Issuu

SATURDAY, JUNE 7 10AM - 4 PM at

INSIDE

• An Overview of the Expo • Directory of Exhibitors • Demonstrations at Center Stage • Body Equity • Expert Advice

GAMBIT’S WELLNESS EXPO | www.bestofneworleans.com | JUNE 2014

NTENTS JUNE 2014

HEALTH CENTERED

LEAN MACHINE

15 16

Tips for burning fat and building muscle

CENTER STAGE

Demonstrations and presentations at the expo

MAPPING A COURSE

EXHIBITORS

People, products, services and information about healthy living

Back-strengthening exercises to do with your baby

Mandeville Slidell

Every three seconds… Someone needs blood. It could be you. SM

877.252.7977 www.am e r i canl as e r.com

A map of who’s where at the Wellness Expo™

www.thebloodcenter.org (800) 86-BLOOD

BABY WEIGHTS

GAMBIT’S WELLNESS EXPO | www.bestofneworleans.com | JUNE 2014

Metairie Westbank

Who and what to see at Gambit’s 16th annual Wellness Expo™

GAMBIT’S WELLNESS EXPO | www.bestofneworleans.com | JUNE 2014

What you need By Jeanie Riess

Exhibitors at Gambit’s 16th annual Wellness Expo™ offer advice and services in a range of health areas

Touro Infirmary is a community-oriented, not-for-profit hospital that provides care for patients ranging from newborn to elderly. Founded in 1852, Touro has continually endeavored to stay on the cutting edge of medical treatments and technology and was one of the first hospitals in the country to establish a physical therapy department. Specialty areas at the 280-bed hospital include a Family Birthing Center, Rehabilitation Center, Diabetes Center, Cancer Center, Wound Care Center and Woldenberg Village, a retirement/nursing facility for seniors. Crescent City Physicians is a subsidiary of Touro Infirmary that’s been a part of the greater New Orleans community since 1994. Its nearly 50 physicians in Orleans and Jefferson parishes provide primary care, obstetrics and gynecology, oncology, cardiology and urology care. Staff at the booth will offer a free “Find a Doc” physician referral service. At the expo, representatives of Touro’s many specialties will offer free blood

pressure screenings, consultations and tote bags, and will answer questions. The Touro Rehabilitation Center offers a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services — including speech, physical and occupational therapy — to improve the quality of life for patients who have suffered brain and spinal cord injuries, stroke, amputation, congenital deformities, burns, arthritis, neurological disorders and more. The Touro Cancer Program and Imaging Center provides care from the time a cancer diagnosis is made through treatment and beyond. In 2011, the center received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. The center’s holistic approach provides not only medical treatment but also emotional, spiritual and mental support for patients and their families, as well as access to dietitians and other support services. The Touro Diabetes Center takes an individual approach to treating diabetes, providing customized care from the time of diagnosis and throughout a patient’s life. The center offers support to individuals and groups, providing both with the tools they need to manage diabetes and live comfortably. The center hosts educational sessions including an overview of the different types of diabetes, meal planning, weight control, blood glucose monitoring, medication management, exercise routines, stress management and more. Touro has delivered more babies than most other facilities in the greater New Orleans area in the more than 160 years it has been open. The Family Birthing Center recently underwent a six-month, $3.3 million renovation and now offers even more room for babies, an expanded lobby, an improved viewing area for the well-baby nursery, observation rooms, water birthing tubs and a lactation boutique. The birthing center can accommodate a range of preferences, whether you want to have an epidural for pain during delivery, a natural or water birth, or you want midwife assistance. Some wounds require extra care, and the Touro Comprehensive Wound Healing Center has an expert team to address all kinds of chronic wounds. The center

uses the most advanced technology and techniques available. That includes hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room; blood carries up to three times more oxygen under these conditions, stimulating the release of hormones and stem cells, which promote healing. Touro’s wound care team examines a wound and designs a comprehensive treatment plan. Touro’s Woldenberg Village offers independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing in a spacious retirement community. The grounds of Woldenberg Village are nicely landscaped, the living quarters are comfortable and the staff can accommodate residents at all levels of dependence. The facility schedules transportation for residents to run errands and attend doctor’s appointments, outings to the symphony and other cultural events. There are also a beauty salon and barber shop, an elegant dining room and more. Hospice Compassus seeks to provide the highest quality care and service to its patients at the end of their lives. Building on the core values of compassion, integrity and excellence, the hospice provider uses an interdisciplinary team of trained volunteers and professionals including a medical doctor, the patient’s physician, nurses, social workers and therapists, home health aides, nursing assistants, chaplains and bereavement counselors, to help make a patient’s transition into death as comfortable as possible. The company provides pain relief

and symptom management, working individually with patients. Mental anguish often is as serious as physical pain, and Hospice Compassus addresses the emotional side of end-of-life issues as much as it tries to comfort the body. That includes working with a patient’s family and friends and providing support to everyone involved in a patient’s care. Volunteers play a huge role at Hospice Compassus, doing a range of tasks from visiting patients to writing letters, reading, running errands, preparing meals or other chores. Volunteers also help with bereavement coordination, assisting with support groups and coordinating community resources. At its booth, Hospice Compassus will provide information about its services, address the benefits of hospice care and provide volunteer materials. Also at its booth, Hospice Campassus will give visitors information about Five Wishes, an easy-to-use legal document that helps people plan ahead for serious illnesses. The wishes include granting the power of attorney, a living will, treatment preferences and how a person wants to be remembered. Louisianans in particular may recognize the smooth, curved blue bottles of Evamor Artesian Bottled Water, which is both sourced and bottled in nearby Covington. Evamor comes from a protected aquifer and boasts a smooth, clean taste thanks to its naturally high (alkaline) pH. According to Evamor’s website, alkalinity helps the body fight acidity, body fat and fatigue and also helps protect bones. Drinking water high PAGE 9

GAMBIT’S WELLNESS EXPO | www.bestofneworleans.com | JUNE 2014

early four dozen exhibitors will be on hand Saturday at Gambit’s 16th Annual Wellness Expo™ at Lakeside Shopping Center (3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, www.lakesideshopping.com) to answer questions and provide information about every bone, tissue and muscle in the human body. The expo, scheduled from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, June 7, is a onestop shop for health information, supplements, screenings, tutorials on the latest technology for treating chronic wounds, spinal alignment and other health concerns. There also are demonstrations of fitness routines and more (see Center Stage, p. 15). The expo is sponsored in part by Touro, Hospice Compassus, Evamor, Breathe Easy Allergy & Asthma, La Bella Vita Laser and Vein Center, Retina Specialty Institute, Revolution Fitness, Solar Alternatives, Tulane-Lakeside Hospital for Women and Children and the YMCA of Greater New Orleans (see a full directory of exhibitors on p. 19).

