No. 030 | September 2025

DIGEST

DRAX ISSUE 30

SEPTEMBER 2025

THE AESTHETICS ISSUE INTERVIEW WITH DR. RODRIQUEZ // GRILLED PEACH AND CANDIED CURRY PECAN SALAD

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Available at Wellness+ Studio www.wellnessplusstudio.com | 646.398.8080 980 Madison Avenue, Suite 203, New York, NY 10075

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DIGEST

DRAX CONTENTS

ISSUE 30

SEPTEMBER 2025

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FROM THE EDITOR

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STORIES

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Aesthetics and Wellness: A Conversation with Wellness+ Studio’s New Medical Director

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Doctor Bio

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The Drax Businesses

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GRILLED PEACH AND CANDIED CURRY PECAN SALAD

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FROM THE EDITOR you. Something Wellness+ Studio helps people achieve every day.

Wellness+ Studio is committed to helping you achieve your wellness goals in a private and tranquil environment. The trainers and practitioners are masterful at ensuring that your sessions and treatments are tailored and curated to your unique needs, sometimes shifting the focus at a moment’s notice to adapt to you and your body.

I hope you enjoy this issue, which honors Wellness+ Studio and the opening of its aesthetic branch. Be sure to read the interview with the studio’s new Medical Director, Dr. Carlos Rodriguez, and learn about his perspective on aesthetics and wellness, as well as the profound impact of looking our best on our overall well-being.

The studio will soon be offering new treatments, including dermal fillers, Botox, IV drips, Vivace RF treatments, and more. Updates will soon be available on the Wellness+ Studio website, so keep an eye out to book your first treatment!

Having just come out of what I believe to be the worst sickness I’ve ever experienced in my young adult life, I’ve gained a renewed familiarity with the fact that our health is truly our biggest source of wealth. Without it, all other problems fade into the background. Without it, there is almost nothing else.

Have you ever heard someone say, “I would die for my family/my wife/my husband/my kids/etc.”? If you yourself have ever said that phrase or believe deep down in your core that you would willingly die for someone you love, I have another question for you: would you live for them? Would you take care of yourself for them? Get enough sleep, exercise, lift weights, rest, walk, dance, eat nourishing, organic, clean foods, meditate, do your skincare for them?

Would you do these things, and do them regularly, for them?

Thank you for being here and being a part of our story. Until next month!

With love, light, and gratitude,

Eleonora Fogg EDITOR-IN-CHIEF eleonora@svvl.net

Living your best and healthiest life is just as much for the people that matter most in your life as it is for you. Something Wellness+ Studio helps people achieve every day.

Publisher

Editor-In-Chief

Michael Ennis

Eleonora Fogg

Drax Digest is published monthly by Drax Publishing, LLC. Don’t hesitate to contact us with your ideas for future issues at eleonora@svvl.net!

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AESTHETICS & WELLNESS A Conversation with Wellness+ Studio’s New Medical Director, Dr. Carlos Rodriguez Editor, Eleonora Fogg, had the honor of visiting Wellness+ Studio to meet and interview the studio’s new Medical Director, Dr. Carlos Rodriguez. Dr. Rodriguez is a natural addition to the Wellness+ Studio ecosystem with his holistic approach to seamlessly incorporating aesthetics with your lifestyle and wellness plan. Dr. Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of personalized treatments, tailoring care to meet all your goals, ensuring you achieve the results you want while working with your body’s needs to look and feel your best. Let’s take a look at Dr. Rodriguez’s thoughts on my most burning questions regarding aesthetics.

What drew you to aesthetics, given your background in internal medicine?

Well, I completed my internal medicine residency in 2011 and began working shortly after. While working as a hospitalist and outpatient physician in California, I took some cosmetic courses. When I moved to New York around 2013, I took a brief pause while working at Mount Sinai, but by 2017 or 2018, I became more involved again—this time with a dermatology group that combined wellness, hormone therapy, and aesthetics. I’ve always been close to dermatology, really. Even before I began my residency, I worked in a dermatology office in the Bronx. I’ve always been fascinated by how subtle changes can help people look and feel their best.

What do you think is the number one thing people overlook in skincare or aesthetics?

Starting early. A lot of people wait until the signs of aging are already visible before they begin taking care of themselves.

Prevention— exercise, skincare, sun protection—makes a huge difference over time. Starting a solid skincare routine earlier can really set the foundation for healthier aging.

