Jacksonville Magazine's Your Health, Fall 2019 Issue

JACKSONVILLE MAGAZINE’S

YOURHEALTH Northeast Florida’s Definitive guide to Medical Care & Wellness FALL 2019

Sylvester’s NCI Designation means even more hope for patients like Joan Bauman

Vol. 5 No. 4

EST. 2015

FREE

These physicians are among

THE BEST DOCTORS & PRACTICES In Northeast Florida

These and other physician profiles posted at JacksonvilleMag.com

Atlantic Eye Institute

Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics

Balanced Physician Care

Intracoastal Dermatology

Patrick L. Basile, M.D. Plastic Surgery & Wellness

The Jacksonville Center for Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry

Brown Fertility

Jacksonville Dermatology Associates, PL

Cancer Specialists of North Florida Caven Dental Group

Jacksonville Hearing & Balance Institute/The Hearing Center

Center for Modern Aesthetic Medicine

Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons

Sina Kasraeian, MD, FACS

Dr. Clayman’s Plastic Surgery Center & Miracle Spa

Kasraeian Urology

Contemporary Plastic Surgery Contoura Facial Plastic Surgery

L.A. Quinn M.D. Larroc Dental Lazzara Orthodontics

Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery of the Face & Body

Martinez Dental Solutions

Doctors Lake Family Dental

Meymand Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

Dr. O’s ObtainHealth

Jeremy Mirabile, MD, ABAM, ABPM-ADM

ECCELLA Smiles

Minimally Invasive Vascular

endodontics | bartram park

Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine

FABEN Obstetrics & Gynecology First Coast Cardiovascular Institiute First Coast Pain

Corey Young Park, DMD ®

Pearson Facial Plastic Surgery

Florida Coast Pain & Spine Center

Pediatric Eye Consultants of North Florida

Florida Eye Specialists

Platock Dentistry

Florida Plastic Surgery Group

Quality Eye Care

Florida Retina Institute

Rainbow Pediatric Center

®

Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers of Jacksonville

Harris L. Rittenberg, DMD

Rick K. Harrison, DMD, PA

Smile Stylist

R. David Heekin, MD, FACS / Heekin Clinic

Southside Dermatology & Laser Cosmetic Center

Henley & Kelly

Jackson C. Tan, MD, PhD, PT

Hidden Hills Family Dentistry

Terk Oncology

Hodges Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Vanover Dentistry of Orange Park

®

Contents 14

WOAH BABY Top tips to transition back to work after baby

18

BE CAREFUL Self-care for busy professionals

22 OFF TO THE RACES Local family drives the need for brain tumor research

24 A LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE Barnabas connects to people, help and hope

28 SENSATIONAL SALADS Adding fruits and veggies to meals for plant-forward nutrition

36 SEEN Behind the scenes at recent events for Dreams Come True, Hart Felt Minsitries and the Junior League of St. Augustine

44 JOIN THE CLUB A look at the mission and work of the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Florida

COVER sponsor Cover Sponsor

10

10 SYLVESTER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER Sylvester’s NCI designation is elevating cancer care for patients in Florida.

This means that patients have greater access to clinical trials and the latest treatments available.

about the cover: JACKSONVILLE MAGAZINE’S

YOURHEALTH Northeast Florida’s Definitive guide to Medical Care & Wellness FALL 2019

Sylvester’s NCI Designation means even more hope for patients like Joan Bauman

4

YOURHEALTH

Vol. 5 No. 4

EST. 2015

FREE

Joan Bauman, one of Sylvester’s extraordinary breast cancer survivors, ran a 32-mile ultra marathon the day after her final round of chemo.

Sylvester 305-243-5302 sylvester.org

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Pictured: Moca, May 2019

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Welcome You are presently reading the latest issue of Jacksonville Magazine’s YourHealth, a quarterly publication devoted to health, wellness and medical care in Northeast Florida. This issue is mailed to subscribers as a complimentary bonus with their December Jacksonville Magazine.

Among its many feature articles is a story about ways busy professionals can reduce stress and better enjoy the weekly grind. With the holiday season upon us, we’re all going to need a tip or two.

This issue—just like the previous editions of the magazine that debuted in 2015—is also packed with a variety of other stories, ranging from local news items to feature articles exploring topics relating to healthcare and fitness.

Our goal is to not just publish another magazine (Jacksonville Magazine has a bunch of those already), but to produce a real tool for Northeast Floridians, an easy-to-read guide that strives to present the latest news and information regarding health, specifically how it affects our corner of Florida. Among the things we continually discover is that our region is blessed with an amazing abundance of wellness and healthy living resources—from delicious and healthy local food purveyors to yoga studios to cutting-edge medical centers.

Of course, no one wants to get sick. And most of us wish to live a long and healthy existence. However, nature has a way of reminding us that life can be messy, painful and even unkind sometimes. Bumps, bruises, breaks and worse are unavoidable. We all become ill, eat things maybe we shouldn’t, wake up with sore muscles and joints—that, as they say, is life. The good news is we live in a time and a place when available medical care is truly remarkable and life-saving.

JACKSONVILLE MAGAZINE’S

YOURHEALTH EDITORIAL: PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

JOSEPH WHITE EDITOR

VIRGINIA CHAMLEE DIGITAL EDITOR

EMILY BAILEY INTERNS

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HEATHER KRUSE PHOTOGRAPHER

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Jacksonville Magazine’s YourHealth Volume 5 Issue 4 is published quarterly by White Publishing Company. All editorial contents ©2019.

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yourhealth

Woah Baby Top tips to transition

back to work after baby

M

any new parents spend hours preparing for the arrival of a new baby—reading books, seeking professional advice and consulting friends and family.

However, in focusing on birth, they may not get to prepare for other big milestones, like the transition back to work.

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yourhealth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more women are returning to work than ever before—more than 70% of women with children under 18 are in the labor force. However, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests new mothers may not be getting the support they need from health care providers, family members and employers to meet their breastfeeding goals.

"Parenthood is complicated on its own," says Melissa Gonzales, executive vice president of the Americas for Medela. "Adding in a full workload is something that many new mothers take on within weeks after birth. With nearly two-thirds of moms going back to work after baby, there is a clear need to better the return-to-work transition for mothers in workplaces across America. There are easy ways for employers to simplify that process so parents don't have to choose between returning to work and continuing to provide breast milk to their babies."

Whether you are preparing for maternity leave, about to return to work after a baby or have already made the transition, the experts at Medela recommend considering these important workplace qualities: Time and space. Employers are required to provide reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for one year after the child's birth. Employers are also required to provide a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public which may be used by an employee to

express breast milk. If you are planning to pump, check to see if your office has a private space to do so, and ensure there are accommodations to allow you to properly clean and sanitize your breast pump.

Travel considerations. If you are required to travel for work, look into your company's existing policy on breast milk shipping and storage. With more women in the workforce, some companies include breast milk shipping as a benefit for women who have recently given birth who may need to travel.

Supportive resources. Some companies provide educational resources about continuing to breastfeed while working full-time. Ask if your employer provides resources to help you navigate the demands of breastfeeding, or if it provides access to virtual on-demand support such as a lactation consultant. See if your employer can connect you to another mom or parent who can help you or offer advice as you make the transition.

Other accommodations. As breast milk feeding becomes increasingly commonplace, companies are implementing policies to better accommodate working parents. Examples include extended parental leave, flexible hours, on-site child care and access to programs such as March of Dimes' Healthy Babies Healthy Business program and New Moms' Healthy Returns, a resource for employers created by Medela and Mamava.

Learn more at NewMomsHealthyReturns.com. Q YOURHEALTH

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3 Tips for Breastfeeding at Work Returning to work after the birth of a baby demands organization and prioritization.

This is especially true for parents who want to continue breastfeeding. Consider these tips when planning the transition:

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1. Know your legal rights. Educate yourself on your federally protected rights so you can take a stand if your rights aren't respected. Employers in the U.S. are required to provide breastfeeding moms with a private place and reasonable break time to pump.

2. Bring a backup. Consider keeping a spare breast pump kit in your car or at your office, just in case you find yourself without the parts you need to pump, like storage bags. You may even consider an extra breast pump to eliminate the hassle of carrying one back and forth.

3. Reduce unnecessary stressors. Stress can affect your milk supply and make pumping more difficult. It can be a challenge to manage all the stressors, but finding a space at work that feels calm and peaceful can make a difference.

Make signs so you're not interrupted, and schedule time on your calendar so colleagues know you're not available.

Source: Medela Q

,

Womens Health Champion

Babita Jyoti, M.D. // ACKERMAN CANCER CENTER BABITA JYOTI, M.D., A FELLOW OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF Radiologists, is one of the first physicians in the United States to complete a fellowship in both pediatric and adult proton therapy. Before moving to Florida, she completed her Internal Medicine residency in Manchester, England, followed by a dual residency program in Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology at the Clatterbridge Cancer Center, UK. Like everyone at Ackerman Cancer Center, Dr. Jyoti strongly believes in providing outstanding, patient-focused care. Her clinical interests include breast cancer, pediatric cancers, and central nervous system tumors.

What do you want patients to know about Ackerman Cancer Center?

From the moment you walk through our doors, you will work with a team of radiation oncologists, oncology-certified nurses, oncology social workers, dieticians, and financial resource counselors who are focused on you and your unique needs. To ensure you receive timely answers, we offer same-day or next-day appointments and immediate results. Our physicians always review your test results with you.

We collaborate with other physicians, both at Ackerman and at other facilities in our community, to build the best care team possible for each individual case. You will always receive the information, support, and compassion needed to successfully navigate your treatment.

breast biopsies, all overseen by our radiologist who specializes in breast care. For women diagnosed with breast cancer, we provide all modalities of radiation therapy, including proton beam therapy. Our goal is to achieve early detection, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer to give our patients the best potential for a cure.

What is proton therapy and why is it recommended for breast cancer patients?

Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation that precisely targets tumors, significantly reducing radiation exposure to the surrounding healthy tissues and organs. This directly translates to fewer side effects and better quality of life during and after treatment.

For women with breast cancer, treatment with proton therapy reduces the risk of future heart disease, heart attack, and chronic pulmonary disease, which can be related to all forms of breast cancer treatment— especially for left-sided breast cancers which are nearer to the heart.

As a female doctor specializing in cancer treatment, what is key advice you would give other women?

Tell us about your breast care program.

I would stress the importance of regular screenings and self-checks.

You know your body better than anyone else and any change should be noted. Changes in skin texture or breast shape should be brought up to your doctor. Understanding your family history of cancer can help your doctor create a screening guide that is best for you.

We are proud to offer all women in Northeast Florida access to our comprehensive Breast Care Program, which includes screening and diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and ultrasound-guided

Knowing your health story and talking to your healthcare providers can empower you to make informed choices and to take an active role in decision making.

To learn more about breast care, visit Ackerman Cancer Center's blog at ackermancancercenter.com AD V ERTISIN G FEATU R E

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Be Careful Self-Care For Busy Professionals

BY CASEY CRAIG

P

unch in, punch out. Eat. Bathe.

Sleep. Repeat. Many working professionals feel that this is how they subscribe to their work week routines. Some of them feel trapped or overwhelmed in their 9-5 grind. But what do you do when that grind starts to wear you down and begins to affect your mental health? Untie those bootstraps, recline, rewind, and relax: it’s okay to take a break.

Self-care, though it may sound like a trendy buzzword, is a very valid practice that can extinguish executive burnout. We’re here to give you some tips and tricks to treat yourself with the guidance of self-care therapist and CEO/founder of Orange Park’s Therapy Topia, Lequita Brooks.

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Keep calm, organize, and prioritize!

It’s easy to feel discouraged when you’re swamped by a bunch of tasks. But there’s a way to remedy that: “The number one thing is to prioritize your workload and finish what needs to get done first,” advises Brooks. A workload will be a lot more manageable by putting pending and time-sensitive tasks first, leaving things that won’t cause as much worry if they don’t get finished that day.

“No” your limit “The second most important thing you can do for yourself is to say ‘no,’ which

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goes hand in hand with prioritizing,” Brooks says. Saying “no” can feel empowering, especially when you’re feeling like you have too many current projects to take on more work. “Don’t be afraid to delegate or ask for help.” But make sure the work still gets done. “If you say ‘no,’ you have to hand off the work to someone else.”

Do you for you On the other hand, many people feel pressured to take on extra projects to impress their boss, colleagues, peers, and family. At the end of the day, are you happy? “Don’t overextend yourself,” says Brooks. If there’s no fruits to your

labor or it’s not fulfilling your sense of gratification or happiness, it’s okay to take a step back to a pace where your work makes you proud. Putting more time, creativity, or personal touch to your day-to-day can offer a better sense of return.

Be mindful of your body Feeling physically distressed is a definite sign that rest is needed—and deserved.

Once your physical health is impacted by your mental health, that’s when stepping back is needed the most. “Be mindful.

Our bodies tell us when we’re tired or say ‘we need a break.’ The same thing applies to mental health and wellness.”

If you can add an extra hour to your sleep regimen or find time to stretch on your work break, you’ll reap the benefits of physical stress relief.

Get scenic “If you have time to take a break, go to Riverside and sit on the waterfront, or read a book at the park,” Brooks recommends. Talk a walk on the beach, or through a nearby neighborhood, find a park bench and enjoy some time outside.

Sometimes a change of scenery and being outdoors can do wonders for self-care: studies have shown that going outside can help you sleep better at night, reduces stress, and improves productivity. Another

says spending as little as 10 minutes in the sun outside of the office can greatly improve the outlook of your day.

“me” time.

Do nothing—for you

While it may sound self-indulgent, there’s a lot of truth to the benefits of rewarding yourself after a stressful day.

Not only will you feel better with a nice incentive to come home to, you can clear your head and set the tone for a better tomorrow. Taking yourself on a solo-date to a nice restaurant, curling up on the couch with your favorite movie, grabbing an ice cream cone, or dipping your toes in the waves at the beach are all nice (and relatively cheap) ways to treat yourself when you need it the most. Q

Sometimes, we may feel exhausted of making an effort—and that’s okay.

“Take a moment for yourself. Do nothing—for yourself: we can’t give from an empty cup. Doing nothing allows us to refuel. We can do even better and be more productive if we take that time for ourselves,” she says. Take a few moments to take a deep breath, recline in your chair, or close your eyes is an effective way to calm down, shake anxiety, and give yourself some good old fashioned

And, of course, treat yourself!