GAMBIT’S WELLNESS EXPO | www.bestofneworleans.com | JUNE 2014

PAGE 7

Since opening in 1964, Tulane-Lakeside Hospital for Women and Children has delivered more than 100,000 babies and treated more than 300,000 patients. The full-service hospital includes a host of services for children and babies, including a pediatric emergency room, general and specialty pediatrics and pediatric and neonatal ICUs. Tulane is committed to providing care to children in a non-frightening way, from clinic visits to hospital stays, by explaining procedures in kid-friendly terms. For women, the hospital provides breast health screenings and therapies, bone density testing, ultrasounds, cyst aspiration, MRI, risk assessment and more. Women can schedule mammograms online. Tulane’s Center for Women’s Health provides women with a lifetime of care, from general

gynecology to pregnancy and delivery and even high-risk obstetrics, and from urinary care to pelvic prolapse. Tulane-Lakeside is a full-service hospital, so women can see a cardiologist or visit the diabetes center in the same place they see a gynecologist or take a child to the pediatrician. The hospital also has 24-hour emergency care. Patients at Tulane-Lakeside get complimentary Wi-Fi, facility tours and private rooms. At its booth, Tulane-Lakeside will have information about proper use of an infant/child car seat, a grip strength test and information about strokes and more. The human eye contains a complicated set of parts, and the Retina Specialty Institute in Metairie is intent on focusing on one of them. The retina is the small, thin tissue that lines the back of the eye. At its center lies the macula, which contains a large concentration of light receptor cells that allow us to see fine details and color. Another set of cells allows us to see things that are dimly lit. These are only a few of the reasons our retinas are crucial to how we live our daily lives. The institute recognizes the importance of the retina and aims to treat diseases and problems associated with it. The institute’s team of retina specialists are health care providers and active researchers, and they aim to apply the most up-to-date technology to their patients’ retina issues, treating macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, damage to the retina, arterial and venous occlusions, cataracts, ocular tumors, inflammation, eye trauma and optic nerve disorders. It strives to deliver minimally invasive care with increased comfort, reduced operating time and quicker healing times.

The YMCA of Greater New Orleans has been a part of the New Orleans community since 1852, providing aerobics and other health classes, swimming lessons, after-school programs, summer camps and programs for seniors in three locations in the greater New Orleans area. The nonprofit offers something for people of all ages, and people can buy individual or family memberships. At its booth, the YMCA will offer free passes to visit its three locations. It will also have giveaways and information about special programs. The YMCA’s summer camps include both overnight and day camps and give kids the opportunity to explore the world around them, whether ourdoors or by trying new activities inside. The YMCA also offers lifeguard training at its pools. The YMCA also takes the health of its members seriously, offering support for diabetes patients through its Diabetes Prevention Program and providing all sorts of group exercise classes for adults looking to get and stay fit. Those classes are both fun and challenging, with names like Gutts and Butts and activities like Zumba and Step Combo. The YMCA is committed to the social responsibility its been known for since its founding. Its educational service, for example, provides free reading, math and language skills classes to adults who want to improve their skills. It also sponsors Home for

the Holidays, a program that teams up with volunteers to deliver meals to the elderly and homebound on Thanksgiving Day. Revolution Fitness NOLA aims to put the best training methods under one roof. The personal training gym recognizes that speed, agility and strength are developed skills, and its staff works with individuals to improve their performances. Many gyms offer the same treadmills and elliptical machines, but Revolution Fitness NOLA uses functional training tools to hone in on what you most want to improve. Clients don’t have to decide what exercises to do on a given day, because a knowledgeable coach will direct them. The gym provides adults with oneon-one training, semi-private training and team training with an emphasis on weight loss, conditioning, functional strength, mobility and flexibility and maintenance. It also offers sports performance training through the Parisi Speed School, available to athletes from the age of seven to the pros. The franchise exists in 27 states across America and boasts the ability to make its students faster and stronger. Revolution Fitness also offers Training for Warriors, a physical and mental training program developed a decade ago. It helps people develop the muscular and mental strength to take on personal challenges and includes detailed warm-ups, speed training, strength training, endurance and flexibility work. The warrior program has been used by athletes in a variety of fields, including pro football, but it’s not limited to athletes. Warriors also include weekend athletes and people looking to get back in shape after a hiatus from working out. Cafe Thrive, Revolution Fitness’ in-house restaurant, offers food for post-workout boosts. Address specific vein issues and leg health with La Bella Vita Laser and Vein Center, which offers modern vein care under the direction of Dr. Randall Juleff, a certified phlebologist. Located on the Northshore, Juleff provides vein care for tiny spider veins and large varicose veins alike, but it also serves as a full skin-care operation, from cosmetic treatments to stateof-the-art technology for skin cancer and other diseases. Spider veins can be erased using simple methods that do not require surgery, most notably Visual Sclerotherapy, which is a simple solution injected using a small micro needle that causes the vein to seal and disappear over time. La Bella also offers a range of nonsurgical procedures from Botox to hair removal. Skin care regimens include Obagi, a system designed to decrease signs of aging and sun damage, as well as other facial fillers that reduce

GAMBIT’S WELLNESS EXPO | www.bestofneworleans.com | JUNE 2014

in pH also helps support the immune system and can provide relief for acid reflux episodes, especially when paired with eating fresh foods. More than 40 percent of Americans experience acid-related issues, from heartburn to indigestion, and Evamor can help settle the stomach by decreasing the body’s acidity. The minimum daily amount of water a person needs is about 13 cups for men and nine cups for women. Throughout the day, the body loses water through sweat and even breathing, so drinking enough water is crucial to maintaining overall health. Evamor water, which comes from deep below the ground, is filtered through stone and the company doesn’t add anything before bottling it in BPA-free, recyclable bottles. The water is consistently monitored at its source for pH levels and quality.

