PROFILES March 2023

Toula Amanna Uniting Communities Through Collaboration And Contributions

By Erika Cartwright

As an owner of multiple operating businesses, mostly restaurants and Real Estate in downtown areas, Toula Amanna currently employs over 200 people in south Florida. Among her businesses are the Deerfield Beach Café, which she received through the RFP Award of the Pier Restaurant, an honor for which Toula is grateful. She is the owner of the Flashback Diner Chain, with three locations in Boca Raton, Davie and Hallandale Beach. Flashback Diner has been named one of Florida’s top restaurants for over 30 years. Toula, daughter of a Greek emigrant family, began waitressing when she was 17 at LUMS Restaurant, where the first unit of the original Flashback Diner is currently located in Hallandale Beach. Through hard work and determination, Toula later bought the LUMS Restaurant she was working at and opened it in 1990, as the first Flashback Diner location in Hallandale Beach. Toula credits her success to the efforts of all the

good people who helped her achieve her dreams. Mentors, Staff and Family who helped her research, plan and execute with courage, integrity and especially, hard work.

Finding herself in a PostPandemic World as the owner of Real Estate and operating businesses in Boca Raton, Davie, Fort Lauderdale and Hallandale Beach, Toula states, ”I’m also very grateful to the many people who are devoted to the community in which they serve. I truly credit them with my success in the past and during the Pandemic, for my survival in business: Mayors, Commissioners, CRA Directors, Town Council, City Staff, Planners, Resident Volunteers and SBA Officers. All those people that through the years saw the merit in taking old, decrepit buildings and renovating them into something new and exciting, while also creating jobs. During the Pandemic, these people were the beacon which we all followed to get us out of hardship and illness.” Toula expresses her gratitude to everyone who was

instrumental in putting together grants and special programs to keep the businesses viable and to thrive after reopening. She credits Dr. Jeremy Earle, for his insight and concern, which resulted in the City of Hallandale Beach moving forward and thriving with new development. As well as Eli Khazzam in Business Development, Christy Dominguez and Mayor Cooper. She states,” In the Town of Davie, the entire Council just celebrated the ReElection of their Team as it was, including Mayor Judy Paul and Councilmember Caryl Hattan, a testament from the people of Davie that everyone is happy with the work they are doing. Credit goes to the Town Administrator, Rick Lemack and the Head of the CRA, Philip Holste.” Her gratitude extends to Mayor Scott Singer, as well as the amazing City Staff, in Boca Raton, for their assistance in putting together grants and advertising campaigns to bring back to life the businesses in that City which are now booming again. In Deerfield Beach, the quick response of David

Santucci, City Manager, Mayor Ganz and Commissioners allowed for expansion of the exterior patio for social distancing through the crisis and extended us credit. Toula is thankful to Mayor Dean Trantalis in Fort Lauderdale, who navigated through a series of hardships for the City, during its exponential growth, as well as City Manager, Greg Chavarria for their integrity and professionalism.

“During the past two years, Managers and Staff worked diligently to sustain these businesses,” Toula stated. “Santos Melendez, Julio Izaguirre, Jamal Qazi, Karen Denike,

Pepper Parker, June Perrino, Joseph Bienaime, Louis Poulias, Jorge Almeida, Costas Koubis, and Eduardo Alonso-Morales. Also, my daughters, Mariella Amanna and Elizabeth Amanna, as well as many other employees, each of whom put their best self forward with amazing results. “Special thanks go to my decades-long friend and business partner, Rochelle Matza, our CPA, for her amazing professional acumen as she navigated through the complexities of the SBA relief programs and taxation with the utmost patience and support in very challenging times. For the 25+

Toula Amanna

have moved away from the area such as Rose Bishop, our previous Controller and George Thiakos, who left our company and started a new venture.” In the future, Toula sees herself doing what inspires

her more than anything else, which is to return the incredible gifts she has received back to the Communities. She plans on the continuation of building and renovating buildings, in which people live, work and play, on a grander scale. She wishes to pass on the knowledge and the thought process that created them, to the younger generations, Toula states: “Working in this direction, the time has come for me to send invitations to other business people, landowners and influencers to connect and plan how to best thrive in the new world of Technologydominated services, employ-

ment challenges, rising costs, changing culture through Social Media, lack of credible information and complicated political climate.”An advocate for business owners, Toula states, “As I work in two distinct industries, in Commercial Real Estate and in the Restaurant Business, I would like to take this opportunity to discuss causes that will make our lives better, for which I have undertaken the initiative to work towards and invite others to join me, she continues, “The $3.02 Tip Credit in Wages, unchanged since 2003, must be increased.

