Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles. East Lake Magazine. Vol. 14, Issue 12, December 2021 by Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles Magazine

Vol. 14, Issue 12, December 2021

Your community. Your magazine.

The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 18,000 Homes In East Lake & Surrounding Areas This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To:

Anchorage, Bay Arbor, Boot Ranch, Brookers Landing, Crescent Oaks, CRYSTAL LAKE CONDOS, Cypress Cove, Cypress Lakes

Estates, Cypress Run, Cypress Trails, Deer Hollow, Grey Oak, Eagle Cove, Eagle’s Cove at Lake Tarpon, Eagle Ridge, Eagle Trace, Eagle Watch, East Lake Oaks, East Lake Woodlands, Hunters Wood, Keystone Bluffs, Keystone Palms, Keystone Ranchettes,

Lansbrook, Lansbrook Village, Meadow Ridge, Nature’s Watch, Oak Hill Acres, Pine Ridge, Regina Estates, Ridgemoor, Tarpon Woods, Wentworth, Whispering Lakes, WINDMILL POINT, Woodfield

Win an Annual Membership at Hands at Heart Yoga’s One Year Celebration teacher training programs, and yoga retreats on top of corporate and private yoga instruction. Where others failed, Hands at Heart Yoga continues to thrive. On January 2, 2022, Amy invites the community to celebrate Hands at Heart Yoga’s one-year anniversary celebration. HAHY will offer free 45-minute classes all day, live music by Haley Meehan, food, raffles, and fun.

By Deborah Bostock-Kelley In 2013, Amy Olshanski founded Hands at Heart Yoga, providing corporate and private yoga instruction. In January 2021, in the heart of the pandemic, she took

a giant leap of faith and found a space of her own, a special place where you can forget about the rest of the world and make yourself and your health a priority. She opened her doors, offering hybrid classes, energy healing, yoga

“Enter our plank contest to try your luck at beating Hands at Heart Yoga Instructor and “plank master” Sarah Sclafani to win an annual paid-in-full yoga membership,” said Amy. These 45-minute classes will provide the public with an opportunity to meet the dynamic instructors that have made the yoga studio a sanctuary for so many people during these turbulent times.

Offering memberships and open seven days a week, the studio features qualified teachers who will facilitate your endeavors whether you’re a beginner or want to deepen your practice or decide to become a Certified Yoga Instructor and share your passion with others. See HANDS AT HEART on page 20

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

From the Editor........................5 Decorating Den........................8-9 Tech Talk with Bob..................12 SAT/ACT................ ..................14 Advent Health....................18-19

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Shop Local This Holiday Season Holiday Shopping is in full swing, and while online purchases continue to thrive, Tampa Bay streets are getting packaged again, with more people visiting stores and shopping face to face than last year. Even though COVID19 is not entirely behind us, and in certain parts of the world, the numbers continue to rise, Tampa natives, tourists, and snowbirds alike seem to be ready to be out and about and celebrate big this holiday season. During the pandemic, online shopping became the norm. I cannot deny it was fast, convenient, and safe, but was it more affordable, and enjoyable? Not necessarily. Online shopping doesn’t always mean better price or better quality, so beware. I have never been a big fan of online shopping, and I usually end up returning most items. Don’t you miss interacting with real people? Touching things and trying them on to make sure you like them? But mainly, having someone offer their assistance in helping you find that unique gift for that special person? I enjoy being out socializing, and especially during the Holidays. You can feel magic in the air! The whole month of December is full of extraordinary, family-friendly events for you to enjoy. Many stores bring out their holiday merchandise and offer fantastic deals. Most local parks are For or decorated visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com For Advertising Advertising Info Info 727-943-0551 727-943-0551 II info@nnlflorida.com info@nnl- beautifully with lights and

festive motives. Markets and arts and craft festivals with amazing vendors and blocks full of locally hand-made products will blow your mind! At Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles, we’re all about supporting local! And this month (and always), I encourage you to visit locallyowned shops, where you can find incredibly unique gifts for your loved ones while supporting your own neighbors, friends, and your community members. Multiple Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles advertisers are already offering fabulous deals and spectacular Holiday specials that will last throughout the rest of the year. Whether you’re shopping for clothes, jewelry, wine and spirits, beauty and personal care, sporting equipment or outdoor living, cooking ware, restaurant gift cards, or even a brand new home, you can find your perfect gift right in your neighborhood! Please browse through this and our other digital issues online, and find your perfect gift today! I wish you the best of the season. A healthy and happy holiday and a chance to reflect, recharge and reconnect with your loved ones. Remember always how blessed you are and all the reasons you have to feel thankful for and to celebrate. Until next year, see you in 2022!