What’s your take on the rise of preventative aesthetics among younger clients?

I support it—when done thoughtfully. Preventative treatments like Botox or hyaluronic acid fillers can be beneficial in your 20s and 30s, but the key is balance. Overdoing procedures too early can produce the opposite of a desired result—like losing too much fat in the face, which creates other issues later on. A personalized approach, with age-appropriate treatments, is essential.

How do aesthetic needs evolve as someone ages?

In your 20s and early 30s, you might do a bit of volume replacement with hyaluronic acid or start light Botox for prevention. As you move into your late 30s and 40s, your collagen levels drop, and fat pads shift, so that’s when collagen stimulators like Sculptra or Radiesse become more appropriate. The approach changes as we age, and it depends on the individual’s lifestyle, skin quality, and facial structure.

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Is there a difference in what treatments are better suited for younger vs. older clients?

Absolutely. Younger clients often do well with hyaluronic acid fillers for subtle volume or hydration. In older clients, collagen stimulators are more effective because they work with the body to build structure naturally and avoid the overly filled look, especially in areas with a lot of movement or expression.

If you could have every patient adopt one habit, what would it be?

A consistent skincare routine, which doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on repairing the skin at night and moisturizing and protecting it during the day—with sunscreen. Hydration, LED light therapy, and avoiding the sun are small things that make a big difference over time.

What are you most looking forward to about working with Wellness+ Studio?

I love the holistic approach. Being able to combine physical wellness—like fitness and strength—with aesthetic care is powerful.

It’s all connected. When someone feels good and looks good, it creates confidence and balance. Wellness+ Studio really supports that full-body, inside-and-out approach.

How do you manage expectations for natural results, especially with so many “overdone” looks out there?

Communication is key. Every treatment plan should begin with a consultation that sets realistic expectations. I always tailor the plan to the individual—not everyone needs the same thing. Sometimes people come in with an idea that won’t actually suit their face, and that’s where honesty and experience become key. It’s about enhancing natural beauty, not creating a new face.

What’s a misconception or myth about aesthetic treatments you wish people understood better?

Many people fear filler migration or being overfilled, which usually comes from seeing overdone or poorly performed procedures. While complications can happen, they’re rare—especially when you’re treated by an experienced professional. The industry has also evolved a lot in recent years, and we’ve learned how to avoid many of those past mistakes.

How do you stay inspired and keep learning in this field?

I never stop learning. Even if I’m comfortable with a technique, I still enjoy visiting other practices, learning from colleagues, and sharing best practices. Different regions have different aesthetic trends—what works in Florida or California might not be ideal in New York. It’s essential to tailor techniques to your clientele and continually evolve.

You’ve worked in other aesthetic practices—what makes Wellness+ Studio unique?

This studio has a strong emphasis on total wellness—not just aesthetics. We’re incorporating fitness, nutrition, hydration through IVs, and treatments like skin resurfacing, exosomes, and collagen-boosting therapies. It’s about addressing the whole person, not just one part.

What has been the most surprising or essential lesson you’ve learned over the years?

Trends come and go, but good techniques and honest care stay in place. It’s easy to get distracted by what’s new, but you have to do your own research, make informed decisions, and give new treatments time to prove themselves. And always—always—go to someone experienced and qualified.

Lastly, what’s your favorite part of your work?

Helping people look like the best version of themselves without anyone knowing what changed. That subtle confidence boost— seeing someone walk out feeling refreshed and more like themselves—that’s what I love most.

Thank you, Dr. Rodriguez and Wellness+ Studio for making this incredible and insightful interview possible. Be sure to book your treatments with Dr. Rodriguez at Wellness+ Studio now!

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DR. BIO

Dr. Carlos Rodriguez Medical Director at Wellness+ Studio Dr. Rodriguez is a board-certified physician in internal medicine and a recognized expert in non-invasive aesthetic procedures in Manhattan. With a reputation for his precision and artistic skill, he has successfully performed over 10,000 aesthetic treatments, helping thousands of patients regain their youthful appearance and enhance their confidence.

Dr. Rodriguez is highly regarded for his expertise in advanced injectables, including dermal fillers, neuromodulators such as Botox and Dysport, Skinvive, and collagen stimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse. Known for his gentle and natural approach, he focuses on enhancing beauty while maintaining facial expression. His specialization lies in minimally invasive treatments aimed at restoring volume, redefining contours, and smoothing fine lines, delivering results that are both subtle and impactful. Dr. Rodriguez is dedicated to providing personalized care, customizing each treatment to meet the unique anatomy and needs of every patient. Under Dr. Rodriguez’s expert guidance, our team of highly skilled injectors utilizes the latest techniques to achieve a harmonious and natural rejuvenation.

