JANUARY 2019
CocoaBeachLifestylePubs.com
WELLNESS
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
JANUARY 2019 PUBLISHER
Mandy York | mandy.york@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Rebecca West | rebecca.west@lifestylepubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Rebecca West, Justin Connors
Bring on the New Year!
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Hassan Patterson, Darin Back
JANUARY MARKS THE BEGINNING OF NOT ONLY A NEW CALENDAR YEAR BUT ALSO THE OPPORTUNITY FOR SETTING PERSONAL GOALS. Perhaps you’ve resolved to exercise more regularly, take up a new hobby or volunteer at the local animal shelter. Whatever your goals may be, we hope the people, places, recipes and tips and tricks in this issue will inspire you to focus on wellness in the new year. In this issue, we feature ways for you to take care of yourself and your pets! We are featuring a super-healthy smoothie recipe from Café Surfinista; workout routines and treatments from Infinity Yoga and Wellness; aging gracefully without the use of pills or invasive surgeries with Regenerative Matrix; and last but not least taking care of our pets in a natural, holistic way at Animal Wellness World. We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we did putting it together. Thanks for reading Cocoa Beach Lifestyle, and from our family to yours, happy New Year!
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin
Mandy York, Publisher
AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTORS John Newman | Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
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ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
ON THE COVER Stephanie Testa, Infinity Yoga & Wellness
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HASSAN PATTERSON COVER LOCATION Beach Place Guesthouses, Cocoa Beach 4
Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | January 2019
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO Proverbs 3:5-6 Cocoa Beach Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Cocoa Beach areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Cocoa Beach Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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INSIDE THE ISSUE JANUARY 2019
FEATURES 12 Animal Wellness World Offers Alternatives for Healing to Pet Owners and Their Animal Companions Experience a Different Kind of Veterinary Care
18 Infinity Yoga Offers the Holistic Tradition of Ayurveda Heal Your Mind, Body and Soul with Yoga and Ayurveda
12 34
18
28 Regenerative Matrix, Aging Gracefully An Anti-Aging Facility Where Success Is in Your Blood
34 Parting Thoughts Justin Connors, Founder/CEO of Connors Wealth Management
28
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Around Town
12
Animal Kingdom
24 Culinary Creations 28 Local Limelight 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Parting Thoughts
R E G E N E R A T I V E
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GOOD TIMES
Village Flooring Plus Celebrates Grand Opening Village Flooring Plus in Merritt Island proudly celebrated its grand opening. The Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce and 98.5 FM The Beach Radio were front-andcenter to help them kick off the unveiling of their beautiful, one-of-a-kind showroom. They had a great turnout filled with food, drinks, kids' activities and awesome prize giveaways including a grand prize of exquisite granite counter tops. Visit VillageFlooringPlus.com or better yet, come check out their amazing showroom at 358 Hibiscus Ave., Merritt Island. 321.453.2413.
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Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | January 2019
AROUND TOWN
MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO CONSTRUCT NOISE BARRIER WITH GRANT MONEY As part of the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, the Melbourne Airport Authority has been awarded $4 million to design and construct an
It’s 9:35 on Saturday night.
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aircraft engine testing. Residents in the surround-
Together. Wherever life takes you.
International Airport to serve as a noise barrier for ing neighborhoods are pleased with the news. The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund provides funding for improving public infrastructure and enhancing workforce training in Florida.
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LUNA FOOD & WINE NOW OPEN IN DOWNTOWN COCOA BEACH Luna Food & Wine recently opened in downtown Cocoa Beach. Featuring the finest in food and wines plus great service, Luna is conveniently located on A1A just south of the Minuteman Causeway. Chef Filadi has 35 years of cooking experience from fabulous restaurants all around the world. He brings to Luna the culmination of all the experiences. His years owning the Mango Tree restaurant in Cocoa Beach gave him a love of the area and the people. Using only the freshest ingredients and quality products from around the world, he will tantalize your palate! For more information on Wine Pairing events, visit LunaFoodAndWine.com.
