Jacksonville Magazine's Your Health, Spring 2020 Issue

JACKSONVILLE MAGAZINE’S

YOURHEALTH Northeast Florida’s Definitive guide to Medical Care & Wellness WINTER 2020

Vol. 6 No. 1

EST. 2015

FREE

13th ANNUAL

DONNA

MARATHON WEEKEND FEBRUARY 7-9 #TogetherWeWILL #RunDONNA

Flip Book

LENDING A HA HA THOSE S ON TH HE E FIS is a proud sponsor of o the DONNA half-marathon relay.

A AND TO E JOURNEY

WELCOME RUNNERS! We are so happy you’re with us for the 13th Annual DONNA Marathon Weekend!

Whether you’re celebrating survivorship, going for a personal record, or you just love running with thousands of your closest friends in one if the most beautiful places on earth, you all have one thing in common. You want to end breast cancer and make sure struggling families don’t have to choose between food and medicine.

That makes each of you a hero in my book.

So get your cape ready, or if you prefer, your tutu and let’s have a great time while doing good. See you at the start line!

With gratitude,

Donna Deegan Founder The DONNA Foundation

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WELCOME TO THE 13TH ANNUAL NATIONAL MARATHON TO FINISH BREAST CANCER. This anticipated event of The DONNA Foundation welcomes athletes from all over the world to the First Coast, unified for the purpose of finishing breast cancer.

Our finish line is a celebration of survivorship unlike any other, as we lift one another in love.

Choosing love over fear. This is a choice each of us has to make every day. Am I going to live today full of love, or full of fear? For breast cancer patients, this can be a tough choice to make. Donna Deegan learned this firsthand through her own experience living with breast cancer, three times, and has cast a vision to transform this experience from one of fear and frustration to one of love and support. The DONNA Foundation delivers this vision through our DONNA CareLine, serving patients’ financial critical needs so families don’t have to choose between lifesaving medicine and groceries. We deliver this vision by funding groundbreaking breast cancer research at the Mayo Clinic so there is a hope for the future. [We deliver this vision DONNA Marathon Weekend through the many events designed to empower those impacted by breast cancer.]

2019 was a year of growth and change for The DONNA Foundation. This guide highlights the impact of our programs, including a 50% increase in demand on our services through the DONNA CareLine. 2019 was also a big year of change for DONNA Marathon Weekend with our move to the beach. The weekend hosted nearly 7,000 athletes and brought 5,000 visitors from outside of the region generating an approximate $3,442,062 in economic impact. The beaches community of Jacksonville did not disappoint, and are again prepared to throw a very pink, 26.2 beach block party for you. Are you ready?

Our work is not easy, but together we can achieve monumental goals.

We believe that no one should face a breast cancer diagnosis alone.

Together we will finish breast cancer.

See you in the finish line!

Amanda Napolitano Executive Director The DONNA Foundation

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2020 DONNA MARATHON WEEKEND

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FRIDAY • FEBRUARY 7, 2020 Social Shakeout Run 8 AM

Kick-off DONNA Marathon Weekend with a 3 Mile Run/ Walk with Donna Deegan, special guests and the VIPinks.

Southern Grounds, The Courtyard at 200 First Street 200 1st Street, Neptune Beach • FREE and Open to All

DONNA Health & Wellness Expo presented by Venus Fashion

Open Noon - 6 PM It has been said our expo is the best in the industry, and this year we are going retro. Returning to our original home, we are excited to pink up the Morocco Shrine Auditorium. Centrally located, this venue will also serve as our parking and transportation hub on DONNA Marathon Sunday. Pick up your Runner’s bag with your Genentech bib that includes your timing chip courtesy of Pivot CPAs.

February 7 - 8, 2020 Mayo Clinic Course Directors: Alvaro Moreno-Aspitia, M.D., Minetta Liu, M.D. and Kathryn Ruddy, M.D. This course will provide an overview of the most recent advances in the management of patients with early and advanced stage breast cancer. Topics include imaging, radiation therapy, brain metastases, genomic testing, systemic therapy and survivorship. The course is intended to provide practical, evidence-based information on clinically relevant issues for physicians and allied health personnel involved in patient care. The didactic format will provide significant opportunities for interaction with the expert faculty and other attendees via interactive keypad systems, case presentations, panel discussions, and open question and answer sessions.

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, 1000 PGA Tour Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach Registration at CE.MAYO.EDU/BREASTCANCER2020

SATURDAY • FEBRUARY 8, 2020

Morocco Shrine Auditorium,3800 St. Johns Bluff Rd. S., Jacksonville FREE and Open to the Public • FREE Parking

DONNA 5K & Family Fun Run

Beaches Town Center Street Party

6 AM: Registration & Bib Pickup Opens inside Athletes’ Village 8 AM: 5K Start 9 AM: Family Fun Run Start

5 -9 PM Beaches Town Center businesses are OPEN for business during Marathon Weekend and will open doors for a pedestrian-friendly street party.

