Bismarck Magazine - Volume 9: Issue 1 New Year Issue

3 1 : 8 P R OJ E C T • A B U S E D A D U LT R E S O U R C E C E N T E R • A D U LT & T E E N C H A L L E N G E , Hi g h l i g h t s o f Bi s m a r c k , M a n d a n a n d L i n c o l n N O R T H DA KOTA • A M E R I C A N R E D C R O S S • A N N E C A R L S E N C E N T E R • B I O G I R L S • B I S - M A N M E N TO R S Q U A D, F O R M E R LY B I G B R OT H E R S B I G S I S T E R S • B I S M A R C KM A N DA N YO U N G L I F E • B I S M A R C K A R T & G A L L E R I E S A S S O C I AT I O N • B I S M A R C K C A N C E R C E N T E R F O U N DAT I O N • B I S M A R C K G LO B A L N E I G H B O R S • B I S M A R C K H O C K E Y B O O S T E R S • B I S M A R C K P U B L I C S C H O O L S F O U N DAT I O N • B I S M A R C K S TAT E CO L L E G E F O U N DAT I O N • B I S M A R C K- M A N DA N S Y M P H O N Y O R C H E S T R A • B R AV E T H E S H AV E • B R I D G I N G T H E D E N TA L G A P • C A M P O F T H E C R O S S M I N I S T R I E S • C AT H O L I C C H A R I T I E S N O R T H DA KOTA • C E N T R A L DA KOTA C H I L D R E N ' S C H O I R • C E N T R A L DA KOTA H U M A N E S O C I E T Y • C H R I S T T H E K I N G C AT H O L I C M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L • C H U R C H O F S T. J O S E P H M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L A N D S C H O O L O F T H E H O LY FA M I LY • C R O S S T R A I N I N G • C YS T I C F I B R O S I S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N O R T H DA KOTA • DA KOTA B OYS A N D G I R L S R A N C H • DA KOTA C H I L D R E N ' S A DVO C AC Y C E N T E R • DA KOTA ZO O • D E S I G N E R G E N E S O F N O R T H DA KOTA • D R E A M C E N T E R B I S M A R C K • D U C K S U N L I M I T E D - N O R T H DA KOTA • E A S T E R S E A L S G O O DW I L L N D, I N C . • E L K S C A M P G R A S S I C K • FA R M R E S C U E • F U R RY F R I E N D S R O C K I N ' R E S C U E • G R E AT P L A I N S F O O D B A N K • G I V I N G H E A R T S DAY • H E A R T V I E W F O U N DAT I O N B I S M A R C K • H E AV E N S H E L P E R S S O U P C A F E , C LO S E T ( 70 1 ) & R E P U R P O S E S TO R E • H O S P I C E O F T H E R E D R I V E R VA L L E Y • I N S P I R I N G M I N D S , C E N T E R F O R DYS L E X I A A N D L I T E R AC Y • K A I D R A’ S G O O D V I B E T R I B E F O U N DAT I O N • K I T T Y C I T Y • L I G H T O F C H R I S T C AT H O L I C S C H O O L S • L I G H T H O U S E C H U R C H O F FA R G O R E COV E RY S E RV I C E S • L I N TO N R E G I O N A L M E D I C A L C E N T E R F O U N DAT I O N • M A K E -A-W I S H N O R T H DA KOTA • M A R T I N L U T H E R S C H O O L • M I N I S T RY O N T H E M A R G I N S • M I S S O U R I S LO P E F O U N DAT I O N • M I S S O U R I VA L L E Y FA M I LY Y M C A • M S A U N I T E D WAY E M E R G E N C Y H O M E L E S S S H E LT E R • N D A S S I S T I V E • N E X U S - PAT H FA M I LY H E A L I N G ( F O R M E R LY PAT H N O R T H DA KOTA ) • N O R T H DA KOTA A S S O C I AT I O N F O R T H E D I S A B L E D ( N DA D) • N O R T H DA KOTA FA M I LY A L L I A N C E • N O R T H DA KOTA F FA F O U N DAT I O N • N O R T H DA KOTA S A F E T Y CO U N C I L • N O R T H DA KOTA S TO C K M E N ' S F O U N DAT I O N • N O R T H DA KOTA U N I T E D F O U N DAT I O N • N O R T H DA KOTA V E T E R A N S C E M E T E RY F O U N DAT I O N • N O R T H DA KOTA' S G AT E WAY TO S C I E N C E • N O R T H E R N P L A I N S DA N C E • P R E V E N T C H I L D A B U S E N O R T H DA KOTA • R O B E R T E . A S K E R S COT T I S H R I T E S P E E C H T H E R A P Y C E N T E R F O R C H I L D R E N - BISMARCK • RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF BISMARCK, ND • S A LVAT I O N A R M Y B I S M A R C K- M A N DA N • S H I LO H C H R I S T I A N S C H O O L • S L E E P Y H O L LOW T H E AT R E & A R T S PA R K • S O U L 57 • S TAT E H I S TO R I C A L S O C I E T Y O F N O R T H DA KOTA F O U N DAT I O N • T H E C A P I TA L G A L L E RY S O C I E T Y • T H E O D O R E R O O S E V E LT M E D O R A F O U N DAT I O N • TO B ACCO F R E E N O R T H DA KOTA • T R AC Y ' S S A N C T UA RY H O U S E • U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A RY • W E LCO M E H O U S E , I N C . • W E S T E R N N O R T H DA KOTA H O N O R F L I G H T • W O M E N ’ S C A R E C E N T E R B I S M A R C K • YO U T H WO R K S JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024 | VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1

HELP US SAVE CHILDREN

THE GOD'S CHILD PROJECT SAVING LIVES SINCE 1991 Since 1991, your Bismarck - founded GOD'S CHILD Project has helped thousands of families in Guatemala and around the world. Through our Dreamer Center, a 6 acre campus in Antigua, Guatemala, we nurse babies back to health at our hospital for malnourished infants (Casa Jackson), and provide health, food and education services to thousands.

