Central Florida Lifestyle: Horizon West October 2019

A P O P K A | H A M L I N | OA K L A N D | W I N T E R GA R D E N

Horizon West LIFESTYLE

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OCTOBER 2019

INSIDE

ANNUAL MEDICAL GUIDE: MEET YOUR DOCTOR

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FREAKY MUST-WATCH FLICKS

The First Academy On the Move

THINK PINK:

A Survivor’s Story P

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

Rosa

A NEW LIFE PERSPECTIVE FROM

A PLACE OF CARING. Sometimes, you forget to appreciate the small things in life, and you take everything for granted. During my treatment for breast cancer, I found so many angels, so much goodness in people at Orlando Health.

For me, Orlando Health has been the best place.

See my story, and download your breast self-exam sheet at.

ChooseOrlandoHealth.com/Stories

+ LETTER From the Publisher

Cheers to 17 Years!

Yes, that’s correct. Central Florida Lifestyle has been greeting you every month in your mailbox since 2002.

What started as a publication for MetroWest residents and neighbors, with the support of the MetroWest Master Association and community support from friends, leaders and advertisers (thank you, Stina D’Uva), Central Florida Lifestyle has become a household staple.

We hope you enjoy this annual Health & Wellness Issue as much as we have enjoyed looking back on the past 17 years of magazines. We are honored to share with you in this issue stories from breast cancer survivors, the area’s cutest toddlers based on the CentralFloridaLifestyle.com Cutest Toddler Contest, presented by AdventHealth for Children, and an amazing look at some of Central Florida’s top physicians.

Last, but certainly not least, we are excited to announce that starting next month we will be going back to our roots. Once a quarter we will showcase the wonderful community of MetroWest and all it has to offer. The pictures below are some of our first covers from those early days and, once again, we could not be here today, serving all of Central Florida, without the support of our loyal advertisers and community.

CEO/PUBLISHER Kristi Gomen kristi@karstmediagroup.com MARKETING MANAGER Gretchen Hahn gretchen@karstmediagroup.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lyndsay Fogarty lyndsay@karstmediagroup.com VP OPERATIONS & EVENTS Catie Moore catie@karstmediagroup.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Matt Richardson matt@karstmediagroup.com ONLINE OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Megan Bildner megan@karstmediagroup.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kristi Gomen Publisher

Dr. Saadia Alvi, Dr. Jason Battle, Stina D’Uva, Jessie Fewell, Christie Fogarty, Kristina Giliberto, Dr. Leena Kamat, Olivia Sain

CONTACT US

FOR ADVERTISING INFO

407-821-7300

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

Follow us: • facebook.com/centralfloridalifestyle • instagram.com/yourlifestylemagazine • twitter.com/cflifestylemag A Product of Karst Media

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ WHAT’S Inside

Contents | October 2019 Departments & Features 6

Cover Stories

5 Things to Know When Planning Your Spa Day at Bella Collina

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INSTYLE

14

FEATURE

16

HOMESTYLE

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FEATURE

24

FEATURE

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Top Halloween Costumes of 2019

Think Pink

Give Your Home’s Exterior a Fresh Look

Cutest Toddler Contest 2019

Health & Wellness: A Better You

Mom Sick Days

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BUILDING FAMILIES ONE HEALTHY BABY AT A TIME

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CENTRAL FLORIDA MEDICAL GUIDE

10

BUILDING KNOWLEDGE, CHARACTER & COMMUNITY

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EXPERT ADVICE

A New Dimension to Cancer Detection Your Guide to Self Care

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HOME ENTERTAINMENT

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BON APPETIT

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YOUR LOCAL

Building a Healthy Community Sweet Success

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FEATURE

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SNAPSHOTS

Go online for stories and photos not seen in print.

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• More stories about from local communities • An expanded web calendar

SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW

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30

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Reproductive Medicine Associates of Florida helps couples fulfill their dreams of becoming parents.

Montverde Academy paves the path to excellence for students from across the globe through academics, athletics and extracurricular activities.

NOW ROLLING THROUGH WINDERMERE

Families are excited about The First Academy’s brand new transportation option, which makes it easy for students to get to and from school.

SYLVESTER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER

How Sylvester’s NCI designation elevates cancer care and Florida’s economy.

PUT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH FIRST

Dr. Phan and his team can help keep your smile beautiful and healthy, all from the comfort of the Phan-Tastic office.

GET YOUR LIFE BACK NOW!

World-renowned integrative medical doctors, thought leaders and experts share 21st century health solutions at a health summit this November.

Web Life

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ON TREND

Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

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6 Spooktacular Flicks

First Look: A Taste of Dr. Phillips

Celebrate at The Wheel

Sylvia Longmire

THINGS TO KNOW

W H E N P L A N N I N G YO U R S PA DAY AT B E L L A C O L L I NA

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hen you feel good, your mood shifts. The sun shines brighter and people can see that you, too, are shining brighter. A relaxing day at the spa can help you to achieve that state of mind.

Bella Collina is one of Central Florida's top golf communities that sits on 19,000 acres of rolling hills and features luxurious amenities including The Spa at Bella Collina. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5

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There is something for everyone

Individual treatments for men and women include hand and foot therapies, facials, chemical peels, massages and more. Couples are also in for a treat with the spa's couples massage amidst the privacy and beauty of the scenic landscape. The stresses of the day will melt away as they sip champagne and eat chocolate-dipped strawberries from the luxury of copper soaking tubs.

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Seasonal treatments are just what the doctor ordered

Throughout October and November, spa guests can relax a Heavenly Harvest Pumpkin Polish & Massage or an Autumn Glow Facial & Hand Treatment for a discounted rate of $145. Save even more by booking both together for a spa-cation day.

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Sip and savor during a treatment

Each guest with a spa or salon appointment is offered light snacks and up to two complimentary glasses of house wine. Additional beverages are available for purchase.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

p.m., the spa and salon facility is open for residents, members and the community. It is located directly across from the main clubhouse doors, in front of the atrium fountain and about 10 minutes from the main gate.

A visit to the spa is not only relaxing and rejuvenating but it also works wonders for your wellness. Here are the top five things you need to know about The Spa at Bella Collina.

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Spa guests have access to other Bella Collina amenities

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Make it a girl's day

Each guest with a spa or salon appointment is offered light snacks and up to two complimentary glasses of house wine.

Additional beverages are available for purchase.

Group bookings are welcome for spa and salon services at Bella Collina. Groups of four or more should schedule appointments three to four weeks in advance to ensure everyone in the party can be accommodated together.

It's more than just a spa day when you book a spa or salon service at Bella Collina. It's what the good life feels like.

407.469.4001 | BellaCollina.com 15920 County Road 455, Montverde, FL 34756

New Client Offer 20% off any service.

Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount

&

October November SPA SPECIALS AT BELLA COLLINA Heavenly Harvest Pumpkin Polish & Massage

A thorough dry brushing of the skin followed by a plush pumpkin scrub and 50-minute pumpkin oil massage soothes you from the outside in. (includes use of our hot tub & pool)

routinely $160 $145++

++

Autumn Glow Facial & Hand Treatment

A double exfoliation with our pumpkin mask and brightening polish leaves your skin plump and poised.

Sink deeper into relaxation with our restorative pumpkin hand therapy, a fall treat, compliments of the spa. (includes use of our hot tub & pool)

routinely $162 $145++

++

Make it a Spa-Cation!

Stay for the day and save an additional $20 when you book both fall specials.

$270++ routinely $307

++

Call To Book Your Appointment

407.469.4001

BellaCollina.com 15920 County Road 455, Montverde, FL 34756 Promotion cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.

Offer valid 10/01/2019 - 11/30/2019 The Spa License #MM21293

Building Families One Healthy Baby at a Time

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Reproductive Medicine Associates of Florida helps couples fulfill their dreams of becoming parents.

reating a family is a dream that 40,000 babies to loving families across many men and women have, the country and around the world. An but it’s a dream that isn’t alundisputed leader in fertility research, the ways easily achieved. In fact, one in eight RMA Network’s goal is to help patients people across the country struggle with reach success on their fertility journey. infertility.

RMA Florida thrives on a philosoHere in Central Florida, couples phy of care that incorporates the latest who are dealing with infertility turn to technology, scientific research and breakDr. George Patounakis at Reproductive throughs with compassionate care to Medicine Associates of provide patients with the Florida in Lake Mary. As most positive experience a father of two girls, he possible. Each patient reunderstands that both ceives an individualized mind and body are imtreatment plan geared portant in the emotional toward the best possible journey to becoming a chance of starting their parent, especially when family. infertility plays a role — To make fertility and he’s here to help. care a little more struc“We’re truly comtured and give patients mitted to helping our financial peace of mind, patients build their famRMA Florida has a proDr. George Patounakis ily one healthy baby at gram called CareShare, a time,” Dr. Patounakis which offers patients six says. “We also work with families of all In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) cycles for a types to help them fulfill their dreams of single package price. If patients are not parenthood.” successful after those six cycles, they get their money back, allowing them How it Works to pursue alternative family-building RMA Florida is part of the RMA means if desired.

Network, a national group of fertility “We feel so strongly about helpclinics that have been at the forefront of ing people build their families that we research, innovation and patient-focused have a shared risk program that takes fertility treatments for two decades. Proout the financial risk of going through viding comprehensive, patient-centered treatment,” Dr. Patounakis says. “We care focused on the latest technology are able to offer this program because and science, RMA has helped bring over we are confident in our care.”

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

A Circle of Support

Along with his staff, Dr. Patounakis understands there is not one single answer to every infertility case, so patients can expect an unparalleled personal degree of attention and care throughout their treatment. Dr. Patounakis stays with patients throughout their journey — from first visit, to every ultrasound, to discharge. He is his patients’ biggest advocate, and, along with his kind and caring staff, provides a full range of emotional support.

“One of the deterrents to being successful is that people get emotionally burnt out,” Dr. Patounakis says. “A large part of my job and the job of my staff is to make sure that we provide emotional support to give patients the energy and hope to keep moving forward.”

“That’s how the science is going to work.”

Dr. Patounakis and his team work together with patients, both medically and emotionally, to make their dreams a reality.