Beaches Town Center

presented by AXA and Jaguars Foundation

5K participants earn our signature Running Ribbon medal and experience a 5K Beach Block Party. Raise your hands high as you cross the Black Knight finish line. Our fun run is perfect for families and will be an out and back course up to one mile in Neptune Beach.

DONNA VIP Reception

Beaches Town Center

5-8 PM

7:30 AM 110 Start

presented by Sawgrass Marriott and Two Titmice Vodka

The DONNA Foundation honors sponsors and special guests each year at this VIP Reception and cocktail party.

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, 1000 PGA Tour Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach INVITATION ONLY

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MAYO CLINIC ADVANCES IN BREAST CANCER MANAGEMENT 2020

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DONNA 110 Ultra Marathon Athletes will cover 110 miles to Finish Breast Cancer through the night in Atlantic Beach. DONNA Curb Crews are invited all night to cheer these participants to the finish line!

Beaches Town Center

DONNA Health & Wellness Expo

Heroes Hospitality

Open 10 AM - 6 PM

5 AM-7:30 AM

Return for day two of the DONNA Health & Wellness Expo. Shop, sip and sample from nearly 100 exhibitors. So much fun you might forget to pick up your race packet! (But don't do that.)

Breast cancer survivors and top fundraisers are invited to warm up and cool down in first class and celebrate a beautiful day of survivorship.

presented by Venus Fashion

Morocco Shrine Auditorium, 3800 St. Johns Bluff Rd. S., Jacksonville FREE and Open to the Public • FREE Parking

Beaches Town Center Street Party 10 AM - 6 PM Beaches Town Center businesses are open for business during Marathon Weekend and will open doors for a pedestrian-friendly street party.

Beaches Town Center

SUNDAY • FEBRUARY 9, 2020

presented by Cornerstone Specialty Network

Beaches Town Center • Invitation Only, Credential Required

Galloway Pacers DONNA is proud to offer Official Galloway Pacers for the marathon and half marathon events. Program Directors and Pace Group Leaders from around the country are coming here to pace our runners to Boston marathon qualifying times, personal bests, or just an official finish.

How do you join a pace group? Just look for our Galloway Pacers before the race, stick with them throughout the run, and remember to move to the right of the road during walk breaks.

Ruth’s Chris VIP Viewing 8:30 AM–2:30 PM

DONNA Marathon DONNA Half Marathon DONNA Half Marathon Relay presented by FIS DONNA Booby Trap Challenge

The DONNA Foundation honors sponsors and special guests at this VIP Finish Line viewing party.

4 AM: Shuttle Parking Opens at Morocco Shrine Auditorium 5 AM: Athletes’ Village Opens 7:27 AM: Wheelchair Start 7:30 AM: Start 9 AM: Relay Start

8:30 AM–3 PM • White Claw, Official Hard Seltzer • CORA Physical Therapy • Awards & Live Entertainment all Day sponsored by McKesson

Beaches Town Center

Athletes’ Village Before and after the race, all registered participants enjoy our famous Athletes’ Village for complimentary Southern Grounds coffee, Mini Bar Donuts and fruit courtesy of Landstar. Celebrate your finish with a White Claw, everyone’s favorite hard seltzer and don’t miss the CORA Physical Therapy tent for post-race therapy. Enjoy music from WQIK and our emcee and on-air personality Brad Thornton, and entertainment all day from the McKesson entertainment stage. Athletes’ Village will also offer gear check, sponsored by UPS, first aid, and information from the Landstar Information Tent.

Beaches Town Center • INVITATION ONLY

Post Race Party

Plan to meet and celebrate with family and friends at the DONNA Post Race Party inside Runners Village.

Beaches Town Center • FREE and Open to the Public

26.3 Party hosted by Jeff Galloway 1:30 PM–3 PM Celebrating all marathon finishers crossing the finish line after the 6 hour mark, join Jeff and Barb Galloway for the DONNA 26.3 Party.

Beaches Town Center • Open to All There will be FREE parking for all participants and spectators at The Morocco Shrine Auditorium beginning 4 AM race morning. Shuttle service to the start/finish line will begin at 4 AM, and to the relay exchange zone at 7 AM, and will run continuously until 4 PM. Please arrive early and allow time for traffic delays.

