Small Habits, Big Changes
New year, new you. That has been the motto for years. Let’s change that! This new year I am taking more time to reflect on the parts of life that are already whole, good and do not need to be made new. Reflection on what to be grateful for, what already is and has been wonderful.
From this, I will gain more perspective on what can be. The areas in life that while not PERFECT, that can use improvement. Life is fast, moving and ever-changing. We are told to “get with the program” and “change with the times”. While all of that sounds good, I believe it is important to ground yourself for the year. Set yourself up with ideals that do not necessarily have to change, instead they evolve.
So much of what we see and hear can seem like you have to start over or completely alter your old ways of doing things when in actuality, much of what you are doing is working!
Small, intentional habits that you begin to implement with your routine can make a profound impact on your everyday life.
Maybe you would like to lose a few pounds, maybe start with removing one sugary drink a day, then maybe two. Before you know it, you are not drinking those sugary drinks. Want to save a few more dollars this year? Maybe cutting out one coffee out of the many you buy each day will show you the way to cutting out buying the coffee and making it yourself.
These may seem silly or insignificant when looking at individually. But when you add up small intentional habits over time you will see great change is possible. The first step to those small changes may lie in the pages of this issue. May it motivate you to find ways to be the healthiest version of yourself as you tackle the new year.
My hope in 2025 is to inspire many with positive affirmations, starting first with inspiring myself with small acts of kindness to the person I am becoming.
May your 2025 bring you all that you are working towards!
Cheers!
AMY WALTERS, PUBLISHER @NEWPORTRICHEYCITYLIFESTYLE
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Amy Walters | amy.walters@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
JoAnn Chang | joann.chang@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Michelle Numann | michelle.numann@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Brandon & Rose Fabian with Lux Content Co. info@luxcontentco.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michelle Numann, JoAnn Chang
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lux Content Co., Danny S. Jones, Trinity Dental Arts, J. David, Amy Walters, Andrea Mastracchio
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY
Learn how to start your
Cagle
Maintaining
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Attorney Debora A. Diaz and Amanda Hickman Murphy attend Runway for Hope Ladies’ Night. 2: Friends sharing moments together after a heartfelt breakfast for Hero To A Child. 3: Amy and Jessie enjoying their time at the Sip & Shop event. 4: Anne, Yvette, and Paula dressed to impress at Runway for Hope Ladies’ Night Fashion Show. 5: Michelina collecting pajamas for her charity, Pajamas for All Project, founded as a school initiative. 6: Tim Diesel, Mayor Chopper Davis, and Jacques Hakim share smiles while enjoying the evening. 7: A meaningful moment captured with Hearts for Hospice, honoring Chapters Health Foundation’s compassionate support.
AMY WALTERS
J. DAVID
J. DAVID
J. DAVID
ANDREA MASTRACCHIO
AMY WALTERS
AMY WALTERS
Opening Up to Good Health
YOUR MOUTH IS THE GATEWAY TO WELLNESS
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE NUMANN
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY DANNY S. JONES/TRINITY DENTAL ARTS
Oral health isn’t just about a bright smile, it’s an incredibly important part of your overall health. Most people are not aware of how deeply interconnected their mouths are with the rest of their body. Neglecting your dental care can have effects that go far beyond cavities and bad breath, influencing heart health, blood sugar levels, and even brain function. A healthy mouth can be a powerful defense against chronic diseases, while poor oral hygiene can set the stage for systemic issues affecting your entire body.
“Oral health is a gateway to our overall health. This is where everything starts: the window to the body. The bad oral bacteria that people do not treat can affect the rest of your organs such as your heart, kidneys, liver, and even your brain,” shared Dr. Xhoana Gjelaj, dentist, renowned implantologist, and owner of Trinity Dental Arts. Without routine oral care, bacteria can spread to other critical areas of your body. This connection reinforces the importance of regular oral care to help you and your family avoid broader health issues.
Take inflammation, for example. The mouth may become inflamed when we neglect our dental and gum health. This signals the body to dispatch immune cells. Over time, this chronic inflammatory response puts added stress on your immune system, which in turn directly affects your overall health. “If the body is constantly fighting infection in your mouth, you’ll feel it throughout the rest of your body,” explained Lisa Rains, Dental Hygienist at Trinity Dental Arts. This constant internal battle can worsen conditions like high blood pressure and even contribute to systemic inflammation, which can impact your heart health.