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Off to the Races Local family drives the need for brain tumor research 22

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E

ach year, approximately 13,000 Americans are diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain cancer. The American Brain Tumor Association reports that the median survival for adults with this diagnosis is less than 15 months, with only 5% surviving ďŹ ve years.

For the Weisman family of Ponte Vedra Beach, these startling statistics hit close to home.

yourhealth

Larry Weisman in 2017 In September 2016, Larry Weisman was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). Despite emergency surgery, multiple rounds of treatment, and even a clinical trial, Larry passed away in March of 2019 at just 55 years old, leaving behind his wife of 33 years, Stephanie, and their three children, Jake, Lauren, and Sarah.

Glioblastoma has no known cause and no known cure, and progress on brain tumor research has been incredibly slow. The complexity of the disease and the organ it affects remain notable barriers to effective treatments. Despite the number of brain tumors diagnosed each year and their devastating prognosis, there have been only four FDA approved drugs and one device to treat brain tumors in the past 30 years.

However, recent advances in technology have allowed scientists to make dramatic discoveries that are leading to the development of new types of treatments.

The emergence of targeted therapies, anti-angiogenic therapies, and most recently, immune therapies, has expanded the treatment repertoire beyond the historic standards—surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. With these advances in mind, the Weisman family set out to help others facing the same challenges they have.

Weisman was an avid car collector and automobile enthusiast. For 14 years, he was the head judge of the Ponte Vedra Auto Show and at one point owned an automotive performance and restoration shop on Atlantic Boulevard. In his last 25 years as a Ponte Vedra resident, he was present at almost every automotive event on the First Coast. So, when it came time for his family to find a way to honor his life, cars were the first thing that came to mind. The Weismans founded Race to End GBM, a non-profit organization raising funds for GBM re-

search through automotive events. Race to End GBM’s inaugural event, Rally for Research, takes place December 7 with proceeds benefitting Baptist MD Anderson’s Glioblastoma Research Fund.

Led by experienced clinical researchers recruited from leading academic institutions, the intent of the Glioblastoma Research Fund is to bring the latest clinical trials to northeast Florida—and the process has already begun.

In September 2019, a promising clinical trial using the Polio virus to treat GBM was opened at Baptist MD Anderson.

Previously only available at Duke University (where Weisman traveled for treatment), the Polio trial is now open in four other medical centers through-

out the United States: Harvard, Case Western, University of San Francisco and Jacksonville’s own Baptist MD Anderson.

“Our community deserves the best chance to beat this disease and be a part of the discovery,” says Dr. Robert Cavaliere, a neuro-oncologist at Baptist MD Anderson. “Through collaborative efforts with leading brain tumor programs such as Duke University and Dana Farber Cancer Center, our intention is to make the most promising research available to patients with brain tumors without leaving Jacksonville.” ◆ To learn more about Race to End GBM, visit racetoendgbm.org or follow on Facebook and Instagram @RaceToEndGBM.

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yourhealth

A Look on the Bright Side Barnabas connects people, help and hope

B

WORDS BY CAMERON ROGERS

arnabas, the beneficiary of the 2019 Great Chefs of Amelia Island, first opened in a vacant church building, founded by local parishioners who felt it was their duty to assist those in need. The new stead was dubbed Barnabas after Saint Barnabas, the “Son of Encouragement,” and over the years has helped families and individuals of Nassau County receive the care they need in order to live a fulfilling life.

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Those seeking health services can receive medical care, chronic disease management, dental services, mental health counseling, and vision and hearing screenings. Families in crisis can find temporary aid, with financial assistance and assistance in applying for benefits, access to other appropriate community resources, emergency food and clothing and even bicycles for transportation.

Barnabas also has a food pantry open five days a week, the New to You Resale store which

yourhealth is a shop-and-donate establishment, and Gerri’s Corner, a resource center for women and their families who are dealing with breast cancer.

The dream team comprised of donors, supporters, volunteers, churches, and staff are the backbone of the organization. Volunteers take on responsibilities from working events to administering medical service to patients. Partnerships with community medical institutions provide people the opportunity to receive the quality healthcare that they deserve. In doing so, area resi-

dents in need are able to get back on their feet and bask in their overall well-being.

W

and hope”—the Barnabas way since the organization opened its doors in 1986.

hen visiting the Barnabas website, the first thing one might notice is a photograph of a pair of hands holding a green, craft bowl with a small chip in it. Its purpose? To symbolize the increasing issue of hunger and food insecurity, a topic that the November Empty Bowls luncheon aims to raise awareness about. Right above the photo in the left-hand corner it reads “Barnabas connecting people, help

Clockwise from left: Barnabas headquarters in Fernandina Beach; Barnabas Center executive director Wanda Lanier speaks at the 2019 Great Chefs of Amelia Island fundraiser; guests enjoying the Great Chefs event; A chef puts the finishing touches on his dish; Silent auction items sold at the event raised $3,500 for Barnabas.

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377,748

$2.9 mil.

Value of services donated by local hospitals, doctors and other medical professionals

Pounds of healthy food provided to 8,000-plus people in need.

216 Number of homeless children receiving nutritious snacks each Friday throughout the school year

1,542 IMPACT

ON NASSAU COUNTY

1,600

Households assisted with food, housing and other needed services following Hurricane Irma 26

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Medical and dental services for uninsured men and women, including mental health and vision care

Hours of service provided by more than 200 Barnabas volunteers this year alone.

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t

ara’s life changed when her kidney disease and arthritis kept her from doing the simple things like walking to work or keeping up with her nephews. Walking is one of the most essential abilities we depend on to live a full and active life so Barnabas worked with Tara to combat the disabilities and give her back her life.

“Until I found Barnabas, I did not know how I was going to work, care for my nephews, and get help for my health problems,” says Tara. “When I went into the hospital for kidney disease issues and I lost my job because of my arthritis, I did not know how I would pay for everything.”

When Tara began receiving care from Barnabas’ medical service providers, she was overwhelmed by the access to healthcare right here in the community.

“I never thought I’d be able to walk again,” Tara says.

“But then Dr. Harding did back surgery and words cannot express how I felt when I started feeling better.”

Barnabas gave Tara hope. “My disabilities were turned back into abilities,” she says. “I’m so thankful for everything Barnabas does for me, and especially for the people who support Barnabas.”

Those in need are receiving care through the kindness, hard work and determination that Barnabas radiates.

By removing the heavy financial burden and providing the tools needed to obtain a healthy well-being, Barnabas is changing the lives of people like Tara all throughout Nassau County for the better. Q To learn more about Barnabas and its mission, visit BarnabasNassau.org or call (904) 321-2334

Clockwise from top: Barnabas provides free medical and dental services; volunteers show off their creations for the Empty Bowls fundraiser; the Barnabas Food Pantry YOURHEALTH

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Sensational Salads Adding fruits and veggies to meals for plant-forward nutrition FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ARE CRUCIAL WHEN MAKING AT-HOME MEALS HEALTHIER FOR THE FAMILY. Focusing the dinner plate on more of the truly good stuff—veggies, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, plant-based proteins, lean animal proteins and fish—can help home cooks cut back on the not-so-good stuff, including refined carbohydrates, sugars, processed meats, sodium and saturated and trans fats, according to the American Heart Association.

While some may think meat makes the meal and it can be part of an overall healthy eating pattern, a recent survey from national food service provider Aramark, found many people want to curtail their meat consumption, and two out of three want to eat more fruits and vegetables. In response to the survey’s findings, Aramark made sweeping changes to incorporate more plants into its menus, resulting in meals with fewer calories, less saturated fat and reduced sodium.

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Tangy Kale Slaw with Cilantro & Honey INGREDIENTS:

2 T. red wine vinegar 1 tsp. light mayonnaise 1 T. honey 1½ tsp. cilantro leaves, washed and chopped 1 tsp. lime juice 1/4 tsp. kosher salt ⅛ tsp. ground black pepper 2 c. kale leaves, washed, shredded and stems removed ½ c. red cabbage leaves, washed and shredded ½ c. carrot, trimmed and shredded

¼ c. green onion, trimmed and thinly sliced PROCEDURE:

1. In bowl, combine vinegar, mayonnaise, honey, cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper. Whisk dressing until well blended.

2. Add kale, red cabbage, carrot and onion to the dressing.

Toss to coat.

3. Cover and keep chilled prior to serving.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: 40 calories 1g protein 1g fiber SERVINGS: 6 Recipe courtesy of Aramark YOURHEALTH

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Black-Eyed Pea,Corn &Rice Salad INGREDIENTS:

2 cans (15½ oz. each) no salt added or low-sodium black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained 1 can (1¼ oz.) low-sodium or no salt added whole-kernel corn 1 package (8½ ounces) brown rice, microwaved according to package directions and broken into small pieces 2 medium ribs celery, chopped 1 medium bell pepper, seeded and chopped

¼ c. chopped fresh parsley 1 T. extra-virgin olive oil 1 T. water ⅛ tsp. black pepper PROCEDURE:

1. In large bowl, stir peas, corn, rice, celery, pepper, parsley, olive oil, water and black pepper until combined.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: 231 calories 10g protein 7g fiber SERVINGS: 6 Recipe courtesy of American Heart Association YOURHEALTH

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Simple Persian Salad INGREDIENTS:

2 medium cucumbers, seeded and diced 4 medium tomatoes, diced 1 medium red onion, diced

¼ c. chopped fresh mint or parsley 2 T. fat-free feta cheese, crumbled 2 medium limes, juice only 1 T. extra-virgin olive oil ½ tsp. black pepper PROCEDURE:

1. In bowl, stir cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, mint and feta. Cover and refrigerate 20 minutes.

2. In small bowl, whisk lime juice, oil and pepper until well blended.

3. Pour dressing over salad, tossing gently to coat.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: 88 calories 3g protein 3g fiber SERVINGS: 4 Recipe courtesy of American Heart Association YOURHEALTH

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Make a Wish Dreams Come True 5K raises funds to turn wishes into realities PHOTOS BY ARIANNA RODRIGUEZ

The Dreams Come True 5k Walk, Run, Roll & 1 Mile Fun Run took place September 28 at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. The event benefited the First Coast’s only locally based, wish-granting organization dedicated to using the power of a dream to bring hope and joy to children battling a life-threatening illness. Participation was open to everyone willing to make the trek, whether they ran as fast as they could, took a leisurely walk, or even rolled their way to the finish line. Q

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Mind the Gaps Hart Felt Ministries builds bridges for seniors in need PHOTOS BY ARIANNA RODRIGUEZ

Hart Felt Ministries hosted the ninth annual Bridging the Gaps Gala October 11 at TPC Sawgrass. The evening highlighted an often forgotten population—seniors in need right here in our own community. Hart Felt Ministries utilizes a network of volunteers to demonstrate love and provide, at no charge, non-medical services that build relationships, enhance environments, and preserve the independence of frail seniors.

Those in attendance enjoyed dinner and a live and silent auction. Q

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Screen Time The Junior League of St. Augustine goes Old Hollywood for a cause PHOTOS BY ARIANNA RODRIGUEZ

The Golden Age of Hollywood was reborn by the Junior League of Jacksonville on October 26 at Tringali Barn. The evening included a cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing. The black-tie celebration included charitable gambling and a silent auction showcasing local artisans and businesses. All proceeds benefited the Junior Service League of St. Augustine and its charities such as Kids Bridge and Tag! Museum. Q

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Historical maps Collection Ten historically Significant Florida Maps — all dating back more than 100 years.

High quality reproductions using original documents from the Florida State Archive • Ideal for framing in home or office.

Find us @ JacksonvilleMag.com • 904.389.3622

Happy Holidays

jax-themed christmas cards this holiday season, share your love of northeast florida with the ones you love most

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Join the Club E

nsuring kids grow up healthy, smart and prepared for adulthood starts at home. But sometimes a little help goes a long way. Fortunately, one local organization has been lending helping hands for many years.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida has been a fixture in the Jacksonville community for more than 50 years. In fact, the very first local club, the Laurence F. Lee Club, opened its doors in Springfield in the summer of 1962.

Affiliated with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the organization provides fun experiences and educational programs to some 8,000 “member” kids at 25 locations across Duval and St. Johns counties. While the work the Club undertakes with boys and girls varies from mentoring and life-skills development to day-trips to area sites and attractions the goal for each child remains basically the same—to graduate on time with a plan for the future and to lead a healthy lifestyle while demonstrating good character and leadership.

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To help ensure this goal is reached, the Club focuses its efforts on five specific areas: character and leadership development; academic achievement; health and life skills; the arts; and sports, fitness and recreation. And while most kids living in Northeast Florida won’t be actively participating in Boys & Girls Clubs activities, the benefits for those who do affect practically everyone who calls the region home. Quite simply, keeping Club kids healthier and helping them establish a clearer path for successes in their lives makes our corner of Florida immeasurably better, not only today but for generations to come.

Need some convincing? Here are a just a few of the notable happenings and accomplishments the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida has recently achieved.

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ixty-two acres is no small spot of land. It is especially large and significant when the acreage is given as a gift and repurposed to serve as a summer camp for inner-city youth, kids who may not otherwise get to experience the joys of a day in the country.

Situated only a short drive from Downtown, the camp has become a life-changing reality, welcoming nearly 2,000 kids from Boys & Girls Clubs from across Northeast Florida.

The purpose of Camp Deep Pond is to support the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs by bringing children and teens to a setting where they can enjoy outdoor experiences

under the guidance of a supportive staff.

Most of the campers are inner-city youth, many from single-parent households, who have never before experienced kayaking, swimming in a lake, riding bikes, eating s’mores around a campfire or other outdoor adventures and team-building activities. For many of the kids, Camp Deep Pond will be their first exposure to things like walking in the woods, shooting a bow and arrow, or casting a fishing line into a lake. In many ways, the camp enables young people to open their eyes to a broader world that they have only imagined before. From building self-esteem and confidence to providing delicious and nutritious and amazing activities, the camp helps kids develop healthy habits for life.

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uring the summer of 2019, a fortunate group of Beaches Boys & Girls Club members partnered with Jacksonville Beach Golf Association for a six-week program covering the fundamentals of golf. Thomas Bozzuto, executive director of the Jacksonville Beach Golf Association, along with golf enthusiasts Samuel Uhland and Dave Myers, trained the kids twice weekly at the University of North Florida’s golf complex. The program was designed to help Club members develop a love for the game and help the inexperienced players learn the basics such as how to grip a golf club, and to gradually assist them work on perfecting their swings, putting and driving skills. In addition to techniques and rules, the kids learned the etiquette behind the game of golf, fair play, sportsmanship, positive communication and respect for the game and others.