400 Colonial Center Parkway, Suite 150 Lake Mary, FL 32746

407.804.9670 rmanetwork.com

t n e m e v o M e h t Join

the g e t a cre helpin o t ent tion by m e ov he na y life. rs, m s ot ty in t d enjo havio o r s i e s gra mmun tive, an althy b a c o e ate re te We’ thiest c l, stay a spire h s, uni advoc l l m d hea eat we ily to in rogra ns, an p . o a you ork d ealthy anizati isions c w h We pion ed org nity de d m cha th-min commu l rg hea ealthy o . h e for ang

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Download our mobile app - Carrot; with healthy content, challenges, and deals.

It’s HWO in the palm of your hand.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MONTVERDE ACADEMY

Montverde Academy:

Building Knowledge, Character and Community Your child’s path to excellence starts with an educational experience like the one that Montverde Academy offers to students from across the globe.

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hen students are provided a campus experience like the one offered at Montverde Academy, it’s easy to excel. Through a variety of programs, extracurricular activities and a diverse setting, students are inspired to become leaders with a passion for knowledge, global vision and innovation.

Montverde Academy is a coeducational, independent, international college preparatory school for boarding students in grades 7-12, day students in grades Pre-K3-12 and post graduate representing more than 90 nationalities. The school has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

(SACS) since 1927. In addition, it is one of very few schools in the state of Florida to have also earned accreditation from the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS), the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), and the Florida Kindergarten Council (FKC).

Student life is abundant in diversity and culture while promoting individual growth and character development. The school setting nurtures students as they learn and excel in the classroom as well as beyond the classroom, learning valuable lessons of living independently, respecting others, supporting the community, caring for the environment and upholding the Montverde Academy pillars

Learn more about Montverde Academy at an upcoming Open House!

Lower School Open House (Grades Pre-K3-5) November 16 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Upper and Middle School Open House (Grades 6-12) December 14 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

For more information and to register, visit www.Montverde.org

• • • • • • • • • • Promotional Feature • • • • • • • • • • 10

Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

of knowledge, character and community.

Montverde Academy provides opportunities beyond the academic day to encourage a holistic approach to each student’s education. There is a distinctly international feel when you walk around campus, as students will converse in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, French, Russian and more, providing cross-cultural experiences that enrich students’ lives.

The 130-acre campus provides an idyllic environment for students to avidly pursue challenging academics, competitive athletics and artistic expression. There are leadership opportunities in and out of the classroom, community service outreach and extracurricular activities at nearly all grade levels to actively engage every student. Whether a day or boarding student, Montverde Academy’s busy campus provides many opportunities for students to immerse themselves in all that the campus and Central Florida have to offer.

HOW STUDENTS CAN GET INVOLVED Athletics: Athletic programs encourage students to develop healthy exercise habits, increase self-esteem and stress the importance of sportsmanship while enjoying the challenges of competition.

Music Conservatory: Students at every level can learn to sing, play, read and love music. Instrumental music, orchestra and other musical elements contribute to this fun and exciting program.

Theatre Conservatory: The dynamic theatre program includes students at all grade levels. They produce many main stage comedies, dramas and musicals annually on campus in the Sandra O. Stephens Auditorium.

Academic Clubs: Competitive clubs like the Academic Team, Math Club, Programming Team and Robotics Club allow students to test their knowledge and keep their minds sharp as they work toward their academic goals.

Honor Societies: Participation in honor societies such as Cum Laude Society, International Thespian Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society and more is a mark of achievement for students who demonstrate high levels of academic achievement and leadership skill development.

Service Organizations: Key Club and Headmaster Leadership Institute, Honor Council, Prefect Council and Student Government Association help to build student leaders who have a commitment to maintaining the reputation of their school.

Montverde Academy by the Numbers 90 Nationalities Represented

Montverde Academy attracts students from around the world. The school’s international character adds an exciting global perspective to the community and the educational experiences offered.

34 AP® Courses Available

The variety of subjects allow students to further their education and prepare for college.

6 SAC Programs

The unique programs in the Subject Area Concentration chart college preparatory courses for four years beginning in grade 9. They are for students who have already decided on an area they would like to concentrate on in college.

100% College Acceptance Rate

Montverde Academy’s seniors have a 100% college acceptance rate to schools including Princeton, Harvard, Yale, University of California at Berkeley and more.

22 Varsity Sports Programs

• 1 3 national championships earned in multiple sports •4 5+ student-athletes have gone on to play professionally

39 Clubs and Societies

While academics are the primary focus, achieving the perfect balance of academics, athletics, community service, clubs and activities is an important aspect of college preparation. Community service, clubs and after-school activities help foster friendships and can help your students discover a new passion outside of the classroom.

112 AP Scholars in 2018

17235 Seventh Street Montverde, FL 34756

407-469-2561 montverde.org

This number includes seven National AP Scholars, 52 AP Scholars with Distinction, 19 AP Scholars with Honor and 34 AP Scholars.

2 Conservatories: Theatre and Music • 50+ performances per year • 1 3 state and national award recognitions in 2019

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+ INSTYLE

Top Halloween Costumes of 2019

Need some inspiration for your costume this year?

We’ve got you covered.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

E

very year, Pinterest reviews all of its Halloween-related searches and boards to come up with a report outlining the top costume trends of the season. TV shows like “The Power Puff Girls” and “Stranger Things” were most searched in 2019, so this year’s theme is considered to be entertainment. Based on this Pinterest prediction, as well as our knowledge of pop culture, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top costumes that we expect to see out and about this Halloween.

“Stranger Things”

While there’s no shortage of memorable outfits in season three of “Stranger Things,” a few stand out as Halloween potentials. Couples can channel Dustin and Suzie with a Camp No Where theme or Robin and Steve with Scoops Ahoy uniforms.

Solo costume inspiration will come from Eleven’s ‘80s-inspired transformation (think geometric-patterned jumpsuits and scrunchies) and, of course, Hopper’s Hawaiian date-night

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

attire. You probably even have everything you need in your closet for an Alexei costume — just don’t forget to accessorize with a cherry Slurpee.

Disney Movies

This was a big year for Disney movie fans with live action remakes of “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” hitting theaters along with the muchanticipated final film of the “Toy Story” series. Trick-or-treaters will likely be inspired by these releases, so expect to see lots of Aladdin and Princess Jasmine combos as well as Buzz and Woody and maybe even an outside-the-box Timon and Pumba thrown in for good measure. Bo Peep will likely be a popular costume, and Forky re-creations will be a fun way to get creative. The third installment of Disney’s “Descendants” series will also be a huge source of inspiration for the younger crowd.

Musical Inspiration

Is “Old Town Road” still stuck in your head from this sum-

mer? Well, get ready, because the fringed singing cowboy look will also be showing up at costume parties throughout the season. Lizzo’s unique style will be a source of Halloween inspiration, too. Between her music videos and red carpet looks, the “Truth Hurts” singer has many fashion choices to choose from. Also, don’t be surprised if you open your door to a ton of little JoJo Siwa impersonators this year. The singer’s colorful outfits with gigantic bows are easy to pull together and will probably be worn even beyond Halloween.

The Royals

People still can’t get enough Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in their lives, especially now that baby Archie is here. While last year was all about the royal wedding couple’s costume, this year is more of a family affair. It’s a fun, easy-to-accomplish costume for couples who are expecting or those who have a little one around the same age as Archie.

2019_Halloween_AF_Poster_LurchFester.pdf

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The Addams Family © 2019 United Artists. The Addams FamilyTM Tee and Charles Addams Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

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think

pink

Hundreds of thousands of breast cancer diagnoses are made each year. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, educate yourself and others about it as you support the organizations in your community that are working to do the same.

By Kristina Giliberto

P

ink cleats on sports fields, pink hair, pink drinks, pink clothes, pink parades, pink ribbons, pink pumpkins, pink cars ... it must be October!

It’s that time of year where breast cancer survivors navigate their way through all the pink. For me, it’s also a time of reflection and gratitude of how far I’ve come since being diagnosed eight years ago.

It was during awareness month and because of awareness month that I became very aware of a tumor the size of a grape growing in my armpit. It was a tumor missed by screenings and by my doctor because of where it decided to set up camp. (Don’t forget to check your armpits when you do your self exams. It’s a package deal.

And if you don’t do self exams regularly, start right now.)

I’m okay with pink here, there and everywhere because, in my opinion, if you steer clear of companies out to make a buck off of this terrible disease, heightened awareness is a good thing.

More women will make screening appointments.

More women will do breast self exams. Awareness saves lives. It saved mine. Still, it does look like a Pepto Bismol explosion out there. Doesn’t it?!

It can be quite a lot to process as a survivor, and I’m often asked, what can family/friends say to help? Well, how about I share what NOT to say. Let’s start there.

And yes, I have personally heard each one!

The Top Ten Things Not to Say to a Breast Cancer Survivor 10. You must be so glad treatment is behind you.

9. Are those real or fake?

8. You don’t have cancer anymore, so why are you still talking about it?

7. Did your hair grow back ... you know ... everywhere?

6. You must be so happy with your new perky girls!

5. Wow, you’re really letting your hair grow out. I liked it short.

4. You’re so lucky you don’t have to get mammograms anymore.

3. Why do you bother to eat so healthy? It didn’t help you out in the first place.

2. I know for certain you will never have a recurrence. I just know it.

And the No. 1 thing not to say to a survivor is ... (drum roll please)

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1. Stage 1? Oh well, you didn’t have it that bad.

Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

October is a month where we celebrate and honor those who have been affected by breast cancer, those who lost their battle and those who continue to pave the way to find a cure. Local nonprofits and businesses will be hosting events across Central Florida all month long to offer support for this important cause.

October 4-27 “Bra-Vo” Breast Cancer Awareness Exhibit Times vary Mount Dora Center for the Arts Free admission View a selection of bust forms that artists decorated using the media of their choice. Proceeds from artwork sales will go toward breast cancer research.

October 13 Pink on Parade 7:30 a.m.

AdventHealth Celebration At this 7th annual event, AdventHealth celebrates the brave women in our community battling breast cancer, survivors who have won their fight and those who shine on through their loved ones. So gather your friends, dress in your favorite pink attire and run or walk together in the fight against breast cancer.

