Essential Naples Winter 2024

Essential NAPLES Winter 2024

SWFL’s Resource for Essential Living

Dr. Diane Hayden Goes MicroVascular: Watch It Unfold!

Lisa H. Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT

evo Hotel in Salt Lake City: A Rock Climber’s Dream Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD

There’s a Jungle in Your Mouth!

Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD

Is Your Body Older Than Your Mind?

Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT

Are My Hormones Preventing Fat Loss?

Jenni Berman, PA-C, CPT, CNS

Flexing: The New Food Attitude!

Betsy Opyt, RD, LD/N, CDE, RYT

Health

Purpose

+ Get Back in the Game!

+ Can Hypnotherapy Help + Size Matters! What You

Recover Faster > 14 + Your Healthy (and Delicious) Honey > 22

...Codependency? > 34 + My Reading with Psychic Medium Agnes Daddona > 36

Buzz Can’t See CAN Hurt You > 6

+ Peg Doyle: Wellness and You > 6

Finance + Maximizing Your

Retirement Savings > 6 + 4 Strategies for an Organized Tax Season > 28

ESSENTIAL Naples WINTER 2024

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< PAGE XX “Article Name” BY DR

Photo: Michael Owen

CONTENTS

Winter 2024

Features

30 Dr. Diane Hayden Goes MicroVascular: Watch It Unfold!

44 evo Hotel in Salt Lake City: A Rock Climber’s Dream

By Lisa H. Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT

By Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD

Departments

Health

LETTER

6

BUZZ

9 Amazing Benefits of Magnesium for Hormone Balance

By Lynn Brewer

Size Matters! What You Can’t See CAN Hurt You

10 Is Your Body Older Than Your Mind?

Peg Doyle: Wellness and You

12 Are My Hormones Preventing Fat Loss?

Free Courses on Learning to Stay Healthy!

7

9

HAPPENINGS

50 COMMUNITY

RESOURCES

By Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT

By Jenni Berman, PA-C, CPT, CNS

14 Get Back in the Game!

Recover Faster and Avoid Injury

By Theresa Edmunds, CHC

16 Flexing: The New Food Attitude!

By Betsy Opyt, RD, LD/N, CDE, RYT

18 There’s a Jungle in Your Mouth!

By Elise Cusimano, MA, NBC-HWC, RYT

40 The Scoop on Abusing Sugar

By Erika Dworkin, BCHN®

Purpose 34 Can Hypnotherapy Help Us Move Away from Codependency?

By Marcel Touponse

36 My Reading with Psychic Medium Counselor Agnes Daddona

By Agnes Daddona, MA, Intuitive Counseling

By Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD

20 More Distance and Better Ball Striking for Aging Golfers!

By Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT

22 Your Healthy (and Delicious) Honey Journey for the New Year

By Cindy McCartney

24 8 Incredible Benefits of Goat's Milk

By Lori Hubbard, MA

26 The Healthcare Model for 2024 and Beyond

By Denise A. Pancyrz

Finance 28 4 Strategies for an Organized Tax Season

By Nina Azwoir,First Vice President of Investments, Wintrust Wealth Management

3 WINTER 2024

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38 Make Sustainable Change with a Holistic Coach

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44

LETTER

Hey, I’m Dr. Diane!

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I

WINTER 2024

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“Far too many people go through life without making any effort to truly live passionately... to get that fire in their soul for enjoying life and living it to the fullest.”

—Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD

love to start a new year by taking some time to acknowledge everything I accomplished in the past year and celebrate my “wins”! I spend the last week of December and first week of January thoughtfully examining where I am in my life currently and more importantly, am I still passionate about it.

This year I’m excited about three major accomplishments: 1. We produced our best 10BEST issue ever for Natural Nutmeg, our sister magazine in Connecticut—76 PAGES (the biggest we’ve ever done), with a 33% increase in revenue! (We will also be starting a 10Best in Naples for 2024—keep an eye on our Spring issue!)

2. We had our first 10BEST Awards Gala at Farmington Gardens with an amazing awards ceremony, delicious food and drink, and a DJ and dancing—we had over 130 people attend dressed in Great Gatsby attire and it was such a blast!

3. I was able to surf outside the wake and turn with my non-dominant leg forward for the first time ever—it’s the little things!

Here are some of the questions I ask myself during my year review, and I hope you will take some time to ask these of yourself as well: What if I only had one year to live? What would I do? What places would I visit? Who would I spend my time with?

How many of you have contemplated these questions?

In our crazy, busy, jam-packed lives, many of us are just going through the motions. Far too many people go through life without making any effort to truly live passionately…to get that fire in their soul for enjoying life and living it to the fullest. The worst tragedy in the world is the person who has lost his passion. How do you get your passion back?

Spend a weekend, a month, a year identifying what you love—and then do it.

I hope this issue inspires you to chase your dream.

After the last few years, I’ve realized—or I should say I’ve been reminded—that life is short. Don’t let fear stop you. Was I afraid to do some of the things I needed to do to accomplish what I listed above? Heck yeah! But I stopped listening to those voices and I focused on one thing—the end result. You’ll be afraid—do it anyway.

You’ll say you don’t have time—stop watching TV or scrolling social media. You’ll worry about the money— you’d spend it on something else, trust me. The years will go by, whether you chase your dream or you don’t.

And at the end, do you really want to be asking yourself, “What if?”

Wishing you health and happiness,

Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD Publisher & Owner, ELM Publishing

Essential NAPLES Vol. 4, Issue 3 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

Lori Hubbard

Spring •The Longevity and Brain Health Issue •10Best Awards/ Essential Living Guide

lori@naturalnutmeg.com DESIGN DIRECTOR

Ashley Frament layout@naturalnutmeg.com ADVISORY BOARD

•The Healing Your Body with Energy Medicine Issue

Fall •The Boosting Your Immune System Naturally Issue

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!

5 WINTER 2024

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

Summer

ESSENTIAL Naples

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

H e r e ’s W h a t Essential Naples Has in Store for 2024!

BUZZ

Peg Doyle Wellness and You

ESSENTIAL Naples

Size Matters! What You Can’t See CAN Hurt You

WINTER 2024

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L

iving in Southwest Florida, most of us are aware the humidity and rain can cause mold issues. But have you considered that mold in its original form is microscopic? By the time you see a one-inch square, it can contain millions of spores.

For that reason, it is not uncommon for individuals living in a home to have health effects from mold far before they realize they have an elevated mold issue. Mold and its mycotoxins (the poison chemical many species produce as a byproduct) significantly affect older people, children, and those with compromised immune systems.

Additionally, one in four individuals has a gene that makes them more susceptible to mold health effects.

The latest research shows that traditional mold remediation does not address mycotoxins, and commonly used air scrubbers actually increase the mycotoxins in your home. Air scrubbers that run long enough can help reduce the mold spores and hyphal fragments in the air, but mycotoxins are so small they do not get filtered out through the air scrubbing process. A recent study showed after using an air scrubber, the mycotoxin levels were higher in the structure.

The air-scrubbing process actually strips the mycotoxin molecules attached to a spore or hyphal fragment and releases them back into the air we breathe.

If you have ever had traditional mold remediation and keep experiencing ongoing health effects, your home might still contain mycotoxins.

Julie Nicoll operates 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 15 >

Want more BUZZ?

Checkout www.essentialnaples.com FINANCE

Maximizing Your Retirement Savings Nina Azwoir

www

I

’m Peg Doyle, a health coach for mature women.

I winter in Naples and summer in the Boston area.

I help you fall in love with self-care, eating quality food, and building a lifestyle brimming with energy.

As an older woman and health coach for over 25 years, I know the angst women experience with nutrition, weight, appearance, and health.

Weight is often in the spotlight, yet as we mature, have a health scare, or are chronically lacking in energy, weight rightly takes a back seat to the goal of lifelong wellness.

It’s ironic that as we grow older, we may think, “Oh, I don’t cook much anymore. I did for years, and I’m just done with it.” The truth is, the older we get, the more we need nourishing food, and you best get it at home.

When we’re young, we have boundless energy.

It comes naturally to children. Parents wonder why their kids aren’t starving since they seem to eat so little. But they don’t starve—they have built-in reserves and are wise enough to ask for food when hungry.

As older adults, most of those energy reserves are spent. It’s like a checking account; you start with a balance that only sustains itself if you eat high-nutrient food, avoiding a zero balance.

As a health coach, I am not at all about deprivation. Together, we create a lifestyle that balances you and gives you the energy you need to enjoy every day.

We’re at a point in life where we can’t waste time obsessing over weight. Schedule a consultation and see how health coaching can transform your health. Delicious, whole foods will lead the way.

Peg Doyle, M.Ed., CHHC, Wellness and You 508.359.6804 • wellnessandyou.com See ad on page 11>

HAPPENINGS WINTER 2024 Free Courses on Learning to Stay Healthy!

B

The Human Energy Field Anatomy and Function 2:00–4:00 pm, Free Part 1 of a series of free classes comprising a course on the normal functioning of the human body and some of the ways it can go wrong. Participants will learn how the body functions normally and in disease states, how parts of the body interact and affect one another, and simple changes you can make to support improved health and longevity

Heart Health 2:00–4:00 pm, Free Part 2 of a series of free classes comprising a course on the normal functioning of the human body and some of the ways it can go wrong. Participants will learn how the body functions normally and in disease states, how parts of the body interact and affect one another, and simple changes you can make to support improved health and longevity

Online at Facebook Live In-Person at Full Spectrum Health 2106 Bispham Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231 Register by calling 941.404.8030

Saturday, January 6, 2024 Regenerative/Cellular Therapy 12:00–1:00 pm, Free Learn about regenerative medicine treatments, including stem cell allografts combined with other natural treatments.

How these treatments may help conditions such as knee pain, back pain, and peripheral neuropathy.

At Feel Amazing Institute 3031 Airport-Pulling Rd., Naples, FL 34105 Register by calling 239.330.1000

Saturday, February 3, 2024 Regenerative/Cellular Therapy 12:00–1:00 pm, Free Learn about regenerative medicine treatments, including stem cell allografts combined with other natural treatments.

How these treatments may help conditions such as knee pain, back pain, and peripheral neuropathy.

At Feel Amazing Institute 3031 Airport-Pulling Rd., Naples, FL 34105 Register by calling 239.330.1000

Have a Happening?

Online at Facebook Live In-Person at Full Spectrum Health 2106 Bispham Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231 Register by calling 941.404.8030

Saturday, March 2, 2024 Regenerative/Cellular Therapy 12:00–1:00 pm, Free Learn about regenerative medicine treatments, including stem cell allografts combined with other natural treatments.

How these treatments may help conditions such as knee pain, back pain, and peripheral neuropathy.

At Feel Amazing Institute 3031 Airport-Pulling Rd., Naples, FL 34105 Register by calling 239.330.1000

Wednesday, March 6, 2024 Spring Cleaning (Get Rid of Accumulated Toxicity) 2:00–4:00 pm, Free Part 3 of a series of free classes comprising a course on the normal functioning of the human body and some of the ways it can go wrong. Participants will learn how the body functions normally and in disease states, how parts of the body interact and affect one another, and simple changes you can make to support improved health and longevity Online at Facebook Live In-Person at Full Spectrum Health 2106 Bispham Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231 Register by calling 941.404.8030.

www

www.essentialnaples.com

Do you have an event (virtual or live) that you want Essential Naples readers to know about?

Reach out to us at calendar@essentialnaples.com for information on listing your event and sponsorships. Event listings are in print and online.

We also accept classified listings.

7 WINTER 2024

Dr. Carol L. Roberts, MD, is medical director at Naples Center for Functional Medicine and author of Good Medicine: A Return to Common Sense. Dr. Roberts has practiced functional, integrative, and holistic medicine for nearly 30 years. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 239.649.7400 or visit NaplesCFM.com.

See ad on page 11 >

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

ESSENTIAL Naples

eginning the first Wednesday of January and continuing each month for all twelve months of 2024, Dr. Carol Roberts will present a series of free classes comprising a course on the normal functioning of the human body and some of the ways it can go wrong.

Topics will include "The Human Energy Field—Anatomy and Function" on January 3, "Heart Health" in February, and "Spring Cleaning" (get rid of accumulated toxicity) in March.

Classes will be live and in person at Full Spectrum Health, 2106 Bispham Road, Sarasota, FL, and on their Facebook Live page from 2–4 PM each first Wednesday of the month.

Participants will learn how the body functions normally and in disease states, how parts of the body interact and affect one another, and simple changes you can make to support improved health and longevity.

Dr. Roberts has decades of experience as a medical doctor, first as an ENT surgeon and later as a holistic/integrative/functional medicine practitioner. She has brought thousands of patients along a healing journey using the safest and most effective means available. That usually means lifestyle tweaks, developing healthy habits, learning the body's natural needs, and how individual body parts work together to create health. In her practice, she emphasizes hormone balancing, longevity strategies, and second opinions for frustrated seekers of improved health.