Carla M. Dubis Tedeschi. DECEMBER 2021 5

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Preparing your home for the holidays By Decorating Den While it’s hard to believe that the holiday season is upon us, there’s no time to waste if you’re hosting this year! Beyond decorating and turning your living space into a winter wonderland, there are various factors you need to consider if you’re throwing a Christmas or New Year’s Eve party. Your home should look amazing, of course, but you also need to consider how you can make your guests feel more cozy and welcomed the second they glide through the entryway. If you’re feeling frantic and think your house needs a little pick-me-up before St. Nick shows up, here are a few ways to prepare your home for the winter

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holidays: Declutter Every new and improved design scheme starts with getting rid of the things that clutter the room. House

Logic recommended going through the guest room, living room, den, dining room and the kitchen to remove anything that’s taking up space and causing

an eye sore. You’ll feel better knowing your guests don’t have to look at those loose papers that were stacked on the countertops for months.

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Find ways to make more space You need to ease traffic flow throughout your home if you plan on hosting for a lot of people. This would be an ideal time to reconsider your current furniture arrangement – is it in the best possible structure for your guests? Perhaps you can benefit from moving that trunk that sits next to the couch to the foyer for the night. Spruce up your furniture It might be too late to invest in new furniture to wow your guests, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spruce up what you already own. A few design elements can make an old, outdated sofa look like a trendy new piece that just came off the

market. Use throw blankets and pillows, perhaps in colors of bold red or deep forest green, to add a cozy and festive vibe to your living space. Intimate lighting is ideal this time of year. Update your lighting New, intimate lighting is another way to help your guests feel more comfortable. Make it a point to rely only on the Christmas tree lights and another set of string lights to keep the room dim lit and romantic.

area, can take your living space to the next level, according to designer Jodi Morton. “I always include vintage glassware from local antique shops when styling a bar,” Morton told Forbes contributor Dering Hall. “I love their patina and mixing shapes and colors. Vintage pitchers also work beautifully as vases and I prefer leaves

and greenery to flowers. Of course, you can never have too many bottles of spirits and liquor, which are beautiful in their own right.” Take it a step further and stock up your bar with delicious ingredients to craft your own signature holiday cocktail this year. Christmas is right around the corner!

Add a fun entertaining element Looking for a way to “wow” your guests this year? A new and exciting element for entertaining, such as a bar and beverage

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Tech Talk with Bob: Shop Safely Online

As the holidays quickly approach, I am scrambling to complete my shopping in time. I find I am doing most of my holiday shopping online this year, and you may too. As holiday euphoria sets in, we want to be sure that we do not drop our guard when shopping online. Here’s a few tips to help improve your safety posture when it comes to giving others access to your money. First and foremost, do not use your computer for any financial transactions if you are not certain that your computer itself is functioning 100% free of any viruses, spyware, keyloggers, Trojans or any other dangerous software. If you question the integrity of your computer’s safety, you need to have it inspected by a certified professional. You have access to my professional analysts and technicians who thoroughly inspect and scrutinize your system for threats, so you can be sure you are ready for a safer online shopping experience. Second, make sure your computer is using robust anti-malware software solutions to protect you. Be sure you always keep that software up to date too. Third, be certain