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ANIMAL KINGDOM
Animal Wellness World Of fers Alternatives for Healing to Pet Owners and Their Animal Companions EXPERIENCE A DIFFERENT KIND OF VETERINARY CARE
Boutique Boarding: Mini Suite
ARTICLE REBECCA WEST PHOTOGRAPHY HASSAN PATTERSON PETS ARE LIKE KIDS, AND FOR A LOT OF US, THEY'RE LIKE OUR OWN CHILDREN. We worry about them and want to ensure they get the best care possible in order to lead long, healthy, happy lives. We also don't want to see them go through unnecessary
Dr. Donna Ragona
treatments when they're in pain or suffering from an illness. For many pet owners in Brevard County, Animal Wellness World in Merritt Island with Dr. Donna Ragona, who specializes in noninvasive animal care, is the answer. Dr. Ragona’s practice combines traditional Western veterinary care with Eastern Chinese veterinary medicine. It was her vision to create a place where clients could have all of their animal companions' needs fulfilled in one beautiful location, and she's managed to accomplish just that. The location is beautiful, and the expert and compassionate care patients receive there is phenomenal. It can all be chalked up to hard work and dedication fueled by a dream. But before 12
Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | January 2019
Laser therapy with Patti Campbell, Dr. Ragona and dog Lucky
Animal Wellness World Team, L-R: Dr. Ragona, Robin Peacock, April Mouton-Poullard, Jordan Krueger, Hannah Fowler, Patti Gil and dogs Shank, Apollo and Dare
ANIMAL WELLNESS WORLD 3149 N. COURTENAY PARKWAY 321.684.7060 AnimalWellnessWorld.com
that dream could come to fruition, there were years of training and hard work with other facilities that had to be tackled first. From the age of five, it was Dr. Ragona's dream to become a veterinarian, but she actually started her career as an artist designing kitchens and working as an animal portrait illustrator for about three years before joining the Air Force, which paid her way through veterinary school. Wanting to be a zoo veterinarian initially, she worked with exotic animals. As a matter of fact, her internship at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago in 1996 saw her there when a female gorilla famously cradled a 3-yearold boy who fell nearly 20 feet into the primate's enclosure. Crazy, right? After graduating in 1998 from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, however, she decided she'd rather work with companion animals and their owners, saying once she started down that road she knew it was
CONTINUED >
January 2019 | Cocoa Beach Lifestyle
13
ANIMAL KINGDOM
(CON TI N U ED)
where she needed to be. Additionally, she did a year with the humane society, which she feels all vets should do. Most of her job now is comforting people, but her favorite part about the role she's chosen for herself is working with the animals. With those two things in mind, she designed AWW for animals and people, creating a space that is both comfortable and calming. Everything about it is feng shui, and from the minute you step through the door you feel as though you've been Acupuncture with Hannah Fowler, Dr. Ragona and cat Joy
transported to China. Her admiration for the wisdom of Eastern medicine was and continues to be so strong that she took it a step further and purchased an acupuncture school from Dr. Bo Shih Ni, a well-known acupuncturist in the area. This falls completely in line with her affinity for holistic therapy. Since learning the skills of acupuncture herself, she now incorporates them into her treatment plans, whenever applicable. "Surgery and emergency medicine is phenomenal, but when it comes to chronic disease, I think that Eastern medicine really has a better idea of how the body functions,"
Animal Wellness World
Dr. Ragona says. "Chinese medicine wants to heal you and move on. Its purpose is also to increase your qi, and raising your qi is going to make you healthier and help you live longer. Long-term, Chinese medicine is the way to go." When it comes to cancer cases, which AWW treats quite a few of, the approach to treatment is integrative. That simply means she uses both conventional and holistic medicine as ways of healing, viewing the combination of the two as just having a bigger toolbox to work from. In that toolbox are acupuncture, spinal manipulation, the use of essential oils, laser therapy, hyperthermia therapy,
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Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | January 2019
Robin Peacock with dog Apollo
