EVOLVE Magazine - First Coast Edition - January 2022

F I R S T COAST RE GION

BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE JA N UA RY 2022 | $6.95

HEALTHCARE ISSUE THE CHANGING FACE OF HEALTHCARE

HEALTHY GROWTH: NEW MEDICAL INVESTMENTS CREATE NEW OPPORTUNITIES Clockwise from top: Ronald Jimenez MD, CEO Advent Health Palm Coast; Jason Barrett, CEO Flagler Health+; Lisa Valentine, CEO Orange Park Medical Center; Tom VanOsdol, CEO Ascension Florida; Michael Mayo, CEO Baptist Health

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE: A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO OPTIMAL HEALTH AGENCIES GET CREATIVE TO SOLVE HEALTHCARE WORKER SHORTAGE

WORK HARD PLAY HARD IN FLAGLER COUNTY VISIT TO PLAY AND YOU'LL WANT TO STAY It has happened innumerable times. Company executives have come to vacation with their families to take advantage of the natural beauty of Flagler County. And who could blame them?

With over 19 miles of Atlantic shoreline, 26 parks with launch sites for paddling through pristine waterway, 125 miles of connecting trails and the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail with more than 200 identified species, every day is an “EcoAdventure” in Flagler County. The soothing setting of Flagler County, which has all the amenities, hooks even the most sophisticated decision-maker.

LIVIN' THE DREAM In addition to all of the competitive advantages that Florida offers to a relocating company, Flagler County offers a variety of housing stock appropriate for the CEO and the workforce.

Median home value in Flagler County is $248,700. The County is in the top 1/3 of all Florida counties in overall health outcomes and the graduation rate for students is higher than the State average. With plenty of open space to locate a business, Flagler County is ready for you.

ROOM TO GROW Gioia Sails LLC relocated to Flagler County in 2013 with 43 fulltime employees. Experiencing substantial growth and the need for expansion, the company invested another $3 million to acquire property and build a 20,000sf facility in 2017. The County was able to assist in many ways. Fast forward to 2021, Gioia Sails now employs over 92 citizens and is expanding again.

The latest addition to Flagler County’s corporate family is Boston Whaler which will employ 300-400 people in a 225,000sf facility by the close of 2021. For those that are not in the sea-faring community, Boston Whaler manufactures boats from 13’ to 35’ long.

Naturally Charming. Uniquely undiscovered. Flagler County is ready to serve you.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.VISITFLAGLER.COM @VISITFLAGLER

4000+ projects completed

#1 Rated Salesforce Consulting Partner Multi-Cloud Expert and Premium Salesforce.org Partner Team holds over 1,200 certifications

70% of our business is with existing clients

Over 1,000 clients across the globe

CoastalCloud.us

A modern consulting partner for today’s business challenges.

DELIVERY EXCELLENCE Coastal Cloud is a Salesforce MultiCloud Expert Partner that provides consulting, implementation, and managed services to businesses, nonprofits, and the public sector.

Founded in 2012, the company offers insight and expertise to a wide variety of industries, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, communications and media, and more. Coastal Cloud attributes its success to a unique company culture, nimble expertise, onshore-only teams, and a relentless focus on delivering quality and forging longterm customer relationships.

NATIONWIDE COVERAGE Our hub and spoke delivery model integrates a network of U.S.based solution centers with senior consultants local to most major metro areas. This model allows us to deliver the ‘best of both’ to

our clients – local, experienced consultants who can easily be on-site, coupled with shared best practices, large resource pools, and industry-specific solutions.

Our solution centers located in Kentucky, D.C., Florida and Colorado are strategically placed to provide coverage across North America, and our team can provide service in multiple languages including English, Spanish, and French.

IMPROVING FLORIDA We are especially proud of our work in our home state of Florida, where we have developed technology solutions to protect wildlife in our forests and ocean, keep our schools safe, keep our environment clean, provide better hospital care experiences, and help businesses and public sector organizations with COVID-19 solutions.

Hover over the QR Code with your camera to learn more about us.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

JANUARY 2022

EVOLVE Business and Entrepreneur Magazine

In Every Issue 03 Meet our Editorial Advisory Board Members

044 The Changing Face of Healthcare

20 Five Strategies to Reduce Health Benefit Costs in 2022

30 The Road Ahead

32 Community Service Means Good Business

Features FIRST COAST REGION

BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE J A NU A R Y 2 0 2 2 | $ 6 . 9 5

HEALTHCARE ISSUE

08

12 Mental Health Services Meet Generational and Technological Challenges

16 Self-care and the Road to Wellness

THE CHANGING FACE OF HEALTHCARE

HEALTHY GROWTH: NEW MEDICAL INVESTMENTS CREATE NEW OPPORTUNITIES Clockwise from top: Ronald Jimenez MD, CEO Advent Health Palm Coast; Jason Barrett, CEO Flagler Health+; Lisa Valentine, CEO Orange Park Medical Center; Tom VanOsdol, CEO Ascension Florida; Michael Mayo, CEO Baptist Health

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE: A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO OPTIMAL HEALTH AGENCIES GET CREATIVE TO SOLVE HEALTHCARE WORKER SHORTAGE

22 Hybrid Work, You Are Not Behind. You May Even Be Ahead.

24 Functional Medicine: A Holistic Approach to Optimal Health

Healthy Growth: New Medical Investments Create New Opportunities

On the Cover: Clockwise from top: Ronald Jimenez MD, CEO Advent Health Palm Coast; Jason Barrett, CEO Flagler Health+; Lisa Valentine, CEO Orange Park Medical Center; Tom VanOsdol, CEO Ascension Florida; Michael Mayo, CEO Baptist Health

18 Agencies Get Creative to Solve Healthcare Worker Shortage

| 2 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

28 The Growth and Evolution of Telemedicine

BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

EVOLVE First Coast Region is published by TouchPoint Innovative Solutions.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS FIRST COAST

PUBLISHER & EDITOR Howard Holley

MARKETING AND SALES Jeanne Coates

EVOLVE DIGITAL Aaron London

ART DIRECTOR Leslie Proctor

GREG BLOSÉ

Palm Coast Chamber of Commerce

MARIJO CYZYCKI

CINDY DALECKI

GINA MANGUS

DR. SANDRA MILES

JOE ROY

JOSEPH SAVIAK

AdventHealth, Palm Coast

Marketing 2 Go

MANAGING EDITOR Jennifer Gravel

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

Greg Blosé • Palm Coast Chamber of Commerce MariJo Cyzycki • AdventHealth, Palm Coast Cindy Dalecki • Marketing 2 Go Amy Lukasik • Flagler County Economic Development Office Gina Mangus • Flagler Health+ Dr. Sandra Miles • DSM Initiatives, LLC Sam Ruiz • Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Joseph Roy • Coastal Entrepreneurship & Innovation Institute Joseph Saviak • Dr. Joe Saviak Consulting, Business and Leadership Development

AMY LUKASIK

Flagler County Economic Development Office

Flagler Health+

DSM Initiatives, LLC

Interested in Advertising?

If you would like to advertise in EVOLVE, please call 386.449.8353 or email us at info@EvolveMagazinesFlorida.com.

Write For Us!

If you’re interested in contributing to EVOLVE, please email links to current writing samples and a little bit about yourself to Amy@TouchPointIS.com.

Scan the QR code to access EVOLVE digital or visit Evolve-Success.com

EVOLVE is published four times per year by

SAM RUIZ

Putnam County Chamber of Commerce

Coastal Entrepreneurship and InnovationDr. Joe Saviak Consulting, Business and Institute Leadership Development

EVOLVE/ TOUCHPOINT INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS MEMBERS

HOWARD HOLLEY Publisher

JEANNE COATES

Marketing and Sales

AARON LONDON

EVOLVE Digital Managing Editor

TouchPoint Innovative Solutions All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher. TouchPoint Innovative Solutions assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. © 2022 TouchPoint Innovative Solutions. All rights reserved.