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CONTENTS

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New Year, New You

2024 is the year to treat yourself - to some serious wellness. From spa treatments to chiropractic, these companies will help you achieve the best you that you have to offer!

10 Giving Hearts Day Photo by NewAge Creative

20 Wellness Stories

Volume 9 Issue 1

January-February 2024

NORTH DAKOTA HERITAGE CENTER

Bismarck Magazine is published bi-monthly and is complimentary. Copies are available across the Bismarck, Mandan and Lincoln communities or online at bismarck-magazine.com.

PUBLISHERS

Hannah Haynes hannah@bismarck-magazine.com Caroline Crary caroline@bismarck-magazine.com

LAYOUT EDITOR

Jenna Kluting

PHOTOGRAPHERS

NewAge Creative

CONTRIBUTORS

Maria Fleck

COPY EDITOR

Jennifer Kranz

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info@bismarck-magazine.com

Printed in the USA

Bismarck Magazine Corporation, Copyright 2015 Bismarck Magazine and bismarck-magazine.com. All rights reserved. This periodical cannot be reproduced without the written permission of Bismarck Magazine.

Bismarck Magazine will not be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. Bismarck Magazine Corporation accepts no liability for statements made by advertisers.

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LETTER

Photo by Connor Picard

Happy New Year Bismarck-Mandan! Wow, 2024! We cannot believe it. As we head into the new year, we cannot help but feel humbled and honored to be going into year 9 of publishing Bismarck Magazine and being part of this incredible community.

Over the last year, we partnered with Mandan Progress Organization to bring you Mandan Magazine, highlighted numerous hidden hometown heroes of our cities, featured multiple local businesses, and showcased how other local businesses give back. Not only are we excited to feature more of these unsung heroes and hidden gems, but we are also excited to bring it all to you!

We are kicking off the New Year with not only ways to give back to yourself a little, but also to give back to our local charities. LET’S PAINT THE TOWN RED, for GIVING HEARTS DAY! Thursday, February 8th we are celebrating Giving Hearts Day 2024, a full day of fundraising for charities in our community! Read all about how you can give back this Giving Hearts Day. After the stress of the holidays, sometimes it is nice to take a break and relax from the chaos. Check out all the ways you can self-care this new year. From health and wellness to beauty treatments, this issue talks about all the ways to treat yourself.

Happy New Year! Remember to be kind to others this year, be good to yourself, and give back to those in need!

SHELLY BOTSFORD NP | JOHN BOTSFORD MD

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BISMARCK MAGAZINE | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024

Giving Hearts Day is a 24-hour event in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota that provides a platform for charities to fund their missions by helping grow a community of donors to support their causes, not only on Giving Hearts Day, but also hopefully year-round. The larger goal of Giving Hearts Day is deeper than reaching a financial goal on one day. “Giving Hearts Day is not just about raising money. It’s about the opportunity for the charities to connect with a purpose, provide resources to businesses and individuals, and to also thank and recognize their donors,” explains Deidre Hillman, Bismarck-Mandan Giving Hearts Day event coordinator. Always held the second Thursday in Februay, this year, Giving Hearts Day is on February 8th.

The event first started in 2008 with around 40 non-profits participating.

Dakota Medical Foundation and the Impact Foundation were the founding hosts of Giving Hearts Day with the Alex Stern Family Foundation joining in 2014. The mission of Giving Hearts Day has been the same since the beginning: to give charities a larger platform to share their mission and their work and to make charitable giving a communal responsibility.

The mission of Giving Hearts Day has guided its growth and success.

Since its inception, the event has grown to include nearly 600 non-profits participating each year and has raised $165 million that has gone directly to the participating charities. “I think what’s beautiful about this is not only the amount of money that’s raised, but also the awareness campaign that they get throughout the community and the people they serve,” says Deidre. To encourage awareness of Giving Hearts Day, Deidre and local charity leaders have monthly meetings leading up to the actual day. These meetings also help prepare charities to build a campaign leading up to the actual day.

Each year, Giving Hearts Day only grows thanks to the awareness campaigns leading up to Giving Hearts Day. 11

newage creative

Deidre Hillman

This Giving Hearts Day will be Deidre Hillman’s first time as the Bismarck-Mandan Giving Hearts Day coordinator. “My position is to help facilitate and build community with charities and planning events,” she explains. One way she hopes to encourage this sense of community is by throwing a celebration for Giving Hearts Day on the actual day. The event will offer more exposure for the charities through social media, interviews, photo ops, and more. The event will also be an opportunity for charities to thank their donors, their teams, and whoever else has made a difference in their campaign. But, over everything else, the event will be an opportunity for local charities to show off and celebrate their hard work.