Cooling a home in New Orleans in the summer can be just as costly as warming one in the winter, but solar panels mitigate some of that expense while also providing a way to go green. Solar Alternatives, a New Orleans-based company, helps homeowners and businesses realize huge savings with solar energy using the latest in engineered solar and backup power technology. The company does more than just install solar panels. It also helps its clients access tax incentives to use clean energy in the most cost-effective way. The Louisiana tax credit is worth 50 percent of the cost of the solar project, which is the most valuable tax credit in the country for solar energy (the federal credit only covers 30 percent). Solar energy systems are made to withstand the elements, so customers don’t have to adjust them when a storm rolls in. They also are expected to last 25 to 40 years. Solar Alternatives also provides whole generators, electric vehicle charging and general energy efficiency consulting. At its booth, the company will have a full-size solar panel to give visitors an idea of what to expect when they invest in clean energy. Employees from Solar Alternatives will also provide free solar screenings to determine the best options for solar for homes and businesses.

wrinkles through an injection. The vein center also offers photodynamic therapy, which uses light and light-sensitive dye to destroy cancerous skin tumors and other diseases. La Bella Vita uses light therapy in other ways, most notably for its photofacials, which rejuvenate skin with intense pulsed light (IPL). IPL reduces the effects of sun damage and other surface skin conditions.

GAMBIT’S WELLNESS EXPO | www.bestofneworleans.com | JUNE 2014

The laser-based skin-care service American Laser Skincare offers laser hair removal, cellulite reduction, body shaping and skin rejuvenation treatments and adapts treatments depending on a patient’s needs and lifestyle. Sample nutritional and energy products are from AdvoCare, a health and wellness company offering performance, energy and weight loss products. AdvoCare offers individuals the chance to develop their own independent businesses. Learn more about individual business prospects with AdvoCare at its booth. Children’s Hospital has served children in its 247-bed facility in New Orleans for 21 years. It has more than 40 pediatric specialties and more than 400 physicians and is the only full-service hospital exclusively for children in Louisiana and the Gulf South. Pick up tips on healthy eating and summer safety and get more information about Children’s Hospital at its booth.

The expo also is a chance to do something for the health of others by participating in a blood drive sponsored by The Blood Center, the primary supplier of blood to patients in southern Louisiana and Mississippi. Donors will receive a Blood Center T-shirt, a mini-physical and a cholesterol check. It Works! Global is a lifestyle products company that offers nutritional supplements, detoxifying creams and remedies. It also sells the It Works! Wrap, designed to tighten, tone and firm a specific area of the body in 45 minutes. Walk 4 Recovery is an annual 5K run/ walk held in City Park to raise awareness and support individuals recovering from addiction. Stop by the booth to learn more about the race, pick up a giveaway bag and register for the event. Ascension Fitness offers personal and small group training in its Metairie facility. Staff will be present to answer questions about exercise and nutrition and give samples of energy drinks. If Elmwood Fitness Center’s long list of activities and amenities — which includes personal trainers, nutritionists, weight rooms, an indoor track, multiple pools, among other attractions — aren’t enough incentive to sign you up for a membership, stop by the booth and pick up a two-week pass to the Harahan fitness complex.

The National Library of Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health, makes reliable health care information accessible online. Its booth will offer a variety of pamphlets on all kinds of health issues, as well as bookmarks and other giveaways. St. Margaret’s at Mercy is a skilled nursing facility that provides both longand short-term care, from therapy services to hospice and assisted living. At its booth, St. Margaret’s will offer brochures about its services, hand sanitizer, pens and notepads. Sunrise of Metairie, a senior living community, provides assisted living, memory care, short-term stays, hospice care and activities and outings to keep seniors active, comfortable and happy. Stop by its booth to learn more about its services. Gulf South Foot and Ankle offers podiatric screenings and information regarding foot health at its booth. The clinic provides everything from diabetic foot services to ingrown toenail treatments and serves podiatry patients of all ages. Crane Rehab Center will offer a body fat analysis and tests from the functional movement screen to help visitors learn more about their bodies and what they need. The center is known for its physical and occupational therapy, which it offers to

both children and adults, as well as its personal training, yoga, Pilates, nutrition consultation and life coaching. If you’re having trouble hearing, it might be time to get your ears checked, and Zounds Hearing of Metairie will be screening an informational video about hearing health at its booth. The clinic offers free hearing assessments, hearing aid fittings and hearing aid accessories. Associated Hearing Inc. also will be at the expo. The full-service medical practice provides hearing screening and testing out of its Metairie office and fits patients for hearing aids, assistive listening devices and tinnitus treatment. Premier Fitness will give away a three-month couples membership, as well as water bottles and information about the fitness club and its many classes. Personal trainers from Premier will demonstrate exercises highlighting abs, glutes, battle ropes, slam balls, kettle bells and agility ladders. Through its many services, EXCELth Inc. seeks to ensure that all members of the community receive quality health care, regardless of ability to pay. EXCELth provides care from pediatrics to geriatrics, and will have plenty of information to share at its booth about the various health care plans it offers. Doctors Imaging offers patients the chance to get outpatient imaging, including X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound and PET,

without visiting a hospital. At its booth, Doctors Imaging will provide information on the costs associated with imaging outside of the hospital, as well as information on the importance of preventative screenings for diseases like lung cancer. Peoples Health was founded in 1994 as a Medicare Advantage organization. It now serves more than 57,000 Medicare beneficiaries in the Southeast portion of the state. At its booth it will offer Medicare Advantage plan information and Peoples Health promotional items, as well as hurricane preparedness tip sheets and information about high blood pressure. Amerigroup Real Solutions in Healthcare, based in Metairie, is a Medicaid health insurance provider serving Louisiana and the United States. Staff at the booth will answer questions and give out free bandaids for visitors. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan provides insurance to Medicaid recipients, businesses and individuals and offers access to programs like NurseLine, in which patients receive advice from medical professionals, and Healthy First Steps, a plan designed for mothers and babies. It also provides personal care managers for patients with long-term illnesses. In an effort to pinpoint the sources of discomfort in the body, Superior Healthcare of Metairie uses a combination of medical and chiropractic services,