The FLRA and NRA must help Restaurateurs that they rep-

resent to increase the tip credit accordingly, as now servers have greater income than the managers while the cooks and dishwashers work just as hard and the income distribution for restaurant workers is unfair. We also need the SBA to develop specialized programs for the Restaurant Industry. An incentive to Banks to start loaning to Restaurants again, through guarantees of those loans and incentives to the Lending Institutions: Banks would rather stay away from lending to Restaurants in a Post-Pandemic World and we are in an industry the Nation needs very much for the jobs we create. In

the development of our cities, we must find common ground between Landowners, Developers, Politicians and City Government. I understand all sides, the developer’s and the landowner’s but most importantly, I understand the diversity and needs of the Community. I believe only clear and direct communication can bring results, as well as respect. We can partner up only with a person we trust and respect.” Toula Amanna, a remarkable business woman, a pillar in her communities, with integrity and vision. To connect, please contact her at: Toula.Amanna@ RegulusAllianceCorp.com.

Office Staff Left to right: Ramon del Valle, Mariella Amanna, Thaddeus Vernon, Sandra Trujillo, Gilberto Paiva

Rochelle Matza

Serving the Community

Auto Tags of Hallandale Celebrating Over 30 Years of Service

By Austin Torres

Among the many businesses in South Florida, few can say that they have been open for over 30 years. Thanks to the committed and outstanding customer service of founder, Randy Giunto, Auto Tags of Hallandale is one of those few exceptional businesses that are able to celebrate that milestone. Through their unwavering dedication to delivering customer satisfaction and their “old school” approach to business, Auto Tags of Hallandale can proudly say they have been around since 1987 and are showing no signs of slowing down.

Randy, whose family roots in the area can be traced back over a halfcentury, attended elementary and middle school right here in the city. As a young man, he enjoyed playing many sports like baseball and football at City

Park (Bluesten Park) and since then, not much has changed. Randy is a still a major sports fanatic and his outgoing attitude and love of people have continued to make him a pillar of the community.

Randy has built a remarkable reputation through his various relationships in the community. His love of people and desire to always give back to the community he grew up in, has garnered him an enormous and varying network of clientele from far and wide. Few can say that they have had the privilege of being in business for as a long as Randy has.

“I never left,” says Randy. “To be a part of this community for so long has really meant so much to me and our family. Through the years, even though we were based in Hallandale, we started to pick up new customers from

all over.”

Randy’s experience assisting customers with a title, tag, renewal or the proper motor vehicle documents has helped establish Auto Tags of Hallandale as a premier business in South Florida. They offer a variety of services that include assistance in registering your vehicle, updating your decal, or replacing it if it has been lost or stolen.

If you are a new resident to Florida and the city of Hallandale and need to register your vehicle, then Auto Tags of Hallandale can assist you in this process. Bring in your vehicle’s title from the state from which you are moving, proof of Florida insurance and a valid driver’s license or passport.

For those of you who have lost your plate or decal, you can come in with your valid driver’s license and your signature on the replacement form, which

can be found via a link on their website (autotagsofhallandale.com) and apply for a new one. If your plate or decal was stolen, then you can come with the same form and your license and the team at Auto Tags of Hallandale will also assist you in the application process.

However, Auto Tags of Hallandale not only assists customers with tags, titles and renewals for automobiles, but they can also assist you with trucks, boats, motorcycles, mobile homes, trailers and they will even provide notary service. Whatever the issue is, you can certainly always count on Randy and the team at Auto Tags of Hallandale to take care of your needs with a warm attention to detail and a commitment, that truly makes them stand out in a way that keeps clients coming back for more. Auto Tags of Hallandale’s client list include businesses such as: Chopper Zoo, Total Appliance, Wind Chill, LLC, Cusano’s Bakery and Lee’s Locksmith & Bicycle Shop. “The only way to stay in business in South Florida, is through building long lasting relationships with our customers. That’s why so many of our customers and clients will tell you that they won’t go anywhere else for their vehicle registration needs,” says Randy.

Little has changed at Auto Tags of Hallandale since they opened their doors to customers back in 1987. You can still expect the same warm welcome and authenticity from Randy that has made him such a popular figure in the area.

In October of 2022, Auto Tags of Hallandale celebrated their fourth year at their new location in the popular 7th Avenue Village Shops.

“What a great location, our loyal customers will find us quickly, but we are also excited about the new business that will walk in daily. We are right behind Marco’s Pizza and next to World Of Hearing,” said Randy.

For those of you planning on making a visit, you can rest assured knowing that in light of the Pandemic, Randy has enforced social distancing and wearing masks at his headquarters.

“People are wearing masks and social distancing. I’m only letting two people into my office at a time,” says Randy.

For those of you interested in visiting Auto Tags of Hallandale you can check out their location at 701 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd. Suite 106 Hallandale Beach, FL 33009.You can also contact Randy directly at: 954.456.5771. Additionally, you can visit their website at: www.autotagsofhallandale.com

Welcome To Hallandale Medical Center: Industry Leaders Renowned For Their Compassionate Service

By Austin Torres

Since being founded in 1979 by Dr. Hernando Giraldo, Hallandale Medical Center, part of the HG Doctors Family, has built a long-standing reputation as one of South Florida’s premier medical facilities. Doctors and staff working together as a family dedicating themselves to providing patients in Hallandale Beach and surrounding areas with a full spectrum of treatments, including primary care, geriatrics, behavioral health, podiatry, and dental services. Through their profound knowledge and commitment, the team at Hallandale Medical Center has earned accolades from community organizations for their high-quality care and value for their patients as they truly make their patients feel like they are part of the “family.”