Deidre also hopes to be a source of support and accountability for the charities participating in Giving Hearts Day. Without a community’s support, charities and non-profits cannot exist. Giving Hearts Day is a prime example of how this support makes an enormous difference. As a part of her community

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BISMARCK MAGAZINE | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024

building, Deidre works to connect charities with volunteers who can help them with their campaigns, even by doing simple things like writing thank you letters or answering phones. If charities are struggling to raise matching dollars, the GHD team is also there with ideas and practical help to get them to where they need to be. Having a support system like this is one reason that Giving Hearts Day is such an effective fundraiser. Having the backing of a team, an organization, and an entire community makes a world of difference, creating larger opportunities than would normally be possible.

To Deidre, supporting local charities is instrumental to any community. “Who would service these groups if these charities didn’t exist,” she expresses. Giving Hearts Day brings awareness to the charities who do the work that no one else does. Any gift given on Giving Hearts Day goes a long way. “If you’ve never worked at a non-profit, you really truly don’t understand the gift of time and unrestricted money,” Deidre says. “It’s a beautiful gift.”

How to Participate as an Individual

There are many different ways to participate and support the 79 Bismarck-Mandan charities that are participating when February 8th rolls around.

“I would challenge you to go through that list of charities,” says Deidre, “look at your favorites, and also pick a couple you’ve never heard of, and research the work that they’re doing. You can do that through the Giving Hearts Day website.” On the website,charities can list if they are looking for volunteers in addition to financial gifts. Deidre also encourages individuals to check out these charities long before Giving Hearts Day by going on a tour, chatting with the staff or volunteers, or even volunteering. This practice is something that has changed Deidre’s perspective for the better. “Last year I challenged myself to find a new non-profit every month and go volunteer for at least one hour,” she explains. “While not entirely successful every month, I persisted for several months, gaining invaluable insights into the workings of new organizations I didn’t even know existed and how impactful they are in our community.”

How to Participate as a Business

Having the support of for-profit businesses on Giving Hearts Day is crucial, and there are several ways businesses can show their support. Deidre’s first bit of advice is to go to givingheartsday.org and select Get Involved as a Business. Sign up your business and dive in. The ideas are endless.

The most obvious idea is to support a charity or a few charities through a monetary gift. Otherwise, there are several other ways to participate.

Deidre and her team are looking for businesses to sponsor the Giving Hearts Day celebration.

There are numerous opportunities for sponsorship including the venue, food, and entertainment.

If businesses are looking to encourage participation among employees or customers, they can promote the event through the business’ social media, newsletter, or by setting a challenge to employees that whoever raises the largest amount for a charity can receive extra PTO. Businesses can also provide extra PTO to any employees who would like to take time to volunteer during work hours.

Showing support as a business can also be as simple as decorating your storefront. “I would challenge businesses to turn the town red,” says Deidre. “The charities who are working so hard want to see that love and that’s just a simple way to do it.”

2023

BY THE NUMBERS

Donations raised for charities

Over $164M raised since 2008

$26,155,280 $488K from 2022

41,907

90,351

790 from 2022

60 from 2022

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

DONATIONS

TOTAL ONLINE DONATIONS

$8,126,020

$1.3M from 2022

TOTAL CHECK DONATIONS

$8,630,101 $462K from 2022 MATCH DOLLARS USED BY CHARITIES

$8,789,925

$78K from 2022

SAVE THE DATE Giving Hearts Day is Feb. 8, 2024

562

503

Participating Charities

45

Participating Businesses

1,717

Volunteer Pledges

Participating Schools

102

Goods Pledges

TOP CHARITY FUNDRAISER

$1.4M

Fargo Park District Foundation

AVERAGE GIFT AMOUNT 2023

GHD-00272 Rev. 11/23

2.2

$185.46

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DONATIONS PER DONOR

GivingHeartsDay.org

$

$10,692,652 RAISED 50,920

$165 million raised since 2008 NUMBER 0F DONATIONS

NUMBER 0F DONORS* *Not measured before 2012

$5,698,402 RAISED 24,407

$6,967,612 RAISED 30,476

$8,309,559 RAISED 37,139

21,816

$479,028 RAISED 1,402

2008

$983,812 RAISED 3,350

2009

$479,028 RAISED 1,402

2008

$3,748,214 RAISED 16,989

$165 million raised since 2008 $1,162,047 RAISED 5,350

$1,542,147 RAISED 7,089

$2,107,311 RAISED 10,850 6,382

NUMBER 0F DONATIONS

2010

$983,812 RAISED 3,350

2009

2011

$1,162,047 RAISED 5,350

2010

2012

11,094

11,501

14,538

8,941

NUMBER 0F DONORS* *Not measured before 2012

$1,542,147 RAISED 7,089

2011

2013

2014

$2,107,311 RAISED 10,850

2015

2016 $5,698,402 RAISED 24,407

$3,748,214 RAISED 16,989 11,094

$6,967,612

RAISED 2017 30,476

11,501

8,941

6,382

2012

2013

2014

2015

$26,643,931 RAISED 90,291

$26,155,280 RAISED 90,351

$22,010,395 RAISED 89,162

$19,199,091 RAISED 75,479

$16,312,056 RAISED 67,765

$13,122,400 RAISED 63,635 42,272 $10,692,652 RAISED 50,920

41,117

41,907

34,771

$8,309,559 RAISED 37,139

30,675 28,044

21,816

14,538

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Find a local charity to love!