Sign up for in-person classes by calling 941.404.8030 and to make an appointment with the doctor for a personal consultation.

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Readers! We Need You 2024 1ST ANNUAL Reader Nominated Awards

Essential

Naples 10BESTof

NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE PRACTITIONER/BUSINESS IN EACH CATEGORY JANUARY 1 - 31

Magazine

Readers’ Choice

>> BE A PART OF THE ACTION <<

AWARDS

Use the link below to nominate your favorites

https://bit.ly/EN10Best2024

2024 10BEST Award Categories

1. Bodywork/Massage Therapy/Chiropractic Physician/Physical Therapy

7. Hypnotherapy

2. Energy Healers

8. Life/Business/Finance/Health Coach

3. Esthetician/Holistic & Organic Spa

9. Nutrition/RD/Personal Chef

4. Functional & Regenerative Medicine/ Integrative MD/Dentist

10. Traditional Chinese Medicine/ Acupuncture

5. Holistic Center/School

11. Yoga/Pilates/Barre Studio

6. Holistic Interior Design/Home Organization & Green Living Products

Health

9 Amazing Benefits of Magnesium for Hormone Balance

By Lynn Brewer

Does Magnesium Help with Testosterone Levels?

Yes! There are many benefits of magnesium for hormone balance.

The question we need to be asking is: Do I need to support magnesium levels in my body?

This is taking a root cause approach when it comes to understanding our health and hormones. When we answer this question, we are understanding what is driving the imbalance (which is showing up as symptoms in the body). By addressing the root cause, not simply the symptom (or the hormone imbalance), we can find long-term, sustained healing.

How Can Floating Help?

Will Magnesium Aid in the Balance of Hormones?

9 Benefits of Magnesium 1.

2.

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4.

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6.

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Supports sleep Supports healthy blood sugar levels Supports optimal thyroid function Supports phase 2 estrogen metabolism Supports the stress response Supports healthy ovulation Has a key role in sex hormone production Supports healthy serotonin levels Helps alleviate muscle cramps as well as period cramps

Yes! Magnesium indeed cranks up your testosterone levels. The sneaky villain here often is a magnesium deficiency, which can quietly sabotage your testosterone. Moreover, magnesium keeps in check the sex hormone binding globulin—a potential handcuff to your testosterone. So, boosting magnesium is like giving your testosterone a VIP pass to soar.

It’s impossible for humans to be in several places at once, but for an essential nutrient like magnesium, it’s a job requirement. At a cellular level, magnesium is involved in carrying out hundreds of different processes simultaneously throughout our bodies. In fact, without it, our bodies would completely shut down.

Floating is a wonderful way to bring your magnesium level up and keep it up. It has been scientifically proven that one can absorb up to 27% of their bodies needed magnesium with a one-hour float. One can maintain a healthier body by floating twice monthly, improving their immune system and overall health.

There are many benefits of magnesium for hormone balance and weight loss. We delved into some of the benefits of magnesium, but remember that every body is unique. The main benefits when it comes to magnesium for hormone balance are supporting sleep, blood sugar levels, the stress response and hormone metabolism, to name a few.

Start improving your health today—make your appointment to float for a healthier YOU. Keep in mind that prevention is less expensive, both monetarily and physically. The fact is that over 87% of Americans’ bodies are seriously low in magnesium, and what better way to spend 60 minutes than floating for your health? Call today to for your appointment to start your journey on a healthier YOU.

“Floating is a wonderful way to bring your magnesium level up and keep it up. It has been scientifically proven that one can absorb up to 27% of their bodies needed magnesium with a one-hour float.

One can maintain a healthier body by floating twice monthly, improving their immune system and overall health.”

Come be part of the solution to a healthy life at Fort Myers Cloud 9 Float Spa today! Lynn Brewer, owner of Cloud9 Float Spa & Wellness Center located at 13710 Metropolis Ave., Suite #104 in Fort Myers. Call 239.887.4161, email info@c9floatspa.com, and visit www.c9floatspa.com. SWFL’s Only Float Spa. See ad on page 21 >

—Lynn Brewer

9 WINTER 2024

agnesium is an important mineral involved in thousands of reactions in the body. It plays a crucial role in the production of your hormones and can help to balance the stress response.

You can think of magnesium as your calming and relaxing mineral. Providing your body with the magnesium it needs to properly function can also help in weight loss and achieving a healthy body.

It helps to loosen tight muscles, maintain the health of our muscles (including our heart, the most important muscle), prevent migraines, balance blood sugar, and ease anxiety due to its role in our stress response. Magnesium can even ease the symptoms of PMS.

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Health

ESSENTIAL Naples

Is Your Body Older Than Your Mind?

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By Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT

“The number-one most common cause of knee and back pain is glute weakness—not herniated discs in your back or boneon-bone in your knee! … You have bone-on-bone in your knee joint because your glutes are not doing their job.”

—Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT

H

ere we are again at the beginning of a new year. 2023 has come and gone, and 2024 is here, ready to hand us some harsh reality. Every year, I get calls from new potential clients after they injure themselves due to some aspirational New Year’s resolution. One of the most common things I hear on our very first phone call is something along the lines of “My mind is willing and able, but my body says absolutely not.”

What Does Old Really Mean?

Most people think you just wake up one day and you’re all of a sudden “old.” Those people usually blame aches and pains on the aging process or bad genetics. This makes people feel better about themselves and how physically limited they are now— because it’s due to genetics or it’s “just what happens when you get old”—then it’s not their fault. This is one of the most camouflaged versions of the victim mindset in America. This mindset is confirmed by the countless commercials in our media, which normalizes pain pills and joint replacements.

Think about it: How harmless is it to simply pop a couple of over-the-counter pain pills a day to ease your back or knee pain and not think anything of

it? Or why not just buy a Copper Fit back or knee brace? That will ease the pain and, even better, will likely get you some sympathy because now other people can visually see that you’re in pain!

I’m saying this slightly tongue and cheek, but I’m actually dead serious.

And don’t even get me started on knee and hip replacements! Nowadays, orthopedic surgeons are handing those out like candy on Halloween! And what’s even worse is that you, the patient, don't even question it! Again, because it’s “a normal part of getting old” or because you know so many friends and family members who have already had a joint replacement. But the harsh reality is that only about 10% of people who are getting knee and hip replacements this week actually need those replacements right now.

Are We Old…Or Just Weak?

With all that said, I’m going to tell you something that is very frowned upon in America… All non-traumatic joint pain is due to weakness. Said differently, if you have knee pain, hip pain, or even back pain that was not caused by an accident or trauma, there's a 95% likelihood that your pain’s true root cause is due to muscle weakness. I only

Before Opting for Surgery, Make a Simple Call

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 17 >

Longevity Medicine Hormone Therapy Second Opinions

CAROL L. ROBERTS, M.D. 2106 Bispham Road • Sarasota, FL 34231 Phone: 941.404.8030 • www.bestmedicine.us

11 WINTER 2024

Now, I know some of you reading this right now are shaking your heads and saying I have no idea what I’m talking about because your X-ray or MRI says “X, Y, Z,” and that’s fine. You can keep your head in the sand and take your orthopedic surgeon’s word like gospel if you like. The harsh (there’s that word again) reality is that hundreds of other people just like you in Naples are discovering that there’s another way! Hundreds of other people just like you are learning that original parts are best and that just because your X-ray or MRI is not favorable doesn’t mean that they should risk a dangerous surgery followed by a subpar rehab from the “Cookie Cutters R Us” physical therapist that your surgeon sends you to for PT. I’ll leave you with this thought: Do you think I’m full of BS? Or do you think I may be onto something here, and maybe, just maybe, it might be worth a quick phone call with me to find out more? The ball is now in your court!

BEST MEDICINE, Inc.

ESSENTIAL Naples

say 95% and not 100% because, of course, there are going to be those outliers and special conditions that don’t fit with what I’m about to say.

Non-traumatic joint pain (or pain that “just happened” one day) occurs because something is being overworked and underpaid. Take the knee and back, for example. The number-one most common cause of knee and back pain is glute weakness—not herniated discs in your back or bone-on-bone in your knee! I hope that last sentence really makes some of you mad…

Let me explain: You have bone-on-bone in your knee joint because your glutes are not doing their job. Because of that, there is increased stress on the knee joint itself, which causes it to degenerate.

The same is true for your back. Because your glutes are not doing their job, there is increased stress placed on your spine and discs, which causes them to herniate—so the most common diagnosis we see in my Naples Physical Therapy office is “Weak Ass Syndrome”!

Health

ESSENTIAL Naples

Are My Hormones Preventing Fat Loss?

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By Jenni Berman, PA-C, CPT, CNS

H

ormones… blame the hormones. As we age, our bodies change, our mind changes, our muscles change, our physique changes, our drive changes, our fat mass increases…and we blame the hormones. We’re doomed, right?

Not so fast! Hormonal change doesn’t have to be negative.

Functional medicine is an integrative type of medicine in which a full-body biology-based approach is taken to identify causes of issues rather than treating symptoms. We need to assess individuals from the inside out, head to toe, rather than just hearing the symptoms and treating them with a pill or cream.

Are We Doomed?

Through the natural aging process, most hormones start to decline—but is it the chicken or the egg? What actually happens first: hormones decrease, we start to lose muscle mass and gain fat mass, or vice versa? Do hormones change, and then sleep suffers, or are we getting unrestful sleep, and then the hormones are affected?

Hear me out.

Men and women often say, “I never had this belly fat before my hormones changed. I have tried everything and can’t get rid of it, so it is just part of aging,” or “I never had this flat tire before I was 50 years old, and now, no matter what I do, it’s impossible to lose,” or “I never had this ‘beer belly’ before I turned 60, but I cannot possibly exercise any more than I am, so it is what it is.”

Certainly, when “things change,” and we try “everything under the sun” without seeing fat

loss, our clothes fitting better, or more muscle definition, it is frustrating and easy to just blame the hormones. However, these are symptoms of a problem. Anytime we have symptoms, we have to identify the cause.

Let’s Get to the Bottom of This

As we age, we naturally start to lose muscle mass, a process called sarcopenia. As we age, our body’s ability to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, or the ability for the body to stimulate the proteins to build muscle mass, declines. This results in less overall muscle mass. As muscle mass declines, the body’s metabolic rate, or the rate at which we burn calories at rest, also declines.

Simultaneously, the risk of insulin resistance increases through the aging process. Insulin resistance is a metabolic dysfunction in which the body is not metabolizing food, specifically carbohydrates and sugar, efficiently, resulting in higher blood sugar and insulin levels. Insulin resistance can occur due to vitamin deficiencies, poor nutrient balance through diet, lack of physical exertion, a decrease in muscle mass, medications, hormonal changes, or medical comorbidities such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and autoimmune disease.

Sarcopenia can occur due to insulin resistance, less physical activity, less strength training, a lack of protein in the meal plan, and medications. Yes, a loss in muscle mass can increase the risk of insulin resistance, and insulin resistance can increase the risk of a loss of muscle mass.

Treat the Problem, Not the Symptom

—Jenni Berman, PA-C, CPT, CNS

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.

Focusing on and optimizing gut health is vital to protecting our brain, metabolism, hormones, and longevity. Call 239.431.0232 or visit www.bermanpt.com/wellness to learn more.

See ad on page 27 >

13 WINTER 2024

First things first—let’s actually assess your metabolism, your blood sugar, and your vitamin levels. Let’s look at your medical history, your medications, and your other diagnoses impacting your metabolism. Let’s assess the amount of inflammation in your body. Sure, your hormones have decreased, though your symptoms (stubborn fat, fatigue, and poor sleep) are likely coming from something else.

1. Blood sugar stability is more challenging as we age due to the change in muscle-tofat ratio, vitamin levels, and the body’s ability to metabolize glucose (sugar).

We must focus on getting the proper amount of lean protein into our body with the right balance of complex (good) carbohydrates and unsaturated (healthy) fats.

In some cases, plant sterols can be helpful

“Let’s actually assess your metabolism, your blood sugar, and your vitamin levels.

Let’s look at your medical history, your medications, and your other diagnoses impacting your metabolism. Let’s assess the amount of inflammation in your body.

Sure, your hormones have decreased, though your symptoms (stubborn fat, fatigue, and poor sleep) are likely coming from something else.”

ESSENTIAL Naples

You are probably also hung up on the fact that I said insulin resistance can occur due to hormonal changes—so, once again, hormones are the issue, and we are doomed. And if all this is impacted by a normal aging process…hormone replacement and medications must be the only answer, right? Wrong.

in aiding in efficient glucose metabolism.