stem cell treatments and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatments. In her practice, she's found the use of stem cell therapy to be a permanent solution to hip dysplasia in dogs. She also just started offering physical therapy at the clinic, conducted by fellow vet Dr. Diego Sobrino. "Probably the most important thing I do is design homemade diets for dogs," she says. "Cereal in a bag is not ideal because it lacks moisture. Eating dry kibble every day is pulling the moisture from their bodies, and it can lead to Cushing's disease, bad teeth, excessive shedding, etc. I can't even begin to tell you the difference between dogs on kibble and dogs on a balanced homemade diet structured for their Yin/Yang needs. There's no comparison. So it's one of the most important things you can do for your pet. When I get a dog on the right food with the right vitamin/mineral balance, I rarely have to see them except for checkups. "With cancer—Cushing's disease is the biggest problem right now next to cancer, obesity, allergies and arthritis in dogs—the first thing I do with these ailments is design the right homemade diet. All of a sudden, the dog's got a ton of energy, and that's all that people want to see is that their dog doesn't feel bad." When it comes to tumors, Dr. Ragona prefers the use of hyperthermia treatments for shrinking them. Hyperthermia reportedly doesn't make you feel bad, and it doesn't kill good cells—a win-win situation—so it's nearly perfect for treatment. It works by producing a fever in the body (raising the temperature to about 104 F) and the cancer cells die. The noncancerous cells surrounding the mass, on the other hand, become more active in fighting the tumor. As an alternative to radiation, it's far less punishing all the way around. Beyond veterinary care, Animal Wellness World also provides boutique boarding. That means AWW limits the number of pets it will take for overnight stays at any one time with the knowledge that boarding can be one of the most stressful experiences an animal can undergo. Stress feeds on stress. The higher the number of animals, the more it begins to feel like a kennel or pound, leaving the creatures within frightened, confused and ultimately feeding off one another's fear. Instead, there are three themed mini suites decorated in murals that come equipped with beds and stairs leading to upper-level lofts. The dogs get plenty of exercise and have access to the grounds, which contain six different gardens with gridlines falling to the north, south, east and west planted with trees from China on 4 acres of land. It really is a beautiful facility. Speaking of beautiful, Dr. Ragona hasn't given up on her art. She's quite It's doggie TV time!
accomplished with a vast array of works featuring animal companions. Her work can be viewed in several universities around the country, publications by the AVMA and even on Animal Planet. Her collection consists of prints, plaques and cards celebrating the human/animal bond and veterinary medicine. You can view it at VetMedArt.com. Finally, AWW offers an annual “Mini Vet School” for children ages 9 to 13. The half-day course allows kids to explore the behind-the-scenes world of working in a veterinary clinic while learning valuable information about the career of veterinary medicine as they move through interactive hands-on labs and lectures. With all of this going on, at the end of the day Dr. Ragona is exactly where she wants to be and credits her amazing staff for making her dream possible. 3149 N. Courtenay Parkway, 321.684.7060, AnimalWellnessWorld.com January 2019 | Cocoa Beach Lifestyle
15
Interior Stylings Retail Furniture Boutique and Interior Design Studio
126 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
321-543-3509
Do you know what Santa & Mrs. Claus do in Brevard County after Christmas? T h e y Vo l u n t e e r at Hospice of S t . Fr a n c i s !
NEW VOLUNTEER TRAINING CLASS BEGINS ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019 FROM 1 PM TO 5 PM.
There are many ways you can share the gift of your time with our patients and their families. Some of the ways our volunteers help include:
SERVING ALL OF B R E VA R D C O U N T Y
Please call 321-269-4240 for more information about volunteering at Hospice of St. Francis, and visit our Website at hospiceofstfrancis.com and click on the Volunteer button at the top right.
• • • • • •
Companionship Visits to Elderly Patients Care Center Greeter Crafts/Sewing/Quilting Staffing Community Outreach Events Hospice of St. Francis Office Assistance Pet Therapy Visits
W E H AV E A V E R Y T H O R O U G H O R I E N TAT I O N P R O C E S S D E S I G N E D T O H E L P YO U F E E L C O M F O R TA B L E I N YO U R R O L E A N D W E S T R I V E T O M AT C H YO U R S K I L L S A N D I N T E R E S T S W I T H T H E R I G H T VO LU N T E E R P O S I T I O N .
