HEALTH & WELLNESS

BALANCE

TOXIC Positivity 101

What phrases often indicate toxic positivity?

A few examples include “Don’t worry, be happy”; “Look for the silver lining”; and “Everything happens for a reason.”

What can you do if you encounter toxic positivity?

If someone is using phrases that feel like toxic positivity, psychologist Caryl Rosen advises a delicate response. The goal, she explains, is not to change the other person but to speak up for immediate needs. Rosen suggests the following reply: “You know, what I really need is for you to just sit with me; don’t say anything encouraging, that’s not where I am right now.”

FITNESS Athletic Republic

Naples is full of fitness options, but for resident Carolyn Homberger, the town was missing a place where she could work out with her husband and three kids. “We really saw a need for this in our community,” she explains. A long-distance runner who recently departed a corporate job, she decided to fill this fitness gap by opening an Athletic Republic franchise. With sports performance training for athletes starting at age 7, the gym, according to Homberger, allows her entire family to train at their own individual levels, focusing on performance optimization and injury prevention. Highlights include state-of-the-art performance testing tools that track progress, video analysis capabilities, and equipment that measures exertion levels. The gym is open to everyone from professional athletes to families. Homberger notes, “Athletes are all ages, shapes, and sizes.” (naples.athleticrepublic.com) –E.K.

Clockwise from left: The Homberger family at Athletic Republic’s ribbon cutting; super running treadmill at an incline; kids’ agility drills.

How can you keep positivity nontoxic?

When it comes to toxic positivity, Rosen says there are no absolutes and that phrases like “things will get better” can help if they’re offered in the context of genuine support. “Are you also saying, ‘this is really hard,’ ‘let’s talk about it,’ and ‘you’re not alone’?” asks Rosen. “When you’ve said those phrases that are more emotionally connecting, then you can say ‘things will get better’ and ‘let’s see where things are in a week.’” She adds, “Accepting other people and meeting them where they are is the antidote to toxic positivity.” –E.K.

FREE BOOKS

FOR COLLIER COUNTY KIDS

Kids in many Collier County elementary schools receive free books every month thanks to the nonprofit organization Books for Collier Kids. Chair Sallie Williams explains that the Naples-based organization started in 2005 to improve literacy in households. “So many of us take for granted that our children and grandchildren have dozens of books at home,” she says. “But children in every corner of Collier County, if it weren’t for Books for Collier Kids, would not have [them] to share, cherish, and enjoy.” The organization provides more than 100,000 new books to around 10,000 kids each year. Literacy and education help improve the success of children, but they need help to get there. “If you want to learn to play the piano, you have to have a piano,” Williams says, quoting the organization’s founder Joanne Wyss. “And similarly, if you want to learn to read, you’ve got to have books.” (booksforcollierkids.org) —E.K.

SNACKING ON SHROOMS Several years ago, Russell Hollander purchased a mushroom-growing kit as a gift. After storing the kit in his closet for a couple of weeks, he noticed oyster mushrooms growing out of the side. Intrigued, he cooked and ate the mushrooms and later used the box to grow more. Eventually, Hollander started the Naplesbased mushroom farm Care2Grow and is now a self-professed mushroom lover. “I learned so much about how they’re really benefi cial for our health and our environment and how fungus is really the basis of all soils on Earth,” Hollander expounds. Mushrooms are high in essential nutrients like zinc and selenium and a good source of protein, fi ber, and antioxidants. Hollander recommends lion’s mane and king trumpet mushrooms, both of which he sells at the Third Street South Farmer’s Market. For a delicious mushroom substitute for popcorn chicken, try Hollander’s recipe below. (care2grow.com) –E.K.

POPCORN LION’S MANE

INGREDIENTS

1/4 lb. lion’s mane mushrooms Vegetable oil (for frying) Salt for taste

Wet batter:

1 tbsp. Cajun seasoning 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. onion powder 1 cup all-purpose fl our 2 tbsp. cornstarch 2 eggs 1 cup milk, buttermilk, or Greek yogurt

Dry batter:

1/2 cup all-purpose fl our 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. black pepper 1 tsp. paprika

Tear or cut the lion’s mane mushrooms into 1-inch cubes. Prepare the wet and dry batters. Add 2 inches of oil to a shallow pan over mediumhigh heat. Dip the mushrooms into the wet batter and next the dry batter. Fry on one side for 5 minutes. Flip and then fry for an additional 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to rack or paper towels to dry. Salt immediately and enjoy!

DIRECTIONS

Before

After

Dr. Randold Binns

DMD,MS

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At Advanced Prosthodontics & Implant Esthetics, our doctors are dedicated to providing the most advanced techniques in implant, cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry. Dr. Binns is amongst a select group of nationally recognized surgically trained prosthodontics. The extensive training and expertise he brings to the community of Southwest Florida allows him to provide his patients with the highest level of modern dentistry.