Kevin B. Strait, DO
Dr. Kevin Strait specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the lungs and respiratory system.
Northwest Specialty Hospital is partnering with the American Lung Association to offer the region’s first in-person smoking cessation class. The Freedom From Smoking® program offers a structured, systematic approach to quitting, and its positive messaging emphasizes the benefits of better health.
• Classes are FREE to the public
• Small group in-person classes offer support from other members in a comfortable classroom environment
• Trained facilitators are certified Tobacco Cessation Educators and respiratory therapists
• Follow-up support, resources, and tools to keep you on your successful quit path
Pre-registration is
208-618-2570
registration
Classes are located at Northwest Specialty Hospital – 1551 E. Mullan Ave., Ste 102 in Post Falls. • SESSION 1: January 5–February 16 • SESSION 2: March 9–April 20 • SESSION 3: April 27–June 8 • SESSION 4: June 22–August 3 • SESSION 5: August 10–September 21 • SESSION 6: September 28–November 9
All classes are held Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm–8:00 pm.
CHANGE IS IN THE AIR.
For this magazine, for our (not so) little town and for all of us personally as we enter this new year. With change, can come fear. Fear of stepping out of our comfort zones. Fear of failure. Fear of having to let go of things no longer serving us to pick up something great. It’s only natural to feel fear with change. We hope you feel a little fear stepping into 2023 as it is only with fear that you know you’re pushing yourself out of the safety of your old life and into the brightness of your new future. And if you fail, fail forward with the knowledge of what to do differently next time. We hope 2023 is full of beautiful change and is your best year yet.
+ Jennifer
Jaimee Cox, owner and lead instructor of PureBarre CDA and Stretch Lab of CDA and South Hill -
Cover Photography by Brady Campbell www.bradycampbellphotography.com
Written by Jennifer Miller
Winter may not seem like the ideal time to be spending your days outside. Especially living in North Idaho when the wind chill/ snow mix has most of us running back to the comfort of our cozy couch, slippers, and hot drink. However, the benefits of spending time outdoors are many, even in the winter! If you can talk yourself into it, you’ll feel more creative energy, lower stress levels, fewer allergies, and even lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
In countries like Sweden, it’s customary to spend most of the winter outdoors. There is a common phrase used, “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” Opting for layers, moisture wicking fabrics, hats and gloves are key to dressing for the weather in North Idaho. Don’t let the bluebird days fool you either, it can and will still be incredibly cold with the sunshine (but that doesn’t mean you should skimp on the sunscreen).
Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on who you are, Northern Idaho is barely above freezing up to six months of the year. And if you’re a year rounder, the best thing we can do is embrace the cold, Elsa style. You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg or be a pro at winter sports either. Believe it or not, there is more to winter activities than skiing and snowboarding. Below is a list of our favorite winter activities to give you a little inspiration to get outside this winter!
Get the same expansive, scenic North Idaho views and experience without the lift lines or expensive rentals. North Idaho boasts some of the best cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails with little or no trail fees. Both sports are generally low impact aerobic exercise and easy to learn for all ages and abilities. No need to buy all your gear. Head to Vertical Earth for 24 hour rentals for both sports for under $30. Locally, there are numerous trails to hit up including 4th of July Pass, Priest Lake State Park n’ Ski Unit and Priest Lake Golf Course.
Are you an avid fair weather biker? Consider upgrading (or renting) a fat tire bike for wintery conditions. Not only do these bikes look cool, the improved traction and grip can handle most winter weather so no need to abandon the North Idaho Centennial Trail until Spring.
For all you adrenaline junkies! Snowmobiling is a great way to explore Northern Idaho, however it’s not always beginner friendly. If it’s something beginner friendly you seek, check out a snow tracked UTV ( Utility Task Vehicle) which you can rent in 4 to 7 day periods locally from Adventure Sports Rentals on Sherman. If you aren’t new to snowmobiling but don’t want to drop the cash on a machine, snag a rental.
Looking for family friendly? They rent up to a 4 seater UTV. Book a guided tour or pick up the whole set up (trailer included) and take it to your favorite trailhead. Reservations are required so be sure to plan ahead for your day on the trails.
Embrace your inner Olympian and hit the ice. Our friends at CDA on Ice are open with multiple daily skates through the end of January and if you can’t make it in there, Frontier Ice Arena has open skate Sundays and Tuesdays!
Help out the planet while getting some exercise. The word plogging is a Swedish word combining the 2 verbs : plocka upp and jogga. It literally translates to picking up trash while jogging.