October 19 Rosé Garden Party 8-11 p.m.

Blue Martini at Pointe Orlando $10 in advance, $15 at the door At this all-pink charity event, guests are invited to sip on rosé and pink signature drinks, dine on a selection of tapas, enjoy live entertainment and participate in a raffle with designer items. Proceeds will benefit

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. Also, throughout the month of October, Blue Martini Pointe Orlando will donate $2 from each signature pink cocktail sold to FBCF. Garden party attire is encouraged.

October 26 Making Strides Orlando 7 a.m. check-in 9 a.m. walk begins Lake Eola Park This annual event unites communities behind the American Cancer Society’s efforts to save lives from breast cancer. Survivors, supporters, caregivers and individuals currently battling breast cancer — men and women — will walk together until the final walker crosses the finish line.

December 21 Cure Bowl 2:30 p.m.

Exploria Stadium Ticket prices vary This NCAA college football bowl game matches up teams from the American Athletic Conference and Sun Belt Conference to compete and give back.

Funds raised directly benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ HOMESTYLE

COURTESY OF FERSH LOOK OUTDOORS

How to Give Your

Outdoor Space a Fresh Look

Enhance the curb appeal of your home with these tips from a local paver expert.

By Jessie Fewell, Fresh Look Outdoor

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our yard is, without a doubt, the first thing people see and where the first impression of your home is made. Add beauty, value, and personality to your home using hardscape products and lighting installed by a professional.

Choosing the right product for your space can enhance your existing landscape with minimal investment. Consulting with a professional, who can make suggestions and create a hardscape and lighting plan, will help you achieve your perfect outdoor look.

Jessie Fewell founded Fresh Look Outdoor on a bedrock of experience and passion for creating magical outdoor living spaces. He is Central Florida’s preferred expert in paver products and outdoor lighting. Visit www.FLOPavers.net to schedule your free consultation.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

To create additional curb appeal, ask about decorative landscape curbing. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, helps keep mulch and rock in beds, and keeps grass out.

If you’re looking to take advantage of living in Central Florida, think paver pool decks, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, fire pits and fireplaces. These are a great way to expand your living space, adding value to your home and giving you years of enjoyment.

As a certified, licensed and insured company, Fresh Look Outdoor can easily walk you through ideas as well as offer suggestions on how to create your own personal outdoor oasis.

If the idea of tearing out your old driveway or pool deck is holding you back from creating the backyard of your dreams, consider using DriBond. This advanced dry polymer mudset was specifically developed to

permanently bond hardscape paving materials to pre-existing horizontal concrete surfaces. As a certified installer of DriBond, we use it to achieve a hardscape masterpiece without tearing out existing driveways and pool decks.

What that means for homeowners is you no longer have to jackhammer your driveway or walkway to put down pavers or natural stone products. It is faster, easier and avoids additional expenses and unforeseen obstacles such as broken irrigation or underground utilities.

With DriBond, you can re-face your driveway, pool deck or patio by simply choosing your pavers, porcelain tiles, bricks or natural stone product. The product will then be installed on top of your existing concrete for an instant upgrade to your home’s exterior.

It has never been faster or easier to give your home a fresh look!

The First Academy Bus

– Now Rolling Through Windermere Families are excited about The First Academy’s brand new transportation option, which makes it easy for students to get to and from school.

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n Aug. 14, The First Academy introduced a brand new transportation option for K4 through grade 12 students. Powered by Maya’s Transportation, the school’s new bus route starts in Keene’s Pointe, making additional stops in downtown Windermere and at The Grove. These stops provide easy access for TFA families. It is also the first private school bus in the area to be wrapped in school colors.

Each year, additional routes will be considered. TFA is currently gauging interest in routes in Lake Nona and St. Cloud; Dr. Phillips, Celebration, Kissimmee and ChampionsGate; and Winter Garden, in the Fowlers Grove and Maguire areas. Families who are interested in utilizing the bussing service are encouraged to complete an interest form on the school’s website.

“We love the TFA bus! It has been so helpful to our family! The driver is very kind and attentive to the attendance and care of the kids. We are beyond pleased,” says a TFA parent of a bus rider.

What You Need to Know

TFA educators understand that providing a safe environment for students is essential for their success, and that includes reliable transportation to and from school. Here are the answers to

THE FIRST ACADEMY Open House Events Prospective families are invited to experience The First Academy difference. Learn from current parents and students, speak with school representatives and take a personal campus tour.

Save the Date!

Nov. 5, 2019 and Dec. 3, 2019 These events will take place at 9 a.m. in the Cramer Family Field House. Visit www.TheFirstAcademy.org to RSVP.

some of the most frequently asked questions about TFA’s school bus so you can see if this option is a fit for your family.

1. Is there a fee? There is a small per-month cost for roundtrip transportation. The price varies by location and route. Discounts are available for multiple children.

3. Can my student ride? There is an opportunity for students at The Classical School and The First Hope to participate in bussing as well. If your student attends one of these schools, Maya’s Transportation will work with you directly regarding your options for bussing.

4. Can my student be picked up at home? If your family is interested in one of TFA’s bussing options but a stop on the route isn’t convenient to your location, at-home pick-ups can be arranged through a Maya’s Transportation representative.

The First Academy is a Christcentered, college preparatory, private school that serves over 1,400 Central Florida students from preschool through high school. Since its founding in 1986, The First Academy has continued to grow the academic, fine arts, and athletic programs, helping develop character strength and elevate students to their highest levels of achievement.

2. How many students does the bus hold? A minimum of 12 students are required from an area for the bus to run there, and there is a maximum of 16 riders at each route.

• • • • • • • • • • Promotional Feature • • • • • • • • • • 18

Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

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Get to know the adorable winners of this year’s Cutest Toddler Contest.

Presented by:

1st Place: Priya Proud parents: Rem and Leanne Community: Lake Nona What are some of Priya’s favorite things? She loves swimming, pizza, fries, Elsa from “Frozen,” our dog Prada and helping Mama and Dada all the time.

What is Priya’s most precious moment?

Every time my husband and I come home from work, she’ll have our clothes ready. She gives us her power hug, lots of kisses and she’ll say, “I love you.”

What is your favorite Halloween memory with Priya? Last year was her first trick-or-treat. She went trick-or-treating in style, driving her red remote control car around our neighborhood because walking is not her favorite thing.

BRADY GIN PHOTOGRAPHY

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

3rd Place: Zayne Proud parents: Kasey and Jose Community: Ocoee What are some of Zayne’s favorite things? Dinosaurs, ninjas and gummy bears What is Zayne’s most precious moment? Every moment with him is precious, but my favorite is when he is sleepy, he likes to cuddle and rub your ears.

What is your favorite Halloween memory with Zayne? The moment he realized what happens when you go trick-or-treating!

BRADY GIN PHOTOGRAPHY

BRADY GIN PHOTOGRAPHY

2nd Place: Christopher Christopher was unavailable on the day of the photo shoot.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Honorable Mentions

AdventHealth for Children is committed to delivering world-class programs, extraordinary patient care and clinical excellence. Its flagship hospital in downtown Orlando is the heart of a children’s care network that includes primary care pediatricians, specialty clinics, emergency departments and Kids Urgent Care. Their nationally recognized team includes 140+ pediatric specialists practicing 35 subspecialties dedicated to healing children.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

O Oppeenn After-Hours

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Health & Wellness:

A Better

YOU

Want to feel better? Want to be better? Check out these tips for getting healthy and maintaining your health from the experts.

The Dangers of Vaping Courtesy of Orlando Health

V

aping has been marketed as a less harmful method to inhale nicotine than smoking. From emphysema and chronic bronchitis to lung cancer and heart disease, the dangers of smoking are well documented, leading many people to vape because they think it’s safer than cigarettes.

However, according to Dr. Mark Weatherly, a pediatric pulmonary disease specialist with Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, even though vaping uses “non-combustible nicotine,” vaping and cigarettes are both a major health risk.

“Although vaping has been marketed as a cleaner and safer alternative to traditional cigarettes due to its filtration of chemicals, this simply isn’t true,” Dr. Weatherly says.

In fact, Dr. Weatherly points out that instead of weaning people off tobacco altogether, vaping has

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

now been shown to be a starting point for many teenagers to move into smoking.

Health Hazards Are Many

Vaping has been linked to seizures, lung issues (such as inflammation of the lungs or collapsed lungs), extreme shortness of breath, low oxygen levels, nicotine toxicity and a number of deaths.

“Young people who vape also are at risk for suffering from chronic lung disease for the rest of their lives,” Dr. Weatherly says.

There are also other dangers associated with vaping. Many e-cigarette users fill empty cartridges with their own mix of products. The health risks of inhaling these homemade vaping cocktails are numerous. Most inhaled flavorings and dyes in commercial vaping liquids also haven’t been studied for their toxicity.

As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, kids, teens and young adults are particularly at risk for illness or death from vaping.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has even labeled vaping as “an epidemic” among teens.

Unfortunately, vaping is now something that parents everywhere need to be aware of.

Are Carbohydrates Really Unhealthy?

SOUTHWEST ORLANDO FAMILY MEDICINE Celebrating 30 Years Helping Patients Live Healthier Lives

By Saadia Alvi, MD, Vitality Endocrinology

T

his is one of the most common questions my patients ask me. In order to answer this question, let’s start by taking a look at what carbohydrates actually are.

Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients our bodies need. The other two are fat and protein. Each macronutrient serves its own specific function and all three are a vital source of nutrition. It is important to remember that many whole foods have some combination of these three macronutrients.

When evaluating the carbohydrate content of an ingredient, it’s important to look at the type of carbohydrate you’re working with. Is it a complex or simple carbohydrate? Complex carbohydrates are found in naturally occurring, unprocessed or minimally processed foods such as health-promoting whole grains and vegetables. Simple carbohydrates are found in both unhealthy, processed or refined foods and health-promoting fruits.

Grains can be broken down to whole grains and refined grains. We can use the schematic of a whole grain and refined grain to understand the difference between the two types.

A whole grain is full of fiber, nutrients, minerals and phytochemicals while a refined grain is stripped away of some of the most nutritional components of the grain. The refined grain is devoid of the beneficial bran and germ layers and is left with the higher carbohydrate endosperm.