Bismarck/Mandan Charities Participating in Giving Hearts Day 2024 31:8 Project

Farm Rescue

Abused Adult Resource Center

Furry Friends Rockin' Rescue

Adult & Teen Challenge, North Dakota

Great Plains Food Bank

American Red Cross

Heartview Foundation - Bismarck

Anne Carlsen Center

Heavens Helpers Soup Cafe, Closet (701) & Repurpose Store

BIO Girls Bis-Man Mentor Squad, formerly Big Brothers Big Sisters Bismarck-Mandan Young Life Bismarck Art & Galleries Association Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation Bismarck Global Neighbors Bismarck Hockey Boosters Bismarck Public Schools Foundation Bismarck State College Foundation Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra Brave the Shave Bridging the Dental Gap Camp of the Cross Ministries Catholic Charities North Dakota Central Dakota Children's Choir Central Dakota Humane Society

Hospice of the Red River Valley Inspiring Minds, Center for Dyslexia and Literacy Kaidra’s Good Vibe Tribe Foundation Kitty City Light of Christ Catholic Schools Lighthouse Church of Fargo Recovery Services Linton Regional Medical Center Foundation Make-A-Wish North Dakota Martin Luther School Ministry On The Margins Missouri Slope Foundation Missouri Valley Family YMCA MSA United Way Emergency Homeless Shelter ND Assistive

Christ the King Catholic Montessori School

Nexus-PATH Family Healing (formerly PATH North Dakota)

Church of St. Joseph Montessori School and School of the Holy Family

North Dakota Association for the Disabled (NDAD)

Cross Training

North Dakota Family Alliance

Cystic Fibrosis Association of North Dakota

North Dakota FFA Foundation

Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch

North Dakota Safety Council

Dakota Children's Advocacy Center

North Dakota Stockmen's Foundation

Dakota Zoo

North Dakota United Foundation

Designer Genes of North Dakota

North Dakota Veterans Cemetery Foundation

Dream Center Bismarck

North Dakota's Gateway to Science

Ducks Unlimited - North Dakota

Northern Plains Dance

Easter Seals Goodwill ND, Inc.

Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota

Elks Camp Grassick

Robert E. Asker Scottish Rite Speech Therapy Center for Children - Bismarck Ronald McDonald House Charities of Bismarck, ND Salvation Army Bismarck-Mandan Shiloh Christian School Sleepy Hollow Theatre & Arts Park Soul 57 State Historical Society of North Dakota Foundation The Capital Gallery Society Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation Tobacco Free North Dakota Tracy's Sanctuary House University of Mary Welcome House, Inc. Western North Dakota Honor Flight Women’s Care Center Bismarck Youthworks

* List is subject to change

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BISMARCK MAGAZINE | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024

PURE SKIN AESTHETIC AND L ASER CENTER STORY - MARIA FLECK PHOTOS - NEWAGE CREATIVE

As you age, the natural process can be damaging to your selfconfidence due to looking tired and dealing with unwanted skin textures, pigmentation and wrinkles. “As people age, they want to feel more confident about themselves, so Pure Skin is here to help people feel more confident about the way they look,” describes Shelly Botsford, owner and nurse practitioner of Pure Skin.

The team at Pure Skin focuses on helping you achieve your beauty goals in a natural looking way. “They can grow confidence with a very natural look, still looking like themselves but feeling like they look more rested,” says Shelly. The team understands deciding to do something with their physical appearance is a big deal. “We are very appreciative that they picked us for their services,” says Shelly. “When people come in, the first thing we do is we hand them a mirror and say 'Show us what is bothering you' or 'Show us what you would like to improve on.' They will pinpoint a few things and that’s the jumping off point of where we talk about how we can make them look like themselves but just a little softer and done in a very natural way.”

To provide clients with the best experience and the best results, Pure Skin has assembled a highly skilled team. “Everyone on our team has their own special niche, and we come together on our cases,” describes Shelly. “We move them from person to person on the team helping them with every area, so we get the best outcome for our patients.” By growing an expert team, Shelly has made it easy for clients to get the results they were hoping for.

It's also important to note that there are always less invasive options available. Several of the procedures at Pure Skin are laser based, ranging from superficial to deep. Sometimes, the solution can even be as simple as tweaking your skincare routine, something the aestheticians at Pure Skin are more than happy to help with.

“You don’t always have to have something injected to make a huge difference in the way your skin looks,” reminds Shelly.

For Shelly, helping her patients regain confidence is the best part of her job. “For women, as we age our confidence can drain a bit, especially around the menopausal time, so I see a lot of menopausal women, and it can be a game changer for them.”

For more information, visit pureskinnow.com

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KHARMA VIDA WELLNESS SPA STORY - MARIA FLECK PHOTOS - NEWAGE CREATIVE

Kharma Vida Wellness Spa wants to help you take care of yourself in whatever way you need. “We are a wellness spa that has master aestheticians, licensed massage therapists, and we specialize in all things wellness, especially organic, healthy and natural,” explains owner Andi Thon Emerson. “We offer multiple different services, and we also have wellness equipment including infrared sauna, red light therapy bed, and oxygen bar. We don’t want you to just look better.

We want you to feel better.”

Facials are one of the services that Kharma Vida offers to help their clients look and feel better. “It is really fun to see people come out of facials,” Andi describes. “I sometimes say it’s almost like otherworldly. They come out, and they’re almost in a trance because it’s so rare that we take the time anymore to slow down and give our minds a break in between everybody’s busy lifestyles, social media, and electronics. All the things that keep our brains so amped up. It’s just an opportunity to slow that down. It almost becomes euphoric, magical. It puts you in a different headspace.”