HEAL YOUR MIND, BODY AND SOUL WITH YOGA
Infinity Yoga of Cocoa Beach Offers the Holistic Tradition of Ayurveda some changes were in order. Years earlier, she had
MIND, RESTORING YOUR ENERGY LEVELS,
toyed with hot yoga and liked it but admits she was
REDUCING STRESS, IMPROVING MUSCLE
a bit wishy-washy as to dedication and attendance.
TONE, BALANCE, SLEEP AND GENERAL
She kept at it off and on for about five years, but
OUTLOOK ALL WHILE BRINGING A SENSE
when Vinyasa hit the scene in her area, she went
OF CALM INTO YOUR LIFE. It teaches you tech-
all in, even going so far as to purchase an unlimited
niques for focus and gives you the tools to step
pass and putting her gym rat days of lifting weights
back and bring things down a notch whenever the
behind her. During this time, she saw a difference
need arises. In fact, if you practice it long enough,
in her own physical and mental health, but not her
feeling stressed out is seldom a factor in your day-
co-workers, which got her thinking.
to-day inner workings.
That's when she decided to go back to her alma
All of these benefits, and then some, is what
mater and became the director and faculty chair for
drew Stephanie Testa, owner of Infinity Yoga and
the surgical program at the college. She eventually
Ayurveda of Cocoa Beach, to take it up in the first
started teaching yoga to her colleagues and then
place. With a background in medicine—which, with
the school's basketball team, all while retaining her
a healthy dose of irony brought on ill health—she
professorship. On a trip to Louisville, a friend who
managed to find a place and a profession for herself
worked as the director of one of the largest hospital
in life that is exactly where she wants to be.
chains in the city encouraged Stephanie to take a
Originally from Kentucky, Stephanie moved
position at the Foundation Center and actually pub-
to Florida after visiting her parents who already
lish her thesis on yoga and health workers. It was an
resided here. She was looking to make a change
opportunity for her to help those in healthcare get
anyway, but with her folks getting on in life and the
healthier and the community as well.
lure of the balmy weather, she pulled the plug on
Fast forward to the trip to Florida to visit her
her life in Kentucky and made the leap. Before leav-
folks, and the rest is history. She began instruct-
ing Kentucky, however, she'd gotten her degrees
ing at a local studio here in Brevard and gained a
at St. Catharine College in Bardstown, where she
following. With her classes growing steadily, it was
received her AS degree as a surgical technologist,
decided—at the nudging of her then boyfriend/now
her BHS and her masters in healthcare leadership.
husband—to open her own place. Between her
Without knowing yet that she'd eventually end up
years of yoga and the introduction of Ayurveda,
owning her own yoga studio someday, she actually
something she discovered years earlier during
did her thesis on the subject, discussing how yoga
a prolonged illness, she was able to offer clients
can change your life.
not only a comfortable yoga studio with a number
It was during her managerial career in the operat-
of classes encompassing different disciplines but
ing room that the stress began to get to her and she
also an opportunity to learn about “the science of
had a probable heart attack at age 40. Obviously,
life,” which is what Ayurveda means.
18
Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | January 2019
CONTINUED >
ARTICLE REBECCA WEST | PHOTOGRAPHY HASSAN PATTERSON AND DARIN BACK
YOGA IS BENEFICIAL FOR BOTH BODY AND
Stephanie Testa
January 2019 | Cocoa Beach Lifestyle
19
INFINIT Y YOGA AND WELLNESS OF COCOA BEACH
(CON TI N UED)
Ayurveda
Described as a holistic tradition from India that uses a systemic and highly complex model of health and disease restoration, Ayurveda aims to provide guidance regarding diet and lifestyle so that healthy individuals can stay healthy and those with health challenges can improve their overall well-being. Ayurveda also stresses the usefulness of natural therapies, such as massage, herbal medicines, yoga and other exercises as well as psychological and meditative counseling. "Ayurveda changed my life. When I first discovered it, after turning to holistic medicine when nothing else was working, I couldn't even spell it. But in the end, it truly changed my life," Stephanie says. The yoga mistress was also trained in power Stephanie and husband Dr. John Hearin, co-owner of Infinity
yoga by none other than Bryan Kest, a who's who in the yoga world. When asked what message she wanted to bring, she says: "I want to cultivate health and wellness to the mind, body and soul and to encourage people to live a life of kindness and compassion. I want to bring this awareness to the masses." She puts her money where here mouth is and practices what she preaches. During the holidays she sets up a Christmas tree at the studio with tags on it reminiscent of the Salvation Army's Christmas Angel program where people can remove a paper ornament with the name of a child who might otherwise not receive a gift for Christmas. Stephanie's tree included the name of an orphanage in Haiti where people could donate in order to aid its young residents. If you're looking for a simple routine to try at home in order to get a feel for what you can expect when practicing yoga, Stephanie suggests trying out a routine known as the Sun Salutation. We've provided a breakdown for beginners that most anyone should be able to successfully participate in. Remember, as with all forms of exercise, it's advised you consult your physician before embarking on a fitness program—even one as gentle as yoga.