*Bio sourced from Casaglow

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AESTHETICS AT

Luxury self-care in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side info@wellnessplusstudio.com |646.398.8080

Dermatologist recomended.

Science driven. Barcelona born.

THE DRAX BUSINESSES Bread Story Start September and the school year off with some goodies from Bread Story! As autumn rolls around, full of its many traditional treats, holidays, and celebrations, Bread Story has many wonderful surprises in store. Keep an eye on Bread Story’s instagram (@breadstoryny) for all the latest updates on seasonal treats Chef Yann comes up with for fall – because they never last long.

Burr Hall Farm September is a big month for Burr Hall Farm! Our farm’s famous honey, homegrown garlic, handmade vanilla extract, and organic tea from Mi/ena Rituals will be coming to two Connecticut fairs. So be sure to attend the Bethlehem Fair (September 5th to 7th) and the Berlin Fair (September 11th to 14th) to get some goodies!

Drax Productions Drax Productions has many exciting developments in the works! Our first movie is in its final editing stages and our opera series is getting even more traction and interest, sure to hit your TV screens at home soon. What movies, TV shows, and theater productions would you like to see Drax Productions participating in?

The William J. von Liebig Foundation Submissions for the fifth annual von Liebig Prize are now open! Do you know an incredible person devoting their life to the protection and care of animals? Well, then they may be a perfect applicant for the $25k prize honoring those doing incredible work in animal welfare. To nominate someone, please submit a one-page letter stating why the individual is a good fit for our prize. Individuals may nominate themselves; however, self-nominees must provide at least three references who can speak to their character and efforts in animal welfare.

Here are some examples of what to include in the submission: the potential prize recipient's history, mission, activities, and relevant project(s) or a visionary statement detailing an idea for facilitating change in animal welfare. You can find more information on the foundation’s website!

Team Member Highlight We would like to congratulate our very special and dear team member Carla on her exciting new position at buildOn as a Student Engagement Specialist at a high school in the Bronx. Carla will be busy engaging students in class and after school to participate in educational community service programs to help students develop leadership skills and maximize their positive impact in their immediate communities.

We are so proud of you, Carla, and are grateful for the help and light you brought us in your time at Drax.

We hope this new opportunity empowers you to reach new heights and make a positive difference in other people’s lives.

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HEALTHY NEVER TASTED THIS GOOD

Order Your Salad Today! https://www.sweetgreen.com/

The Italian Slow Beauty Brand

Now Available at Wellness+ Studio www.wellnessplusstudio.com | 646.398.8080 980 Madison Avenue, Suite 203, New York, NY 10075

THE RECIPE Grilled Peach and Candied Curry Pecan Salad Recipe by Kristen Stevens from The Endless Meal Makes 4 Servings

Ingrédients: FOR THE SALAD: 2 TB honey 2 TB Greek yogurt 1 TB extra virgin olive oil 1 TB apple cider vinegar 1 TB balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper, to taste FOR THE CANDIED CURRY PECANS: ¼ cup pecans 1 TB honey ½ tsp curry powder ¼ tsp sea salt 1 tsp butter FOR THE SALAD: 4 ripe but firm peaches ½ tsp avocado oil 5 ounces baby arugula ½ cup blueberries ¼ cup crumbled goat or blue cheese

Directions: 1. Place all the vinaigrette ingredients into a 1-cup mason jar and shake until mixed.

2. Place the pecans, honey, curry powder, and sea salt in a small frying pan and bring them to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil until the pan is dry, about 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter to prevent the pecans from sticking together.

3. Preheat your barbecue to high. Cut the peaches in half and remove the pit. Then cut each peach half into three wedges. Place the peaches in a mediumsized bowl and toss with the oil. Grill the peaches for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them from the grill using an offset spatula – this works better than a regular spatula and helps prevent the grill marks from being left on the grill.

4. Place the arugula in a large bowl with goat cheese, curry pecans, blueberries, and grilled peaches.

Toss with the dressing and serve immediately.

5. Enjoy :)

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NOW AVAILABLE AT WELLNESS+ STUDIO - WWW.WELLNESSPLUSSTUDIO.COM