As a one-stop multidisciplinary facility, the team at Hallandale Medical Center distinguishes themselves from other practices by offering treatment to a diverse patient population.

One of the major services offered by HG Doctors is primary care, a cornerstone of your healthcare. At Hallandale Medical Center, you have access to a team of highly skilled physicians offering comprehensive primary services to you and your family. Having a primary doctor with knowledge of your personal and family medical history is a crucial part of keeping up with your health-

care, and it’s only natural to want a doctor who is both compassionate, and knowledgeable of your history. An annual visit with a primary care physician who can conduct physical exams, laboratory testing, and other screenings can substantially help prevent and lower your risk of chronic disease. It is imperative to stay up to date with your health, even if you feel healthy. Even if you are currently seeing specialists, it’s critical that you have a primary doctor to keep all your medical records. An added benefit of having a primary care provider is that you can always reach out to them when you are feeling sick, even if it is after hours.

If you are wondering, when is the right time to visit a doctor, the professionals at Hallandale Medical Center encourage you to come in for your routine wellness exam, preventative vaccines such as your flu shot, or anytime you may feel you are dealing with an illness. You can be sure that the doctors of this facility will go above and beyond to ensure you receive the treatment you deserve.

Hallandale Medical Center also specializes in dental care. An estimated 100 million Americans suffer from the loss of at least one tooth, with decay being one of the leading factors. The highly skilled doctors and staff at Hallandale Medical Center offers patients a multitude of dental services

including dentures, crowns, implants, fillings, bridges, extractions, root canal, and clear aligners. The dental experts at Hallandale Medical Center use state-of-the-art technology to provide world class dental care and services.

No insurance, no problem, at Hallandale Medical Center you can receive exceptional same-day dental care with their in-house treatment plans and flexible third-party financing programs they can ensure patients get the treatments they need and can fit nearly any budget or credit score.

For those of you encountering pain in the foot, ankle, or areas of the lower legs, you can schedule an appointment with their exceptional podiatrist. The podiatry staff offers a variety of services to treat foot & ankle pain, heel pain, fractures, ingrown toenails, as well as assist you with diabetic foot care and custom molded orthotics.

The HG Doctors Behavioral Health team offers a comprehensive integrated health model utilizing a teambased approach to improve medical outcomes for patients. Services include comprehensive neuropsychological and psychological assessments services. Neuropsychology is a study of brain behavior and the treatment of neurological disorders, such as a stroke, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive decline stemming from a wide range of conditions. The experienced neurop-

sychologists are skilled in diagnosing and treating a variety of related conditions and developing customized treatment plans to facilitate positive outcomes for patients. Additional services include: Personality assessments, intellectual assessments, learning disability assessments, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment, Bariatric Evaluations, Pre-surgical psychological clearance, Immigration evaluations and brief psychotherapy.

Hallandale Medical Center is part of the HG Doctors family which has two other South Florida Facilities in Coral Springs (Coral Springs Medical & Dental), and Delray Beach (Delray Medical & Dental). In May of 2022, Coral Springs Medical and Dental was honored with the 2022 Business Excellence Award in “The Heart of the Community” category, a distinguished award recognizing businesses that give back to the community through service and Philanthropy.

“This award is really a testament to our staff,” Randy Kirshbaum, COO, Coral Springs Medical & Dental, says. “It gives our healthcare workers, many whom have worked so hard and sacrificed during the COVID-19 Pandemic, a chance to be recognized.”

For more information about Hallandale Medical Center and the HG Doctors family visit their website at: https:// hgdoctors.com, or contact them by phone at: 954.362.8677. Hallandale Medical Center is located at 200 East Hallandale Beach Blvd. Contact them today to schedule an appointment.

Costa Bella Realty Group A Concierge Luxury Realty Group

Florida is world renowned for its amusement parks, beach resorts, and warm sunny climate. Add to the abundance of restaurants, retail stores and water activities and its clear why many choose Florida as their home. Purchasing a home or property should be a joyful experience after all; you are following your dreams by making this purchase. This is when you need a professional that understands your needs and takes the stress and head ache usually associated with buying a home and transforms it into an enjoyable and happy experience. Add to that, con cierge service and you have Costa Bella Realty Group, an established, trusted south Florida business.

Founded in 2016 by Real Estate Broker, Lonna Spitaleri, Costa Bella Realty Group offers one-of-a-kind concierge service. Located inside The Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce at 330 N. Federal Highway, Suite 200, Hollywood, Florida 33020. Where she serves as a proud member. Lonna has been a Florida resident for over 50 years. Having raised her three children here and now watching her grandchildren grow up in the idyllic, Florida paradise. Lonna knows Southeast Florida well and understands the needs of fami lies. Families go through stages as children grow, and eventually set out on their own. Her under standing of the changing needs of growing families, allows her to help her clients find exactly what they are looking for. With her experience and knowledge, she serves clients throughout south Florida.