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REGISTRATION INFO The 13th annual DONNA Marathon Weekend February 7-9, 2020 • Beaches Town Center 26.2 with DONNA The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer is the only marathon in the U.S. dedicated to breast cancer research and care. A signature event of The DONNA Foundation, the 13th Annual DONNA Marathon Weekend will start and finish in the heart of Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach, Florida. Known by locals as the Beaches Town Center, this oceanfront destination 12 miles east of downtown Jacksonville offers a wealth of choices to shop, dine, relax and race.

February 7-9, 2020, DONNA Marathon Weekend will include a 5K, half marathon, marathon, half marathon relay, ultramarathon and event challenges and will again fill the Beaches of Northeast Florida with thousands of runners from all 50 states and many countries.

Participants enjoy a flat, fast Boston marathon qualifying course that takes them through the four beautiful beach communities of Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach with scenic views and an outpouring of crowd support. Expect water stations nearly every mile, race day temps averaging 55°F, and streets lined with a 26-mile beach block party. And it’s pink.

Very pink. There’s a reason this event has been recognized by CNN Travel as one of the “Seven Marathons Worth the Trip” and “Favorite Charity Race” from the readers of Women’s Running Magazine. We are the National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer. Together we will finish breast cancer.

Online registration closes Saturday, February 8 at 3 PM EST. Register at BreastCancerMarathon.com Oct. 1-Jan. 31

Feb. 1-Close

Marathon

$125

$140

Half Marathon

$115

$130

Half Marathon Team Relay presented by FIS (Team of Three)

$210

$225

5K presented by AXA and Jaguars Foundation

$40

$45

Family Fun Run presented by AXA and Jaguars Foundation

$15

$15

110 Ultra Marathon

$160

$170

Booby Trap Challenge (5K, Marathon)

$195

$215

Booby Trap Challenge Half (5K, Half Marathon)

$185

$205

Treasured Chest Challenge Marathon

$225

$240

$215

$230

(DONNA Marathon, Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon)

Treasured Chest Challenge Half Marathon (DONNA Half Marathon, Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon)

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TOGETHER WE WILL TO

THANK YOU SPONSSORS

Event Media di Sponsorrss

TRANSPORTATION & PARKING Expo and Packet Pickup

Marathon Sunday Shuttles

Relay Shuttles

The DONNA Expo will be held at The Morocco Shrine Auditorium located at 3800 St. Johns Bluff Road, South in Jacksonville, Florida. Long-time supporters of The DONNA Foundation will recognize this location as the home of the Inaugural DONNA Expo in 2008.

All are welcome and may park on a first come, first served basis during Expo hours. Overnight parking is prohibited.

There will be FREE parking for all participants and spectators at The Morocco Shrine Auditorium beginning 4 AM race morning. Continuous shuttle service to the start/finish will run from 4 AM – 4 PM. Please Arrive Early and Allow Time For Traffic Delays.

Relay shuttles will begin at 7 AM from The Morocco Shrine Auditorium.

• Leg 1: 7 – 8:15 AM, drop off at the Relay Start Line.

• Legs 2 and 3: 8 – 9:15 AM, drop off at the Relay Exchange Zone.

NOTE: There Is No Public Parking in The K-Mart Lot Sunday Morning.

Shuttle service will also be provided from our host hotel Sawgrass Marriott Resort for registered hotel guests only.

Relay return shuttles will pick up from the Relay Exchange Zone and stop at the Start/Finish Line Shuttle Hub before returning to the Morocco Shrine. Shuttle service will be continuous until 4 PM

Participant Drop-Off and Rideshare All weekend, a designated area for drop-off/pick-up and rideshare services (Uber, Lyft, etc.) will be available in at 500 Atlantic Blvd.

Ride Share Drop Off: Heading East on Atlantic Blvd.

ONLY, RIGHT into 500 Atlantic Blvd, First Entrance, Continue through parking lot, turn LEFT, Load/Unload in front of the old K-mart, continue through parking lot, exit at Lemon St. and A1A/3rd St. RIGHT TURN ONLY, continue southbound on A1A/3rd.

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ARE YOU

FEARLESS? Finishing breast cancer with competition LOVE OVER FEAR IS THE MANTRA OF THE DONNA FOUNDATION. It is how we take the fight out of cancer and change the view from fear to love.

New this year, we took this motto to the next level to showcase our community’s fearless strength, endurance and passion for survivorship to #BeFearless.

Introducing The DONNA Fearless Series.

We challenged athletes to participate across all three DONNA signature events: the DONNA Puck & Stick Stair Challenge powered by the Jacksonville Icemen, DONNA Marathon Weekend, and THE PLAYERS DONNA 5K presented by Nimnicht Family of Dealerships. More than 100 athletes accepted this challenge and began their quest for the coveted Fearless medal with the stair challenge held on November 16 at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.

