Issuu

The Wellness Issue

H E A LTH + W E LLN E S S

WAYS TO INSPI RE WELLN ESS AI AN D H E ALTH CARE LI F E + C U LTU R E

M EET DR. ARIS JA N UA RY 2 02 4

LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Health & Wellness Issue Happy New Year! I hope that your holidays were loaded with an abundance of love and joy. Now that the pomp and circumstance is behind us, we can put our full attention to our hopes and dreams for a new year. How fun embarking on these can be! These initial weeks of January are a time to dream and plan. In this issue, we take on the question of what does wellness look like in 2024 and what are some ways that we can inspire you to tap into new ideas and ways of thinking to attain your personal health & wellness goals. Perhaps a place to start is by asking yourself if you are embracing the power of wellness in your life? Are you moving often, laughing hard, eating well, and soaking in the gifts of nature on a frequent basis? We hope that the following pages inspire you to be intentional about wellness and open to new ways of embracing it. We are thrilled to bring you some local fitness gurus who spoke to us about their particular brand of movement. We explore the benefits of core work at the Pilates Barre and the importance of combining resistance training with nutrition know-how at Club Sweat. The founders of these studios share their passion for what they do and what they recommend to their clientele to achieve optimal health. We also look to the future with some of the best predictions as to how your healthcare will be transformed by long-time Ridgefield resident, Dr. John Patrick. Dr. Patrick offers his predictions as to how AI will transform health & wellness for the better in the coming years. We introduce you to a renowned local dentist who was inspired by fine art and science to enter his profession. He now runs a trusted practice from a gorgeous, historic home with his wife. We will take you into this charming Greek Revival style office that is laced with cutting-edge technology, old-world charm, and an inspiring camaraderie. Our team wishes you great success as you embark on your personal wellness journey for the new year. We thank you for reading and offer you our warmest well wishes for a fabulous 2024! Cordially, M A R Y D O U G H E R T Y, P U B L I S H E R @RIDGEFIELDCITYLIFESTYLE

January 2024 PUBLISHER

Mary Dougherty | mary.dougherty@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Ashley Alt | ashley.alt@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

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Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

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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 Ridgefield City 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 2 0 2 4 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

20 16

Featured

12 16 20 28 6

28 On the Cover

Small Movements, Big Results

A Peek Inside the Pilates Barre with Sharon McSpedon

Sharon McSpedon, founder of The Pilates Barre.

AI and Healthcare

A sit down with Dr. John Patrick, long-time Ridgefield resident

Meet Dr. Aris

A modern patient experience at the historic Cannon House

Ways to Inspire Wellness

What does wellness look like in 2024?

Photography: New Light Creative Services

Departments 4

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Healthy Lifestyle FITNESS

Must See HEALTH + WELLNESS

Local Limelight LIFE + CULTURE

How To HEALTH + WELLNESS

Self Care HEALTH + WELLNESS

Events

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Empowering and connecting women with a local flair and a global reach. We exist to help entrepreneurial women thrive. Join a meeting with the Ridgefield Pod and see what we are all about!

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CONNECT WITH US

Just released fall schedule here…

JANUARY 2024

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

7 6

1: The Great Futures Celebration dinner at the Boys and Girls Club of Ridgefield. 2: Great Futures Celebration reception in new corridor at Boys and Girls Club. 3: Erin McMurray, Board Member and Kelly Molony, Event Co-Chairs. 4: Tim Cozens, BGCR Program Manager and Auctioneer with Sarah Stabile-Motta and Joe Motta. 5: Carl Lecher, 2023 Champion of Youth with Mike Flynn, CEO, and Tommy Ogden 6: Erin McMurray, Kristin Goncalves, BGCR Associate Executive Director and Kelly Molony. 7: Great Futures Celebration attendees Tom Donovan and Sue Manning. Photography by Michele Williams Photography

C I T Y SC E N E

JENNIE CARR

NATASHA FLEMING

8: Pilates Barre event raised over $1,200 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 9: Matt McSpedon, President of CBIA speaks to local small business owners at the Executive Pavillion. 10: Deborah Rundlett, Carey Ogden and Rookmanie Boudreau at the Executive Pavillion 11: Andrea Atkins, Lauren Messina and Sharon McSpedon at Pilates Barre event in October.