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you also keep your computer’s operating system up to date with all its latest tweaks and security patches. Any security breach discovered in your operating system can leave you exceptionally vulnerable to attackers. Fourth, not only does your computer need to be safe, the network it connects to must also be safe. Only shop online when you are connected to a network you trust. That means use your private home network not some public wi-fi hotspot at a park, restaurant, hotel, waiting room, etc. Any information that you type into any website can be seen and even collected by the owner of the hotspot; or even worse, a malicious attacker who has hacked and taken control of the hotspot. Online shopping from your private home network is a much safer bet than using any public hotspot. Fifth, use credit cards instead of debit

cards for your online purchases. Banks these days are pretty good about protecting their card users against fraud. However, if you should have an issue with a transaction, you’ll have less of a headache if you use your credit card instead of your debit card. Sixth, vet your vendors. Don’t just buy from any website. It is easy for criminals to set up websites. You may stumble onto some sketchy sites while you shop. Be discriminating when it comes to the websites you choose to enter your credit card number into. If your gut doesn’t feel right as you type in your card number… STOP! Only buy from online vendors you are comfortable with. Cyber criminals will exploit the easy victims and unprotected systems. Protecting yourself online is your responsibility, but you don’t have to do it all by yourself. I’m here to help you. If you are not sure your system is safe, you need to have me look at it. Call 727534-4000 right now. We’ve been helping folks restore their peace of mind, and sanity, with their technology for decades. Want a money-saving offer or unique gift

idea for the upcoming holidays? Buy one Cybersecurity Scan and GET ONE FREE. Yes, I will scan two computers for the price of one! You can give both scans away to two friends, or you can get your computer scanned and give a friend the gift of a FREE scan. One certificate is only $100 and good through December 2022. But you will get two Cybersecurity Scan Certificates when you purchase one between now and the end of December 2021. We can easily accommodate your phone order and we accept all major credit cards. Call 727534-4000 to place your order right now. We Keep You Safer In Your Digital World! To my Clients and Readers… A Big THANK YOU. I cherish your loyalty, continued support, and the many friendships made throughout the years. Please take time to be grateful for what you have and treasure your time with family and friends. My wonderfully supportive family and incredible staff wish you and your loved ones Happy Holidays and a Healthy, Safe, and Secure New Year!

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SAT AND ACT IMPROVEMENT: GETTING READY

By Dr. Wayne Adams As we move into December, all SAT and ACT Exams have been completed for fall, all of us are so happy we live in Florida during the winter … and we are getting ready for life after Christmas holidays! SENIORS are finalizing applications, wondering what happens next, and many are starting to work on bringing up their exam scores to qualify for the 75% Bright Futures Scholarship (about $18,000) or the 100% Bright Futures Scholarship (about $25,000). Many schools such as FSU, USF, and UCF, use “rolling admissions”, meaning you can apply and send your applications in the spring for consideration for the next fall freshman class. This is also true for many schools outside of Florida. For these SENIORS, I can help with a full prep course, or selected “skill strenghening” classes such as in math, the verbal sections, or (for the ACT) science. A current student working on SAT math told me at the end

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of our first class, “I am really surprised there are so many tricks to solve problems much faster and get them right!” Yes, there really are! For JUNIORS preparing further ahead usually like to work with the full prep course, and many opt to prepare for both the SAT and the ACT with me. My students will usually score 15 percentiles higher one one exam or the other, but it is hard to know which until they have prepared for both. For SOPHOMORES, you would be surprised at how many calls I receive about starting early to be ready for the next PSAT. Often these students are aiming for “Top 25” schools, and for UF (now ranked #5 in the country for public universities according to US News and World Report). Some are also aiming for National Merit Scholarships, which bring additional scholarship funding plus schools love to have this level of student to enhance the school’s reputation. The next two exams are the ACT on Saturday, February

12, and the SAT on Saturday, March 5. SAT PREP USUALLY STARTS in early January with once a week classes, and if we start in early February with twice a week. ACT PREP USUALLY STARTS in late December or early January with twice a week classes. MY COMBINATION ACT AND SAT CLASSES also usually start in late December or early January with twice a week classes. In closing, I would like to share several surprise emails I received from my students and their parents. RECENTLY RECEIVED FROM PARENTS AND STUDENTS “When our daughter came home after your first class, she was so excited about all she learned. This is highpraise from her.” “Your helping with my reading and grammar really made the difference. Now I am well within the SAT range for admission to my dream school.” “Thank you so much for the four books/guides you sent us. I had no idea you could negotiate with colleges and reduce their costs so much. Your Negotiating with Colleges was eye-opening.” “Dr. Adams, we have just finished your course and I wanted to thank you for all you have done. Our student greatlly improved SAT scores. Plus you helped with so many life-lessons, insights into future career possibilities,