in addition to spinal rehabilitation, and attempts to build spinal strength to correct chronic problems. At the booth, get a free infrared spinal assessment. All American Medical Services uses chiropractic treatment, massage therapy and rehabilitation to treat patients with back and body pain. Stop by for a free, 10-minute pressure point chair massage, as well as exercise and nutrition advice and samples of Biofreeze, a gel pain reliever. Upper Cervical Family Chiropractic will perform nervous system analytics, stress tests, posture analyses and answer any questions about the range of health issues the New Orleans-based clinic covers, including hormone balancing, chiropractic care, detoxes, body cleanses, total body balances and weight loss programs. LA Health Solutions also offers chiropractic care, including electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy, massage, chiropractic adjustments and more. Stop by the booth to get foot leveler scans, bilateral scale readings and posture screenings. Breathe Easy Allergy and Asthma aims to allow adults and children to breathe easily with its state-of-the-art medical practice. At its booth, pick up information on allergies and asthma and get an asthma screening.

GAMBIT’S WELLNESS EXPO | www.bestofneworleans.com | JUNE 2014 11

BOOTH MAP

presents

Wellness expo

2014

LAKESIDE SHOPPING CENTER JUNE 7, 2014 J.C.PENNEY

Live well.. Learn more

CENTER STAGE

8600 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20894

MIGNON FAGET

STARBUCKS

www.nlm.nih.org | 1 (888) FIND-NLM

GODIVA

FREE ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE INFO

22 Ascension Fitness

41 Breathe Easy Allergy & Asthma

2 Touro Infirmary

24 Retina Specialty Institute

42 Superior Healthcare

3 Touro Diabetes Center

25 Amerigroup Real Solutions in Healthcare

43 Elmwood Fitness Center

4 Jackson Oral Surgery

26 EXCELth, Incorporated

45 Hospice Compassus

5 Children’s Hospital

27 All American Medical & Chiropractic

46 Touro, Woldenberg Village

7 It Works! Global

29 LA Health Solutions

47 Touro, Family Birthing Center

8 Iron Tribe Fitness

31 Associated Hearing Inc.

48 Touro, Comprehensive Wound Healing Center

9 New Bath/Max Home

32 Sunrise of Metairie

49 Doctors Imaging

14 Walk 4 Recovery

33 City Park Physical Therapy

50 YMCA of Greater New Orleans

15 Tulane-Lakeside Hospital for Women & Children

34 St. Margaret’s at Mercy

52 Crane Rehab Center

16 American Laser Skincare

35 Peoples Health

53 Advocare

17 Gulf South Foot & Ankle

37 UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

54 Zounds Hearing of Metairie

18 Premier Fitness

38 La Bella Vita and Laser & Vein Center

55 National Library of Medicine

20 Touro, Rehabilitation Center

39 Solar Alternatives

56 Upper Cervical Family Chiropractic

21 Touro, Cancer Program & Imaging Center

40 Revolution Fitness NOLA

57 Touro, Crescent City Physicians, Inc.

GAMBIT’S WELLNESS EXPO | www.bestofneworleans.com | JUNE 2014

MACY’S

1 The Blood Center

GAMBIT’S WELLNESS EXPO | www.bestofneworleans.com | JUNE 2014

Muscling in

Former and current bodybuilders share nutrition tips for burning fat and building muscle. By Della Hasselle

“If you eat 100 calories of chocolate chip cookies it’s going to result a lot differently than if you eat 100 calories of salmon,” Wilbert says. By eating more protein than carbohydrates or sugars, people can build muscle instead of fat. To get off on the right foot everyday, Wilbert says that it’s imperative to have protein for breakfast. Carbohydrates or sugars, even consisting of a banana and granola, can cause spikes in insulin, blood sugar crashes and fatty acids to be stored. “Breakfast is absolutely the most important meal of the day. You’ve been told your whole life and it’s true,” Wilbert says. “It jumpstarts metabolism, starts that fire for you in the morning.” It’s equally important to eat all complex carbohydrates before dinner, which should be reserved for a light protein and fibrous Bodybuilder Shannon Rockweiler shows off her carbohydrates such as leafy greens, cauliflower chiseled physique. and other vegetables, according to Wilbert. In addition to a healthy diet, supplements such as multivitamins and fish oil should be included in Mackie Shilstone, director of the Performance and the daily diet for added benefits, she says. Wellness Enhancement Programs at St. Charles Parish Shannon Rockweiler, a personal trainer and bodyHospital, says a good way to help the body continue to building competitor, agrees that a protein-based diet lose fat and gain muscle after implementing a healthy is the most important part of staying healthy and diet and getting proper exercise is through the use of trim. In fact, she says that throughout her career, she various supplements. subsisted on good diet alone and didn’t use protein or “There’s enough research to demonstrate that there vitamin supplements. are certain nutrients that precipitate fat burning,” “I realized that I look just as good if not better when Shilstone says. I’m not taking supplements,” Rockweiler says. One way to use supplements is to help with appetite But diet isn’t all of it, she adds. To build muscle — control, Shilstone says, which can help people who tend and, in turn, continue to burn more fat — Rockweiler to overindulge. For that, he recommends garcinia camsays people seeking to shape up should consider pogia, a small fruit plant that has been used to facilitate lifting weights. weight loss. That doesn’t mean forgoing cardiovascular exercise, Another useful supplement, Shilstone says, is conRockweiler says, but including regular muscle training jugated linoleic acid, or CLA. CLA helps reduce body fat into the routine. deposits and improve immune function. “People come into the gym and they just want to Also, Shilstone says omega-3 fatty acids, which are lose weight. They ask, ‘Can I just do that with cardio?’” found in fish oil, can be used as a healthy fat to combat Rockweiler says, adding that most people don’t underbad fats. stand that adding muscle mass forces the body to burn Shilstone urges individuals to consult their doctors more calories. before starting supplements, since every body makeup Every time muscle is built, Rockweiler says, it forms is different. microscopic tears, which is why you feel sore after a “You don’t need to experiment,” Shilstone says. hard workout. The body then has to repair itself, which Ultimately, all three experts agree: there is no takes energy, or calories. quick fix to being healthy, trimming down fat and “Weight training changes your composition,” Rockstaying fit. Rather than go on fad diets, it’s best to weiler says. “It shapes your body differently, making implement lifestyle changes that can have longit tighter.” term effects. Aside from eating small, protein-filled meals on a “Really, the point is that real results take time, regular schedule, and weight-training, Rockweiler says consistency, dedication and patience and there’s really it’s imperative to allow the body to rest and to stay nothing that can give you that quick fix,” Rockweiler hydrated. That means at least nine cups of water daily says. “Staying fit means doing what it takes, day in and day out.” for active women and 13 cups for active men.

