoto T, Rawls HR. J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2018;42(5):325–330. doi: 10.17796/1053-4625-42.5.1. Epub 2018 May 15. PMID: 29763350 Review.
21E ects of Excess Fluoride and Iodide on Thyroid Function and Morphology. Jiang Y, Guo X, Sun Q, Shan Z, Teng W. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2016 Apr;170(2):382–9. doi: 10.1007/s12011-015-0479-0. Epub 2015 Aug 29. PMID: 26319807
22Conventional and advanced detection approaches of fluoride in water: a review. Khatkar R, Nagpal S. Environ Monit Assess. 2023 Jan 24;195(2):325. doi: 10.1007/s10661-022-10888-x. PMID: 36692796 Review.
23Denser but Not Stronger? Fluoride-Induced Bone Growth and Increased Risk of Hip Fractures. Nicole W. Environ Health Perspect. 2021 Jul;129(7):74001. doi: 10.1289/EHP9533. Epub 2021 Jul 12. PMID: 34251877 Free PMC article.
24 Fluoride in Drinking Water, Diet, and Urine in Relation to Bone Mineral Density and Fracture Incidence in Postmenopausal Women. Helte E, Donat Vargas C, Kippler M, Wolk A, Michaëlsson K, Åkesson A. Environ Health Perspect. 2021 Apr;129(4):47005. doi: 10.1289/EHP7404. Epub 2021 Apr 6. PMID: 33822648 Free PMC article.
25Non-endemic skeletal fluorosis: Causes and associated secondary hyperparathyroidism (case report and literature review). Cook FJ, Seagrove-Gu ey M, Mumm S, Veis DJ, McAlister WH, Bijanki VN, Wenkert D, Whyte MP. Bone. 2021 Apr;145:115839. doi: 10.1016/j.bone.2021.115839. Epub 2021 Jan 6. PMID: 33418099 Free PMC article. Review.
26The Association between Community Water Fluoridation and Bone Diseases: A Natural Experiment in Cheongju, Korea. Lee N, Kang S, Lee W, Hwang SS. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Dec 9;17(24):9170. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17249170. PMID: 33316869 Free PMC article.
The Facts
• The amount of cavities worldwide, even after water fluoridation and fluoride treatments, has NOT decreased in relation to fluoride use. The WHO data since the 1970s states, “Although the prevalence of cavities has declined, the majority of worldwide communities not fluoridating, or those that never adopted fluoridation, have also experienced a reduction in cavities exceeding 75%.”
• 97% of Western Europe has rejected water fluoridation.
•FDA has poison warnings on all fluoride toothpastes.
• FDA states fluoride is a drug, not a nutrient.
• Fluoride is a known enzyme disruptor.
• Fluoride anti cavity activity depends on calcium and magnesium content in enamel.
•National Academy of Sciences: Fluoride decreases thyroid function.
• Increase in fluoride exposure contributes to hypothyroidism.
• Harvard meta-analysis: Children ingesting higher levels of fluoride tested and average seven fewer IQ points.
•Fluoride is NOT essential in growth and development.
•Fluoride is an unwanted by-product of aluminum, fertilizer, and iron ore manufacture.
• The amount of fluoride in water systems cannot be measured accurately, only an estimate can be made.
• To remove fluoride from water, a reverseosmosis system is required.
We are all on the same side—we all want there to be less cavities in teeth and improved dental
health. Unfortunately, research and experience show that fluoride is not the answer we all hoped it would be.
Thankfully, there is emerging evidence and research supporting new products like hydroxyapatite (the mineral teeth are actually made of). These products are as effective, if not more so, than fluoride at preventing tooth decay—without sacrificing our health.
So, let’s NOT use that “F” word anymore!
Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD, has been practicing dentistry for 30 years. She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dentistry in Boston and interned at New Orleans Coast Guard/Navy Base. Her holistic approach to dentistry encompasses each person’s unique and entire (or whole—holistic) state of physical and emotional well-being. The ability to maintain health through preventive measures and treatments of oral disease is her priority. Dr. Perez focuses on the underlying condition, rather than only treating the symptoms. She tests for biocompatibility to find pathways to reduce inflammation and apply biocompatible and biomimetic materials, supplements, essential oils to restore and strengthen the oral cavity and ultimately, the whole body. After decades of restoring and transforming smiles, Dr. Perez has integrated total wellness into her oral health enhancement practice—a revolutionary style of dentistry. Visit Pure Dental in Naples at 4444 Tamiami Trail N, Ste. 6–7, call 239.692.9623 or go to puredentalnaples. com. See ad on page 25 >
“As Dr. Mark Briener states in his article, 'The Brain-Mouth Connection,' in the Natural Nutmeg Magazine March/ April issue, 'How do you justify giving the same dose of any drug to an infant as to a two-hundredpound man?' And according to the FDA, fluoride is considered a drug.”
—Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD
37 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
5 Steps to Addressing Mycotoxins in Your Environment
“Fine particulate cleaning involves the removal
of microscopic mold spores and mycotoxin particles from indoor surfaces and the air. Unlike visible mold growth,
mycotoxins can persist even after
visible
mold has
been
remediated, as traditional remediation methods do not address mycotoxins.”
—Julie Nicoll
By Julie S. Hurst-Nicoll
Mold infestations in homes not only pose visible issues but also bring about invisible threats in the form of mycotoxins. These toxic compounds produced by certain molds can lead to severe health problems, making thorough remediation crucial for ensuring the safety of occupants. When combating mycotoxins, fine particulate cleaning techniques are paramount for effective mold removal and mycotoxin mitigation.
1. Understanding Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by molds as a defense mechanism. These compounds can contaminate indoor environments during mold growth and pose serious health risks when inhaled or ingested. Common mycotoxins include aflatoxin, ochratoxin, and trichothecenes, among others. Each has its own set of health implications, ranging from respiratory issues to neurological disorders.
2. The Need for Fine Particulate Cleaning
Fine particulate cleaning involves the removal of microscopic mold spores and mycotoxin particles from indoor surfaces and the air. Unlike visible mold growth, mycotoxins can persist even after visible mold has been remediated, as traditional remediation methods do not address mycotoxins. Mycotoxins necessitate thorough cleaning methods that target these microscopic contaminants.
