South Dayton, OH January 2022

JA N UA RY 2 022 | TH E H E A LTH + W E LLN E S S I S S U E

February Heats Up with Dancing with the Dayton Stars H E A LTH + W E LLN E S S

YOU R GU IDE TO SKIN WELLN ESS RAISIN G AWAREN ESS O F ALZH EIM ER’ S W E LLN E S S

TH E WELLN ESS REVO LUTIO N

Compassionate Care, Comfort, and Support.

Assisted Living Memory Care at Bethany Village Pavilion Assisted Living Memory Care provides compassionate care for the ultimate peace of mind. Residents living with early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease and dementia participate in a range of innovative memory care programs designed to fit their interests and enhance their quality of life.

At Pavilion, your loved one will enjoy: ~ Soothing, secure environment with modern suites and spaces ~ Music, art, and pet therapy programs to encourage self-expression, including the Scripps Opening Minds through Art which provides opportunities for creative self-expression and social engagement for people with dementia ~ Conversation programs to prompt communication and connection ~ Movement-based activities to exercise the body and mind ~ Resident turn down service to promote relaxation at bedtime ~ Dedicated nurse on site 24/7 and a social worker to support residents and families

Arrange your private tour today!

(937) 433-2110 BethanyAssistedLiving.org

Schedule a Short-term Stay at Bethany Village!

We’re proud to offer respite care, enabling your loved one to experience life in our beautiful community and access the same personal care, services, and support as our full-time assisted living and memory care residents.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Happy New Year!

January 2022 PUBLISHER

Greg Scott | greg.scott@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Happy New Year from South Dayton Lifestyle! It is early, but I hope 2022 is off to a great start for you. A new year is a time to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. Some of us take that time to conduct a self-evaluation and develop a strategy to improve various facets of our lives.

For many it begins with health and wellness. I have always said that there is nothing more important, yet perhaps fragile, than one’s health and wellness. It is something that should not be taken for granted in our day-to-day lives. And this issue of South Dayton Lifestyle brings many aspects of health and wellness to life.

In the first issue of 2022, read about The Ohio Masonic Home, one of our community partners, which provides an active and enjoyable lifestyle for its residents in a beautiful setting. Another of our partners, Dr. Shalini Bahl of ACE Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetics, shares her expertise on maintaining healthy skin.

Additionally Miami Valley Alzheimer’s Association is working hard to generate awareness of and support for a health challenge that many face on a daily basis. And, when you talk about health and wellness, yoga certainly has to be a part of the conversation. We profile a Dayton-area option in this issue.

Enjoy the January 2022 issue of South Dayton Lifestyle, and always remember to take care of yourself and each other!

Jennifer Lorenzetti jennifer.lorenzetti@citylifestyle.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Julie Mertes | julie.mertes@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER

Zane Smith CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Lori Balster, Raama Das, Jennifer Lorenzetti, Ally Straczek, Shiela Wallace

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich

G R E G S C O T T, P U B L I S H E R @ S O U T H D AY TO N L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER Bruce Ianni DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E .C O M / S O U T H D AY TO N |

Proverbs 3:5-6 South Dayton Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the South Dayton area’s 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 South Dayton Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

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the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

SPRINGFIELD MASONIC COMMUNITY

We Offer: •Independent Living Villas •Maintenance-Free Apartments •Assisted Living •Skilled Nursing

We are a thriving residential campus and community sitting on 250 acres of scenic, rolling hills. Our community members enjoy a fulfilled and empowering retirement with: • Active Lifestyles • Life-long Learning Programs • Volunteer Opportunities • Wellness & Recreation Activities • and so much more!

Call (937) 468-5129 today to schedule a tour.