The DONNA Puck & Stick Stair Challenge is the newest of the DONNA Foundation’s signature events, and hundreds of brave participants took on as many as 1,800 steps inside the arena to finish breast cancer. In partnership with the Jacksonville Icemen, the event was capped off that evening with a hockey game as the Icemen took on the Orlando Solar Bears.

Fearless athletes will complete the challenge this May with THE PLAYERS DONNA 5K. The 13th running of THE PLAYERS DONNA 5K returns to Mother’s Day weekend, celebrating survivorship with a stunning 5K run through the PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Participants will run the back nine holes, passing both the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse and the world-famous Island Green at 17. Registration is open! Capped at 1,750 participants, this event is expected to sell out. More information at www.theplayersdonna5k.com.

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The Return of The Relay

The DONNA Relay returns with a later start, one exchange zone and all the perks for you and two friends to finish breast cancer TOGETHER. Teams of up to three runners cover the 13.1 mile distance on the ‘South Course’ in Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach, with one centralized exchange zone hosted by the Costa Verde Shops.

The DONNA Relay was added to DONNA Marathon Weekend’s lineup in 2010 as a five-person, marathon relay. Capped at 250 teams, this event quickly became a weekend favorite and sold out most years. When the race moved its start and finish to the Beaches Town Center in 2019, the relay was held. “Last year we focused on the Full and Half Marathon in our new venue to ensure a smooth, world-class experience that runners expect from DONNA Marathon Weekend,” said Amanda Napolitano, Executive Director of The DONNA Foundation. “With a first year in the Beaches Town Center a great success, we are ready to add back in the relay.” Presented by FIS, the event is again capped at 250 teams and is expected to sell out.

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TRACK YOUR RUNNER Download the ‘Active Experience’ app for everything DONNA Marathon Weekend, right on your phone.

Presented by Baptist Health, the app is free for both participants and spectators, and users can view interactive race course maps, receive up-to-the-minute race weekend news, and share results. Live tracking on race day is also available, so be sure to send a tracking request to your runner so you can watch them finish breast cancer!

Get connected with the race on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@26.2withDONNA) using hashtags #RunDONNA and #TogetherWeWILL.

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PERSISTED Fighting cancer, one step at a time

by Paige Garcia AFTER A RANDOM BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION, VERNICE GROSSGLASS WAS TROUBLED WITH HER FINDINGS. Cancer doesn’t run in her family. Then came the pain, like a cigarette burn, and it radiated. This prompted a visit to the doctor to be tested. Vernice was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in April of 2018. She went through chemo, attended ample appointments, participated in clinical trials, endured the poking and prodding, and lost her hair. But she also made the phone calls, persisted through the systematic hurdles, and became a strong advocate for herself with the help of her doctors and The DONNA Foundation.

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Grossglass rings the bell after successfully completing treatment.

A series of chemotherapy treatments were grueling, but ultimately paid off, as Grossglass is now in remission.

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Triple negative breast cancer has an unknown source, meaning that doctors don’t know what causes it, and it’s aggressive. It was news like this that lit the fire for Vernice to begin the journey of collecting resources to aid in her survival. She reached out to the Mayo Clinic Breast Center and found doctors that she could trust, who told her she would need chemotherapy.

Vernice utilized the resources that help reduce the symptoms of chemo and took part in an immunotherapy drug clinical trial targeted at triple negative cancer patients. She cut her hair short for when it started to fall out, got a wig, and other survivors gave her the scarves and caps that they had once relied on.

It was tribulations like these that Vernice found most challenging.

By January 2019, she had undergone a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. This was followed by another drug trial that required extensive testing and resulted in a maintenance pill that she still takes to boost her immunity to triple negative cancer.

Vernice now thrives in remission and greatly thanks her doctors, who were her wealth of knowledge, and The DONNA Foundation, which gave her the assurance that she was never alone. The Foundation provided resources, funding for the clinical trials, and a community of people that knew what she was going through.

Vernice calls them her “guiding light” and knows that they’re not giving up and she isn’t either. Q

Now in remission, Grossglass has plenty of time to dedicate to her family.

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SURVIVAL STORY

Glorita Selga faces an uncertain time with a positive attitude.

GLORITA SELGA WAS JUST 48 YEARS OLD WHEN SHE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER IN AUGUST 2018.

During this time, she was flooded with emotions, faced with the uncertainty of it all and the loneliness that comes with a diagnosis.