3. Effective Fine Particulate Cleaning Techniques
HEPA Vacuuming: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum cleaners are essential for capturing mold spores from surfaces and the air. These vacuums use specialized filters capable of trapping particles as small as 0.3 microns, ensuring thoroughly
cleaning contaminated areas. Mycotoxins are smaller than 0.3 microns and require additional methods/treatments.
• Air Filtration Devices: Portable HEPA air purifiers can help remove mold spores from indoor air, improving air quality and reducing the risk of respiratory exposure. These devices can be particularly beneficial after a remediation to help maintain a healthy environment. However, these methods will not cure a home until the source is identified and corrected. We typically recommend Air cleaners after a remediation to help maintain air quality.
• Microfiber Cloth Wiping: Using microfiber cloths dampened with our enzyme solution (or commercial mold product; check safety first to be sure it can be used on different surfaces) can effectively remove mold spores and mycotoxin residues from surfaces. Microfiber's unique structure allows it to trap and hold particles, providing efficient cleaning.
• Dust Removal: Mold spores and mycotoxins often settle on items containing dust. Therefore, a detailed dust cleaning will help remove settled spores and mycotoxins.
• HVAC: As mold matures and spores are released with mycotoxins, they often find their way through our homes' air systems, spreading throughout the home. In addition, HVAC can also be responsible for mold colonies themselves. It’s important to have a professional HVAC and duct cleaning completed and check the humidity the AC puts out. In Florida, this can be a significant source of the spread of mold if the humidity is not kept below 60% in your home.
• Air Cleaning: As cleaning occurs, it is common to have particulates increase in the air. Therefore, it is vital that the air in your
38 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024 Health
home is clean by exchanging the inside air and particulates with the outside or employing a method of air scrubbing. Keep in mind that traditional air cleaning using HEPA filters, while capable of removing mold, will not be effective for mycotoxins. Mycotoxins typically require a fogging by a product like MycotoxinKlear by U.S. Enzyme.
4. Professional Remediation Considerations
While DIY cleaning methods can be effective for minor mold problems, severe infestations, and mycotoxin contamination often require professional remediation services. Certified mold remediation professionals have the expertise, equipment, and specialized cleaning agents necessary to safely and effectively address mycotoxin exposure and ensure thorough remediation of affected areas.
5. Prevention and Maintenance
Once remediation efforts are complete, proactive measures should be taken to prevent mold recurrence and maintain indoor air quality. This includes addressing moisture issues, improving ventilation, implementing routine cleaning, monitoring humidity levels, and general maintenance practices to minimize the risk of mold growth and mycotoxin contamination.
Combatting mycotoxins in mold-infested environments requires a comprehensive approach that includes fine particulate cleaning techniques to remove microscopic contaminants. If you have had mold remediation but still have health issues, it may be related to the mycotoxins left behind. This is common, as traditional methods will not remove mycotoxins. A combination of techniques can restore a home to a healthy environment, but professional remediation may be required to address mycotoxins. For more information, visit www.AMEswfl.com or email info@americanmoldexperts.com
Julie Nicoll runs a fully licensed, bonded, women-owned business with two generations in mold remediation. She holds educational sessions for industry conferences and is a regular author of issues related to mold, mycotoxins, and patient mold illness, having herself been a victim of mold toxicity. She and her partner developed a green solution alternative to removing toxic mold and mycotoxins. Julie can be reached at info@americanmoldexperts.com. See ad on page 23 >
39 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
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Health
Maximizing Your Retirement Savings
Provided By Nina Azwoir, First Vice President of Investments, Wintrust Wealth Management
“You have spent a lifetime preparing for the next phase of your life when you can finally realize the goals and dreams you have worked so hard to achieve.”
—Nina Azwoir
Arecent study showed that 82% of Americans lack a written plan for retirement. Whether you are nearing retirement or already retired, putting a plan in place to help ensure you will have income throughout your life is critical.
With better health care and nutrition, Americans are living longer than ever, so you may spend 20 or 30 years in retirement. Two or three decades without a regular paycheck means that you must make the assets you have saved—along with Social Security and any pensions you may have—create the income you need through retirement.
Successful retirement planning begins with understanding. Our financial professionals can help you develop a comprehensive retirement income strategy that addresses:
•Risk factors impacting your retirement
• The importance of income diversification and planning
Understanding Retirement Risk Factors
With retirement comes a change in your financial management and your life. This is a time when living without employment means that your income will come from various retirement sources such as savings, social security, and pensions. It is important to have a plan that considers certain risks that may threaten your retirement security. The key is to acknowledge
the risks to your retirement income and develop a plan that helps manage them.
Longevity and Health Care Costs
Longevity is a critical factor impacting retirees today. While none of us can predict how long we will live, individuals at age 65 have a high probability of spending 20 years or more in retirement. Ensuring your assets last throughout retirement requires careful planning now to determine how inflation, rising health care costs, nursing home care, and other vital factors may affect your income over time (See Figure 1 ).
Are You Confident That Your Savings Will Last a Lifetime?
Obviously, your longevity is unknown but creating a suitable investment plan can help provide the income you need to live your retirement in the style you choose—for 10, 20, 30 years, or more. Consider these average life expectancies shown in the table on next page.
Inflation and Rising Costs
As life spans increase, many people will spend more time in retirement than they spend working. The longer your time in retirement, the greater the potential that inflation may erode your savings and impact your lifestyle. This
40 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024 Finance
makes it important for you and your financial professional to develop an income strategy to help outpace inflation. Many basic living expenses have increased dramatically in the past two decades. Furthermore, steadily rising health care costs represent a particular risk for retired Americans—especially as we live longer, more active lives.
Market Volatility
Today’s financial markets have become increasingly volatile and complex, leaving many people wondering when they will be able to retire and how long their retirement assets will last. A sudden market downturn can significantly impact investors who are not well-diversified or do not have the time frame to wait out a market recovery.
How Exposed Are Your Retirement Assets to the Markets?