LESLIE PROCTOR Art Director

JENNIFER GRAVEL

First Coast Region Managing Editor

JANUARY 2022 | 3 |

| 4 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

The Changing Face of Healthcare

by Danielle Anderson

H

ealthcare continues to rapidly evolve as a discipline

to provide 24/7 urgent care access to board-certified health care

on a global scale, and providers of health care are

providers. The healthcare system also increased access to mental

transforming themselves to become more patient-

health services through their 24/7 Kids and Teens Helpline and

centric, community conscious and service focused. In Northeast

Textline and telehealth services. Officials say

Florida, the healthcare industry is not only expanding deeper into

Baptist Behavioral Health providers are now

communities to ensure everyone has access to the highest quality

seeing 80% of their patients via video chat.

of care, but they’re also putting down roots in a way not seen

“Care does not begin when a patient walks

among big businesses before and providing savvy consumers

through the door and it doesn’t end when they

with more options.

leave. We aim to be there for patients across pre-care, point of care, post-care and between

Across the Spectrum: A Model for Patient Care The Baptist Health of Northeast Florida healthcare system already carries a reputation for quality care.

Recognized as a model patient care environment and receiving

Lauren Root

episodes of care,” said Root.

By marrying important electronic medical record data points with a myriad of touchpoints that are captured in other parts of the organization into a single source, Baptist Health aims to

the highest marks for patient safety, accolades include Baptist

deliver a more personalized experience at every step of a patient’s

Health being named one of the ‘World’s Best Hospitals 2021’ by

journey.

Newsweek and recognition as a ‘High Performing Hospital 2021’

by U.S. News & World Report.

It’s even a great place to work. Baptist Health of Northeast

This connectivity provides seamless care across an expanding network of six hospitals, three campuses and more than a dozen providers and partners in Northeast Florida, set to include a $200

Florida was named one of Forbes’ best employers in the state in

million full-service hospital in Clay County in fall 2022 and the

September 2021.

Borowy Family Children’s Critical Care Tower in January 2022

Integrating the latest technology advances, Baptist Health of Northeast Florida has placed a premium on a full continuum of care for their 2.7 million patients each year with a Patient 360 mentality according to Lauren Root, CRM and digital engagement

on the Baptist Jacksonville/Wolfson Children’s Hospital campus downtown.

“When patients think about Baptist Health, we want them to think ‘you know me’,” she said.

consultant for Baptist Health.

During the pandemic, Baptist Health implemented the Enhanced Home Support Model to assist patients recovering from COVID and introduced the HealthPlace on Demand app

Rebranding from Within: From Facility to Enterprise A rebrand in 2019 from Flagler Hospital to Flagler Health+ has been an opportunity for the St. Johns County-based hospital

JANUARY 2022 | 5 |

to expand its footprint in Northeast Florida and offer more health

Magnus, Vice President of Advancement & Strategy for Flagler

care options to patients.

Health+.

Flagler Health+ has made a point to focus on delivering value to their patients while investing in the communities in which they serve.

Looking to the Future In addition to population growth, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 16% growth in the health care field between

Expansion into Flagler County’s health care market includes a thriving orthopedic practice and a primary care facility. A

2020 and 2030.

Healthcare systems like AdventHealth,

specialty care office serves as the temporary hub for the Care

which underwent a national rebranding of their

Connect+ program, linking area residents in need with available

50 hospitals and hundreds of care sites across

services throughout Northeast Florida until the seven-acre Flagler

nine states in 2019, are preparing to address

Health+ Village at Palm Coast is completed. Flagler Health+ is

consumer demand and workforce challenges

currently under contract to develop a state-of-the-art, inpatient

head-on according to AdventHealth Palm Coast

hospital on 71 acres at the intersection of US-1 and Palm Coast

CEO Dr. Ron Jimenez.

Parkway.

The need for high quality, accessible health care has led to

“It’s a reflection of our transformation from a hospital to a total care enterprise that advances the physical, social and

AdventHealth Palm Coast’s expansion in the Flagler County market with what Jimenez calls “the single-largest health care

economic health of the communities we serve.

investment ever made in Flagler County” with the addition of a

It is these three pillars that make Flagler

second location, the 100-bed AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway

Health+ so unique. It’s about being a true

facility set for completion in 2023.

healthcare partner on life’s journey, providing Gina Magnus

Dr. Ron Jimenez

“We want people to know that we have the scale and expertise

innovative care in new places and new ways,

within our system to provide world-class care, whatever they

while reducing costs along the way,” said Gina

may need,” he said.

Flagler Health+ Village at Nocatee

| 6 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

AdventHealth Palm Coast has also engaged in a unique

With over 130,000 patients served in

partnership through UNF MedNexus to prepare for the future

2020, including the treatment of over 100,000

needs of the healthcare industry.

emergency room patients, nearly 700 stroke

“As our nation ages, the need for skilled nurses and other clinical practitioners will rise dramatically,” said Jimenez.

“We are focused on developing the workforce of tomorrow.

and neurovascular patients, and delivering close to 2,000 babies, the expansion of resources and trained medical personnel is warranted,

Carrie Turansky

The MedNexus project helps us do that, in collaboration with

according to Carrie Turansky, communications

Flagler County Schools, Daytona State College, the University of

director for Orange Park Medical Center.

North Florida and the city of Palm Coast. We want to encourage,

“Orange Park Medical Center has 10 residency and fellowship

support and provide a career pipeline for students interested

programs that are led by an accomplished faculty, set under

in a health care career by educating and training these future

rigorous standards and tailored to provide extensive training for

caregivers in fields such as nursing, nutrition and rehab,” he said.

the next generation of physician leaders.”

As part of the nation’s largest healthcare provider HCA Healthcare, Orange Park Medical Center is also expanding its facilities, opening a new patient tower in 2021. Announcing plans to add two 24-patient bed floors, a new ICU and a freestanding emergency room, and breaking ground on a new medical office building, OPMC is also engaged in training the health care workforce of tomorrow as the nation’s leading provider of

Danielle Anderson has worked in the public relations and media industry for a decade.

She started her career as a reporter for Flagler Broadcasting where she discovered her passion for telling the stories of communities in Florida.

graduate medical education.

CONSULTING & TRAINING SERVICES Management Consulting Leadership Development Customized Training Programs Organizational Assessment Strategic Planning Strategic Communications Contracting/Procurement Risk Management Grant Writing Research

Joseph C. Saviak, Ph.D., J.D., M.A., M.S. 904.599.5678 SaviakConsulting.com

JANUARY 2022 | 7 |

Healthy Growth:

New Medical Investments Create New Opportunities

by Aaron London

healthcare in the First Coast Region. Between 2010 and

T

100 beds and include women’s services and enhanced cardiology

2019 the Sunshine State’s population grew by more than

services. The hospital will be designed with modern features,

he Covid-19 pandemic is only the latest challenge facing

The 300,000-square-foot, full-service hospital will open with

14%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and more than 20% of

including placing diagnostic equipment near the ICU for patients

Floridians are age 65 and above – increasing the need for a wide

who need it the most, corridors designed with calming LED lighting

variety of healthcare services.

and centralized staff services to minimize noise.

To meet those needs, healthcare organizations all over the First Coast Region have announced or completed major infrastructure

Baptist Health is investing $200 million to build the new hospital, which will create 700 new jobs in Clay County.

projects, including new full-service hospitals.

ASCENSION/ST. VINCENT’S BAPTIST HEALTH To meet the growing need for health care services in Clay County, Baptist Health is building a full-service hospital on its existing Baptist Clay Medical Campus on Fleming Island, with an opening planned in 2022.

Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Johns County new facility is located in the northeast quadrant of Interstate 95 and County Road 210, part of a mixed-use development known as Fountains North.

The 150,000-square-foot project will open with 56 beds, including an eight-bed intensive-care unit, and provide emergency services, hospitalization, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and musculoskeletal care, general surgical services and laboratory and imaging services.