With over 20 years of real estate experience, and her vast knowledge of the everchanging real estate market, Lonna is one of the most soughtafter real estate professionals. With her expertise and expe rience, she will get the most out of your investment property for you. Lonna stays abreast of changes in the market, as well as any new programs made available to home buyers. Costa Bella Realty Group provides services through out Florida. Including working with developers and handling commercial transactions. Whether you’re a first time homebuyer looking for a single family

home, have multiple properties or searching for a condo, Costa Bella Realty Group is there to serve you with experienced trained professional

Realtor Association with over 40,000 members. She is also a Florida Realtor Director. Being involved with the Realtor Association also has its perks. Being a

available to assist homebuyers. A recent program was just proposed in Florida from the Florida Legislature called’ The Hometown Hero Program’. This program seeks to reflect the Sunshine State’s deep sense of gratitude and obligation towards its essential workers. Those who put the needs of the state first in the wake of the pandemic. Such professionals as Nurses, paramedics, educators, home health aides, law enforcement and firefighters. They were among the most affected residents while serving on the frontlines of the pandemic. The purpose of this program is to give assistance with down payment and closing costs. Often, first time home buyers are overwhelmed with the down payment and closing costs. It can feel discouraging, that’s when you need a knowledgeable professional to explain the different programs available to new homebuyers. By being well versed on the new programs available, it allows Lonna to find the best match to fit her clients needs. To find out more information, or to schedule a complimentary consultation, call Lonna for details.

Lonna was selected as Business Woman of the Year in 2021 by the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. She is an inspiration to many aspiring realtors and entrepreneurs. The motto for Costa Bella Realty is “Realtors Committed to Fulfilling the Personalized needs of Our Clients” this is reflected by the outstanding services provided by caring, knowledgeable professionals. With numerous fivestar reviews, and exceptional customer service, Costa Bella Realty Group is a company you can trust to meet your needs. Whether you’re buying your first luxury home, or a vacation home, Lonna will attentively listen to your needs and concerns, to find your dream home. Maybe you’re ready to sell and downsize or have an investment property that you would like to list. Regardless of the situation, Costa Bella Realty is there to serve you. Contact: 954-921-2800 to receive a free market analysis of any property. The user-friendly website makes finding your next property a breeze. http:// www.costabellarealtygroup.net

Elite Auctioneers

Free Appraisal Of Your Antiques, Modern Art, Estate & More

By Felipe

In the enterprising world of auctioneering, Elite Auctioneers LLC stands out as a company truly dedicated to its craft.

President of the company Tracy Hayes and her husband Chris have established a team of experienced appraisers specializing in everything from designer jewelry, 20th century modern design, pottery and Chinese antiques to precious metals, art, porcelains, estates and more.

They offer a variety of unique services including appraisals, estate liquidations, consignments, outright purchases, real estate and charity auctions. Elite Auctioneers even provides free appraisals and evaluations with no strings attached.

Originally from New York, Elite Auctioneers is a full-service auction and antique gallery that has been operating for over 40 years with unrivaled professionalism.

A family of former public administrators auctioning for the state of New York, the people of Elite Auctioneers have a rich and trusted history of exceptional service.

In addition to their eclectic expertise and passion for antiques, they have a full time staff available Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ready to answer any and all questions regarding the auctioning process or their services.

Elite Auctioneers is conveniently located on 23033 State Road 7, Boca Raton Florida 33428 where interested sellers can have their items evaluated

Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

With their expansive network of buyers, Elite Auctioneers works hard to guarantee sellers a fair market value for their item and get it sold to the right buyer. They have both local and online bidders through their partner sites Invaluable, Auctionzip, Live auctioneers and Bidsquare, making bidding easy and accessible regardless of location. That means no matter where you are in the world, you’ll have a front row view of all the items available.

“We have thousands of registered buyers throughout the world,” said Tracy Hayes.

Furthermore, Elite Auctioneers features a live auction feed for their online and remote buyers to provide opportunities for both selling and purchasing from the comfort of your home.

The process of auctioning is intuitively simple. If you want to participate in an auction you can sign up to bid online. Their website even includes notifications that inform visitors of the next auction. Once signed up with one of these vendors, you will be able to view Elite’s catalogs. If you don’t feel comfortable online, you can also save money by absentee or phone bidding.

For phone bidding, an expert staff member contacts you directly before your bidding lot enabling you to join in the bid the moment your item lands on the auction block.

Once the items are reviewed and approved, Elite Auctioneers sends out a contract to be signed, dated and

returned. Shipping can be carefully arranged at any time before the auction and once the items are sold, you receive a check in the mail after the buyer has paid. This usually takes place within 30 days of the auction itself.

Their commitment to client satisfaction doesn’t stop there, however. Elite Auctioneers is also committed to making sure the selling process is as simple as making a phone call. If you have an antique to sell, the appraisers with over 40 years of experience will personally come to your home and review your items for free and with no obligations.

If you’re looking to move and cannot take everything with you, the Elite Auctioneers team will help you decide what you might be able to sell and what can be taken to your new home. These services don’t just apply to single items but entire estates as well.