As shown in the graphic to the right, if a large percentage of your retirement portfolio was in the market in 2008 (point A), it may have dropped substantially in value (point B). Based on the S&P 500 year-end returns for 2008, a $100,000 investment portfolio value would have dropped to $61,500. If you were fortunate to have assets in the market in 2003 (point C), your $100,000 would have risen to $126,400 based on the S&P 500 year-end returns for 2003 (point D). While market volatility can generate positive long-term rewards over time, it can also have a negative impact on investment portfolios during shorter time frames (See Figure 2).
Understanding Your Retirement Needs
For many years, you may have pursued an investment strategy emphasizing growth to help build retirement assets. However, once retired, your income will likely need to outweigh your need to accumulate new assets. This makes it critical to re-evaluate your risk tolerance and preferences to help ensure that both your investment strategy and spending plan are aligned with your retirement lifestyle needs and goals.
How Long Will Your Income Last?
For most individuals, an essential part of retirement income planning is determining an appropriate withdrawal or spending strategy. What is the appropriate withdrawal rate for you—4%? 5%? 6%? By establishing a withdrawal rate that’s too high, you could potentially outlive your money. As the graphic in Figure 3 shows, the rate at which you withdraw from your retirement savings is a central factor in the sustainability of your retirement portfolio (See Figure 3 ).
Finding the Right Balance
Ensuring you will have the income you need at and throughout retirement is a balancing act, with savings on one side and your income needs and associated risks on the other.
Achieving the right balance to ensure your income needs are met throughout retirement requires a comprehensive retirement income plan and strategies that holistically address:
•Risk factors that threaten to undermine your plans (longevity, inflation, market volatility, withdrawal rates)
• Your personal goals and tolerance for risk
• How you will protect and grow income in retirement
• Priorities and trade-offs that may help you better manage your income needs and spending
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
41 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
Figure 3.
The Three Pillars of Your Retirement Income Strategy
Stable Income
Goal: Steady income stream
Concerns:
“I am increasingly nervous about the investment markets. Should I move all my assets out of growth investments into more conservative fixed income investments?”
“I don’t want to touch my principal during retirement. How can I live o my investment earnings?”
Helps manage: Market volatility
Benefit: Minimizes impact of market volatility with a focus on bonds, bond funds, fixed income instruments, cash expenses regardless of market activity.
Considerations: May not produce income adequate to outpace inflation and rising health care costs over time
Strategies to Help You Retire with Confidence
Guaranteed Income
Goal: Guaranteed income for life
Concerns: “Is there a way to guarantee that my income needs will be met throughout retirement?”
“My lifestyle is important to me. I’d rather work longer than cut back on lifestyle needs.”
Goal: How long assets will last and market volatility
Benefit: Combination of insurance and annuity products creates a stream of guaranteed income designed to cover essentials.
Considerations: Liquidity needs, insurance fees, and potentially limited control of assets
Working with you to develop your retirement income plan begins with mapping out specific strategies addressing your needs, concerns, and timeline. Using income modeling tools, our financial professionals will work with you to evaluate retirement income scenarios and potential trade-offs. Only then can a fully diversified retirement income strategy be designed that is compatible with your situation.
Income Strategies with Your Retirement in Mind
Asset allocation and diversification are essential components during your years of saving for retirement. How you allocate your assets across various asset classes during this accumulation phase can have a profound impact on the savings you have upon entering retirement.
However, once in retirement, the focus will likely be to include an allocation designed to meet specific income objectives, including asset protection, growth, and guaranteed income. To help meet these objectives, consider the three elements of a retirement income strategy (See Figure 4):
1. Stable Income
Provides stable income with principal preservation to help protect against market volatility.
Investment category: Bond and fixed-income investments
2. Guaranteed Income
Provides guaranteed income to help protect against outliving your assets.
Investment category: Insurance and annuity products
Growing Income
Goal: Income with growth potential
Concerns:
“I understand that the market may be volatile, but how do I invest to possibly outpace inflation?”
“I want to ensure my essential expenses are covered, but I’m comfortable with some ups and downs where discretionary income is concerned.”
Goal: Adverse impact of inflation
Benefit: Seeks to provide growth to help outpace inflation through a diversified portfolio that consists of high-quality income producing dividends and growth stocks as well as stock mutual funds.
Considerations: Severe market drops or prolonged periods of volatility can reduce portfolio value
3. Growing Income
Provides growth and income to help offset inflation. Subject to market volatility. Investment category: Equity income investments such as stocks
Helping You Understand Your Needs
Our firm provides the tools, resources, and strategies to help you transition from asset accumulation to retirement income planning. From addressing risks and concerns to recommending tailored strategies, we provide the support you seek along your path to retirement.
Nina Azwoir, First Vice President of Investments, Wintrust Wealth Management. © Morningstar 2023. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. Securities, insurance products, financial planning, and investment management services offered through Wintrust Investments, LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC), founded in 1931. Asset management and financial planning services provided by Great Lakes Advisors, LLC. Trust services offered by The Chicago Trust Company, N.A. Investment products such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds are NOT FDIC INSURED | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT A DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY.
See ad on Back Cover >
42 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
Figure 4.
Golf Lessons Don’t Work!
By Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT
Now that I’ve got your attention…. Why in the heck would I say, “Golf lessons don’t work”?
Because they don’t—they don’t work IF you are over the age of 60 AND you’re taking lessons to achieve one of the following three goals: increase your distance off the tee, shoot more consistently, or be able to play more frequently.
That’s why you generally leave your lesson more frustrated than when you got there—because your golf pro is trying to get you to do something your body isn’t physically able to do! I mean, seriously— if you’re over the age of 60, why any golf pro would ever compare your swing with one of the pros on the tour just blows my freakin’ mind!
You’re Not 20 Anymore—Treat Your Golf Game Accordingly!
Our bodies move very differently after the age of 60 than they do before age 60, so why in the heck would we use a swing from a pro who’s between 20–40 years old, practices 40+ hours a week (how many hours a week do you practice?), and has an entire team to help him do his job?