And you don’t have to jog to do it, although consider it a full body workout if you do!
Gear up with some shoe tracks (in case of ice), gloves and a trash bag and hit the streets. You’ll not only be helping keep North Idaho clean and beautiful but getting in some movement too.
Don’t think of it as boring, think of it as a tailgate party on the ice! Pack up your friends, family, your favorite food and drinks and head out. There are plenty of local lakes that freeze well enough for ice fishing in our area including Avondale, Twin Lakes, Fernan and Cocalala. Use your best judgment when testing the ice. Ice should be at least 3 to 4 inches thick to support a person, it should be thicker if you have a bigger group. You can drill up to a 10 inch diameter hole to check thickness and fish from. You will need an ice auger and slush spoon.
While you will need a bit of teaching for these sports, fear not! Frontier Ice Arena has partnered with some awesome groups like the Inland Northwest Curling Club who offers group curling lessons and games. The arena also hosts an Adult Hockey League with 2 seasons starting in either the fall or winter.
If you’re headed out into the back country either on a motorized vehicle or to enjoy the solitude and views, the risk of avalanches is something to be aware of.
They can be big or small, wet or dry and on average, 27 people die a year in the United States due to avalanches. At the core, an avalanche is a mass of snow moving down a slope. Here are 5 tips to help you prepare for your next trek in the winter wilderness:
Understand where they occur. Chances are, if you’re heading out to the back country it’s on a mountain. Unstable snow, human triggers (such as weight and movement) can cause an avalanche. Check the avalanche forecast. Visit the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center website www. idahopanhandleavalanche.org for updated avalanche reports and forecasts.
Carry rescue gear. It is important that every member of your party carry at least a rescue beacon, snow probe, and shovel. The rescue beacons should be turned on at the beginning of your adventure as they will assist other members of your party in finding anyone who is buried in the avalanche. The snow probe can help you see how far down someone may be buried.
Recognize the red flags. Avalanches will generally announce themselves in some way. Whether it’s by debris of recent avalanches, shooting cracks along slopes, “whumpfing” which is the technical term for the sound the air makes rushing out of the snowpack. Big changes in weather are also a warning, especially any rising temperatures and extreme wind.
Take a class. It’s better to be safe than sorry and you can never learn too much. The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center provides motorized and non motorized avalanche and rescue classes at many local ski hills.
Born and raised in Coeur d’Alene I graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School and moved to Texas after attending the University of Idaho where I focused my studies on journalism and Spanish. I had hopes of finding the perfect career direction that would combine my love for all sports and exercise, and my love for writing.
Photos by Brady Campbell
Not long after college, the fitness market really started to shift to studio-style fitness focus, where clients could come into a smaller environment, have individualized attention and challenge themselves in a community driven studio. People were finding they enjoyed the smaller feel for group fitness and really began to fall in love with a specific style of exercise. As someone who loved running- running races, yoga, swimming and basically anything that challenges you both physically and mentally, I was really intrigued with this concept. In fact, it took me a while to understand, but once I experienced it for myself, I was in total agreement.
I kicked off my fitness franchise career as a co-owner of two Pure Barre studios in the suburbs of Houston - I was lucky enough to have two incredible business partners in those locations- one being ,my now husband and biggest supporter and the other being a friend and fellow fitness lover-whom will forever be one of my closest friends.
We all jumped into franchising knowing we had a lot of work to do, and we were ready to do it, together. We learned from each other every single day and benefited from our varying backgrounds complementary strengths. I learned about balancing budgets (haha), construction costs, and how to run payroll, all while creating social media content and teaching many, many classes a week; in a very short amount of time.
I wouldn’t change those “dive right in” experiences for anything. It is truly how you get more comfortableby asking questions and learning from others. I’ve repeatedly learned throughout my career that discomfort creates growth.
Within a couple of years, we felt ready for more and opened our second location. To say the least: we were focused on working hard, setting aside our egos and staying determined to learn all aspects of the business.
Business ownership is very rewarding and humbling at the same time. It’s a gamble on yourself and what you can accomplish. Creating a special environment (specifically in fitness and wellness) has its challenges and I have learned how very personal that one hour in a group fitness class is to each client we see, everyday. I am focused on creating an environment where my clients feel comfortable committing to a wellness or fitness goal they want to accomplish. I really do enjoy running businesses that are focused on helping people feel their best. It’s truly special and that is what drives me to grow.