Baptist Clay Hospital rendering

| 8 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Johns County rendering - December 2020

“Our significant investment in this wonderful community is

Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Johns County groundbreaking

rooted in our desire to continue creating new options for St. Johns County residents to get the care they need, with the highest quality

on the north end of the county near Bridgehaven Drive, will be

and compassion available, right here at home, right when they need

approximately 158,000 square feet.

us,” said Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast President and CEO Tom VanOsdol.

AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway will include an emergency department with full-service imaging, five operating suites, endoscopy services, an outpatient laboratory, heart catheterization labs, 20 critical care patient rooms and 80 general medical or

ADVENTHEALTH PALM COAST AdventHealth broke ground in September on its 100-bed Palm Coast Parkway hospital. The four-story hospital, located

surgical care rooms.

Plans also call for a 30,000-square-foot medical office building to be constructed as part of this $145 million project. AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway will bring up to 700 new jobs to the area and is

AdventHealth Palm Coast groundbreaking

set to open in spring 2023.

AdventHealth Palm Coast rendering

JANUARY 2022 | 9 |

Orange Park Medical Center Medical Office Building rendering

ORANGE PARK MEDICAL CENTER CLAY COUNTY Orange Park Medical Center broke ground in June 2019 on

Orange Park Medical Center Middleburg freestanding emergency room

a 101,435 square foot tower that will house 48 patient beds for medical and surgical patients, bringing Orange Park Medical Center’s total number of licensed beds to 365.

The new space will also include two floors built as a shell space, designated for the future expansion of 48 additional patient rooms.

As part of the expansion, over 100 new jobs will be created to care for the increased number of patients.

In addition the new patient tower, Orange Park Medical Center opened a 12,000 square foot expansion with 14 recovery rooms and two electrophysiology labs. The hospital has also expanded its NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) and kitchen and dining area.

All projects are part of a $126 million expansion project.

FLAGLER HEALTH+ DURBIN PARK Flagler Health Durbin Park groundbreaking

Flagler Health+ broke ground in June on its new health and wellness campus located in St. Johns County’s Durbin Park

Flagler Health+ Durbin Park rendering

| 10 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

development. With targeted services slated to open in early 2023, the

the southwest corner of Matanzas Woods Parkway and Belle Terre

42.5-acre campus will feature a state-of-the-art hospital and outpatient

Parkway, the health village will incorporate family practice with

surgery center as well as the signature Flagler Health+ Village

embedded behavioral health services, orthopedics, specialty care,

concept. The health village will incorporate family medicine, specialty

imaging and laboratory services all within a community-centric

care, urgent care, imaging, laboratory services, healthy lifestyle

setting. It will also serve as home to the Flagler County division of

programming and community engagement space with an emphasis

Care Connect+, which links area residents in need with available

on integrating nature and technology to enhance experiences. Flagler

services to address social determinants of health in a coordinated way

Health+ Durbin Park will also include a premier wellness facility,

throughout all of Northeast Florida.

walking trails, and retail offerings.

“We are creating a premier health and wellness destination. The

“We are excited to move forward with our health village project - and others - to better serve the residents of Flagler County in ways

campus has been designed to create a sense of community, deliver

that advance their physical, social and economic health. We have a

uniquely personalized experiences, and achieve the best possible

long history of serving this community and I look forward to further

health outcomes for all people,” stated Flagler Health+ President and

expanding that relationship,” said Flagler Health+ President & CEO

CEO Jason Barrett. “We are proud of our 130-year legacy of service

Jason Barrett.

to St. Johns County and look forward to further advancing physical, social and economic health for area residents with this new offering.”

FLAGLER HEALTH+ VILLAGE PALM COAST Flagler Health+ broke ground in July on the Flagler Health+ Village at Palm Coast. Located on approximately seven acres at

Aaron London is managing editor of Evolve Digital. He is also an adjunct professor of journalism at Daytona State College.

Flagler Health+ Village Palm Coast rendering

JANUARY 2022 | 11 |

Mental Health Services Meet Generational and Technological Challenges

by Aaron London

| 12 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

A

ccess to healthcare has been a challenge for many people even before the Covid-19 pandemic. And access to mental health services can present even bigger challenges. But that is coming into focus

thanks to technological advances, generational changes and a little star power.

Pop star Selena Gomez recently announced plans to launch a new venture

called Wondermind, which aims to connect people with educational resources to help end the stigma around mental illness.

Gomez’s effort is only the latest step in making mental health care open and available to people who need it, without the onus that many have faced in seeking help.

“I think the shame around it is mostly gone, certainly for people in the younger generations,” said Hollan Pugh, owner of Front Porch Counseling, a Daytona Beach-based provider of mental health services. “It’s no longer an issue.”

Pugh said greater appreciation of mental health needs has made it easier for people to seek assistance, and it shows in the number of clients Front Porch Counseling serves.

“We’ve been very busy,” she said. “In general people are having generalized anxiety disorder pretty much about everything.”

Hollan Pugh

And the past two years have only exacerbated the rise in anxiety.

“I think from the start of Covid people were incredibly isolated, lonely and scared,” Pugh said. “And as the country became polarized in terms of what to do about it, people who maybe had good foundational relationships with significant others, family members or friends found themselves sharing different opinions. That became its dynamic of struggle.”

Pugh said as mental health treatment becomes more socially acceptable, more people have sought help and there are a variety of techniques they can employ.

“There are easy and effective tools to address difficult emotions that don’t require a therapist. My favorite is the emotional freedom technique (EFT),” she said. By gently tapping on various parts of the body (face, torso and hands) with compassionate attention to the emotion, we activate the acupressure points for emotions and simultaneously reduce the intensity of the emotion. This works for an emotion… anxiety, anger, sadness, shame or fear. People are amazed at how efficiently this works and there is no need to wait for a month to see a therapist or spend hundreds of dollars.”

“Essentially you are connecting to the parts of the body that release emotions,” Pugh said. “When I teach people that, it is pretty incredible how quickly they can use it.”

JANUARY 2022 | 13 |

According to a report from the National Center for Biotechnology

And when the pandemic hit and people started to shelter in

Information of the National Institutes of Health, EFT is an effective

place, access to healthcare in general and mental health services in

therapy.

particular became a challenge.

“EFT has been extensively investigated for anxiety and

“The pandemic gave us an influx of patients [who] needed

depression. In the first large-scale study of 5,000 patients seeking

services [and] would no longer be seen by their regular

treatment for anxiety across 11 clinics over a 5.5-year period, patients

practitioners,” she said. “We had a huge influx of clients that we’re

received either traditional anxiety treatment in the form of cognitive

still trying to catch up with.”

behavioral therapy (CBT), with medication if needed, or acupoint

Among those new partners are AdventHealth and Flagler County

tapping with no medication,” the report said. “An improvement was

Schools. The Palm Coast hospital announced an agreement with

found in 90% of patients who received acupoint tapping therapy

IMPOWER earlier this year to allow staff physicians to refer patients

compared to 63% of the CBT participants. Only three acupoint

needing mental health services to IMPOWER.

tapping sessions were needed before an individual’s anxiety reduced, while an average of 15 was needed for CBT to show results.”

While the Covid-19 pandemic created a greater need for mental

“We are thrilled that our patients will be able to access counseling and other mental health care through IMPOWER right from their laptop or smartphone,” said Ron Jimenez, AdventHealth Palm Coast

health services, the rapid adoption of virtual meeting platforms

CEO, in a media release. “We want to break down the stigma around

provided a solution that allowed people to access services. For many

seeking help in this way and also make it as easy as possible.”

providers, the advent of virtual therapy was a new frontier, but for

The agreement with AdventHealth followed an earlier

IMPOWER, an Orlando-based provider of telehealth mental health

arrangement the company made with Flagler Schools to provide

care, it was the normal business model.

mental health services.