This isn’t meant to be a cheap shot at the golf coaches out there—it’s not their fault. They’re experts on technique and the golf swing—NOT biomechanics. When you can’t physically get into certain positions, they simply don’t have the knowledge to re-educate your body to physically get you there.
That’s where The Berman Method of Golf Performance comes in! The Berman Method was developed specifically for aging golfers struggling with losing distance, shooting inconsistently, or simply not able to play as frequently as they’d like due to nagging aches and pains. The Berman
Method focuses entirely on training you to recruit and activate your big power muscles (glutes and core) and keep them firing through the entirety of the golf swing. It also focuses on training aging golfers to improve their turn using the correct body parts (hips and upper back) to help increase shoulder turn in the backswing and clear your hips in the downswing.
“So That’s What It Feels Like!”
The most common thing I hear on the first session I have with new clients is “WOW. So that’s what that feels like...” If you don’t know what it’s supposed to FEEL LIKE to load your right leg, fire your core and glutes, generate a quality shoulder turn from the right area, then reverse all that and clear your hips so you can get back to and through the ball, it’s close to impossible to have a consistent swing. And if you don’t have a consistent swing, you can’t expect consistent results, which ultimately leads you to leave your golf lessons more frustrated than when you started.
If you’re over the age of 60 and want to increase distance off the tee, shoot more consistently, and be able to play more frequently, check out BermanGolf.com! Don’t accept that garbage golf is just a normal part of getting older. Over the years, we’ve helped countless aging Naples golfers get their bodies moving better, regain confidence and competitiveness, and, most importantly, regain their love of the wonderful game of golf!
For more information, please check out my book, The Berman Method, on Amazon, listen to my podcast, “The Long Balls Golf Podcast,” or search “The Berman Method” on YouTube, and enjoy tons of great, free content!
“I mean, seriously—if you’re over the age of 60, why any golf pro would ever compare your swing with one of the pros on the tour just blows my freakin’ mind!”
—Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT
Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and owner of Berman Golf, where they focus on helping aging golfers increase distance off the tee, shoot more consistently, and play more frequently. If you’re not ready to accept “getting old” as an excuse for a poor golf game, call Dr. Berman at 239.431.0232 to take advantage of a FREE 30-minute taster session!
See ad on page 21 >
Purpose
43 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
Touchpoints 180TM: Ketosis for Mental Health
By Dr. Lori Calabrese, MD
Idon’t want medication.” Sound familiar?
Sometimes, you or someone you love has developed symptoms that seem to stack up, such as anxiety, depression, brain fog, obsessive thinking, and impulsivity. It can feel like you’re a mess, and you can find yourself hauling around diagnoses like generalized anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, or OCD. Maybe you’re asking, “Will I ever get well?” or “Why is my body against me?” Maybe you wish there were something that could actually help your brain heal itself.
There is. It’s called metabolic psychiatry, and we’re on the leading edge of it with neuroscience breakthroughs, real-world results, and research we’ve presented and published that shows you can dramatically improve your brain health and restore your brain, mind, and spirit. It’s the key to getting you to your best self.
Food as Medicine for Metabolic Illness
Metabolism is at the center of everything your brain and body do, and the most critical parts of your metabolism are your mitochondria—the little energy wheelhouses in each brain cell and in every other cell everywhere else in your body. When they’re not functioning optimally, you can develop a cluster of mind and body symptoms that worsen over time. Depression, anxiety, irritability, impulsivity, brain fog, memory loss, tiredness, sleeping trouble, weight gain, high blood pressure, prediabetes, inflammatory bowel, and joint conditions.
Brain health starts with metabolic health. We’re here to show you that you have the power to change your mind and your metabolism with a powerful and evidence-based real treatment: a carefully formulated, personalized ketogenic diet. The science behind a therapeutic ketogenic diet is all about brain energy. Real food. Lasting change.
Metabolic Illness Has Crescendoed in the 21st Century—and So Have Psychiatric Symptoms
Processed, high-carbohydrate foods full of sugars and seed oils reduce the energy your brain cells have to work with because glucose can be an inefficient form of fuel if it can’t get into them quickly and when needed. And when mitochondria can’t get the fuel/energy they need, that’s when the trouble starts.
Metabolic psychiatry can turn that around. Metabolic psychiatry is where we use our deep psychiatric expertise, metabolic mastery, and approach to nutritional ketosis as a transformative treatment to restore brain energy. It is a profound intervention that has been shown to stop psychosis, put bipolar into remission, tamp down anxiety, and produce clear thinking. It’s so much more than just a keto diet. When brain cells have fast, consistent energy, they can thrive and bring a sense of well-being and calm. Joy and energy replace misery. Brain fog evaporates. Irritability is silenced. Response to trauma dampens. You gain the power to live a full and rewarding life. Metabolic psychiatry is a sophisticated treatment to restore mental health by focusing on brain health and mitochondrial health.
44 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
Health
Fundamentally, the brain is an energy-demanding organ—more than any other part of your body. With a therapeutic ketogenic diet individualized for your unique mental and medical needs, we can get your body to transition into nutritional ketosis. This not only changes your metabolism, but it also changes your brain chemistry in a most significant, elegant way: optimizing brain energy, neurotransmitters, signaling agents, and sirtuins and turning on DNA expression to refine mechanisms that enhance neuronal survival and promote longevity. It can also tamp down anxiety, mood swings, and rage like nobody’s business.
Remission, freedom, and health that can be real and sustained. Music to your ears?
Perfect Fuel—24/7
The kind of energy swap we’re talking about in your mitochondria reduces systemic inflammation throughout your body, which reduces neuroinflammation—the inflammation deep within and around brain cells.
That’s critically important because neuroinflammation triggers dendritic pruning and a host of psychiatric conditions and plays a role in the development of progressive neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, and multiple sclerosis.
When you consider the striking impact that therapeutic nutritional ketosis could have in your brain, you can see why medically supervised ketogenic treatment in psychiatry is so much more than just a keto diet—it’s a profound intervention. It has been shown to stop psychosis, put bipolar disorder into remission, tamp down anxiety, and produce clear thinking. In our practice, it’s a targeted treatment, a medical prescription that involves not just food but learning, community-building, and so much more.
What’s the Deal with Mitochondria?