2655 W. National Road, Springfield, Ohio 45504 | www.smcohio.org Your Lifestyle. Your Choice. Your Home.

J A N UA RY 2 0 2 2

inside the issue The Health & Wellness Issue

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F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

12 Your Guide to Skin Wellness

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Lifestyle Letter

8

Business Monthly

12

Local Limelight

16

Giving Back

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Page Turners

A Dermatologist Maps Your Journey to Beautiful, Healthy Skin

F E ATU R E D

20 Living in the Moment

The Ohio Masonic Home Helps Residents Connect Past and Present

F E ATU R E D

28 The Perfect Port

Classic Fortified Wine Ideal for Winter Days

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: A Special Wish Foundation Dancing with the Dayton Stars Returns in February, Sponsored by A Special Wish Foundation

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24 Open House 28 Now Open

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J A N UA RY 2 0 2 2

business monthly A Roundup of Exciting News from Local Businesses

Tom Webb Appointed to Statewide Independent Living Council Tom Webb, director of the Office of Disability Services at Wright State University (WSU), was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to the Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council.

Webb received a three-year appointment on the council, which promotes the full access and independence of people with disabilities. Council members are responsible for the development and oversight of Ohio’s State Plan for Independent Living, a three-year strategic plan for Ohio to work toward successful outcomes of improving access, inclusion, and independence.

Prestigious National Award for Wright State Administrator Daniela Burnworth, PhD, associate director of WSU’s Counseling and Wellness Services, received a prestigious national award from the Association of Counseling Center Training Agencies (ACCTA). Burnworth received the Helen Roehlke Award—ACCTA’s highest honor—at the association’s annual meeting. ACCTA promotes excellence in doctoral psychology internship training within university and college counseling centers.

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(937) 746-4593 chuck@chuckbakerinsurance.com 776 W. Central Ave. Springboro, OH 45066 Disclaimer: The above list is not comprehensive. Discounts and their availability may vary by state and eligibility requirements. Not all vehicles or drivers are eligible for discounts.

Mathnasium will give your child an edge in math, and that leads to improved confidence overall.

We give students the personalized instruction they need to accelerate their math skills and have a successful school year. Our expert instructors don’t just teach students to memorize or calculate; they teach them to truly understand the way math works.

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A Special Wish Foundation Dayton presents

business monthly A Roundup of Exciting News from Local Businesses

SUSAN BLASIK

PEGGY MCQUISTON MICHELLE GAREL COURTNEY DEUTSCH

who will bring home the mirror ball trophy?

YOUR VOTE WILL DECIDE! JOIN US TO CHEER ON YOUR FAVORITE DANCER! WSU Nutter Center 7pm-11:30pm Friday, February 04, 2022 Information & Tickets at

Wright State Professor Receives Prestigious Research Grant

Ulas Sunar, PhD, an Ohio Research Scholar and Endowed Chair in Medical Imaging at WSU, has received an $811,410 federal grant to develop a novel neuromonitoring approach for monitoring patients with acute brain injuries in neuro intensive care units. The goal of Sunar’s grant is to develop a novel optical technology that provides blood flow measurements with higher sensitivity to brain tissue. Sunar plans to extend the study by improving the approach, including taking ultrafast measurements and increasing sensitivity to the brain.

www.aspecialwishdayton.org

JOHN CLARK

AJ KESSLER

NATE THOMPSON

ERIC FARRELL

If you want to be included, send us a message!

Visit CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton to get in touch.

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Ralston Crawford: Air + Space + War FINAL WEEKS: CLOSING JAN. 23!

Ralston Crawford (American, 1906–1978), Bomber, 1944, oil on canvas. Vilcek Collection, VF2016.03.02

Ralston Crawford: Air + Space + War was organized by the Vilcek Foundation in collaboration with the Brandywine River Museum of Art and the Dayton Art Institute.

: Stories of Emotion NOW OPEN—LIMITED ENGAGEMENT! Norman Rockwell (American, 1894–1978), Study for Artist Facing Blank Canvas (Deadline), 1938, oil on board. Private collection

Plan your visit at daytonartinstitute.org

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Your Guide to Skin Wellness A DERMATOLOGIST MAPS YOUR JOURNEY TO BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SKIN

ARTICLE BY LORI BALSTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY DR. SHALINI BAHL

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEA LTH + W E LLNE S S

Many people think great skin is a matter of luck: Either you’re born with beautiful skin or you’re not. But a local dermatologist begs to differ. While flawless skin is in part a gift from nature, studies now show that genetics can only take you so far. Your skin care routine and lifestyle choices ultimately can overtake your genetic fate.