Studies have shown that those eating whole grains have a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes and even premature death. Those eating refined carbohydrates may increase their risk of the same chronic diseases.

So in summary, not all carbohydrates are created equal. Eating a doughnut is not the same as eating kale or oatmeal. Complex carbohydrate and whole grain options include quinoa, brown rice, oats and amaranth.

Brendan Sharer PA-C

Lindsey Franko DO

Erica Mirigliani DO

Chris Guadalupe APRN, FNP-BC

Southwest Orlando Family Medicine, P.L. is proud to welcome Dr. Lindsey Franko, Dr. Erica Mirigliani, Brendan Sharer, PA-C, and Chris Guadalupe, APRN, FNP-BC to our family. Located in Dr. Phillips, our practice carefully selects board certified family physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and medical staff to best serve you and your loved ones. Faithfully serving the healthcare needs of children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly in the community since 1989, our mission is to provide our patients with exceptional and award-winning medical care from our experienced clinicians.

30 Years Helping Patients Live Healthier Lives 15 Certified Clinicians Helping Patients Daily 24/7 Care with Same-Day Appointments, Saturday Hours, and After Hours On-Call Service On-Site Lab Services Including Blood Work, Cardiac Diagnostics, IV Fluids, Joint Injections, and More Offices Within Walking Distance of Dr. Phillips Hospital Partnered with Clinical Integrated Networks at Orlando Health and AdventHealth Patient Centered Medical Home English, Spanish, Tagalog and Translation Services Now Accepting New Patients

407-352-9717 7400 DOCS GROVE CIRCLE ORLANDO, FL 32819

SWOFM.COM

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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What to Know About DIY Orthodontics

By Jason Battle, Premiere Orthodontics

W

hile many things may come to mind when you think of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects, orthodontics probably isn’t one of them.

However, the trend of DIY clear aligners was brought to life years ago and is now sustained by a handful of companies.

Smile Direct Club is currently the most wellknown DIY clear aligner product. Consumers (who are technically not patients because a doctorpatient relationship has not been established) can visit one of the company’s scan centers to get started or have an impression kit sent to their home. There are two scan centers located in the Orlando area.

In the past several years, other companies have begun to provide at-home clear aligners as well, including Snap Correct, Orthly, Candid and Align9. The pricing varies between $1,849 and $2,600, depending on the brand, compared to a traditional orthodontic experience, which can cost thousands more.

DIY clear aligners can work in some situations, specifically if you have had previous orthodontic treatment and your bite has been

corrected. If your problem stems from failure to wear a retainer then DIY might work for you.

However, a thorough orthodontic evaluation is needed to determine if the DIY experience will be successful.

Remember that orthodontics is a process of many course corrections throughout treatment in order to get a quality final result. This is true whether your treatment plan includes braces or aligners.

It’s also important to keep in mind that all teeth in all people do not move alike. Some movements and techniques work the first time, and sometimes you need a plan B, C, D, E or F. Since you aren’t being evaluated by the doctor in person, it can be difficult or nearly impossible for the orthodontist treating your case from a computer monitor to make the necessary adjustments throughout treatment to be timely and achieve success.

When it’s time to consider orthodontics for you or your child, make sure you know the details behind all of the options available. That way you can make the most informed decision based on your individual needs.

How to Find the Right Shades

C

hoosing the right sunglasses means much more than how they look. Just as UV rays can damage your skin, they can also damage your eyes and cornea. According to a 2014 study by the National Eye Institute, UV light can increase your chances of developing cataracts, a clouding around the eye’s lens that can lead to loss of sight acuity, through a process called oxidative stress. UV rays have also been linked to macular degeneration, a treatable, yet incurable disease.

So what should you look for when choosing your sunglasses? High numbers. Choose

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

sunglasses with lenses that are marked with 99 percent or 100 percent of blockage from UVB and UVA rays. Lenses that are labeled with UV 400 protection will shield your eyes from even the smallest amount of UV rays that are present.

A misconception that happens when choosing sunglasses is that darker lenses mean more protection. That’s not always the case, since the coating that blocks UV radiation is clear.

Whether you choose designer shades or prescription sunglasses, be nice to your eyes and go for the ones that can protect them best.

+ HEALTH & Wellness

Mom Sick Days The experts at AdventHealth Centra Care are here to help when you’re not feeling your best.

Courtesy of AdventHealth Centra Care

F

lu season is here and AdventHealth Centra Care doctors are reporting an increase of influenza in our area. With many families already being hit with this, it made us think ... what happens when Mom gets sick? With other people relying on you at all hours of the day, being sick can feel even worse as a parent.

There is never a good time to be under the weather, but it’s even more complicated when you’re a parent.

You can’t “call in sick” to motherhood or take a few days off. So how do you cope? Try these four tips for taking it easy when you’re feeling sick.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

Don’t be afraid to ask for 1. help. Whether it’s your husband, neighbor, friend or mom, don’t be too proud to call someone for support.

2.

Let go of your normal routine. Maybe this means more screen time for your kids while you’re sick or just simply letting the laundry pile up. It will still be there when you’re feeling back to normal! Have a pajama day! Embrace the slower pace and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

3. Make mealtime simple. Dinner can be a challenge any night but especially when you’re sick. Order take out or have cereal for dinner instead. It might be a nice change for everyone!

4. Get creative with the items in your house. Have your kids go on a scavenger hunt for certain items or get out crafts they can do on their own.

Join the conversation with Centra Care at www.CentraCare.org.

HOSPITALITY Spotlight +

Patriot Day Breakfast On Sept. 11, 2019 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, The Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association commemorated the 18th anniversary of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, at its annual Patriot Day Breakfast.

This breakfast featured nearly 700 attendees including honorary chairman, Orange County Mayor, Jerry Demings; guest emcee Jim Payne, WESH 2 news anchor; and keynote speaker, Michael Troisi, retired

NYPD, Sept.11, 2001 first responder.

In addition, CFHLA honored the following Central Florida first responders:

LIFE SAVING AWARD – HOSPITALITY SECURITY Security Bike Officer, Troy McRoy and Security Supervisor, Anthony Crooke, Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Deputy Chief Vincent Shepard, St. Cloud Police Department & Chaplain Ragan Vandegriff, Orange County Fire Rescue HEROISM AWARD – FIRE RESCUE & EMS Firefighter Tanner St. James & Firefighter Tyler Walters, Orange County Fire Rescue HEROISM AWARD – LAW ENFORCEMENT Investigator William Erwin, Sanford Police Department

CFHLA Patriot Day speaker, Michael Troisi, retired NYPD Sept. 11 first responder (above) and Patriot Day Breakfast honorary chair, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Orange County Sheriff John Mina and the 2019 CFHLA Patriot Day honorees (below).

LIFE SAVING AWARD – FIRE RESCUE & EMS Engineer Heather Davis, Orlando Fire Department

Rich Maladecki is president and CEO of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association, the world’s largest regional hotel association (www.CFHLA.org).

LIFE SAVING AWARD – LAW ENFORCEMENT Deputy Sheriff Pietro Giannolla, Orange County Sheriff’s Office and Deputy Sheriff Alexander Hogue, Deputy Sheriff Colby Ortega and Deputy Sheriff Christopher Rumbaugh, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office

CFHLA would like to thank Presenting Sponsor Radio One / Motorola for their continued partnership of this important community activity.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Central CentralFlorida FloridaLifestyle Lifestyle | | October October2018 2019

19-SCC-014.22 Central Florida Lifestyle Sylvester Phase III Advertorial FINAL.indd All Pages

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ORLANDO EYE INSTITUTE

PARBHU OCULOFACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

“Be proactive, not reactive” is one of Dr. Deepak Raja’s favorite phrases because it perfectly describes the philosophy in which he runs his practice, Orlando Eye Institute. With his patients’ needs top of mind, he will treat underlying issues that could arise prior to any scheduled treatments to ensure their best visual outcome and comfort.

After earning his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Dr. Raja completed an internship at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, an ophthalmology residency at Vanderbilt Eye Institute in Nashville, and a cornea and anterior segment fellowship at the University of Minnesota.

He performs cataract, glaucoma and pterygium surgeries; corneal transplants; refractive surgery; and the removal of superficial cancers. Dr. Raja proudly offers the latest in laser cataract surgery as well.

Besides being board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, he is a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Cornea Society. He is also the current Department Chairman of Ophthalmology for Orlando Health.

In his spare time, Dr. Raja enjoys public speaking, comedy, writing, woodworking, running, biking, yoga and being a dad. He is a passionate basketball fan and enjoys cheering on the Orlando Magic and Duke Blue Devils.

Orlando Eye Institute’s 4,200-square-foot facility is located at The Grove plaza on the corner of Conroy Windermere and Apopka Vineland Roads in the building in front of LA Fitness and directly above Jeremiah’s Italian Ice and BurgerFi.

Dr. Keshini Parbhu believes that each person is unique and likes to have a collaborative approach in developing a treatment plan to achieve natural appearing results for her patients at Parbhu Oculofacial Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Parbhu went to college at Duke University and did her medical training at Vanderbilt University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She did her fellowship in oculofacial plastic surgery through the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery — an elite society of less than 600 members.

With an interest in reconstructive as well as cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures, Dr. Parbhu takes pride in her specialization because it allows her to know a lot about a very small part of the body. Specializing in ophthalmology and oculoplastic surgery, she performs functional and cosmetic blepharoplasty and ptosis repair most frequently. In addition to eyelid surgery, she performs brow lifts, lacrimal duct reconstructions, skin cancer reconstructions and services related to periocular and facial rejuvenation.

Dr. Parbhu believes that nonsurgical procedures are important to maintaining a rejuvenated appearance and offers many services to help achieve this. She performs injectable facial rejuvenation procedures, including neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau “Newtox”), dermal fillers, Sculptra, and Kybella. She also performs the Accutite, FaceTite, and Morpheus8 procedures, which allows for nonsurgical facelifts and necklifts.

Dr. Parbhu believes in staying current with the latest in her field so she can bring new treatments in facial rejuvenation to the Central Florida area and as such also presents at meetings and contributes to academic journals.