As I have grown as a business owner, my perspective has changed; I value the accomplishments of both my clients and my employees far more than when I first started. I have the privilege of participating in the journey of each individual client accomplishing important goals. I find
”
I wouldn’t change those experiences for anything. It is truly how you get more comfortable... by asking questions and learning from others. I’ve repeatedly learned throughout my career that discomfort creates growth.
complete joy in introducing clients to the Pure Barre way of fitness, and then seeing them back in class again and again! I get to see their excitement when they post before and after pictures, and most importantly, when they find a new level of confidence. Those moments and milestones bring me so much happiness!
With any business ownership, the backbone of the business is your team. I am lucky and inspired by their efforts daily. They take on never ending tasks, maintain a fun environment for all and respect the nature of what we do. In an ever changing fitness world, they have had to pivot, re-arrange schedules, adapt to trends and work harder than ever before - especially during and after COVID changed the way fitness is perceived and executed. I am in awe of the way they embrace our brands, the relationships they have developed and their drive to do more.
When I was growing up, I watched my grandparents run three local businesses and I learned a lot. They helped set the tone for what business ownership should look like and were a great example to me. John and Dee Fullwiller gave everything they had to their people, each other, their families and businesses they built from the ground up right here in North Idaho. As I look back, remembering their accomplishments, I appreciate their impression on me more and more.
Oftentimes, my grandpa would tell me, “Jaimee, you’re going into sales one day, I just know it.” He mentioned it more and more as I grew older - I had no idea what he meant - but I am starting to now.
I have learned over the years sales and business ownership are about people- it’s how you make them feel and when it’s well known that you believe in your business, your product and your people, that’s when you have a thriving business. The value, the belief in your team and your product, and the way you make people feel applies to your clients, your friends, your family, and also, yourself. Through various business training, a (whole lot of) trial and error, missed opportunities, revamps and on-the-fly changes, and yes of course, valued wins- almost 10 years later, I am still learning this process.
I am most proud of two major accomplishmentsone being the grand opening of my sixth franchise location with my husband, Grant- I appreciate his creative ideas and the positivity he generates day in and day out. His humility is infectious and he always has a fresh perspective and loves watching people succeed. We strategize daily, and we joke that we have to put parameters around ‘business and work talk’ and…then actually stick to it. But somehow it always comes full circle; and I’m confident we both just live for that.
Secondly, I am proud of how much I have learned from my employees. I consider myself very lucky knowing I have a team of individuals who are smart, creative go-getters- who want to make a difference. We have a team of employees who treat the business like their own. I admire their work ethic and I enjoy and value their perspectives on decisions. All of that truly helps keep me accountable. Their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed and I am very grateful for the work they put in daily.
In 2023, we will officially launch and open our second StretchLab location on Spokane’s South Hill. This has been a vision we have had for almost three years now, but we had to be patient and make sure we were ready for that kind of growth. I am excited to see this business open- to promote employees to larger roles and for the client base in Spokane to experience 1:1 stretching. I truly believe it changes people’s lives and keeps our bodies moving for the activities we love most.
OWNER AND FOUNDER JEN FLETCHER originally set out in 2012 to open an independent NP clinic that provides quality health care in a relaxed, non-judgmental and caring atmosphere. Active Family has become a crucial hub for Primary Care in North Idaho ever since.
Over the past 10 years, we have made it our goal to provide our patients with the attention and effort they deserve. During this journey, we have enjoyed serving you and learning from you. Without your continued support, we would not be where we are today. So we want to thank you for choosing Active Family Healthcare for all your health needs.
It’s always smart to stay physically fit, at every point in your life. But financial fitness and health is important too. Are you doing everything you can to boost your financial well-being?
The topic of financial health is certainly on the minds of many people. In fact, 70% of Americans say the Covid- 19 pandemic has caused them to pay more attention to their long-term finances, according to a recent Edward Jones/ Age Wave survey titled Four Pillars of the New Retirement: What a Difference a Year Makes. But regardless of your age or gender, you can still take some steps to improve your financial health, including these:
CONDUCT AN INVESTMENT “CHECK-UP”.
Getting a regular check up is a key part of maintaining good physical health. And the same principle applies to your investments- you need to periodically access their “vital signs”. Is your portfolio still appropriate for your risk tolerance and time horizon? Is it providing you with the growth potential you’ll need to help you achieve your long term goals, such as comfortable retirement? Is it
diversified enough, or do you own too many of the same investments? Even though diversification can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses, it can help reduce the impact of financial market volatility on your portfolio.