GAMBIT’S WELLNESS EXPO | www.bestofneworleans.com | JUNE 2014

ummer is near, and as the heat index rises New Orleanians may be thinking about shedding a few pounds before slipping into their favorite bathing suits or shorts. Among the latest Internet diet fads, store-bought supplements and exercise options ranging from tai chi to CrossFit, the options can be dizzying. At least three bodybuilders and nutrition specialists in the city say if there’s one edict to follow, however, it’s this: don’t obsess over the scale. Since muscle weighs more than fat, folks may have to be willing to actually gain if they’re hoping to get trim and slim for summer. “The scale is the worst indicator of success, “ says naturopathic doctor Catherine Wilbert, a nationally recognized wellness expert and owner of several bodybuilding titles. ”I say it a hundred times: You can actually lose weight on the scale and be fatter.” Not following the scale means paying attention to other indicators, such as body mass index, the ratio of body fat to weight and height. From eating plenty of lean protein to following a consistent meal schedule, Wilbert and other bodybuilders and nutrition experts have compiled lists of their top recommendations for people hoping to maintain healthy muscle mass, change shape and shed fat this summer. For Wilbert, the most important part of weight management and health is blood sugar control. Wilbert is a doctor of naturopathic medicine and a nutrition expert, and she also learned ways to keep body fat to a minimum when winning 12 titles in bodybuilding. “Bodybuilding was my own experiment on how much you can control and what your body does with the foods you put in your mouth,” Wilbert says. “Exercise is a piece of it, but really nutrition is 95 percent of it.” And good nutrition, Wilbert says, doesn’t just mean eating fewer calories — it means paying careful attention to the chemistry of those calories consumed. Wilbert’s top two recommendations for people hoping to trim fat are to eat small, frequent meals and to choose proteins first, and build meals around that. For example, Wilbert says that for a person who has a ratio of muscle to body fat that’s 80 percent to 20 percent, calories should consist more of protein than carbohydrates or sugars. Skimping on those calories can not only be detrimental to health, but can make a person lose muscle and store more body fat. “If you eat 800 calories in a day, you’ll certainly lose weight, but your body is going to catalyze muscle tissue for fuel,” Wilbert says. Small meals keep blood sugar stable, Wilbert adds. Not only is it bad to go too long between eating meals, since blood sugar drops and the body goes into starvation mode and stores fat, but it will act the same way when fed a lot of carbohydrates, Wilbert adds. That’s because carbohydrates are broken down into sugars and can be stored as fatty acids if they aren’t used as energy. It only takes a matter of hours to burn through carbs. After that, the body moves on to a second source of energy, in the form of protein.

GAMBIT’S WELLNESS EXPO | www.bestofneworleans.com | JUNE 2014

INTELLIGENT RETINAL IMAGING SYSTEMS TM

Center Stage 10:30 a.m.

Demonstrations and presentations at Gambit’s 2014 Wellness Expo™

1 p.m.

BODY COMBAT

YMCA fitness instructors Lindsay Leiva, Luz Oroco and Claudia Schmidt demonstrate Body Combat, a workout that combines martial arts and aerobics.

BUTTS AND GUTS

Ascension Fitness instructors will demonstrate how a 30-minute training session can lift your derriere and trim your waistline.

1:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

ZUMBA GOLD TONING CLASS

The class for seniors combines the musical rhythms of salsa, merengue, tango and flamenco with strength conditioning (using 1- to 3-pound weights) for a full-body workout. Seniors will participate in the demonstration.

DAILY TREAD PART II

Coaches and trainers at Revolution Fitness demonstrate daily activities, assessments and exercises they use at the gym, as well as functional movement screening and running analysis.

2 p.m.

11:30 a.m.

BODY ATTACK

DAILY TREAD

Coaches and trainers at Revolution Fitness demonstrate daily activities, assessments and exercises they use at the gym, as well as functional movement screening and running analysis.

Elmwood Fitness Center instructors demonstrate this high-energy interval training class that combines aerobics, stabilization and strength exercises — set to music.

2:30 p.m.

Noon

BODY COMBAT

BOOT CAMP I

12:30 p.m.

Elmwood Fitness Center instructors demonstrate this high-energy music-driven cardio workout, which draws from boxing, karate, taekwondo, tai chi and other martial arts.

3 p.m.

BOOT CAMP II

Premier Fitness demonstrates a boot camp session using battle ropes, slam balls, kettlebells and agility ladders.

BELLY DANCING

The dance troupe Hip-ocrisy, under the direction of Shannon Wolfe, demonstrates the art and exercise of contemporary belly dancing.

Downtown NOLA 733 Saint Joseph Street

Walking distance from Poydras Street and Lee Circle

IronTribeFitness.com

504-522-5454

1- 800 - 600 - 4441

www.amerigroup.com

GAMBIT’S WELLNESS EXPO | www.bestofneworleans.com | JUNE 2014

Premier Fitness demonstrates a boot camp functional training class using body weight and highlighting the abs, glutes and more.

GAMBIT’S WELLNESS EXPO | www.bestofneworleans.com | JUNE 2014

Health Partners

Exhibitors at Gambit’s 2014 Wellness Expo™

By Kandace Power Graves

Advocare

345 Normandy Drive, Nine Mile Point, (504) 220-4775; www.advoeveryone.com The health and wellness company offers a range of energy, nutrition, sports performance and energy products developed by experts in nutrition, pharmacology, biology, kinesiology and medicine. Advocare aims to help people develop and maintain healthy lifestyles. It also offers DebtBuster, a system that helps people become debt-free. At the booth, find samples of the company’s products and information about starting an Advocare business.

are available, as well as TRX and RIP group workouts, Mommy Movement classes, small group training on the Gravity exercise system and corporate fitness programs. At the booth, Ascension will offer free energy drink samples and can answer questions about exercise and nutrition.