Deepak Raja, M.D.

Keshini Parbhu, M.D.

ORLANDO EYE INSTITUTE 4750 The Grove Dr., Ste. 230 Windermere, FL 34786 407.704.3937 OrlandoEyeInstitute.com

PARBHU OCULOFACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY 4750 The Grove Dr., Ste. 230 Windermere, FL 34786 407-401-9695 ParbhuMD.com

Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

PRECISION PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS Dr. Ryan Mendro and Dr. Lucia Roca Mendro, a husband-and-wife team at Precision Periodontics & Dental Implants, are dedicated to helping Central Floridians restore happier, healthier smiles.

As board-certified periodontists, Dr. Mendro and Dr. Roca Mendro are uniquely trained in the treatment of gum disease and the placement of dental implants. Both doctors are diplomates of the American Board of Periodontology and hold active memberships with the Florida Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology.

Dr. Mendro is also a member of the Dental Society of Greater Orlando.

Dr. Mendro earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida, his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the prestigious Columbia University in New York and his Master of Science and certificate in periodontics also at the University of Florida. Dr. Mendro finds dentistry, and periodontics in particular, the perfect combination of art and science — allowing him to treat disease and restore health while giving people back their smile.

Dr. Roca Mendro earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Francisco Marroquin University and continued her advanced education at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. She completed her periodontics residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Rutgers, is a published author and is fluent in Spanish and Italian.

The doctors at Precision Periodontics & Dental Implants provide the most advanced treatment using state-of-the-art technology including 3D scanners and lasers. The practice provides both traditional and alternative periodontal procedures, including Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, (LANAP), an alternative to traditional gum surgery, and the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique, (PST), an exciting alternative for treating receding gums. Both techniques require no scalpels or stitches.

Precision Periodontics & Dental Implants is the leading periodontal office servicing the Greater Orlando area, including Clermont, Windermere, Ocoee and Winter Garden.

Dr. Mendro and Dr. Roca Mendro are committed to providing the highest level of specialized care in a relaxed, warm environment.

Ryan L. Mendro, DDS, MS Lucia Roca Mendro, DDS, MDS PRECISION PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS 12100 Stoneybrook West Parkway Winter Garden, FL 34787 407.905.6777 PerioPrecision.com

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA HEALTH NEWS

ADVANCED DIABETES AND ENDOCRINE MEDICAL CENTER Rita Khoury Rahbany, M.D, founder of Advanced Diabetes and Endocrine Medical Center, specializes in endocrinology and the treatment of diabetes and metabolic disorders.

She completed her internal medicine residency at the University of Florida and her endocrine fellowship at the George Washington University in Washington D.C., where she trained with world-renowned experts in the multidisciplinary areas of endocrinology.

Dr. Rahbany has been serving the Central Florida community through her medical care since 1999. She established her own practice in 2004 and has been acknowledged with providing excellent care to patients who suffer from diabetes, thyroid diseases, pituitary and adrenal disorders, metabolic bone disease and women’s health.

Dr. Rahbany is a diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Endocrinology and Metabolism.

She participates in many professional organizations, including American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, American Diabetes Association and American Medical Association. Dr. Rahbany has medical staff privileges at Florida Hospital Healthcare System.

Her office is situated in the heart of Orlando, centrally located near the University of Central Florida, Winter Park, Downtown Orlando, Lake Nona and Waterford Lakes.

When Dr. Rahbany isn’t treating patients, she enjoys spending quality time with her children, traveling, walking and reading.

ASSOCIATES IN DERMATOLOGY Associates in Dermatology has served the medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology and skin care needs of Central Floridians for over 30 years. It has become a leading dermatology practice and has grown to include 15 convenient locations.

Its president and medical director, Dr. Michael Steppie, is celebrating his 10th year as one of the few elite dermatologists who make up the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Amonette Circle, while committing time and money to help fight skin cancer.

Dr. Steppie is a board-certified physician who has completed residencies in internal medicine, dermatology and dermatologic surgery. He is a Mohs micrographic skin cancer surgeon and a member of the National Psoriasis Foundation and the American Contact Dermatitis Society.

In addition to excisions of skin cancers, moles and skin lesions, Associates in Dermatology also treats a number of skin conditions such as acne, eczema and also diseases of the hair and nails.

In multiple locations, services also include rejuvenating cosmetic procedures, including Botox®, an injectable muscle relaxer, as well as all Juvederm® dermal fillers, just to name a few. Services such as permanent hair removal, sclerotherapy, laser skin resurfacing and medical strength TCA chemical peels are offered as well.

Associates in Dermatology accepts most health plans, and the professional staff of skilled and dedicated physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, paramedical clinical estheticians and support team members take great pride in exceeding patient expectations. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Rita Khoury Rahbany, M.D. DVANCED DIABETES AND ENDOCRINE A MEDICAL CENTER 9166 University Boulevard Orlando, FL 32817 407.673.4600 OrlandoDiabetes.org

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

Dr. Michael Steppie ASSOCIATES IN DERMATOLOGY 15 locations including Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Dr. Phillips, East Orlando and Ocoee 800.827.SKIN (7546) DermOrlando.com

HILLCREST DENTAL “Every time you smile at someone, it’s an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” This quote by St. Theresa of Calcutta has been an inspiration to Dr. David J. Akkara of Hillcrest Dental as he nurtured his passion for being a part of the dental profession.

Dr. Akkara earned his bachelor’s degree in neuroscience at the University of Connecticut. While there, he volunteered at the dental school, where he realized his desire to pursue a degree in dentistry. He went on to earn his dental degree at Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia, which is the 2nd oldest dental school in the country, and he completed his residency at Weill Cornell Medical College and Lincoln Medical Center in New York.

Throughout his time in dental school, Dr. Akkara learned what he calls “comfort dentistry,” which helps patients feel at ease during the dental experience. Specializing in restorative dentistry, he has been practicing in Central Florida for the past 11 years, performing single and multiple tooth restorations, smile makeovers and treatments to correct clenching disorders. Additionally, procedures such as ZOOM! whitening, crowns, bridges, implants and Botox help Dr. Akkara’s patients feel confident in their smiles.

He is a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics and is affiliated with Trinon University’s implantology courses.

He credits his residency director, Gus Momudis, as being his mentor. Through his teachings, Dr. Akkara learned the importance of treating his patients as he would want to be treated. It helped shape him into the dentist he is today.

“He practiced dentistry with a gentleness I had not seen before,” Dr. Akkara says. “By his example, I learned that exceptional dental care can only be accomplished through kindness and compassion.”

Dr. Akkara chose the field of dentistry because he wanted to be a part of something bigger. He knew that to have a hand in helping people build confidence and pursue their best life he must first help them to achieve their best smile.

When he isn’t practicing dentistry, Dr. Akkara enjoys participating in Crossfit and traveling the world to explore new cities and countries.

David J. Akkara, DMD HILLCREST DENTAL 3600 Formosa Ave. Orlando, FL 32804 407.898.2371 DentistInCollegePark.com

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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SHWETA PATEL, MD – GYNECOLOGY Shweta V. Patel, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with Orlando Health Physician Associates in Winter Garden. She provides preventive women’s healthcare and treatment for gynecological disorders, including bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for the management of menopause symptoms.

A fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Patel attended the University of Buffalo School of Medicine in New York where she earned her medical degree, as well as a bachelor of arts degree in biomedical sciences, graduating summa cum laude. She joined the U.S. Navy Medical Corps as an officer and completed her internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology with the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. She served as a U.S. Navy Medical Corps Lieutenant Commander and staff physician at Camp Lejeune Navy Hospital in Jacksonville, North Carolina and at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Dr. Patel has been published in peer-reviewed journals and has presented on women’s healthcare topics nationally.

She strives to relate to each of her patients with sensitivity, and to educate and empower her patients to make the best decisions regarding their healthcare.

• Annual well-woman exams • Adolescent gynecology • Bladder prolapse relaxation and incontinence treatment • Fibroid treatment • Infectious disease screening and treatment • Osteoporosis screening • Endometriosis treatment • Family planning • Infertility treatment • Menopause support • Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy • Minimally invasive surgery ORLANDO HEALTH PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATES Member of Orlando Health Medical Group Orlando Health Medical Pavilion – Winter Garden 17000 Porter Rd., Suite 206 Winter Garden, FL 34787 407.635.3303 OrlandoHealth.com/PhysicianAssociates

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

REGIONAL PSYCHIATRY “The solution is more than just offering medication. The lifestyle and perception that precipitated the stress response in the first place needs to change.” This is Dr. Andrew Pleener’s motto and the way he runs his Central Florida practice, Regional Psychiatry.

He chose the medical field because he wanted the opportunity to ease the suffering of others. Dr. Pleener earned his degree at Richmond University Medical Center, an affiliate of the Mount Sinai Hospital. He previously practiced psychiatry at RUMC Hospital Comprehensive Psychiatry Emergency Program in Staten Island, New York before opening his practice in July 2019.

Dr. Pleener focuses on psychotherapy, medication management and weight loss management, and he is certified in transcranial magnetic stimulation. He works closely with patients to help change their perspectives in a positive manner via education and providing hope and motivation to achieve realistic goals.

“Working together with individuals to help them regain control of their lives, watching them progress and how it impacts those around them positively, has been the ultimate reward,” Dr. Pleener says.

He credits his father, Dr. Larry Pleener, a family practice physician who specializes in weight loss and stress reduction, as his biggest mentor. Volunteering at his practice provided the opportunity to learn about the way his father determined the root cause of a patient’s problems instead of simply prescribing medication. That lesson is a major part of his practice today.

Outside of the office, Dr. Pleener enjoys spending time with his wife and children, public speaking and participating in outdoor activities.

Dr. Andrew Pleener REGIONAL PSYCHIATRY 9100 Conroy Windermere Rd., Ste. 269 407.462.1254 RegionalPsychiatry.com

MARISSA MAGSINO MD “Keep calm, balance hormones and bring sexy back.”

That is Dr. Marissa Magsino’s motto when it comes to practicing regenerative medicine.

For the past 20 years, Dr. Magsino has worked on treating diseases and a wide array of medical conditions.