Throughout your life, you probably take medicines as needed, and possibly vitamins and other supplements, in an effort to treat existing illnesses or prevent future ones. You can also, and should, take preventative measures to boost financial health. For example, do you have sufficient life and disability insurance? If your family situation has changed through divorce, remarriage or the births of new children have you updated the beneficiary designations on your insurance policies? And have you taken steps to protect your financial independence- and possibly avoid burdening your family- by addressing the potentially huge costs of long-term care such as an extended nursing home stay?
did you know?
January is Financial Wellness Month. It’s the time of year where people set financial resolutions — start yours today!
Written by Ed O’Hara, CRPC for Edward JonesSmoking, a sedentary lifestyle and excessive stress are all considered unhealthy for our bodies. But some activities are unhealthy for our financial fitness, too. You may be tempted to tap into your IRA or 401 (k) to pay for a short term need, such as a down payment on a new car, but if it isn’t absolutely essential that you get this car, or if you possibly can obtain other sources of funding, you may want to avoid touching your retirement accounts. For one thing, withdrawals may incur taxes and penalties, but, just as important, these accounts are intended to provide you with some of the income you’ll need when you’re retiredso the more you deplete them now, the more financial strain you may face during retirement.
Staying physically fit requires determination and workand the same is true for maintaining financial fitness. But the effort you put into staying financially healthy can help you keep moving toward your financial goals.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Ed O’ Hara, CRPC (208) 762-8924
2020 saw a lot of us taking our workouts from the gym to the living room. It opened a whole new world of fitness including cult favorite, Rebounding. It’s budget and small space friendly, low impact and efficient. All you’ll need is a mini-trampoline, easily found online and a little bit of room.
Rebounding is an aerobic exercise performed while jumping on a mini trampoline. Your inner child will get a kick out of jumping either fast or slow jumps mixed with movements like high knees or jumping jacks. Your actual children will get a kick out of this activity too as it is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Rebounding works your core, legs, glutes, and back muscles as well as helps improve endurance. It also stimulates lymphatic drainage especially when done first thing in the morning, by helping flush out toxins and waste. You’ll find it also helps with balance, coordination, and motor skills. Often recommended for people with osteoporosis, Rebounding supports bone density, strength and formation by putting light pressure on your bones which helps strengthen them. If you have pelvic floor weakness, it will also work core muscles that help prevent urinary incontinence.
Ready to jump in? Look for a mini-trampoline that is at least 36 to 48 inches in circumference and can hold between 220 and 250 pounds. Place your trampoline in a safe and sturdy palace away from walls or objects. You may feel dizzy and lightheaded the first few times before your body adjusts to jumping. As always, check with your doctor before starting any new exercise.
You can find really great (and free) comprehensive Rebounding workouts on YouTube but below is a short one to get you started.
Begin with a 5 or so minute warm up of easy jumping. Not too high or hard, just one or two inches off the trampoline.
Move on to a basic jog, keeping your back straight and knees lifted and arms moving at your sides. Once you become more comfortable, you can move on to high knees, and arms raised above your head. Jumping jacks for 2 to 3 minutes are another great basic Rebounding exercise.
Intervals are another intermediate exercise you can add in once you’re feeling more stable. Experts recommend 20 second hard jumps followed by 10 second slow jump rest repeated 7 times. You can add hand weights to any of these exercises as you progress.
Lovers of Rebounding have seen results with as little as three sessions a week, 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Whether you’re Rebounding to help with your running endurance or just jumping back into a fitness routine, it’s a great and fun way to move your body!
The New Year has always been a favorite time of year for me. An opportunity for growth and a reset if you will. To embrace the new year ahead, I thought I would share a few of my favorite things everyone could benefit from. I am a lover of all things Beauty, Health, and Fashion so you can always count on me to be in the know of must - have items for every woman!
Anfisa Lilou Radiant Hydra Balm //
A formulated blam that melts from a solid to a silky substance as you massage it into the skin. Packed with 21 botanical ingredients and 86 antioxidants. This bestselling (and locally owned) product is perfect for adding glow, hydration and radiance to your skin. Available at anfisaskin.com or locally at
Mindset Manual Ebook //
If you’re looking for a jump start to the new year and a fresh mindset, this is for you! A guide to improving your mental health and manifesting the life you deserve. In this Ebook, you will be given tools to help you work through difficult blockages in your life and learn about self awareness, the benefits of mindfulness and meditation, and positive affirmations. Mental health is so important to me and I’m so happy to share what I’ve learned over the years of my own self growth. I can confidently say that it’s life changing! Download online at www.payhip.com/megbbeauty (use code wellness for 10% off)
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask //
I can’t say enough good things about this product! If you suffer from dry lips, this mask is a game changer. Apply at night before bed and wake up with pillowy soft lips. An absolute must-have beauty product in my bag. Available at Sephora.
