news briefs

Independent Picture House Celebates Women’s Healthcare Month

As May is Women’s Healthcare Month, the Independent Picture House (IPH) will present a free special event to celebrate women’s health and both increase awareness of and solutions for many important related topics and issues and more from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 13 in Charlotte. Following a movement class and serving of sweet and savory pastries, the IPH’s Community Impact Film Series (CIFS) will show nine groundbreaking fictions, documentary, comedic and thought-provoking short films on fertility, menopause, birth control, body image and weight, reproductive health in Black women, the stigma of menstruation, pelvic pain, reproductive rights and more.

The event will then also feature a conversation with filmmakers and women’s health community leaders, and conclude with a showcase of many women-owned and -operated businesses, art providers, retailers and resources.

Launched in February, the CIFS sparks dialogue and builds bridges between people and organizations through the power of film.

Location: 4237 Raleigh St. For more information, visit www.Tinyurl.com/WomensHealthCLT and www.IndependentPictureHouse.org.

Celebrate Drinking Water Week in Huntersville

Charlotte Water and the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department invite the public to celebrate national Drinking Water Week and learn more about our community’s water and the environment at a special, free, family-friendly event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 6 at Quest at the Latta Nature Preserve, in Huntersville, North Carolina.

Along with fun games, there’ll be informative exhibits by Charlotte Water as well as other regional sustainability organizations along with the presence of many of our area’s water heroes.

Location: 6345 Sample Rd. For more information, visit www.tinyurl.com/WaterWeekCLT2023 or on Facebook.

Ratliff Integrative Family Medicine Opens in Waxhaw

Ratliff Integrative Family Medicine, owned by physician Dr. Melissa H. Ratliff, will open on May 1 at 104-D Waxhaw Professional Park, in Waxhaw, North Carolina, with a ribboncutting event planned for the near future. Providing direct primary care, Dr. Ratliff is also offering free meet-and-greet sessions for prospective clients.

“Health care should be affordable, accessible and of high quality,” says the board-certified family physician with additional training through the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine and licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina. She provides “better access to your physician via phone, email, text, video or in person; more time to spend with your doctor (30 to 60 minutes); and affordable monthly membership and reduced cash-pay lab pricing.”

More thorough examinations can also be afforded via the limiting of total patient capacities to accommodate same- or next-day appointments and longer visits.

“I’m committed to bringing the health care you deserve to your family and community,” adds the Charlotte native. “Your relationship with your doctor is key in your healing. I’ll meet you where you are and help to bring you forward in your health journey. I provide great value, create space for open communication and build trusting relationships.”

For more information or to arrange for a session, call 704-443-8530, email Melissa@DrMelissaRatliff.com or visit www.DrMelissaRatliff.com and follow on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Special Massage Offers for Mothers and Fathers

We celebrate and salute mothers and fathers on their special respective days and throughout May and June. Massage therapy is an ideal way to spoil and relax parents during this period and any time. Jessica Peach, licensed massage therapist, reiki master, Medical Reiki Master and owner of British Massage and Wellness Center, in Charlotte, is making such a gift even more affordable with four special massage offers—$55 for one hour, $100 for two, one-hour sessions, $80 for 90 minutes or two, 90-minute sessions for $150.

“This is a wonderful way to help them feel better and get totally pampered!” says Peach, originally from London, England, who is highly intuitive, has a natural healing touch and loves to help people feel better both physically and emotionally and has studied massage, energy work and been a reiki practitioner for 20-plus years. “Self-care is so important for our health and well-being.”

British Massage provides many holistic services including reiki, reflexology, Thai, Swedish, deep tissue and hot stone massage along with crystal healing massage and reiki energy work.

Location: 2210 Coronation Blvd., Ste. C. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-572-1310 or visit www.BritishMassage.com.

Stanley Specialty Pharmacy Supports Women’s Health and Much More May is Women’s Health

Month, and since the 1930s Stanley Specialty Pharmacy has been an ideal place in the Charlotte metro area for women of all ages to find the medications and advice they have needed. Yet, they also pride themselves in serving the healthcare needs of men and kids, and even pets thanks to their veterinary team.

Stanley Specialty is a compounding pharmacy, meaning it offers the same prescription medications as other drug stores, but can go above and beyond in service including providing hormone therapy, CBD products, supplements and more. Their four pharmacists and their team of technicians and customer care specialists can work with customers’ doctors to craft tailored medications—not only the perfect dosage and formulation, but in the most convenient forms including as capsules, liquids, creams, lozenges and more.

As compounding experts, Stanley’s staff has an unparalleled level of training and knowledge, and will also take the time to talk to customers about their conditions, medications and all of their options. They also can deliver prescriptions.

Location: 3120 Latrobe Dr., Ste. 200. For more information, call 704-370-6612 or visit www.StanleyRx.com.

Earth Fare Hosts Music and Food Extravaganza

Earth Fare Charlotte will host an international music and food extravaganza from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 20. The free event will be a community celebration and cultural exchange in which the public can experience and enjoy music and food from around the world.

“It is also an opportunity for the public to discover one of Charlotte’s best natural food stores headquartered right here in North Carolina,” says Rashah Amen, director of Cosmic Intuition Productions, a nonprofit celebrating 30 years of promoting peace and cultural understanding through the performing arts.

