A5-Hutchinson Island Living-Vol.562

Oceana Aesthetics: A Premier Aesthetic Surgical Practice

If you have been considering aesthetic surgery but are unsure who can deliver high quality, natural-looking results then look no further than Oceana Aesthetics. Dr. Brian Blumenauer, a Vanderbilt trained plastic surgeon, has opened a premier aesthetic surgical practice located in Stuart. He is honored to have gained the trust and support of recently retired Dr. Dudley Giles. Dr. Blumenauer and his patient focused team o er services that include both innovative surgical and non-surgical rejuvenating treatments of the face, breast and body. e foundation of Dr. Blumenauer’s practice is apatient-centered approach taken at every step in your aesthetic journey.

With a solid surgical foundation as a general surgeon followed by completion of a rigorous plastic surgery fellowship, Dr. Blumenauer is well equipped to ensure you receive a top-ranking surgical experience. He received world-class plastic surgery training at the renowned Vanderbilt Medical Center; one of the premier plastic surgery programs in the country. With his surgical expertise, Dr. Blumenauer operates using modern, advanced techniques that are evidence based, e ective and safe.

At Oceana Aesthetics, their success comes from the beautiful, 5-star rated results that are natural and uniquely tailored to you. Dr. Blumenauer’s amazing outcomes are a direct result of the e ort put forth from start to nish. At each complimentary consultation, a

thorough, yet customized surgical plan will leave you feeling well informed and con dent in your decision and your surgeon.

Dr. Blumenauer delivers amazing and natural results with non-surgical aesthetic treatments as well. ese include masterful use of injectables such as Botox, llers, fat gra ing, hair restoration, chemical peels, dermabrasion, PRP injections among many other treatment approaches.

Beyond aesthetics, Dr. Blumenauer is well trained to perform a wide array of reconstructive and non-aesthetic surgical treatments. Common examples include various approaches to breast reconstruction secondary to breast cancer. Did you know that Dr. Blumenauer is one of the only providers in our area who o ers migraine surgery to patients who su er from frequent and debilitating migraine symptoms? is includes treating trigger points of the forehead, temple and occipital regions. Dr. Blumenauer has sta privileges at the Cleveland Clinic Martin locations.

e team at Oceana Aesthetics understands choosing the right surgeon and surgery can be a di cult decision. Dr. Blumenauer and sta are happy to devote as much time as you need to ensure all of your questions and concerns have been addressed. “Helping our patients navigate through surgical options, risks and bene ts is a privilege. Earning their con dence and then delivering a result that exceeds their expectations is an experience that is hard to beat. I love what I do.”

“I opened my practice here in the Treasure Coast with the purpose of bringing a rejuvenated approach to aesthetic surgery.” Dr. Blumenauer continues, “you will always remain at the forefront of the conversation. is is your experience.” Dr. Blumenauer notes too o en active listening has become a “lost art” in plastic surgery. “Not in my practice,” he says. “Surgeons across all specialities tend to forget that an informed

consent is a process. It’s not a one time event that includes signing a piece of paper.”

e dedication to patient centered care extends to Dr. Blumenauer’s two compassionate and knowledgeable sta members —Shelly and Tatiana — who Dr. Blumenauer refers to as his “A-Team.”

If you are at all familiar with the plastic surgery practitioners in our area, then you probably know or have heard of Shelly, whose “clinical experience and unrivaled bedside manner maker her a local celebrity.” With over 30 years of experience in plastic surgery as a surgical scrub tech and medical assistant, Shelly delivers caring, thoughtful and personalized touches to each of Dr. Blumenauer’s patients.

Tatiana exempli es the mission of Oceana Aesthetics. Her dedication to exemplary patient care is inspiring. Tatiana is Oceana’s patient care coordinator andnancial liaison. Her passion for creating a stress free patient experience allows Oceana Aesthetics to stand out from its peers. She is well versed to address any of your nancial concerns.