I don’t know about you but I love my current obsession. It’s perfect (use code welcome10 for 10% off your first order)
Over the past few years, there has been an explosion in the popularity of cannabidiol (CBD). Now, we are hearing about CBD edibles and CBD oil, which can help with anxiety, pain relief, inflammation and insomnia, among other things. But what is CBD? And what makes CBD therapeutic?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non- intoxicating, non- psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant. CBD is one of over 100 compounds known as cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds that interact with our body’s own endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS consists of receptors throughout your brain and body that bind to cannabinoids like CBD. The ECS helps regulate things like appetite, mood, memory, and more by controlling neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) like serotonin and dopamine.
Unlike THC- the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, CBD does not create a euphoric feeling or a “high”. This is why CBD can be used safely by people who are looking for relief from pain and other symptoms without the psychoactive effects caused by THC.
With that said, there are a few well known benefits of CBD worth exploring.
Written by Dr. Jessica Jameson CBD FOR SLEEP, MOOD, & PAINCBD’s role in pain relief is well known. It has been shown to help people with chronic pain, arthritis, and other conditions that contribute to pain. The relief is thought to be due to the reduction in inflammation that CBD promotes. This effect is due to the interaction of CBD with receptors in the body called CB1 receptors and TRPV1 receptors (TRPV1 is short for transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1). These receptors are involved in regulating pain sensation and inflammation, which helps reduce pain signals sent to your brain from the various parts of your body.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. In fact, about 18% of adults are affected by it at some point in their lives. Research shows that CBD can help reduce anxiety and improve overall mood by activating serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for regulating mood, sleep and appetite. It helps regulate these things by activating receptors (called 5-HT1A receptors) that are located in different parts of the brain. As CBD interacts with these receptors, it can help improve your mood and reduce anxiety as well.
According to the Sleep Foundation, CBD can help increase serotonin levels and decrease cortisol levels, which can help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up rested. Better sleep can in turn help improve mood. CBD can also help to provide relief from chronic pain or other symptoms that make it difficult for people to sleep well at night. One study showed that individuals who took CBD before bedtime experienced an average decrease of one hour and forty minutes in the time it took them to fall asleep. They also reported feeling more rested when they woke up than those who took placebo pills instead. Sweet dreams!
CBD is an all-natural product that has the potential to be helpful for a variety of problems.
Overall, CBD is a helpful supplement for many. Its relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties can help ease pain and anxiety while also bringing relief to those with insomnia . You can find a lot of information out there related to CBD and I certainly believe it is best to do your own thorough research before taking this drug or any other drug or supplement. Always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider first!
The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficiency of these products has not been confirmed by FDA- approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or an alternative to information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare provider about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.
Dr. Jessica Jameson is a board certified, fellowship trained interventional pain physician. She believes wholeheartedly in the body’s ability to heal itself and strives to help her patients improve their quality of life and maintain their function. She is the founder and owner of ReposeRX, a line of pure CBD products. www.reposerx.com
January is the time when we all hop on the bandwagon of wanting to lose weight and what diet or fad is going to get us there the quickest. Not only is that not realistic, it’s not healthy and most of us give up by the end of the month anyway. However, if you’re looking to change your lifestyle, maybe exploring intermittent fasting is for you. Below, we’ll lay out the pros and cons of intermittent fasting, the most popular fasting schedules and the best foods to help you feel full longer. Whatever eating pattern you choose, always do your own research and talk to your doctor first.
Intermittent fasting is more accurately described as an eating pattern than a diet, as the plan doesn’t tell you what to eat, but when. The plan is switching between
fasting and eating on a regular schedule with the eating portion having a smaller time window.
The easiest and most sustainable intermittent fasting plan is the 16/8 or Leangains protocol. Your fasting window is 16 hours followed by 8 hours of eating as much or as frequently as you want. Another popular option is the 5:2 approach. You’ll eat a regular balanced diet 5 days a week, while 2 days a week, you’ll just eat one 500 to 600 calorie meal.
Your body, as with any new plan, will need two to four weeks to adjust but once you’re there, the documented benefits are long. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, intermittent fasting can contribute to a longer
life, leaner body, and sharper mind. It can also help protect your organs against chronic disease like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome and neurodegenerative diseases.