With stable blood sugar, our fat loss, vitamin levels, sleep, energy, recovery time, and muscle-building opportunities significantly improve.

2. Optimizing vitamin levels is essential to improving many of the symptoms we are experiencing. For instance, Magnesium is important for sleep, bowel movements, metabolism, muscle aches and cramps, headaches, melatonin production, and reducing stress and anxiety. Vitamin D is vital to improve blood sugar stability, fat loss, preventing depression and anxiety, and bone health. Vitamin B12 is important for nerve health, brain health, energy, and metabolism. Ferritin is the iron-storage level in our body, which is vital for energy, preventing restless leg syndrome, and more. This is just a pinch of the vitamin levels that should be assessed when it comes to hormonal symptoms, as we often lack vital nutrients and vitamins as we age (trigger gut health conversation).

3. Identify the proper amount of strength training versus cardiovascular exercise for maintaining or gaining muscle mass and protecting heart health.

4. Assess gut health. This is a topic for another day, though it is extremely important in optimizing our health, nutrient absorption, and reducing inflammation!

70% of our immune system starts in the gut! If you’re in a constant state of inflammation (which you may not recognize as an issue), your metabolism is severely compromised.

5. Hydration. Are you drinking enough?

Most likely, no. Dehydration can decrease your metabolism by 30%!

The symptoms of increased fat mass you are experiencing as your hormones are changing are often due to very treatable conditions, malnutrition, and vitamin deficiencies. It is simple to make these changes, though it is not easy—it requires work and change! Contact Berman Health and Wellness today to receive a free consultation and to start improving your hormone imbalance symptoms.

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Health

ESSENTIAL Naples

Get Back in the Game!

WINTER 2024

14

Recover Faster and Avoid Injury

By Theresa Edmunds, CHC

“Using this static pressure in combination with vibration, this technology deeply relaxes the muscle tissue, causing tension to be released and allowing the muscle tissue to regain flexibility, thereby easing muscular aches and pains.”

—Theresa Edmunds, CHC

A

n innovative therapy is helping SWFL residents eliminate pain, recover from sports injuries faster, and even avoid injury.

This unique technology was developed with the concept of deeply relaxing muscles to alleviate the pressure that contracted muscles exert on bones, joints, nerves, and the spine.

Shortened muscles can cause injury to the muscle itself in the form of a strain, pull, sprain, or tear.

Contracted muscles can also impact joints and nerves, causing pain. Athletes know this; that is why stretching is part of a warm-up. However, over time, muscles can become tight and contract, and no amount of stretching or massage will make a significant impact. This happens more and more as we get older or have injuries.

How Robotic Muscle Therapy Works

With Robotic Muscle Therapy, muscles are relaxed using the gentle pressure of a robotic arm. As the muscle tissue releases contraction, it allows the fibers to lengthen back to their natural state. Using this static pressure in combination with vibration, this technology deeply relaxes the muscle tissue, causing tension to be released and allowing the muscle tissue to regain flexibility, thereby easing muscular aches and pains. No other therapy is capable of lengthening the large muscles of the body, making this technology truly innovative.

As this happens, not only is range of motion increased, but pressure on bones, joints, nerves, and the spine is relieved. As muscles lengthen to their proper state and bones align, posture improves, and pain can be resolved.

Often, as people begin increasing their activities, either playing one sport multiple times a week or engaging in new activities, such as pickleball, pain, and injuries begin to happen because of the overuse of tight, shortened muscles.

This is where Robotic Muscle Therapy can be a game-changer. With over 26 different placements, tight muscles can be released and lengthened for pain resolution, prevention of injuries, or to speed healing and recovery.

Tennis and Pickleball

Released and lengthened muscles have greater flexibility, thereby allowing for more tolerance for sudden movements and a reduced risk of injury. With racket sports, hip, neck, back, elbow, and shoulder pain are common. The psoas and pectoral muscles are often contracted. A tight wrist flexor in the forearm is usually the culprit behind tennis elbow, causing significant pain.

Quad and IT band play into knee pain and injury.

The plantar and calf muscles are responsible for plantar fasciitis. Post-injury recovery times are also reduced, along with better outcomes by utilizing this therapy.

Swimming

Most injuries tend to be repetitive use injuries and involve shoulder and rotator cuff. A tight pectoral muscle is often implicated. Regaining full range of motion can increase range of motion and prevent injuries in the shoulder joint, as well as alleviating pain in the shoulder, traps, and neck.

Golf

Golf involves many muscle groups, with core muscles being central to the golf swing. One of the core muscles, the psoas can cause back stiffness, low back pain, sciatica, and hip pain when it is contracted. Improved flexibility can translate to increased swing speed/distance off the tee.

We see reduced knee injuries, greater flexibility in the hamstrings, and reduced back injuries.

Increased flexibility in the hips brings more power to the turn in your golf swing.

Cyclists often experience hip, shoulder, back, and knee pain, along with plantar fasciitis. Using the deep tissue release process that Robotic Muscle Therapy can deliver, muscle and joint pain is alleviated, and sprains and injuries are reduced.

This technology offers several placements to keep cyclists healthy.

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Running

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 27 >

WISHING YOU

WINTER 2024

Running creates a fair amount of stress on the body. Flexibility is key to avoiding injury. Robotic Muscle Therapy can provide the targeted deep tissue therapy needed to relax and lengthen muscles.

No amount of stretching can achieve the results that the robotic arm applying gentle, precise pressure can. It can keep runners healthy and shorten recovery times, as well as reduce tension in your muscles for optimum performance.

Many of these sports share some of the same concerns and potential injuries. Releasing tension and lengthening muscles can resolve pain issues and help avoid injury. Robotic Muscle Therapy can help keep you at your optimum performance level and keep you in your game more often.

ESSENTIAL Naples

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Health

Flexing: The New Food Attitude!

WINTER 2024

16

“High-carb, low-fat; lowfat, highprotein; high-fat, high-protein, low-carb; eat for your blood type, find your right zone, live on cabbage soup, and count those points! There are so many diets out there—no wonder it is so confusing!”

—Betsy Opyt, RD, LD/N, CDE, RYT

By Betsy Opyt, RD, LD/N, CDE, RYT

A

s a registered dietitian for over 20 years, I look at food in a very different way. I believe food has always been medicine, and I understand the value of the intricate nutritional detail and synergy that these nutrients have in regard to optimizing our health. I do respect the fact that food plays an important role in our culture, our social life, and our emotional well-being, too.

Whether you eat to live or live to eat, as a human being, you always have to have a relationship with your food. After all, you cannot divorce food.

We need it to live!

Over the years, I have watched fad diets come and go. High-carb, low-fat; low-fat, high-protein; high-fat, high-protein, low-carb; eat for your blood type, find your right zone, live on cabbage soup, and count those points! There are so many diets out there—no wonder it is so confusing! Whether you prefer vegan or carnivore or follow the SAD diet (Standard American Diet), people seem to try to label themselves with a “diet” so they feel they have some form of identity to their eating.

Find the Style That’s Right for You

What if I challenge that thought? What if I told you that it is better for you not to stick to one style of eating? I like to call it a “flexitarian” style of diet, matching your diet to your metabolic and nutritional needs. A diet style that flows with your body as it changes. What you need nutritionally as an adult is very different than the foods required as a child or a teen. As disease sets in, you may need a specific style of diet to correct the issue. Finding the right style of diet for you can sometimes be tricky if you don’t know how to assess your needs.

The problem with the media is that they hype a diet style or trend that tends to be a one-sizefits-all approach. I firmly believe one diet is not meant for everyone. Depending on where you are and your health journey, whether you are young or mature, metabolically compromised, battling an autoimmune issue, fighting cancer, or trying to achieve sports performance, your style of eating needs to match your health requirements.

Sometimes, adhering to one style of diet over time can actually cause more health risks, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. Strictly vegan eating can cause a host of nutritional deficiencies. A keto-style diet can cause a disruption in your gut microbiome from lack of fiber. A high-fat keto diet can also promote inflammation if you’re eating the wrong types of fats.

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Betsy is a Licensed and Registered Dietitian as well as a Certified Diabetes Educator, Integrative and Functional Medicine Nutrition Therapist, and RYT200 yoga teacher.

She specializes in nutrigenomics, gut health, food sensitivities, detoxing, inflammatory diseases, and longevity living. She also understands the importance of living a mindful life and incorporates her background in mindfulness and yoga teaching into her practice. Betsy is a professional speaker and advocate for healthy living and is available for individual consultations, group programs, and speaking engagements. Contact Betsy at betsy@healthyconceptsconsulting.com or 239.297.8844. To learn more, visit www.healthyconceptsconsulting.com.

Specializing in Back and Shoulder Pain.

ESSENTIAL Naples

Consider the possibility that there are no “bad” foods (within reason, of course). That as long as you're getting the nutrients—and macronutrients—you need—you can eat the things you truly enjoy. Can this be true? Is this real life? As long as you're willing and able to adjust—to flex—to give your body what it needs to stay healthy, it really is possible.

Working with a professional who understands the fundamentals of human nutrition, can do the proper assessment to identify inflammation or nutritional insufficiency, and find imbalances in the body can best guide you on a diet that will heal you and not inflame you. Learning to go in and out of different eating styles also offers flexibility of nutrients, more enjoyment of food, and prevents you from getting into a diet rut.

Eating should be fun and not feel restrictive, dull, or boring! When you find the right style of eating that meets your needs, you will definitely feel better, have more energy, and enjoy a variety and abundance of foods that are meant for you!

Health

ESSENTIAL Naples

There’s a Jungle in Your Mouth!

WINTER 2024

18

By Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD

T

oday, most of us understand our mouths are the gateway to the rest of the body. There’s a whole microcosm of bacteria—both beneficial and, in some cases, not so beneficial, that travel to every nook and cranny. Our nutrition highly impacts what grows and flourishes in our bodies… But here’s something most do not know: How we sleep impacts what grows in our mouths!

bacteria. This creates dysbiosis, which can lead to metabolic syndrome/imbalances, high blood pressure, and an overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

How Bad Can Bad Bacteria Be?

New research has found that some harmful bacteria are related to Alzheimer’s (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Borrelia, T. denticola, Stachybotrys) and breast cancers (Fusobacterium nucleatum).

F. nucleatum inhibits the immune system and We Are Filled with Bacteria! promotes the growth of malignant breast tumors There are billions of bacteria thriving in the oral in women. cavity and, for that matter, in our gut. And what Tumors have unique environments that can you “feed” them matters. Feed the good bacteria or feed the bad! In the past, the goal of traditional support the growth of various bacteria. They have dentistry was to “kill” the bad bacteria. Biological numerous blood vessels with abundant blood flow, dentistry has moved away from just “killing” bad allowing bacteria from the bloodstream to easily enter a tumor and live there. Oral bacteria called bacteria toward managing the oral microbiome F. nucleatum can travel through the blood from ecosystem to promote oral-systemic health.

We all have bacteria growing with us. Our saliva the mouth and stay in a breast tumor. F. nucleatum enters the bloodstream from infected areas of is beneficial in the oral cavity in so many ways. the mouth, such as swollen and bleeding gums, Saliva protects us from cavities, starts digestion, infected root canals, dental root residues, and even buffers the pH of the biofilm, and has biomarkers dental cavities. and hormone levels that today help the medical It's important to note that those who have and dental professionals identify disease and metalready received cancer treatments such as abolic disorders. There’s only one problem: many chemotherapy may have a compromised immune of us are sleeping with our mouths open! system for a long time. This can create an environHumans were not meant to sleep with their ment that is favorable to the survival of pathogenic mouths open. When we do, the pH in our mouths bacteria in the blood and their installation in is reduced; in other words, our mouths become more acidic, creating the perfect storm for cavities, breast tumors. F. nucleatum has been shown to cause resistance to cancer treatments and modify gum inflammation, and overgrowth of anaerobic the immune system.

Biological Dentistry to the Rescue!

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 www.puredentalnaples.com.

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—Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD

19 WINTER 2024

• Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa): Heart disease, ischemic stroke, Alzheimer’s, dementia, brain abscesses, aneurysm, altered immune response, arterial plaque, oxidative stress, pregnancy complications, bone loss, increase in dental decay, periodontal disease, Implant failures • Porphyromonas gingivitis (Pg): Heart attack, Ischemic stroke, arterial plaque, pregnancy complications, cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, oxidative stress, appendicitis, multiple sclerosis, periodontal disease, implant failure • Treponema denticola (Td): Cardiovascular disease, arterial plaque, Alzheimer’s, joint replacement failures, cancer, stroke, dementia, periodontal disease • Tannerella forsythia (Tf): Alzheimer’s, dementia, arterial plaque, heart disease, pregnancy complications, diabetes, joint replacements, cancer, aneurysm, oxidative stress, stroke, implant failure, periodontal disease • Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn): Pregnancy complications, cancer, arterial plaque, Alzheimer’s, dementia, altered immune response, intestinal complications, heart disease, arthritis, implant failure, periodontal disease

“In the past, the goal of traditional dentistry was to “kill” the bad bacteria. Biological dentistry has moved away from just “killing” bad bacteria toward managing the oral microbiome ecosystem to promote oralsystemic health.”