20
Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | January 2019
1
Mountain - Inhale
2
Forward Fold - Exhale
3
Plank - Breathe
S u n Sa l u tat i o n s
Sun Salutation
Sun Salutations, known in Sanskrit as Surya Namaskar (pronounced Sir-yah Namah-skar), are a series of movements that flow with the breath. They help strengthen the heart, improve circulation, and lengthen and strengthen all major muscles in the body. Sun Salutations have been described as the most complete exercise available. Even if you don't have time to work out on a regular basis, performing Sun Salutations every day will bring vitality and aliveness into your life. The poses included in the "A Series" are designed to awaken the connection 4
Up Dog/Cobra - Inhale
between the sun and your agni, or inner fire, kindling your inner fire and radiating your innate love and happiness out into the world. Performing Sun Salutations helps us to celebrate the sun and life in general as well as our inner life and our connection with the universe. The celebration of life in the poses represent the full experience of life, with all its highs and lows and beginnings and endings. By celebrating our inner life, we are acknowledging that we are ultimately beings of light, like the sun, and performing Sun Salutations rejoices in this aspect of our being. We celebrate our connection with the universe because the sun is the source of all life on this planet. Namaste! 157 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 102, Cocoa Beach, 321.785.3232, InfinityYogaAndWellness.com
5
Down Dog - Exhale January 2019 | Cocoa Beach Lifestyle
21
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See our website and facebook for specific musician dates and times.
Happy Hour Wednesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pilates - Every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. & Yoga - Every Sunday at 11:30 a.m. 321.305.4328 | BalibarWinesAndFinds.com | 110 McLeod Street, Merritt Island, FL
CULINARY CREATIONS
ARTICLE REBECCA WEST | PHOTOGRAPHY HASSAN PATTERSON
T ry a D e l i c i o u s, H i g h - E n e r gy S m o ot h i e f r o m Ca f e S u r f i n i s ta Yo u Ca n M a k e at H o m e COCOA BEACH’S GATHERING PLACE FOR SURFERS, SKATERS AND OTHER HEALTH-CONSCIOUS FOODIES
IT STARTED OUT AS A GATHERING PLACE FOR SURFERS LOOKING FOR AN ENERGY BOOST BEFORE OR AFTER A SESSION. A demanding sport, surfing requires a lot of energy, and Cafe Surfinista met that need, with its cold-pressed juices, healthy food choices and delicious smoothies loaded with fresh ingredients chock-full of vitamins and antioxidants. Since that time, it has become a place health-conscious foodies in Cocoa Beach often say feels like home. Adorned in an assortment of vibrant art influenced by both the surf and skate culture, the cafe is the creation of owners Bruce and Diane Reynolds. Diane is a yoga practitioner who wanted to provide a Zen space
THE MANA (HAWAIIAN FOR “LIFE ENERGY”) INGREDIENTS 8 ounces organic unsweetened coconut milk 1/2 banana 1/2 cup pineapple chunks 1 teaspoon coconut flakes 1 cup spinach 1 cup kale 1/4 cup ice Note: The cafe recommends freezing your fresh fruits before blending. It offers a nice consistency and reduces the amount of ice you will need.
where people could come together and enjoy food that made them feel good. "I can’t take credit for the creation of the Surfinista... my husband, Bruce, who is a lifelong surfer and artist, is responsible for the artwork and the relaxed surfer vibe," she says.