If you are hesitant about exploring aesthetic procedures because of nancial concerns, Oceana o ers multiple nance options including both CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit. Our nancial specialist, Tatiana, will help guide you through this process and set up your account with either service. As far as pricing goes, Dr. Blumenauer states, “I want to make sure the nancial process is not the most daunting part of our consultation. All pricing is tailored to each client and remains competitive with the local market.”

Unique to the practice is their complimentary enrollment of most surgical patients in CosmetAssure, an insurance policy for aesthetic-related procedures. is service provides the patient peace of mind when planning for surgery.

Brian Blumenauer M.D. Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Blumenauer is the only surgeon in Martin County that o ers both the Emsculpt Neo and Emface platforms. ese are non-invasive devices that utilize radiofrequency and high-intensity, focused electromagnetism to treat targeted areas of the face, abdomen, anks, buttocks, arms and thighs. e Emface tones both the skin and facial musculature resulting in less wrinkles and more of a natural li without the need for injectables. Patients report up to a 30% increase in facial muscle tone, 37% reduction in wrinkles and 23% increase in li . e Emsculpt Neo builds muscle and eliminates fat to improve tone and contour of the body and extremities. Patients can see an average of 30% reduction in subcutaneous fat and 25% growth in muscle volume with the Emsculpt Neo. ese revolutionary technologies have no down time and treatment sessions are only 20–30 minutes.

Oceana Aesthetics is located at 844 SE Ocean Boulevard in Stuart.

The of ce is open Monday-Friday from 9AM-5PM. To schedule your complimentary consultation, call 772-492-4360 or visit oceanaaesthetics.com.

950 SE INDIAN STREET

(772) 888-1854

MeroMeroCantina.com

FOOD FIESTA FAMILY

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Sun-Thurs: 11:30AM-10:00PM

Fri-Sat: 11:30AM-11:00PM

PORK CARNITAS QUESADILLA

Sometimes, you want to enjoy not only a tasty meal, but also a fun environment. Well, Stuart has a wonderful new restaurant for you to try, wherein you can have both a delicious meal and a festive experience — Mero Mero Mexican Cantina.

e name of the restaurant, “Mero Mero,” comes from a Spanish slang term that loosely translates to “head honcho” or “big boss.” Why? Because the restaurant aims to lead the pack and set the new standard for Mexican cuisine with experimental and elevated versions of beloved classics thoughtfully cra ed in a scratch kitchen!

Indeed, Mero Mero o ers a modernized Mexican dining experience unlike any other in our community. It’s a vibrant, fun, and fresh setting complete with bright, electric color schemes, mixed media murals, and cheery Latin American-inspired music playing in the background… the absolute perfect place to grab a drink and/or delicious meal a er work. A er all, the restaurant boasts a wide-ranging menu, not to mention a full bar and extensive tequila collection that you won’t nd just anywhere!

A great appetizer to start you o is the Taste of Mexico ($15), which comes with bottomless warm tortilla chips and a generous sampling of salsa verde, guacamole, and queso dips. You receive complimentary salsa roja (chunky and addictively refreshing with bursts of heat) and chips already, so this starter gives you the opportunity to try a little bit of everything in terms of sauces/dips.

My favorite of all four options was the queso dip, with its thick, creamy, cheesy spiciness. Abby’s, on the other hand, was the salsa roja because of its “incredibly fresh taste.”

VEGGIE FAJITA RICE BOWL

POLLO ALA PARRILLA

You absolutely, positively, and unquestionably have to order the Birria tacos (3 for $16). Full of extraordinarily tender adobo short rib beef, the tacos boast sweet onions and a rich cheese blend, and are served with a consommé that “is good enough to drink,” declared Abby. I took my rst bite and actually rolled my eyes to heaven, wondering how I could have possibly lived this long without eating these juicy, savory, cheesy avor bombs.

DiningOutReview

by Gabby Gregory

Questions/Comments? diningreview@mediaoms.com

with Gabby, Abby, Luis, & Paul

In the mood for an enchilada? Select the short rib one ($19), which includes a cheese blend, salsa roja, rice, and beans. e portion is very generous, so there’s no way you’ll leave the restaurant hungry! Abby raved about it, saying, “It’s amazing that they’re able to get so much avor into the meat!”