In our first-of-its-kind program, Touchpoints 180TM, we focus specifically on developing therapeutic nutritional ketosis to treat depression, anxiety, and other brain disorders. We focus on energizing your spirit, changing your mind, and restoring your brain health.
More than 100 years of science, patient outcomes, and elegant, randomized clinical trials prove that a properly formulated ketogenic diet can so balance the brain that it stops seizures in their tracks. Up to 60% of patients with intractable seizures see their seizures completely stop with a ketogenic diet.
Why Is This Important?
There is no other intervention, diet, or psychiatric treatment so safe and effective that it can actually stop seizures, tamp down misfiring (that we also see in anxiety, rage, and impulsivity), and nourish, regulate, and restore balance in the brain. Nothing so safe has been used in infants, children, and adults with striking efficacy. It can be and has been used long-term. It should become part of the standard of care in psychiatry.
It’s become our standard of care.
When your body generates a certain level of ketones consistently, your mitochondria adapt to run on ketones instead of glucose. And the more they do, the more they proliferate—more powerhouses!—the more they begin transcribing new code from their mitochondrial DNA. What does new code mean for your future? New opportunities, a new path, a new narrative—that starts on a cellular level.
This is how your present changes your future and how you can change the trajectory of your own life. Enhancing mitochondrial DNA expression can change your brain for the better and your future for the better. You have the power to do all that— from your own kitchen.
We show you how.
Touchpoints 180™
At Innovative Psychiatry, we offer our ground-breaking Touchpoints 180—individualized treatment tailored to your needs, likes, speed, symptoms, and necessary support with dozens of touchpoints to help you do a 180. And set to optimize your unique brain, mind, and body—taking into account the experiences you’ve had along the way. There’s nothing like it anywhere. And we support your transformation with frequent follow-ups, drop-in virtual groups, friends and family support, digital tools, meticulous monitoring, a book club, and nature walks.
When you work with us, you’ll know we don’t just talk—we walk the walk right alongside you. Join us for your best life yet.
Lori Calabrese, MD, is a Hopkins- and Harvard-trained psychiatrist specializing in metabolic psychiatry. She offers novel advanced treatments for psychiatric conditions at her practice, Innovative Psychiatry, in South Windsor, CT, and virtually. Her Metabolic Psychiatry practice provides a comprehensive treatment path with ketogenic and low-carb interventions through Touchpoints 180TM. 1330 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, CT 06074. Dr. Calabrese is currently seeing patients virtually—call 860.648.9755 for an appointment or consult. For more information, visit loricalabresemd.com.
“When you consider the striking impact that therapeutic nutritional ketosis could have in your brain, you can see why medically supervised ketogenic treatment in psychiatry is so much more than just a keto diet— it’s a profound intervention. It has been shown to stop psychosis, put bipolar disorder into remission, tamp down anxiety, and produce clear thinking.”
—Dr. Lori Calabrese, MD
45 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
ACUPUNCTURE/ TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
Richard Hiler
Feel Amazing Institute Naples • 239.330.1000 sta @feelamazing.com naplesneurodoc.com
Feel Amazing Spine and Joint Institute focuses on Neuropathy solutions for legs, feet and hands, and Spinal Decompression to relieve chronic or severe back and neck pain. Call for a free telephone consultation with a Chiropractic Neurologist or for a free recorded webinar.
BIOLOGICAL DENTIST
Josephine Perez, DMD Naples, FL • 239.692.9623 puredentalnaples.com
Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD, has been practicing dentistry for 29 years. She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dentistry in Boston and interned at New Orleans Coast Guard/ Navy Base. Her holistic approach to dentistry encompasses each person’s unique and entire (or whole, therefore holistic) state of physical and emotional well-being. The ability to maintain health through preventive measures and treatments of oral disease is her priority. Dr. Perez focuses on the underlying condition, rather than only treating the symptoms. She tests for biocompatibility to find pathways to reduce inflammation.
BODYWORK/ CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN/MASSAGE THERAPY/PHYSICAL THERAPY
Jake Berman, PT, DPT Berman Physical Therapy Naples, FL • 239.431.0232
Drberman@bermanpt.com Bermanpt.com
Most people think pain is a standard part of the aging process. We help people age 50+ avoid surgery and pain pills so they can keep active, mobile, and living their best life!
Local Experts In and Around Naples
Theresa Edmunds, CHC
Naples Robotic Pain Relief
Naples, FL • 239.778.6842
theresa@naplesroboticpainrelief.com
naplesroboticpainrelief.com
Educating clients about all aspects of natural health. Truly healthy food, living chemical-free and detoxing, healthy home, emotional well-being, reducing stress, movement, supplements/homeopathy. Helping you recover, enhance, and protect your health. Providing the foundation you need to live your best life full of energy and vitality.
Richard Hiler
Feel Amazing Institute Naples • 239.330.1000 sta @feelamazing.com naplesneurodoc.com
Feel Amazing Spine and Joint Institute focuses on Neuropathy solutions for legs, feet, and hands, and Spinal Decompression to relieve chronic or severe back and neck pain. Call for a free telephone consultation with a Chiropractic Neurologist or for a free recorded webinar.
Julie Meer
Dorn Pain Academy LLC Naples, FL • 239.315.1975
juliemeer@dornacadintl.com dornacadintl.com
Pain relief for all ages through intuitive touch and unique global modalities including (USA) Meer Method®, (Australian) Spinal Flow®, (German) Dorn Method. There is an innate instinct and intellegence inside every human body to restore, reduce and revise itself of pain or discomfort. We just need to help it along!
COACH: LIFE/BUSINESS/ FINANCE/HEALTH
Nina Azwoir
Wintrust Wealth Management
Naples, FL • 239.697.5204
nazwoir@wintrustwealth.com
nazwoir.wintrustwealth.com
Nina Azwoir is a licensed Financial Advisor with over 17 years of industry experience in the realm of wealth management, financial planning, and retirement solutions. Nina has the knowledge and perspective to help keep her clients and their financial future on a steady course as they navigate through life and retirement. Her highest priority is her clients and their families. Reach out to Nina for your complimentary financial plan.