If you are looking for a quiet space to slow down and give your brain a break, say the word and Kharma Vida’s team will follow your lead. “It’s so important for our health, mental health, physical health, spiritual health, to slow down, to stop, and to let our brains take a rest,” says Andi.

In addition to facials being good for your mental health, facials do so much good for your skin. “The skin is the largest organ on our body, so we want to keep it healthy,” Andi explains. Facials help with anti-aging, get the dead skin off your face, and infuse your skin with healthy, organic ingredients. Plus, getting a facial can impact even more than you realize. “A lot of times it’s not even about the facial itself,” says Andi. “It’s about what we can tell from your skin. You skin will tell us if you’re not eating healthy, if you’re not sleeping correctly, if you’re not hydrated properly.”

Facials are a relaxing, luxurious experience that have countless benefits and as such, should be a regular part of your schedule. As Andi encourages, “Take good care of yourself this year.”

For more information, please visit kharmavida.com

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GRATITUDE SPA AND SALON STORY - MARIA FLECK PHOTOS - NEWAGE CREATIVE

Daily life is full of stress. As you go from one thing to another, one of the hardest things to do throughout your day is to let go of the anxiety that creeps in. Kristin Chorne, owner of Gratitude Spa and Salon wants to give people the opportunity to unwind and take care of themselves. She started Gratitude Spa and Salon with the mission of, “sharing kindness, relaxation, and a place of peace for everyone to enjoy,” as their website describes.

Kristin opened Gratitude in 2021 after experiencing personal tragedy.

“I had been in the industry for several years, but after losing both of my parents unexpectedly and really quickly, I took some time off,” explains Kristin. “I felt passionate about the fact that we needed a great place in Bismarck for people to go have a great experience, relax, revive, and have a great atmosphere. That’s what lead me to Gratitude, and the journey that I went through with losing my parents is how I came up with the name.”

Gratitude Spa and Salon fully lives up to its founding mission. The salon’s atmosphere is welcoming with friendly staff who are excited to help you unwind. “I wanted to create a space that [clients] can really relax, have a great experience, and that felt luxurious,” explains Kristin. The salon offers a number of services intended to make your life a little bit better. They offer hair, manicures, pedicures, waxing, massages, facials, as well as some new aesthetic services.

If you are looking for a relaxing date night option, Gratitude is one of the few places in the area that offers couple's massage. The spa area is located in a secluded part of the salon for a relaxing experience. You are invited to take a steam shower before the massage to relax your muscles before the actual session. You can even have a glass of wine during it. “Whether you’re trying to create that date experience or you’re just trying to create a private experience that you can get away from life, that’s what we were trying to create,” says Kristin. And their massages are not just for couples. “Anyone who has stress, or really muscles on their body, can benefit from it,” says Kristin. Whatever stage of life you are at, there is a massage available for you where you can unwind and take care of yourself (or that you can gift someone).

Visit their website at gratitudespaandsalon.com for more information.

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LIKE A ROCKSTAR

Saturday, February 24th, 2024 | 9:30am-5:00pm Location: Courtyard by Marriott | Bismarck Tickets: $375 per person (plus tax) Includes lunch and training materials.

Register at www.raymateam.com

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH, we encourage you to donate to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation.

Help us provide transportation and lodging for individuals traveling for cancer treatment.

To make a secure online contribution to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation, simply go to www.givingheartsday.org on February 8 and click on the Giving Hearts Day “Donate” button.

Celebrating Art, History & Culture

Art by Jessica Wachter, Bismarck, ND

Open Tuesday-Friday, 10 am-4 pm, Saturday 10 am-3 pm thecapitalgallery.com 109 N 4th St, Bismarck, ND 58501 • 701.751.1698 The Capital Gallery is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization Dedicated to Celebrating Art, History, & Culture

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BISMARCK MAGAZINE | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024

TERRY'S HEALTH PRODUCTS STORY - MARIA FLECK PHOTOS - NEWAGE CREATIVE

Terry’s Health Products opened its doors back in 1984 and will be celebrating their 40th birthday this year. Since its initial opening, Terry’s Health Products has become known as the place to go in Bismarck if you need something health or wellness related that is natural or organic. “We are a locally owned natural products store that focuses on natural and organic ingredients,” says owner Lonna Brooks. “We try to avoid as many artificial colors, flavors, preservatives as possible. We focus on non-toxic products for home and body along with high-quality nutritional supplements, vitamins, and minerals.”

For Lonna and her staff at Terry’s, it is important that they stay stocked with hard-to-find supplements or high-demand supplements as well as with the staples. “What’s funny about the natural wellness industry is that everything that’s old is new again, and it circulates,” says Lonna. “Things people were taking 50 years ago are coming back around, and some things just stay.” And 2024 looks to be no different. “The focus for what we can see for 2024 is going to be on your own health and wellness, your mental health, your cognitive health, really focusing on nootropics, things that enhance cognitive wellbeing,” says Lonna. “There’s some really good supplements you can take that have been shown to help brain function and cognitive function and mental health that way, too.”

Another easy place to start your wellness journey is with whole food multi-vitamins, especially ones with vitamin D or magnesium as these are important supplements for anyone living in North Dakota due to the lack of consistent sunshine.