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Healthy Habits (Mind): Addresses the ways an individual’s health behaviors are influenced by personal beliefs and exposure to positive modeling. In addition to nutrition education, activities focus on helping youth assess, practice, consider and recognize healthy behaviors and messages.

A

“triple play” is a rare happening on the baseball diamond. But the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida is striving to make it a frequently heard phrase across the region. Triple Play is the Club’s comprehensive health and wellness initiative, used to help improve the overall health of kids ages 6-18, through increased daily physical activity, nutrition education, and healthy relationships.

Research shows that environmental factors (where one lives, works, learns and plays) have a profound impact on overall development and future health.

Adolescents are particularly sensitive to negative social and environmental conditions. Youth who grow up in communities where there’s an abundance of negative environmental factors and social/economic barriers are at a higher risk for

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negative health outcomes in adulthood.

Every day, students from area Boys & Girls Clubs spend at least an hour engaging in Triple Play—a focus on developing three major components including the mind, body and soul. The three components work together to build a child’s knowledge, attitudes and behaviors that produce healthy lifestyles.

The “Soul” component of Triple Play uses a curriculum of social recreation to teach young people resilience. The qualities of being resilient are expressed in abilities to deal with tough situations, to cope with change and gain confidence in oneself.

The “Body” teaches young people about physical literacy, specifically the skills, confidence and motivation to be physically active for life. Healthy nutrition habits are at the core the “Mind” component of the Triple Play initiative.

Daily Challenges (Body): Intentional focus on physical literacy: Ability - Increasing capability in basic movement skills and overall fitness; Confidence the knowledge of the ability to play sports or enjoy other physical activities; Motivation - the intrinsic enthusiasm for physical activity for young people to be physically active for life.

Social Recreation (Soul): Emphasis on social and emotional development, or the social, cognitive and behavioral skills that youth need to be healthy and productive. There is a focus on emotional regulation, healthy relationships and responsible decision-making.

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arly this summer, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida opened the doors of the Citi Teen Center, the organization’s first stand-alone after-school facility designed specifically for local teenagers ages 13-18. The new center was created to provide youth with a safe place to learn new skills, have fun with friends, and prepare for future successes in life. Located in Springfield, a nearly 2,000-square-foot building was completely remodeled with a new gym, a computer and virtual reality lab, and dance and music studios.

“Part of what makes the Citi Teen Center special are the partnerships we’ve formed to serve the community,” says Paul Martinez, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida.

“Safety is our number one priority, but we’re looking beyond just keeping our members safe and are working with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

In partnership with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, part of the Springfield Bicycle Police Unit will operate out of the new center. “We’re looking forward to serving the Springfield community and building positive relationships with local young people,” says JSO Lieutenant Rickie Valentine. “It’s important for them to know we’re here to serve and protect them.”

Another partner in the new venture is Northeast Florida STEM2Hub. STEM education is an important step in developing tomorrow’s engineers, scientists, mathematicians and technology leaders. Now, Citi Teen Center kids can participate in robotics programs and utilize the virtual reality computer lab. “STEM occupations are growing at almost double the rate of other jobs in the United States. It’s important to provide young people the tools they need to pursue fields in science, technology, engineering and math,” says STEM2Hub CEO Kathleen Schofield.

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MART Girls is a small-group health, fitness, education and self-esteem enhancement program designed to meet the developmental needs of girls in two age groups. Through organized activities, field trips and mentoring opportunities with adult women, Club girls (in age groups of 812 and 13-17) explore their own societal attitudes and values as they build skills for eating right, staying physically fit, getting good health care and developing positive relationships with peers and adults.

Both age groups of the SMART Girls program consists of two components. “It’s Your Body” examines media influences on attitudes about females, personal values in dating relationships, date violence, rape and sexual harassment, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual myths and truths, the importance of regular gynecological care, and the physical and emotional changes girls experience.

“Take Care of Your Body” identifies the ways to attain healthy eating habits, meet nutritional needs, develop basic cooking skills and become physically fit and active. It also emphasizes the importance of knowing how to use the health care delivery system.

Passport to Manhood is an innovative program that promotes and teaches responsibility to Club boys ages 8-17. It consists of 14 sessions, each of which concentrates on a specific aspect of manhood through highly interactive activities. Each participant receives a “passport” to underscore the idea that he is on a personal journey of maturation and growth. In fact, Passport to Manhood represents a targeted effort to engage young men in discussions and activities that reinforce positive behavior. As a compliment to SMART Girls for young women, topics covered in the program include ethics, decision-making, wellness, fatherhood, employment and careers.

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ar too often, young adults and children who have a need for mental health services do not have the ability to receive the help they need. To help remedy that situation, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida has partnered with Flagler Health+ on the crucial SMART Moves program.

Every day, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida readily serves 2,700 local youth who need help and guidance. It’s in that same spirit that Flagler Health+ Care Connect serves as the hub for student behavioral health referrals for all 39 schools in the St. Johns County School District. Working in partnership with the District and supported by THE PLAYERS Championship, Flagler Health+ established BRAVE (Be Resilient and Voice Emotion) to encourage area youth to get in touch with their mental health early on, be open to getting help, address social barriers and seek out behavioral healthcare services at the right time and right place.

Care Connect staff identify unmet social needs for the entire family, as well as eligible resources and the most appropriate behavioral health provider for the student.

Services are provided by organizations such as Epic Behavioral Healthcare, Children’s Home Society and St. Augustine Youth Services and includes care coordination, access to virtual mental health counseling visits and a 24-hour crisis text line.

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PaRentAL InvoLvement Benefits of

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he Boys & Girls Clubs recognizes that the time children spend in a Club is most effective when the messages they receive at the Club are reinforced by parents and caregivers. Studies show that youth programs have the most success when parents, family members, coaches and mentors partner to create a nurturing environment for children and teens.

Parent and family involvement also contributes to a young person’s school achievement and healthy development. For example, youth whose parents are involved in their education and development are more likely to do well in school, attend class regularly, graduate, have strong social skills and continue to go to college. These youth also are less likely to drop out of school, be arrested or require public assistance.

Of course, it’s always important to keep your child motivated while maintaining a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Kids who are motivated, encouraged and excited learn to embrace new lessons and experiences and are more likely to carry that enthusiasm with them for the rest of their lives. Consider these tips for keeping kids motivated, regardless of age or time of year.

Keep skill level in mind. Remember that children of varying ages are at different developmental stages when it comes to coordination and fine motor skills.

Be supportive. Let your child know know she has done a great job, made a good attempt or improved her skills.

Give your child a chance. Make sure the activities you select allow the child the opportunity to play and be involved.

Consider timing. Be mindful of your child’s schedule, age and energy level when selecting and activity or sport.

Allow for success. Make every activity one in which your child can achieve some level of success.

Allow for mistakes. Be clear that making mistakes is a natural part of participating in athletic activities.

Focus on fun and skill development. Motivation through fear or threats can be detrimental to a young person. Instead, let fun be the main motivator. ◊

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JACKSONVILLE MAGAZINE’S

YOURHEALTH Northeast Florida’s Definitive guide to Medical Care & Wellness FALL 2019

NEW LIFE One man overcomes traumatic brain injury

Vol. 5 No. 4

EST. 2015

All

Smiles

FREE

Oral

Cancer The 411 on prevention, risks & prognosis

Top Dentists for 2019 2020

WHITE

GOLD Milking dairy

Armed & Dangerous

Atrial fibrillation in our troops

alternatives

Flip Book

Dental Care Basics Brush, floss, rinse, repeat…

X TTIIX All Month Blue Jay Listening Room

Where every ticket is a backstage pass.

Shows this month include The Snacks Blues Band, Coles Whalen, Forever Johnny Cash Tribute, Mike Cooley of the Drive-By Truckers, Dylan LeBlanc, The Currys

Blue Jay Listening Room

tickets Vary

12/13-14

Dickens After Dark The entertainment during Dickens After Dark is not for the faint of heart! Come and hear a Scrooged-up version of A Christmas Carol and sing along with a somewhat professional cast as they try to get the words right to your favorite Christmas songs.

Florida House Inn

$75

12/28

Naturalist Tour of Bogey Creek Preserve Bogey Creek is NFLT’s ďŹ rst public access preserve and features a variety of ecosystems, ranging from cypress swamp to maritime hammock to saltmarsh.

Bogey Creek Preserve

Free

904tix.com All Month

Self-Care Therapy Group for Holiday Stress

12/4

Christmas in the Cathedral District

Lequita Brooks, The Self-Care Therapist, hosts a group therapy session to help professionals manage the stressors of the holiday season.

Cathedral District Churches open their doors for a free walking tour of churches decorated for Christmas.

The Nest Coworking

Cathedral District

$50

Free

12/14 -16 Movies of Christmas: St. Augustine B&B Holiday Tour

The St. Augustine Historic Inns Bed and Breakfast Association hosts a two day tour of over 20 Bed and Breakfasts

St. Augustine

12/14

Cookie Decorating Class Learn the basic steps when it comes to creating Christmas themed cookies that you can recreate at home and with friends and family.

Maddy D's Cafe

$45

$45

1/24

1/25 -26 The Vertical

One part cooking class, two parts cocktail party and 100% fun. This quarterly dining experience offers delicious, innovative, and artfully prepared cuisine in a fun, interactive environment.

The leading Pilates teacher education provider is now an international studio traveling around the world offering workshops, intensive programs and more.

#CG Dinner Club

Figure 8 Studio

$65

Workshop

Tehila's Pilates

Prices Vary

LOCAL TICKETS. ONE PLACE.

Winter Events 12/10 Cheese 101

Did you know there are 7 categories of cheese? Do you know how to identify them and what their characteristics are?

Don't miss your chance to learn cheese pairing and serving in this workshop.

Grater Goods

$25

12/11

The Build Your Life Resume Luncheon with Jesse Itzler The CSI Companies and Airstream Ventures host aresume building workshop featuring best selling author and owner of the Atlanta Hawks.

Omni Hotel

12/12

Fortegra High School 9:12 Invitational Presented by The CSI Companies, join in on watching the second annual invitational and get the VIP courtside experience.

Semmes Gym

$8+

$60+

12/14

12/14

12/15

Wehner’s Christmas Spectacular

Luxotica Lounge Cabaret

Christmas Sail Aboard the Schooner Freedom

An unforgettable evening of dance and music featuring the talented dancers of the WSOTA Dance Companies along with the musicians of Wehner Weddings.

A lush burlesque show featuring stunning variety talent, with a twist. Enjoy a little circus and a lot of seduction, set to exotic original tunes performed live, that turns classic cabaret on it's head.

Join Jax Mag for this private outing featuring beautiful scenery, food and libations and experience the Nation's Oldest City from a new perspective

St. Johns Country Day School Auditorium

Nighthawks

$25

$10+

2/6

2/6-9

Ritz Chamber Players “Afro-Ameri-KKK-ania”

Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife

This program explores works by Black composers that speak to Black heritage as well as rising beyond racism and exclusion—both past and present.

W3 artfully combines renowned beverage tastings and inspired cuisinefrom some of the South’s best and awardwinning chefs, an esteemed group of masters from all walks of life.

Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church

Prices Vary

St. Augustine Municipal Marina

$99

Interested in

904Tix? Contact Mandy at

mandy@jacksonvillemag.com

Jekyll Island

Prices Vary

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

Contents 6

KID STUFF Programs catering to the needs of local children

8

IN THE NEWS Health-related updates from organizations throughout Northeast Florida

12

HEALTHY HAPPENINGS Things to do in Northeast Florida that are good for mind, body and soul

14

PET HEALTH Programs and products benefiting furry friends

16

NEW LIFE Overcoming a traumatic brain injury and encouraging others to do the same

18

ARMED & DANGEROUS How atrial fibrillation is affecting many of those who serve our country

20 HEAD FIRST Five easy tips to lower your risk for stroke

22 WHITE GOLD Milking dairy alternatives

28 TOP DENTISTS A list of some of the best dental professionals on the First Coast, plus the 411 on oral cancer and a review of dental care basics

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JACKSONVILLE MAGAZINE’S 2019-2020

TOP Sean M. Altenbach, DMD Asap Dental Care Asap Total Dental Care Nadeem Ahmed, DMD Leydi Barros, DDS Yevah Cueto, DMD Behzad Rajaei, DDS, MS Cynthia Skigen, DMD Erik Roos, DDS A Smile Resort Rod Zimmerman, DDS Beaches Dentistry Mike Jumber Jasleen Raina Nodesh S. Caven Dental Group Richard C. Caven, DMD Stephen Carpenter, DDS Cavka Dental Center Aida Cavka, DMD Complete Health Dental Practices in NE Florida • Bartram Dental Royce Barlow, DMD Jason D. Lewis, DDS, FAGD • Jax Beaches Family Dentistry Liz Alfuente, DMD Michelle DeFelice Hucke, DDS Doctors Lake Family Dental Mustafa Alani, DDS Lauren Andreolas, DMD Dayn C. Boitet, DDS Victoria Shirley, DMD Dopazo Orthodontics Leandra Dopazo, DDS, MS

DENTISTS Farnham Dentistry MacKenzie Farnham, DDS Fishman Pediatric Dentistry Ross Fishman, DMD, MS Christopher M. Geric, DMD, PA Geric Endodontics Harbour Dental Care Christina Choe, DMD Kevin W. Snyder, DDS Liset Perez, DDS Rick K. Harrison, DMD, PA Henley & Kelly C.J. Henley, DMD Hidden Hills Family Dentistry Paul Schloth, DMD Rachel Schloth Flynn, DMD Hodges Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Blanca Martinez-Hoppe, DMD, PA The Jacksonville Center for Prosthondontics and Implant Dentistry Noel Rodriguez, DMD, MS Jacksonville Dental Specialists Richard E. Aguila, DDS, MHS Matthew Nawrocki, DMD, MS Jacksonville Gentle Dentistry Holly Nadji, DMD, PA Joy Orthodontics Jessica T. Crews, DMD, MS Lazzara Orthodontics John Lazzara, DDS

Meymand Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Samira Meymand, DDS / MPH Michael A. Sherman, DDS Park Avenue Dental Corey Young Park, DMD Gene R. Patch, DMD / Michael E. Patch, DDS Ponte Vedra Premier Dental Kevin L. Neal, DDS Andrew W. Maples, DMD Brian W. Maples, DMD Michael C. Winter, DDS Jeffrey S. Prieto, DDS Clive B. Rayner, DMD Oral Facial Surgery of Orange Park Harris L. Rittenberg, DMD River City Dental Leah K. Lovett, DMD Riverside Dental Michael Spencer, DDS Megan Moshea, DDS James L. Schumacher, DMD Smile Stylist® Golden Rose Hartley, DMD, AEGD Jason Olitsky, DMD, AAACD Barry H. Stevens, DDS Today’s Dentistry by Polite and Clark Bennie Clark, DMD Lorraine Polite Clark, DMD

ECCELLA Smiles W. Scott Wagner, DMD, LVIF, FIAPA

Mandarin Dental Professionals Sam N. Hanania, DMD, FAGD Laura M. Weaver, DMD

endodontics | bartram park Daniella S. Peinado, DDS

Martinez Dental Solutions Jose M. Martinez, DMD, PA

Claudio H. Varella, DDS, MS Varella Endodontics, PLLC

Family Smiles Dentistry Stephanie Mapp, DMD

Medure Dental Jillian Medure, DMD

Penney Weeks, DMD / Carla Field, DDS

Vanover Dentistry of Orange Park Michael D. Vanover, DDS

These & other professional profiles are posted at JacksonvilleMag.com

kid stuff

By Casey Craig

SECOND CHANCES Drug addiction and abuse is a serious problem among American youth. In the south, opioid abuse has skyrocketed and overdose deaths have been on the rise. Recently, the county has opened a new location for the River Oak Center, a substance-abuse recovery center, to help combat this growing pandemic. Duval County Public Schools and Florida Recover Schools partnered to open the doors to a safe space for high school students trying to commit to sobriety and receive treatment, where they also have the option to complete academic coursework. The new River Oak Center also prides itself on being more accessible. For example, JTA provides free bus passes for students attending the center. u

LICE-N UP Fall is a cool and jovial time when kids return to school and see their peers again after a long summer. They share everything from secrets to school supplies to even scarves and hats. However, the latter needs a full stop: sharing clothes is a huge vector for spreading lice.