Susie Bagwell
I Love Oils, Inc.
Fort Myers, FL • 586.604.3500
susie@iloveoils.com
iloveoils.com
Susie Bagwell has been using essential oils for over 20 years and helps her customers with cutting edge natural solutions. Her “Smell ’em Wear ’em Drink ’em” slogan applies to more than just certified pure essential oils. Her dōTERRA brand products also include bioavailable supplements and exclusive home care products.
Jenni Berman, PA-C, CPT, CNS Berman Health and Wellness Naples, FL • 239.431.0232
bermanpt.com/wellness
Berman Health and Wellness is a Functional Medicine Center that helps individuals reach their goal weight and optimize their gut health, while avoiding needless medications and achieving the highest quality of life imaginable. Our goal is to evaluate the metabolism, gut health, and bloodwork to optimizeeach aspect of the client.
46 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
Peg Doyle
Wellness and You
Naples FL • 508.359.6804
peg@wellnessandyou.com
wellnessandyou.com
As a nationally certified holistic health coach for 20+ years, I help mature women reclaim their energy and achieve lifelong wellness. I provide a customized, non-judgmental nutrition and lifestyle program using proven research based principles that lead to lasting results. Virtual and in person options are available. Trusted and confidential.
Theresa Edmunds, CHC Naples, FL • 239.778.6842
theresa@naplesroboticpainrelief.com naplesroboticpainrelief.com
Educating clients about all aspects of natural health. Truly healthy food, living chemical-free and detoxing, healthy home, emotional well-being, reducing stress, movement, supplements/homeopathy. Helping you recover, enhance, and protect your health. Providing the foundation you need to live your best life full of energy and vitality.
DIABETES REVERSAL COACHING
Reverse My Diabetes
Denise A. Pancyrz
Naples • 888.848.1763
www.ReverseMyDiabetes.net
Denise@ReverseMyDiabetes.net
The conventional approach to managing type 2 diabetes long term is not effective. Holistic lifestyle coaching helps to reverse the effects of diabetes, guiding you away from counting carbs and diets and leading you to recognize factors that affect your glucose. Lower your A1c, stabilize glucose levels, increase your energy, and lose weight naturally.
ENERGY HEALING
Peg Doyle
Wellness and You
Naples, FL • 508.359.6804 peg@wellnessandyou.com wellnessandyou.com
As a nationally certified holistic health coach for 20+ years, I help mature women reclaim their energy and achieve lifelong wellness. I provide a customized, non-judgmental nutrition and lifestyle program using proven research based principles that lead to lasting results. Virtual and in-person options are available. Trusted and confidential.
Kathleen D'Orsi, LCSW, BHSP
Naples, FL. • 732.672.5069
kdorsi@comcast.net
Kathleendorsi.com
Kathleen is a licensed psychotherapist who provides unique and highly specialized Energy Healing. This service complements traditional medical and psychological treatment. Kathleen works with your own Human Design Chart to improve spiritual and personal development.
Dayana Infante
Celestial Elevation
Health and Wellness
Naples, FL and Virtual • 239.272.0438 celestialelevationglobal@gmail.com celestialelevation.com
Ready to awaken your divine blueprint? I specialize in helping people shift physical and emotional patterns, activate natural health, and achieve higher consciousness by working directly with the Soul through Quantum Energy Work. Learn to reframe emotions and behaviors so you can achieve optimum peace and well-being.
Lisa H. Sprague MSS, PTA, LMT MV Solutions
Science & Art of Healing
Naples, FL • 239.821.1223
mvSolutions.pro
scienceandartofhealing.com
Healing is voltage, and life is in the blood! Naples GlycoCheck testing site measures and analyzes your microvascular health. Unhealthy microvascular health is a precursor to several serious diseases. Know your score—it’s important! Discover powerful new approaches to optimize your health and well-being from the cellular level with redox signaling, frequency, and more.
Zel Rau—Owner/Operator Energy Spa
Naples FL • 219.381.9777
bekind111@yahoo.com
ZelRau.com/book-online
Zel is a Certified Energy Work Practitioner with a profoundly rooted energy background. At the Energy Spa, Zel offers other energy work modalities such as Energy Field Tuning/Clearing, Bio-Well Energy Scans, Crystal Light Therapy, and more. Receiving this type of work can help with many issues we deal with today. Zel offers a 30-minute complimentary session to better learn about her services.
ESSENTIAL OILS AND NUTRIENTS
Susie Bagwell
I Love Oils, Inc. Fort Myers, FL • 586.604.3500 susie@iloveoils.com iloveoils.com
Susie Bagwell has been using essential oils for over 20 years and helps her customers with cutting edge natural solutions. Her “Smell ’em Wear ’em Drink ’em” slogan applies to more than just certified pure essential oils. Her dōTERRA brand products also include bioavailable supplements and exclusive home care products.
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Wintrust Wealth Management
Nina Azwoir, First Vice President Naples • 239.697.5204
www.nazwoir.wintrustwealth.com nazwoir@wintrustwealth.com
Nina Azwoir is a licensed Financial Advisor with over 17 years of industry experience in the realm of wealth management, financial planning, and retirement solutions. Nina has the knowledge and perspective to help keep her clients and their financial future on a steady course as they navigate through life and retirement. Her highest priority is her clients and their families. Reach out to Nina for your complimentary financial plan.
FLOAT SPA
Cloud 9 Float Spa
Fort Myers
239.887.4161
c9floatspa.com
Floating, also known as Flotation Therapy, has been used for years for its mental, spiritual, meditative, and physical benefits and has a vast amount of published research to support its claims.
FUNCTIONAL & REGENERATIVE MEDICINE/ INTEGRATIVE MD/ BIOLOGICAL DENTIST
Richard Hiler
Feel Amazing Institute Naples • 239.330.1000
sta @feelamazing.com
naplesneurodoc.com
Feel Amazing Spine and Joint Institute focuses on Neuropathy solutions for legs, feet and hands, and Spinal Decompression to relieve chronic or severe back and neck pain. Call for a free telephone consultation with a Chiropractic Neurologist or for a free recorded webinar.