Just a few of Elite’s notable and satisfied clients include Binder and Binder Law Firm, the family of a PGA champion and the former owner of the Indiana Pacers Basketball Team.

In the case of estate liquidation, Elite Auctioneers take the added steps of providing clients with trained movers, professional photography, advertising and promotion to help move your items while doing everything in their power to secure a buyer.

Elite Auctioneers have a century of experience in liquidating partial and even full estates. Regardless of size, they will sell everything and anything of value as they have done for thousands of clients over the years.

The expert team of estate buying specialists evaluates the items of the estate and make an offer based on a fair market value. Once that is done and an agreement on price has been reached, the items will be removed from the estate and the estate itself will be meticulously cleaned.

It’s important to note that if there are items in your estate you want to dispose of, you must contact Elite for an evaluation appointment before the liquidation process can begin.

Moreover, Elite makes the consignment process just as easy. You can take photos of your items and email them to www.eliteauction.com. You should include important item information like the age, condition, any labels, the dimensions, manufacturing tags, and provenance. In September 2019, they hosted a charity auction event at the Lifetime Montel Williams Military Makeover Charity Auction and Gala. The event was to commemorate members of armed forces as well as the victims and survivors of the tragedy that took place in Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

“The auction was a success for a great cause, and Elite Auctioneers was honored to donate some great items to raise money for the families of the brave who served our country,” said Tracy Hayes.

Elite Auctioneers have a deeprooted belief in the work that they do because for them, auctioning is just as much about building and strengthening communities, as it is about selling antiques.

You can visit their web-site and look through their catalog of Asian antiques, art, furniture, coins, collectibles, home décor and ashion by visiting: www.eliteauction.com/eliteauctioneer

Or contact their office directly at: (954) 205-3446 or (305) 332-7309

Castilla

been run by the Henkin/Blue family who have made it their mission to ensure each of their customers are taken care of and treated like family.

What sets Budget Drugs apart from other pharmacies is an unwavering commitment to their customers. Since they opened their doors, they have been filling prescriptions and offering free medical delivery for their patients in the local area. At Budget you can typically expect to have your prescriptions filled within 10 minutes, which means you do not have to be burdened by the frustrating experience of waiting several hours to get your medication. Additionally, the staff at Budget take the time to get know you and discuss any medication issues you might have. As soon as you walk in the door and come into contact with their staff you are instantly greeted with attentiveness and an unmistakable dedication to ensuring you are taken care of. Whether you want your medication delivered for free or just want to run in and quickly have a prescription filled, Budget is ready with unprecedented service.

Budget’s stellar staff consists of a

Still Going

tant now more than ever that people hat is what

tomers in and out quickly so they don’t

representatives, Angela Malcolm, Yelena Sidorevskaya and Gozel Begmyradova greet customers with a warm smile and are well versed in all of the products. Registered Pharmacy Technician Christina Senatus is also there to assist customers. Joining them are driver, Norberto Urquiza, and Scott Henkin, owner. The entire staff at Budget works together to make sure all customers are provided with exceptional service. “My favorite part about running this business is meeting people, talking to them about their issues and helping them with medicine,” says Scott.

Budget has a great selection of discounted $1.00 greeting cards. Discounted designer look sunglasses, 3 for $10. Discounted vitamins, cough and cold items and first aid supplies. For customers who have Diabetes, Budget provides Diabetes products, services, and consulting. In addition, they have a full supply of Russian products for Russian customers. Budget personnel are fluent

educational video, as well as additional information regarding side effects, dosage, FDA information and information regarding the way certain medications react with other substances. On their website you also have the option of checking out their Diabetes Health Magazine as well as their Health Smart Newsletter.

If you are 65 years or older, Budget offers a free Medicare prescription drugs analysis to see what Part D Plan is best for you. The staff at Budget Drugs are able to do this for both existing customers as well as non-customers. You only need to provide them with a list of medications from your previous pharmacy to see what is the best Part D plan for you (with the lowest total copays for the year). Once the new plans came out for 2022 in midOctober, give Hector a call to set up an appointment to review your options.

“With everybody having similar co-

have to wait to have medication delivered to them, or talking to doctors about their medication, those are all the things we try to excel in so that we can best serve our customers,” said Scott.

Stop in and say hello to Tamie, Hector and the rest of this outstanding crew and truly experience the way a Pharmacy is supposed to be. Budget Drugs is part of Health Mart Pharmacies, a collection of over 3,000 independent pharmacies across the United States. Budget Drugs, a Health Mart Pharmacy, caring for you and about you.

The Health Insurance Panic Is Real

Nobody Has A Sound Solution To Lower Premiums - And That Is A Major Issue!

Young or old – rich or poor – if you haven’t paid attention to healthcare, you better start now!

If you can remember as far back as 2012, when President Obama was checking in on his last term in office –and while he was finishing the plans for Obamacare – the 2016 election was going to be all about who had the best plan for the spiraling costs of health care premiums and co-pays.

“Time is here,” Hollywood resident Michael Garcia said. “All those doomsday scenarios that were painted by both parties are now here and it affect’s everyone’s pocket.”