Everyone’s not-so-favorite creepy crawlies tend to make a powerful resurgence in the fall, finding homes on the heads of between 6 to 12 million American children every year. But the greatest preventative measure is to make sure kids don’t swap clothes or have too much physical contact, which is why preschool and elementary kids are at the greatest risk. “Contrary to popular belief, head lice cannot jump from person to person; they have to crawl.

For this reason, transmission can often be prevented by not sharing personal items, such as hats, scarves, coats, hair accessories, brushes and combs,” says boardcertified dermatologist Sarah Lynn Chamlin, MD. Worried your child may be hosting lice? Check for symptoms such as itching, difficulty sleeping (lice are most active at night), scratch marks on the scalp, pink eye and swollen lymph nodes. You can also see the lice, which look like white, brown, or yellow sesame seeds. If you spot them, wash clothes, sheets, and linens immediately, as they serve as common and easy ways to spread lice. If a child happens to be affected, don’t fret just yet—there are many easy over-the-counter treatments and shampoos that can alleviate the scalp of the worrisome critters. u

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kid stuff

MAKE IT A DOUBLE While it’s pretty standard that most American adults start their mornings with a cup of Joe, it may be a little unnerving to see teenagers, or even younger kids, sipping an espresso.

But it’s not as uncommon as one might think—the National Coffee Association found that 37 percent of teens ages 1318 drink coffee everyday. So, is there still reason for alarm?

In short term, yes: compounded with soda, juices, and other sugary drinks, coffee is a vector for sugar—some Starbucks Frappuccino drinks contain up to 52g of sugar. Coffee has also been found to cause restlessness, trouble focusing, and anxiety in some teens. Should parents make their kids ditch the Dunkin? Not all together: the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) says moderation is key, and its recommended daily intake of caffeine is around 100 mg, or a standard 8 oz cup of coffee. u

FORE (THE COMMUNITY)!

The social climate of the last 10 years has put a spotlight on mental health issues, treatment, and activism, especially among teens and pre-teens: approximately 1 in 5 has been diagnosed with a mental illness. There’s been a higher rate of prevalence of more serious issues, too, as another study has found that more teens die from suicide than cancer. In St. Johns County, The PLAYERS Championship donated $1 million to Flagler Health+ to support growing mental health needs and initiatives for teens in the area. The program seeks to address mental health stigma in the community and in public schools, which is a significant reason some people with mental illnesses don’t seek help. u

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in the news.

By Casey Craig

A WEIGHT OFF ONE’S CHEST Lower BMI candidates awaiting bariatric surgery can breathe a sigh of relief. No more months-long preoperative diets or rigid health plans: many can now opt for the surgery sooner thanks to newly released federal guidelines allowing expanded access to care, which was previously limited for patients with Class 1 obesity or a BMI around 30-35. The surgery has typically been reserved for obese patients that fall under Class 2 and 3, with BMI resting over 35. Obesity can pose co-morbid health issues, so greater access to care allows patients to receive treatment for those illnesses and live a higher quality of life. “This is this fantastic news as it has a significant impact on the health status of many patients seeking weight loss treatment options,” says Husain Abbas, MD, medical director for bariatric surgery at Memorial Hospital. u

TOO SWEET

It’s been a well-known fact that sugary, carbonated drinks aren’t good for you and cutting back is one of the easiest ways to lose weight and be healthier. But fruit juices, often loaded with artificial sweeteners and extra calories, also make suspicious culprits that should be selectively enjoyed. According to a study done by the journal Diabetes Care, ditching the drinks altogether can hold even more benefits. Swapping a soda or juice for an unsweetened beverage—such as water, tea, or coffee—can reduce your risk of Type 2 Diabetes by up to 10 percent. Another study found that adding an extra half serving to your intake of juice and soda can actually increase the risk of diabetes and other metabolic health issues by 18 percent. u

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in the news

UP IN SMOKE

It’s widely known that cigarettes cause various kinds of cancers, and though the link between vaping and cancer has little research to date, e-cigarette-related lung illness is on the rise. Researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine have found a link between vaping and mycobacteria-related lung infections. Mycobacteria is a type of bacteria that includes many pathogens that cause disease in humans—including a difficult-to-treat lung illness that’s been found in patients using e-cigarettes.

Teens, a large demographic of these smokers, are particularly susceptible. The mechanism of what causes the surplus of mycobacteria is not well understood, but nonetheless, researchers found “alarming.”u

DETOUR ROUTE Dr. Vaqar Ali of the First Coast Cardiovascular Institute made news recently by performing the first DETOUR procedure in Florida. The DETOUR is a minimally invasive type of bypass procedure which creates a superficial femoral artery to redirect oxygen-rich blood around a blockage in the artery to improve blood flow to the lower extremities. This procedure was created for people with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and have a blockage in the femoral artery, located in the thigh. Without treatment, patients experience difficulty walking, gangrene, or potentially amputation. The objective of DETOUR hopes to alleviate such cases, and First Coast Cardiovascular Institute is among only 40 centers globally to offer the innovative treatment. u

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in the news

CELL-F LOVE Approximately 100,000 Americans—and

one in 365 African-American children—are living with sickle cell disease, a hereditary blood disorder in which red blood cells cannot properly carry oxygen through the bloodstream. Locally-based LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is stepping up to help: as the sole blood supplier for several local hospitals, they’ve recently launched the 365 Movement, an initiative aimed to educate and recruit Sickle Cell Heroes to donate blood to locals who are affected with the disease. They are actively looking for donors who are willing to give life and love to those who need it most—365 days a year to help 1 in 365. lifesouth.org

PASSED DOWN Do you have the blues? Turns out your kids might, too. According to a recent study conducted by University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville, parental depression can be linked to behavioral and emotional problems in preschool-aged children.

Dr. Elise Fallucco, a Jacksonville-based associate professor of psychiatry and chief of child and adolescent psychiatry at the local UF Medical campus, led the study that observed 2,600 families with children 3-5 years old. More than 56% of children with parents who experienced depressive symptoms tested positively for behavioral-emotional problems compared to 11% of children whose parents did not. Are the findings cause for alarm? Not necessarily, but Fallucco believes that emphasis on mental health screenings in primary care is especially important. “Parents who suffer from symptoms of depression need to realize they are not alone. Depression is common and there are many people they can reach out to for help,” Fallucco says.

“Unfortunately, many people feel there is a stigma associated with admitting they need help. However, depression is a medical illness like any other, and treatment can be effective. Talking to a physician about treatment and reaching out to family and friends are key steps in getting the right help.” u

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u

in the news

SWOOPING SPONSOR

Memorial Hospital is now the official hospital sponsor of University of North Florida athletics. “We look forward to our partnership and serving the needs of UNF students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends,” says Memorial Hospital of Jacksonville CEO Bradley Talbert. The partnership features wide-ranging marketing elements across all UNF Athletic facilities and allows Memorial to be the presenting sponsor for the starting line ups for all home men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball and softball broadcasts on ESPN+. “We are thrilled to announce this new affiliation with Memorial Hospital,” says director of athletics Lee Moon. “This year, Memorial Hospital is celebrating 50 years of service in the Jacksonville community and we are happy to help highlight Memorial Hospital and what they do. They have made a strong commitment to our athletics department and we look forward to working closely with them over the next few years.” u

BUN IN THE OVEN

Most of us have heard of pregnant women doing water aerobics or going on jogs in their first trimester, but many are left wondering what their limitations are, while others worry about exercising at all. With approval from healthcare providers, moms-to-be can get moving. In fact, in a healthy pregnancy, exercise doesn’t increase your risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, or premature birth. Studies have also shown that a pregnant woman needs around 2.5 hours of aerobic exercise every week: water aerobics, walking, strength training, and yoga are all safe activities. However, fitness routines such as high-altitude workouts, horseback riding, surfing, diving, and soccer should be avoided. So, ladies, feel free to book yourself a light-aerobics class and bump up the jams. Find pregnancy fitness programs around Jax at places such as Lotus Yoga, Hot Spot Power Yoga, and GroovaRoo Dance. u YOURHEALTH

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Fall

healthy happenings

Wolfson Children Challenge

Healthy Living Series Walk

Sahaja Yoga Meditation One could argue there’s no better place to find peace and quiet than the local library. Embracing these qualities, the art of Sahaja Yoga Meditation is taught at the Southeast Regional Library. Sahaja is all about finding and utilizing the energy that is already within you, so it doesn’t require exercise, special clothes or gear. Meditation is from 7-8:30 PM on December 10 and is free to the public. u

Healthy Living Series Walk Connecting with nature has proven health benefits, including positively affecting mental and spiritual well being. Restore and refresh your state of mind at the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens during the Healthy Living Series Walk: Art in the Park, as participants enjoy the scenery on a guided walk and draw or paint in the open air. December 12, 9 AM-2 PM. u

Sahaja Yoga Meditation

Easy Week Night Dinners for Families

Easy Week Night Dinners One of the main ingredients of a healthy family-meal is time, which many busy parents do not have an abundance of these days. That’s why JAX Cooking Studio is hosting a workshop, Easy Week Night Dinners for Families, which teaches participants how to make dishes chocked full of protein and vegetables with an easy clean up. The class is 1:30-4:30 PM on

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December 28 and tickets are $60 per person. Don’t forget to bring a container so you can bring home the leftovers. u

Wolfson Children Challenge Wolfson Children’s Hospital hosts its annual Wolfson Children Challenge in

early 2020. Each child featured is a beacon hope and strength representing the many children cared for each year at the hospital.

The challenge has fun, food and games for the whole family along with runs at various levels: 55k, 30k, relay and a 1-mile fun run. Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, January 25, the first race starts at 7 AM. u

yourhealth

NO GRANDSTANDING

BY JAMES BARRICK

ACROSS 1. Like a sleepyhead 5. Shekels 9. Aqua – 13. Yarn across the warp 17. Alliance acronym 18. Beloved one 19. Bird used in falconry 20. Gaelic 21. Start of a quip by Bill Murray 23 Lacking (with “of”) 24. Burrow 25. Chicken coop 26. Where Greeks met 28. Egg or Island 30. Sailor 31. Appear, in a way 32. Bowman’s sport 33. Part 2 of quip: 4 wds.

40. Mollusks 41. Penn and Bean 42. Retread 43. Nadir’s antithesis 47. Charter 48. Cut 49. Industry bigwig: Abbr.

50. Redolent bag 52. “– on a Grecian Urn” 53. Surgical tube 54. Monte – 56. Operatic solo 57. Heroic ones 59. Put on 60. Part 3 of quip: 2 wds.

62. Miscalculates 63. Man in Wheeling 64. Zoomed 65. Part 4 of quip: 3 wds.

69. The pits 70. 1960s sitcom: 2 wds.

74. “Fur –” 75. Complication 77. Spikes 78. Outside: Prefix 79. Lanes 81. Set of parts 82. San Andreas – 83. Aspersion 84. Some muscles, for short 85. Colors 87. – and kicking 88. Sounds loudly 89. Part 5 of quip: 4 wds.

92. Igneous rock 96. Ceremony 97. Number prefix 98. Forswear 99. Famed Roman procurator 101. Failed video format 105. An astringent 106. Birds

C R O S S W O R D

P

© 2019 United Feature Syndicate, Dist. by Andrews McMeel Syndication 108. End of the quip: 3 wds.

110. Medjool, e.g.

111. Destroys 112. Hawaiian goose 113. About: 2 wds.

114. Old flames 115. Let it stand!

116. Watched 117. Anchor

DOWN 1. Egyptian cross 2. Poison 3. Kind of jacket 4. PC crash result 5. South Dakota’s capital 6. Circular current 7. Ship’s record 8. Insect 9. Guideline 10. Music makers 11. Ump’s cousin

12. Main roads 13. Celtic language 14. Speak 15. Willow tree 16. Charon’s craft 19. Goat antelope 22. Tells anonymously 23. Churls 27. Frey or Miller 29. Routine 32. Abbr. in schedules 33. Greek gods’ “blood” 34. Slip 35. – and penates 36. Starts off: 2 wds.