If you are interested in trying supplements to support your cognitive health, Lonna and her large, knowledgeable staff are there to help you get started with something simple. “We want to help anyone who wants to live a better, healthier lifestyle,” says Lonna. “We can help steer all our customers onto an easy-to-follow path. We will not sell you ten things you probably don’t need, might be negating each other, and you will probably use for a month before you stop being able to keep up with it. We will find out what your biggest desire or need is, and then we’re going to work from there with baby steps.”

For more help visit them in store or for more general information, visit terryshp.com

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BISMARCK MAGAZINE | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024

EMBRACE WELLNESS + EMBRACE AGELESS BEAUTY STORY - MARIA FLECK PHOTOS - NEWAGE CREATIVE

The wintertime can be draining on a person, and in North Dakota, winter can feel like it goes on forever. The season brings a string of sunless days, illnesses, and stresses. Michelle Maier, a FNP-C and the owner of Embrace Wellness + Embrace Ageless Beauty, offers a service you may not have considered before, but offers potential relief: IV therapies.

IV therapy provides your body with the vitamins, nutrients, fluids, electrolytes, and antioxidants that you may be lacking. Unlike oral supplements which lose most of their efficacy as they are processed in the digestive tract, IV Therapy delivers 100% of nutrients directly into the bloodstream via an IV drip. “It can help give an extra boost,” explains Michelle. “It’s not a cure all. It’s not antibiotics. It’s just trying to use your own immune system by boosting nutrients.”

One of the benefits to IV therapy is that the IV drip is easily customizable to your unique needs. If you come in for an IV boost, the nurse will first sit down with you to see what you’re feeling to ensure you’re getting the best option. Then, they give you an IV bag and encourage you to relax. “We try to make it comfy,” explains Michelle.

“They can watch TV, or some people work on their computer.”

These IV drips can help target several different issues, resulting in several different benefits based on what you need. It can boost energy, detox your body, enhance your immune system, help with muscle recovery, boost metabolism, relieve headaches, and much more. One of the most immediate differences is usually energy levels.

“I have some people say 'Oh my gosh, I feel like my energy is better,' especially if they’re deficient,” describes Michelle.

If you’re interested in IV Therapy or in seeing what other services Michelle’s clinic offers, visit their website at embracewellnessnd.com

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BISMARCK MAGAZINE | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024

THE DEPRESCRIBING CLINIC STORY - MARIA FLECK PHOTOS - NEWAGE CREATIVE

Taking medication for many people is routine. Whether you take medication for a chronic condition, a particularly bad flu, or for the occasional headache, it can be hard to know exactly what medications you should be taking. Dr. Tamara Ruggles, a Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist who has been working in nursing homes for the past ten years, has seen the effects of wrong medication use first-hand. “I’ve been doing nursing home consulting for nearly ten years,” she explains. “I review every nursing home patient’s chart every 30 days. When I review all those meds, I see people come into the nursing homes, and they’re on 10, 20, even 30 medications.” For a variety of reasons, medications can pile up over time, but leaving the medications for patients to take comes with a huge risk. “A lot of inappropriate medications that were probably appropriate when the patient was younger were just never stopped.

So, now you’re 65, and you’re still on them, and now you’re falling, and that’s how you end up with a fracture and in a nursing home,” describes Dr. Tamara. Unnecessary medications cause adverse reactions and unintended side effects, including cognitive decline.

To help people avoid this, Dr. Tamara opened The Deprescribing Clinic.

“I wanted to be more proactive to help people stay in their home longer, to feel better, to prevent side effects, and to get them off harmful medications,” she explains. To help people learn what works for their body and what doesn’t, Dr. Tamara uses a pharmacogenomic test which is a genetic test that provides insight into how your body processes medications. “It’s just a simple cheek swab,” says Dr. Tamara, “but it’s very comprehensive. It’ll tell me you if need to start on a pain med these are ones that would probably work for you, these are ones we would need to change doses or do extra monitoring, and these are the ones you should avoid because they won’t work or will cause extra side effects.” In essence, the test analyzes what medications your body can effectively process due to your genetics.

People who would most benefit from this kind of testing include those with ADHD, older adults on several medications, and anyone struggling with depression or anxiety. “Depression/anxiety meds are trial and error, and sometimes we don’t have four weeks to figure out if it’s going to work for you,” says Dr. Tamara. “Let’s just try the first med and get it right the first time, especially if you’re really struggling.” However, anyone would benefit from testing as a proactive approach to future health problems. Since the test relies on genetic testing, the results are good for your entire life, ensuring you know exactly how your body processes medications.

For more information, please visit thedeprescribingclinic.com

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SIMPLY YOU WELLNESS STORY - MARIA FLECK PHOTOS - NEWAGE CREATIVE

If you struggle with a chronic condition, but have never been able to find answers, Dr. Tara Harding and her team at her newly opened clinic, Simply You Wellness, are there to help you. “We go that extra level to find you answers,” explains Dr. Tara. “At Simply You Wellness healthcare is essentially all about you. The patient is always the focus.

Everyone is unique and medicine is an art, so we individualize care plans and testing.” Because of their individualized approach, Dr. Tara and her team are able to take the time to look at everything and guide you along a healthcare plan you are comfortable with.

“It’s what you’re comfortable with as a patient,” describes Dr. Tara.

“You’re navigating it; we’re just beside you making sure everything is being checked off the list.” Even if you need something outside of their scope, Dr. Tara and her team are happy to connect you with a provider who can help you, whether that looks like acupuncture, chiropractic, massages, or something else.

To continue their mission of providing whole wellbeing, Simply You Wellness is expanding in 2024. In January, Dr. Tara is bringing on a psychiatric mental health practitioner. She is also looking to add a male provider to answer more specifically male health concerns.