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ELEVATE: An Energetic Coffee-Break Lisa Tancredi leads a 20 minute, guided practice to re-set intentions and see what unfolds this New Year! meetup.com

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JANUARY 2024

WHERE IS YOUR NEXT ESCAPE?

Are you looking for help booking your next trip? We can help with that!

Africa

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business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

The Pilates Barre Raises Money for Breast Cancer Research The Pilates Barre recently raised over $1,200 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Andrea Atkins, Lauren Messina and Sharon McSpedon choreographed a very special barre class to support this cause which has become very near and dear to the studio. A limited number of special edition shirts are still available for those who wish to purchase or donate.

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Lisa Tancredi Offering Luxury Shirodhara Treatments Lisa Tancredi is now offering the ancient luxury treatment Shirodhara. Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic warm oil and stone therapy that brings a deep sense of serenity, peace, expanded consciousness and connection to higher guidance. Contact Lisa at thefeelbettergroup.com.

Grow Wellness Sanctuary Offering Detox Massages Grow Wellness Sanctuary is offering detox massages for the new year. For a full list of wellness offerings at Grow Wellness please go to growwellness.com.

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ R I D G E F I E L D

S m a l l Move m e n t s , B i g Re s u l t s A PEEK INSIDE THE PILATES BARRE WITH SHARON MCSPEDON

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEW LIGHT CREATIVE SERVICES

Sharon demonstrates on a standing Tower.

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | FIT N E SS

Joseph Pilates once said, "You are only as strong as your spine." After 35 years of teaching on his equipment, Sharon McSpedon, owner of the Pilates Barre, can attest to the truth in those words. "If I could only give one tip of fitness advice it would be to strengthen and lengthen the trunk to support the spine...focus on the full core from upper thigh to shoulders, front to back and side to side. Strengthen the musculature supporting the lumbar and cervical spine and develop the strength and length to stack your bones and stand up straight." Early on in her career, while McSpedon was in New York, she learned Body Reading (how people move in space), along with a host of other methodologies that were unique, "all of which incorporated a lot of anatomy and a deep dive into the integration of the mental and physical body and the simultaneous exertion of each," and was hooked from then on. She was also a runner and liked being competitive. "But I realized that my Pilates practice challenged me more than any race I ever trained for, which I found fascinating," McSpedon says. At the Pilates Barre, you will find a fully equipped Pilates studio offering private, semi-private and group classes (with a maximum of 7). Adjacent is a larger classroom offering a variety of classes daily in Pilates Tower, Barre, TRX and Fusion. These 60 minute classes utilize “props” such as weights, balls, gliders, resistance bands, arcs and more. The fourteen custom-built towers include springs, straps, and bars which allow an individual fit for each participant and the ability to mix things up in each work-out, with modifications where needed. Some benefits of Sharon’s work include a complete full body workout providing muscle definition and increased length, improvement in flexibility,

coordination and balance, promotion of stress reduction and mental focus and the stabilization and strengthening of deep core muscles. "The work is challenging and our students work up a sweat," McSpedon says. “We often focus on interval training which has proven to be effective for weight loss and heart health. We are dedicated to movement for longevity, spinal health and particularly, core stability," she adds. Perhaps one of the biggest draws to McSpedon’s studio, according to clients, is the actual Reformer experience where the teachers pay acute attention to form. "Clients can often feel and see their strengths and weaknesses while using the equipment," McSpedon says, which is "especially helpful in connecting clients to their deep core muscles, the muscles closest to the spine that literally work to hold you upright." She states "A good teacher develops a 'pilates eye' and can see imbalances immediately as clients begin to move on the equipment. We can often help undo years of bad form by strengthening weak areas and lengthening tight ones. Clients typically come in pain from overusing certain muscle groups and underusing others." The Reformer is amazing at "waking up what has been sleeping in your body." The equipment gives clients the ability to strengthen the core safely under the guidance of each expert instructor. “Many have been working on the equipment for years and have developed remarkable strength inside and out. Pilates is a practice that takes time to master and just when you think you are getting close, a good instructor will challenge you to move to new heights.” WEBSITE: pilatesbarrecore.com INSTAGRAM: @pilatesbarrect CONTINUED >

“Game changer! Sharon’s knowledge, care and commitment to her clients are unparalleled. We are so lucky to have her here.” — Stefanie K., client JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ R I D G E F I E L D

“I’ve taken Barre/Pilates classes across the country during all my travels and I have yet to find a studio that is superior to The Pilates Barre.” — Christa C., client

Kneeling arm circles on a reformer.