37. Bright signs 38. Flit 39. Garlicky sauce 43. Give in 44. Sous- – 45. What’s to eat 46. Footnote abbr.

Turn to page 6 for this month’s answers

48. Cubic meter 49. Wolf or fox, e.g.

51. Resources 53. Go over 54. Soft drinks 55. Ear bones 58. Ends 59. First showing 61. Overturn 65. River duck 66. Earthenware vessel 67. Sword part 68. Symbol 70. Purple color 71. Kind of race 72. Take delight (with “in”) 73. Back: Comb. form 76. Befuddle 77. Secular 80. Closes, in a way 82. Swift 83. One after another

86. Western Indian 87. Wall piers 88. –- -colored 89. Container 90. Lists 91. Cooked a certain way 92. Mark 93. Take it easy 94. Sharp 95. Christens 99. – -dieu 100. Helot 101. The patella, e.g.

102. Stereo precursor 103. Frizzy hair style 104. Movement: Abbr.

107. Belly 109. Attention-getter

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pet health

Photo courtesy of Getty images • Source: Purina

BARK & BITE THE IMPORTANCE OF DOGGY DENTAL CARE

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Pet Health

Dental care for dogs is important, but it's an aspect of care that is frequently overlooked by pet owners. One of the most notable outward signs of dental problems lurking just below the surface is bad breath. According to the American Veterinary Dental College, periodontal disease is the most common clinical dental condition occurring in adult dogs. However, it is preventable with consistent home dental care and regular vet visits.

Knowing there's a problem with a pet's mouth starts by understanding what a healthy dog's mouth should look like. Teeth should be intact (not jagged or broken) and free of plaque and tartar buildup. Tongues should be moist without any lumps or cuts and gums should be salmon pink, though some dogs naturally have black or black and pink gums. Also consider this advice from veterinarian and host of Animal Planet's Evan Goes Wild Dr. Evan Antin to help keep your dog's teeth healthy and his or her breath fresh:

• See your vet regularly. When visiting your veterinarian for a regular check-up, make sure he or she checks your dog's teeth. Your vet can evaluate your dog's mouth, teeth and gums and identify any trouble spots.

• Brushing is best. Ideally, that means brushing your dog's teeth daily, but that's not realistic for all dog owners. If brushing at home, start slow and make sure it's a positive experience. First, introduce dog-specific toothpaste with your finger and progress to a toothbrush once your pet becomes comfortable. Your vet can also brush your dog's teeth if you're having trouble.

• Treat and play with purpose. Functional chews and toys can be both enjoyable for your dog and provide a healthy benefit as easy options to help with dental upkeep.

"Practicing good dental hygiene is just as important for

pets as it is for humans," Antin says, "I recommend DentaLife ActivFresh chews, which are designed with nine ridges and have an active-ingredient blend of honey and natural spirulina that has been scientifically tested to fight bad breath at the source."

• Use crunchy kibbles. Dry, crunchy foods can be helpful.

As your dog chews, particles from the dry food scrape against teeth, acting like a toothbrush to help reduce tartar buildup.

• Watch for warning signs. Persistent bad breath, red gums and changes in behavior or eating habits can all be signs of dental problems. If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment to see your veterinarian.

To learn more about protecting your dog's dental health, visit purina.com/dentalife and consult with your veterinarian. u

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survivor’s story

New Life OVERCOMING A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AND ENCOURAGING OTHERS WORKING TO DO THE SAME

BY CASEY CRAIG

W

hile coming home from a concert in 2007, 16-year-old Ryan Troutman’s life changed forever. “I was with my friend who had just gotten his first car. On the way home from the concert, my friend was speeding and crashed into a wall on my side of the car. The door was ripped off and I was ejected from the vehicle,” Troutman recalls. The ride that was supposed to top off a fun night quickly lead to Ryan’s fight for life—the accident left him in a coma with a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Troutman describes his recovery as lengthy and difficult, but his injury hasn’t hindered his optimism. “Coming out of a coma I had to relearn many foundational skills including the ability to walk, talk, and sleep. It has given me a new perspective on my life and has driven me to accomplish all of the goals I’ve set for myself.”

Since recovering, which took patience and acceptance, Troutman authored a book on the experience, Second Chance, which explores his journey living with a traumatic brain injury and a miraculous second chance to live. “Second Chance has been shared with individuals living with a TBI all across the globe,” he says. “People living with a TBI have appreciated someone living with the same injury for sharing their story in vivid detail. Second Chance has helped me to realize just how much I overcame and has inspired me to share my recovery with others

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currently battling the challenges of their brain injury.” The book has also spawned a docuseries of the same name, which seeks to profile other individuals with traumatic brain injuries and how they are capable of living normal, happy, and fulfilled lives. “These documentaries remind us that we are not alone and we are here to help each other through challenging moments.”

In between engaging in public speaking events, creating his docuseries, and traveling the world, Troutman finds fulfillment in coordinating fundraisers for others living with traumatic brain injuries right here in Jax. The most recent one, in October, was for Gabbi, a 20-year-old recovering from a car accident earlier this year.

His primary goal for these fundraisers is to bring joy to their “second lives.” “In a recent meeting with Gabbi and her mother, I asked Gabbi what is something that she has always wanted to do. Without hesitation she said ‘I love football. The ultimate dream would be to go to the Iron Bowl to see Alabama play Auburn.’

At the event, Second Chance Story presented Gabbi with three tickets to the 2019 Iron Bowl.”

Troutman acknowledges living with such a disability or loving someone who does may seem daunting, but while recovery is individual, a second life can be rewarding. “Never, ever give up. Simply taking your own personal challenges head on is in and of itself inspiring to others facing the challenges of their TBI. There are always opportunities to better your life or make a positive impact on someone else’s.” Q

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ARMED & DANGEROUS HOW ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IS AFFECTING MANY OF THOSE WHO SERVE OUR COUNTRY —CASEY CRAIG

D

espite being physically fit and active during many years of traveling and being stationed around the world, in 2005, Shannon Easdale noticed his military physical fitness scores going down at an alarming rate. “I was assigned as the squadron fitness coordinator at the base, so this was concerning,” says the former Aviation Maintenance Craftsmen.

Feeling worried, Easdale went to the doctor to get checked out. By 2007 he had medically retired from the military. That’s when he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, a common but cautionary heart condition.

Atrial fibrillation, casually referred to as “AFib,” is the most common heart arrhythmia, affecting millions of Americans each year.

The condition is typically marked by an irregular heartbeat or palpitations. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and weakness. The condition also increases the risk of blood clots and stroke. However, some individuals diagnosed with AFib are initially asymptomatic, like Easdale. While the cause of AFib isn’t completely understood, one of the highest risk factors is stress.

People who work in high-stress jobs—such as those in the armed forces—are at a higher risk of developing AFib, due to minimal hours of sleep and intense training. In fact, being in the military may put you at an exponentially higher risk: one study found that only 30% of military personnel had ideal blood pressure compared to 55% of civilians. So, what’s the link?

“When stress is constant or chronic, your body remains in high-gear ‘fight or flight’ mode, which can tighten blood vessels and

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yourhealth

damage arteries,” says Dr. Saumil Oza, chief of cardiology at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside.

“Patients with stress-related disorders, like PTSD or acute stress following a traumatic event, had a 70% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the first year after diagnosis.”

Additionally, other risk factors include high blood pressure, heavy alcohol use, obesity, old age, and chronic conditions, such as thyroid conditions, diabetes, or asthma. There are preventable measures for these risk factors, such as eating healthier, drinking less, exercise, and monitoring blood pressure, but shockingly enough, too much effort can also raise your risk: “Endurance and high intensity athletes, such as cyclists and long distance runners, are also at a significantly higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation. These individuals exercise far more than the recommended levels of exercise (which is about) 45 minutes a day, four to five days a week,” says Oza. These risk factors may be intensified if you live in the south as well. “Part of the reason we’re seeing an increase in ER visits is our country’s aging population. As the general population gets older, age-related conditions like AFib and other heart problems begin to present at a higher rate.” You should also be mindful of what you’re eating.

“The traditional Southern diet is also often not a heart-healthy one, adding to obesity and other chronic diseases that lead to atrial fibrillation in our population,” he adds.

Both Easdale and Oza have noted AFib as a lifechanging condition, but there are plenty of routes to take to prevent, examine, and manage it. If you or a loved one are diagnosed, you don’t have to be alone—online and around the country, there are support groups for those who live with AFib. With Jacksonville’s large military presence, there is also a prominent AFib population in the city.

There’s always room for a heart to heart—even if it beats differently. ◆

“

“

Though this may be alarming to service men and women, there is still room for optimism: patients like Easdale have been able to manage their condition. He has undergone three separate AFib ablations, a procedure to disrupt signals causing arrhythmia, since 2011—the most recent being this year—but still makes time to spend with his family and remain fit and active. His advice for those who serve? “Try to keep calm during stressful situations and not take stuff home. Try to let it go, relax as much as possible. Keep hydrated! Good nutrition and fitness is key as well. Minimize caffeine and alcohol intake.”

When stress is constant or chronic, your body remains in high-gear ‘fight or flight’ mode, which can tighten blood vessels and damage arteries,

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yourhealth

Head First Five easy tips to lower your risk of strokes.

Strokes don’t discriminate, according to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease and stroke. They can happen to anyone, at any age. About one in four people worldwide will have a stroke in their lifetime. However, up to 80% of first strokes may be prevented.

“Healthy habits can protect and improve brain function and lower your stroke risk,” says Dr. Lee Schwamm, American Stroke Association volunteer chairman and executive vice chairman, department of neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital.

The American Stroke Association offers these five tips to help reduce your risk of stroke and maintain mental sharpness as you age • Keep blood pressure in mind & under control.

High blood pressure is the number one controllable risk factor for stroke. Work with your doctor to manage your blood pressure and get it into a healthy range (under 120 over 80).

• Eat colorful fruits and veggies Eating lots of fruits and vegetables can lower blood pressure over time, which may help reduce your stroke risk. Some fruits and vegetables, such as mangos, avocados and blueberries, are especially rich in vitamins and minerals that improve brain function and heart health.

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• Rest Up. Getting seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night can improve brain function both today and long-term.

A soothing bedtime routine and avoiding screen time before bed can increase the quality of sleep you’re able to get. Sleep-related breathing issues may also increase stroke risk, so seek treatment right away if you suspect sleep apnea or similar problems.

• Meditate.

Emerging science shows practicing mindfulness and being aware of your breathing may reduce blood pressure.

A quick way to be mindful anytime is to pause, notice your breath and observe details in your surroundings.

• Take a hike.

Getting active activates brain cells, encouraging them to grow and connect more efficiently. Aerobic exercise, like going for a walk, also gives your arteries a workout and makes your brain more resilient to reductions in blood flow that can cause strokes. To maximize health benefits, the American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (or a combination) and two days per week of moderateto high-intensity muscle strengthening activity.

“These simple suggestions are great for everyone to follow, even if you don’t think you’re likely to have a stroke,” Schwamm says. “While many adults don’t think they are at risk for stroke or reduced brain function, the reality is that nearly half of all adults in America have high blood pressure, and untreated high blood pressure is one of the most common causes of stroke and also causes up to 60% of dementia.”

For more information and tips for preventing stroke, visit Stroke.org/WorldStrokeDay. Q

PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES • SOURCE: UNUM

S

troke is often thought of as something that only happens to older people. However, more and more people under 50 are suffering strokes due to increased risky behaviors, such as smoking and untreated high blood pressure.

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White Gold Store shelves are filled to the brim with dairy alternatives. So many choices is welcome but also confusing.

BY CASEY CRAIG

M

ilk has been a staple of American cuisine for hundreds of years. The typical American will drink 199 fluid pounds of milk this year alone. Recently, the nutrient-rich dairy beverage has been joined by an expanding variety of product alternatives and been given staunch competition. Plant-based brands have stepped up to challenge milk as being healthier and more ethical. We took a look to see what’s in your cup and which spilled milk is worth crying over.

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Cow’s Milk STANDARD MILK ISN’T EXACTLY FARM TO TABLE. It’s more udder to

factory: milk is either homogenized or pasteurized. Pasteurization is the process of milk being heated at a high temperature (up to 145 degrees) and then quickly cooled down to kill potentially pathogenic bacteria and other enzymes. This process, also known as “flash pasteurization,” keeps milk fresher longer. On the other hand, homogenization is a process that almost always occurs after pasteurization: a mechanical technique in which fat molecules are broken down in the milk to prevent it from growing a layer of cream. Most milk sold in the U.S. is homogenized, and if your milk is two-percent, one-percent, or skim, it was created through the process of homogenization. While this is a streamlined and perfected process, there are still some risks to food borne illness through consuming milk. But to this day, cow’s milk remains one of the most accessible dairy and grocery goods.

FUN FACT: IF YOU’RE DRINKING SOY MILK, YOU’RE TECHNICALLY DRINKING BEAN WATER. The beans

are picked, dried, and soaked in water for several hours. Then, they are ground and added with more water for a 10:1 water-to-bean ratio and, voila, soy milk in its most basic form. Soy milk has become popular in recent decades as one of the earliest dairy-free alternatives to milk. Because the milk is plant-based, it’s also naturally cholesterol-free (as are all other plant-based milks) and may be a refreshing choice for those who have high blood pressure. However, some studies have shown that excessive consumption of soy may cause fertility or hormonal issues in women as it can impact the production of estrogen, so be sure to consume in moderation. Still, soy is here to stay as the plantbased option with the most protein and remains an accessible option with a lot of punch-per-cup.

NUTRITION

Oat Milk BEFORE YOU ASK, YES, YOU CAN MAKE MILK FROM OATS. In fact,

there’s actually an extremely easy way to make it at home—blend water and oats, leave the pulp behind, and what’s left of the liquid is oat milk. Oat milk is popping up as a popular milk substitute at coffee shops across the country: because of its creamy and frothy texture, it’s probably your barista’s favorite to work with. Of the plantbased milk options, oat milk is loaded with calcium that’s nearly comparable to cow’s milk, making it great for bone health. Another factor that sets oak milk apart is on top of being dairy-free, it’s also soy and nut-free, which makes it an optimal plant-based option for those who may be allergic to nuts or soy. The downside is oat milk can have a lot of sugar and may not be as nutritious when compared to other milks. However, oat milk is steadily growing a cult following and becoming more widely available. Sow your oats and drink them, too.