“We went virtual about nine years ago,” said Amy-Erin Blakely,

“Flagler Schools worked to establish what is known as

Vice President of Behavioral Health at IMPOWER. “We do drug

Memorandum of Understandings with community agencies in an

prevention programs in schools and we also work a little bit in child

effort to address the mental and emotional well-being of Flagler

welfare and adoptions.”

students and families,” said Brandy Williams, coordinator of

Blakely said because IMPOWER offers virtual therapy they can provide services anywhere in the state.

| 14 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

counseling services for the school district. “Currently, there are nine active MOU providers for Flagler Schools. The MOUs specifically

state that the Board has a policy of encouraging collaboration with

“People shouldn’t be afraid of using technology for their

community agencies to expand awareness and service to students

healthcare,” she said. “It’s the future of healthcare and the window of

and families. The community agencies contribute services at all

access.”

schools to students who may experience behavioral/emotional

Blakely said the success of telehealth services in the mental health

problems, family problems, or indications of substance use. Flagler

arena is proof that technology can help overcome the challenges of

Schools is committed to providing appropriate services for school-age

providing care.

children through the MOUs with these community agencies.”

Williams said the district also has an employee assistance

“I think we want to look at the healthcare delivery system just like we look at our online banking or Amazon deliveries,” she said. “With

program to help employees find the services they need, including

all of these conveniences, we are using technology to bring things to

access to confidential counseling.

us quickly.”

Blakely said the lessening of stigmas around mental health treatment and the use of virtual technologies to provide patients

And it can do the same for a wide variety of healthcare services, including mental health, Blakely said.

access has also created a need for more mental health professionals.

“Our biggest problem right now is hiring to keep up with demand,” she said. “It’s challenging, but we’re chipping away at it, we are making progress.”

Blakely said in addition to overcoming the stigma surrounding mental health services, some people also can have difficulty using the technology to access care.

Aaron London is managing editor of Evolve Digital. He is also an adjunct professor of journalism at Daytona State College.

THE WAY WE WORK IS CHANGING Are you going through a period of growth?

Scaling? Are you feeling isolated working from home? Are you looking for a way to make better use of technology?

Office Divvy Gives you Alternative Ways of Working Business Location and Coworking Shared Customer Experience Team Call Desk, Data and Insights Classes and Events Growth Strategies and Planning Join a bustling community of entrepreneurs and professionals who are embracing new ways of working.

386.445.4153 OfficeDivvy.com

JANUARY 2022 | 15 |

Self-care and the Road to Wellness

by Jennifer Morrell

T

he varying aspects of self-care, including physical, social, mental, spiritual and emotional, have never been more

important. According to Google, online searches for self-care-

related topics have surged by 250% between 2019 and 2020, and the result is an opportunity to grow a business as well as up your own wellness game in the First Coast region.

One of the most important aspects of self-care is maintaining

physical health. Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches are home to

opulent jogging and biking paths along the Intracoastal Waterway,

leading to pristine golf courses with ocean views, perfect for outdoor adventure lovers. The best view of all might be during a jog or bike ride over the Flagler Beach Bridge. This path leads straight to the ocean’s waves.

Cyclists will want to check out the Mala Compra Greenway Trail

in Waterfront Park. It is the ideal place to enjoy a more rigorous bike

ride. The trail is mostly shady, with a few small bridges over water, for

a cool ride on a hot day. Other options for enjoying the great First Coast

outdoors include kayaking, paddling, surfing, and even tennis and golf.

To ensure you are fueling your body the right way, try Juicy Café, located on Anastasia Island.

Juicy Café

Once known as “The Juice

Truck,” Juicy Café was created by owner Julianne Baksh-

Renfroe from a love of juicing and healthy eating. “We were fortunate to expand during Covid! While everything

Covid hit us like a brick, a

few things stood out. One,

the St. Augustine locals we beyond supportive! Many

came to Juicy daily, and still do. Many people started a

journey to better health. We

| 16 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

were fortunate to be included in this journey with them. These new customers have become friends of Juicy and we see them often. We realized very

quickly that this growth was too much for the juice truck space. We felt confident that once we found

the perfect space we would hit the ground running, and we did! We’ve been at our cafe location for

6 months! It’s wonderful!” Since opening a store

Julianne BakshRenfroe

front, Baksh-Renfroe has also expanded the Juicy

menu offering to include espresso coffee-based drinks, Kombucha

on tap, and a few bites that include avocado toast, and peanut butter toast. They still have a great selection of freshly made juice, house

wellness shots, smoothies, and a variety of bowls (açai, pitaya, etc.)

Mental and Spiritual Health A healthy social life can go a long way toward self-care and

wellness. How about some yoga coupled with endless laughter to lift your spirit? Amy Angelilli, owner of The Adventure Project, offers

laughter yoga sessions that will leave you feeling connected and happy!

“The Adventure Project offers team building, bonding and

development through cooperative play activities,

such as applied improvisation and laughter yoga,”

Angelilli says. “The laughter yoga experiences have exploded in COVID times as the one-hour sessions of breathing, stretching, clapping, laughing,

meditating and relaxing offer teams a quick way to

take a break, enjoy each other’s company and reset,

Amy Angelilli

The Adventure Project

whether it’s at lunchtime or at the end of the day.”

Angelilli says these types of programs help team members feel

appreciated as human beings who are going through individual stresses while enabling them to bond as a group.

Elorah Davis, owner of Now and Zen Studio, is a proponent of yoga to positively affect the mind, body and spirit.

“Our brain wants us to be overall happy, not

stressed, and the idea of self-care is under an

umbrella so large that yoga does just that,” Davis

says. “Endorphins start flowing as we experience Elorah Davis

joy and kindness. With yoga, people start to feel calm, centered and overall, more present and

Now and Zen Studio Now and Zen

The Flagler beachside shop, A Scent to Remember offers a one-

aware in their everyday lives.”

of-a-kind experience that can calm your mind and body or help

designed to help women be seen and heard, which Davis asserts most

Buckingham offers a full-service aromatherapy business for aromatic

A unique offering from Now and Zen is their Women Circles,

access memories to work through trauma. Shop owner Jacqueline

women don’t often feel.

and topical use of essential oils. She said, “Scents are known to

the need to defend or put walls up, it helps us build a connection,” Davis

stir traumatic memories ones too.” The Master Aroma Therapist on

back into their body, into the present moment and out of their mind.”

peacefulness to your meditation, uplift your spirits or spark thoughts

taking one step at a time to reach your top potential in your health and

in conjunction with therapies to treat trauma, aiming for healing,

“By holding the space for someone to talk without feeling judged, or

says. “The result is the feeling of a cathartic release and being brought Offering “A place for everyone,” Pilates Yoga Loft believes in

trigger nostalgic memories and to be calming but also sometimes

staff carefully blends essential oils formulated to trigger calming and or memories of years past. They work closely with counselors

wellness journey. Located in Saint Augustine, the wellness center offers

recovery and overall wellness.

as massage, acupuncture and community wellness events and retreats.

help you practice self-care and all-around wellness. Physical health

group classes such as aerial yoga, Pilates reformers and dance, as well Pilates Yoga Loft promises to help you every step of the way – body, mind and spirit.

Regarding self-

The First Coast region of Florida offers a variety of avenues to

and nutrition as well as mental and spiritual wellness are a sure bet when you visit the numerous businesses that can help open your mind and nurture your body.

care and wellness, our outlook can

be easily affected by numerous

senses, one of the strongest is our sense of smell.

A Scent to Remember

Jennifer Morrell is an Atlanta-based writer and editor with more than 25 years of experience in digital and print journalism.

JANUARY 2022 | 17 |

Agencies Get Creative to Solve Healthcare Worker Shortage

by Aaron London

A

tight labor market and low workforce participation rates – leaving many businesses scrambling to hire workers – are

hallmarks of the economic landscape of the pandemic era.

And no industry is feeling it more than healthcare.

“I’ve never seen a time like this,” said Robin King, CEO of

CareerSource Flagler Volusia. “I think that the healthcare sector is more significant than the others not only because of [today’s skill

gap; in] the future, there [won’t be] enough spots in the schools to train as many as we’ll need.”