To overcome these emotions, Selga focused her energy on being positive. Going through treatment wasn't easy—“I could hardly move when I first started treatment,” she says—and though the medication made her weak, it allowed her to continue fighting for strength. The DONNA Foundation also played a major role in getting her back on her feet. “They boosted my morale to move on and fight the cancer,” says Selga. Q

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13th Annual

NATIONAL MARATHON

TO FINISH BREAST CANCER

THIS YEAR’S POSTER

une Beach, FL FEB. 7-9, 2020 - Nept breastcancermarathon.co

The campaign slogan for this year’s event, Together We Will, inspired the artwork for the 2020 DONNA Marathon poster. The poster, designed by artist Kurtis Loftus, features an illustration of a particularly moving moment captured at last year’s race: a power huddle. “Finish line hugs are one of the best moments in any race and this grouping of runners seem to be entangled in the inexhaustible joy of the finish. It is a beautiful metaphor for the race and the knowledge that Together We Will finish breast cancer.”

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SCENES 2019 from

Better Balance for Every Day RESOLVE TO MAKE NUTRITIOUS EATING A PRIORITY WITH HEART HEALTHY RECIPES

D

iscovering a better version of yourself is all about striking balance. That’s especially true when it comes to making smarter food choices that you can maintain over time.

A sustainable, long-term healthy eating approach, emphasizes variety and balance. Start planning a low-carb menu filled with high-fiber carbohydrates, optimal protein and healthy fats with these tips from Colette Heimowitz, vice president of nutrition and education for Atkins.

Fill up with fiber-rich foods. Foods like vegetables, nuts, seeds, low-glycemic fruit (like berries) and whole unrefined grains are considered carbohydrates, but they don’t raise your blood sugar the way processed carbs do. Fiber slows the entry of glucose into your bloodstream so you don’t experience insulin spikes that encourage your body to produce and store body fat. Try to eat between 25-35 grams of fiber a day.

Reduce inflammation. A low-carb approach eliminates refined and processed foods and sugars that can cause inflammation. Focus on foods that decrease inflammation, such as colorful low-glycemic vegetables, low-sugar fruits, protein and healthy fats such as olive oil. The ground turmeric in the Golden Milk recipe on page 34 offers an easy way to fight inflammation without sacrificing flavor.

Kickstart your morning. Start your day with a protein-packed choice such as Chocolate Banana Protein Oats. You’ll get the omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants from the chia seeds along with protein and healthy fats to keep you energized while avoiding high-sugar breakfast alternatives.

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SPICY CRISPY CHICKPEAS

Prep time: 5 min. | Cook time: 15 min. | Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS:

PROCEDURE:

1 can (15 ½ oz.) chickpeas

1. Heat air fryer to 390°F for 3 minutes.

1 T. ghee (or clarified butter), melted

2. Using fine mesh sieve, drain and rinse chickpeas. Use towel to gently pat chickpeas dry, removing skins. In small bowl, toss chickpeas with ghee and salt.

¾ tsp. salt ½ tsp. garlic powder ¼ tsp. chili powder ¼ tsp. chipotle chili powder

3. Cook in single layer in air fryer for 6 minutes. Pause and shake bowl; cook 6 minutes. Pause and shake bowl; cook 3 minutes.

4. In separate small bowl, sprinkle chickpeas with spices and toss to evenly coat. Chickpeas can be stored in open container at room temperature up to 3 days.

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SALMON & ASPARAGUS SHEET PAN

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Prep time: 5 min. | Cook time: 15 min. | Servings: 2

INGREDIENTS: 1 bunch thin spear asparagus 1 T., plus ¼ tsp., extra-virgin olive oil ⅛ tsp. salt, divided 2 salmon fillets (4 oz. each), no more than ¾-in. thick 1 pinch black pepper 3 T. olive oil-based mayonnaise 1 T. lemon juice 1 tsp. Dijon mustard ¼ tsp. minced or pressed garlic 1 T. grated Parmesan cheese

PROCEDURE: 1. Heat oven to 425°F. 2. Wash asparagus and remove woody ends. Place on rimmed baking sheet and toss with 1 T. olive oil and pinch of salt. Arrange in single layer, leaving space for salmon. Place salmon skin-side down on sheet. Brush with remaining olive oil and season with remaining salt and pepper.

Place in oven and bake 12 minutes.

4. Remove sheet pan from oven, sprinkle asparagus spears with cheese and cook 3 minutes, or until fish reaches 145°F and asparagus spears are tender and beginning to brown on tips.