ESSENTIAL Naples

The High-Risk Pathogens That Are the Causative Drivers of Inflammation and Disease

Oral hygiene should be a priority, not only in breast cancer patients but those concerned with autoimmune issues, dementia, Alzheimer's, and many other risks. Frequent toothbrushing and flossing should be mandatory. The eradication of contaminated and infected areas of the mouth (including dental cavities, abscesses, swollen and bleeding gums, old contaminated prostheses, metal implants causing inflammation, and so on) must be diligently attended to. These areas can harbor not only Fusobacterium and Porphyromonas gingivalis, but at least five other species as well. We can now test for them with a simple saliva test: HR5.

There are several tests that can qualitatively evaluate each person's saliva for bacteria present.

We also have electron microscopes that can show us in real-time what is living in our mouths, such as Actinomyces, Fusobacterium, and even Amoeba.

The good news is we have ways to mitigate and even eliminate unwanted bacteria. Traditional dentistry uses chlorhexidine mouth rinses, but new research has found that these rinses (including Peridex and Periogard) inhibit fibrin formation, the cornerstone of the healing process.

Biological dentistry uses lasers that decontaminate, ozone treatments, and a whole army of biological treatments that can naturally help eliminate these bad guys and allow for healing. The first step in prevention is screening! Ask your biological dentist for the HR5 test to determine whether you are at risk.

Health

ESSENTIAL Naples

More Distance and Better Ball Striking for Aging Golfers!

By Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT

WINTER 2024

20 “Once you start losing distance, you usually start trying to improve by swinging harder, which any real golfer knows is one of the worst things you can do because it almost always leads to inconsistency.”

—Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT

S

o many aging golfers simply accept that losing distance and worsening scorecards are a normal part of getting older—and many of those same golfers have a self-fulfilling prophecy because they attempt to avoid losing distance and improve their game by doing exactly what everybody else is doing, which also isn’t working. This is almost the very definition of “insanity.”

Once you start losing distance, you usually start trying to improve by swinging harder, which any real golfer knows is one of the worst things you can do because it almost always leads to inconsistency.

Or you decide you need increased backswing, so you try to wrap the club around your neck and turn so hard that you’ve slid over a foot to the right and then do your best to swing out of your shoes, flipping your hands back at the ball resulting in who knows what result.

Equipment Must Be the Problem, Right?

Your ball striking has gone to the dogs, and now you have no idea if you’ll chunk it, top it, shank it, or, perhaps once every nine holes, put it exactly how you wanted to. After a couple years of trying to fix it yourself by watching countless hours on YouTube and banging endless buckets of balls on the driving range, you decide it’s finally time to get a new driver—because Callaway has done a fantastic job

of marketing their brand new, cutting edge technology in the Paradym. So you drop $600+ at the PGA Superstore only to discover that the club wasn’t the problem. The problem was you all along.

I’ll Just Ask the Club Pro!

So now it’s time to finally spend some money on “real” golf lessons with your club golf pro, and this is when it really hits the fan. Your instructor starts taking videos of your swing and comparing your swing to videos of the pros on the PGA Tour who play on Sundays (who happen to be half your age, by the way). Now you’re leaving lessons worse than when you got there, your brain feels like it’s twisted like a pretzel, and you start wondering if you’ll ever be able to keep up with your golf buddies. You have to start having an honest conversation with yourself about whether you're going to suck up your pride and move up tee boxes or just quit this stupid game altogether because you can’t bear the thought of using the “old people” tees.

Now It’s Time to Get Real

But then, out of nowhere, you stumble across some luck and see an ad on Facebook or YouTube from Berman Golf out of Naples, FL, stating that they “Specialize in helping aging golfers gain

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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!

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distance off the tee, improve ball striking, and ease aches and pains so you can play more frequently.” And for whatever reason, that message resonates with you. You click on it to read more…

Then you start to see video testimonial after video testimonial of people like you who have gained 20+ yards off the tee AND improved their ball striking and are enjoying the game of golf more now than they had been in years!

So now Berman Golf has got your attention, but you’re still thinking that it’s too good to be true, so instead of calling me, you decide that you’re going to spend the next 472 hours watching every one of my YouTube videos until finally, you decide this is worth trying. Berman Golf is worth trying to avoid the definition of insanity. You pick up your phone and make the call, and a small handful of sessions later, it feels like the clouds parted and the sun is shining through on you again.

Now, you can finally feel your glutes and core firing. Now, you can finally feel what it feels like to load your right side and then use your body to get through the ball. Now, you can finally feel what a proper shoulder turn feels like and how good it feels to finish your swing with your belt buckle to the target. And now you’re usually the long ball driver off the tee out of your buddies, and you're hitting more greens in regulation, resulting in more green ($$$) in your pocket at the 19th hole. Then, for a brief moment, you reflect on why your game is so much better and enjoyable now than it was just a short time ago, and you realize it all comes down to one thing…body awareness! You know exactly how to use your body correctly and are working smarter and not harder.

If this story sounds like anybody’s story you know, please make sure to forward this to them so they too can experience the clouds part and feel the sun shining down on them as they outdrive their buddies and stick more greens in regulation!

Health

ESSENTIAL Naples

Your Healthy (and Delicious) Honey Journey for the New Year

WINTER 2024

22

By Cindy McCartney

“It’s not a complicated, 90-step program— on the contrary, it’s so easy and time-saving for busy people, and it really produces visible results in keeping skin looking hydrated and healthy.”

—Cindy McCartney

T

he New Year. So full of promise…a veritable clean slate. Most advertisements and editorials center around New Year’s resolutions.

We make them with the best of intentions. It’s nice to feel like we are turning over a fresh page, wanting to work toward adopting some new, healthy, better habits. For instance, is journaling something you are thinking of doing? You buy an inspirational new journal and resolve to write entries daily. You start off strong. Somewhere in late January or early February, things get busy, and you decide you’ll catch up next week. Weeks turn into months, and the journal has made the transition to a notebook for “to-do” and shopping lists, “notes to self,” and reminders, until finally, it makes the transformation to humble scratch paper. Some resolutions are destined to crash and burn.

Honey is nature’s gift to us…something super good for you—which actually tastes delicious!

You may say you’re not a “honey lover.” But before you make that definitive statement, you might want to stop into Grand Central Honey.

The difference between the processed honey you may have tasted previously and the raw, artisan honey we carry is like night and day.

We pride ourselves in being Honey Matchmakers.

Here, you can try any honey—and we have many— and together, we can narrow down the contenders for your perfect honey. We’re almost certain we can find one for you that addresses your health goals and appeals to your taste buds. This one tweak for 2024 is not one you’ll dread (hello, gym…). It may even start you on a quest to try more and more types—a honey journey, if you will. It’s like wine tasting…but with none of the downside!

Maybe the answer is to pinpoint one achievable resolution—let’s call it an agreement—with ourselves. If that agreement includes eating and living healthier, why not include honey in the mix?

Do you like cinnamon in your coffee? Instead of sugar and cinnamon, why not try a cinnamoninfused honey? It will sweeten and balance the taste—without sugar! Are you a tea lover? There

A New Year’s Agreement

Infused Honey? Don’t Mind if I Do!

is quite a variety of loose organic and some flavor-infused tea bags and K-cups. Are you looking to increase your protein levels?

We recommend pollen—it is great sprinkled on a salad, in cereal, in smoothies—you name it. Many of our customers swear by the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of New Zealand Manuka Honey. It contains a natural organic compound, methylglyoxal, and we carry different strengths (measured in MGO and UMF levels—stay tuned for a future article about Manuka and its amazing resume). Serving the simplest of cheese trays or the most sophisticated charcuterie board? Try an infused honey— we have hot honey, whiskey, and bourbon, wood-smoked, and other flavors that elevate any hors d’oeuvres to another stratosphere.

Care Products for the New Year and a New You

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WINTER 2024

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.

Maximize your Energy, Focus,& Well-Being

ESSENTIAL Naples

Along with honey, we carry a nice selection of elixirs and honey-based throat sprays, calming sprays, and tonics with ginger (great for gut health). Elderberry, which has been getting great press as an antioxidant powerhouse, is the star ingredient in many of these products.

How about skincare? Have the late nights of the holiday season revelry taken their toll on the look and radiance of your skin? We have a brilliant line called Beeline Skincare, which is so simple yet effective in dealing with the various problem areas you may want to address. It’s not a complicated, 90-step program—on the contrary, it’s so easy and time-saving for busy people, and it really produces visible results in keeping skin looking hydrated and healthy.

We stand ready to assist you in keeping your healthy resolutions—and introducing you to some new and interesting tastes! May 2024 be your best year yet!

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Health

8 Incredible Benefits of Goat's Milk ESSENTIAL Naples

By Lori Hubbard, MA

WINTER 2024

24

I

’ll admit it: I’ve been obsessed with goats for a long time—long before I finally realized my dream of having a dozen or more romping around in my backyard. And while they are as adorable as they seem, they do take work, and sometimes a lot of it. Especially when it’s time to milk. I even ended up having carpal tunnel surgery one year because I had milked so many goats by hand over the seasons!

But it’s worth it. Having that milk and those milk products literally farm to table is so worthwhile.

Not only because the freshness can’t be beaten but because of the many health benefits of goat’s milk—both raw and pasteurized—over cow’s milk from the store.

What follows are just eight incredible ways goat’s milk can improve your life.

1.

It’s Good for the Skin

Goat’s milk is rich in triglycerides and essential fatty acids, which have a pH similar to humans.

The fatty acids help make goat's milk products less irritating to and more easily absorbed by our skin. These fatty acids and triglycerides are also super moisturizing.

Goat’s milk also contains precious skin minerals like selenium and is loaded with vitamins, particularly vitamin A, the most essential vitamin for the skin. As with other kinds of milk, goat’s milk contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It helps gently exfoliate, hydrate, and brighten the skin.

Goat’s milk has unique nourishing properties that make it the perfect ingredient to add to anything that touches your skin, from your shaving cream to your moisturizer. It is an anti-aging wonder and a lifesaver for dry and sensitive skin.

Goat’s milk is an active ingredient for improving skin conditions, even helping to reduce acne and blackheads. In addition, it helps moisturize, smoothen, and whiten your skin.

2.

Better for the Digestive System in a Variety of Ways

• Easy on the Gastrointestinal Tract : The gastrointestinal tract (GI) includes the stomach and intestine, which helps regulate the entire digestive process. People who experience discomfort from cow’s milk often have an easier time digesting raw dairy from goats. It’s also associated with fewer incidences of gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

• Prebiotic and Anti-Inflammatory: Goat’s milk contains powerful anti-inflammatory molecules called oligosaccharides, which have been shown to prevent pro-inflammatory bacteria from collecting on the stomach and intestinal lining, reduce instances of sepsis while promoting the growth of healthy “friendly” bacteria (prebiotics), which are crucial for healthy digestion, immune function, weight loss/obesity prevention, insulin sensitivity, diabetes prevention, and more.

• Aids IBD: For people with a healthy GI tract, both cow and goat milk in their raw state should be easy to digest. But many of us don’t know if we have a disruption in the GI. If you’ve tried raw milk from cattle and had a reaction, you likely have a condition in the GI. Whereas cow milk can irritate an upset GI, goat milk is actually found to be soothing. Studies have shown that goat’s milk is less irritating to the bowels and may hold promise as a healing agent in all inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

3.

Improves Lactose Tolerance

The fat in goat milk is smaller and lower in lactose than cow’s milk, making it easier to digest and a fantastic alternative for those who have trouble consuming cow’s milk.

Some people also have trouble with pasteurized milk because the heating process destroys milk’s

natural enzymes. Raw, unprocessed goat’s milk contains less lactose than raw cow’s milk and provides the lactase necessary to break the milk sugar down. That may help explain why many who are lactose intolerant can consume raw goat dairy without issue.

4.

Goat Milk Helps Prevent Milk Allergies in Kids

5.

It’s a Complete Protein

6.

Helps Reduce Cholesterol Levels

Studies have shown that goat milk consumption decreases plasma triglyceride concentration, positively affecting lipid metabolism, similar to olive oil. Lipid metabolism synthesizes and degrades lipids in cells. It is also involved in the construction of cell membranes.