Her own onset premenopausal symptoms led her to search for ways to naturally replace her own hormones and help others with similar issues.

After pursuing a fellowship in functional and regenerative medicine centered on bio-identical hormone management, she developed BUMATAKO, an aging reversal technique for both men and women. The name means “I’m young again” in Filipino terms.

Her specialty in functional and regenerative medicine has allowed her to invigorate not only her own life, but the lives of others. Dr. Magsino is one of the few physicians in the nation trained to perform PRP procedures for facial, vaginal and penile rejuvenation.

She received her medical degree from the University of the East (Philippines) before continuing her training at Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Then, in 1997, she came down to Orlando to work as a primary care internist and in pediatrics.

Her current practice’s priority is to help patients find a new sense of vitality and spirit through bioidentical hormone pellet therapy, Reiki therapy, the Time Machine

Procedure™, nutrition and weight loss, and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments for the face and joints. She was recently recognized in the Top 100 Global Influential Asian Women as an innovator in medicine and thought leader.

In her spare time, Dr. Magsino enjoys dancing, meditating, practicing Reiki and traveling. Instead of being inspired by mentors or people around her, she prefers to follow her own destiny.

There has been a growing desire in patients to find alternatives to synthetic hormones that can also act as carcinogens, so Dr. Magsino assists them with their needs by implementing and offering natural medicines. When she works with the body to help reduce signs of aging through natural remedies, not against it by introducing harmful products, the signs of success are higher.

Dr. Magsino is currently accepting new patients at her Dr. Phillips office.

Marissa Magsino, MD, FAARM MARISSA MAGSINO MDPA 7450 Dr. Phillips Blvd, Ste. 204 Orlando, FL 32819 407.292.6778 MarissaMagsino.com www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Why It’s Important to

Put Your Dental Health First Dr. Phan and his team can help keep your smile beautiful and healthy, all from the comfort of the Phan-Tastic office.

A

s we age, it’s more important than ever to manage our health properly. We know that yearly check-ups with a primary care physician are critical for monitoring cholesterol and blood pressure levels as well as managing any health issues. But what about our oral health?

“Dentistry isn’t just about keeping your smile beautiful,” Dr. Phan of Phan-tastic Smiles says. “It’s about overall health. The link between our mouth and the rest of our body is one that shouldn’t be ignored as we age.”

Not only can bacteria in the mouth cause infection that leads to periodontitis, but it also causes problems in the rest of the body, including diabetes, heart disease and gastrointestinal illnesses, if left untreated. Additional issues arise when teeth that have broken down restrict individuals from eating a healthy diet because they’re unable to chew.

No matter how long it has been, it’s 38

Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

never too late to get back on track with your oral health.

The Root of the Problem

Some patients ignore their dental health for various reasons. What they don’t realize is that people are outliving their second set of teeth because they’re living longer than expected. According to a 2017 report by the National Center for Health Statistics, the average life expectancy in the United States is 79 years old, but many individuals are living well into their 90s.

Along with the natural aging process comes the wearing down of teeth.

Brushing twice daily, flossing and scheduling regular dental visits will help in preventing oral hygiene issues. Additionally, restorative work that was placed at a young age will naturally break down over time and will need to be replaced. Unlike high blood pressure, diabetes, or cholesterol issues, decay cannot be treated

Get to Know Dr. Phan and his friendly team!

$99

For New Patient Exam, X-Rays & Initial Cleaning The $99 special offer is for new patients without insurance.

Good through 12/15/19

with diet and exercise. It needs to be addressed by a dental professional on a regular basis to prevent more intense issues such as abscesses or loss of teeth.

“There is no reason for patients to feel ashamed about the condition of their teeth,” Dr. Phan says. “Whether you may have neglected your oral health in your younger years or nature is just taking its course, my staff and I are here to help restore your smile without judgment.”

A common oral health trend is that dentists are providing patients with their 3rd set of teeth through a variety of treatments such as crowns or dentures as well as implants, which Dr. Phan frequently uses to replace missing teeth. He recently completed a memorable restorative dental treatment for a patient in his 70s.

After 15 years of not being able to eat solid food, he is now eating apples.

Those outcomes mean the most to Dr. Phan. “When I’m able to help a

• • • • • • • • • • Promotional Feature • • • • • • • • • •

patient get back to enjoying solid food, which others take for granted, I couldn’t be more proud,” he says.

The Basics of Restorative Dentistry

Phan-tastic Smiles offers a number of procedures that will restore a patient’s smile to its original state, and Dr. Phan works directly with patients to determine which one is best for their situation. After learning about all of their options, the patients make their final decision.

“It’s my responsibility to provide all details regarding each individual case and the ways each treatment option could provide different outcomes,” Dr. Phan says. “It’s up to the patients to decide which treatment they will be most comfortable with.”

From one-visit crowns and veneers (CEREC) to natural tooth-colored fillings and dentures, there are many options that will provide patients with the results they desire. Even more, these procedures can be performed in a timely manner so patients can get back to their usual routine in no time.

Not only are patients impressed with their results, but they also speak highly of Dr. Phan’s technique. He is known for

providing a unique, gentle touch that puts patients at ease during their procedure.

The most common feedback received is that his approach relieves the anxiety that is often felt in the dental chair.

Going More In-Depth

Dr. Phan also performs several in-depth procedures to restore his patients’ smiles. Similar to dentures, mini implants are used to replace missing or broken teeth. Mini implants are identical to traditional dental implants but are narrower in diameter (about 2 millimeters wide). They are used mainly for stabilizing dentures, particularly the lower denture. This is an ideal treatment option for patients who don’t have enough jawbone to support a fullsized implant or are seeking a more affordable implant option.

A Simple Way to a Phan-tastic Smile

Cuong T. Phan, DMD, MAGD 7824 Lake Underhill Rd., Suite G Orlando, FL 32822 PhanTasticSmile.com

407-282-7498

A healthy smile is a great first impression through all stages of life.

Dr. Phan partners with his patients to boost their confidence and their overall health by providing exceptional dental care that leads to beautiful, long-lasting smiles.

Before

Before

Before

After

After

After

Meet Dr. Phan Dr. Cuong T. Phan has been practicing for over 20 years and is experienced in all areas of dentistry, including endodontics, periodontics, crowns, oral surgery, implants and cosmetic dentistry.

“From routine check-ups to smile makeovers, we do it all at Phan-tastic Smiles,” Dr. Phan says. “This saves valuable time for patients.”

He is humbled to be the recipient of the prestigious Mastership Award, the highest Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) honor available and one of the most respected designations within the dental profession. Less than 1% of general dentists throughout the U.S. and Canada have earned this title (MAGD). Currently, Dr. Phan serves as a Florida Dental Examiner for The Commission on Dental Competency Assessments. www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ EXPERT ADVICE | Health

How 3D Mammograms Bring a New Dimension to

Cancer Detection Learn more about the benefits and what to expect from a 3D mammogram this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Courtesy of AdventHealth Medical Group

T

raditionally, 2D or digital mammograms have been the best way for women to spot breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. But they have limitations.

A potential trouble spot could appear as just that — a spot. The odds are that it’s not a tumor, but it could be.

“On a 2D mammogram, you may see a zone of density and you can’t be sure what it is,” says AdventHealth Radiologist Leena Kamat, MD. So the patient has to return to the imaging center to get more images taken or undergo a biopsy. In the medical world, this is called a “callback,” and for patients it’s a hassle and likely a significant source of worry.

But if the radiologist could have looked around the spot — beneath and above it — she could have seen whether it’s a harmless clump of fat or a dangerous tumor. Now, she can with 3D mammography, or breast tomosynthesis (commonly just “tomo”).

Leena Kamat, MD, is a boardcertified diagnostic radiologist, sub-specialized in breast imaging for AdventHealth Medical Group Radiology – Central Florida Division. To learn more about getting your mammogram or to schedule an appointment, visit ScheduleYourMammo.com.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

“Tomo allows you to scroll through multiple levels and see if it’s just regular tissue or a potential tumor,” Dr. Kamat says.

It also allows radiologists to find small tumors that could be hiding in denser areas of the breast.

These areas appear as white spots on mammograms and can sometimes block views of tumors, which can be disguised as white spots.

“Tomo gives you that ability to look through the tissue and be able to catch something that would’ve been obscured,” Dr. Kamat says.

How 3D Mammography Helps Women With Dense Breasts

A woman’s breasts are composed of several kinds of tissues, including fat, milk ducts and supportive tissues. Different women have different amounts of each, and they change over time.

A woman who has more dense tissue than fatty tissue is said to have “dense breasts.”

Having dense breasts is common — about four in 10 women have them. Younger women are more likely to have dense breasts. It’s perfectly normal, not a disease, but having dense breasts does put a woman at higher risk of cancer.

“Women with dense breasts get the greatest benefit from 3D mammography,” Dr. Kamat says.

Traditional, 2D mammography has limitations for women with dense breasts because dense tissue appears as white on its images. In 3D mammography, the radiologist can get a better idea of what these spots truly are by looking above and below them.

If you’re not sure whether you have dense breasts, take a look at your mammogram results. The state of Florida requires patients to be notified about what dense breasts mean for them.

Why the Best Mammography Matters

For a woman, finding a small tumor in a regular screening mammogram is often a moment of profound fear. But seen at a further distance, it’s a victory. A small tumor that hasn’t spread is more than treatable. Usually, it’s curable.

“Finding a tumor when it’s small is the goal of screening, and it affords a person the best chances,” Dr. Kamat says. “I think 3D mammography is the way of the future.”

Evidence continues to show 3D mammograms are better at finding cancer. An October 2018 study that tracked 15,000 women over five years found 3D mammography detected 30% more cancers than traditional mammography.

+ EXPERT ADVICE | Wellness

Your Guide to

Self Care How putting yourself first can help you to heal following a loss.

By Olivia Sain, Staying Sain

W

e all face obstacles that test our mental stability, some more than others.

When this involves loss, it’s possible to lose a sense of who we are, but before finding ourselves we must first take care of ourselves.

How can we navigate through the rough waters? How do we come out afloat after going through the storm? I can tell you, it doesn’t happen overnight.

Get to Know Your Struggles

Sometimes it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what’s causing turmoil.