More specifically, thinking and memory has been shown to improve specifically verbal memory. Heart health, like blood pressure and resting heart rate improves along with physical performance, specifically fat loss while maintaining muscle mass. Intermittent fasting has also been shown to reduce inflammation, aid in cellular repair and improve insulin sensitivity.
Sounds like it’s too good to be true?
Most eating programs don’t come without their fair share of negatives. Intermittent fasting can cause, very obviously, hunger. Especially in the weeks it will take for your body to adjust to your new eating plan. Severe hunger can
cause fatigue, insomnia, nausea, and headaches, along with mood disturbances like increased anxiety, irritability and poor concentration. Constipation, bloating and other digestive issues along with lightheadedness can have you struggling through your days too.
It may also cause you to overeat, as it is human nature to want to “reward” ourselves after a period of fasting. The long term effects and safety of intermittent fasting are not known yet and it can be dangerous for those who have ever suffered from eating disorders, specifically anorexia or bulimia. It also may not mix well with certain medications like blood pressure and heart medications and insulin.
Most medical professionals recommend seeing intermittent fasting as a long game and slowly reducing the time window for eating over a period of several weeks or months.
Investing is about more than money, sometimes it’s about people. That’s why at Edward Jones we’ll work together to understand your goals—what you’re saving for or who you’re saving for.
Get in touch today to discuss what’s really important: your family.
9830 N Government Way Suite 2 Hayden, ID 83835 208-762-8924
Meet the founders of Northwest Integrated Health, Christina Fisher, DNP, FNPc, and Burk Thomas, DC. They had dreamed of opening an integrated health practice in Coeur d’Alene since 2014. At the time, Christina was working as a Registered Nurse at Kootenai Health hospital and striving to achieve her Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Board Certification and Doctoral Degree from Gonzaga University. Once she completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree (DNP) Degree in 2017, she joined a private practice to gain clinical experience in a large multi-provider primary care setting.
Burk worked as a Chiropractor and practice consultant at a chiropractic clinic in North Spokane. While gaining practice experience separately, Christina and Burk continued to plot their future integrated practice, prospecting locations, finances, services, and every necessary detail of the soon-to-be Northwest Integrated Health.
In 2019, Burk recruited colleague, friend and fellow Chiropractor, Bill Higgins to join and develop the chiropractic side of Northwest Integrated Health. Christina also recruited a friend and fellow Nurse Practitioner to help develop the medical side of Northwest Integrated Health. Together, the four providers opened their doors at 850 W. Ironwood Drive on March 15th, 2020, offering chiropractic care, general wellness visits, hormone optimization, BioTE (a precision method of hormone optimization), and IV nutrient therapies.
Although 2020 brought complex and unique challenges, slowly, the practice evolved. The owners dealt with the occasional setbacks and misfortunes from starting a private wellness practice, but ultimately, it thrived! Northwest Integrated Health had expanded much faster than either Christina or Burk had anticipated. It is now one of the top-rated practices in the Coeur d’Alene area for chiropractic care and the number one BioTE-certified practice in the Pacific Northwest.
• Traditional Primary Care
• Direct Primary Care - a membership option for unlimited Primary Care
• Hormone Optimization, Hormone Replacement Therapy & Thyroid Management
• Peptide Therapy
• Platelet Rich Therapy (PRP) Joint Treatments
• Chiropractic Care
• Massage Therapy
• IV Nutrient Therapies
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROVIDERS.
The practice consists of two Chiropractors- Dr. Burk Thomas and Dr. Bill Higgins, and two Nurse Practitioners, Christina Fisher, DNP,FNP-c, and Rebekah Syverson, FNP-c. The approach to healthcare at NWIH focuses on preventative care, the underlying cause of disease, and individual biochemistry. Our providers share a joint mission to listen, educate, and empower patients to become the healthiest version of themselves.
Our Wellness in Business feature is a spotlight on your neighbors, local businesses who support not only their clients but our community.
Common issues that our Nurse Practitioners treat are symptoms of hormone imbalances such as fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, decreased strength, low libido, difficulty sleeping, lack of motivation, night sweats, hot flashes, and overall, not feeling at one’s optimal health.
Other common issues treated are joint and muscular pain, thyroid dysfunction, viral and bacterial illnesses, and chronic illnesses.
On the biomechanical side of the practice, Chiropractors and Massage Therapists treat patients with acute and chronic musculoskeletal concerns. Common complaints are low back pain, neck pain, hip pain, muscle tension, and headaches.
Our providers help people take an active role in their health and guide them to optimal wellness.