and how to get a really good start in college. You are more than a tutor, you are a great community asset.” If You Would Like To Talk More About Your Student … Please contact me at 727-2530639 or send me an e mail at wwa0811@mykolab.com. Dr. Wayne Adams is one of the leading SAT and ACT tutors in the country. His students normally improve 200+ points on the Writing, Reading, and Math, and 4 – 7 points on the ACT composite. They have been admitted to 9 of the top 10 universities in the country, 18 of the top 25, and many schools in Florida. These schools include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Stanford, U Chicago, Duke, U Penn, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Notre Dame, Emory, UC Berkley, UCLA, USC, UNC (Chapel Hill), NYU, Northeastern (Boston), Boston College, Georgia Tech, Naval - Air Force - Merchant Marine Service Academies, Penn State, LSU, Auburn, UF, U Miami, FSU, USF, UCF, Florida Atlantic, Florida Gulf Coast, FIU, New College of Florida, Stetson, and Julliard – Manhattan - New England - and Berkley Conservatories of Music. Many have received academic, athletic, or music scholarships. Three of his students have qualified as national merit finalists on the PSAT. He is a former Dean of a Graduate School of Business and Full Professor, and began college teaching at the University of Maryland in 1968. He has degrees and advanced studies at Harvard, Yale, Vanderbilt, Columbia International, and Luther Rice.

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Caring for Your Diabetic Foot Pain Did you know that about 34 million people in the United States are living with diabetes? That’s about one in every ten Americans. Diabetic patients have a unique set of health concerns and potential complications. Along with an increased risk to develop problems with their eyes, kidneys, nerves and circulation, complications can also impact their feet. Podiatry physician, David Fine, DPM, has expert information and advice on how to best care for your feet if you have diabetes. How Does Diabetes Affect Your Feet? Consistently high blood sugar levels can cause gradual damage to your

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blood vessels. This restricts blood flow to other parts of your body, including your feet. You can develop diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage, anywhere in the body. Neuropathy in diabetic patients most commonly affects their feet. “Patients might have pain, tingling and burning sensations. They might even lose all sensation in their feet,” says Dr. Fine. When this happens, pain wouldn’t alert you to cuts or sores on your feet, increasing the risk of infection. In the worst-case scenario, infections that don’t heal along with poor circulation can lead to gangrene, and your doctor might have to amputate a toe, foot or leg

to stop its spread. Dr. Fine says, “One of the most challenging conditions we treat are patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This can be very disconcerting to the patient and is often a red flag. Loss of protective sensation can lead to balance problems, foot infections, ulcers and musculoskeletal and neurovascular conditions like charcot disease in the later stages.” Signs of Diabetic Foot

Problems Make sure to bring any of these symptoms to your doctor’s attention right away: • Blisters • Calluses or corns • Changes in skin color on feet • Cracks between your toes • Developing bunions • Ingrown toenail • Loss of sensation in your feet or legs • Peeling or cracking on the soles of your feet • Sores that don’t heal

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for you like family. As Dr. Fine says, “We use the latest technologies in treating these conditions. As diabetes can be a multi-system complex disorder, we work side by side with primary care, endocrinology, vascular surgery, neurology, wound care and our nutritionists.”

• Swelling in your feet or legs • Thickened or yellow toe nails • Tingling, pins and needles sensation in your feet Keeping Your Feet Healthy Diabetes is a challenging condition and it’s important to take care of yourself. “Be sure to give your feet the attention they need every day as you continue watching your diet and taking your medicine,” says Dr. Fine. The first key to caring for your feet with diabetes is to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range. Here are some more tips to follow to keep your feet healthy if you or someone you care for is living with diabetes: • Always wear shoes or slippers • Check your feet every day

For more information or to make an appointment, reach our office directly at 727-934-6797. • Don’t go barefoot • Don’t smoke • Eat a nutritious diet • Give yourself foot massages for better circulation • Keep your blood moving with exercise you can handle, like walking • Moisturize your feet with

lotion, but not between the toes • Contact your podiatrist for routine nail care • Wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day Feeling Whole for Life At AdventHealth North Pinellas, we’re here to care

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To register for Dr. Fine’s free Foot and Ankle Screenings on Friday, November 12th from 9am to 12pm, please call 844-504-9378, or visit AHNorthPinellas. Registration is required. We look forward to caring for you.