Another key example is the link between oral health and diabetes management. Poor oral care can
lead to elevated blood sugar levels, creating a repetitive challenge for those already diagnosed with diabetes. “Diabetes is a major blood sugar disease, and if your body constantly sends the helper cells to fight off infection in your mouth, you will notice it throughout the rest of your body,” Lisa explains. Gum disease, often present in those with inconsistent oral hygiene, can make blood sugar control more challenging, while high blood sugar levels can encourage the growth of oral bacteria. This vicious cycle illustrates the importance of maintaining oral health as a part of diabetes management. By visiting the dentist regularly, you’re taking a proactive step to prevent cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss—key factors for maintaining oral health with diabetes.
Oral cancer is one of the most serious and potentially life-threatening conditions that can develop silently, often without any noticeable symptoms until it has progressed. “During comprehensive exams, we check for signs of oral cancer,” Lisa shared. Recently, she found a suspicious spot in a patient’s mouth, leading to a biopsy and an early treatment plan. This is the best-case scenario, and it resulted in a life saved. “It’s incredible to think that something as routine as a dental exam could be lifesaving, but that’s exactly what happened,” she emphasized. Regular check-ups do more than just support oral health—they also provide an opportunity to catch serious conditions early, playing a quiet yet key role in early prevention.
Beyond raising the risk of chronic illnesses, neglecting oral hygiene may lead to major dental issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. “There’s good bacteria that we have in our mouth, and there are bad ones. There has to be a balance. When that balance is off, you’re going to see
“Oral health is a gateway to our overall health. This is where everything starts: the window to the body.” CONTINUED
“Prioritizing oral care is a simple yet profound investment in your long-term wellness, impacting every aspect of health.”
a breakdown of the soft tissues, bone loss, cavities, infections, and more. That’s why it’s so important to maintain a consistent frequency of cleanings with hygienists.” shared Dr. Gjelaj.
When oral health deteriorates, it impacts our ability to chew, speak, and even enjoy food. This is where implants become an essential part of your health. Over time, oral issues left untreated can lead to tooth and bone loss, which affects your ability to eat a well-balanced meal and may lead to nutrition deficiencies. Implants don’t just restore your smile; they provide a long-term solution that maintains the integrity of your jawbone, much like fence posts keep the ground solid. Unlike dentures, which often fail to restore function and cause further bone loss over time, implants act as the root of your tooth, signaling your body to preserve resources and maintain bone structure.
For many, the cost of implants feels prohibitive, that’s why Trinity Dental Arts provides personalized payment plans and various financing options. The investment is not merely cosmetic; it improves the quality of life by restoring confidence, functionality, and health. Patients frequently share how transformative implants are—not only in how they eat or speak but in their professional and personal lives.
However, maintaining good oral health doesn’t always require drastic changes. It’s all about consistency and routine. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day are essential habits that you can stick to in order to maintain good dental hygiene. Regular dental cleanings and exams are essential to catch potential issues before they escalate. “Cleanings every six months or more frequently if needed can prevent buildup and keep the balance of good and bad bacteria in check,” shared Dr. Gjelaj.
Taking ownership of your oral health starts with small, simple steps. Even minor changes, such as choosing the right toothbrush, opting for toothpaste that strengthens enamel, and brushing with proper technique, can significantly protect your teeth and gums. Daily flossing or using the WaterPik further helps remove hidden plaque, reduce bacteria, and maintain fresh breath, creating a foundation for lifelong oral health. Antimicrobial mouth rinses or other targeted oral care tools are recommended for those at higher risk of inflammation or other conditions. “Ultimately, maintaining good oral health serves as a powerful tool in preventing illness and boosting overall quality of life. The seemingly small actions—using a soft-bristled toothbrush, selecting a fluoride toothpaste, and committing to routine cleanings— are the building blocks of a solid foundation for broader well-being. Each small, consistent effort contributes not only to a brighter smile but also to the resilience of the body’s natural defenses, supporting health from the inside out. Prioritizing oral care is a simple yet profound investment in your long-term wellness, impacting every aspect of health.” Dr. Gjelaj emphasizes.
Good oral health is more than just a part of a daily routine, it’s a lifelong lifestyle that can greatly impact our overall well-being. Every brush, floss, and dental check-up is a proactive step toward safeguarding the health of not just your mouth but your entire body. Incorporating small changes, such as choosing the right toothbrush or committing to routine cleanings, contributes to a foundation for enduring health. Investing in oral care protects you now and in the future, enhancing your quality of life in ways that extend well beyond a smile. The journey to a healthier body may very well begin with maintaining a healthy mouth—proving that wellness truly starts here.