Northwest Integrated Health proudly sponsors local high school sports teams, provides discounted sports physicals for local athletes and then donates 150% of the collected fees back to the athlete’s team.
NWIH also sponsors a local dance team in the area and works with local churches to help provide winter apparel and school supplies for children in need.
To learn more about NWIH, please visit our website at www.nwintegratedhealth.com or to make an appointment, please call our office at (208) 966-4376.
January 1st at 12pm
Sanders Beach in Coeur d’ Alene Plunge into the new year with a cold dip!
Experience this special 2-hour cruise on beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene that offers a unique opportunity to experience nature’s finest in the winter months! Every year, hundreds of American Bald Eagles visit Lake Coeur d’Alene on their annual migration. November through January, these birds congregate at the lake’s northern end to feed on lake-bound salmon. For an up-close look, take one of the Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruise Boats to Wolf Lodge Bay. It’s an awe-inspiring sight to see these magnificent birds in the wild from the comfort of a cruise boat.
Cruise Prices are as follows: Adults: $24.50 Seniors (55+): $23.50 Kiddos (ages 6-12): $18.50 Ages 5 & under: FREE! *Price includes taxes & fees
Tickets are available by phone at (208) 292-5670 or online at www.cdacruises.com
(Boarding begins 30 minutes prior to departure at The Boardwalk Marina)
Jan 14, 2023 at 1:00pm to 5:00pm
The Wilderness First Aid Course covers First Aid Essentials for the outdoors enthusiast. Whether you’re into Hunting, Fishing, Hiking, Biking, or camping, the course will prepare you for most any first aid emergency. Covering minor emergencies like cuts, bites, stings, and heatstroke to major trauma such as falls, broken bones, choking, bleeding, and many more.
101 N Cabela Way, Post Falls, ID For information: contact@mylegalheat.com or 877-252-1055
January 14th at 12:00pm - 6:00pm
ANNUAL MAC & CHEESE FESTIVAL
The Mac & Cheese Festival celebrates your favorite childhood dish by featuring variations carefully prepared by local chefs who will be competing for the Golden Noodle Award! Attendees will enjoy a comfort-food-filled day tasting different cheesy dishes with perfect craft beer pairings and get to vote for their favorite dish to help award the People’s Choice Trophy!
Downtown Coeur d’Alene 210 Sherman Avenue Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association Phone:208-667-5986 info@cdadowntown.com
January 14th, 2023 – Jan 16, 2023
THE BRIDAL FESTIVAL
Northwest’s Premier Bridal Festival at Spokane Convention Center
Getting married this year? This should be your first stop! Spokane Convention Center 334 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA www.bridalfest.com for tickets and more information
February 1, 2023 at 10am – 7pm
The Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo will feature a wider selection than ever before in leading brands such as Regal, Cobalt, Malibu, Axis, Chris-Craft, Harris, Barletta, Cruisers, Yachts, Coeur Custom and more. Boats will be housed in the Hagadone Marine Group indoor showrooms for easy shopping. You’ll be able to browse through our massive inventory of new boats for sale and explore them with family and friends. Admission to The Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo is free, but registration is required.
Hagadone Marine Group 1000 S. Marina Dr. Coeur d’Alene, ID FREE TICKETS: cdaboatexpo.com
February 4, 2023 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
HOSPICE OF NORTH IDAHO’S 38TH ANNUAL WINE
Join us for an evening of “Living in Harmony” at our 38th Annual Hospice Wine Taste and Auction, at The Coeur d’Alene Golf & Spa Resort on February 4, 2023 at 5:00 PM!
Formal attire, lavish décor, impeccable food, and exquisite wine makes for a memorable evening shared with a community of local philanthropists. Games, Silent Auction, Live Auction, Paddle Raise, and wine purchases all benefit Hospice of North Idaho’s mission!
The Coeur d’Alene Resort
115 S 2nd St. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 www.hospicewinetaste.org for tickets and information Info@honi.org or call (208) 772-7994
FEBRUARY 11, 2023 @ 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Indulge in an assortment of locally handcrafted sweet and savory treats at The Chocolate Affair. Wander through downtown businesses as they feature their in-house delectable treats and become pop-up chocolate shops!
105 N. 1st St Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 Phone:208-667-5986 www.cdadowntown.com Email:info@cdadowntown.com
February 12th 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a floral design workshop at the Jacklin Arts Center in Post Falls. Perfect for your gal pals, little ones, or fun date night! Things kick off at 3 PM with appetizers, a cocktail or wine.