King said her agency has worked closely

with Halifax Health to attract more people to healthcare professions.

“We worked on a campaign together,” she

said. “We did it for all healthcare providers, to create awareness of all the different types of Robin King

occupations in the industry.”

King said while the shortage of trained

nurses is “kind of the face everyone sees” when they are in the

hospital or clinic, there [is] a range of career options where the need is high, including orderlies, surgical technicians, phlebotomists and others.

“I think as a result of the virus, we are definitely going to need

more respiratory therapists,” she said.

Adding urgency to the need is the demographic realities of

Florida, with more retirees moving to the Sunshine State every year.

King said it isn’t just expanded training programs in colleges

| 18 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

and universities that are needed but also greater availability of field work opportunities as part of that training.

“All the occupations require an externship and there are only so

many places where those can happen,” she said. “If more businesses were involved, that could be a solution.”

King said a change in the perspectives on careers from those just

entering the workforce could also help swell the ranks of healthcare workers.

“The next generation of workers wants a purpose and they

bring {their own} purpose with them,” she said. “This is the

opportunity we have to say to those who want to work with a

purpose that there is no place you can work with more purpose than healthcare.”

King said the long-term solution to the healthcare worker

shortage “is not a one size fits all” proposition.

“We have to meet each person where they are at and help them

take their next step,” she said. And that means trying new ideas and looking for different solutions.

“It is a multi-pronged approach to all these

occupations,” she said.

At CareerSource Northern Florida, CEO Bruce

Ferguson said the healthcare worker shortage is not new.

“What the hospitals will tell you is there has

been a shortage for a long time, especially in nursing and it is more acute now,” he said.

Bruce Ferguson

Ferguson said a partnership between CareerSource and the

Baptist Hospital System and Memorial Hospital along with Florida

State College at Jacksonville aims to fill the gap by training existing healthcare workers for higher-level positions in the industry.

“What we are seeing is the hospitals are opening up their own

internal development programs,” he said. “Helping them with

employee retention, the hospitals are investing in their employees and investing in their careers.”

Ferguson said these efforts aren’t new.

“Healthcare has always been one of our targeted industries

the statistics,” he said. “We have a low labor force participation rate.”

Some help may be on the way from Tallahassee as lawmakers

look for ways to address the worker shortage through education.

At a hearing late last year of the Florida Senate Committee on

Health Policy, Mary Mayhew, president and CEO of the Florida Hospital Association told lawmakers the strain on healthcare

workers from the pandemic, exacerbated by the emergence of the

Delta variant over the summer, contributed to a turnover rate of 25% among nurses in Florida.

She said a recent study released by the Association calculated a

because there [are] always ripe opportunities for growth,” he said.

shortage of nearly 60,000 nurses in the state by 2035.

to Florida; it is a national issue.

look at Florida’s nursing education programs.

Ferguson said the shortage of healthcare workers is not confined “I don’t think we’re unique in having these challenges,” he said.

Mayhew said the place to start in addressing the shortage is to “What is the capacity in our education system?” she said. “How

But the situation today offers new challenges for the healthcare

many nursing grads do we typically hire and how many do they need?”

“It is certainly one of the most interesting challenges we’ve ever

work together to find solutions.

industry and agencies like CareerSource.

faced,” Ferguson said. “I’ve been in the workforce development arena for over 25 years and it is by far the most interesting labor market,

where we have more available jobs than by definition unemployed

Mayhew said lawmakers and healthcare industry officials need to “We all need to look creatively at ways to support those nursing

programs,” she said.

individuals. It is certainly the most challenging labor market I have seen in the last 25 years.”

Ferguson said only those people who are jobless and are actively

looking for work are counted as unemployed.

“If you haven’t looked for a job in the last 30 days, you are not in

Aaron London is managing editor of Evolve Digital. He is also an adjunct professor of journalism at Daytona State College.

JANUARY 2022 | 19 |

Five Strategies to Reduce Health Benefits Costs in 2022

by Benjie Bates

F

or the past two decades, health costs have increased each

higher levels (e.g., specialty drugs), employers may cover less of the

or, say, a global pandemic. With that in mind, employers can

coverage levels for their unique workplaces.

year. This happens for a variety of reasons, such as inflation

bank on prices going up in 2022.

According to a PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report, medical

costs. Ultimately, employers will need to determine the appropriate 2. Encourage Active Benefits Participation Beyond drug spending, employers can help limit overall health

costs are projected to increase 6.5% in 2022. This is about average for

costs by making employees active participants in their health care.

projected this year (as more spending goes toward the COVID-19

research treatments and price shop.

the past decade; although, it is slightly lower than the 7% increase pandemic).

Yet, 6.5% is still a considerable increase, especially when

so many budgets have been reallocated or slashed due to the

pandemic. That’s why employers must think both strategically and creatively about how they can lower their health benefits expenses in 2022.

This article includes five ways to help reduce spending without

compromising benefits quality.

1. Control Drug Spending

Drug prices are rising faster than any other medical service

or commodity. Prices are now 33% higher than they were in 2014,

according to GoodRx. This is a significant problem during inpatient

This means encouraging employees to improve their health literacy, Price shopping, in particular, should be easier in 2022, given the

new hospital price transparency rule that took effect on Jan. 1, 2021.

Employees will now be able to see specific prices for procedures and other services. This incentivizes employees to educate themselves before making costly health decisions.

3. Offer Savings Accounts with Carryovers Health plans with savings components are becoming more

popular each year. That’s because these tax-advantaged savings

accounts empower employees to control their own spending and

improve their health literacy. The accounts include health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and others.

Many accounts allow for fund carryover year to year or allow

procedures, during which individuals aren’t usually given an

employers to add that option onto their plan designs. Allowing

drugs they’re given until after the fact. Even in routine prescription

they’re no longer “use it or lose it.” Since many employers match

option to select a generic medication—patients rarely know what

scenarios, employees may be prescribed name-brand medications simply due to physician preference.

Employers can educate employees on the price differences

between name-brand and generic medications. Doing so can

help employees understand that they can save money while still receiving the same quality treatment.

Additionally, employers may consider introducing varying

levels of prescription drug coverage. For instance, fully covering generic prescriptions or drugs used for chronic conditions. For

| 20 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

carryover encourages employees to contribute more funds since

contributions up to a limit, more money added to these accounts means greater tax savings for everyone.

4. Embrace Virtual Health Options One major takeaway from the COVID-19 pandemic has been

that virtual solutions can offer high-quality outcomes. This is so

true that many companies are allowing employees to work remotely permanently. Virtual health options are no exception to this trend.

There are countless telehealth services available these days.

Individuals can connect with health professionals in just a few

clicks—no waiting times or driving to a clinic. Additionally,

pandemic can still be felt. Employees may not be able to bear large

allowing for greater productivity. As such, telehealth solutions

options.

individuals will not need to take large chunks of time off work, are often much less expensive than a typical in-person doctor

premium increases, constraining some plan funding flexibility

Historically, employers have shifted costs onto their employees

visit. Even the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

(usually through higher premiums) as a way to reduce spending.

expand access.

Considering the tight labor market and how many individuals are

acknowledges the usefulness of telehealth services, seeking to

Employers can consider adding telehealth services into their

plan designs. In some cases, it may be cost-efficient for employees

to schedule a virtual health visit before an in-person appointment,

under certain circumstances. In any case, having a telehealth option expands access to care and lowers expenses for everyone.

5. Consider Plan Funding Alternatives A more drastic option for reducing health costs is restructuring

how plans are funded. For instance, a self-funded plan may be more cost-effective than paying a monthly premium for a fully insured

plan. Other options include level-funding or reference-based pricing

However, that trend is not expected to be widespread in 2022.

struggling financially due to the pandemic, employers will likely be hesitant to shift too much of the burden. Doing so may cause employees to seek other jobs or simply forego preventive care,

which can lead to chronic conditions and higher future health care costs.