LEARN MORE: Trinity Dental Arts specializes in dentistry tailored to your needs. They treat every patient like family and offer advanced implant solutions in a comforting environment featuring a service dog.
www.temperaturepro.com/pasco-county-fl
age doesn’t mean a thing
Maintaining your fitness and health goals at all ages.
As you get older, it can feel like you’ll never be in shape again. Just because your health needs are changing doesn’t mean you can’t be in the best shape of your life. It often means simply looking at things a little differently. The key to being in your best shape as you age is to dial in the best solution for you at that stage. “Everybody’s different. Every body literally is completely different,” shared Maria Callahan, owner of BCMF Calstrong. “It doesn’t have to be black or white. You have to find that middle to be able to maintain and then to keep progressing.” Here is an outline of what to focus on at each age and stage.
30S AND YOUNGER
This is the best time to get serious about your health to keep you strong and healthy as you age. Making fitness and nutrition a priority now will set the stage for success as you get older. This is also a great time to add strength training to your routine. It’s important to be smart about your workouts and include proper warm-up and stretching. “This is where injuries are happening. Even if you have to scale it back a bit and do a 40 minute workout and 20 minutes of stretching and recovery, then that’s what you’re going to do, or you’re going to hurt yourself,” shared Callahan.
ARTICLE BY JOANN CHANG PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUX CONTENT CO.
IN YOUR 40S
As you hit your 40s, many people start feeling age catching up with them. This is a great time to really focus on adding supplements to maximize your wellness. “How do I strengthen my bones and my joints? It’s as simple as fish oil, glucosamine, turmeric and collagen, things that when you’re younger, you don’t think about,” explained Callahan. Fitness wise, it’s also important to understand that it’s ok to scale back when you need to. If you have an injury or pain in one area, you can focus your workout in other areas or otherwise modify the workout as needed.
IN YOUR 50S
In your 50s, it’s time to start listening to your body more. This is especially important for women going through menopause. Your body is changing every day, and it can feel almost like you have to adjust to being in your own body again. It also means retraining
yourself. Things that you loved and were comfortable before may no longer be the best fit for your workout routine. “It’s hard when you don’t feel good to come in and project your best self. You’re searching so hard for something that you know makes you feel good, and you have to find that way to get there,” said Callahan.
60S AND OLDER
Once you hit your 60s, it’s all about continuing to move in whatever way works best for you. Keeping to a regular workout routine is especially good for your mental health once you retire, constantly setting goals to maintain your health and overall well-being. “Stop thinking
of your age. Stop thinking of a number and saying, ‘oh, I don’t need to work out anymore’. Everybody needs to still work out, or you’re going to rapidly decline the more you don’t focus on yourself,” explained Callahan.
Age is only a number. You can be in the best shape of your life at every age and stage by continuing to move and making your fitness a priority. If you need a gym to help keep you accountable, check out what BCMF Calstrong offers at bcmfcalstrong.com .
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE NUMANN PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUX CONTENT CO.
How Tailored Treatments and SelfCare Can Boost Your Confidence.
A Beautiful You
In today’s beauty industry, where the most popular trends are constantly changing, we are fortunate enough to have a range of tools and treatments that are available to help us look and feel our best. The focus of current beauty trends extends beyond achieving physical goals. It’s about finding the right tools to enhance confidence and support a sense of well-being. With options that cater to both physical appearance and mental health, these tools empower individuals to feel like their most authentic selves.
Nicoel Elliott-Strobbe, owner of Gulf Coast Cosmetics and expert in self care beauty treatments, is at the forefront of the industry with focus on a tailored
care approach. Nicoel believes that beauty should enhance personal confidence, offering a more wholesome approach to cosmetic care. As she explains, the goal is “about helping each client feel like the best version of themselves.” There is a range of treatments that provide immediate and sustained gains, focusing on natural beauty and selfcare rather than chasing momentary fads, including Botox, fillers, Coolsculpting, and Kybella.
Among the most popular options is Botox, the least invasive treatment for clients looking to smooth lines and achieve a fresh, youthful glow. “There’s not an eye cream on the market that can do what Botox does,” Nicoel says. It’s a versatile, minimal-commitment treatment that delivers visible results, making it an accessible option for those who are new to cosmetic treatments. Some also use Botox to treat neck spasms, sweating, lazy eye and many other conditions. It can even help prevent migraines.
For those seeking more volume and contour, facial fillers and bio-stimulators offer a way to enhance facial features while maintaining a natural appearance. However, they do work in different ways. Facial fillers are an injectable treatment that quickly restores volume
to areas of the face that may have lost fullness due to aging or other reasons. Whereas bio-stimulators are a longer result process and work by enhancing the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin, which improves overall skin quality and firmness over time. These treatments focus on balance and symmetry, adding youthful fullness without altering the client’s one-of-a-kind look.