BIRRIA TACOS

We ordered these for the table, but honestly, each of us would have been happy to order our own plate of them… they are THAT good! Crisp on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth goodness on the inside, and a consommé that is literally simmered all day long to ensure maximum piquancy… how could you say no? Don’t go to Mero Mero without ordering the birria tacos!

For his main course, Luis took our server’s recommendation and ordered the pork carnitas quesadilla ($15). Genuinely, we have never seen such a thick quesadilla! Loaded with mouthwateringly juicy shredded pork and a luscious cheese blend, the quesadilla comes with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and sour cream. “Oh wow,” Luis remarked upon taking his rst bite, “that’s a GOOD quesadilla! It doesn’t even need the lettuce or sauces. It’s perfectly seasoned on its own.” Luis was so complimentary about his meal, in fact, that Paul felt compelled to steal some of it! He heartily agreed with Luis’ assessment, and added, “It’s the best blend of savory and salty!”

If you’re not a meat eater, then you can de nitely still nd plenty of yummy, lling meals at Mero Mero! For example, the fajitas rice bowl ($16) with vegetables ($2) is a large portion of coriander rice, guajillo black beans, charred onions, red and yellow bell peppers, guacamole, salsa roja, and sour cream topped with corn, sweet potatoes, and zucchini. Colorfully presented, the dish rst dazzles your vision, then astounds your palate as all of the fresh, rustic avors charm you with their vibrancy. I especially loved the addition of the tender roasted chunks of sweet potato because they rounded out the more intense avor pro les of the peppers and onions. I was very happy with the vegetarian rice bowl not only when I was eating it at the restaurant, but also when I was enjoying round 2 of it at midnight.

For your next meal, experience the endless fun and avor at Mero Mero Mexican Cantina! Its scratch kitchen, cheerful setting, and endless creative drink options are a refreshing addition to our local dining scene.

BIRRIA TACO FREE

With the purchase of any food item (With exception of sides) One coupon per visit. Cannot be combined with other coupons. Expires 3/30/23

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BEACHFRONT! Stunning Ocean and golf course views from this impeccably updated 2BR, 2 Bath, 4th level home with impact sliders, hardwood oors and more. Inclds. Island Dunes Gold and Tennis Country Club Membership.

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WINDMILL VILLAGE HUTCHINSON ISLAND

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RIVERFRONT! Water views from almost every room! Nicely updated and furnished 2BR, 2 bath. Accordian shutters on all windows, newer AC, beautiful kitchen with granite and stainless applcs, updated baths and more. Ocean to river resort living!

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FITNESS AND YOUR OVERALL WELL-BEING.

By Gabby Gregory

Every 5,000 miles, like clockwork, you take your car to get its oil changed and tires rotated. It’s basic, routine maintenance, but that consistent attention and upkeep is vital for your vehicle to run e ciently, especially over a number of years. Your body, much like your vehicle, requires regular care and treatment to keep it healthy. And, again like your automobile, your body needs support from someone other than yourself, a professional who can guide it to achieving its utmost abilities and to retaining its peak performance.

Getting older, playing sports, or having a condition like sciatica or arthritis shouldn’t hold you back from living your life! You can feel like your younger self again, the one who didn’t feel any aches or pains when walking, running, jumping, or even sitting… all you have to do is visit Stretch Zone.

Drew Brees, former quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, is the newest partner at Stretch Zone who advocates for people to regularly get stretched. A er personally going to Stretch Zone for an assisted stretching session, Drew was impressed with the uniquely e ective and nationally accredited Stretch Zone Method®, which is administered by a highly-trained and Stretch Zone-certi ed stretch practitioner.

Here’s How It Works:

1.) Your rst session begins with lling out an intake form and having a consultation with your experienced and knowledgeable stretch practitioner. Based on your medical background and your personal goals, the stretch practitioner will personalize the ensuing 30-minute assisted stretching session to meet your individual needs. On subsequent visits, you’ll simply do a check-in with the practitioner to update your medical pro le with any recent changes and/or any new pain or discomfort that you might be experiencing.