As President Trump came in with all his bells and whistles – many bought into the fact that he was getting rid of Obamacare, but what tons of supporters never asked is while they were getting rid of one plan, what affordable insurance coverage would we see? That has been answered, and with escalating premiums and pre-existing conditions coming back into play, it is NOT what anyone had in mind.

For North Miami Beach resident Richard Cohen, the past few years have been such a financial burden, getting older and close to getting the country’s dwindling Medicare plan. Cohen, who works full-time and his wife, who barely works a part-time job, have been faced with paying over $2,000.00 per month for health insurance premiums – and that does not include the out-of-pocket co-pays on medication, blood work and offices visits.

“I really do not know what to do,” he said, showing plenty of concern on his face. “I don’t make that much money - with all the normal bills I pay, but for some reason, when we were looking for coverage, this was really the best we could do – even with a deductible that was very high. It is so mind boggling that it keeps me up at night.”

Insurance does indeed control all of our lives – and for those who are younger and may not have to use medication or go to the doctor right now, it is up to you to start the fight –because by the time you reach the age where you will be dependent on doctors, home care and medicines,

there may not be a choice.

“Whether people want to admit it or not, we do not have a plan in this country,” Cohen pointed out. “And, listening to someone who ran to be the Governor of Florida is not going to change that – no matter what they promise you. This is 100 percent about the insurance companies holding everyone hostage and our government continues to dance around a lifealtering decision.”

There are enough people in south Florida who are certainly in the same insurance boat and they simply do not want to sink. But to offer lower cost premiums and overall care will have to come with many concessions – from every side of healthcare.

“If anyone is going to save or see premiums drop, it only makes sense that it has to come from somewhere,” Ginger Morales of Hallandale Beach said. “If healthcare on the overall is to be affordable then doctors, drug companies and those in the medical field will have to drop their fees – and the insurance companies have to follow. If that doesn’t happen, nobody will have a choice. We are in trouble - because soon a majority will not be able to afford any coverage.”

MEDICAL COST TRENDS DO NOT LIE

Large fluctuations in medical cost trends have, for now, disappeared, but healthcare continues to represent a large share of the US economy and a large share of total employee compensation. A consistent growth rate between 5.5 percent and 7 percent is still unsustainably high. Responding to increased consumer pressure, employers and health plans are improving convenience by giving consumers more ways to get care. The long-term goal is to decrease spending, but in the short term, more access points can increase utilization.

No matter where you stand on the healthcare issue, and most are demanding lower premiums and better overall coverage - there is really nothing on the table that would make life easier for everyone - and that is indeed very alarming.

Is helping seniors by providing health insurance for people age 60 to age 64 and 11 months.That very difficult period just before Medicare starts, which is the first of the month you turn age 65.

Why the Bridge to Medicare was Created

The average annual income of a person age 60 is $46,000.00.Thus, a person age 60+ would spend 25% of their annual income on health insurance without this alternative to a ACA Market Plan. (the Affordable Care Act)

Before qualifying for Medicare at the age of 65, the average cost of health insurance for someone age 60-64 is over $1,000 per month.

Regarding all retirees, 56% of them fully retire before age 65 and two thirds of those early retirees claim that their last employer did very little to advise them with transitioning to Medicare. Pre Medicare coverage is great for couples where one spouse would like to retire but has to stay on his/her employers plan to cover a spouse that is not yet eligible for Medicare.

PIVOT Health

At Pivot Health we are a fast growing team obsessed with helping you find the right insurance for your needs. Powered by Healthcare.com, we use data and friendly customer service to design customizable products for you and your family.

Our team of health insurers, financial experts, and tech geeks stay on top of the latest news and products so you can stay informed and can feel confident you’re making the right decision. Come join over 100,000 members who we can help insure each month.

You like your Doctors and don’t want to switch. Pre Medicare Bridge to Medicare Plan has an open network that allows you to keep your preferred Physicians and Specialist.

No matter where you stand on the health care issue and most of us are demanding lower premiums and better overall coverage - there is now a health plan option on the table that will make life much easier for people that are in the pre Medicare age group.

Save hours and stress by solving which health insurance coverage you will have until you are eligible for Medicare by enrolling in The Bridge to Medicare Plan that offers up to three years with no re application and no penalty for new illness diagnosed while insured under this policy.

Brighten Dental Care

Keeping Their Patients Healthy Through Modern Dentistry

Dr. Chander Gupta of Brighten Dental Care in Dania Beach takes an integrated approach to his practice.

“During the past thirty years I have seen patients with terrible oral problems, some of their own making by neglect of proper care or inability to seek proper treatment, but some have even been victims of poor workmanship in the past. Although I enjoy all aspects of dental care and improvement, undertaking these challenges brings me the most satisfaction in my work.”