“Skin wellness is just like mental or physical wellness: It is a lifelong journey,” said Dr. Shalini Bahl, founder, CEO, and practicing dermatologist at ACE Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetics.

“Skin wellness does not happen overnight, because of one cream or one procedure; it is brought about by a combination of lifestyle choices and commitment to a tailored skin care regimen.”

Dr. Bahl recommends following these steps on your journey to beautiful skin:

GOOD SKIN CARE PRACTICES First, use daily sunscreen. Daily sunscreen use will make the largest impact on how your skin will age.

Second, have a good skin care regimen—one recommended by your dermatologist—that includes daily sunscreen and topical creams with retinoids, antioxidants, and moisturizers.

Third, ask your dermatologist about specific procedures that could help improve skin texture and appearance. Wrinkling, brown spots, and discoloration are common changes that result from chronic sun exposure and intrinsic aging. Procedures such as chemical peels, microneedling, and laser treatments can help treat them.

Fourth, eat a well-balanced, healthy diet, drink plenty of water, get regular exercise, and get adequate sleep. These are all vital to skin wellness.

Fifth, don’t smoke. Smoking is very harmful for the skin and adds years to your appearance.

CONTINUED >

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SEASONAL SKIN WELLNESS In the summer you should be vigilant about sunscreen use, protecting the skin from discoloration, brown spots, abnormal moles, and skin cancers. During the summer months, it’s also important to keep the skin cool, as increased sweating results in acne and bacterial infections of the hair follicles. Frequent washing and using appropriate medications to prevent these infections can be helpful.

In the winter many struggle with dryness and the skin conditions worsened by dryness, such as eczema and psoriasis. It’s very important to speak to your dermatologist about using the right products for every season.

SKIN WELLNESS WITH AGE There are natural changes in skin over time: fat, collagen, elastin, and bone are often lost. These changes are known as intrinsic aging, which results in a loss of firmness and increased skin laxity. While some of these effects can be addressed with the addition of topical creams, others have to be addressed with procedures such as fillers, Botox, microneedling, lasers, and radiofrequency devices.

SKIN WELLNESS AND GENETICS It turns out that you don’t have to be born with beautiful skin. Adopting a good skin care routine and making positive lifestyle choices can take you further than your genetics. Someone with naturally great skin who does not use daily sunscreen may not end up with skin as nice as someone whose genetics are less enviable, but who is diligent about the use of sun protection.

Someone with not-so-great skin genes can still end up with a flawless complexion.

According to Dr. Bahl, skin wellness is totally attainable. Everyone can and should be able to enjoy beautiful skin.

Schedule your appointment today, to start your skin wellness journey. ACE Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetics is accepting patients in the office under COVID-19 guidelines; but for those who are not comfortable visiting the office yet, Dr. Bahl is performing visits via telemedicine. www.acederm.com

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEA LTH + W E LLNE S S

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ARTICLE BY ALLY STRACZEK

RAISING AWARENESS OF ALZHEIMER’S TARGETING THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEMENTIA

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G IV IN G BAC K | HEA LTH + W E LLNE S S

A growing concern in health and wellness is Alzheimer’s disease, the leading cause of dementia. According to www.alz.org, more than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. This disease is not just memory loss. Unfortunately one in three older people dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia related illness—more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

To learn more, South Dayton Lifestyle spoke with Eric VanVlymen, executive director of Miami Valley Alzheimer’s Association. “We want people to know that you do not have to go through Alzheimer’s or be a caregiver alone. Our organization has 24/7 support and resources to help understand symptoms or a potential diagnosis, or to provide caregiving assistance with education and support groups.”