5. Plate one fillet and half the asparagus, drizzle each plate with about 2 T. mayonnaise sauce and serve.

3. In small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard and garlic.

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GOLDEN MILK

INGREDIENTS:

34

Prep time: 8 min. | Cook time: 7 min. | Servings: 3

PROCEDURE:

¾ tsp. salt

1 ½ tsp. ground turmeric

1 C. canned unsweetened coconut milk

¼ tsp. ground cinnamon

1 C. plain unsweetened almond milk

¼ tsp. ground ginger

1 C. water

⅛ tsp. ground black pepper

2. Warm over medium heat until hot but not simmering, about 7 minutes.

1 T. coconut oil

10 drops liquid stevia extract

3. Remove from heat, whisk in sweetener and serve.

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1. In small pan, whisk coconut milk, almond milk, water, coconut oil, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and pepper.

CHOCOLATE BANANA PROTEIN OATS

Prep time: 5 min. | Cook time: 3 hours | Servings: 2

INGREDIENTS: 1 scoop chocolate protein shake mix 2 T. rolled oats 2 T. chia seeds 2 T. hemp hearts 2 T. unsweetened coconut shreds 2 T. sliced almonds Fruit, such as sliced bananas or berries (optional)

PROCEDURE: 1. In jar with tight-fitting lid, combine shake, rolled oats, chia seeds, hemp hearts, coconut and almonds. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.

2. Top with fruit, if desired. Q

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Your city pride.

Your dreams to ride.

Your hunger satisfied.

Your lovely bride.

Your JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM • (904) 389-3622

JACKSONVILLE MAGAZINE’S

YOURHEALTH Northeast Florida’s Definitive guide to Medical Care & Wellness WINTER 2020

Vol. 6 No. 1

EST. 2015

FREE

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Our Innovative Care —Your Connection to a Healthier Life Hello, I’m Dr. Alejandro Perez-Trepichio, Chief Medical Officer of Millennium Physician Group.

I am so proud to bring our innovative care to the Northeast Florida community. Millennium was founded in Port Charlotte on the Southwest Florida coast in 2008, with a focus on primary care. We know the key to keeping you well lies in the strength of the relationship between you and your primary-care provider.

To that end, we put technology to work for you. Our team is constantly conceptualizing innovative ways to deliver your care; removing barriers, reducing inefficiencies and improving accuracy. Our goal is to place the most up-to-date and relevant information at the fingertips of your healthcare provider, so you can make the most of your time together.

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I’m Dr. Oscar Rodas.

I’ve been a practicing physician in the Jacksonville area for 30 years. I discovered the area during a fellowship in critical care at the University of Florida and never left! We’re lucky to be able to enjoy the best of both worlds: This is a great place to raise a family, yet metropolitan enough to offer so much to do.

My practice was one of the first in the area to join Millennium in 2018. I’m so happy with my partners’ and my decision because Millennium practices the best medicine possible. We really are given the tools that help us offer you high quality, more efficient care. That’s why Millennium is quickly becoming a premier group of healthcare providers.

We welcome the opportunity to be your healthcare provider and offer you high-quality care with an exceptional patient experience. Millennium Physician Group— Your connection to a healthier life!

At the end of the day, what matters most to me is getting to see my patients thrive after I treat them. I take the trust my patients place in me very seriously, and I’m thrilled to be able to connect with them and offer the best health information available. It is so gratifying to get my patients engaged in their own health.

Come see for yourself and check out any of our nine locations in Northeast Florida.

Alejandro Perez-Trepichio, MD Chief Medical Officer Millennium Physician Group

Oscar Rodas, MD Northeast Florida Regional Medical Director Millennium Physician Group

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Millennium Physician Group Named

“Innovator of the Year”

M

illennium Physician Group is pleased to announce that we have been named “Innovator of the Year” by the healthcare industry publication Healthcare Innovation.

The cover story cites the information technology initiatives Millennium has designed and put in place to help better connect its 300,000-plus patients, 450-plus healthcare providers, 100-plus offices in more than 12 Florida counties with important patient records, metrics and statistics.

It’s innovation like Millennium’s IT platform that helped the company reach the top spot as the country’s no. 1 Medicare Shared Savings ACO (Accountable Care Organization) in earned saving, giving its physicians, advanced providers and care teams the tools needed to deliver high-quality care.

“This recognition is a testament to Millennium’s commitment to bridging the gap between patients, providers and technology.

Our aim is to deliver an outstanding patient experience by giving our healthcare providers the most relevant and real-time information possible, leading to a more holistic care experience for the patient,” says Chief information and Innovation Officer Jeffrey Nelson.

“Millennium has always been a leader in the use of technology to the advantage and support of our patients, healthcare providers, and care teams. We have an incredible information and innovation team, led by Jeffrey Nelson, with a lot of support from our Chief Medical Information Officer Dr. David McAtee.