People with problems such as high blood cholesterol should have goat milk. It may help reduce cholesterol levels in the arteries and gall bladder.

Cholesterol is a critical component of your brain and is the most essential nutrient for healthy functioning synapses. A severe deficiency in cholesterol will cause death. Minor or increasing deficiencies are associated with severe cognitive decline, memory loss and Alzheimer’s, weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, insulin resistance, and aging, to name a few.

• Insulin Resistance: An adequate amount of insulin helps balance blood glucose levels.

It also restores the leftover glucose in your liver when your bloodstream has excess glucose. Research has shown that goat’s milk prevents insulin resistance, which increases blood sugar levels and can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes.

• Anemia: Studies have shown that goat milk is more beneficial than cow milk in preventing and healing both anemia and bone demineralization.

Goat’s milk is rich in the minerals that replenish bones and blood and increases their bioavailability, meaning your body can absorb and use more of these minerals.

8.

The Perfect Food?

Goat’s milk is rich in essential fatty acids, niacin, potassium, and vitamins B6, A, E, and D, and healthy cholesterol (vital for proper brain function, sex hormones, and more). It provides more calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, selenium, and vitamin K2 than cow’s milk. Without K2, calcium tends to deposit in the arteries rather than bones and teeth, causing hardening of the arteries. The K2 in goat’s milk helps to protect your heart by ensuring that calcium goes where it’s needed. In other words, consuming goat’s milk could save your life!

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it’s easy to see how beneficial goat’s milk can be in many areas of your life and your health. There are increasing numbers of locations dealing in goat’s milk products, from soaps and lotions to milks and cheeses. If you haven’t already jumped on the goat bandwagon, it’s time to give it a try. You’ll be glad you did!

Lori Hubbard, MA, is Editor-in-Chief of Natural Nutmeg and Essential Naples magazines. She has a masters in written communication and a certificate in digital publishing. When she’s not wordsmithing or designing, she’s probably playing with her dogs or goats.

“Goat’s milk has unique nourishing properties that make it the perfect ingredient to add to anything that touches your skin, from your shaving cream to your moisturizer. It is an anti-aging wonder and a lifesaver for dry and sensitive skin.”

—Lori Hubbard, MA

25 WINTER 2024

Raw goat’s milk contains all essential amino acids in optimal amounts, making it a complete protein. This whole protein has the right amount of all essential amino acids, which, by definition, our bodies can only get through diet. An “incomplete” protein may also have all the necessary amino acids but in insufficient proportion.

A complete protein is crucial for biological processes, from digestion to transporting nutrients and building tissue.

Good for Bones and Blood

Goat’s milk is rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus; our bodies easily digest and absorb these minerals. Therefore, goat’s milk helps treat nutritional deficiencies such as bone demineralization, repairs iron and magnesium deficiency, enhances the body's ability to use iron, and even boosts the formation of red blood cells.

ESSENTIAL Naples

Goat milk has plenty of A2 casein and, therefore, is high in protein, just like human breast milk.

Thus, it helps prevent inflammatory diseases of colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. Goat dairy, in general, is similar in structure to human milk, while cow’s is not. Both goat and human milk are rich in oligosaccharides. They contain many of the same amino acids and proteins, and both contain a comparatively high antioxidant and mineral selenium concentration. Babies are often given goat milk as the first source of protein after breastfeeding, making them less prone to milk allergies than cow’s milk.

7.

Health

The Healthcare Model ESSENTIAL Naples

for 2024 and Beyond

WINTER 2024

26

By Denise A. Pancyrz

“In some ways, the differences that separate [functional and traditional medicine providers] are not only ideological and philosophical but also education and training: while traditional medicine is largely focused on “managing” medical problems, functional medicine is significantly interesting and focused on determining the root cause to treat and possibly eliminate chronic conditions.”

—Denise A. Pancyrz

M

anaging our health in a reactionary way can be a difficult journey when trying to bounce back from chronic disease and leads to less-than-average results.

There are significant distinctions that can be made between functional and traditional medicine providers and the type of medicine they practice.

In some ways, the differences that separate these practices are not only ideological and philosophical but also education and training: while traditional medicine is largely focused on “managing” medical problems (i.e., hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia), functional medicine is significantly interesting and focused on determining the root cause to treat and possibly eliminate chronic conditions, through the promotion of lifestyles and behaviors that support overall health, emphasizing food, herbs, supplements, and natural remedies.

Our Health Future with Functional Medicine

• Proactive healthcare versus reactive begins with information; integrative and functional medicine testing can tell us where we need to begin improving our health and reversing chronic disease.

• Patient participation is essential to making positive lifestyle changes. Your healthcare team can test, educate, and guide you to personalize your health improvement journey.

• Select the healthcare team that aligns with your goals because it’s important that you and your team are on the same page to set health

goals, put a plan together, track your progress, and help you get to the finish line.

• Be open to technology to help gather information. Your personal information is what helps in the tweaking process. With your team and the information, you learn how to make better health-related decisions.

• Functional medicine physician-led consultations are where your physician looks for the root cause of the disease rather than treating symptoms with medication as your only option. Meeting with a physician for an hour versus 15 minutes leads to a significantly more individualized, in-depth, and comprehensive understanding of you.

Isn’t It Time to Transform Your Health for a Better You?

Reverse My Diabetes is also going through a transformation to CuraVida Wellness Solutions to offer more functional care. We are a virtual wellness center where we will continue the Reverse My Diabetes premium coaching program as well as premium coaching and functional medicine physician-led consultations for digestive health and weight loss.

All solutions are not equal. We’ve developed a next-step solution that gives you sustainable, meaningful, and lasting results for a better quality of life.

We follow a simple three-step process: 1. Identify root causes through integrative, functional medicine testing 2. Set your personalized plan into action 3. See and feel the results!

Meet Your New Therapeutic ROBOT Tired of Pain?

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“This therapy was life changing for me! I could barely walk, was in constant pain and scheduled for hip surgery. I canceled the surgery after just 3 visits and have been playing golf and tennis pain-free ever since.”

-Julie P., Michigan

239-778-6842 • theresa@naplesroboticpainrelief.com 4500 Executive Dr, Ste. 110-5, Naples, FL • naplesroboticpainrelief.com

Denise A. Pancyrz 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 33 >

Take Your Recovery To The Next Level Schedule an appointment today! 239-778-6842

27 WINTER 2024

Each CuraVida Wellness Solutions premium program includes functional medicine testing and the technology to capture needed information to get you to long-term success.

We look forward to helping you change your healthcare model!

Call 1.877.CuraVida for your complimentary discovery call | email: Info@MyCuraVida.com Visit: MyCuraVida.com.

ESSENTIAL Naples

Naples Robotic Pain Relief is changing the game with a new standard of innovation

Finance

4 Strategies ESSENTIAL Naples

for an Organized Tax Season

WINTER 2024

28

By Nina Azwoir, First Vice President of Investments, Wintrust Wealth Management

A

s is the case almost every year, tax day is apt to sneak up quickly. Whether you use tax preparation software or outsource your tax prep to a certified public accountant, here are some key strategies to ensure a smooth and worry-free tax season.

Has tax season become a frustrating paper chase?

These four strategies can buy you some relief.

1.

Use a Tax Checklist or Organizer

Using a tax checklist or organizer can help you avoid that paper chase and assemble all the essential documents you need in advance; completing your return is then a matter of filling in data. Tax checklists abound online.

If you outsource your tax preparation to an accountant, it’s a good bet they send you a tax organizer to work from, either paper or digital; such forms often come prepopulated with your tax data from the previous year. Comparing the current tax year’s numbers to those of the year prior can be a handy way to track trends in your income, interest earned on your investments, and charitable giving, among other items.

2.

Determine if You'll Be Itemizing or Taking the Standard Deduction

A critical next step in gearing up is to determine whether you'll be itemizing your deductions or taking the standard deduction.

If you employ a tax advisor to help with your tax return, they may have provided some

guidance based on your 2021 return. If you do your taxes on your own, you can probably get a pretty clear view of whether you’ll itemize or use the standard deduction by taking stock of the major deductible items. For 2022, your itemized deductions would need to be greater than $12,950 for single taxpayers and $25,900 for married couples filing jointly for itemizing to be worthwhile.

For most households, the biggest-ticket deductible items include state and local taxes (including property taxes), now capped at $10,000 per household; charitable deductions; home mortgage interest; and medical expenditures in excess of 7.5% of adjusted gross income.

Armed with information about whether you'll itemize or claim the standard deduction, you can know whether you need to round up supporting documentation. If you're claiming the standard deduction, you won't need to bother, but if you're itemizing, you will.

If you’re aiming to find documentation of your deductible expenses but can’t track down all the receipts you need, don’t despair. The previous year’s credit card statements, which you can retrieve online, can help you identify expenses you incurred over the past year; if your credit card company prepares an annual accounting of your expenditures organized by category, that can provide an invaluable tool to your deductible expenses. (I thought I had been carefully stashing away receipts and acknowledgments of my charitable donations, for example, but I found that

4.

Knock Off Your Contributions as Soon as Possible

Around this time of year, W-2s and 1099s, which report various types of income you may have received, begin to roll in. Bear in mind, however, that the deadline for sending out 1099s is a bit later than other forms you might receive, like W-2s; it’s mid-February and even later for some investment providers. If you want to get a jump on your taxes but still don’t have all of the documents you need, you may be able to get the information you seek by hopping online with your investment providers; firms typically maintain “tax centers” where you can download and/or print out the relevant forms, including 1099s that haven’t yet arrived or that you’ve mislaid. Don’t just stuff your 1099s in a folder; take a moment to see if you can learn anything that might help you improve your portfolio. For example, suppose you owe capital gains taxes after 2022's losing year. In that case, that’s a red flag that you should pay closer attention to “asset location”—housing tax-efficient assets like equity exchange-traded funds inside your taxable brokerage account.

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 >

—Nina Azwoir

29 WINTER 2024

3.

Round Up Your Investment Documentation

“For most households, the biggest-ticket deductible items include state and local taxes (including property taxes), now capped at $10,000 per household; charitable deductions; home mortgage interest; and medical expenditures in excess of 7.5% of adjusted gross income.”

ESSENTIAL Naples

my credit card company had the documentation I was missing.) Healthcare providers and pharmacies are also usually happy to prepare a year-end statement documenting your out-of-pocket outlays over the previous year.

Note that the special charitable deduction that was in effect for nonitemizers for the 2020 and 2021 tax years is no longer available for 2022.

Your deadline for contributing to an IRA or health savings account is the same as your tax-filing deadline. But that doesn’t mean you need to wait until you get your taxes in to tackle those tasks.

In fact, if you want to deduct your health savings account or IRA contribution on your tax return, you’ll need to make that contribution before you file your return. Ditto if you’re taking advantage of the Saver’s Credit. Note that these deductions are available to you whether you itemize your deductions or not. However, you can’t make an IRA contribution without earning income. You can’t make an HSA contribution unless you’re covered by a qualifying high-deductible healthcare plan; an HSA is also off-limits if you’re covered by Medicare.

Even if you're not deducting your contribution (you're making a Roth IRA contribution, for example), there's an opportunity cost to waiting until the last minute to make these contributions.

And those opportunity costs can add up if you're a serial procrastinator and are several years away from retirement. Assuming you invest in something that goes up more often than it goes down, you'll lower your return by waiting until your tax-filing deadline each year.

Of course, from a practical standpoint, some investors wait to make those contributions because they want to see their tax bills first. If that describes your situation, consider signing up for an automatic investment program for your future IRA contributions so you’re not at the mercy of your tax bill each year. For the 2023 tax year, investors under 50 can hit their full $6,500 maximum IRA contribution by depositing $541 a month; those over 50 can max out with a $625 monthly contribution.

Feature

Dr. Diane Hayden Goes MicroVascular:

ESSENTIAL Naples

Watch It Unfold!

WINTER 2024

30

By Lisa H. Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT

A

s we reflect on last year and formulate our plans for a healthier new year, consider the health of your vascular system. That is probably something you rarely think about, but recent research is showing it’s time you should. Plans are generally implemented to eat better, exercise more, and improve upon reducing stress when the new year arrives. Maybe it’s time to look at how well you are delivering oxygen and nutrients to your organs and tissues. Just because you may look and even feel healthy on the outside, a completely different situation could be developing on the inside, and you don’t even know it.

How Can We Measure Oxygen and Nutrient Delivery?

When looking at disease, it is important not to simply mask the condition but to go upstream and figure out precisely what the root cause of our problem is. We can do that easily now with a simple microvascular scan called the GlycoCheck.

The GlycoCheck is a noninvasive test that uses a video microscope camera placed under the tongue to evaluate your microvascular system down to the smallest capillaries and reflects your entire body’s health. The video microscope shows the live movement of your red blood cells as they travel through your microvessels.