NUTRITION

(one cup, unsweetened)

NUTRITION

(one cup of whole milk)

Calories: 80-100 Calcium: 61 mg Protein: 7 g Carbs: 4 g Sugar: 6 g Total Fat: 4 g

(one cup, unsweetened, unfortified)

Calories: 149 Calcium: 276 mg Protein: 8 g Carbs: 12 g Sugar: 12 g Total Fat: 8 g

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Soy Milk

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Calories: 120 Calcium: 270 mg Protein: 3 g Carbs: 16 g Sugar: 5-7 g Total Fat: 5 g

Cashew Milk

Coconut Milk

Almond Milk

Rice Milk

CASHEW MILK IS NOT AS POPULAR as its nutty cousin

ANOTHER PLANT-BASED OPTION IS COCONUT MILK,

RECENTLY, ALMOND MILK BECAME THE REIGNING KING

THIS IS ANOTHER POPULAR DAIRY-FREE OPTION. Like oat

almond milk, but possesses the same rich, thick texture— but with some earthier notes for taste. The cashew is loaded with antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which are great for eye health, and can prevent damage from free radicals to your eyes.

Additionally, studies have found that eating cashews and drinking their milk can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, being a profound source of magnesium and potassium. If you’re counting calories, this milk is also one of the best options, as calorie count is very low when the milk is unsweetened.

one of the most prevalent superfood trends of the 2010s. Coconut flesh (the inner white part of the coconut) is grated and boiled.

A cream forms at the top of the boil, which is then discarded. What’s left of the liquid is squeezed through a cheesecloth, producing coconut milk. The tropical fruit is packed with calcium and is virtually sugar, fat, and carb-free when processed, unsweetened, and fortified.

However, while fortified coconut milk may be a great source of calcium that surpasses cow’s milk, it can lack in protein, even when fortified. Be careful what kind of coconut milk you choose: raw, unprocessed, and some canned forms of coconut milk can exceed 500 calories and be loaded with sugar.

of top selling alternative milks. It’s everywhere: several varieties in grocery stores, probably in your coworker’s coffee, and has even made its way into popular culture as the butt of a few jokes (The Good Place, anyone?). Plant-based like soy milk, both have a very similar process to making their milks, as well as the rest of the nut-based milk family. What exactly is the hype? When served unsweetened, almond milk is lower in calories than many other types of milks and free of saturated-fats.

Additionally, it’s loaded with vitamin A and when fortified is a good source of calcium and vitamin D. While almonds are loaded with protein, their milk is not.

milk, you can make this oatbased alternative at home using water, brown rice, and your favorite sweetener— though you might not need to, as rice milk is already naturally quite sweet. Rice milk is also an inexpensive option to make at home, as rice is a low cost ingredient.

Alongside oat milk, those with nut allergies have another alternative to indulge in. While rice milk is easy to make and a convincing substitute, it’s an inadequate source of protein, with less than a gram. The milk is also packed with carbs, which is not a solid option for people with diabetes or those watching their weight.

NUTRITION

NUTRITION

(one cup, unsweetened, unfortified)

(one cup, unsweetened, unfortified)

Calories: 30 Calcium: 0 mg (unless added) Protein: 1 g Carbs: 1 g Sugar: 0 g (unless added) Total Fat: 2.5 g

Calories: 120 Calcium: 0 mg (unless fortified) Protein: less than a gram Carbs: 22 g Sugar: 0 g (unless added) Total Fat: 2 g

NUTRITION (one cup, unsweetened)

Calories: 25 Calcium: 0 mg (unless added) Protein: 1 g Carbs: 1 g Sugar: 0 mg (unless added) Total Fat: 2 g

Calories: 40 Calcium: 460 mg Protein: 0 g Carbs: 1 g Sugar: 0 g Total Fat: 0 g

NUTRITION (one cup, unsweetened, unfortified)

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JACKSONVILLE MAGAZINE’S

Jacksonville Businesses That Prioritize Corporate Social Responsibility

2020

IN TODAY’S SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS ENVIRONMENT, employees and customers place a premium on working for and spending their money with businesses that truly emphasize corporate social responsibility (CSR)—an evolving business practice that incorporates sustainable development into a company’s business model. More than just an academic philosophy, research shows CSR has a positive impact on social, economic and environmental factors.

determining where today’s top corporate talent choose to work.

In fact, recent research reveals that more than 60% of Americans hope businesses will drive social and environmental change in the absence of government regulation. Nearly 90% of consumers surveyed say they would purchase a product because a company supported an issue they care about.

Perhaps more importantly, roughy 7 out of 10 will refuse to buy from a company if they learn it supports an issue contrary to their own beliefs.

If your company has a robust strategy for sustainable growth and community impact, don’t let it be a secret. Let your employees, clients, corporate partners and consumers know what you are doing to be socially responsible.

And consumers aren’t the only ones drawn to businesses that give back. CSR strategies and goals can be big factors in

For more than a decade Jacksonville Magazine had made it a point to recognize the local companies doing extraordinary work in the community through our Companies With Heart honors and feature article. We continue that effort in 2020, but with a new focus on four broad CSR categories—Environmental Efforts; Philanthropy; Ethical Labor Practices; Volunteering.

Posted here is an application for the 2020 class of Northeast Florida Companies With Heart. If you would like to nominate your business, please complete the form below and submit it to us by Friday, December 13. Additional materials (photos, articles, company newsletters, etc.) can be sent via mail to Jacksonville Magazine, 1531 Osceola St., Jacksonville, FL 32204.

2020 NOMINATION FORM What We’re Looking For:

Entries will be evaluated by an impartial committee, and the year’s honorees will be featured in the February 2020 edition of Jacksonville Magazine and invited to attend an awards luncheon. Questions regarding Companies With Heart and opportunities for becoming an event sponsor should be directed to the attention of Amy Robertson (904) 389-3622.

Nominated business ______________________________________________________________ Contact person ______________________ Address ______________________________________________________ City___________________ State _______ Zip Code___________ Telephone ______________________________Fax ______________________ Email ____________________________________________ Website / Social Media Accounts ________________________________________________________________________________________ Number of employees in Jacksonville / All Locations ________________________________________________________________________ How does your organization measure success as it relates to community involvement? (Below are questions relating to this year’s four categories of focus for Companies With Heart. Please provide details and examples for each area, if applicable.)

Environmental Efforts: One primary focus of CSR is the environment. Businesses, regardless of size, have carbon footprints. Any steps they can take to reduce those footprints are considered good for both the company and society. Explain your company’s ongoing environmental efforts.

Philanthropy: Businesses can practice CSR by donating money, products or services to social causes and nonprofits. Larger companies tend to have more resources that can benefit charities and local community programs, but even small businesses can make meaningful contributions. Detail your company’s philanthropic activities in 2019 and, if applicable, what it plans to do in 2020.

Ethical Labor Practices: By treating employees fairly and ethically, companies can demonstrate their CSR. This is especially true of businesses that operate in international locations with labor laws that differ from those in the U.S. Are there examples of exceptional ethical labor practices employed by your company, either locally or in a foreign country?

Volunteering: Attending and supporting volunteer events says a lot about a company’s sincerity. By doing good deeds without expecting anything in return, companies can express their concern for specific issues and commitment to certain organizations.

Providing as much detail as possible, share your company’s volunteer activities undertaken over the last 12 months, as well as what it plans to do in the coming year.

NOTE: This form may be completed online at JacksonvilleMag.com/2018/11/28/companieswithheart/ DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS: DECEMBER 13, 2019

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Jacksonville’s

TOP DENTISTS for 2019

“IF YOU HAD A PATIENT IN NEED OF A DENTIST, TO WHOM WOULD YOU REFER HER?” This is the question topDentists asks thousands of dental pros to help them determine who the topDentists should be. Dentists and specialists are asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and technologies and, of course, physical results.

The nomination pool consists of dentists listed online with the American Dental Association, as well as dentists listed online with their local dental societies, thus allowing virtually every dentist the opportunity to participate. Dentists are also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists that they feel should be included in our list. Respondents are asked to put aside any personal bias or political motivations and to use only their knowledge of their peer's work when evaluating the other nominees.

Voters are asked to individually evaluate the practitioners on their ballot whose work they are familiar with. Once the balloting is completed, the scores are compiled and then averaged. The numerical average required for inclusion varies depending on the average for all the nominees within the specialty

and the geographic area. Borderline cases are given careful consideration by the editors. Voting characteristics and comments are taken into consideration while making decisions. Past awards a dentist has received, as well as status in various dental academies, can play a factor in our decision.

Once the decisions have been finalized, the included dentists are checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing with the board.

Then letters of congratulations are sent to all the listed dentists.

Of course, there are many fine dentists who are not included in this representative list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in the United States. A dentist’s inclusion on our list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, we remain confident that our polling methodology largely corrects for any biases and that these lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate, and useful list of dentists available anywhere.

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Editor’s Note: Practice names and

Glenn W. Forhan

addresses are included for Jacksonville Magazine clients.

Jeffrey Gully

Ponte Vedra Premier Dental

Brian Haeussner

100 Professional Dr. Ponte Vedra Beach

Samir N. Hanania

Jason S. Olitsky

Mandarin Dental Professionals

Smile Stylist

Mark P. Abood

14815 Mandarin Rd., Ste. 101 Jacksonville

818 Hwy. A1A N., Ste. 209 Ponte Vedra Beach

Sean M. Altenbach

Samir K. Hanna

Gene R. Patch

Altenbach Dentistry

John J. Harrington

GENERAL DENTISTRY

Gene R. Patch DMD

C. J. Henley

10609 Old Saint Augustine Rd., Ste. 3 Jacksonville

Gregory A. Archambault

Eugene W. Katibah

Michael E. Patch

Joseph M. Barton

Stephanie L. Kinsey

Michael E. Patch DDS

Zan Beaver

Betty Klement

10609 Old Saint Augustine Rd., Ste. 3, Jacksonville

Jeffrey S. Bilotti

Alan Krantz

Tarak Patel

Karin L. Bodor

Young H. Lee

Leslie Platock

Dayn C. Boitet

Margaret A. Lessig

Kristan D. Podvia

Doctors Lake Family Dental

Leah K. Lovett

Jeffrey S. Prieto

River City Dental

Jeffrey S. Prieto DDS

Solomon G. Brotman

510 Airport Center Dr., Ste. 101 Jacksonville

1950 Miller St., Ste. 3 & 4 Orange Park,

Stephen T. Carpenter

Anjali J. Lueck

Franklin M. Rios

Richard C. Caven

Andrew W. Maples

Harris L. Rittenberg

Caven Dental Group

Ponte Vedra Premier Dental

Dr. Harris Rittenberg & Associates

8930 RG Skinner Pkwy.

Jacksonville

100 Professional Dr. Ponte Vedra Beach

5417 Ortega Blvd.

Jacksonville

Michele L. Cavendish

Brian Maples

Ronald K. Roessler

8841 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville

1665 Eagle Harbor Pkwy.

Fleming Island

Aida Cavka Cavka Dental Center 2311 St. Johns Bluff Rd. S., Ste. 206 Jacksonville

Ponte Vedra Premier Dental 100 Professional Dr. Ponte Vedra Beach

Obdulia D. Rondon Richard J. Salko

Selena L. Marchan

Douglas K. Scales

Robert R. Cowie

Rafal Marmur

Paul Schloth

Roy F. David

Jose M. Martinez

Tracey B. David

Martinez Dental Solutions

Ronald L. Dixon

6817 Southpoint Pkwy., Ste. 302 Jacksonville

Andrew Dormeshian

Blanca M. Martinez-Hoppe

Robin Ford Edwards Ian Mackenzie Farnham Farnham Dentistry 11528 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville

Hodges Family & Cosmetic Dentistry 4776 Hodges Blvd., Ste. 103 Jacksonville

Alicia Matayoshi Ryan McAlpin

Hidden Hills Family Dentistry 12086 Fort Caroline Rd., Ste. 105 Jacksonville

James L. Schumacher James L. Schumacher DMD 4201 Roosevelt Blvd.

Jacksonville

Michael J. Shaeffer Cynthia L. Skigen ASAP Total Dental Care

Jacquelene G. Farnham

James J. McCall

6960 Bonneval Rd., Ste. 201 Jacksonville

Farnham Dentistry

Amy F. McMahan

Kevin W. Snyder

11528 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville

Dina L. Fetner

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Kevin L. Neal

Jillian K. Medure Medure Dental

Howard Fetner

3630 St. Johns Ave. Jacksonville

Brian Floro

Richard C. Mullens

YOURHEALTH

Harbour Dental Care 13245 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 61 Jacksonville

Ahmed A. Soliman Jason R. Speigel

Michael D. Spencer

Allan Sandor

Riverside Dental

Michael R. Smith

1061 Riverside Ave., Ste. 101 Jacksonville

Barry H. Stevens

COSMETIC DENTISTS

784 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 110 Orange Park

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

W. Scott Wagner

Bradley A. Cherry

Thirty-four years ago, 60 dentists assembled in Las Vegas to create an organization devoted to the art and science of cosmetic dentistry. From this gathering of individual practicioners, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) has matured into the world’s largest organization for cosmetic dental professionals. The AACD now includes 6,000 practitioners, educators, researchers and laboratory technicians from 70 countries worldwide.

The organization is dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care.

1400 Marsh Landing Pkwy., #104 Jacksonville Beach

Daniel J. Gesek, Jr.

Approxmiately 30 AACD members practice in the Northeast Florida area, including:

Penney Weeks

Gregory W. Hartley

Alisha G. Stanford

First Coast Endodontics

Richard A. Stevenson

2365 Park St. Jacksonville

April R. Stone

Robert R. Thousand III

Henry Thomas, Jr.

Claudio Varella

Steven J. Underkoer Michael D. Vanover Vanover Dentistry of Orange Park

Eccella Smiles

Weeks & Field 228 Ponte Vedra Park Dr., #100 Ponte Vedra Beach

Varella Endodontics 3589 Cardinal Point Dr., Ste. 1 Jacksonville

Gregory J. Groshan Stephanie R. Henley Scott W. Imray

Jacqueline West

Richard W. Joseph

Michael C. Winter

Zane Khan

Ponte Vedra Premier Dental

Samira Meymand

100 Professional Dr. Ponte Vedra Beach

Meymand Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

Andrew Lawrence Witten

11571 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville

Larry C. Young

Michael L. Middlebrooks

Andrew W. Zerbinopoulos

Timothy J. Parker

Rod Zimmerman

Clive Rayner

A Smile Resort

Oral-Facial Surgery of Orange Park

3676 Crown Point Ct. Jacksonville

2301 Park Ave., Ste. 101 Orange Park

ENDODONTICS

Edward B. Sevetz, Jr.

Leandro R. Britto

Scott R. Sklenicka

Thomas A. Brown, Jr.