She is bringing in more fertility services too, expanding the area she has become best known for, as well as growing into treating PCOS, endometriosis, and helping women navigate perimenopause and menopause.

Simply You Wellness offers both in-person and virtual health visits.

Dr. Tara is licensed in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota and loves being able to serve more people throughout the region, bringing them high-quality healthcare. She encourages anyone who has been told everything is normal but is still experiencing symptoms to visit her clinic. “We’re outside the box thinkers. When they say every test is normal, chances are it’s not. If you’re not feeling well, there’s something going on,” she says.

For more information, visit their website at simplyyouclinic.com

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BISMARCK MAGAZINE | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024

RAYMA TEAM STORY - MARIA FLECK PHOTOS - NEWAGE CREATIVE

Personal improvement comes in many different forms and can be implemented across the different aspects of your life, including your work. Personal improvement is also not something you can do alone.

Everyone needs support and guidance in achieving their goals and your professional life is no different. This is why Raychel Perman and Mandy B. Anderson founded RAYMA Team™.

RAYMA Team™ is a life and leadership company that works with both individuals and teams to develop their leadership through both soft and hard skills. What sets RAYMA apart is their unique perspective. “[We] found a unique niche in the leadership development space that has been mostly curated by men for men with traditional coaching methods and traditional leadership development. We have uniquely positioned ourselves to be a female voice in that arena,” describes Raychel. The RAYMA curriculum, RAYMA Foundations™, mixes traditional leadership ideas with ones that don’t normally enter the conversation for a well-rounded approach to leadership.

RAYMA Foundations™ covers 35 leadership principles to “help people be resilient, authentic, say yes to what’s possible, be motivated, and assertive,” describes Mandy. The curriculum is split into five modules which are offered as seven-week courses. Raychel and Mandy offer both individual and group coaching, as well as online courses. “We really have made it accessible to people no matter where they’re at in both their financial journey and their professional development as a whole,” describes Mandy. “If you’ve never experienced coaching before, private coaching can be more intimidating than group coaching. A group coaching program is a great place to experience it and to realize that a lot of coaching, at least the leadership and life coaching that we do, is really helping guide people to figuring out the answers for themselves.”

No matter which method you choose, the success of RAYMA’s leadership development relies on the same thing: self-improvement.

“Part of the magic that we do is the power of learning how to lead yourself well first so you can lead the rest of the people around you,” says Raychel. “Leadership to us is all about influence. You don’t need to have a title, or a team, or a bunch of people working for you to be a leader. There is magic that happens when you learn to lead yourself well and how that can correlate and drip down into an entire team.”

For more information, please visit raymateam.com

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BISMARCK MAGAZINE | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024

BISMARCK SPORTS + SPINE STORY - MARIA FLECK PHOTOS - NEWAGE CREATIVE

Often in medicine we take for granted the traditional methods without considering whether there is a better option. Dr. Dana Carr, founder of Bismarck Sports + Spine, started her practice with the intent of doing things a little bit differently. “We combined the traditional chiropractic adjustments with manual muscle work and therapeutic exercise to make it all encompassing for muscular skeletal issues,” she explains.

Dr. Dana’s typical patient can range anywhere from five to sixty-five at all stages of activity. The most common denominator between them is that they are looking for a more comprehensive option.

“Typically, people I see have tried a lot of different avenues and are just frustrated with the traditional model and have not been getting answers or are feeling stuck,” describes Dr. Dana.

Another way Dr. Dana is reworking the traditional healthcare model is by offering virtual appointments. “I’ve been working on this hybrid model that allows patient interaction with me between appointments virtually. I’m delivering exercises and therapy virtually through an app, so we can get ahead of it, and they’re able to message me with any questions. Instead of playing defense when they come to their appointment, now we can be on the offensive side of things.” By being available to patients virtually, Dr. Dana can better ensure her patients are properly implementing their exercises for a better chance at recovery or relief.

Anyone who is looking for relief from pain or injury without using drugs or surgery, or even just looking to increase their quality of life, can come to Bismarck Sports + Spine. “We want to help you if you’re looking to get out of pain and injury and work towards that performance goal, or get into working out, or even trying to live a long vibrant life with your family. It doesn’t mean you need to squat 500 pounds,” describes Dr. Dana. “We can do something functional where you’re able to carry your 30-pound kid around the house without any pain or you’re able to get that box out of the attic without feeling like you’re fragile.” The goal for Dr. Dana is more than surface-level solutions. “We’re trying to empower people to feel their best and feel their strongest and just live a long happy life,” she explains. “We live this long life, but really, is our health span matching our life span?

How can we make that health span longer?”

For more information, please visit bismarcksportsandspine.com

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DAPPER DERMATOLOGY STORY - MARIA FLECK PHOTOS - NEWAGE CREATIVE

If you have ever tried to book a dermatologist appointment either somewhere new or as a first-time patient, you know the struggle of getting one scheduled any time in the near future. Geographic disparity in healthcare, especially in dermatology, is an issue that directly affects all North Dakotans. “When I was working in Georgia, within two blocks of my office in Atlanta there were probably around 20-30 dermatologists.

Compare that to North Dakota where you’re lucky if there are 20 dermatologists in the state,” says Dr. Adam Swigost, a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director and founder of Dapper Dermatology. Adam started Dapper Dermatology as one way to begin filling in the gaps of this geographic disparity.