I am excited about what the future holds as we work together to ensure we continue to lead the way,” says Millennium CEO Kevin Kearns. Q

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Breaking Down the Role of the Nurse Practitioner & Physician Assistant in Healthcare Written by: Arlene Wright, DNP, APRN, Director of Advance Practice

I

t can feel overwhelming when choosing a healthcare provider these days with the number of different practitioners that stand ready to serve your needs. When booking an appointment, you may be asked, “Would you like to see our nurse practitioner or physician assistant?” Although many patients encounter these “advanced providers” during their healthcare journey, some don’t quite understand the important role nurse practitioners and physician assistants play when it comes to overall health.

Nurse practitioners and physician assistants have been providing healthcare services to patients for over 50 years and can be found in all healthcare settings, including primary care, specialty care, hospital care, and skilled nursing facilities.

And many patients may choose to have a nurse practitioner or physician assistant as their main primary care provider due to their experience and highly qualified skills.

What are Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants?

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) and Physician Assistants (PA) are highly educated medical professionals who provide high-quality primary, acute and specialty healthcare services similar to those of a physician. They also practice under the rules/regulations of the state they are licensed in and are nationally board certified in their specialty areas. Continuing education is required to maintain licensure/certification.

APRNs and PAs diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses for all age groups. They order and interpret lab and diagnostic testing, prescribe medication and perform procedures.

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What’s the difference?

All APRNs have advanced clinical training beyond their extensive professional registered nurse education and have graduate, advanced education, with master’s degrees or doctorates. APRNs place a unique emphasis on both care and cure by focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. APRNs may work independently or as part of a healthcare team.

PAs typically acquire extensive healthcare training and experience before they enter a graduate level program. PAs have graduate, advanced education with master’s degrees and train under the medical education model. PAs provide care in all general practice settings as well as specialty areas of medicine. PAs work as part of a healthcare team.

Will my insurance pay for me to see an APRN or PA? Yes, insurance companies reimburse for a visit to an APRN or PA, including Medicare and commercial insurance plans.

The co-pay and charges are the same as any office visit.

Can I request to see an APRN or PA? Yes! We are here as a team to care for you and your family.

You may choose the provider that suits your individual health care needs. Ask your front desk team about the APRNs and PAs available at your office. Q

Arlene Wright, DNP, APRN

Director of Advance Practice Millennium Physician Group

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Fact or Fiction?

The Truth About the Flu Written by: Dr. William Hayes, Millennium ACO Director

FACTS: With flu season in full gear, it’s still not too late to get the flu shot. Flu season generally begins in October and can linger through May. Every year, up to 20 percent of people in the U.S. get sick; and although most recover, the flu can potentially lead to pneumonia, worsening of chronic health conditions, hospitalization or disability. The flu can even be fatal for older or immune-compromised adults.

At the very least, the flu can cause you to miss several days to a week of work or other activities, along with potentially getting your loved ones sick in the process.

The virus spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or talk. And the germs can be transferred to an otherwise healthy person when someone touches something that has the flu virus on it and then touches his or her own mouth or nose. The flu vaccine can prevent you from getting the flu, make the flu less severe if you do get it, and keep you from spreading it.

Fiction: I NEVER GET SICK; I DON’T NEED THE FLU SHOT. Anyone can get the flu. Even healthy people can get sick and spread its germs. To avoid the flu, the CDC recommends yearly vaccines for EVERYONE over the age of six months.

You might want to opt for a flu shot to keep not only yourself, but also your family from getting sick. As we know, the flu can be more severe in children and older adults.

You probably don’t want to be the reason your family gets sick, so speak to your primary-care provider to determine which flu vaccine is right for you.

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Fiction: I GOT THE FLU SHOT LAST YEAR; I CAN WAIT. You should get the flu vaccine EVERY YEAR. Because the dominant strains of flu virus often change season to season, each year’s vaccine is optimized to best protect against the strains that are anticipated to circulate that season. It is best to have the vaccine before the virus appears in the community. Because it’s difficult to predict the best time, it’s recommended to get the flu shot as soon as it’s available.

Additionally, it takes two weeks for the vaccine to start protecting you.

Fiction: THE FLU SHOT MAKES YOU SICK. The flu vaccine is not a live virus, and it cannot give you the flu. The side effects are usually mild and only last one to two days after the vaccination. Flu season is also cold season; it’s generally just a coincidence if you get sick after getting the flu shot. In short, the flu is an illness that could at the very least be a major inconvenience to your day-to-day life and at most lead to serious health consequences, so why not take a step to avoid getting sick and get vaccinated with your healthcare provider? Q

Dr. William Hayes

ACO Director Millennium Physician Group

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Heart Healthy & You You hear it all the time—eat healthy for heart health.