Why Is Your Microvascular Health Important?

Your microvascular system makes up the surface area of 99% of your vascular system as a whole. It is responsible for the delivery of nutrients, oxygen, and hormones and the elimination of waste products to and from all your tissues and organs. If your microvascular system isn’t healthy, you are compromising that delivery capability and the integrity of the glycocalyx, therefore, your health.

What Is the Glycocalyx?

Simply put, the glycocalyx is your micro-thin gel lining that protects your entire vascular system.

When that lining is compromised, it can become leaky, and disease and conditions can silently begin. Your organs can begin to slowly starve.

The breakdown of the function of your glycocalyx can happen due to aging, stress, lack of exercise, poor nutrition, genetics, and other factors. A healthy glycocalyx protects your capillaries. See the images included on the top of the next page of the glycocalyx.

connection of the artery side to the vein side of our vascular system.

• Fourth dial: CBV (Capillary Blood Volume) Recruitment Capacity is in green (average normal in the yellow). This shows us the number of functional capillary blood vessels with blood on reserve that she can engage when blood flow increases (like exercise or walking upstairs).

• Fifth dial: Capillary Blood Volume Dynamic is in the red (average normal in the yellow).

This is the maximum blood volume when all available capillary blood vessels are engaged at high blood flow levels and tells us the maximum functional capacity of the capillary network. This illustrates how well your blood is working for you. How effective nutrients and oxygen are being absorbed.

• Sixth dial: PBR (Perfused Boundary Region) Flow Corrected is 2.24 (lower number = healthier glycocalyx). This is her level of

—Lisa H. Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT

31 WINTER 2024

This year, we will help you focus on better blood flow for “life” is in the blood, and who better to take us on this journey than our very own publisher, Dr. Diane Hayden? She graciously offered to be completely transparent and share the complete results from her microvascular scan (GlycoCheck).

Dr. Hayden had her GlycoCheck scan in early December, the results of which you can see below.

The scan took approximately 15 minutes. GlycoCheck measures blood flow and capillary density of the 4–25-micron size vessels and highlights the following data below in the dials.

• First, second, and third dials: Capillary Density of her smallest vessels is in the red (average normal ranges are in the yellow). This is the number of functioning capillary blood vessels, size of 4–6 microns (200 times smaller than a strand of hair). This lets us know the capacity of her capillaries to get blood and oxygen to the tissues. This also represents the

ESSENTIAL Naples

Dr. Hayden’s GlycoCheck Scan

“The breakdown of the function of your glycocalyx can happen due to aging, stress, lack of exercise, poor nutrition, genetics, and other factors.

A healthy glycocalyx protects your capillaries.”

Feature

ESSENTIAL Naples

“The GlycoCheck is a noninvasive test that uses a video microscope camera placed under the tongue to evaluate your microvascular system down to the smallest capillaries and reflects your entire body’s health.”

WINTER 2024

32

—Lisa H. Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT

my stress level was pretty low most of the time.

But to be completely honest, I wasn’t surprised at all by these results. This is what one year of major • Seventh dial: Microvascular Health Score stress can do to your body—even if you eat healthy, was 2.9 (scores of most healthy people range between 3.0–7.0). This overall score is based on exercise, and meditate. If that’s not a wake-up call, I don’t know what is. all the data shown in the previous six dials. It “Over the past year, my mom has fallen twice, had takes over 100 million calculations to detertwo major hip surgeries, been in rehab for a month mine this score—essentially, how at risk is an both times and then had a long recovery at home. As individual of complications developing in the an only child, her caretaking and all the associated vascular system? responsibilities fell on me. This included coordinating We would like to see all seven dials with their getting her through surgery, into a safe and reliable arrows pointing straight up or to the right. rehab center (that’s a full-time job navigating the system in and of itself), all of the details once she Summary came home (putting up grab bars, getting walkers Although Dr. Hayden has a low number of the and canes and a shower bench, making sure the smallest microvessels (indicated by the first three dials), she has the availability of additional house was safe for her to navigate around, converting microvessels with blood on standby to use when the downstairs living room to a bedroom, organizing her clothes, doing her laundry and grocery shopping, she needs increased blood flow for exercise, helping her with dressing at times, and trying to manstair climbing, or exertion activities. age her stress and emotional response as she’s super Having such a low number of microvessels independent and not too happy about all of it). Not to compromises her ability to sufficiently deliver mention the emotional aspect of dealing with all of oxygen and nutrients to all her tissues, glands, this happening to your parent. Oh, and did I forget to and organs, thus the low number in the fifth dial.

Looking at the sixth dial (health of the glycocalyx), include running my own business and life, too? we see that it is in the average range in the available When is there time for that?

“As if all that wasn’t enough, I had other stressful but inadequate number of microvessels she has. events in my business and personal life. As many This is the most crucial score in determining the of you know, my editor was diagnosed with unexlevel of vascular health. Damaged glycocalyx is the plained lesions in her brain and has been suffering root of all vascular disease. from debilitating headaches—so much so she has had to take some time off, and I have had to pick up What Dr. Hayden Had to Say some of the editing and go through the process of About Her Scan finding additional help. One of my close friends was “For most people who know me, I’m betting these diagnosed with an aggressive ovarian cancer and is results are shocking. Especially if you know the going through chemo now. My partner and I moved kind of lifestyle I live. I lift weights three to four in with my mom to care for her and lived with her times per week, walk at least 10,000 steps per for about seven months—I won’t go into more detail, day, have been an avid runner most of my life, eat but you can imagine that wasn’t the easiest thing for healthy (no processed or fried foods, lean proteins, our relationship! So, yes, the last year was extremely lots of veggies, healthy fats), have never smoked, have pretty low alcohol intake (a couple of drinks on stressful. I knew it was affecting me physically the weekend), have maintained a healthy weight all because after three to four months, I started having my life, meditate most days, and up to this past year heart palpitations and, at times, a racing heart rate. damage to the glycocalyx. A lower number implies a thicker, healthier glycocalyx.

Even though I was still exercising, eating healthy (although that included more protein bars and shakes as I was on the run a lot), and meditating, it was extremely hard to control my stress level.

“I’m eternally grateful to Lisa and the ability to have this scan so I could see the level of what stress was doing to my body. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, the microvasculature is where disease starts. The events of the past year have allowed me to realize that I need a different way to manage my stress. Living with my mother has brought up a lot of unhealed trauma from the past, but now I’m able to see when and why I react to certain triggers and how that causes me more stress. With this knowledge, I’m better able to support my body with critical nutrients to help reduce stress, including the supplement specifically designed to support vascular health. You can bet those are my top priorities as we start a new year!”

Dr. Hayden’s Support Recommendations

Lisa Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT, is a licensed healthcare practitioner with over 35 years of experience. She has been in private practice since 1999 and specializes in frequency-based medicine and advanced wellness technologies. Lisa believes in treating the whole to heal the part, empowering you to optimize your health and well-being, and bringing self-care back into your healthcare.

See ad on page 21 >

­

33 WINTER 2024

Recommendations based on the results of this scan are to look at all lifestyle components to improve upon, begin Endocalyx Pro to support vascular health, and rescan in three months. Endocalyx Pro is a nutraceutical clinically shown to repair damage in the arteries and veins and, most importantly, your body’s microscopic capillaries.

If you are committed to health and longevity, the GlycoCheck is a way to objectively track and measure vascular health, and Endocalyx Pro is an amazing nutraceutical that is going to help your body regrow small vessels, help your body heal the damage inside the vessels, and restore your health to a new level of living. To follow Dr. Hayden’s journey, please see the Spring issue!

We encourage all of you to try the same thing.

As they say, “knowledge is power”! We are offering GlycoCheck scans here in Naples at MV Solutions and onsite in your office for you to get the most out of your vascular system and learn when it’s working and how successful it is.

ESSENTIAL Naples

Purpose

Can Hypnotherapy Help Us Move Away

ESSENTIAL Naples

from Codependency?

WINTER 2024

34

By Marcel Touponse

“Making ourselves the first priority in our lives and becoming our own best friends will inevitably balance some of those unhealthy relationships. It will also prevent the need to constantly seek validation from others.”

—Marcel Touponse

E

verything I do is for you.

You’re my reason for living.

I don’t need anyone else as long as I have you.

A few more of these sappy, romantic quips, and I’m halfway to an epic power ballad! As lyrics in a corny love song, they’re great—but as an attitude or position, not so much. This is one of the many ways codependency can manifest itself, and unlike the spandex-laden power ballads of yesterday, this doesn’t always end well.

What Does Codependency Look Like?

Codependency is a bit tricky to recognize for those of us in its grasp, but these tendencies are rooted in the positive behaviors and coping mechanisms of childhood. Taking the feelings of others into account as a young person will earn you high praise from the relatives and teachers in your life. But that’s a good thing, right? How did we make the leap from considerate to codependent?

It’s different for all of us, but let’s assume for a moment that there was a need for the child to determine the emotional state of their parent(s) on a regular basis. The list of potential reasons is long.

Perhaps there’s chemical dependency, physical/

emotional abuse, divorce, or a combination of any of these factors. Watching a parent go through something traumatic or difficult can cause the parent/child relationship to take a turn toward codependency as well. Single parent households, only child households. The fact is codependency is extremely common. When children are allowed to see some of the messy details of adult life, or these circumstances impact them directly, a reaction is only natural.

When kids demonstrate the ability to be thoughtful, loving caretakers, they’re often rewarded or praised. It would be strange to admonish a child for showing genuine concern for someone they love, right? What’s taken as thoughtful, mature, and understanding in a ten-year-old may be a case of codependency blossoming before our very eyes.

Left unchecked, this will result in low self-esteem, a persistent need for validation from others, and a series of unhealthy relationships.

The Antidote

OK, we get the causes and signs, but what do we do now? The great news is that there is an antidote for codependency—self-esteem! It seems simple, right? Conceptually, it is. Making

Erin Touponse is a Mystic Healing Reiki, is a Reiki Master/Teacher, Hypnotherapist, Pranic Healer, Tarot Scholar, and student of Shamanic studies. She is co-owner of The Blackbird House in Old Wethersfield and author of Soul’s Journey—A Practical Guide to Reading the Tarot. Her goal is to help you “awaken your inner healer.” Erin offers classes including Reiki, Tarot, and Master Healer Workshops.

35 WINTER 2024

Marcel Touponse is a Hypnotherapist, Sound Healer, Life Coach, and Tarot Reader. He co-owns The Blackbird House in Old Wethersfield and operates Blackbird Hypnosis. Marcel’s goal is to assist you in “becoming aligned with your mind.” He offers regular workshops on Self-Hypnosis and is available for small and large group tarot readings.

ESSENTIAL Naples

ourselves the first priority in our lives and becoming our own best friends will inevitably balance some of those unhealthy relationships.

It will also prevent the need to constantly seek validation from others.

Hypnotherapy is a highly effective tool in supporting this empowering transformation.

Stepping into the present moment and giving ourselves a much-deserved pat on the back for all we’ve done for others, our noble tendencies and caring nature, while acknowledging that it’s time to divert some of that energy back to ourselves, is where we begin. Just as we all did what was needed to survive childhood and adolescence, all of us can do what is necessary to become our ideal selves more consistently. A combination of post-hypnotic suggestions during appointments, self-hypnosis, diagnostic journaling, breath control exercises, and some support can accomplish a lot in a short time. Remember, in hypnotherapy, we talk in terms of weeks, not years. Behavior will change, and things will get better.

Think of all the people in your life. Consider your role and think of what’s expected from you.

What happens if you’re not there? The irony is that the relationships we’ve been sacrificing ourselves for inevitably suffer from our lack of self-love. An empty lantern shines no light, and we all have important roles to play in each other’s lives. We all deserve our own love and support.

We all deserve to feel contentment and peace in ourselves. It’s the only way to feel a true and balanced love with others!

Purpose Health

My Reading

ESSENTIAL Naples

with Psychic Medium Counselor Agnes Daddona

WINTER 2024

36

Submitted by Agnes Daddona, MA, Intuitive Counseling

I

was about to embark on a journey that would have a profoundly positive impact on my life.

I heard about Agnes from my dear friend, who had a wonderful experience with her doing Intuitive Readings and healing grief after the loss of her husband. Connecting with a psychic for the first time felt a little intimidating to me, though.

I heard negative things about psychic readers in the past, so it was hard to trust, but my friend convinced me. She said, “Trust me, Agnes is an angel.” I decided to try it.

Preparing for the Session

I went to Agnes’s website, AgnesDaddona.com, and immediately, I felt good. Her site is beautiful and really impressed me. I almost felt like my energy had shifted already! I enjoyed reading Agnes’s story and the details of the Intuitive Reading session. She also does so many other wonderful things in her holistic spa. I got excited about my experience and booked my session for the upcoming Friday.