Employers have a variety of ways in which they can help

contain health care expenses. Choosing the right method will depend on unique employee populations and budgets.

Reach out today for help strategizing your best options.

models, each of which carries its own set of administrative rules and legal constraints.

Funding decisions should not be taken lightly and should be

based on several factors, such as the size of an organization, risk

tolerance and financial stability. Employee financial stability should also be considered, especially while the effects of the COVID-19

Benjie Bates is President of Bates Hewett & Floyd, a full-service insurance agency working with individuals and businesses across Northeast Florida and Georgia.

JANUARY 2022 | 21 |

Hybrid Work, You Are Not Behind.

You May Even Be Ahead.

S

by Ky Ekinci

imply put, hybrid work can be defined as the combination of

office location to work from along with an unbending schedule may

been in the making during the last decade, but these concepts

run errands, take the kids or a parent to the doctor or simply cut

remote work and in-office work. Hybrid work concepts have

have become fast-growing trends worldwide, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The necessity and safety needs of companies and employees due

to the Covid-19 health pandemic also resulted in an overall increase in work-life balance and productivity and the chance to re-evaluate

work for some, but we found that the flexibility to work from home, loose for the afternoon and finish tasks later makes their lives less

stressful and can increase the quality of their work. Happier teams make for not only a more positive workplace but lead to more improved customer experiences and outcomes.

Today, in our own agile Office Divvy team of 16, only two

the “traditional office” work environment.

to four work on location on a daily basis. Job roles related to the

were wary of a remote-first hybrid work model, or fully remote

primarily remote. We had implemented a cloud infrastructure

Before the pandemic, many business owners and managers

operating model, because it seemed like a sure-fire way to decrease productivity levels.

That wasn’t the case, as case studies can show, as well as surveys

of U.S. employers and workers, like PwC’s ‘U.S. Remote Work

Survey,’ which found that in December 2020, 52% of employers considered remote work to result in increased productivity.

Flexibility Increases Employee Productivity For many employees, a flexible work location and flexible

schedule increase productivity levels and overall morale. A daily

| 22 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

back office, our digital team and our Call-Desk team are all now including task management tools, employee engagement and

communication tools, our phone systems and more years before

the pandemic, and we’ve benefited from this infrastructure being in place in converting how our team works to remote-first and hybrid

under the pandemic. Our clients certainly have been beneficiaries of this in the colocation and call desk services we provide for them.

How to Prepare Preparing your business for a hybrid work operating model

doesn’t necessarily entail overly complicated planning. Some

of the steps businesses can take to ensure the infrastructure and operations of their hybrid work model will be successful:

• Colocation. Coworking. Concierge. Arranging some or all of your meeting space with an operationally strong coworking

company can mitigate the risk of excess or insufficient workspace.

Monthly team meetings, offsites and time in the office for solo work do not require the overhead of a full-time office.

• Using apps to stay connected. Countless free and subscription-

• Many workers have shifted back to the office, while others

remain remote. A report by Quantum Workplace stated that as of June 2021, 30% of employees considered themselves hybrid employees and 35% reported working remotely.

• 83% of employers now say that the shift to remote or hybrid work has been successful for their company, according to a survey conducted by PwC

based solutions for video conference, chat, virtual whiteboards,

A Remote-First Culture

software for teams abound. Team alignment can be started by

culture by default and opting to build that into the fundamental

reflect new learnings (you’ll want to keep that document in

first means “remote-only.” Remote-first means companies assume

collaboration and integrated productivity management

documenting DOs and DONTs and continuously updating to your knowledge base where all can comment).

• Custom Automations. Not having to operate in one location

together can shine new light on ways to work differently. For example, identifying a workflow that perhaps has too many

Many companies big and small are choosing a remote-first

operating structure of their company. That’s not to say that remoteemployees are working outside of company office space the vast

majority of the time and only visiting the office for in-person team building or other activities requiring face-to-face interaction.

A survey conducted by the IBM Institute for Business Value

steps, involves too many team members, drives errors or is not

found that of the more than 14,000 workers surveyed, one in four

ideal scenario ripe for custom automation.

The need for a more flexible work schedule was the top reason,

delivering on your customer experience promise could be an • A Knowledge Base. Team members need to securely access

company applications from wherever they log in. A company’s central tools and repository where all internal information is

organized helps teams work efficiently. This way companies better understand the tools and documentation needs for their people.

• Client Experience. With all the gained efficiencies and

productivity, are we also thinking about the client experience?

If your clients and customers are contacting you primarily via phone calls, are your phone technology, systems and

workflows optimized to allow for hybrid work? Because keeping business cohesion and the client experience is paramount.

Hybrid by the Numbers • 75% of hybrid or remote knowledge workers say their

expectations for flexible work have increased, according to tech

employees said they were planning to change companies in 2021. followed by increased benefits and support for their well-being.

Some of the benefits of remote-first culture:

• Cost savings by reducing the need for a “traditional office”.

Businesses can save a great deal by no longer needing an office in the traditional sense.

• Improved satisfaction. Eliminating the commute and the

associated transportation costs is an excellent example of ‘why remote-first,’ and employees report a greater degree of job satisfaction and work-life balance by working remotely.

• A wider range of talent. By not requiring employees to live in a specific city or region, recruiters and hiring managers have access to a much larger talent pool.

Remote-First or Hybrid Work?

Remote-first and hybrid work aren’t ideal for every company

research and consulting company Gartner.

and job. You can’t build a building or deliver packages from a

jobs typically pay more than jobs that cannot be performed

for remaining competitive to top talent in their industry, along

• 37% of all jobs in the United States can be done remotely. These remotely and account for 46% of U.S. wages.

Custom Automations: The new SENDnSIGN App was

created during the pandemic for clients of Office Divvy

that operate in the “Home Services” field, who send and

computer (yet). Still, for many companies, it’s a great solution

with protecting employee health and improving job satisfaction, productivity and the overall company bottom line.

Credits: Big thanks to Thomas Hilton and Drea Evans for collaborating with me in this article -- yes, done so from two different locations.

request signed estimates from their customers. A complete dashboard, project workflow lifecycle, all customer

estimates in one place and actionable, no-fuss signing for customers was developed to resolve pain points in the workflow and elevate the customer experience.

Ky Ekinci is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Office Divvy. He is an entrepreneur, a trusted advisor, a world traveler, a Coworking advocate, and an appreciator of fine cigars.

JANUARY 2022 | 23 |

W

Functional A Holistic Approach hat is good health? If you turn on your television,

whole picture of what it means to possess good health, there

you may feel that you better ask your doctor about

are alternatives. The trick these days is finding accurate sources

the latest in prescription medicines, which appear

with information that explains what works best for you. Being

to help you to be like those in the advertisements, hiking in the

proactive about your health means using all the tools including

sunshine amidst butterflies – just before hearing a list of warnings

the latest research and your doctor’s recommendations.

often spoken too quickly to hear the details.

Western medicine often shrinks health down to a list of criteria

But for those who find they are not getting the

found in your chart or your physician’s computer files. As you will find from those below offering alternatives, there is always hope if you are not currently finding what you need medically.

Lisa Tanner-Sweeters, East Coast Acupuncture & Alternative Medicine owner, in Palm Coast, Florida, finds acceptance of this viable alternative to traditional western medicine a bit of a challenge. “Often my clients either have had surgery and it didn’t work or the operation created more problems,” explains

| 24 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

Lisa TannerSweeters

Medicine: to Optimal Health

by Peter Hildebrandt

Sweeters. “They may simply be tired of their pain medication and

hit by a car, I don’t want to go to my acupuncturist. I want to go to

come in when their regular doctor tells them that there is nothing

the hospital. I studied in China where acupuncture is used in the

else that they can do for them.”

hospital alongside regular modern biomedicine. The disconnect

“Tinnitus is one of the conditions for which, if you visit an

between acupuncture and western medicine – that’s an American

ear, nose and throat doctor, you will be told to get a white noise

thing. In certain places in Europe, only acupuncturists are allowed

machine,” adds Tanner-Sweeters. “To that advice will be added,

to perform procedures, with it used in Chinese hospitals in

‘there is nothing else we can do for you.’ But I generally have a

addition to anesthesia.”