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | FIT N E SS

Sharon in studio on a reformer

AI AND H E A LT HC A R E A conversation with Dr. John Patrick about how AI is transforming the healthcare space

ARTICLE BY MARY DOUGHERTY

M UST SE E | HEALTH + W ELLN E SS

Dr. John R. Patrick is President of Attitude LLC and former Vice President for Internet Technology at IBM, where he worked for 35 years. During his IBM career, John was Vice President of Marketing for the launch of the IBM ThinkPad brand. One of the leading Internet visionaries, John is a wellknown international lecturer and has been quoted frequently in the global media. Business 2.0 named him one of The 25 Most Intriguing Minds of the New Economy. Dr. Patrick along with his wife, Joanne raised his family in Ridgefield and lived in town for over 40 years. Although he now resides between Danbury and Palm Beach, Florida, he continues to deliver lectures in town and has ties to many people and non-profit organizations that he and his wife have championed over the years. We are thrilled to bring you his thoughts on AI and the impact it will have on our collective health & wellness.

CL: YOU HAVE BEEN DESCRIBED AS AN ‘INTERNET VISIONARY’ WHO PREDICTED AND CONTRIBUTED TO THE GREAT, WIDESPREAD IMPACT THE INTERNET HAS ON OUR DAILY LIVES. YOU BELIEVE THE IMPACT OF AI WILL BE EVEN MORE SIGNIFICANT. CAN YOU ELABORATE ON THIS?

JRP: Artificial intelligence (AI) is the most transformative technology we have seen in decades, perhaps ever. It is already having a major impact on our lives, and this will grow in the months and years ahead. The technology is complicated but, at a high level, we can think of it as the ability of machines to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. AI systems are trained on large amounts of data from the Internet, which they use to learn patterns, recognize faces, make predictions, and generate text and images. AI has existed since the 1950s, but it is now growing exponentially. The recent explosion of growth is due to faster computer chips, a faster and more reliable Internet, and thousands of computer science graduates flocking to work on AI, which they view as the future. Thousands of tech startups are attracting billions of dollars from venture capitalists to take the technology to the next level.

CL: YOU SPOKE ABOUT GENE SEQUENCING AND HOW THIS IS RAPIDLY TRANSFORMING HOW PATIENTS ARE BEING TREATED. HOW IS AI IMPROVING PATIENT OUTCOMES THROUGH GENE SEQUENCING?

JRP: AI is improving patient outcomes through gene sequencing in several ways: AI can analyze large amounts of genetic data to identify patterns and make predictions with remarkable speed and accuracy. This can help to identify genetic variations that may be associated with disease, even if they are rare or complex and lead to more accurate diagnoses, earlier detection of disease, and more personalized treatment plans. For example, AI can be used to analyze genetic data to identify patients who are likely to respond to a particular drug. This can help to ensure patients are receiving the most effective treatment for their individual needs. In summary, AI is making it possible to develop personalized medicine, which is the tailoring of medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient. This is done by using AI to analyze genetic data and other patient information to identify the best treatment plan for each patient. Personalized medicine can lead to more effective treatments and better patient outcomes. With regard to cancer, AI is being used to develop new therapies targeted to the specific genetic mutations of each patient's tumor. This is leading to more effective treatments and better survival rates for patients with cancer. In the past, treatment for cancer was based on the type of cancer. For example, patients with breast cancer were treated with a “breast cancer drug.” The more modern approach now possible is to select the treatment based on the genetics of the patient’s tumor. As AI continues to develop, we can expect to see even more breakthroughs in the use of gene sequencing to improve patient care.