Thomas E. Stakem

Andrew Calhoun

Vanni R Strenta

Frank J. Cervone

David D. Woods

Thomas P. Currie

ORTHODONTICS

Andrew L. Skigen

Joseph Barton John Bibb Joshua Bietenholz Eric Burgess Jonathan Cohen Ronald Elinoff Kendall Frazier Christopher Henry Atosa Khan Laurie Kitson Vincent Leth Rafal Marmur

Jose Martinez Blanca Martinez-Hoppe James McCall Michael McClure

Megan Moshea Kevin Neal Jason Olitsky Mohamed Osman Richard Perallon

Harris Rittenberg Cynthia Skigen

Geric Endodontics

Lori Aiosa

David Sorensen Steven Underkofler

4788 Hodges Blvd., Ste. 208 Jacksonville

Andrew B. Brown

Michael Vanover

Jessica T. Crews

Jacqueline West

Joy Orthodontics

Michael Winter

3600 Cardinal Point Dr. Jacksonville; 2750 Race Track Rd. St. Johns

Larry Young Q

Christopher M. Geric

John P. Lundgren Gary R. Manasse Joseph C. Mavec Robert Radel

To learn more about the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, visit aacd.com.

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Leandra Dopazo Dopazo Orthodontics

PERIODONTICS

3457 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville

Richard E. Aguila

D. Tod Garner

11512 Lake Mead Ave., Ste. 532 Jacksonville

Elizabeth K. Gesenhues William J. Glenos Josh L. Goldknopf W. Vaughn Holland John G. Lazzara

Jacksonville Dental Specialists

Christian S. Berdy Alan E. Fetner Michael J. Fetner Mary S. Hartigan

Lazzara Orthodontics

Angeline A. Kuznia

436 Jacksonville Dr. Jacksonville Beach

Gary David Perlman

Mitchell R. Levine Valerie Minor Orrin Mitchell Kevin W. O'Shaughnessy Alan R. Ossi Shreena Patel Shawn M. Perce Jason Rice Suellen H. Rodeffer Karen K. Zell

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Ivis Alvarez Stephen D. Cochran Ross H. Fishman Fishman Pediatric Dentistry 552 Jacksonville Dr. Jacksonville Beach

Kristin Hodgson Karen A. Hubbard Beth A. Kailes Lindsay Maples

Roger D. Robinson, Jr. Robert R. Thousand, Jr. Cecil White, Jr. Kirk H. Young

PROSTHODONTICS

The trend of embracing more natural looking smiles

Nidal S. Elias

or many children it’s a right of passage to have a mouth outfitted with a set of braces. Once awkward and gappy teeth are repositioned into perfectly lined pearly whites by the time senior class photos come around. But while uniform teeth might be the norm for many, some opt to keep the gaps that are unique to their smile—consider Madonna, Laura Stone, Brigitte Bardot, and even Jax Mag’s November 2018 cover model Danielle Oyewole (pictured above).

Embracing one’s smile might be trending mainstream, but even in the dentist’s office, some patients are opting for more natural looking teeth.

Kathryn E. Ryan-Peterkin DISCLAIMER: This list is excerpted from the 2019 topDentists™ list, which includes listings for almost 170 dentists and specialists in the Jacksonville Metropolitan area. For more information call 706-364-0853; or write PO Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; by email (info@usatopdentists.com) or visit www.usatopdentists.com. topDentists has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Copyright 2010-2019 by topDentists, LLC, Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission. u

Elaine S. Martinez-Koziol Gary R. Myers Marinela M. Nemetz Barry P. Setzer Flavio M. Soares Michael W. Stratton Gerald K. Weaver Robert V. Weaver

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BRIDGING the GAP

JACKSONVILLE MAGAZINE’S TOP DENTIST PROFILES may be viewed online at JacksonvilleMag.com.

So, if you are in need of a good cleaning, braces or a root canal (sorry about that!), this is a good reference point to begin your search for a local dental pro.

“Dentists are getting away from more obvious dentistry. Things have changed from looking like a Hollywood movie star to just looking like someone with a natural looking smile,” says Dr. Jason Olitsky of Smile Stylist. He explains that while patients aren’t coming in asking for teeth that are gappy or crooked, they are requesting a natural look.

Dentists achieve this by creating veneers that may have imperfections—“a tooth has color and texture and is opaque,” says Olitsky. He says the goal is to embrace these features, not try and take them away. “Ultimately it’s the patient’s teeth. They get to decide what they will look like. Each patientis different, there’s no cookie cutter that everyone fits into.” u —EMILY BAILEY

THE 411 ON ORAL CANCER WHAT ARE THE TOP RISK FACTORS FOR ORAL CANCER? Heavy drinking and smoking, especially together, pose a higher chance of developing oral cancer. “Most cases are linked to tobacco smoking or chewing. Pipe smokers have the highest risks with cancer in the lips,” says Dr. Samira Meymand of Meymand Oral Maxillofacial Surgery. This may be considered a given, since tobacco products have been linked to many different cancers for decades, but there are some surprising and lesser known risk factors for oral cancer.

Sun exposure, which is all but inevitable in Florida, increases your risk for developing cancers of the lips. Additionally, oral, head, and neck cancers have been linked to HPV (human papillomavirus), which is spread through sexual contact. According to the ADA, people who have HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer tend to be four to ten years younger than people with oral cancers that are not related to HPV. “Men are two times more likely than women to develop oral cancers HPV. Recently, cases of younger men with oral cancer due to HPV have become more prevalent,” Meymand confirms. Other risk factors include age—as someone gets older, their risk increases—and family history.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT ORAL CANCER? Oral cancer is one of the most preventable

cancers. You may not be able to change your age or family history, but with preventable habits being associated with carrying the greatest risk, there is much less to worry about. “Wear a hat and sunscreen, no smoking, moderate drinking, practice safe sex, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and go in for regular screening, especially if you have a family history,” says Meymand.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’M DIAGNOSED WITH ORAL CANCER AND WHAT IS MY PROGNOSIS? Being diagnosed with any form of cancer can be scary. Meymand advises scheduling a visit to the oral surgeon as soon as possible.

“Follow up with your oral surgeon and cancer specialists to go over a treatment plan,” she says. These treatment plans are very similar to those for cancers in other areas of the body: if the growth is big enough, it and/or a part of the localized area will be removed by an oral surgeon and the patient may proceed with chemotherapy and radiation.

Some cases are tackled by radiation alone.

While this may sound scary, the good news is prognosis for oral cancer is generally very promising. “Most oral cancers don’t go too far into the mouth. If you’re able to catch it early and quickly while its small, your prognosis is very good and treatment will be easier.” Q —CASEY CRAIG

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BRush Up A quick review of dental care basics

T

aking care of your teeth is something you do everyday… well, it should be something you do every day. But when was the last time you stopped and made sure you were covering all your bases?

We pulled together a quick review, providing tips to make sure your day-to-day mouth care is as effective as possible.

2 on 2

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day.

Why twice a day? Brushing helps remove bacteria and plague that builds up in the mouth after eating. The longer these sit in your mouth the more likely they are to cause damage to teeth and gums, so giving it a good scrub about every twelve hours is the best way to keep them at bay. Plus, no one wants to have a conversation with someone who has breath that smells like yesterday’s onion bagel.

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e h T t E G

GEar

Toothbrush

• Make sure to store it uncovered and upright—so it can properly dry— and away from other toothbrushes to prevent cross contamination. Your own germs are enough to deal with, no need to add in somebody else’s.

• Manual and electric are both suitable for the job, just make sure it comfortably fits in your mouth. Those with arthritis in their hands should lean toward electric, though, because those do the heavy lifting (or brushing) for you.

• The ADA recommends replacing toothbrushes every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed—we’re talking to you, people with braces.

Toothpaste • The ADA suggests children use a toothpaste with fluoride, as early as when a first tooth comes in. Fluoride helps prevent cavities and makes teeth stronger throughout a person’s life, so keep using toothpaste with the super ingredient.

• Beyond fluoride, look for a toothpaste with other active ingredients that build strong teeth by lessening tooth sensitivity, whitening teeth, reducing gingivitis or tartar build-up, or preventing enamel erosion or bad breath.

Floss • It’s easier to floss with a longer piece, so go for about 18 inches to really get in there. Unwind fresh floss from your string as you progress around your mouth.

• While it’s better to use a floss pick than to not floss at all, most dentists recommend traditional string floss—and don’t encourage anyone to actually poke around their mouth with the sharp end of the pick.

• Water picks can also assist in cleaning your mouth, but, again, they don’t replace the cleaning power of good ol’ floss.

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NAil doWn

tEchNiqUe

It might be called “brushing your teeth,” but don’t forget gums or your tongue.

Just because those items aren’t pearly white doesn’t mean they don’t need a good cleaning. Think of them as pearly pinks.

When flossing, don’t snap it into gums, guide it and rub down and then up, releasing anything that might be stuck in the crevasses. Don’t just focus on the spaces between teeth, though. When floss reaches the gum line, curve it against one tooth making a c shape, giving the surrounding gum a once over as well.

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CAll in the

eXpeRts

Beyond regular dentist visits, it’s advised to seek expert advice: • If gums are tender, red, or swollen • If gums bleed when you floss or brush • If gums begin to pull away from teeth • If a permeant tooth is loose or comes out • If teeth are usually sensitive to hot or cold • If you have persistent bad breath or an unusual taste in your mouth • If it’s painful to chew

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Harbour Dental Care Our team at Harbour Dental Care has the training, technology and compassionate touch to make your dental experience amazing! We take pride in making sure that your appointment is comfortable, convenient and on time to accommodate your busy day.

Hate the needle? Avoiding the drill? Enter the new Solea V3 dental laser!!

Harbour Dental Care is the ONLY dentist in Jacksonville that offers the innovative SOLEA DENTAL LASER. This amazing machine can perform many dental procedures with NO NUMBING, NO VIBRATION, and NO DRILL!!! We are changing what it means to go to the dentist.

Imagine an appointment time cut in half, NO needle, NO drill, and leaving the office with normal feeling in your face. The SOLEA Dental Laser is a game changer and we are excited to share it with you!

Dr. Snyder, Dr. Perez, and Dr. Choe are highly trained experts in the fields of cosmetic, implant, and restorative dentistry. Our doctors have completed hundreds of hours of continuing education beyond dental school. We have invested in high tech equipment that allows for less invasive, more accurate, and faster procedures.

Dr. Snyder is also specially trained in IV conscious sedation so you can finally relax and sleep your dental fears away! We are ready to ease those fears of dentistry and create a comfortable dental home that you can trust! It is our pleasure to serve you!

Jacksonville’s State-of-the-Art Dental Office • SOLEA Dental Laser—No numbing, No drilling—Absolutely amazing!

• CEREC (CAD/CAM) Technology—Single Visit Cosmetic Crowns • 3D-CT X-Ray–digitally planned, computer guided implant surgery • IV Sedation Dentistry—Sleep your stress and fears away!

• Invisalign G7 (7 Day) aligners for 50% faster Orthodontics • Newly renovated, fully digital, super high tech office!

Read our 1,000+ Five Star Reviews online to see what the buzz is about!

“Dr. Snyder and his team are very friendly and professional! I had my first visit with them yesterday and was very impressed with receiving the most thorough dental visit ever!! You can expect the newest technology and treatments, as well as a very neat and clean office. They are very organized in their scheduling, as well as billing and keeping you informed from the moment you enter the office to the day you return.

Thank you for such a positive experience!”

— Donna B. HHHHH-Star Review “So, I have been dealing with major pain in my mouth because of how scared I am of the dentist. I understand that sounds ridiculous to most, but the fear is very real. This week I finally went to see Dr. Perez at Harbour. I can’t tell you how amazing my experience was! Dr. Perez is amazing and her assistant, Wendy, was just as remarkable! I honestly felt so comfortable in their hands. I don’t think I would have had that experience at many other places. If you’re scared like me and you’ve been dealing with the pain, go see Harbour Dental. I promise from the minute you walk in the door you’ll feel safe. Take it from a 34-year-old man who’s literally terrified of the dentist....Thank you again Dr. Perez and Wendy!” — C. Blackwell HHHHH-Star Review “Harbour Dental Care has restored my confidence in going to the dentist. I had gone numerous years without a dental appointment due to fear and anxiety about what I remembered it to be. I took almost a year of researching, reading reviews, and building up the confidence to go. The reviews about patience, compassion, and their technology led me to go. I was so nervous at my first appointment, but they explained everything to me, they went really slowly, and it was a pain-free experience. They make every effort to make you feel comfortable. I am pleased to say that all of my restorative and preventative work has been pain free. I would highly recommend Dr. Snyder and the staff at Harbour Dental Care. If you have apprehension, anxiety, nervousness, or even embarrassment, this is the place for you. I truly appreciate their excellent service.” — Gia G HHHHH-Star Review Let’s work together to get that smile back! Give us a call to schedule your new patient Cleaning, Exam and X-Rays for ONLY $79!

ADVERTI S I N G FE ATU RE

Liset Perez, DDS

Kevin W. Snyder, DDS

Christina Choe, DMD

EDUCATION: Columbia University College of Dental Medicine General Practice Residency– Brooklyn Veterans Affairs NY Harbor Healthcare System

EDUCATION: The Ohio State University College of Dentistry Medical College of Georgia: IV Sedation Training Midwest Implant Institute: Dental Implant & Bone Grafting Fellowship Florida Hospital Nicholson Surgical Center

EDUCATION: University of Florida College of Dentistry Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Residency– Fayetteville, North Carolina

AFFILIATIONS: American Dental Association Academy of General Dentistry Florida Dental Association Florida Guild of Dental Scholars CERECDoctors.com soleadoctors.com

AFFILIATIONS: American Dental Association Academy of General Dentistry Florida Dental Association American Academy of Implant Dentistry International Congress of Oral Implantologists American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Florida Dental Society of Anesthesiology Florida Guild of Dental Scholars CERECDoctors.com soleadoctors.com

AFFILIATIONS: American Dental Association Academy of General Dentistry Florida Dental Association Florida Guild of Dental Scholars CERECDoctors.com

Harbour Dental Care 13245 Atlantic Boulevard, Suite 6, Jacksonville, FL 32225 • 904.220.7800 • HarbourDental.Care ADVERTI S I N G FE ATU RE

Matthew Nawrocki, DMD, MS

Richard E. Aguila, DDS, MHS

EDUCATION : B.S. University of Florida; M.S. in Dental Science D.M.D. University of Florida College of Dentistry Specialist Certificate in Prosthodontics

EDUCATION : Periodontics & Implant Surgery Residency, Medical University of South Carolina General Practice Residency, Naval Medical Center San Diego D.D.S West Virginia University School of Dentistry

MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS : Florida Prosthodontic Association American College of Prosthodontics Florida Dental Association American Dental Association Northeast District Dental Association

BOARD CERTIFICATION : Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology Certified in Conscious Sedation, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology

Jacksonville Dental Specialists JACKSONVILLE 11512 Lake Mead Avenue, Suite 532 Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 543-3843 • JacksonvilleDentalSpecialists.com ADVERTI S I N G FE ATU RE

Jacksonville Dental Specialists Our practice is Jacksonville’s premier dental treatment facility being the area’s only multi-specialty dental practice in northeast Florida that is owned and operated by doctors who are all American Dental Association (ADA) recognized dental specialists. By combining a team approach and patient-centered care philosophy with our advanced specialty training and state-of-the-art technology, it has allowed our doctors to successfully treat some of the most difficult surgical, fullmouth restorative and dental implant cases.