2.) e stretch practitioner initiates the rst steps of the approved Stretch Zone Method®, utilizing Stretch Zone’s special patented straps to encourage your body to relax and ease into the stretches. You won’t nd these straps anywhere else!

Comparable to a thunder jacket for your pets, they are meant to calm your mind so that your entire body is perfectly loose, thus allowing the stretch practitioner to stretch your body to its full potential and, as a result, provide you with both preventative maintenance and pain relief.

3.) Assisted stretching (a/k/a passive stretching) is di erent from physical therapy in that your body is being stretched by someone else, you’re not actually doing any work. roughout your 30-minute session, the stretch practitioner will be steadily interacting one-on-one with you, ensuring that you are completely comfortable and not experiencing any pain. Ultimately, you are in control of the stretch, even as your practitioner guides your body through each and every step, because you tell the practitioner when you feel your best stretching position. e more you communicate, the better results you’re going to get!

Take advantage of Stretch Zone’s incredible New Year Special: get one FREE

30-minute stretching session! Anybody and everybody can and should be stretched. In fact, one Stretch Practitioner I spoke with at Stretch Zone says, “98% of the people I see in front of me really need to be stretched. is is something you should not live without.” Remember, it’s just like getting your oil changed! Plus, celebrities and professional athletes have been getting stretched for years, so it’s time for the general population to be clued into the secret!

Get Stretch Zone’s New Year Special for yourself or get them for a friend or loved one… what better way to say you care than to give the gi of making life easier, of feeling healthier, lighter, and younger, and of feeling like yourself again?

Do you want to:

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✓ MANAGE TENSION AND STRESS MORE EFFECTIVELY?

✓ EASE FRUSTRATING MUSCLE ACHES AND PAINS?

✓ INCREASE YOUR OVERALL HEALTH AND WELLNESS?

For What It’s Worth by

Ok, so here’s the latest scoop on the medical situations regarding my last several columns, having to do with inability to get to a doctor from Cleveland Clinic in a timely manner. Yes, for those of you who insisted I name the dreaded hospital that I was writing about, it is, in fact, Cleveland Clinic. e reason I am now going to put a name to the place is because I was invited by Dr. Singh, the President of Cleveland Clinic to have a meet and greet this a ernoon. Just when you think you know how your week is going to go, wham, a personal invitation to speak with the president himself, who read my articles and wanted to talk. Okay, so I’ll admit I was nervous, anxious, worried, but also armed for bear in the event that he wanted to minimize the situation, but in fact, surprisingly, he was caring, open to suggestions, and transparent with regard to how Cleveland Clinic took over Martin Memorial North and South, and what he strived for going forward. I was impressed, and I’m not easily sold on lip service, but between him and the head of Patient Experiences, Karen Ludwig, who was also present, it was apparent that he knew and understood the frustrations the general public has been experiencing getting seen by a physician in a timely manner.

I have to give him credit. His information was forthcoming, addressing my concerns, sometimes even before I had

the chance to list them. Also to his credit, he was young-ish, a physician himself, and has only been the president of the hospital for one year. In that year, he and Karen had an earful of complaints and they had plans to address all of them by way of hiring almost 60 new physicians, twice as many nurses, and ongoing training for those people on the front lines, who take the calls and make appointments. I was shocked, in a good way. He never tried to make excuses, nor did he make false promises. He said getting things turned around was not going to happen overnight, but he does strive to make this hospital the best it can possibly be, within a reasonable amount of time. He is there to speak with, to read emails, and to even give out his cell phone number (No, sorry, I can’t pass it along, lol) but from what I understand, he has done that frequently to others as well.

Dr. Melfi, Ph.D.

it. Much as I loved hospital nursing, I have asked myself many times if I had stayed in nursing, would I quit? I feel like the answer is a hard “no” but it’s easy to say from the sidelines, and not in the midst of potentially deadly chaos.

My point is this. He wants things to change, and he has ideas to change them, many of which it is not my place to share. I came in with a list of suggestions, but before I could get my ideas out of my mouth, he already verbalized them. We were on the same page! So, the bottom line is this.