Local Experts In and Around Naples
Josephine Perez, DMD
Naples, FL • 239.692.9623 puredentalnaples.com
Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD, has been practicing dentistry for 29 years. She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dentistry in Boston and interned at New Orleans Coast Guard/ Navy Base. Her holistic approach to dentistry encompasses each person’s unique and entire (or whole, therefore holistic) state of physical and emotional well-being. The ability to maintain health through preventive measures and treatments of oral disease is her priority. Dr. Perez focuses on the underlying condition, rather than only treating the symptoms. She tests for biocompatibility to find pathways to reduce inflammation.
Carol Roberts
Best Medicine
Sarasota, FL • 941.404.8030 bestmedicinefl@gmail.com BestMedicine.US
Best Medicine is the holistic/ functional practice of Carol L. Roberts, MD, providing longevity services, including natural hormone replacement therapy, and second opinions for chronic conditions undertreated by conventional medicine. Located in Sarasota, Florida, Dr. Roberts has decades of experience in the field and truly listens to her patients.
Zorayda Torres, MD
Upstream Medical Consults, PLLC Bonita Springs, FL • 239.444.5636 info@upstreammd.com upstreammd.com
Dr. Torres is an internist with more than 20 years of clinical experience. Since 2015, she has been providing functional medicine consultations for those seeking more answers beyond the limits of conventional care. She hopes to reduce your disease burden and improve your quality of life.
Jo Vaccarino, CCT, LMT, MLD-C
Be Well Thermal Imaging and Natural Health Clinic Naples, FL • 239.250.9312
jo@bwditi.com
bewellnaples.com
Be Well with mind and body balancing modalities. Clinical Thermography is a noninvasive test to help guide treatments and/or further testing. Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) is a targeted therapy based on over a century of practice that can help with pain, injury, trauma, anxiety, and a variety of wellness goals.
HEALTH COACH
HatchPath
4850 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 301, Naples 34103 289.221.7195 • hatchpath.io hello@hatchpath.io
Where health coaches and clients meet. Customizable coaching within a trusted wellness community.
Theresa Edmunds, CHC Naples, FL • 239.778.6842
theresa@naplesroboticpainrelief.com naplesroboticpainrelief.com
Educating clients about all aspects of natural health. Truly healthy food, living chemical-free and detoxing, healthy home, emotional well-being, reducing stress, movement, supplements/homeopathy. Helping you recover, enhance, and protect your health. Providing the foundation you need to live your best life full of energy and vitality.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Berman Physical Therapy
Jake Berman, PT, DPT 501 Goodlette Rd N, C-100, Naples, FL 34102 • 239.431.0232
Drberman@bermanpt.com
Bermanpt.com
Most people think pain is a standard part of the aging process. We help people age 50+ avoid surgery and pain pills so they can keep active, mobile, and living their best life!
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HOLISTIC FUNCTIONAL HEALTHCARE
Berman Health and Wellness
Jenni Berman, PA-C, CPT, CNS 501 Goodlette Rd N Unit C202 Naples, FL 34102 • 239.431.0232 bermanpt.com/wellness
Berman Health and Wellness is a Functional Medicine Center that helps individuals reach their goal weight and optimize their gut health, while avoiding needless medications and achieving the highest quality of life imaginable. Our goal is to evaluate the metabolism, gut health, and bloodwork to optimizeeach aspect of the client.
HYPNOTHERAPY/HOLISTIC PSYCHOTHERAPY
Linda Burton, LMHC Naples Florida • 239.450.2491 333eternalgrace@gmail.com
LindaBurtontherapy.com and Psychology Today
I specialize in substance abuse, anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, life transitions, and grief issues. My holistic approach focuses on healing the mind, body and spirit. Relaxation, breathwork, and mindfulness help to reduce stress, improve focus and create balance. The path to a healthy, fulfilling life is a personal journey toward wholeness.
Michele Durham
Access Holistic Healing
Naples, FL • 239.776.2211
info@accessholistichealing.com
accessholistichealing.com
A certified and national guild member, I take a holistic approach to healing MINDBODY-SPIRIT, using herbs, light and sound therapy, medical grade infrared sauna, and salt booth. Specialized techniques include hypnosis, neurolinguistic programming, and quantum healing hypnosis (QHHT) to heal trauma, quit smoking, lose weight, eliminate anxiety, and more!
Marisol Gordillo
Access Holistic Healing Naples, FL • 239.776.2211
info@accessholistichealing.com
accessholistichealing.com
Certificada por la associacion Nacional Guild. Mi enfoque es el lo holistico Mente-CuerpoEspiritu usando hierbas, terapia de luz y sonido, grado medico sauna infrarojo & cabina de sal. Me especializo en Hipnosis, Neuro & Quantum para sanar trauma, dejar de fumar, perder peso, disminuir la anciedad, deprecion y mas!
INTEGRATIVE & FUNCTIONAL REGISTERED DIETITIAN
Betsy Opyt, RD, LD/N, CDE
Healthy Concepts Consulting Naples, FL • 239.297.8844
betsy@healthyconceptsconsulting.com healthyconceptsconsulting.com
Betsy is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, Integrative & Functional Nutrition Therapist, and yoga teacher. She specializes in nutrigenomics, gut health, food sensitivities, detoxing, inflammatory diseases, and longevity living. Also a professional speaker and advocate for healthy living and is available for individual consultations, group programs, and speaking engagements.
MICROVASCULAR HEALTH
Lisa H. Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT MV Solutions
Science & Art of Healing
5633 Strand Blvd #311, Naples, FL 34110 239.821.1223 • mvSolutions.pro scienceandartofhealing.com
Healing is voltage, and life is in the blood! Naples GlycoCheck testing site measures and analyzes your microvascular health. Unhealthy microvascular health is a precursor to several serious diseases. Know your score—it’s important! Discover powerful new approaches to optimize your health and well-being from the cellular level with redox signaling, frequency, and more.