I came for my Intuitive Reading a few minutes early with butterflies in my stomach. I opened the door to Agnes’s spa and instantly felt at home.

It felt so beautiful and comfortable there. I took my list of questions for Agnes. I was ready. Agnes came out of her room with another client who just had a session with her and gave that woman a big hug.

I saw her client was laughing and in a good mood.

I immediately thought: “Hopefully, my experience will be similar and not as scary as I think.”

Agnes greeted me warmly, showed me where the bathroom was, and took me on a little tour of her spa. I felt more grounded after that. She showed me the room where we will be having our session, and I loved the room’s energy!

The Reading

Agnes started my Intuitive Reading by telling me about the session’s structure and what to expect. She assured me that she works only with light and angels and that she is here to be a channel to help me with my needs. She also told me that my Intuitive Reading is confidential.

I felt good and relaxed.

Agnes then told me a bit about her and mentioned that we would be working with my personal angels.

Then she took me on the journey, as she stated, to discover my soul’s history. Agnes revealed some of my past lives and their connection to this lifetime; she told me about my gifts and talents. Everything resonated so deeply with me. We started talking about my soul lessons, and suddenly, something wonderful and unexpected happened. My mom, who is on the other side, came through, which made me cry, but these tears were tears of joy. I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye to my mom, as she had died suddenly. It was so good to hear from her, and Agnes described details about my mom that she could never have known. My mom loved roses, but for some reason, only the yellow ones. That was her thing, and Agnes picked it up. I knew then that it was my mom! It was a truly remarkable experience.

me to pick my cards myself and that my angels would confirm what we discussed in our reading.

I pulled out my first card and almost fainted because it was a card with a message—release guilt! My following cards revealed the need for healing, and that was accurate because of my knee surgery. There was even a card with yellow roses and love, which immediately made me think about my mom. I felt like my angels were talking to me directly. Agnes assured me that they are. I trusted it with all my heart.

Agnes’s beeper started beeping, and I knew our session was over.

My Experience with Agnes

Next, I was invited to open my list of questions, many of which she had already answered.

We talked about my life, problems, and concerns, and Agnes clarified things for me. She showed me how things connect to my soul agreement and soul lessons. I started crying and didn’t even know why—I believe they were tears of relief.

I felt like something heavy had just shifted from my heart, and I could breathe again.

Agnes told me profound healing takes place when we discover our truth and find our soul’s purpose.

I was amazed that the same things I looked at in my life seemed so different from my soul perspective.

I used to feel guilty because of the past, and suddenly, after Agnes clarified things for me, I felt somehow different. I felt freer. She invited me to talk about my hopes and dreams. I wasn’t prepared for that, but with Agnes’s help, I could discover, as Agnes said, the true needs of my soul.

As my session continued, Agnes told me we were ready to do angel cards. She gave me the cards so they could absorb my energy, and then she told

Agnes Daddona, MA, Intuitive Counseling, is one of the best Psychic/ Mediums in New England. The gift of intuition runs in her family for generations. For more than 20 years, Agnes has worked with thousands of people worldwide through Psychic Readings, Mediumship, Channeling Angels, Counseling, Healing, and Teaching in English and Polish. Agnes has transformed many people’s lives to meet their dreams.

She continues to solve the most difficult issues when it seems no one else can help. To book your Intuitive Reading, contact Agnes at www.AgnesDaddona.com, email at agnes@IntuitiveCounselingllc.com, or call 860.941.2667.

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My Questions for Agnes

—Irvine, West Hartford

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Agnes then talked to me about my aura and chakras and told me what was working and what was a bit blocked. She revealed why some of my chakras are blocked, and that made so much sense to me because she started describing situations from my life that I struggle with as if she was reading from my list of questions, even though I hadn’t revealed it to her yet. She even talked about my knee surgery, for which I was preparing myself.

I felt so fulfilled!

I told Agnes that I would love my daughter to have a Reading with her and that she lives abroad. Agnes said she works with people worldwide via Zoom or phone and that the reading works the same way since she connects to her client’s angels. I was happy to hear that.

I couldn’t wait to tell my daughter about her.

I also wanted to share with my friend.

My psychic reading was undoubtedly a unique experience. Although I was talking to Agnes about my troubles and concerns, the session was positive, and I gained so much inside and still feel much lighter. Agnes told me to drink a lot of water as we also did energy work. She even invited me for a healing session to work on my love life, and I was so grateful for that.

I’m looking forward to our next session and changing my life for the better.

I recommend Agnes to anyone seeking clarity, healing, and creating a positive future. My session was life-changing, and I am incredibly grateful for that.

“Everything resonated so deeply with me. We started talking about my soul lessons, and suddenly, something wonderful and unexpected happened. My mom, who is on the other side, came through, which made me cry, but these tears were tears of joy.”

Health

Make Sustainable Change with a

ESSENTIAL Naples

Holistic Coach

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By Elise Cusimano, MA, NBC-HWC, RYT

“We can sum up coaching in a few short words: collaborative, intuitive, selfgenerated change.

Where sustainable change is the name of the game in a world where quick fixes are a dime a dozen.”

—Elise Cusimano, MA, NBC-HWC, RYT

H

olistic lifestyle and wellness coaching is still relatively new and understandably, you may have questions. Many associate this type of coach with the approach and attitude of an athletic coach, when in fact, it’s quite different. Generally speaking, coaching is incredibly collaborative in nature and each coach carries their own style and niche. Some zero in on one particular dimension of health, while others cover a vast landscape.

Broadly, think of coaching as less of a health Q&A and more of a deeper dialogue to sift through stories, beliefs, circumstances standing between you and how you want to feel every day. We can sum up coaching in a few short words: collaborative, intuitive, self-generated change. Where sustainable change is the name of the game in a world where quick fixes are a dime a dozen.

The focus of private and group conversations range from living well in the broadest sense to a deep dive in one particular practice. Coaching is also incredibly effective alongside those experiencing grief, working through a chronic condition, and those already in therapy but needing help implementing action steps from other health professionals into a supportive daily routine. Coaching is excellent as a stand-alone conversation and works just as well in conjunction with other professional supports.

The expertise of a holistic coach lies in the process of change, guiding and providing accountability through every shift that will elevate and enrich your

life. Together, a detailed vision of how you want to feel is deliberately designed before setting out a path of small stepping-stone goals. A new “OS,” if you will, is built as a result of this intentional work, producing the tools and confidence necessary for self-generated change long after coaching is complete.

More and more, we’ve come to reflexively seek the outside solution before consulting ourselves.

Coaches, and a few other key holistic professionals, are helping people rediscover and reclaim the valuable wisdom of attuning to our inside world— one conversation, one practice at a time.

It’s no coincidence that some of the most effective self-care tools in this space are right in front of us: movement, mindfulness, breathing well, and awareness of attention. When practiced with intention, they become the foundational supports of living well and with purpose. Today, we have no shortage of fancy tools, gadgets, and gizmos at our disposal, just one click away. Having the right tool for the right job is, of course, a valuable thing.

In a world full of quantity, it’s more important than ever to seek quality—skillfully selecting from a few key tools, knowing which tool is right for the challenge at hand, and holding it well. This is a skillset worth working toward.

All conversation has the inherent potential to transform, but how many generate a ripple effect of change? Where one strong step after another grows the self-efficacy to shift again and again in

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the kaleidoscope of life. Along the way, all truths and values are honored as we co-create solutions to self-support.

Clients who receive the best results from coaching are deeply invested in feeling well, open to investigating all things, both significant and subtle, and want to bridge the gap between just getting by and feeling incredibly alive. They’re curious about living consciously, in pursuit of accountability, and willing to explore and sift through societal messaging.

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Join a group of many, who never knew the support they were missing through coaching until they found their coach. It just might be the partnership, connection, and insight you’ve been looking for.

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Health

The Scoop on

Abusing Sugar

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By Erika Dworkin, BCHN®

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“Sugar is…a substance that releases opioids and dopamine and thus might be expected to have addictive potential... The evidence supports the hypothesis that, under certain circumstances, rats can become sugar-dependent.

This may translate to some human conditions, as suggested by the literature on eating disorders and obesity.”

—Neuroscience & Behavioral Reviews, Evidence for Sugar Addiction: Behavioral and Neurochemical Effects of Intermittent, Excessive Sugar Intake (2008)

D

id you splurge over the holidays? If you’re like 75% of the American population, you ate too much sugar in the form of sweets or simple carbohydrates, which convert to sugar—foods like chocolate, ice cream, cake, candy, or rice, pasta, potatoes, and bread. Now that the holidays are over, you might want to consider reducing your sugar intake to enhance your vitality and longevity to lower your risk of full-body acidity (acidosis) that can lead to depression, concentration and coping difficulties, fatigue, pre/diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and various immune challenges.

The Need for Sugar and Sugar Balance

Glucose, a sugar derived from the digestion of carbohydrates, is our body’s primary energy source. When the small intestine absorbs nutrients and glucose through digestion, and special cells called enterocytes help them cross the intestinal lining into the bloodstream, the pancreas produces insulin. Insulin enables muscle, liver, and fat cells to take up glucose so they can function properly.

It is critical to maintain glucose within a normal range. The body adapts to high glucose levels in the blood either by storing it in the muscles or liver as glycogen (for later reabsorption when levels drop) or by speeding the release of insulin. If muscle and other cells stop responding to insulin (insulin resistance), blood sugar and insulin levels stay high long after eating, which can undermine physical and mental function. Over time, the demands on insulin-making cells in the pancreas can wear them out, potentially causing insulin production to stop and prediabetes and type 2 diabetes to develop.

Generally, the lower the glycemic index (GI) of a food containing sugar, the slower its impact on your blood sugar and, thus, the less damaging to your body. A carbohydrate is considered to be high glycemic if its GI is 70 or higher (processed foods like baked goods, candy bars, soda/energy drinks), while low glycemic foods that contain more fiber, water, protein, or fat (beans, nuts, fresh vegetables) have GIs below 55. Glycemic load (GL), considered by many to be a better gauge for measuring a food’s impact on blood glucose and insulin response, indicates both how quickly a food makes glucose enter your bloodstream and how much glucose per serving it can deliver. GL thus provides a more accurate picture of a food’s real-life impact on your blood sugar.

Potential Health Problems from Excess Sugar Consumption

In addition to pre/diabetes, space permits only a brief discussion of the numerous potential problems that can stem from sugar abuse. Below is a primer of some key concerns to keep in mind and some natural means of curbing the negative impact of sugar.

Addiction While the topic of sugar addiction is controversial, some research has suggested that eating sugar stimulates the brain to produce endorphins and large amounts of the neurotransmitter dopamine (similar to how it reacts to heroin and cocaine). You repeat sugar intake to feel the high it produces, and as you eat more sugar more often, your brain releases less dopamine, possibly in response to reduced sweet taste bud cell

function. As eating excess sweets causes your brain to become increasingly hardwired to crave sugar, you develop a tolerance, as with any other drug, and the only way to feel the same high as before is to repeat the behavior in increasing amounts and frequency. At the same time, addictive sugar intake causes a rise in insulin levels and a drop in blood sugar, resulting in a repeat of the addiction cycle.

Compulsive behavior can thus develop despite its negative consequences, including hormone imbalances, depression, headaches, and weight gain.

The Natural Approach: Sugar detox; foods high in L-tyrosine; supplements to boost mood and manage blood sugar.

Reduced Brain Function/Focus Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is responsible for the development of new nerve tissue in the brain and thus for the capacity to expand memory, learn, and grow. Research has shown that high-sugar diets decrease BDNF. Although the issue is controversial, Lendon Smith, M.D., a well-known pediatrician, even maintained that sugar can cause hyperactivity/ ADHD by impacting the mid-brain, which controls emotions and the ability to focus.

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Body Acidity and Weakened Immunity Sugar is highly acidic, and disease states thrive in an acidic environment. Sugar thus not only generally suppresses the immune system but specifically feeds cancer. It has been connected with the development of cancer of the breast, ovaries, prostate, rectum, pancreas, lung, gallbladder, and stomach.

The sugar-based acidic environment is also a breeding ground for the parasitic, yeast-like fungus Candida albicans. Since Candida survives on carbohydrates and sugar, it can overgrow and develop into systemic candidiasis, also known as

Candida-related complex (CRC). CRC can significantly undermine immune function, causing a wide range of health conditions.

If candidiasis is causing sugar cravings, it follows that controlling it can significantly reduce them and improve health. Generally, managing CRC involves five critical steps: (1) kill the yeast; (2) starve the yeast; (3) replace the good intestinal bacteria that the yeast has crowded out; (4) address the toxic die-off symptoms that can arise from killing yeast; and (5) manage stress.