Body contouring also plays a significant role in today’s aesthetic field. CoolSculpting, which uses controlled cooling to target stubborn fat, is especially popular for clients who wish to shape specific areas, without committing to having an invasive surgery. “It should never be a quick, get-in and-get out treatment. It is a very specific tailoring treatment tool. They have a very unique plan to CoolSculpting so it works on everybody, and you have to be careful where
“THEY HAVE A VERY UNIQUE PLAN TO COOLSCULPTING SO IT WORKS ON EVERYBODY, AND YOU HAVE TO BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU’RE DOING IT. THEY LIKE TO SAY, IF YOU CAN PINCH AN INCH AN INCH, YOU’RE A GREAT CANDIDATE.”
you’re doing it. They like to say, if you can pinch an inch an inch, you’re a great candidate,” Nicoel explained, emphasizing that CoolSculpting works best with a good eye and a plan. It is customized to meet individual goals, making it a flexible option that fits almost every body type.
For facial contouring, Kybella is the unsung hero of aesthetic treatments, providing a non-surgical and affordable option to target areas like the jowls for those seeking a slimmer, more defined look. Skin tightening procedures can only do so much, and sometimes, when you look in the mirror, you wonder how you can make a certain area of your face smaller. Kybella is a natural acid injectible used to dissolve fat cells and delivers lasting results that don’t require ongoing maintenance. Instead of adding volume to make other areas appear fuller, this treatment offers a cost-effective, non-invasive way to enhance your natural contours. “It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to contour facial features with permanent results,” Nicoel adds.
Moreover, it’s essential to be kind to ourselves. We all have tough days, and sometimes simply putting on your favorite mascara, styling your hair, wearing your favorite outfit, and staying in to watch a movie with take-out from your favorite restaurant can make a world of difference. Self-care routines play a huge role in mental, physical and emotional well-being. Nicoel highlights that daily rituals—like washing your face and applying your moisturizer— can help you feel more connected to yourself. “When you take care of your appearance, you’re also nurturing your mind,” she explained.
With a combination of self-care and treatments like Botox, fillers, CoolSculpting, and Kybella, you have all the tools to look and feel your best, embracing what makes you unique and enhancing what makes you feel beautiful.
GULF COAST COSMETICS
Discover a variety of aesthetic services designed to enhance your authentic beauty and confidence. Gulf Coast Cosmetics offers expert facial balancing, Botox, CoolSculpting, and laser treatments to help you look and feel your best. Each treatment is carefully tailored by Nicoel Elliot-Strobbe and Julie Peter’s incredible eye for aesthetics, ensuring you feel supported and empowered. Connect with a team that celebrates your unique beauty by visiting www.gulfcoastcosmetics.com
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HEALTHY EATING 101
NOURISHING DIET BASICS TO HELP YOU FEEL GREAT.
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE NUMANN PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUX CONTENT CO.
Eating healthy often feels like a puzzle—so many choices, so little time. It can often be seen as a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. The key lies in creating simple, sustainable habits that make healthy choices feel natural. With a fresh approach to meal planning, finding fresh foods that don’t break the bank, and enjoying the benefits of feeling energized every day, a healthier lifestyle becomes achievable for anyone looking to improve their well-being.
For many, a balanced diet seems time-consuming or expensive. Diane Conigliaro, founder of Tha Twisted Garden, with nearly four decades in the food industry, understands these challenges and strives to break them down. “Healthy eating can be convenient without costing you a fortune,” she highlighted. Stick to the basics. Plan meals, shop fresh, and focus on whole foods around the outer aisles of the store. Avoid the aisles with highly processed options, which often lack the most important nutrients that we should be putting in our bodies. Choosing foods you genuinely enjoy and can eat repeatedly makes it easier to stick with healthier choices.
Meal planning should encompass balanced nutrition, using lean proteins, complex carbs from vegetables, and healthy fats like avocado or olive oil. “Macronutrients are the breakdown of what you eat on your plate. Aim for fifteen to thirty-five percent protein, twenty to thirty-five percent fat, and forty-five to sixty-five percent carbohydrates daily. Some people hear carbohydrates, and they run. They think of bread, chips, and junk carbohydrates. Brussels sprouts, for example, never in a million years did I think they were higher in carbs. They burn differently in your body, making them a good carb. Breakfast might include oatmeal with yogurt and nuts. Lunch could be brown rice, chicken, and olive oil. Dinner might be quinoa, salmon, and avocado,” Diane explained. This method focuses on finding the right ingredients that will make you feel good—not just right after a meal, but the next day as well.