But was does that mean?

Written by: Dr. Alpa Patel, Millennium certified Internal Medicine doctor

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lpa Patel, MD, a certified Internal Medicine doctor with Millennium Physician Group explains, “Eating healthy is better for your overall health in the respect that it reduces inflammation in the arteries, keeps them from getting clogged, prevents strokes, keeps the circulation flowing in your legs, kidneys, and, of course, keeps the heart pumping.”

Liven Up Your Plate with Color Generally, that means less fatigue and more energy. Food is a major source of that energy. By making proper food choices, adding color to your plate with items such as salmon, colorful vegetables, and fruits you’re likely to eat more proteins and nutrient-rich foods. The abundance of color on your plate also adds antioxidants that help reduce clogged arteries.

How do you make the best decision for your body, mind and spirit? Since unknown reactions to keto or paleo diets can be harmful to your health, Dr. Patel suggests, “sticking with a plant-based, dairy-free diet with less saturated fat.”

Dr. Patel does see value in intermittent fasting. “During the fasting time, toxins are released in the body allowing the cells to regenerate, which in turn can lead to reduced risk for multiple cancers,” she says.

The dieting and exercise plan that best works for you may not work for others. Dr. Patel stresses consulting your primary physician before starting any weight loss program. Q

Avoid Falling into a Fad Diet As soon as we ring in the new year, resolutions to lose weight and start a new diet begin. Fad diets such as paleo, keto and intermittent fasting are all a buzz on social media.

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Alpa Patel, MD

Certified Internal Medicine Doctor Millennium Physician Group

YOURHEALTH

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X TTIIX

904tix.com

All Month

All Month Ceramic Face Mugs

Cookie Decorating Class

Where every ticket is a backstage pass.

Shows this month include Time Sawyer, Seth Walker, Noah Gundersen, Moors & McCumber, Crescendo Amelia Big Band, Shawn Mullins and more.

Get your hands dirty and have a little fun with Gogh Create. Learn how to make your own mug out of clay and give it a little personality by adding a face on the side.

This is a beginner’s class where each student will learn the basic techniques to decorate sugar cookies with royal icing. Each student is provided with the materials needed to create at least a dozen cookies to take home.

Blue Jay Listening Room

Locations Vary

Prices vary

$50

Maddy D’s Cafe

2/11

2/15

Blue Jay Listening Room

2/9 $45

2/21

Cheese & Chocolate

Mardi Gras Party

Coastal Carnivale

From sweet and savory to bitter and spicy, we'll explore five pairings from the mundane to exotic.

Featuring American made artisanal cheeses and Equal Exchange Organic chocolates.

Benefiting The Jacksonville Children's Chorus, don't miss live entertainment by Bittersweet Studios Silks & Stiltwalkers and more, catering by Cajun Cravings 2 Go and more, plus dancing, silent and live auctions and specialty drinks.

This event will be the party of the year featuring Salsa dancing and live music from LPT, silent auction, dinner from the award winning chefs of One Ocean Resort & Spa and an open bar.

Grater Goods

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

$18

$50+

LOCAL TICKETS. ONE PLACE.

One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa

$100+

February Events 2/22

2/29

Chili Cook Off & Whiskey Tasting

St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival

Mingle with chili heads and whiskey enthusiasts for a good cause. Sample and vote for your favorite chili while tasting over 20 different whiskey and spirits from local and national distillers.

Guests will be able to sample more than 100 authentic Spanish wines and speak with knowledgeable wine professionals.

927 Events

$25

3/6

Flagler College, Markland House

$95

3/6

St. Augustine Fashion Week

Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Wine Tasting Gala

Guests enjoy a true red carpet experience complete with craft cocktails, passed hors d'oeuvres, nightly entertainment and a professional runway production.

Eat, drink, socialize, and bid on one-of-a-kind auction items with Coach Coughlin at this star-studded event.

Bozard Lincoln Ford

$150

$50+

Wells Fargo Building

2/29

Coastal Carnivale Featuring local BBQ dishes prepared by the area's best smokehouses, bourbon tastings led by a whiskey sommelier, signature bourbon cocktails from local distilleries, craft beer and wine from Strings Brewery, and lively games.

Strings Sports Brewery

$125

3/7

Daniel Romano A proliďŹ c Canadian singer/songwriter whose music reects a mix of Nashville's countrypolitan era and '60s psych rock.

Intuition Ale Works

$22

T I C K E T S O N S A L E N O W AT 9 0 4 T I X .C O M

Your better you inside.

Your PLAYERS guide.

TIX Your event tickets supplied.

Your decorative side.

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