60% reduction in the volume level from tinnitus for my patients.

“I have taken pharmacology

People come to me when they’ve exhausted all of their other

classes, studied anatomy and

options.” Approximately 75% of her patients come in primarily

have a master’s degree.

for back and neck pain. Others may come in with fertility or in

Acupuncturists

vitro fertilization issues, anxiety, digestive difficulties and other

are considered

concerns. “One of the goals I strive for in dealing with my patients

primary care

and potential patients is helping them realize that there are other

providers

options out there.

in Florida.

“There are situations where surgery is the best option. If I get

Patients

JANUARY 2022 | 25

do not need a referral from their doctor to see me, as they would need to visit a physical therapist.

We do insurance and Workman’s Compensation, and I do a lot of work with the VA as well.”

Trisha Howell, owner of Smart Wellness, has a website, www.smartwellness.com, with a comprehensive overview of what functional medicine and functional nutrition mean. Essentially, it is a holistic approach to optimal health, creating a personalized “road map” for the prevention of diet and lifestylerelated disease. It is a patientcentered approach addressing the whole person, not just a set of Trisha Howell reviews the Smart Wellness results with a client

symptoms.

“I see myself as something of a CSI investigator specializing in

getting to the root cause of chronic health issues, not just the symptoms,” explains Howell.

“I always establish a therapeutic relationship and spend up to two hours on the initial visit understanding the patient’s story, that is my cornerstone.”

With over 20 years’ experience as a registered dietician (RD) and extensive training, she is highly specialized in functional medicine with expertise in gut health and microbiome and autoimmune issues. Howell said, “I focus primarily on the gut as Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician said 2,500 years ago, ‘all disease begins in the gut.’”

Howell is not a medical doctor but is board certified in functional medicine with the Institute for Functional Medicine, the gold standard in the industry. She was the founding dietitian for the world’s first functional medicine center at Cleveland

Trisha Howell, IFM

Clinic, and she is the only IFMCP in the Jacksonville area and one of five in the state.

Patients can expect a personalized treatment plan including an extensive patient history, advanced specialty testing with review of all results and a timeline and matrix to Personalized treatment plan

| 26 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

organize and evaluate seven possible core clinical imbalances

and protocols for reversing and preventing chronic illness. She

receive the expertise and guidance needed to get you on your path

cannot discuss or prescribe medication; patients need to get that

to wellness. Success comes at your comfort level, setting your own

advice from their primary physician.

pace to meet health goals. Lives change when habits change.

“People just want to know there’s something else out there

“In the third step, knowing your “why,” understanding what

in a holistic sense. Everyone goes through the motions with their

is causing specific health issues, not symptoms over a lifetime and

insurance provider. However, those providers concentrate on

the role-specific lifestyles, environmental exposures, and genes

the symptoms, but your symptoms are not your problem,” said

have played the story of your health. The “why” sets the stage for

Howell.

how to reclaim your life for optimal health.”

“The organs communicate with one another. Yet in our society, there are specialists for each separate organ. Something such as ‘Irritable Bowel Syndrome’ is a one size fits all diagnosis with a code able to be billed for insurance.”

As shown on her website, Howell maps out three steps in achieving health. The first is participating in the development of a lifestyle featuring goals for attaining optimal health and wellness outcomes.

“Step two is meeting you where you are,” adds Howell. “Once

Peter Hildebrandt published his first article in 1992. He has written for a wide variety of trade and general interest publications for the past 29 years. His third novel is about Washington Roebling, chief engineer on the Brooklyn Bridge construction and son of the “father of wire rope” in the U.S. — John A. Roebling.

you begin with Smart Wellness, you’re in the driver seat and will

Let us help you start and/or grow you business WE OFFER: - Entrepreneur Training - Business Basics - Business Growth Essentials

Visit www.coastalentrepreneur.org or email info@coastalentrepreneur.org for more information and arrange a consultation.

JANUARY 2022 | 27 |

Flagler Health+ Publix Kiosk

The Growth and Evolution of Telemedicine

Virtual medicine and health care have become more commonplace than ever, and the First Coast region is on board.

R

by Jennifer Morrell emember the first time you used your phone to

technology to deliver care at a distance. A physician in one

communicate with a friend or loved one face-to-face?

location uses a telecommunications infrastructure to deliver

That ability to feel more connected through a live video

care to a patient at a distant site. Telehealth is another term that

conversation has spilled over into several types of businesses and industries. The medical field is leveraging this technology through

interchanges with telemedicine The growth and evolution of telemedicine in the First Coast

telemedicine, and it can be a major benefit to both patients and

region has been significant, as Florida embraced the concept in

physicians.

mid-2019 by passing Chapter 2019-137, Laws of Florida. The

Telemedicine (virtual care) is defined by the American Academy of Family Physicians as the practice of medicine using

| 28 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

regulation established standards of practice for telehealth services, including patient evaluations, record-keeping and prescription

management. Health care providers are allowed to provide

at most physician offices, including Baptist Behavioral Health,

telehealth services to patients using remote communication

where providers are still seeing a high percentage of patients via

technologies and commonly used applications, including

telehealth visits, currently above 80%.”

FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts, Zoom or Skype.

“With a virtual visit, doctors can quickly diagnose and treat a medical issue,” she continues. “Should further evaluation be

St. Augustine-based Flagler Health+ is one of many

needed via an in-person visit, it could happen more rapidly,

medical facilities invested in virtual care. Through an exclusive

particularly if a specialist is required. The patient can be referred

partnership with Publix, Flagler Health offers walk-in care

to the right specialist for further evaluation.”

locations that allow patients to access virtual care by board-

Gaver says Telescope Health is a standout offering from

certified doctors for issues such as colds, allergies, sinus problems

Baptist Health. Their physicians live and work in the Jacksonville

and earaches.

community, so they can provide a level of personal care, even “Through a series of on-screen prompts,

when the visit is virtual. She adds that providers have been

patients are connected with a doctor by

cooperative in providing care to patients via telehealth, viewing

video and have access to a variety of digital

it as another avenue for bringing their expertise and care to the

tools, such as thermometers, pulse and blood

community.

pressure monitors, dermascopes and other Gina Magnus

devices, which are connected to the monitor,” says Gina Mangus, VP of strategy and business development with Flagler Health. “The results

go to the doctor in real-time.”

Mangus says the facility also offers an application called “Flagler Health+ Anywhere,” which allows virtual visits in physician offices.

Since 2015, Baptist Health has been utilizing telehealth

The Future of Telemedicine To be sure, the onset of COVID-19 expedited the world of telehealth, telemedicine and virtual care. Medical facilities and patients alike are embracing the benefits of these services and can be confident in the quality of healthcare provided and received.

“The telehealth trend will continue to grow,” says Gaver.

“People want to see a doctor on their terms, when they need one, in a way that is most convenient to them. HealthPlace On Demand

to enable acute care providers to bring their expertise into

allows them to see a doctor wherever they are at the time. It also

community-based Emergency Departments in northeast Florida as

helps ensure patients won’t delay care.”

well as southeast Georgia.

“Telehealth/virtual care has been an emerging trend

Mangus says Flagler Health is leveraging the latest in technology to simplify the healthcare experience for everyone and

throughout the health care industry, as consumers, particularly

to help patients get the care they need, the support they want and

younger consumers, were becoming more comfortable using the

the inspiration to achieve better health.

technology for their medical needs,” says Laura Gaver, integrated

“Through added features such as moderated online

communications director with Jacksonville-based Baptist Health.

communities, remote patient monitoring and integrated digital

“It was also a solution for providing medical care to underserved

tools, we are engaging with patients in new ways to achieve

or rural communities.”

optimum health,” she says.