MOLD INSPECTION AND REMEDIATION
American Mold Experts
Julie S. Hurst-Nicoll
Central Indiana and Southwest Florida
239.302.8862 • 877.877.9744
Naples, FL • AMEswfl.com
info@americanmoldexperts.com
A fully licensed and bonded, women-owned business with two generations in mold remediation. Julie holds educational sessions for industry conferences and is a regular author of issues related to mold, mycotoxins, and patient mold illness, having herself been a victim of mold toxicity. She and her partner developed a green solution alternative to removing toxic mold and mycotoxins.
NUTRITION/REGISTERED DIETITIAN/PRIVATE CHEF
Jenni Berman, PA-C, CPT, CNS
Berman Health and Wellness
Naples, FL • 239.431.0232
www.bermanpt.com/wellness
Berman Health and Wellness is a Functional Medicine Center that helps individuals reach their goal weight and optimize their gut health, while avoiding needless medications and achieving the highest quality of life imaginable. Our goal is to evaluate the metabolism, gut health, and bloodwork to optimizeeach aspect of the client.
Beth McCarthy
Joyful Wellness LLC
Naples, FL • 719.440.2815
yogabeth@mac.com
floridahealthychef.com
Are you ready to live your most delicious, vibrant life?
Experience unparalleled health and renewed vitality with Joyful Wellness, your destination for in-home weekly personal nutrition chef services, culinary and healthy lifestyle coaching, in-home cooking classes, and beautifully crafted boutique-style organic catering. Transform your health today!
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Local Experts In and Around Naples
Betsy Opyt, RD, LD/N, CDE
Healthy Concepts Consulting Naples, FL • 239.297.8844
betsy@healthyconceptsconsulting.com healthyconceptsconsulting.com
Betsy is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, Integrative and Functional Nutrition Therapist, and yoga teacher. She specializes in nutrigenomics, gut health, food sensitivities, detoxing, inflammatory diseases, and longevity living. She is also a professional speaker and advocate for healthy living and is available for individual consultations, group programs, and speaking engagements.
Denise A. Pancyrz, CHN, DSS™
CuraVida Wellness Solutions Marco Island, FL • 877.287.2843
denise@mycuravida.com
MyCuraVida.com
Chronic disease is first addressed with finding root cause. Each wellness package starts with functional medicine testing hair analysis setting the stage for a sound nutritional foundation. We are a comprehensive integrative virtual wellness center resolving type 2 diabetes, digestive issues, weight loss, joint pain, and more.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Nature’s Rite
Onlines • 800.991.7088 www.mynaturesrite.com
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
Richard Hiler
Feel Amazing Institute Naples • 239.330.1000 sta @feelamazing.com naplesneurodoc.com
Feel Amazing Spine and Joint Institute focuses on Neuropathy solutions for legs, feet and hands, and Spinal Decompression to relieve chronic or severe back and neck pain. Call for a free telephone consultation with a Chiropractic Neurologist or for a free recorded webinar.
The Prodromos Stem Cell Institute
Chadwick C. Prodromos, MD Naples and Chicago 847.699.6810 • care@thepsci.org www.thepsci.com
Dr Prodromos received his MD from the Johns Hopkins Medical School, served a surgical internship at the University of Chicago, his orthopaedic surgery residency at Rush and a fellowship in Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. He was a pioneer in surgery of the ACL and served as editor in chief of the first and only comprehensive textbook on the ACL for orthopaedic surgeons.
ROBOTIC MUSCULAR THERAPY
Naples Robotic Pain Relief
Theresa Edmunds, CHC, RPT Naples, FL • 239.778.6842 theresa@naplesroboticpainrelief.com naplesroboticpainrelief.com
This innovative technology uses the static pressure of the robotic arm to release muscle tension, lengthening muscles back to their original state. This reduces pressure on joints/bones and increases flexibility. Clients report pain resolution, greater mobility, recovery from injury, increased range of motion, and a general feeling of well-being.
SELF HEALTH
Candice Rosen RN, Health Counseling Candice Rosen, RN candicerosenrn.com
Candice P. Rosen is a registered nurse, social worker, nutritionist, health counselor, and author. She is the creator of The Pancreatic Nutritional Program and Data-Driven Fueling. She has spent her life’s work focused on improving the wellness of both her clients and her community. She advocated for preventative medicine, improved disability access, promoted maternal and infant health, and worked to bring awareness to the global obesity and diabetes epidemics.
SPORTS/PERFORMANCE/ EXERCISE
Berman Golf
Jake Berman, PT, DPT 501 Goodlette Rd N, C-100, Naples, FL 34102 • 239.431.0232
distance@bermangolf.com
Bermangolf.com
Most golfers think a deteriorating golf game is a normal part of getting older. We help aging golfers increase distance off the tee, shoot more consistently, and play more frequently!
YOGA/PILATES/ BARRE STUDIO
Lacie Delgado
everyBODY Pilates and Yoga
Bonita Springs, FL • 239.221.3116
everybodypilatesinc@gmail.com
everybodystudio.com
everyBODY Pilates Group Equipment Classes, Private/Duet/Small group sessions. Healing The Body, Mind, and Spirit with Strength, Movement, and Flexibility. Using the fundamentals from Joseph Pilates combined with the gifted talents and knowledge of Lacie Delgado. "Pilates is so much more than a fitness or exercise class…it's a way of life."
Pinky Bacsinila
Skylight Yoga & Fitness
Naples, FL • 239.649.5002 info@skylightyogafit.com
skylightyogafit.com
More than its name…Skylight Yoga & Fitness is a boutique studio offering yoga, fitness, pilates, reformer, and stretch programs for all levels via small group and private sessions. An inclusive, welcoming, fun community awaits and supports you on your wellness journey. A hidden gem in central Naples.
50 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
is partnering with Yes!Press &
In 72 hours you’ll receive a report with live digital links to 400+ news outlets where your press release is up and running and will remain for at least one year!
Please contact Dr. Diane Hayden at: diane@naturalnutmeg.com for more information
51 ESSENTIAL Naples SPRING 2024
A New Breed of Financial Advisor Who Treats You Like Family Wealth Management Investment products such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds are: NOT FDIC INSURED | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT A DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY Nina Azwoir First Vice President, Investments tel: 239.687.5204 LOCATED AT 3401 Tamiami Trail North Naples, Florida