24
DIRECTIONS Place all ingredients in blender, replace lid, blend on high until desired consistency. Spinach is packed with antioxidants; anti-cancer and cardiovascular properties; and magnesium,
Besides their smoothies and juices, the Surfinista
which is necessary for energy, metabolism, main-
serves up organic acai bowls, coffees, salads,
taining muscle and a healthy immune system. Kale
wraps and a number of locally baked goodies. While
is not only loaded with iron and vitamins, but it’s also
you're there, you can hang out in their groovy art
great for digestion, as well as a great detox food.
gallery lounge, surf the net on their free Wi-Fi, play
For the skeptics wondering if a smoothie can
pingpong in the back room or just relax. It's up to you.
still taste good with greens in it, the answer is a
For a delicious and easy-to-make smoothie you
resounding yes! Don’t be turned off by the idea,
can try at home, Diane shared the cafe's recipe for
because it’s delicious, and you really should give
one of her favorites highlighted here.
it a try. You only live once...
Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | January 2019
+
THE SURFINISTA 86 N. Orlando Ave. Cocoa Beach, Florida 321.613.3864 Facebook.com/TheSurfinista
January 2019 | Cocoa Beach Lifestyle
25
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LOCAL LIMELIGHT
REGENERATIVE MATRIX, AGING G R A C E F U L LY W I T H O U T T H E U S E OF PILLS OR SURGERY AN ANTI-AGING FACILITY WHERE SUCCESS IS IN YOUR BLOOD
PHY, AS WELL AS GENETICS, LIFESTYLE HABITS, DIET, WHAT WE DRINK, SLEEP AND MANAGING STRESS ALL PLAY A LARGE ROLE IN AGING GRACEFULLY. There's no getting around it. They haven't invented a magic pill yet that allows you to lead a sedentary life of overindulgence and still come out on top—yet! But would you really want to go that route? For many, the answer would be yes, but there are great rewards to a healthy lifestyle, and now there are a number of ways to mitigate the cumulative damage of aging beyond popping a pill or going under the knife. At Regenerative Matrix in nearby Merritt Island, there are steps you can take to enhance your health and beauty efforts that don't require either. It is an anti-aging wellness regenerative center that employs only the best practices to promote healing and tissue regeneration, and their goal is to assist you with aging gracefully without the use of extreme measures. While they offer a list of services aimed at rejuvenation and well-being, there are three treatments in particular that have shown great success and proved popular among clients. PLATELET-RICH PLASMA Platelets live in your blood. They are little fragments of cells that are stocked with growth factors and initiate clotting. When you get a cut, it bleeds, and the platelets are nanomachines that help to stop the bleeding through clotting. The clot is more than just glue to stop the flow of blood out of the damaged vessels. It's also nature's advanced biologic scaffold to initiate and support healing. Within that healing matrix are billions of platelets that excrete growth factors. These specialized chemicals "speak" to other cells, telling them what to do and energizing the construction effort.
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Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | January 2019
CONTINUED >
ARTICLE REBECCA WEST | PHOTOGRAPHY HASSAN PATTERSON
EMBRACING THE "EVERYTHING IN MODERATION" PHILOSO-
Cosmetic Fillers - Dermagen, Botox, Aquashine and Princess Volumina treatments
Hydrafacial Beauty Treatment
4245 N. Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island 321.298.9514 RegenerativeMatrix.com
January 2019 | Cocoa Beach Lifestyle
29
LOCAL LIMELIGHT
(CON TI N U ED)
"We like to tell patients that these growth factors inside platelets act like espresso shots for the cells that are repairing damaged tissue." At Regenerative Matrix, their Platelet Lysate Preparation third generation PRP can be concentrated to ultra-high levels, so they call it SCP (Super Concentrated Platelets). PRP works by concentrated platelets slowly releasing growth factors over approximately a week—sort of like a time release version of a pill. PL is very anti-inflammatory and hence can be used more easily around nerves. At this time, Regenerative Matrix is the only PRP clinic in Brevard County using this third generation PRP called Platelet Lysate (PL). They can treat shoulders, neck (C-spine), thoracic spine (mid-back) and lumbar spine (lower back). Also knees, ankles, feet, hips and elbows, as well as hair restoration. In their experience, PRP is known to slow down or stop completely the progression of arthritis, tendonitis and bursitis. When you compare PRP to steroid injections or surgery, you will find a longer lasting, natural and organic alternative from your own body which will speed up and promote healing with minimal to no downtime that is minimally invasive.