“Healthy eating can be convenient without costing you a fortune.”
Feeling good today and tomorrow is a choice that you can make with every meal. By thinking about food as a tool for both physical and mental well-being, you are investing in a healthier, happier you. If shopping and counting carbs is hindering your progress with healthy eating, Tha Twisted Garden can do the work for you. Visit www.twisted-garden.com to learn more.
—DIANE CONIGLIARO
Nutrient-Rich Dessert To The Rescue
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
smart SWEETS
This recipe is a classic favorite. If you cut the bars into 16 pieces, they are around 270 calories each. They are very filling, packed with healthy goodies and taste oh so delicious. If you can’t finish them yourself (it makes a lot!), bring samples along to your next workout class to share the love. Your accountability group will be asking you for the recipe! These come in handy for a quick breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon snack. You’ll want to taste these out of the oven once they cool a bit... simply scrumptious.
Combine:
• 1 cup wheat flour
• 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
• 2 cups oats
• 2/3 cup of your choice of chopped nuts
The beginning of the year is packed with inspiration and motivation to get back on track after a sweet-filled holiday season. It can feel extreme, and it also can be depleting to cut oneself off from everything indulgent after weeks of eating favorite sweet and savory recipes. For sugar lovers who believe going cold-turkey feels intimidating or overwhelming, nutrition-packed desserts are a great way to stick to healthy food goals without the guilt.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2/3 cup raisins
• Optional: chocolate chips as desired
• Optional: add additional seeds or nuts on hand such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.
Notes: Boil quinoa at a 2:1 water to rice ratio. For estimating, 1/3 cup of uncooked quinoa yields 1 cup cooked quinoa.
Add this mixture slowly to combine:
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 banana
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, or until when the edges get golden brown. Bake in a 9x13-inch glass dish. After they cool, slice and enjoy. Keep them covered to maintain freshness.
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JANUARY 3RD
White Collar Comedy Tour
Richey Suncoast Theatre | 7:00 PM
Laugh the night away at the White Collar Comedy Tour at Richey Suncoast Theatre! Headliner Mike Rivera, America’s Most Hilarious Teacher, brings clever humor to life and teaching. Featuring Comic Doc Vien Phommachanh and host Mark Christopher, it’s a comedy-packed evening you won’t want to miss. Visit www. richeysuncoasttheatre.com for more information and ticket details.
JANUARY 14TH
Mixer at Brix 33
Brix 33 | 6:30 PM
Join us on the second Tuesday of each month at Brix33 to network with local professionals in a relaxed setting. This is your chance to build connections, share ideas, and have a great time. Bring your business cards, energy, and appetite for success—and appetizers!
JANUARY 17TH
Cotee River Bike Fest
Downtown New Port Richey | 12:00 PM
The Cotee River Bike Fest in downtown New Port Richey promises thrilling entertainment with a bike show, an A.C.W. wrestling match, fire dancers, and live music. Enjoy delicious food from over 50 vendors, along with an extensive selection of used motorcycles. Don’t miss this action-packed celebration of bikes, community, and fun! Visit www.thecoteeriverbikefest. com for more information.
CONTINUED
JANUARY 18TH
Grand Opening of All Ways Center
6020 US Hwy 19, New Port Richey 11:00 AM
Celebrate the Grand Opening of the All Ways Center - Prevention & Recovery Community Center! Enjoy family fun with a DJ, bounce house, fire trucks, petting zoo, raffles, prizes, and a silent auction. Be part of the excitement as the community comes together. Visit the All Ways Center Facebook page for details!
JANUARY 24TH
Into the Woods
Richey Suncoast Theatre | 7:00 PM
Embark on a magical journey with Into the Woods, the enchanting musical where fairy tales intertwine in surprising ways. Follow a baker and his wife on their quest to break a witch’s curse, meeting Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Jack along the way. Visit www.richeysuncoasttheatre.com for more information and ticket details.
JANUARY 25TH
Snowbird Migration Snowball Dance
Bourbon on Main | 9:00 PM
Join BYNGE at Bourbon On Main for their Snowball Dance, a night of high-energy music and dancing fun! Enjoy dinner, great drinks, and an unforgettable show kicking off at 9 PM. Celebrate Snowbird season with the lively sounds of BYNGE! Visit www.facebook.com/ByngeBand/ events for details.