Good oral care has many more aspects besides just maintaining a beautiful smile, it has aspects that can affect your overall well being. There are many health risks associated with poor oral hygiene and neglecting symptoms from chronic snoring. Many people are unaware of the effects the mouth and gums have on your overall health. But the dangers of snoring could be much worse than you realize, you could have a dangerous health problem called Sleep Apnea, which can cause myriads of other diseases like: high Blood Pressure, Heart Diseases, Diabetes, Depression, Anxiety, Stroke and feeling tired and sleepy even after a full night of sleep. It all happens due to the fact that you are deprived of oxygen while sleeping. As many as 1 in 5 adults have Sleep Apnea. Up to 80% of OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) sufferers are undiagnosed. CPAP has a failure rate of around 75% because many patients cannot get used to sleeping with CPAP.

Dr. Gupta can perform testing in his office that provides critical information to be sent to a sleep specialist for evaluation. Based on the recommendation, he can fit a patient with mild to moderate sleep apnea a customized oral orthotic device that can replace a bulky CPAP mask and machine.

Dr. Gupta’s goal and passion is not just to improve your oral health but your overall health. He wants you to be healthy and looking good with modern dental options, such as Invisalign® .

Invisalign® Braces are clear, removable aligners made of a flexible thermoplastic material that, when carefully fitted and following instructions, gradually straighten a patient’s teeth and bite. There are no brackets or wires and the appliance has none of the restrictions or discomfort that is associated with metal braces. “Not only is

Invisalign® hardly noticeable,” says Dr. Gupta, “but it is an effective correction device for any age, from teens to the elderly.”

Dr. Gupta says that most people do not realize how influential the health of their mouth is on their entire body. “Our mouths harbor Microorganisms like Bacteria and Viruses that can invade our Hearts, Lungs and Nervous System. Not only do those Microorganisms affect the individual, but they can eas ily be spread from person to person through kissing, sharing, even droplets through sneezing, coughing, shouting, and singing, as we recently have been warned regarding the spread of COVID-19.”

He adds that even if an individual is diligent in their personal Dental Care, the foods and beverages that enter their mouths contribute to the human biome that affects the entire body. Therefore, he recommends that regular dental checkups should be part of any health regime. One of the ways Dr. Gupta can give his patients great oral care is through technology. Besides traditional dental issues, Dr. Gupta has the technology to perform screenings to detect early Mouth Cancers and provide DNA Testing of Saliva to identify Bacterial Population and DNA Markers to determine if you are prone to Periodontal Disease.

Dr. Gupta points out that most people have tooth loss today due to tooth decay, Periodontal Disease or traumatic injuries. Although bridges between existing teeth may fill the gap, they are not always a feasible solution. In those cases, Dr. Gupta recommends Dental Implants to replace one, multiple or all missing teeth by creating a Prosthetic Root with the fusion of a titanium screw into the Jaw and attaching customized matching teeth to become a permanent fixture, just like your own teeth.

Another option to fix tooth loss are Dentures, “Removable Dentures are an option in replacing full or partial tooth loss,” he says, “but they often can be problematic, especially for older patients whose gums slowly continue to

shrink.” At that point, he notes that Dentures begin to slip and the individual tends to use more Denture adhesive, which gets swallowed and that is not good for their health. He says, “illfitting Dentures create sore spots on the gum line.” He continues by saying that the patient then self-medicates with an Over-The-Counter Oral Anesthetic like Orajel® that numbs the gums, but does nothing to heal the sore. He explains

dentistry with reasonable fees.” Dr. Gupta says that his office staff is happy to accommodate the patient with appointments, help complete Insurance forms and arrange for various payment plan options including Care Credit and Lending Club.

Our Health Care Coordinator, Miss Chandrally Mahajan, MPH (Master’s in Public Health, Epidemiology) has a strong belief in educating the public about Oral Health and its connection to Overall Health. She is a speaker at local Civic Organizations, schools and frequent guest speaker on the Steve Kane Radio Talk Show on WNN 1470AM discussing preventive aspects of COVID-19 Epidemic. She assures that our office surpasses OSHA and CDC Guidelines.

“As a professional team,” Dr. Gupta says,” the goal of my staff and I is to

not chew properly which upsets their stomach and takes a toll on his or her health and general well-being.

The initial care you receive when dealing with overall oral health is extremely important, but what truly sets Dr. Gupta apart from others in his field is his attention to aftercare. “Proper fitting and continued monitoring are critical in all phases of dentistry,” states Dr. Gupta, “so complete care through the process is an absolute criterion in service to my patients.” Dr. Gupta says that he and the labs he works with are fastidious in their fittings and follow up care.

“Even with all of that,” says Dr. Gupta, “most important to us is that we treat our patients as if they are our own family members and provide quality

help keep our patients happy to enjoy a healthy life with their Bright Smiles.” The readers of this article are being offered a free consultation for snoring, Implants and Ortho Treatments.

Degreed as a DDS (Doctor Of Dental Surgery), Dr. Gupta performs Dental Surgery in his office in Dania Beach. The office is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology, including Surgical Laser Equipment for the more up to date and professional Oral Care to improve your overall well being.