PRP Treatment
VAMPIRE FACIALS PRP is taken from your blood and applied to the PRP facial and re-injected into the facial, neck and decollete tissue. The PRP utilizes the nutrients and growth factors from a sample of the patient's own blood and combines them with the benefits of microneedling. A vampire facial for face, neck and decollete will reduce the appearance of fine lines and certain types of scars. With a series of treatments, collagen production is stimulated leading to smoother, younger, softer-looking skin. Regenerative Matrix is also combining the vampire with its Nanofractional Device, the Venus Viva, to remodel skin and take back the hands of time, especially for sun-damaged older skin. HYDRAFACIAL The hydrafacial treatment not only resurfaces your skin to provide cleansing, exfoliation and extraction, but it also simultaneously bathes the newly revealed skin with serums of antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid. Each serum targets specific skin issues, including sun
Medical Director Dr. Omar Hussamy
damage, blackheads, whiteheads, enlarged pores, acne, brown spots, uneven skin tone and fine lines and wrinkles from early aging. The hydrafacial treatment improves the quality of your skin, helping to make it healthier, and reveals your true beauty from the inside and out. Now at the Merritt Island location for two years, Regenerative Matrix and the Beauty Box welcomed as their medical director Dr. Omar Hussamy, an orthopedic surgeon who grew up in the U.K. and then came to the U.S. to study more than 30 years ago. He received his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 30 years. The multi-talented doctor speaks multiple languages, including Spanish and Arabic. With his primary offices located in Vero Beach and Melbourne, he's well-liked, and his patients have given him an overall average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. The team at Regenerative Matrix are absolutely thrilled to have him. The team also takes part in regular events with the public. A list of their monthly events can be found on their website at RegenerativeMatrix.com. Regenerative Matrix, 4245 N. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island, 321.298.9514. 30
Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | January 2019
L-R: Regenerative Matrix Team Anna Ferrara, Jose Vidal and Christina O'Dell
Stay on par with your financial goals. 321.868.0732 www.CONNORSWEALTH.com
Offices: Cocoa Beach | Suntree | Vero Beach Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Independent Financial Partners (IFP), a registered investment advisor. IFP and Connors Wealth Management are separate entities from LPL Financial
January 2019 | Cocoa Beach Lifestyle
31
JANUARY
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
5
19
SPACE COAST FARMERS' MARKET
EIGHTH ANNUAL FLORIDA KEY LIME PIE FESTIVAL
First United Methodist Church
Brevard Veterans Memorial
of Cocoa Beach
Fresh from Florida produce, local
Park in Merritt Island
eggs, raw honey, homemade bread,
The Florida Key Lime Pie Company
sweet treats, boiled peanuts, arts
will be presenting its Eighth Annual
and crafts and more await you at
Florida Key Lime Pie Festival on
the Space Coast Farmers' Market.
Saturday, Jan. 19, at Brevard Veterans
9 a.m.-3 p.m. 3300 N. Atlantic Ave.,
Memorial Park in Merritt Island. It’s
Cocoa Beach, Florida
a fun-filled day with live music, food trucks, street performances, Key lime
5
pie contests and Florida’s BEST Key Lime Pie! 10 a.m - 6 p.m. Facebook. com/FloridaKeyLimePieFestival
CAREER PILOT OPEN DAY 2Fly Airborne Merritt Island
2Fly Airborne is hosting a career pilot open day at their Merritt Island facility from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 5 in an effort to recruit new pilots. The free event will consist of
23-28 22ND ANNUAL SPACE COAST BIRDING & WILDLIFE FESTIVAL Eastern Florida State College
a presentation, a facility tour, and
North Campus
meet-and-greets with 2Fly staff and
One of the largest birding and wild-
flight instructors. 900 Airport Road,
life festivals in the United States!