CL: IN A RECENT LECTURE YOU DELIVERED IN TOWN, YOU MENTIONED THAT IN SOME CASES AI CAN DETECT CANCER WITH GREATER ACCURACY THAN RADIOLOGISTS. CAN YOU ELABORATE AND EXPLAIN ADVANCES IN CANCER DETECTION AND OTHER AREAS WHERE AI IS IMPROVING DIAGNOSIS? CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ R I D G E F I E L D

“

“ I n s u m m a r y, A I i s m a k i n g it p o s s i b le t o d eve lo p p e rs o n a l i z e d m e d ic i n e , w h ic h i s t h e t a i lo r i n g of m e d ic a l t re at m e nt t o t h e i n d i v i du a l c h a r ac t e r i s t ic s of e ac h p at ie nt .”

JRP: It’s all about data. For example, an experienced radiologist reviews an average of 2,000 to 4,000 digital mammograms per year. Over time, they accumulate an impressive amount of experience. A radiology AI can have the benefit of reviewing millions of cases. Studies have shown that AI can detect conditions which a human may not be able to see.

CL: HOW IS AI LIKELY TO IMPACT THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY? WILL WE HAVE GREATER CHOICES OF MEDICATIONS? WILL COST CONTAINMENT BE MORE ATTAINABLE?

JRP: AI will have a significant impact on every industry. In the pharmaceutical industry, AI will help discover many new drugs. There will be greater choices of medications. As for cost containment, unfortunately, the barrier is Congress. The pharmaceutical lobby donates millions of dollars directly to the reelection campaign funds.

CL: YOU ARE A MEMBER OF THE NUVANCE HEALTH DIGITAL PATIENT EXPERIENCE. HOW WILL OUR LOCAL PATIENT EXPERIENCES IMPROVE AS A RESULT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AI?

JRP: Nuvance Health has made significant strides in improving the digital patient experience. Patients can now schedule an appointment online. A few days before the appointment, the patient receives an email which

M UST SE E | HEALTH + W ELLN E SS

allows the patient to check in. The patient can upload his or her insurance cards. For subsequent appointments, the check-in process will remember the information which was entered for the first appointment. Goodbye clipboards.

CL: YOU ARE A BIG SUPPORTER OF ANN’S PLACE? HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED AND WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE RIDGEFIELD COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT THIS ORGANIZATION?

JRP: I live close by to Ann’s Place and have been impressed for years with the great work they do. Ann's Place is a non-profit organization which provides emotional and social support services to people with cancer and their loved ones and caregivers. They serve people from throughout the region.I am proud to be a member of the board.

HOW CAN RESIDENTS FOLLOW YOU TO KEEP UP WITH YOUR INSIGHTS AS IT PERTAINS TO ADVANCES IN HEALTHCARE AND AI?

JRP: If you visit johnpatrick.com, you can find just about everything I have ever said or done. I have written seven books. One you may find interesting is Robot Attitude: How Robots and Artificial Intelligence Will Make Our Lives Better. Every Saturday morning, I release a blog post which is read by more than 1,000 people. If you are interested, you can sign up at johnpatrick.com.

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A HAPPY “You Year” STARTS HERE!

REFORMER

BARRE

the PilatesBarre

TOWER

TRX

RIDGEFIELD’S BEST PILATES | BEST BARRE 2023

pilatesbarrecore.com JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ R I D G E F I E L D

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

MEET DR . A R IS A modern patient experience at the historic Cannon House Upon entering the historic space that is Advanced Dentistry of Wilton you immediately feel the grandeur and history of the Old Cannon House located on Route 7 in Wilton. Each room has been updated to accommodate state-of-theart dental technologies while maintaining significant, historic architectural details. Meeting Dr. Aris and his wife, Pamela is an absolute pleasure. The warmth that radiates from this couple is a tribute to their close partnership and the trusted practice that they have built together. We sat down with both of them to talk about the importance of oral health and how they create a unique patient experience at their revered dental practice.

CL: HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A DENTIST? WHERE DID YOU STUDY?