Dr. Chander Gupta DDS; MAGD Brighten Dental Care

129 E. Dania Beach Boulevard

Dania Beach Fl 33004

954-922-4633

www.BrightenDentalCare.com

Titan Restoration Inc. Is A Company That Cares

By Erika Cartwright

The only thing in life that is certain, is that anything can happen at any time. Such tragedies as; fire, hurricanes, and floods are real and do happen, bringing with them water damage and the poten tial for harmful mold and bac terial growth. Water damage can occur for several reasons, some you may not notice right away, such as sewer issues, a leaking roof, and clogged or leaking pipes, just to name a few. During these times you need licensed professionals with a plan of action that can ease the stress and take the headache of dealing with the insurance company off your hands. Allowing you to focus on what is important to you in your time of need.

Titan Restoration Inc., for merly known as 1st Priority, is a trusted, licensed Cleaning, Water Damage Restoration, and Mold Remediation Company proudly serving all of southern Florida. The main office is in Broward County. Technicians are throughout; Collier, Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie Counties, allowing them to arrive at the site within 45 minutes in times of emergency. With emergency calling 24/7, you’re never more than a phone call away from friendly, efficient, caring, knowledgeable professionals.

Whether the water damage in your home or business was caused by a leaking pipe, roof, or major flood, Titan Restoration Inc. is here to help. To schedule non-emergency services or to request a free estimate visit: https://www.titan restorationfl.com, their userfriendly website makes scheduling appointments easy.

For emergency services call: 954-280-6950, technicians will arrive within the hour to begin the process of helping you get your life back. With services such as emergency packing and storing of salvageable belongings, following fire or flood, and standing water removal also available, they

handle it all for you from A-Z.

The cost is most often fully covered by your homeowner’s insurance, leaving you with no worries about chasing down reimbursements from the insurance company. Face it, you have enough worries, this doesn’t need to be one of them. Titan Restoration Inc. works with all Florida homeowners’ insurance companies.

To assess the situation Titan Restoration Inc. offers state-ofthe-art leak detection, using infrared cameras. This allows for non-invasive, non-messy leak detection. No need to tear up dry wall or floors just to find the source of the leak.

Once the leaks have been found, you will be referred to a trusted, licensed plumber.

After the repairs, State-ofthe-art specialized equipment is used to detect moisture levels in the air, dehumidifiers are placed in the affected area, and a Florida-licensed Mold Inspector will be sent to do a mold inspection. Samples will be taken of the air and mold.

The specimens will be sent to their private laboratory for testing. This will determine which type of mold they are dealing with. Some molds are more toxic than others such as black mold, knowing the type, allows for proper precautions to be taken to ensure effective treatment and removal of the mold. Depending on the severity of the damages, drywall and flooring may need to be replaced to effectively rid your home or business of mold. Titan Restoration Inc. is a full remodeling and restoration company, specializing in kitchen and bath remodels, as well as a wide variety of other services. Throughout this process, Titan Restoration Inc. will be working with your insurance company every step of the way. You should never attempt to remove mold without a licensed professional, it is unsafe, and hazardous to your health. Mold thrives in dark, damp environments such as under the kitchen or bathroom sinks, in unventilated base-

ments, and closed in laundry rooms. It can even be found behind drywall. Because of the heat and humidity which Florida is known for, it provides a perfect environment for mold to thrive. Vigilance is key when it comes to mold remediation. Bleach and paint alone will not eliminate the problem, only hide it, allowing it to grow unseen and spread. This causes more damage to your home and health over time. People and pets all respond differently to mold and mildew. For some, it may be watery eyes, itchy throat, cough, or skin irritation. Confusion, disorientation, and even hallucinations can also be signs of mold exposure. For others, exposure to mold can cause very serious, even lifethreatening health problems. When it comes to your health and the safety of your loved ones, trust the experts at Titan Restoration Inc. to have you breathing easier, in a mold-free environment.

Once the mold has been

identified, the mold remediation process begins. Titan Restoration Inc. will dry out the affected area using fans and dehumidifiers. Followed by thoroughly cleansing and sanitizing the affected areas using antimicrobial agents effective for mold-eliminating and prevention. HEPA air purifiers are used to capture any airborne mold spores, leaving you with clean air. Green cleaners are used for mildew removal. Since mold spores are airborne and invisible to the naked eye it is necessary to deep clean the air ducts, carpets, furnishings, and upholstery. Homeowners’ insurance covers the cost in most cases following water damage. These services are offered year-round, and it is recommended to have these done once a year to remove allergens, bacteria, dirt, and grime buildup that occurs naturally over time. These services are recommended more frequently if you have pets, suffer from allergies, or are a smoker, to ensure peace of mind and healthier living.

After the repairs are completed and your home or business is restored to its pre-loss condition, a Florida statelicensed Mold Inspector will be sent out to do a final inspection, to ensure all mold concerns were effectively eliminated. Titan Restoration Inc. takes pride in providing the best service experience to its customers from start to finish. Their goal is to have your property back to its pre-loss condition while taking the stress off you.

Titan Restoration Inc. is a customer-friendly company that also specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling from drywall and baseboards to cabinetry and flooring. It is not necessary to have damage to your home, so call on Titan Restoration Inc. for all your remodeling needs.

For a free estimate call: 954-280-6950, now offering 10% off a $350 service for out-of-pocket customers.