Jacksonville Dental Specialists was recently recognized as one of Northeast Florida’s Fastest-Growing Companies over the past five years by the Jacksonville Business Journal. Their commitment to excellence has allowed them to continue to make a difference in our community. They have the distinction of being the only dental practice to make this prestigious list of the fastest growing companies.

Our doctors take pride in providing the highest quality specialty care for patients all in one convenient office location. Dr. Richard Aguila is our Board Certified Periodontist who practices the full scope of periodontics and implant dentistry. He completed his residency training in periodontics and dental implant surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina. A periodontist completes three additional years of residency training beyond dental school. Periodontists are specialists in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the supporting structures (gum tissue and bone) around the teeth and the surgical placement and maintenance of dental implants.

Dr. Aguila’s areas of expertise include both traditional and minimally invasive laser-assisted periodontal surgery to help patients save their teeth, all aspects of dental implant surgery, including advanced bone grafting and sinus grafting, cosmetic periodontal plastic surgery for smile enhancement (gum grafts and gum lifts) and oral and intravenous conscious sedation to maximize the comfort of his patients. Dr. Aguila truly enjoys treating the most complex and challenging cases with Dr. Nawrocki, as well as collaborating with some of the finest dentists in northeast Florida through the traditional, referral based side of his practice.

Dr. Matthew Nawrocki is our American Dental Association accredited Prosthodontist who practices the full scope of prosthodontics and implant dentistry. After completing his dental training, he completed his residency training in prosthodontics at the University of Florida. A Prosthodontist is one of the nine recognized dental specialties and spends 3-4 years of additional formal training in a hospital based accredited program beyond that of dental school. Prosthodontists are responsible for the esthetic restoration and replacement of teeth and are considered the “quarterback” of the dental team, collaborating with general dentists, dental specialists, health professionals, and laboratory technicians to restore optimum appearance and function to your smile.

Among the various treatments that Prosthodontists provide are the following: esthetics/cosmetics, crowns, bridges, veneers, dentures, dental implants, TMD-jaw joint problems, traumatic injuries to the mouth’s structures, congenital or birth anomalies to teeth, snoring, sleep apnea, and oral cancer reconstruction and continuing care.

Our doctors at Jacksonville Dental Specialists have been certified as the exclusive provider of HYBRIDGE™ in northeast Florida and southeast Georgia. HYBRIDGE™ is a patented dental implant supported fixed prosthesis that replaces up to 12 teeth in the upper or lower jaw at far less the time and far less the expense than the traditional fixed implant prosthesis. The HYBRIDGE™ treatment protocol has allowed our doctors to perform more full-mouth implant supported restorations than any other dental practice in northeast Florida during the past six years.

Jacksonville Dental Specialists are very passionate about patient education and currently co-host a weekly dental health and wellness segment called “Dental Health Watch” on First Coast Living on WTLV 12. Our doctors further promote dental wellness in the community by providing free monthly patient education seminars to help patients understand the various dentistry treatment options available to them.

ADVERTI S I N G FE ATU RE

A Smile Resort Dr. Rod Zimmerman has practiced dentistry in Jacksonville for over 30 years. A graduate of University of California in Biological Sciences with Cum Laude honors, he earned his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from McGill University and completed his General Practice Residency at University of Florida.

Dr. Z, proud member of ADA, FDA, JDS, NEEDA, FDSA, and Academy of Implant dentistry, received his IV permit from St. Joseph’s Medical Center, New Jersey, and completed Continuum of Implant Dentistry at University of Florida to become proficient in placing dental implants.

Dr. Z’s motto is We Cater to Cowards, which means we love our patients and take care of them like family. Dr. Z is passionate about excellence in dentistry and treats his patients with utmost compassion. It gives him great satisfaction to hear the sincere appreciation from his patients. As one patient commented, “I have searched a long time for a dentist and am blessed to have found Dr. Z. In this day and age, it is hard to find a professional office with the quality workmanship and deep concern for each patient that you find with Dr. Z. I will never change again… he needs to last as long as I do!”

Dr. Z is proud to be part of a profession that gives back.

Dr. Z volunteers with Healing Hands, Give Kids a Smile, and Mission of Mercy. He believes God has given all of us a gift in life. For Dr. Z it is the gift of practicing dentistry.

“There is no better treasure than giving my gift to others who are in need. It is the touching of someone’s heart with the gift of giving that makes it all worthwhile,” he says.

One special moment he recalls was when a patient in need of his services wrote: “Dear Dr. Zimmerman, I am so very grateful for all you did for me on Saturday. I could feel God’s love and care all around me. My gratitude is truly beyond my ability to express it. May God bless all of you and those you love. Your service to the poor and unhealthy is a true testament to your Godliness. PS. You’re the first dentist I’ve ever seen with a great personality.”

Dr. Zimmerman would be honored to service your smile at his dental practice, A Smile Resort.

Rod Zimmerman, DDS EDUCATION:

D.D.S. McGill University B.S. Cum laude honors University of California, Irvine B.S.E.E. North Carolina State University General Practice Residency Certification from University of Florida AFFILIATIONS:

ADA · FDA · JDS · NEDDA · FDSA Academy of Implant Dentistry

3676 Crown Point Court Jacksonville, FL 32257 904.268.2011 · SmileByZ.com

A D VE RT I SI NG F EATURE

left to right: Dr. Mike Jumber and his wife Judy Jumber, Dr. Jasleen Raina and Dr. Nodesh S

Beaches Dentistry—Your Smile, Our Specialty.

Beaches Dentistry was founded and grown by the Jumber family since 1961. In 2017 Dr. Mike Jumber brought on Dr. Nodesh and Dr. Raina. This husband and wife team believes that a healthy and confident smile goes a long way to spread love, joy, and kindness.

Our Doctors are dental specialists in prosthodontics and orthodontics and follow the highest standard of specialty care in dentistry.

Their specialty training has allowed them to successfully treat some of the most challenging conditions.

Our Team will always welcome you with a smile. At Beaches Dentistry, it is all about our patients and their experience. We spend quality time with each patient to ensure we gain a thorough understanding of their concerns and goals.

Our Focus is on high-quality, specialty dentistry that uses state-of-the-art technology. Quality is at the core of our practice and we do not believe in short cuts. We take pride in the service we provide and the integrity with which we operate our practice.

YOUR SMILE SPECIALISTS Nodesh S. — Your Prosthodontist

Jasleen Raina — Your Orthodontist

“I love to help my patients achieve their goals and their confidence to smile. Creating transformations that can change a person’s quality of life, gives me immense satisfaction every day.”- Dr. Nodesh

"Some patients lack self-confidence and have psychosocial concerns due to their teeth. Restoring their confidence and having them smile without hiding their teeth is the best feeling ever.”

- Dr. Raina

Dr. Nodesh’s practice philosophy revolves around a core concept; Carefully listening to his patients. He works hard to ensure patients understand their dental conditions, what treatment is best suited for them, and why. He enjoys engaging in conversations with his patients and getting to know them beyond their dental concerns. Dr. Nodesh continues to study and stay up to date with dental advances.

He brings to the practice specialized, improved, and modern techniques for patient care. His background as a researcher and having published many articles in peer-reviewed journals helps him critically evaluate and implement new materials and technology to customize highest standard of care for his patients. He also serves on the team at Cleft and Craniofacial Center at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Raina, a board-certified orthodontist, is a specialist who recognizes that every patient has unique needs and goals.

She customizes treatment to the individual desires of her patients, while focusing on the functional details and planning for long-term success. She cherishes the opportunity to spend time with her patients and develop a relationship of trust.

Dr. Raina believes successful orthodontic treatment requires teamwork; She encourages her patients and their families to stay involved in the treatment, to attain the best possible outcome. She has had various academic achievements throughout her life but being the recipient of the Delta Dental Outstanding Dental Award on demonstrating the most professionalism in patient care services, is the closest to her heart.

Beaches Dentistry 324 3rd Ave N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 • 904.246.6714 • beachesdentistry.com ADVERTI S I N G FE ATU RE

Farnham Dentistry Dr. MacKenzie Farnham is a second generation dentist perpetuating the practice of excellent dentistry that his parents started in 1983. Dr. Farnham and his dedicated team are focused on creating a patient-centered experience to meet every individual’s specific dental and health goals.

dermal fillers. Having taken hundreds of hours of continuing education in cosmetics, implantology, digital dentistry (including same-day crowns and bridges), orthodontics, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction the Farnham Dentistry team excels in providing comprehensive dental care for the entire family.

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Dr. Farnham graduated from the Bolles School before graduating Cum Laude from the University of Florida. He then earned his dental degree from the University of Maryland. Following a General Practice Residency at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital system in New Jersey, he returned home to join his family in private practice.

Dr. Farnham stays active in his community as a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, and the Northeast Florida Dental Society. He volunteers his time practicing dentistry for Healing Hands here in Jacksonville, but he is also deeply involved with Leland Dental Charities providing care abroad. He also participates in the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s “Give Back a Smile” program.

Dr. Farnham and his staff stay at the cutting edge of dental technology in order to offer the highest quality care. In order to meet the needs and expectations of all of our patients, Farnham Dentistry, has a dedicated and well-trained team to treat obstructive sleep apnea, and to provide therapeutic and cosmetic Botox and

Dr. Farnham and his team, including their therapy dog, Nugget, enjoy using their training to help patients with dental phobias or anxieties experience a relaxing and pleasant visit to the dentist.

MacKenzie Farnham, DDS

11528 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32223 • 904.262.2551 • FarnhamDentistry.com ADVERTI S I N G FE ATU RE

Rick K. Harrison, DMD, PA EDUCATION: Louisville School of Dentistry D.M.D • Jacksonville University B.S AFFILIATIONS: American Dental Association • Florida Dental Association • Northeast District Dental Association After receiving a Bachelor Degree in Science from Jacksonville University, Dr. Rick Harrison graduated from Louisville School of Dentistry with his Doctor of Medical Dentistry Degree. He is Invisalign certified and attends continuing education classes in all phases of dentistry to stay up-to-date on current trends. In addition to providing routine dental care, Dr. Harrison provides several cosmetic options—from porcelain crowns to Invisalign orthodontics—and a number of whitening services. Dr. Harrison is committed to earning the trust of his patients and he strives for continuous improvement at all levels. His aim is to exceed your expectations.

Jax Beach Cosmetic & Family Dentistry

227 11th Avenue South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 • 904.241.4237 • JaxBeachDentist.com ADVERTI S I N G FE ATU RE

Hodges Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Blanca Martinez-Hoppe is a family and cosmetic dentist who provides exceptional care for patients of all ages. After graduating dental school with honors in 1997, she went on to complete a general practice residency program at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Miami Beach.

Dr. Hoppe then relocated to Tampa, where she joined a group practice and lived there for nine years until she decided to open Hodges Family & Cosmetic Dentistry and moved to Jacksonville to be closer to her family. At Hodges Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Martinez-Hoppe and her team of friendly professionals provide state-of-the-art services in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. She believes in conservative cosmetic treatments for the restoration of a beautiful and long-lasting smile. You can expect compassionate and professional service. She believes in preventive care and maintenance for the overall health of the individual. When you visit with Dr. Martinez-Hoppe, you feel right at home. She always addresses your main concerns and listens attentively to your requests. Hodges Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is a dental practice devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile.

Blanca Martinez-Hoppe, DMD, PA EDUCATION: D.M.D. Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine 4776 Hodges Boulevard, Suite 103, Jacksonville, FL 32224 • 904.992.0922 • HodgesCosmeticDental.com ADVERTI S I N G FE ATU RE

The Jacksonville Center for Prosthodontics And Implant Dentistry As a Prosthodontists, Dr. Rodriguez is uniquely qualified to provide highly skilled, customized, and expert dental restoration services.

What is a Prosthodontist?

Prosthodontist are dental specialist who focus on the restoration and replacement of teeth, helping their patients to obtain optimum appearance and function to in their smiles. After dental school they receive three years of additional specialized training, to focus in major dental problems.

With over 30 years’ experience in the Prosthodontics Science, The Jacksonville Center for Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry continues to be the number one option for prosthetic and implant restorations.

Dr. Rodriguez and his experienced staff are highly respected members of the dental community. This is why Dentist refer their most challenging cases to them. To do this, they also have a reputation for assembling and managing the finest teams of dental specialist in the region.

Being one of the first Prosthodontist in the nation to be trained to use Advanced Dental Imaging Technology at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School in Bethesda–Maryland, Dr. Rodriguez knows how important it is to have the best equipment and technology in his practices. This is why Dr. Rodriguez prepared the Jacksonville Center for Prosthodontics & Implant Dentistry with the best technology to provide advance services to our patients. This is why the technology at the Jacksonville Center for Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry is the leading edge in surgical implant placement planning and restorative treatment.

The Jacksonville Center for Prosthodontics & Implant Dentistry offers you a spectrum of services, support and exceptional care. No matter how complex your case, our highly experienced team of experts will deliver a dental solution that is precise! We are the architect of beautifully designed smiles and artfully planned dentistry.

Noel Rodriguez, DMD, MS • Smile Enhancement • Dental Implant Restorations • Total Dental Reconstructions • Custom Complete Dentures Call us today!

904.513.9119 · Visit drwgielincki.com LOCATION:

6855 Belfort Oaks Place, Jacksonville, FL 32216 A DVE RTI S I N G FE ATU RE

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