ARIS: “I was inspired at an early age by my love of the sciences and fine art,” says Dr. Aris, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine who has since logged over 2,000 hours of continuing education. His extraordinary commitment to education allows him to perform sophisticated procedures including full-mouth reconstructions, root canals, implants and bone grafts. He is among the top one percent of general dentists in this country who have earned a Mastership from the Academy of General Dentistry. “Our foundation is preventative care.” Dr. Aris stresses, “Maintaining your oral health is key to a healthy immune system and enhanced overall health. Your mouth truly is a window to your overall health, and we are gratified to help people live healthier lives.”

The mission of Advanced Dentistry of Wilton is to create a partnership with each and every patient to achieve and maintain their optimal oral health.

CL: IN 2017 YOU MOVED YOUR PRACTICE INTO THIS GORGEOUS HISTORIC HOME. TELL US ABOUT THIS HOUSE AND HOW IT FEELS TO WELCOME YOUR PATIENTS HERE.

ARIS: “I can honestly say I love coming to work every day because of the patients I’m blessed to serve and the professional team of extraordinary dentists, registered dental hygienists, certified dental assistants, and front-office business team.” Welcoming patients to our modern dental office with state-of-the-art technology and hospital-grade sterilization, in the historic Cannon House, is a dream come true. Pamela Aris adds, “We had the opportunity to create a space that enhances the patient experience, from installing the latest in dental chair design to how the private operatories (patient rooms) are organized and cabinets are positioned.” Mary Cannon (granddaughter of John Cannon, who founded the Cannon Store at the start of the 1800s) was left 3.75 acres in 1835 (valued at $470.34). She and her husband built the five-bedroom Greek revival at 436 Danbury Road. The historic Cannon House, where Advanced Dentistry of Wilton is housed, was originally a 167-acre dairy farm. We are proud to preserve part of Wilton’s legacy. CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY MARY DOUGHERTY PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATASHA FLEMING PHOTOGRAPHY JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ R I D G E F I E L D

CL: YOU HAVE A VERY PASSIONATE, CONNECTED TEAM WORKING HERE. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE AT YOUR PRACTICE?

O veral l He alth

ARIS: “Patients come first,” Dr. Aris explains, “It’s true, the most important person in the world is the person in front of you. Focus is critical in dentistry, and listening and understanding our patients’ goals is our team’s priority. “Each member of our team is passionate about providing the highest quality of care.” Dr. Aris continues, “That’s what drives us to seek out world-class educators to bring back world-class dental knowledge for the benefit of our patients.” Dr. Aris and his team offer compassionate care and are determined to make all patients feel comfortable from the minute they walk into the immaculate and relaxing reception area. The modern dental office with state-of-the-art technology is at home in the magnificent gabled-roof Greek Revival.

“Our foundation is preventative care. Maintaining your oral health is key to a healthy immune system and enhanced overall health.”

ARIS: “Innovation and research in dental medicine is enhanced every day, making dentistry less invasive and more comfortable for the patient. For example, the merging of computer technology with healthcare has had a tremendous impact on the practice of dentistry. Our Planmeca chairs are software-driven with CAD/CAM technology built into the chair.” CAD/CAM technology with 3-D digital scanners have revolutionized restorative dentistry, paving the way for the one-day crown, while creating a better fit, form and function “Today, digital x-rays and a paperless office are the norm,” states Dr. Aris. At Advanced Dentistry of Wilton digital scanners like the Planmeca Emerald and the Itero are used instead of traditional impressions, and enhance patient comfort. The scanners digitally capture the structure of your teeth and gums capturing every small intricacy for improved accuracy.

CL: YOU GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY IN A NUMBER OF WAYS. TELL US ABOUT HOW YOUR PRACTICE GIVES BACK TO THE AREA AND A CAUSE THAT YOU CHAMPION?

ARIS: Education. “I’m inspired on a daily basis by the patients I’m fortunate to serve,” Dr. Aris emphasizes. “One of our patients organized earlier this year, a Head and Neck Cancer Awareness lecture at The Wilton Playshop. I lectured on oral cancer prevention with an oncologist from Yale University. I hope this becomes an annual event, because early detection saves lives. My wife is a cancer survivor.” “Another way I love to get involved in the community is by organizing study clubs with our local dentists and specialists. Last month Oral Surgeon Dr. Steven Smullin (Ridgefield) spoke to our group on maxillofacial trauma, and next month Periodontist Dr. DeLibero (Norwalk) will talk about gum health.”