Merritt Island, Florida, 321.453.2222,
Discover why Florida’s Space Coast is
2FlyAirborne.com
your launch pad to incredible naturebased experiences. The Space Coast
18
Birding and Wildlife Festival features
COCOA BEACH FRIDAY FEST
SCBWF.org
world-class
photographers,
field
trips, workshops and presentations.
Downtown Cocoa Beach on Minutemen Causeway
Look forward to live music, food vendors,
family-friendly
activities
and much more at the Cocoa Beach Friday Fest.
32
23 DELTA IV LAUNCH Cape Canaveral
Event takes place in downtown
Air Force Station - SLC 37B
Cocoa
Minutemen
WGS 10 will launch the 10th wideband
Causeway between Orlando and
global SATCOM spacecraft formerly
We are always accepting sub-
Brevard avenues and is organized
known as the Wideband Gapfiller satel-
missions for events you'd like to
through the Cocoa Beach Area
lite at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
see included in our Calendar sec-
Merchants
Third
Times and date may vary accord-
tion. Submissions are accepted
Friday of the month, 6-10 p.m.
ing to weather. Check for updates.
via
MainStreetCocoaBeach.com
SpaceCoastLaunches.com
CocoaBeachLifestylePubs.com.
Beach
on
Association.
Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | January 2019
the
Contact
Us
tab
at
NOW OPEN FOR BRUNCH ON SATURDAY & SUNDAY. CURBSIDE TAKEAWAY NOW AVAILABLE.
Bonefish Grill was founded on perfecting every detail for you, because we believe that a great meal is more than just food on a plate. It is the entire experience from start to finish. From our seasonal fresh fish, to our hand-crafted cocktails, to our personalized memorable services.
That is the Bonefish Way. 795 E. Merritt Island Causeway Merrit Island, FL 32952 (321) 453-3011 | BonefishGrill.com HOURS Mon-Thurs, 4 pm to 10 pm | Fri - 4 pm to 11 pm Sat - 11 am to 11 pm | Sun - 10 am to 9 pm
January 2019 | Cocoa Beach Lifestyle
33
PARTING THOUGHTS AS I REFLECT UPON 2018, IT OCCURS TO ME THAT THIS PAST YEAR SEEMS TO HAVE HAD A LOT OF DISTRACTIONS AND NOISE—AND NOT THE PLEASANT KIND. The TV seems louder and less interesting, the political noise was much louder and more obnoxious on ALL sides (spoken like a true independent). And things that really just aren't that important seem to have become front and center. Material things once again seem to dominate conversations, and "keeping up with the Joneses" is, unfortunately, alive and well. As each year wraps up, we often make plans for the
Parting Thoughts JUSTIN CONNORS, FOUNDER AND CEO OF CONNORS WEALTH MANAGEMENT
next year, making resolutions and goals to better ourselves and our lives. So for 2019, I have decided to focus as much as possible on the things that truly matter: my family, my beautiful and selfless wife, my three precious daughters, our friends, our partners and colleagues. I look forward to finding more balance between professional and personal commitments and just enjoying all of the blessings and opportunities life has to offer. I plan to focus more on being thankful for what I have, less preoccupied with constantly pushing to get more out of myself and others, and simply enjoying the blessings which have been bestowed upon me and my family, both personally and professionally. It is my hope that we all can
ARTICLE JUSTIN CONNORS
work toward this goal, focusing on the "true wealth" in our
PHOTOGRAPHY HASSAN PATTERSON
own lives, that which money can't buy and death can't take away, making 2019 a more fulfilling and enjoyable year for all of us. Here’s to the best year yet. Cheers!
Justin and Corine Connors with daughters Emma, Abby and Ava
Justin Connors (front, center) with Connors Wealth Management Team
34
Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | January 2019
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