The Natural Approach: A therapeutic lifestyle change program that incorporates a high-alkaline diet and/or a CRC protocol; supplements that strengthen immunity against fungi, viruses, and bacteria.

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Health

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“As eating excess sweets causes your brain to become increasingly hardwired to crave sugar, you develop a tolerance, as with any other drug, and the only way to feel the same high as before is to repeat the behavior in increasing amounts and frequency. At the same time, addictive sugar intake causes a rise in insulin levels and a drop in blood sugar, resulting in a repeat of the addiction cycle.”

—Erika Dworkin, BCHN®

The Natural Approach: Supplements that manage blood sugar and enhance brain function and focus (chromium polynicotinate, B-complex, and a blend of GABA, L-taurine, L-glycine, inositol, and valerian).

Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity Metabolic syndrome, which causes premature aging, is generally diagnosed when a patient has three of five interrelated conditions, which the intake of excess sugar can exacerbate: (1) excessive belly fat (waist circumference – women > 35”/ men > 40”); (2) high triglycerides > 150; (3) low HDL < 50 (“good” cholesterol that carries LDL out of the body); (4) high blood pressure over 130/85; and/or (5) fasting glucose > 100 [indicates insulin resistance (pre-diabetes)].

Waist circumference is but one indicator of whether one might be overweight or obese due to excess consumption of sugar. Overweight can also be defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 25-29, while obesity can be defined as a BMI equal to or greater than 30. Since the liver can only store 100 g of glucose as glycogen, and the muscles can store only 500 g of glycogen, any excess sugars are converted to and stored as fat. There is practically no limit to how many calories the body can store as fat.

The Natural Approach: Regular aerobic exercise; a calorie-restricted, healthy diet; a stress reduction regimen; and supplements to reduce insulin resistance and control blood sugar [“carb-blockers” (white bean extract, Irvingia/African mango, brown seaweed); resveratrol [mimics calorie restriction, combats unhealthy levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and insulin)]; alpha lipoic acid (helps burn glucose); Gymnema sylvestre (stimulates insulin production); vanadyl sulfate (mimics insulin); chromium polynicotinate (combats insulin

resistance, binds to insulin to facilitate muscle use of glucose, promotes weight loss); magnesium; and milk thistle standardized for silymarin content (lowers/stabilizes blood glucose levels; protects the liver, the most important tissue involved in insulin utilization).

Incremental lifestyle changes can empower you to combat sugar abuse and thus improve and prolong your life. Consult your physician, a holistic nutritionist, and a dietary supplements specialist for support. Once the health effects of your new lifestyle begin to kick in, you’ll crave nutritious foods rather than sugar and wonder how you ever ate all those sweets!

Submitted by Erika Dworkin, BCHN (Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®), Wellness Guide and former owner of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe in Manchester, CT (www.cthealthshop. com), which operated for 65 years. See this full article online at www.naturalnutmeg.com. To read more about this topic, contact to get a copy of her chapter in the 25 practitioners’ collaborative book, The Energy Medicine Solution: Mind-Blowing Results to Live Your Extraordinary Life. All statements in this article are practice- or scientific evidence-based, and references are available upon request. The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, are for educational purposes only, and are not intended to take the place of a physician’s advice. Erika is available for nutrition consultations and to speak to groups, in person or via Telehealth or Zoom. She can be contacted by phone at 860.646.8178, or by email at edworkin@vitathena. com. Office Hours By Request. Visit www.vitathenawellness.com to contact Erika for a Complimentary 20-Minute Wellness Assessment.

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evo Hotel in Sal A Rock Climber

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lt Lake City: r’s Dream

“evo is an outdoor company whose purpose is to make life better by building community and igniting the adventurous spirit that lives within us all.”

—Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD

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By Diane Hayden, PhD

n our recent trip to Utah, we had the exciting opportunity to spend a few nights at the newly launched evo Hotel in the Granary District of Salt Lake City. Evo is designed as an ultimate launchpad for exploring Salt Lake and the nearby world-class biking, climbing, hiking, and snow sports destinations. Transforming 100,000 square feet of warehouse space with the thoughtful renovation and assembly of five 100-year-old previously disjointed warehouses, evo hotel, and campus was created.

Campus Salt Lake includes an evo store, All Together Skatepark, Salt Lake Bouldering Project, Level 9 Sports, and evo’s first evo Hotel.

“The core of evo’s mission has been to provide the community with ways to connect with what they love—the outdoors, recreation, art, culture, and beyond,” said Bryce Phillips, founder and CEO of Evo. “evo Hotel embodies this mission and we feel incredibly fortunate to have opened the first of its kind in Salt Lake.”

Left: evo Hotel's very own rock climbing wall

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Feature

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Accommodations

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The hotel is comprised of 50 guest rooms that suit a range of needs and budgets, with four distinct room types: • Wasatch Rooms offer a piece of rugged luxury overlooking the Wasatch • Rafter Rooms are perfect for the adventurer on a budget • Boulder Rooms are designed with climbers in mind • Bunk Rooms are ideal for larger groups like families and friends Thoughtful storage options were designed for adventurers to dry and stow active gear, such as snowboards, boots, and skis. After a long day exploring Salt Lake City, it was wonderful to come back to our Wasatch Room, which features its own private patio with either a mountain or courtyard view, 300-thread-count sheets, rain shower, music player, one-of-a-kind furniture and artwork, and intelligent gear storage.

Top: The outdoor seating area off our Watsatch Room Middle: The spacious bathroom with ecofriendly bath products.

Bottom: A huge, inviting king bed awaits us

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evo Hotel has been designed as a place for people to gather and relax. Hang out in the rooftop bar, meet with friends in the Great Hall, or find a quiet spot to work. Throughout the hotel, you’ll find art from some of their favorite local artists on display. Currently, all of the art at evo Hotel and Campus Salt Lake is curated by local couple Anna and Adam Clark. Anna is a designer and artist from Salt Lake City, and Adam is a Salt Lake Citybased adventure photographer who specializes in outdoor sports and lifestyle photography.

Some of the unique amenities the evo Hotel offers are: • Curator’s Café shop: Proudly serving local roaster, Publik Coffee • Two on-site gear stores: evo and Level Nine Sports • Mountain-ready gear rentals: Skis, snowboards, and mountain bikes • Two top-notch service shops: Get your bike tuned or board waxed • Rooftop bar: Crown Bar with unending views of the Wasatch Mountains • Curated local Salt Lake art program

• Complimentary Wi-Fi is available across campus • Dedicated hangouts and workspaces across campus • Pet-friendly rooms • Innovative gear storage • Family-friendly accommodations • Day passes to Salt Lake Bouldering Project: Climb, work out, and practice yoga • All Together Skatepark onsite One of the best features of evo Hotel is the Crown Bar, where we enjoyed awesome views of the Wasatch Mountains from the third-floor rooftop. I loved their creative cocktail menu using local ingredients in their drinks and the firepit was a great option for chilly nights.

Other Exciting Activities

I’ll bet you’ve never been to a hotel that had an onsite rock climbing and bouldering gym! At this 26,000-square-foot indoor gym, you decide what climbing means to you, how you want to move, and why. In addition to world-class climbing, Salt Lake Bouldering Project features a yoga and fitness studio. There’s no excuse not to work out while you’re at evo!

Above: A view of the mountains from the Crown rooftop bar

“The team at evo believes all young people deserve the opportunity to discover their passions and achieve their full potential.”

—Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD

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Amenities

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Feature

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Top and bottom: More rock climbing options available at evo Hotel

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evo is an outdoor company whose purpose is to make life better by building community and igniting the adventurous spirit that lives within us all. evo is focused on providing unique experiences across its network of stores, evo.com, two All Together Skateparks, lodging, and travel businesses, which are centered on sport, culture, the outdoors, and human connection. evo uses its success in these areas to support non-profit organizations dedicated to getting underserved kids outdoors.

The team at evo believes all young people deserve the opportunity to discover their passions and achieve their full potential. They invest in programs and partnerships that help kids build positive skills and mindsets in the communities where they live, work, and play. They focus their giving and volunteerism on organizations that serve youth in the opportunity gap, particularly organizations committed to getting kids active, outdoors, and engaged in a positive mentoring relationship. evo invites you to join them in the work of closing the gap and opening the door to community, and to adventure. evo Hotel is located at 600 S. 400 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84101. Rooms are available from USD $119 and up. Visit evohotel.com or call 385.386.8585 for booking and more information.

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Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD, is an entrepreneur, mindset warrior, perspective shifter, and unshakable optimist. She started a health and wellness publishing business with nothing more than passion, a laptop, and a dream, and has created a socially conscious print and digital platform that has touched thousands of people for nearly 20 years.

Top: An example of the unique equipment storage available in the rooms Middle: Lots of ways to get your exercise in when you stay at evo Hotel Bottom: The entrance to the evo Hotel

www

Want more TRAVEL? Checkout www.essentialnaples.com

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Local Experts In and Around Naples BIOLOGICAL DENTIST

ENERGY HEALING

FLOAT SPA

Naples 239.692.9623 www.puredentalnaples.com

Zel Rau—Owner/Operator 7935 Airport Pulling Rd. 2nd Floor, Suite 214 Naples FL 34109 219.381.9777 • bekind111@yahoo.com ZelRau.com/book-online

Fort Myers 239.887.4161 www.c9floatspa.com

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Josephine Perez, DMD

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.

DIABETES REVERSAL COACHING Reverse My Diabetes

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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 Spa

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 I Love Oils, Inc.

Susie Bagwell • susie@iloveoils.com 17030 Alico Commerce Ct. #303 Fort Myers, FL 34109 586.604.3500 • www.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.

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.

Cloud 9 Float Spa

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.

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 734.308.7105 theresaedmunds@hotmail.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 that 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 www.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!

HOLISTIC FUNCTIONAL HEALTHCARE

MOLD INSPECTION AND REMEDIATION

ROBOTIC MUSCULAR THERAPY

Jenni Berman, PA-C, CPT, CNS 501 Goodlette Rd N Unit C202 Naples, FL 34102 239.431.0232 www.bermanpt.com/wellness

Julie S. Hurst-Nicoll Central Indiana and Southwest Florida 239.302.8862 • 877.877.9744 Naples, FL • AMEswfl.com info@americanmoldexperts.com

Theresa Edmunds, CHC, RPT Naples 239.778.6842 www.naplesroboticpainrelief.com theresa@naplesroboticpainrelief.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.

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.

Onlines • 800.991.7088 www.mynaturesrite.com

Candice Rosen, RN www.candicerosenrn.com

Berman Health and Wellness

Naples Robotic Pain Relief

INTEGRATIVE & FUNCTIONAL SELF HEALTH REGISTERED DIETITIAN NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS Candice Rosen RN, Healthy Concepts Consulting

Betsy Opyt, RD, LD/N, CDE Naples 239.297.8844 www.healthyconceptsconsulting.com betsy@healthyconceptsconsulting.com

MICROVASCULAR HEALTH MV Solutions, LLC

5633 Strand Blvd #312, Naples, FL 34110 239.821.1223 • 239.595.2353 www.mvsolutions.pro Lisa@ mvsolutions.pro

Life is in the blood! Until now, doctors have only been able to measure 1% of your arteries and veins. Now, with GlycoCheck, we can measure the other 99%. This FDA-cleared, state-of-the-art medical device allows us to take a look at the function of your microvascular system before it’s too late.

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

Spine, Joint, and Neuropathy Care Richard A. Hiler, DABCN Naples 239.330.1000 • DrRHiler@aol.com www.FeelAmazing.com

Oftentimes, to simply inject a joint or nerve with stem cells for pain, inflammation, and degeneration is not enough.

Boost regenerative capability and capacity with the addition of ozone, PRP, growth factors, peptides, myoneural therapies, and physical reconditioning.

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.

Health Counseling

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 www.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!

51 WINTER2023 SPRING 2024

Betsy is a Licensed and Registered Dietitian as well as a Certified Diabetes Educator, Integrative & Functional Medicine Nutrition Therapist, and RYT200 yoga teacher. She specializes in nutrigenomics, gut health, food sensitivities, detoxing, inflammatory diseases, and longevity living. Betsy is a professional speaker and advocate for healthy living. She is available for individual consultations, group programs, and speaking engagements.

Nature’s Rite

ESSENTIAL Naples

Berman Health and Wellness is a Functional Medicine Center who 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.

American Mold Experts

A New Breed of Financial Advisor Who Treats You Like Family

Nina Azwoir

First Vice President, Investments tel: 239.687.5204

LOCATED AT

3401 Tamiami Trail North Naples, Florida

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