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

a bout D r. Ar i s

CL: TELL US ABOUT HOW DENTISTRY HAS EVOLVED IN RECENT YEARS. WHAT NEW TECHNOLOGIES DO YOU OFFER YOUR PATIENTS?

In addition to attending and speaking at dental seminars, Dr. Aris loves to sing. You will often hear him singing in his dental practice, but he has also appeared at The Wilton Playshop in productions including Chicago and Evita. “It is a town treasure, and the arts are critical to any community,” echo Dr. Aris and his wife Pamela. Since 1937, The Wilton Playshop, a volunteer organization, has been providing quality live theater to the greater Wilton area.

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Laura Sabia’s Newest Fitness Offering

Laura Sabia

Fitness Meets Nutrition at Club Sweat

ARTICLE BY DIANA PALMENTIERO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY COLE PHOTOGRAPHY

H OW TO | HEALTH + W EL LN E SS

Laura Sabia not only has a passion for health and fitness, she has built businesses on it. She began her career in the fitness industry at a local YMCA teaching swim lessons. Her first workout studios, Pure Barre, have been widely popular in Darien, Westport and Fairfield since their inception in 2013. She founded Club Sweat to provide group fitness classes that specialize in high-intensity elliptical and weight-lifting training. The concept of Club Sweat was built out of a need for both cardio and strength training, in addition to typical low-impact barre, yoga or pilates workouts. Sabia brought this product into the market to complement the workouts that her clients already enjoyed. Not only did she develop a new club concept, she integrated nutrition into the business model. As she saw it, there were several benefits to both the business and clients. Ultimately, integrating nutrition into the business model not only broadened the scope of services but also contributed to a more comprehensive and effective approach to promoting health and well-being for clients. It aligned with the understanding that fitness and nutrition are interconnected elements in the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. First and foremost, Club Sweat is not just for women. There are several class formats, one of which is the signature

Dr. Cece Reeder, Registered Dietitian at Club Sweat

class. This class uses the elliptical machine to provide many benefits, including a reduced risk of injury, improved cardiovascular health and calorie burning/ weight management. Their strength training and resistance class offers a multitude of physical, mental and overall health benefits. Incorporating these types of exercises into a fitness routine can contribute to various positive outcomes. Lastly, they have a third class that is a combination of the elliptical cardio class and strength training which is half off the machine and half on the machine. This class is a MEMBER FAVORITE! Club Sweat has numerous plans that can easily fit anyone’s schedule. Class packs of classes of five, 10 or 20 are in-person only. Their VIP All Access Memberships include both in-person and live stream classes, and VIP Perks such as free guest passes, exclusive discounts and more. Clients can choose between a recurring monthly VIP All Access Membership or a paid-in-full six-month VIP All Access Membership. When asked what she would say to inspire people who have made a resolution to become more healthy and fit in 2024, Sabia said, “Deciding to get movement into your life in any way, shape or form is a positive thing. Don't be intimidated and have fun!” We couldn’t agree more! https://club-sweat.com/westport IG: @clubsweatwestport

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Wa y s t o INSPIRE WELLNESS WHAT DOES WELLNESS LOOK LIKE IN 2024?

Lauren Henkin, founder of The Humane Space

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT

S ELF CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

Teens gather on Main Street Natasha Fleming Photography

anuary is a month notorious for resetting, recharging and feeling like the best version of yourself. As the blur of the holidays has passed, we have yet another year to look forward to (and be grateful for). There is no “one size fits all” rule for well-being, of course, so we have provided some interesting takes on wellness in the hopes of encouraging you to open your mind to the ever-expanding world of mental, emotional and physical health. Kathleen Kweskin founded Grow Wellness Center in Ridgefield after traveling and exploring a variety of modalities in the Far East. Her vision for Grow Wellness is to be a place for all ages to experience magic and connection.