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Hands at Heart - story continued from page 1 In 2012, Amy suffered life-altering traumas, and yoga helped her rebuild. As a result, Amy wants the rest of the world to know that it’s possible for anybody. Amy’s classes are challenging and inspiring. She understands first-hand that people need a venue to heal the body from the inside out on levels that can only be experienced, not described. This is why she has created the studio and surrounded herself with other skilled professionals in the Yoga community who provide an authentic experience where you learn to breathe. Hands at Heart Yoga’s Winter Solstice event will

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be 3:30PM - 6:30 PM on December 19 at Veteran’s Memorial Park with a beautiful view of the water to welcome the new year. “The practice of Sun Salutations symbolizes death and rebirth during this time and the ability to move forward and let go. It’s a time to set intentions for moving into the new year. What better time than the weekend of a full moon to top it off,” said Amy. “We will also be collecting donations for Oldsmar Cares again, as well as selling tickets for amazing raffle prizes and 50/50.” The practice of Sun Salutations stimulates the metabolism and the

digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and reproductive systems. It provides an is sequence takes your spine through almost every

possible range of motion. When integrated with the breath (the pattern in which we inhale and exhale with each pose), it encourages

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Amy Olshanski, owner and founder of Hands at Heart Yoga deep and rhythmic breathing, increasing blood to the brain and bringing mental clarity. “Following our practice will be a 108 mala bead chant,” she said. “Our mantra is Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha - asking to remove obstacles, evils, and struggles from our path.”

Other exciting events begin January 2022. On January 13, Hands at Heart Yoga will be offering their next 200HR Yoga Teacher Training Program. “We offer a convenient program allowing you to graduate in four months. Our streamlined 4-month package is designed to inform, educate and prepare you

for graduation by teaching a one-hour class that you design in the manner that suits your unique personality. We also offer a three-part workshop on The Lymphatic System that cannot be found in other local Teacher Training Progra ms. Your lead teacher is Shelly Happel, LMT, RYT, MA. She has been teaching Yoga in Tampa Bay for almost 22 and is a Licensed Massage Therapist with an intimate knowledge of the body,” said Amy. “Whether wanting to become a yoga teacher or deepening personal knowledge, the training will include a variety of practices and allow students to discover the style that most resonates. “From Yin Yoga to a Power Vinyasa Flow, we will work together to find what makes your heart sing and fuel your desire to share your passion with others,” she said. Michele Nieset, a November 2021 graduate of the program, said on social media, “This training brought a new level of confidence to my typically quiet demeanor and showed me the physical and emotional strength I easily forget I have.” Amy has an ad for $400

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off Yoga Teacher training in this issue. In the studio on January 16 is the Full Moon Flow & Art. Students can join Amy as she leads a full moon flow & full moon guided meditation. She will then help them tap into their creative side with a full moon-inspired painting. Supplies, snacks, wine, and drinks included. “This falls on the end of our four-day immersion to kick off yoga teacher training. What better time to set intentions and manifest. Students come in exhausted and leave saying, ‘this was so awesome!’” she said, “As people have discovered us, I’m excited for them to trust my beautiful space for their yoga journey.” Hands at Heart Yoga is located on the southeast corner of Race Track Road and Tampa Road at 13946 West Hillsborough Avenue. To learn more, schedule classes or register for an event or Yoga Teacher Training, visit handsatheartyoga.yoga or like us on Facebook to stay up to date on upcoming events.

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Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles. East Lake Magazine. Vol. 14, Issue 12, December 2021

Articles inside

tech talk with Bob

Advent health

from the editor

sAt/Act

Decorating Den