Breathe Easy Allergy & Asthma

111 Medical Center Blvd., Suite N804, Marrero, (504) 934-8777; www.breatheeasyallery.com The state-of-the-art medical practice provides comprehensive allergy and asthma treatment for adults and children. At the Breathe Easy booth, get an asthma screen-

Crane Rehab Center

101 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Suite 301, (504) 288-3888; www.allamericannola.com The clinic offers multidisciplinary medical services, chiropractic treatment, AAV therapy and physical rehabilitation programs. The clinic also sells dietary supplements, pain-relief products and rehabilitation equipment. Get free 10-minute pressure-point chair massages at the booth, as well as Biofreeze samples and nutrition and exercise advice.

Crescent City Physicians Inc.

American Laser Skincare

Amerigroup Real Solutions in Healthcare

3850 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 600, Metairie, (504) 834-1271; www.amerigroup.com The Medicaid health insurance provider aims to improve health care access and quality in publicly funded health programs. Amerigroup has 2.8 million members in 12 states and serves more than 4.5 million people enrolled in state-sponsored plans. Stop by the booth for information and adhesive bandages.

Ascension Fitness

3501 Severn Ave., Suite 3C, Metairie, (504) 3046205; www.ascensionfitnessnola.com Personal and small group training sessions

Associated Hearing Inc.

433 Metairie Road, Suite 101, Metairie, (504) 8334327; 802 W. 10th Ave., Suite 4, Covington, (985) 249-5225; www.associatedhearinginc.com The full-service audiology practice provides hearing screening and testing, hearing aids, assistive listening devices and tinnitus treatment.

The Blood Center

2609 Canal St., (504) 524-1322; www.thebloodcenter.org The nonprofit organization is the chief supplier of blood and blood components to hospitals in southern Louisiana and southern Mississippi. The Blood Center will conduct a blood drive at the Wellness Expo, and donors will receive a T-shirt, mini physical and cholesterol screening.

ing as well as information about environmental and food allergies and asthma.

1401 Foucher St., (504) 897-7197; www.crescentcityphysicians.com A subsidiary of Touro Infirmary, Crescent City Physicians has doctors located throughout Orleans and Jefferson parishes to fill a wide range of health care needs. At the booth, use the free “find a doc” service to get a free referral for a primary care doctor, obstetrician/gynecologist, oncologist, cardiologist or urologist.

Doctors Imaging

Children’s Hospital

200 Henry Clay Ave., (504) 899-9511; www.chnola.org The 247-bed medical center offers advanced pediatric care for children from birth to 21 years old. More than 400 physicians cover more than 40 specialties and it is the only full-service hospital exclusively for children in the Gulf South. At the booth, get tips on healthy eating, sun safety and free pens, magnets and cold packs, as well as information about Children’s Hospital, its parenting center, Tooth Bus and more.

4204 Teuton St., Metairie, (504) 883-8111; www.doctorsimaging.com The freestanding diagnostic center offers state-of-the-art technology to help detect diseases and conditions on an outpatient basis. Services include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including an open MRI, digital X-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scans, ultrasound, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans. At the booth, staff will discuss life-saving preventative screenings, such as low-dose CT lung cancer imaging, as well as how to save money by getting those tests at a non-hospital-affiliated center.

City Park Physical Therapy

Elmwood Fitness Center

5559 Canal Blvd., (504) 309-5811; www.cityparkpt.com

1200 S. Clearview Parkway, Suite 1200, Harahan, (504) 733-1600; www.elmwoodfitness.com

GAMBIT’S WELLNESS EXPO | www.bestofneworleans.com | JUNE 2014

101 River Road, Suite 112, Jefferson, (504) 828-7696; www.cranerehab.com Physical and occupational therapy for children and adults are offered, and the center has a wellness department with personal trainers, yoga and Pilates classes, bootcamps, massage therapy, nutrition counseling, life coaching and more. At the booth, the staff can conduct a body fat analysis and functional movement tests.

All American Medical & Chiropractic

3223 Eighth St., Suite 201, Metairie, (504) 662-1151; www.americanlaser.com The laser-based skin-care services company offers laser hair removal, cellulite reduction, body shaping and skin-rejuvenation treatments, customizing treatment programs to fit each patient’s lifestyle.

The locally owned rehabilitation clinic offers physical, occupational and speech therapy; specialties include orthopedic and prosthetics rehab, pelvis floor dysfunction (urinary incontinence), lymphedema rehab and hand therapy. At the booth, get a free posture analysis and grip strength screening. There also will be prizes and giveaways.

EXCELth has three family health centers and a dental center that provide comprehensive, coordinated health care for patients in pediatrics all the way to geriatrics. There also is maternity care, behavioral health services, dental care, social services and more. At its booth, learn how to access primary care services and how to enroll in various health insurance plans.

Family Birthing Center at Touro

1401 Foucher St., (504) 897-7319; www.touro.com/fbc The birthing center offers women a variety of options for delivering a baby: unmedicated birthing, water birthing, epidurals, midwife assistance and more. Staff at the booth can discuss pregnancy classes, lactation guidance, early parenting advice and more.

Gulf South Foot & Ankle

GAMBITâ€™S WELLNESS EXPO | www.bestofneworleans.com | JUNE 2014

The center offers a wide range of health and fitness programs, with facility including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, weight rooms, an indoor track, racquetball courts and more. The center also offers personal trainers, counseling with nutritionists, group fitness classes, yoga, Pilates, barre fitness classes, gymnastics, swimming lessons, camps for children, massage, spray tanning, a pro shop and a cafe. At the booth, pick up discount certificates for tanning and massage, as well as two-week passes to try the facility.

Evamor Natural Artesian Water

72072 Highway 1077, Covington, (985) 246-2100; www.evamor.com This artesian water is naturally alkaline and comes from a protected aquifer. Consuming alkaline water regularly can help reduce acid and alleviate reflux, heartburn and indigestion, as well as improve skin and overall health.

EXCELth Inc.