As for Baptist Health, the facility plans to be a part of this

The COVID-19 Effect The COVID-19 pandemic converted the use of telehealth from

continued evolution: “The telehealth/virtual visit field is growing, and we at Baptist Health look forward to leading the way.”

convenience to necessity for maintaining physical and mental health for many patients.

“In March and April of 2020, Baptist Health and our medical groups quickly stood up telehealth visits at nearly 100 physician practices to safely continue caring for patients via virtual doctor visits,” says Gaver. “More than a year after COVID-19 started to

Jennifer Morrell is an Atlanta-based writer and editor with more than 25 years of experience in digital and print journalism.

impact our community, Baptist continues to offer virtual visits

JANUARY 2022 | 29 |

DATA ANALYTICS LEAD THE WAY TO BETTER EMPLOYEE HEALTH

by Robert Chamberlain

Chairman and CEO, Applied Health Analytics

Below are high-priority steps following the trend of using data to improve employee health and reduce hospitalizations.

The first step in addressing chronic conditions is through early detection. If conditions can be caught in the early stages, there is a better opportunity to begin treatment before the individual progresses to the high-risk category. Health data is key in early detection and is best collected by utilizing two methods: 1. Biometric Screenings: Biometric data includes blood draw results, blood pressure readings and height/weight measurements. The results of these readings can help determine conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and

C

2. Health Risk Assessments (HRAs): HRAs can help uncover

chronic and underlying conditions.

When biometric and HRA data are combined, it provides a

OVID-19 has put a tremendous amount of pressure on the healthcare industry and has placed an immediate emphasis on employee health. The pandemic has taught

us important lessons about how we can better address health

obesity; all factors that put an individual in a high-risk category. information about a person’s lifestyle that may not be present in a biometric screening. This may include poor

concerns before the presence of a crisis, namely in handling

dietary choices, a lack of exercise or smoking.

We quickly learned with COVID-19 that those with chronic conditions are not only more vulnerable to contracting the virus, they also are at higher-risk of suffering severe complications. It is evident that we need to better identify and treat those with chronic conditions. And, as a significant number of the population suffers from chronic and underlying conditions, it’s a group that requires immediate attention. Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation has 1

shown approximately 29.2 million adults in the U.S. between the ages of 18-59 have an underlying medical condition such as heart disease, COPD, obesity or diabetes.

| 30 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

more precise picture of an individual’s overall health. Because most people receive their health benefits through their employer, it’s the optimal starting point. By implementing health strategies at the employer level, there is more opportunity to detect and address medical issues before they become a bigger issue.

Now the data must be communicated and acted upon. The data collected from biometric screening and HRAs should be provided to employees through a personalized health portal that defines strategies for health improvement. These strategies may include:

Changing Personal Behavior: Once a health condition is

The data-driven technology is far-reaching in improving

identified, the individual is provided with recommendations

employee health and helping employers reduce premium costs.

and resources for addressing the issue. This may include

Employer-specific data are combined with hospital and health system

weight loss assistance, referrals to smoking cessation programs

resources to provide population specific interventions. The result is

or a recommendation to schedule an appointment with a

healthier employees and reduced costs for the employer.

physician.

Health Coaching: Many individuals don’t know where to

In unprecedented ways, employers are taking charge and making employee health an important part of their culture. In partnership

start when they’ve been diagnosed with a chronic condition.

with local hospitals, employers gain the data, analysis, tools and

A health coach will monitor and track the progress of an

resources necessary to enhance employee health, mitigate risk and

individual’s condition and provide corrective guidance along

positively impact health benefit expenses.

the way.

Metrics-Based Incentives: Whether in the form of

Kaiser Family Foundation, How Many Adults Are at Risk of Serious

1

Illness If Infected with Coronavirus?, April 2020

compensation, points, paid time off or gifts, incentives motivate individuals to participate and succeed in company-sponsored health initiatives.

The data are aggregated from changes in behavior, health coaching sessions and incentive participation to track an employee’s health journey and determine their progress. Not only will this information help employees determine whether further modifications and interventions are needed, it will also help the employer get an

Robert directs company vision and leads strategic

partnerships and investor relations. He is a veteran

executive and noted entrepreneur with over 30 years of

experience working with employers and health systems

across the United States. Nashville Business Journal named him a 2017 and 2014 Healthcare Hero, and Applied Health

Analytics one of 2014’s 30 fastest growing small businesses.

updated look at the health of his/her employee population.

JANUARY 2022 | 31 |

COMMUNITY SERVICE MEANS GOOD BUSINESS Recognizing Healthcare Heroes

L

ocal businesses are inspired to show appreciation.

“Healthcare workers are the true heroes here!”

has been a phrase repeated many times during the pandemic. Especially in our hospitals that have, at

times, been pushed to their limits, the doctors, nurses and support staff have courageously continued

treating and caring for those in their care. It is no

AdventHealth Palm Coast group shot gift card thank you

secret that the stress of mounting caseloads and

countless overtime hours have taken a physical and

psychological toll on healthcare professionals.

Carla Cline, owner of Flagler Surf Art and Stuff, was inspired to do something

positive to let the hospital staff of AdventHealth Palm Coast know that the community appreciates them and cares. No stranger in town or to raising money for good

causes, Cline devised a plan to create $20.00 gift cards to local restaurants to give to AdventHealth employees. She was not fazed when she asked John Subers, the

hospital’s foundation director, how many employees they had and he said,

Carla Cline, Owner, Flagler Beach Art and Stuff

“One thousand.” Cline set a goal to collect and deliver 1,000 cards, spendable at participating businesses, along with a kind and supportive note from each donor.

Dr. Ron Jimenez, CEO, AdvenHealth Palm Coast said,

“Community support has been absolutely vital to our

caregivers as they’ve worked through the extreme stresses of

the pandemic. We’re extremely grateful for these kind gestures, whether it’s gift cards, food or community members driving to our hospitals in a show of support. It’s helped us keep going

knowing that our neighbors care for us, as we care for them.”

Dr. Ron Jimenez

Once the message spread in the community, the effort-built

momentum and participating businesses offered matching donations and held

contests and others, like Si Como No Inn, wanted to join. Owner Marti Leavines is a

retired respiratory therapist herself. Manager Monique Futch said, “Marti could relate

Si Como No Inn, Flagler Beach

and…. there are no words….no words for how we all felt. We wanted to do something to acknowledge them and let them know that we care. Nurses ROCK!”

If you would like your organization featured in Community Service Means Good Business, please send an email to Amy@TouchPointIS.com.

By submitting a photo(s) for consideration, you declare that you have permission to use and submit the visual image of any identifiable individual or building in the photograph and that you give EVOLVE Magazine the right to use the photo(s) in current and future communications.

Final decisions regarding the inclusion of images in issues of EVOLVE are at the discretion of the EVOLVE editorial team.

| 32 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

Orthopedic Care

A Confident Step Forward

Orthopedic expertise combined with one of America’s top hospitals.

That’s the power of +.

No matter your age, joint pain can take you away from living the lifestyle you love. From everyday injuries to joint replacements, Flagler Health+ Orthopedic Specialists are board-certified and fellowship-trained in their areas of expertise to ensure that you reiceve treatment options that fit your unique needs.

Learn more or schedule an appointment today. Locations in St. Augustine, Nocatee and Palm Coast.

FlaglerHealthOrtho.com + 888.481.2135

389 Palm Coast Pkwy SW Suite 3 Palm Coast, FL 32137

386.449.8353 | Evolve-Success.com

Stay well ahead of hip pain.

Don’t let arthritis slow you down.

You’re out there living life to the fullest every chance you get. You shouldn’t have to slow down for hip pain. AdventHealth Palm Coast’s expert orthopedics team is highly experienced in providing innovative, whole-person solutions for hip disorders — from minimally invasive surgery to total hip replacement — designed to get you back in motion, fast.

AdventHealthOrthoInstitute.com

21-MRKTSTRAT-09498

Scan to request an appointment, or call 386-586-1485.