The workshop will be led by Lily Garland, owner and lead designer of Coeur d’Alene’s premier event florist, Flowers by Lily Garland. Lily will teach you step-by- step how to create a fun, fabulous, and
fresh design featuring festive floral favorites. Fun vases, foam, and all florals will be provided. This is a basic level class perfect for beginners. Creativity or prior experience is not required!
Jacklin Arts Center 405 N William St Post Falls, ID 83854
FEBRUARY 22, 2023, AT 6:30 PM – 8 PM
Join us as we bring in local experts on all aspects of health and what it means to be healthy. We are going to provide snacks and feature local beer, wine and coffee each month.
First Steps Chiropractic 8836 N Hess Street #Suite E Hayden, ID 83835 www.firststepschiropractic.com Visit www.northidahowellness.com for more events, recipes, articles and more!
We have so many hidden gems here locally so this year we’ll be tapping into the local scene from the eyes of our local influencers. They’ll be sharing their favorite dining, hidden gems and tips and tricks for making the most out of North Idaho all while supporting our locally owned businesses.
This issue spotlight is on lifetime local Tabitha Bonner, Executive Director of the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation, traveler, music lover, podcaster, and fitness enthusiast. When she’s not here in town, catch her in her custom built van traveling the US with her husband, Brett.
If you follow me, you know my love of sharing my favorite things whether it’s in North Idaho or on our travels. I am excited to share with you things I love here locally, everything from restaurants to hikes.
Starting my day with coffee is a must and when I don’t make it at home or in our van, you’ll catch me at one of my favorite local spots like The Vault, Evan’s Brothers or Fine Brewed all located in downtown Coeur d’Alene.
My restaurant list could go on forever, here’s a few of my favorites. Syringa on 4th for sushi, Moon Time for salads and their famous Lamb Burgers, Vine & Olive for lunch dates, Cosmic Cowboy for quick healthy meals, and The Garnet for breakfast. Being gluten free can be difficult but all these places have great options!
I don’t have a huge sweet tooth but if I do want dessert, you can find me at 32 Below Froyo & More with a boozy float or at Pilgrim’s Market with the best gluten free brownie in town!
I love a great cocktail or glass of wine with friends and one of my favorite new spots is The Goat Lounge, they have fantastic specialty cocktails. Terraza in Riverstone has some amazing margaritas. If it’s a wine night, I will head over to Wine House for wine and flatbread.
Fitness is a very large part of my life and I am very grateful we have great studios and gyms in North Idaho. I can’t get enough of CycleBar CDA, their instructors have the best energy. I make sure to squeeze in 2 Pump classes a week at Peak Fitness, Amy Simmons noon class in Post Falls is my favorite. Stretch Lab is a must after a long trail run or hard workout because I am horrible at stretching on my own. After a good workout, you’ll find me at The Wellness Bar drinking the CDA Recovery protein shake.
Locally, we have some seriously talented health and beauty professionals. Check out Lakeside Med Spa for fillers and an IV Lounge for keeping those germs at bay. Earthly Beauty Bar is where I keep my brows fresh thanks to Lacey Moen and my hair beautiful by Alex Morrison. For a deep tissue sports massage, I book with Joni at Highlands Day Spa. I am fortunate to have thick hair but it makes hair wash day a whole process, so I’ve been thrilled ever since DryBar came to town.
If a store was my vibe it would be Lavender Sun. They have everything from vintage clothes to plants and jewelry. I find my one of a kind clothing at Marmalade for special events. T- Blue in Riverstone has great timeless pieces that don’t leave my closet. One spot you will see me often is Escape Outdoors for all my outdoor activity gear and Fleet Feet on Sherman for running and hiking shoes.
Looking for something new to do for date night or girls night out? I recommend going to Blue Shell for arcade or board games and a beverage. If you enjoy golfing, head to Sand Trap or Golf Island for indoor golf, perfect during these cold months. Emerge has a fabulous art gallery and a shop to buy from local artists or take a cooking class from Culinary Stone.
Saving the best for last with the best hiking in the area. 9 months out of the year, you can find me on a trail. We’re lucky to have these less than 30 miles from our door.
• Canfield Mountain
• Liberty Lake Trail
• Tubbs Hill
• Mineral Ridge
• Farragut State Park
• 4th of July Pass
• North Idaho Centennial Trail
“The chief beauty about time is that you cannot waste it in advance. The next year, the next day, the next hour are lying ready for you, as perfect, as unspoiled, as if you had never wasted or misapplied a single moment in all your life. You can turn over a new leaf every hour if you choose.”
- Arnold Bennett