1515 Poydras St., Suite 1070; www.excelth.com

2520 Harvard Ave., Suite 2B, Metairie, (504) 4543004; www.gulfsouthfootandankle.com Gulf South Foot & Ankle provides a range of podiatric services, diabetic foot care, orthotics and more. At the booth, receive free podiatric screenings and information about foot health.

Hospice Compassus

2424 Edenborn Ave., Suite 230, Metairie, (504) 834-1655; www.hospicecompassus.com The end-of-life care provider uses an interdisciplinary team of professionals and trained volunteers to coordinate a comprehensive plan of care that can include physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists,

home health aides, bereavement counselors and chaplains. At the booth, find out about volunteer opportunities, the benefits of hospice and more.

It Works! Global

(504) 377-9170; www.geauxskinny.com The lifestyle products company offers a variety of items, including the It Works! Wrap, a body contouring product that can tighten, tone and firm an area in 45 minutes. The company also sells face cleanser and toner, Facial deep hydration mask, stretch mark cream, lip and eye cream and more; a product line called Greens that alkalizes, energizes and detoxifies; and nutritional supplements for a range of needs.

La Bella Vita Laser and Vein Center

1431 Ochsner Blvd., Suite B, Covington, (985) 892-2950; www.labellavitavein.com The center provides state-of-the-art care for vascular problems ranging from small spider veins to large varicose veins. At the booth, sign up for a free vein screening appointment and pick up information about leg health, vein conditions, prevention and treatments.

LA Health Solutions

2800 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 140, Metairie, (504) 832-3937; www.lahealthsolutions.com Chiropractic care here includes electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy, massage, chiropractic adjustments, cervical/lumbar decompression, intersegmental traction, therapeutic exercises, physical therapy, pain

management and orthopedic consultations. At the booth, get foot levelers scans, bilateral scale readings and posture screenings. Pick up a sample of of Biofreeze and free cups, pens and T-shirts.

MaxHome/ NewBath

5400 Pepsi St., Suite H, (800) 639-2284 or (504) 218-4198; www.maxhomenow.com; www.newbathnow.com The home improvement company offers bathroom remodeling, walk-in tubs, bath and shower surrounds, whirlpool tubs, energy-efficient replacement windows, attic insulation, sunrooms, air and water purification systems and more.

National Library of Medicine

8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland, (888) 346-3656; www.nlm.nih.gov The National Library of Medicine is part of the National Institutes of Health and offers the public free online access to reliable health care information through Medline Plus (www. medlineplus.gov), NIH Senior Health (nihseniorhealth.gov), and Genetics Home Reference (www.ghr.nlm.nih.gov), plus information about clinical trials (www.clinicaltrials.gov), drugs and medications (www.druginfo.nlm. nih.gov). The booth will offer health-related pamphlets and brochures as well as free bookmarks, note pads and more.

Peoples Health

3838 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 2200, Metairie, (504) 681-8542; www.peopleshealth.com The physician-owned Medicare Advantage

organization serves more than 57,000 Medicare beneficiaries in southeast Louisiana. Peoples Health provides coordination of care, support services and more. Stop by the booth for tip sheets about high blood pressure and hurricane preparedness, community health information, Medicare Advantage info and giveaways.

Premier Fitness

1909 Airline Drive, Metairie, (504) 304-4202; www.bepremierfit.com The full-service gym offers cardiovascular and strength training, basketball and volleyball, Pilates, yoga, spinning, boxing, boot camps, personal trainers, group fitness classes and more. At the booth, register for a free threemonth couples membership, get information on classes or the facilities and get a free water bottle.

Retina Specialty Institute

2800 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 160, Metairie, (504) 264-9428; www.retinaspecialty.com The institute provides state-of-the art ophthalmic skills, focusing on the retina. The clinic treats macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, damage to the retina, arterial and venous occlusions, cataracts, ocular tumors, inflammation, eye trauma and optic nerve disorders.

Revolution Fitness NOLA

2800 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 100, Metairie, (504) 570-6333; www.revfitnola.com Private, semi-private and large group personal training sessions are available,

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Superior Healthcare

3501 Severn Ave., Suite 8, Metairie, (504) 835-0565; www.superiorhealthcarellc.com The physical medicine facility offers medical and chiropractic services and spinal rehab to help alleviate a patient’s discomfort and to build spinal strength. Stop by the booth for an infrared spinal assessment.

Touro Cancer Program & Imaging Center

1401 Foucher St., (504) 897-7011; www.touro.com/cancer The oncology center provides preventative cancer screenings, diagnostic tests, a variety of treatments and support services for cancer patients and their families. Representatives will be at the booth to discuss risk factors for cancer, prevention, treatment and more.

Touro Comprehensive Wound Healing Center

GAMBIT’S WELLNESS EXPO | www.bestofneworleans.com | JUNE 2014

as well as comprehensive performance enhancement training and conditioning, weight loss programs, TRX, kettlebells, kickboxing, yoga, indoor cycling, sports performance training — including speed, agility and injury prevention — for athletes from age 7 to professionals. There’s also a cafe that serves all-natural shakes, snacks and coffee. At the booth, pick up a T-shirt and register for a raffle to win gym attire and accessories. There also will be special health fair membership deals and information about the gym and its programs.

St. Margaret’s at Mercy

3525 Bienville St., (504) 279-6414; www.stmargaretsno.org The skilled nursing facility in Mid-City provides short-term therapy and long-term care, as well as assisted living and hospice services. At the booth, find informational brochures and free pens, notepads and hand sanitizer.

Solar Alternatives

437 Philip St., (504) 267-1660; www.solalt.com The alternative energy company offers home solar power systems, whole home generators, electric vehicle charging and energy-efficiency consultations. Solar Alternatives works with businesses and homeowners with solar energy and backup power technology and helps them to access tax incentives. At its booth, Solar Alternatives will display a full-size solar panel and a mobile solar generator. Ask about free screenings to determine your solar needs.

Sunrise of Metairie

3732 W. Esplanade Ave. S., Metairie, (504) 8899777; www.sunriseseniorliving.com The senior living community provides assisted living, memory care, short-term stays, hospice care, activities, care managers, outings and more to keep seniors active and happy.

1401 Foucher St., (504) 897-7732; www.touro.com/woundcare A team of specially trained physicians, nurses and staff use the latest technology and treatments, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, to treat chronic and problem wounds. Talk with the staff at the booth about specialized care plans.