He loves this community, he loves this hospital, and he loves medicine. He is not one of those people who sits in their ivory tower, having no pulse on medical practices. He wants to do better, and promises he will do better, but this is what he has been handed, well, that, and the pandemic, which has seen the resignation of good nurses and doctors who no longer wish to expose themselves and their families to infection. I get

For What it’s Worth, he’s young, he’s enthusiastic, he wants to make things better, and he wants Cleveland Clinic, Stuart, to be exactly what we all want it to be, a place we can trust with our very lives. Let’s be fair and give him time to get it together. If I was a gambler, I think I’d put my money on him.

ACE OF CARTS : Your Local Golf

By Gina Zuk

The Florida lifestyle provides us with a host of options for getting from point A to point B... from scooters to speed boats, we’ve got them all! e golf cart in particular has, with all of the gated communities in the Sunshine State, become an easy and convenient way to get around the area. Golf carts aren’t just for private neighborhoods or the links though; in fact, they have even become a quick way to tote the kids to and from the bus stop every day! Do the prices at the pumps tempt you to put the car in the garage for a while? Head to Ace of Carts, the area’s largest golf cart superstore with the best selection of golf carts, golf cart accessories, and top-notch service!

Ace of Carts is a family-owned and operated business led by Nick Rotundo and his dad, Rock Rotundo. Nick and Rock were in the automotive business together before making the move from upstate New York to south Florida seven years ago. Nick explains that a er moving, his family had a di cult time purchasing a golf cart for his grandmother, who had moved into a gated community. So, Nick and Rock ventured into the golf cart sales business together, becoming an authorized retailer for ClubCar, Yamaha, Icon, and Polaris Commercial golf carts.

In 2018, the Rotundo family moved the business to its current Stuart location (formally Tri County Golf Carts). Ace of Carts now employs over 30 sales, service, and customer care personnel, and is the highest volume sales dealer of golf carts in the area! In addition to golf carts, Ace of Carts has an inventory of electronically-assisted bikes (ebikes) for the bike rider who wants a more comfortable option when it comes to pedaling uphill.

Aside from their vast inventory, Ace of Carts is the go-to source for many Palm Beach, St Lucie, and Martin County residents due to Nick and Rock’s industry experience and dedication to exceptional

is located at 552 US Highway N. NOW OPEN Mondays-Fridays from 10AM to 5PM and Saturdays from 9AM to 3PM.

Ace of Carts in Stuart is located at 4880 SE Federal Highway.

Ace of Carts in Daytona Beach is located at 2674 LPGA Boulevard.

service. In these challenging times of supply and demand, the service team at Ace of Carts does everything possible to guarantee that customers have their service and sales needs met. Ace of Carts’ factory-trained technicians have the knowledge to provide quality diagnostics, service, and repair for any golf cart. ey realize that golf carts are important to lifestyle routines, so they make timely service a priority.

One of many happy Google reviewers says of Ace of Carts, “I purchased my Club Car cart from Ace of Carts about four years ago and have been supported by them the entire time. If I have questions, I receive answers by a call or text immediately. ey truly want the entire experience to be as close to perfect as possible. Nick and the entire family are fantastic… and I like supporting a family business…”

In addition to their Stuart location, Ace of Carts has expanded to two more locations, one in Daytona Beach and the other, newest one in Tequesta, the Grand Opening of which is later this month. Tequesta’s premier 3,000 square foot showroom will still have the same o erings as the other locations, but will be more focused on the customer experience. Nick explains, “ e Tequesta location will be geared more toward the golf customer.” ere will be a digital golf simulator on the premises, along with other interactive displays and attractions that customers can explore while shopping for carts and accessories! Nick adds, “ e customers will leave the store more informed than when they walked in.”

Like Ace of Carts’ other locations, the Tequesta location will provide FREE cart pick up and delivery with almost every sale. Ace of Carts also o ers 0% nancing for 48 months on select products, making it easy to purchase a golf cart that will absolutely be the envy of the neighborhood.

Find the perfect golf cart at Ace of Carts, and stay tuned for the Tequesta Ace of Carts Grand Opening!