Dapper Dermatology, launched in the latter half of 2023, is a completely virtual dermatology practice. Patients are able to visit Dr. Adam’s website, choose the service they need or condition they want examined, and schedule an appointment. After choosing an appointment slot, the patient fills out their medical record (demographic, medical history, financial information). Once they have that filled out and submitted, they receive an email to a virtual link for the day of their meeting. Once online together, Dr. Adam can diagnose his patients via the webcam or through a texting service where the patient can submit higher quality images. By relying on telehealth, Dr. Adam hopes to increase the number of patients in North Dakota who have access to skincare.

Another important aspect of Dapper Dermatology’s business model is operating as a direct patient care practice which means they don’t accept insurance. The price on their website is the price you pay. “We recognize that especially for our patients in dermatology our services are crazy expensive,” says Dr. Adam. “Direct patient care opens our services up to more patients, even those who are uninsured. They’re able to see the price on our website. They know what it is… it's one fee and you’re done.”

Most importantly however, Dr. Adam wants to provide effective healthcare in a way that helps his patients see results that restore their confidence and happiness. “The most rewarding thing to me as a dermatologist is when I can get a patient treatment,” describes Dr. Adam. “When they come in the first time they can be withdrawn and anxious, and they come back and their whole personality changes because they’re more comfortable in their own skin and they're happier.”

For more information, please visit www.dapperdermatology.com

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Embrace Rest T H E 2 0 24 WE LLNE SS RE VOLU T I ON

In 2024, it’s all about prioritizing mindful movement, embracing the power of pause, and recognizing that rest is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Our SCHEELS Fitness Expert, Michael Chrest, is no stranger to the importance of rest and recovery. With over 25 years in the fitness and rehabilitation industry, over 20 years as a licensed massage therapist, and over 18 years working as the Exercise and Fitness Shop Manager at SCHEELS, Michael knows the vital role rest and recovery play in a proper exercise routine. This year, embrace the restorative power of slowing down to focus on rest and recovery practices that set a foundation for a healthier, happier you.

Michael Chrest

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CHECK OUT MICHAEL’S TOP 6 PICKS FOR HOW YOU CAN TAKE YOUR REST AND RECOVERY TO A NEW LEVEL:

THERAGUN SENSE PERCUSSIVE THERAPY DEVICE

A new device from Therabody that combines five levels of percussive massage therapy with a Biometric sensor. The Biometric sensor offers personalized insights from on-device heart rate readings that take you through a guided breathwork session to help relax the body and calm the mind.

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tip

Therabody app intergration offers an immersive, customized experience!

HYPERICE VENOM GO

Small, compact, and easy to travel with, the Venom Go is a wearable that can be applied anywhere on the body. Choose from 9 combinations of HyperHeat and therapeutic vibration patterns to relieve sore and stiff muscles and promote everyday wellness.

tip

Ideal for tendonitis, tension, trigger points, etc.

TSA travel approved.

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LIFEPRO FITNESS REJUVAWRAP INFRARED SAUNA BLANKET

Bring the spa home with this portable infrared sauna blanket. Infrared light penetrates deep to heal, recharge, and support your immune system, while the heat helps your body release toxins, and calm your body and mind.

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tip

Burn calories and relax - just 30 minutes, 4 times a week can help boost your body’s thermal energy and increase circulation.

THERABODY RECOVERYAIR JETBOOTS

Whether recovering from injury or just on your feet all day, the Therabody RecoveryAir Jet boots will revitalize your legs and feet.

Jetboots deliver a revolutionary pneumatic form of pressure massage, with no external tubes or control box for a compact design. Your legs will love you for it!

tip

They fully inflate and deflate in sixty seconds for more cycles per session.

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WHOOP 4.0 HEALTH AND FITNESS TRACKER

A wearable coach that helps you to better understand your body and overall wellness.

The main health metrics including strain, recovery, stress, and sleep will allow you to be able to see and track how your body responds in your day to day life, and help you determine what to do next as you take on your fitness goals.

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tip

Based on your score, you can choose a breathwork session to increase your alertness for performance or increase relaxation in a stressful moment.

THERABODY SMARTGOGGLES

The only eye mask powered by SmartSense Technology, they’re comfortable and provide gentle vibration and/or heat to provide relief for tension or migraine headaches, everyday stressors, insomnia, anxiety, and eye strain from staring at a screen all day.

tip

Three modes provide for focus, relaxation, and sleep.

Kirkwood Mall • Bismarck, ND • 701.255.7255 Connect with us

YOUR RETAIL DESTINATION FOR FITNESS

@bismarckscheels

Prince Charming Ball The

a fun evening out for boys and their moms

Presented by Northern Plains Dance

March 2 | 1 6 0 3 Main Events Ti c k e t s & I n f o r m at i o n at w w w. N o r t h e r n P l a i n s D a n c e . o r g

F IND YO UR FRONTIER FIBT.com

Yearly wellness exams for men & women hormone concerns painful or irregular periods PCOS endometriosis miscarriage infertility thyroid disease and more Introducing Our New Provider Madison Kirsch, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Ages 13 and older, anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders , PTSD, genetic testing for customized treatment plans, psychotherapy

Book your Virtual or in Person Visit simplyyouclinic.com | 701-203-3442

Dr. Tara Harding, DNP, FNP-C, Owner

IT’S TIME. A creative agency with purposeful solutions. www.studionorthdesigns.com | 701.595.7300