Earth Fare makes for healthy grocery shopping as all foods in their stores are free of ingredients on their Boot List and adhere to their food philosophy of using only the highest quality ingredients.

Location: 12235 N. Community House Rd., in the Toringdon Market. For more information, visit www.EarthFare.com or call 704-672-5011. To connect with Rashah Amen, call 512-636-2389 or email DiversePro@yahoo.com.

Body and Health Summer Detox Plan

With summer fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about getting in shape for going to our beaches and other outdoor activities. To jumpstart our health and wellness journey, consider the TrueCare Health and Wellness’ Detoxing for Health and Life program as it’s specifically designed to help cleanse our body of toxins, reduce inflammation and increase energy levels.

To make it even more special, TrueCare is offering both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day editions, separate versions for women and men to focus on their specific needs. TrueCare’s goal is to increase both male and female vigor so clients can feel their best and enjoy all that summer has to offer.

They also offer natural weight-loss solutions, non-surgical fat reduction treatments and other ways to treat the root cause of conditions. Their holistic health approach addresses the underlying factors that contribute to weight gain, premature aging and other health issues, all toward achieving lasting results.

Location: 6477 and 6487 Morehead Rd., Harrisburg. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-909-0355 or visit www.APlaceForHealth.net.

Purefico Offers Eboo Ozone IV Therapy and New Client Special

Melissa Lynch, MSN, FNP-C, MBA, founder and owner of Purefico MedSpa and Therapy, in Cornelius, North Carolina, attests she is the only regional provider of the Eboo system—widely regarded as the most advanced and effective Ozone IV Therapy system currently available—to treat autoimmune disorders; infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa; chronic fatigue; Lyme disease and other conditions.

Usage benefits include anti-aging, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, immune system stimulation, pain relief, increased metabolism and improved tissue oxygenation and circulation.

The method employs ozone, a colorless gas composed of three oxygen atoms, to address many underlying medical issues such as inflammation, infection and poor oxygen absorption and utilization.

“We believe the body has the ability to restore, revive and renew the energy within, and Purefico is unique in that we have a full line of services that address both wellness and beauty concerns,” says Lynch with 25-plus years of experience in the integrative medicine field and a passion for the health and wellness of others due to her own personal health challenges 20-plus years ago.

For a limited time, first-time clients can receive $100 off their first appointment by mentioning Natural Awakenings. Location: 19401 Old Jetton Rd., Ste. 100. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-655-2719, email info@Purefico.com or visit www.Purefico.com.

WellcomeMD Adds New Functional Physician Dr. Gary Klein

Dr. Gary Klein recently joined the concierge medical practice WellcomeMD in South Charlotte. The Emory University-trained family medicine specialist also became the practice’s third practitioner in North Carolina of functional medicine that focuses on how and why disease occurs for each individual and enables a personalized treatment plan.

“Our rapid growth and continued expansion prove there’s a high demand for elevated primary care services and a more preventative approach to health care,” says WellcomeMD Chief Medical Officer Dr. Edward Espinosa, citing additional offices in Mooresville and also Atlanta and Naples, Florida. “Dr. Klein brings extensive experience in family and emergency care and a strong desire to help patients not only get healthy, but stay healthy.”

Klein, also with an advanced degree in public health, has 30-plus years of experience practicing in both public and private settings, including serving in the Department of Defense for 11 years.

WellcomeMD offers members advanced laboratory testing and medical treatments, 24/7 physician access, health coaching and same- or next-day appointments for acute care needs. Membership numbers are limited to allow for both effective patient health tracking and follow- ups toward better results. Their Concierge 2.0 program emphasizes a personal relationship with a primary care physician and preventative, holistic treatment.

Location: 8035 Providence Rd., Ste. 315, Charlotte; 150 Fairview Rd., Ste. 325, Mooresville. For more information or to make an appointment, call 980-294-4937 or visit www.WellcomeMD.com.

Ram Dass Legacy Retreat Returns to North Carolina

Love Serve Remember Foundation is hosting its 2nd Annual Ram Dass Legacy “Summer Mountain Retreat” in Boone, North Carolina at the Art of Living Retreat Center from Thursday, August 24 to Monday, August 28.

The retreat features several interactive activities along with introspective reflections and contemplations around the theme of “Cultivating Loving Presence and Making Peace with Our Shadow.”

There will be four nights of chanting with Krishna Das and his band, Tibetan Buddhist teachings and Dharma talks with Lama Tsultrim Allione, meditations with David Nichtern, exploration of the transpersonal and the experiential in today’s culture with Dr. Sará King, a live podcast hosted by Be Here Now Network’s Raghu Markus, and audio and video content curated from the Ram Dass Digital Media Library.

Early morning Hatha yoga sessions and contemplative nature walks are also available. Each afternoon features a special session, including a live performance by East Forest, a live podcast with Krishna Das, and chanting the Hanuman Chalisa with Nina Rao.

The Art of Living Retreat Center is set amidst 380 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountain Range of the Carolinas. Retreat meals will consist of a locally sourced vegetarian/vegan menu.

Registration for the Ram Dass Legacy Retreat is now open. For more information: www.ramdass.org/boone.