Repeated loss or tragedy can be the cause of a buildup of constant stress that takes an emotional toll.

Instead of allowing the struggle to overcome you, ask yourself the following questions so you can start to heal.

1. How is this struggle affecting my emotional and mental stability?

2. How is it affecting my physical health?

Olivia Sain is a published author, speaker and writer at Staying Sain.

A philanthropist and a University of Central Florida graduate, she is the founder of Sain’s Stuffed Giving and the Butterfly Talks.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

Has it challenged my relation3. ships with my family, work, friends, etc.?

Then, set a time each day where you write down what you are struggling with. Don’t forget to balance the negative with the positive by noting what you have achieved or a goal you hope to meet. A goal can be as simple as getting dressed, getting out of the house or going to the grocery store.

Everyone’s goals are different. Set your own benchmarks, whether it’s waking up at a certain time, reading your morning newspaper or your favorite blog, drinking your coffee on the patio or down the street at your favorite spot, volunteering, meeting a friend, getting your nails done, taking your pet for a walk, running errands, going to the movies, or finding a new hobby.

Having something to look forward to provides motivation to push ourselves harder. If you live alone and rely on yourself to be your own motivator, it can be even harder to push forward. Committing to something outside of your home is a great way to force yourself to get dressed and go. Get creative!

Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself

As you work through your struggles, it’s important to give yourself permission to feel however you need to feel.

Allow yourself to feel depressed, sad, an-

gry, or whatever emotions you’re experiencing. It’s normal!

Also give yourself permission to take all the time you need to work through the healing process. We’ve all heard the saying, “Time heals all wounds.” Well, time does not heal all wounds; it’s what we do with the time that heals.

Remember that loss has no timeline. There is no such thing as, “I should be over this.” Once you take the pressure off yourself, that is when healing begins.

It’s hard to feel the warmth of the sun and see the brightness of the day when you’re drowning in quick sand. There may be days where you’re gasping for air, consumed by anxiety with no passageway for joy to seep in. It may feel like you will never get through it, but you will.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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+ HOME Entertainment

6 Spooktacular Flicks You Can’t Afford to Miss the Second Time Around

Celebrate Halloween with a scary movie marathon. Here’s a list of our favorites.

By Christie Fogarty

W

hat could be more fall then pumpkin spice? Waiting until dark, turning all the lights off and watching a scary movie. These are some of our favorite movies for this spooky season.

“Poltergeist”: They’re here! “Poltergeist” follows a young family as they battle evil spirits in their home. After communicating with the spirits inside the family’s TV, the youngest child vanishes through a portal to the other side.

Follow one of the scariest stories of all time as they race to bring her back.

“Gremlins”: There are three important rules that should never be broken when it comes to a gremlin: no sunlight, no food after midnight and they absolutely cannot get wet. When all of these rules are broken, hundreds of gremlins wreak havoc on an unsuspecting small town.

“Close Encounters of the Third Kind”: Three people are brought together by their obsession with UFO 44

Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

experiences. An electrical lineman who witnessed a UFO during emergency repairs, a mother whose son vanished during her experience, and a French researcher who believes music can help them communicate with the alien life forms. Will they find the answers they’re looking for?

“Scream”: A high school student and her friends become the target of a serial killer known as the Ghostface Killer. Obsessed with scary movie trivia and dressed in a long black robe and white face mask, the killer begins with a phone call that eventually turns deadly.

What’s your favorite scary movie?

“Blair Witch Project”: Three students go into the woods to make a movie on a Maryland town’s urban legend. After a two-day hike, the students vanish, never to be seen again.

However, their footage was found and compiled into a movie (directed

by UCF alumni) to tell the story of Blair Witch.

See “It” in a New Way One of the scariest movies to hit the big screen, “It” follows a group of outcasts as they battle an evil clown, both as children and as adults. Part one of the “It” reboot in 2017 terrified audiences all over again due in large part to Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Pennywise. Who knew the clown could get even creepier the second time around?

This October, have an “It” marathon at home then head to the theater for part two. We recently experienced the newest film in 4DX at Regal Pointe Orlando. The theater featured motion-enabled chairs and environmental controls that simulated conditions seen in the movie. Added elements like strobe lights for lightning, rain falling from the ceiling, fog and strong scents, combined with the movement of the seats, made for one intense viewing.

+ BON APPÉTIT

Event Details What: A Taste of Dr. Phillips When: Saturday, Nov. 10 Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Dellagio Orlando (corner of Sand Lake Road and Della Drive) Cost: $75 general admission, $95 VIP

First Look:

A Taste of Dr. Phillips 2019 This signature event by The Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips provides a taste of 20 of the area’s finest restaurants.

By Lyndsay Fogarty | Photos by Britt Runion Studios

E

very November, The Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips hosts one of the community’s top foodie events. A Taste of Dr. Phillips is a showcase of 20 of the area’s finest restaurants with a philanthropic tie.

This year it will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 10.

Now in its 13th year, A Taste of Dr. Phillips provides an opportunity for individuals in the community to come together, network and savor three hours of gourmet food and beverages at tasting tents set up around the Dellagio fountain. Live entertainment and a silent auction round out the afternoon.

The goal of A Taste of Dr. Phillips is always to raise as much money as possible for the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips Foundation. Throughout the year, the foundation distributes funds to local beneficiaries such as the YMCA of Dr. Phillips, Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, the theater magnet pro-

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

gram at Dr. Phillips High School, the CFHLA Foundation and more. Last year’s event raised nearly $60,000, and rotary members hope to match that number in 2019.

“One thing that we always say is we do a lot of good for the community, and we raise a lot of money for our community partners, but we always have a lot of fun when we do it,” Event Chair Joe Mahoney says.

Expect delectable bites from returning restaurants like Urbain 40, Dragonfly Robata, Pepperoncino and Eddie V’s as well as new participants such as STK at Disney Springs. There will also be two beverage vendors serving beer and wine.

“It always turns out to be a phenomenal event,” Mahoney says. “We hope that people buy their tickets early and support the great work that the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips does for the Dr. Phillips community.”

For more information, visit ATasteOfDrPhillips.com

+ YOUR Local Healthy West Orange hosted its Back to School 5k on Aug. 15.

Building a Healthy

Community

Stina D’Uva and Pam Gould participating in the Healthy West Orange Selfie Challenge.

West Orange County’s health and wellness options have flourished in the past several years due to the area’s growth.

By Stina D’Uva, West Orange Chamber of Commerce

A

Orlando Health’s Health Central Hospital

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

growing and ever-changing landscape of health and wellness choices. These include hospital systems, clinics, outdoor workout opportunities, indoor gyms and studios, eateries catering to healthy lifestyles and so much more.

These didn’t happen overnight.

They have been developing, as our community has, for many decades now. We are fortunate to have the healthcare systems of AdventHealth and Orlando Health building facilities throughout West Orange, ranging from free-standing medical service buildings to medical office buildings, ERs and bed towers. We truly have world-class healthcare being provided to us, and that is an asset that will keep us thriving as a community.

In addition, we are lucky to have The West Orange Healthcare District, a Lifetime Member of our chamber, with its movement known as Healthy West Orange committed to making West Orange the healthiest community in the nation. I am proud to say that our board of directors, at the start of this movement, fully embraced it and endorses it to

AdventHealth Winter Garden

this day. The Healthy West Orange movement, with its own mascot known as Westley, supports a variety of programs and activities to encourage residents of West Orange by being a champion of healthy programs and inspiring healthy behaviors.

Healthy West Orange also has its own app called Carrot. Everyone is encouraged to sign up and learn about healthy food options, fitness options, community challenges and events, all with the sole purpose of making us healthy.

You can even participate in Octobearfest on Oct. 20. You can also see Healthy West Orange at our chamber’s Best Fest — The Taste of West Orange on March 26, 2020 on Starke Lake in Ocoee.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

nyone who knows me knows that I am a champion and advocate for everything and anything West Orange. I would argue that we have the best of everything in West Orange.

I don’t make that claim lightly.

I also don’t make it to be argumentative, and I certainly wouldn’t do so without having evidence to back it up, especially when it comes to healthcare and well-being options in West Orange, north and south. We are fortunate, because of the growth, to have the benefit of a constantly

SAVE THE DATE! The 2019 Golf Classic and Awards Reception at the West Orange Country Club

Thursday, November 7, 2019 12:00pm-6:30 pm

 ­ € ‚ € ‚� ƒ  „

Polish up those clubs and get ready to join us on the course at the annual West Orange Chamber Golf Classic! The Golf Classic is one of our most popular events and is the ideal setting for business leaders to bring their best clients, top prospects or office staff for a fun afternoon of relationship building on the fairway.

Is a driving swing not your thing? Then, skip golf and join us for dinner and drinks at the Awards Reception immediately following the golf tournament.

18 holes of golf, lunch, two drink tickets, door prizes, chance-to-win tickets, and awards reception with dinner buffet following the tournament. Golfers can bid for valuable silent auction items and participate in a chance-to-win drawing for incredible prizes!

 � � � � � � � www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

49

+ YOUR Local

ELIDA WALLACK PHOTOGRAPHY

Sweet Success How this Windermere local turned her dreams of owning a dance studio into reality.

L

eslie “Peaches” Jarvis-Gettis began her dance training at a very young age in South Florida. As the years went on, her passion for performing led her to work as a professional dancer throughout the United States and abroad.

As much as she loved performing, “Miss Peaches” had an equal passion for teaching children and a dream to one day own her own dance school. That dream became a reality in 1987 when she opened Peaches School of Dance in Miami and it soon became one of the most successful dance schools in Florida, serving over 1,000 students.

In 2015, Peaches decided to relocate to Central Florida with her eldest son, Zack, who was attending UCF and her younger son, Jeremy, who was accepted into the theater program at Dr. Phillips High School. She wanted to be closer to her family who had just opened Mango’s Tropical Café on International Drive.

ELIDA WALLACK PHOTOGRAPHY

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

Though leaving South Florida was difficult, she looked forward to a new chapter in her life and immediately made plans to open another dance school in Central Florida.

In 2016, she opened Peaches Dance and Music Orlando, located in Windermere, where she now has an enrollment of 600 students.