Kathleen’s advice for achieving optimal wellness is to embrace your authenticity. “Instead of trying to control and force aspects of our lives to fit the ego, we are invited to surrender to the flow of life and create our realities through wisdom,” Kweskin states. “How do you create your reality through ease? Nurture your well-being and explore the resources of the earth that are always at your fingertips—foods, massage, yoga, meditation, time spent with those you love and so many avenues of following your bliss in life.” Another wellness expert, Lauren Henkin, has worked in wellness for over 20 years. She founded her company, The Humane Space, to help people find greater well-being through a daily practice of curiosity, lifelong learning and reflection.

She has shared three areas we can focus on in the new year in order to cultivate curiosity for greater well-being:

AWE WALKS: “Taking an Awe Walk is one of the best ways to decompress, connect with nature and inject mindful activity into your day,” Henkin says. “The mental and physical benefits of walking are well-documented, especially for easing stress.” GUIDED

VISUALIZATION: “Guided visualization is a fantastic way to relieve anxiety and strengthen your imagination. “I like to think of guided visualization as a spa treatment for your mind,” Henkin says. For example, Henkin and her team create guided imagery for cancer patients and nurses to help them feel more connected to CONTINUED >

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nature, keep the mind relaxed but engaged, and stay optimistic.

SLOW LOOKING: “Finally, I recom-

mend practicing slow looking, a mindfulness practice that can be an excellent way to decompress and cultivate present-moment awareness.” Slow looking is easy, Henkin encourages. “All it requires is finding something beautiful or visually interesting (a piece of artwork for example, a scene in nature or even an interesting building), then slowing down and taking anywhere from one to

20 minutes to drink in all of its details with intention.” Another area of wellness we may be seeing more of in the new year is the importance of social connection, gaining even more popularity from the Netflix show, Live To 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, a show following five unique communities where people live “extraordinarily long and vibrant lives.” At the core of living long and vibrant lives lie four specific lifestyle habits: • Family is the highest priority in life. • Nutrition comes from plant-based diets (especially legumes).

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• People are constantly in motion and physically active. • People are socially engaged with their community. The one that got people talking was the importance of social connection. Perhaps you’ve heard the analogy: “Loneliness is as toxic as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.” Let that be your motivation to keep having weekly date nights with your partner, put regular lunches with friends on the calendar and engage yourself in your community as much as possible. Think of it this way: Your health (literally) depends on having fun.

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Wine, Cheese & Chamber Chat with Ridgefield Historical Society The Lounsbury House | 5:00 PM

JANUARY 22, 2024

Immerse yourself in the rich history of our town while savoring delicious wine and cheese selections. This event is sponsored by the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Lounsbury House. JANUARY 19 TH

After Dark Adventure Ridgefield Library | 6:00 PM Student “campers” in Grades 3-5 will arrive for this fundraising event after the library closes to the public for a one-of-a-kind adventure. JANUARY 28TH

FEB 22–MARCH 17, 2024 MUSIC & LYRICS BY CYNDI LAUPER BOOK BY HARVEY FIERSTEIN

Music at the Mansion

The Lounsbury House | 7:00 PM Attend this special event in association with the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra. The duo, comprising Kara Dugan, the mesmerizing Mezzo Soprano and Peter Dugan, the virtuosic Pianist promise an evening of musical enchantment.

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WINTER MOCKTAIL ARTICLE BY JESSIE-SIERRA ROSS @STRAIGHTTOTHEHIPSBABY PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN ROSS

Pink Grapefruit and Green Basil Smash Mocktail Makes 1 mocktail ingredients: • 2 ounces freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice • 2 ounces chilled unsweetened green tea • 1.5 ounces simple syrup • splash of soda water • 1 generous handful fresh green basil • ice • garnish of pink grapefruit rounds or edible flowers

directions: Step 1. In the cup of a cocktail shaker, add the lemon juice Step 2. Gently “smack” the fresh basil on your palm and add to the shaker cup Step 3. Taking your muddler, gently twist into the basil, releasing the essence. Step 4. Next, add the pink grapefruit juice, simple syrup and chilled green tea Step 5. Add a handful of ice and then close the shaker Step 6. Briskly shake your cocktail for 30 seconds, or until the shaker becomes nice and frosted. Step 7. Fill a Double Old Fashioned glass with ice. Strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer into the glass. Add a splash of soda water. Step 8. Garnish a round of grapefruit or edible flowers.

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