Touro Diabetes Center

1401 Foucher St., (504) 897-8813; www.touro.com/diabetes The center provides a comprehensive diabetes program that includes educational services, support and tools to manage the disease, group classes, individual consultations, support groups and more. The booth is offering free glucose (blood sugar) screenings from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Touro Infirmary

1401 Foucher St., (504) 897-7011; www.touro.com Touro Infirmary has been serving the New Orleans community’s health care needs for more than 160 years. It provides advanced health care across all areas for patients of all ages. The booth offers free blood pressure screenings and Touro tote bags.

Touro Rehabilitation Center

1401 Foucher St., (504) 897-8565; www.touro.com/rehab Touro’s rehabilitation center offers comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation services as well as general and orthopedic outpatient services, outpatient neurological rehabilitation and programs for brain and spinal cord injuries. Staff at the booth can discuss Touro’s speech, physical and occupational therapy programs and more.

Tulane-Lakeside Hospital for Women and Children

4700 I-10 Service Road S., Metairie, (504) 7808282; www.tulanelakeside.com The full-service women’s and children’s hospital includes a pediatric emergency room, general and specialty pediatrics, neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, low-dose diagnostic scanning, 3-D mammography, labor and delivery rooms and more. At the booth, learn about car seat safety, take a grip strength test, pick up info about women’s and children’s health, as well as free bandages and other giveaways.

United Healthcare Community Plan

3838 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 3225, Metairie, (504) 849-3566; www.uhc.com United Healthcare Community Plan provides insurance to Medicaid recipients, businesses and individuals. Plan members have access to NurseLine, a service in which patients can receive advice and information from health professionals; the Healthy First Steps program for mothers and babies; and personal care managers for patients with chronic or long-term illnesses.

Upper Cervical Family Chiropractic

128 W. Harrison Ave., (504) 488-1800; www.ucfamilychiropractic.com The clinic offers chiropractic care, wellness consultations, full-body cleanses, hormone balancing, detox regimens, total body balancing and weight loss programs. At the booth, get a nervous system analysis, take a stress test and have your posture analyzed. Staff will be on hand to answer questions.

Walk 4 Recovery

4933 Wabash St., Metairie, (504) 308-3313 The third annual 5k run/walk is Sept. 20 on the City Park festival grounds. The event aims to raise awareness about addiction

and to support people recovering from addiction. In addition to the run/walk, the event features food, live music, a health fair, kids’ activities and more. At the booth, Walk 4 Recovery will play a video of last year’s walk, and people who register for the September event will receive goodie bags. There also will be T-shirt giveaways and educational materials.

Woldenberg Village

3701 Behrman Place, (504) 367-5640; www.touro.com/wv The retirement village offers spacious accommodations for independent living and assisted living residents on a campus with beautifully landscaped grounds. Skilled nursing services are available.

YMCA of Greater New Orleans

2220 Constitution St., (504) 821-9622; 6691 Riverside Drive, Metairie, (504) 888-9622; 8101 Highway 23, Belle Chasse, (504) 392-9622; 71256 Francis Road, Covington, (985) 8939622; www.ymcaneworleans.org There are group exercise classes, a diabetes program, adult literacy classes, summer camps for children, aerobics classes, swimming lessons, after-school programs and senior programs. Individual and family memberships are available. Visit the booth for free passes to the YMCA, program information and giveaways.

Zounds Hearing of Metairie

801 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite D, Metairie, (504) 252-4880; www.metairiezounds.com The company offers free hearing assessments, state-of-the-art hearing aids and accessories and hearing aid fittings for people with hearing loss. At the booth, schedule a free hearing assessment, watch an informational video and pick up literature about hearing health.

Core curriculum These core exercises provide bonding time and protect new parents from back injuries. Text and photos by Missy Wilkinson

Demonstrated by Chris Mangum and his son Simon.

SQUATS TO SOOTHE

With two hands, hold your baby against your chest. This will protect your lower back from extra resistance as you squat. Stand in a hip-width or slightly wider stance, look straight ahead and slightly up. As you lower your buttocks, push them back slightly, keeping more weight on your heels than on your toes. Make sure your knees do not extend beyond your toes. Complete two to three sets of 10 repetitions.

BABY BENCH PRESS

Lying on your back on the floor or on a mat, with your child facing you, hold the baby under the armpits with your thumbs in front of the child’s torso and your fingers behind his or her torso. Lift the baby gently toward the ceiling, then bright the child back toward your chest. An added kiss makes for great bonding. Repeat 12 times.

GAMBIT’S WELLNESS EXPO | www.bestofneworleans.com | JUNE 2014

new baby can necessitate a total life overhaul. From sleeping patterns to living arrangements, everything undergoes a shift. For new moms and dads, Junior can also present new stresses on their bodies. The back is especially at risk, says Nolan Ferraro, a personal trainer and owner of Salire Fitness and Wellness (4209 Magazine St., 504-821-4896; www.salirefitness.com). “Any time you carry a squirming human being that weighs between 7 pounds at birth and 25 pounds a couple months in, you’re prone to back injuries,” Ferraro says. “When you carry the baby on one hip, when you put a baby in the car seat — all of that moves your spine, hips and pelvis. If you don’t have good core stability, you risk injury.” Core strength has become a buzzword, Ferraro says, and many people think it just refers to abdominal muscles. However, core strength is composed of several muscle groups: the abdominal, oblique and back muscles and those around the spine. When people have strong back, abdominal and oblique muscles, their bodies are able to stabilize from the midsection before mobilizing. “The more stable you are, the less likely you are to trip or tweak something in your back,” Ferraro says. “As [core muscles] become stronger, you can move things around and not worry so much about lower back injury.” Ferraro recommends squats to condition the back and upper part of the lower body. Bench presses strengthen core muscles (the transverse abdominis, obliques, multifidus, erector spinae and quadratus lumborum) among other muscle groups. Best of all, when performed using a baby for weight resistance, the exercises offer a way to bond with the child. That’s another application of core strength, says Ferraro. His definition of core strength extends beyond the physical. “Core values means living from your core, your essence. Your [physical] core is the same way,” Ferraro says. “As your core becomes stronger, you become a much more stable individual.”