From the moment you enter through the doors of the 11,000 squarefoot, state-of-the-art facility, you can feel the energy flow through the corridors as the children excitedly run to and from their classes. The young dancers are trained by the most professional and qualified instructors in the industry, each having extensive backgrounds in the performing arts. The curriculum includes a wide array of dance classes such as ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, tap, hip hop, aerial arts, acrobatics and belly dancing. The music department includes classes in voice, piano, guitar, violin and harp. There is also a musical theater program in which kids can participate in productions throughout the year.

Though there is a competitive dance team of 90 students, noncompetitive dancers are encouraged to

develop their skills in any technique classes offered on the schedule. For any dancer interested in pursuing a career in dance and the performing arts, Peaches offers pre-professional classes in which students take multiple advanced level classes per week.

The entire faculty at Peaches Dance and Music shares the same philosophy of developing the “whole child” and ensuring that, while they are getting strict training in their respective classes, children are also being nurtured and cared for in a way that is healthy for their emotional development. Kids of all ages are taught lasting lessons that will carry them through all of their school years and beyond. Many of Peaches’ former students have received college scholarships and professional performing arts jobs around the country, including with world-renowned dance companies and as soloists in Broadway shows.

Peaches Dance and Music Orlando is a place where kids build their confidence, develop a love for dance and the performing arts, make lifelong friends and create incredible memories that will last a lifetime.

PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION OF GLOBAL LEADERS Pre-K3 through Grade 12 International Baccalaureate World School

windermereprep.com

SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! (407) 905-7737 info@windermereprep.com

PROSPECTIVE FAMILY INFORMATION SESSION Stop by on November 8th at 5:30 pm to learn more about Winderemere Prep, Register today at http://bit.ly/WPSadmissions

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

51

at the Wheel How to enhance the biggest surprise of your life with an incredible light show at The Wheel.

Photos by Nona Photography

P

arents-to-be can choose a unique and extravagant way to reveal their babies’ genders at The Wheel. So what can you expect from a gender reveal?

With their families and friends gathered on the central lawn, guests will watch The Wheel light up with a pink and blue light show until the baby’s gender is revealed with the final color! The team at ICON Park will work with the parents-to-be to spice it up with creative ideas like balloons, team t-shirts, cake and gifts. A gender reveal package also includes admission to The Wheel for 15 people.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

Local Couple Celebrates Gender Reveal with The Wheel Brianna Worth and James Grande of Winter Garden recently gathered with their closest friends and family members to announce the gender of their baby, but it wasn’t your ordinary gender reveal. Instead, they were surrounded by a sea of colors as a pink and blue show lit up The Wheel at ICON Park.

While they only wished for a healthy baby, the mom-to-be was 100% confident it would be a boy while the dad-to-be thought it would be a girl.

“I think I always pictured myself having a boy first, which might be why I’m so strongly leaning towards boy,” Worth says.

Grande added, “I really don’t have a preference.

I’m a big sports fan so it would be cool to have a boy just to have a catch with in the backyard, but you can do that with a girl too.”

The couple chose The Wheel for their big reveal because they had never seen anything like it before. They say that the team at ICON Park made the planning process easy. Worth shared the theme she was interested in, along with several photos, and they took it from there.

The result was an intimate get-together for those closest to them, complete with beverages, cash bar and cupcakes from on-site bakery Shack Sweets by “Cupcake Wars” winning baker Jillian Hopke.

When the colors on The Wheel stopped spinning, it revealed that IT’S A BOY!

Call 407-601-7907 to discuss your Gender Reveal Celebration with a planner at ICON Park today! www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

53

Get Your Life

Back Now! World-renowned integrative medical doctors, thought leaders and experts share 21st century health solutions at the Get Your Life Back Now! Summit this November.

O

ne of the most significant integrative and regenerative health conferences of the year will bring — direct to the public — game-changing doctors, researchers and practitioners to Orlando’s Florida Hotel and Conference Center on Nov. 15 and 16, 2019.

A weekend of wellness, education, discovery, inspiration and beyond, the Get Your Life Back Now! Health Summit gathers the eminent minds of 21st century medicine to share current, effective tools for restoring health and increasing healthspan.

This is truly a one-of-a-kind health summit:

• Expert integrative doctors of this stature are most often found only at conferences training other medical professionals.

• 16 experts from the Academy of Comprehensive Integrative Medicine (ACIM) reveal groundbreaking protocols and secrets for overcoming conditions such as cancer, diabetes, autism, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia and more.

These dedicated practitioners empower people by putting the tools of wellness and the treatment of chronic diseases directly into the hands of health consumers. Get Your Life Back Now! is the rare health conference that pairs the pioneers and paradigm chang-

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

ers of medicine directly with those suffering with chronic conditions such as autoimmune diseases, fatigue, inflammation and other ailments that benefit from lifestyle management.

As Dr. Lee Cowden, co-founder of ACIM and GYLBN says, “The public learns how small changes in your lifestyle can make big changes in your life.”

EVENT DETAILS WHAT: Get Your Life Back Now! Integrative Health Summit WHEN: November 15 & 16, 2019 TIME: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: The Florida Hotel & Conference Center 1500 Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32809

For tickets: DoctorsWhoRock.com GetYourLifeBackNow.live For more information, please email kelly@doctorswhorock.com

GYLBN will be taped and will become the second season in the online TV series, “Tool Kit Essentials.”

Among the doctors revealing innovative solutions at Get Your Life Back Now!, participants can expect to see: Dr. Joseph Mercola: Board-certified and trained in traditional and natural medicine, he is a frequent guest on the “Today Show,” CNN and ABC’s “World News Tonight.”

Dr. Mercola founded Merola.com, the internet’s most visited natural health site.

Dr. William Lee Cowden, MD: Founder of ACIM and a sponsor of GYLBN, Dr. Cowden is a boardcertified cardiologist, internist, licensed homeopathic medical doctor and a world leader in integrative medicine.

Zach Bush is one of the few triple board-certified physicians in the country, specializing in internal medicine, endocrinology, metabolism, and hospice/palliative care.

About Get Your Life Back Now! After this summit first occurred in Orlando in 2017, attendees called it “lifechanging.”

The summit and online TV series are co-produced by ACIM and Kelly Gallagher, a 5x cancer ‘Thriver’ who was given one year to live 22 years ago. She now is powered by a Medtronics pacemaker and a new heart valve and considers herself a product of MERGE MEDICINE. Gallagher is dedicated to sharing the solutions she discovered along her road to health renewal.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

55

Camp

Holiday Cheer

Every child deserves to experience the wonderful magic of the holidays!

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida and Central Florida Lifestyle are partnering once again to host a holiday party for hundreds of Devereux children this December.

Many of these children have suffered unthinkable challenges in their young lives, so we want to make this holiday season special — one that they won’t forget, but we need your help.

How You Can Help!

BECOME A CAMP HOLIDAY CHEER SPONSOR.

Call 407-362-9221 or email DevereuxFlorida@devereux.org for more information and to register as a sponsor.

MAKE A DONATION TO DEVEREUX FLORIDA’S HOLIDAY FUND. These donations will help with purchasing necessary supplies, refreshments and gifts.

Visit www.devereuxFL.org to make an online donation.

PROVIDE A HOLIDAY WISH TO A CHILD IN NEED.

Help support Devereux’s holiday gift drive. Create a gift drive with co-workers and friends, or donate to a child’s holiday wish list. Email DevereuxFlorida@devereux.org for more information.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

21 5TH ANNUAL CURE

BOWL $20 TICKETS FROM

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CANCER TRIBUTE MARCH TO STADIUM GATES

FOR MORE INFO VISIT CUREBOWL.COM

+ SOMEONE You Should Know

COURTESY OF SYLVIA LONGMIRE

Spin the Globe

with Sylvia Longmire This Central Florida resident shares accessible travel tips on her blog to help other wheelchair users plan their vacations.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

O

ver the summer, the Center for Independent Living honored Sylvia Longmire with the Beverly Chapman Award at its annual gala for her work in the disability rights advocacy community. It was there that we were introduced to her story.

Longmire was medically retired from the US Air Force in 2005 after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She wrote two books about Mexico’s drug war and border security using the expertise she gained as a senior intelligence analyst for the state of California following her retirement. After she began traveling full-time as a wheelchair user in 2015, Longmire was inspired to start her travel blog, called Spin the Globe, with the hopes that her experiences could ease the fears of others.

With four years of full-time travel under her belt, it’s easy to think that Longmire doesn’t stress about her travels. The truth is, she’s afraid before every trip.

“I go anyway because my desire to travel pretty much trumps my fear,” she says.

She’s quick to stress the importance of research for any trip. Not

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Central Florida Lifestyle | October 2019

only does it help for solo travelers to know what they’re getting into based on physical limitations, but it can help with the mental obstacles that come with accessible travel too.

“I’ve found that the more information I have or the more that I know about the accessibility of a destination — from the destination itself or other wheelchair users who have been there before — that helps to alleviate at least some of the anxiety,” she says.

Topics on Longmire’s blog range from educational posts to destination reviews. She shares travel tips and has dedicated a post to show readers what an airport baggage handlers job entails to shine a light on the reasons that 25 wheelchairs are either lost or damaged on airlines every day in the United States. She also posts videos and photos of every hotel room and cruise ship cabin she experiences to assist others with their vacation planning.

“I’m certainly not a pioneer,” Longmire says. “But it’s easy for me to say, ‘Look, if I can do this, and I can do this by myself, then anyone can.’”

Sylvia’s Top Accessible Travel Tips 1. Work with an accessible tour company. These experts in accessible travel can recommend hotels as well as assist with planning and research.

2. Do your research before spending the money. Find out if your destination of choice isn’t an accessible city before purchasing a nonrefundable ticket.

3. Be flexible and keep low expectations. Things don’t always go as planned when traveling. Instead of saying, “oh crap” when there’s an obstacle, look for alternative ways to do whatever it is that you want to do.

4. Start small and local. If you’ve never traveled as a wheelchair user, head to the next town over or the closest big city to see what it’s like. Roll around the city, go in and out of businesses and build confidence with baby steps.

A DIVISION OF KARST MEDIA GROUP