And there are now more reasons to be hopeful. “Over the last few years, there has been more awareness. Research funding has

increased from $400 million to $3 billion, and the first treatment for slowing down the progression of the disease was given FDA approval in June 2021. There are more studies and treatments coming in the next few years,” explained VanVlymen.

Here are some ways to recognize and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS TO RECOGNIZE? A key symptom is memory loss that affects day-to-day living. Seek advice from a doctor if someone is not able to perform complex tasks such as meal preparation, take medication, or coordinate their own care. Also, if you notice that a friend or loved one is getting lost in places they should know or has changes in mood or temperament, see a physician. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it is best to call a physician or Miami Valley Alzheimer’s Association, at (800) 272-3900.

WHAT ARE SOME TIPS IN REDUCING THE RISK OF ALZHEIMER’S? Walking or exercising is a great way to encourage your body’s wellness. Second, continue learning by tackling something new and building brain elasticity. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at University of Dayton offers adults 50 years or older a wide variety of seminars. To learn more about the program, call (937) 229-2347.

Third, stay actively engaged with social groups, as the brain needs connections with people and structure. Finally, eat healthy. Heart health contributes to brain health.

HOW CAN YOU HELP MIAMI VALLEY ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION? “Our local Miami Valley chapter is appreciative of the amazing support we get from the community,” said VanVlymen. “Our Walk to End Alzheimer’s is on the top walks in the country per capita.” You can help by starting a walking team to fundraise for Miami Valley Alzheimer’s Association or participate in special events held throughout the year. You can also volunteer to educate the community and spread awareness of Alzheimer’s. If you are a business owner, the chapter’s staff can speak to your staff about the signs of this disease and how employees can get involved.

For more information about Miami Valley Alzheimer’s Association’s programs and services, please call the 24/7 helpline at (800) 272-3900.

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Dancing with the Dayton Stars Returns in February A Special Wish Foundation Dayton, the region’s only wish granting organization, invites you to put on your dancing shoes, grab your sweetheart and friends, gather your noisemakers, and get ready for a night like no other. On Fri., Feb. 4, 2022, A Special Wish Foundation presents the original Dancing with the Dayton Stars Valentine’s Dance!

Event Sponsored by A Special Wish Foundation

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PAGE T U R N E R S | EN TERTAI NME NT

Live music, fabulous food, dancing, and drinks await at the Wright State University Nutter Center, with the highlight of the evening being the 17th annual Dancing with the Dayton Stars competition. Eight local dancers are paired up with eight professional dancers, courtesy of Arthur Murray Dance Studios; and after weeks of rehearsal, they hit the dance floor to show off their moves and compete for the mirror ball trophy. A trophy will be awarded to the top female and male dancers. The exciting part is that the winners will be chosen by audience applause. Attendees are encouraged not only to clap and cheer, but to bring noisemakers and make it loud!

The dancers competing in the 2022 Dancing with the Dayton Stars are Courtney Deutsch, Michelle Garel, Susan Blasik Miller, Peggie McQuiston, John Clark, Eric Farell, Andrew “AJ” Kessler, and Nate Thompson.

Following the dance competition, guests are invited back onto the dance floor to dance the night away, as well as to the silent auction tables to bid on the perfect items to take home.

A Special Wish Foundation Dayton is excited to be back, after having to take a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Valentine’s Dance is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser.

All proceeds from the event benefit A Special Wish Foundation Dayton and the granting of very special wishes to local children, ages birth through 21, who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Founded in 1983, A Special Wish Foundation Dayton has granted over 1,800 wishes to local children and has yet to deny a wish due to financial reasons. Events like the dance are a vital part of ensuring that every child who qualifies has their wish granted. There are over 80 children waiting for their special wish to be granted in 2022.

To purchase tickets or to find out more about the dance or A Special Wish Foundation Dayton, please visit www.

ASpecialWishDayton.org or call (937) 223-WISH.

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Living in the Moment ARTICLE BY SHIELA WALLACE, THE OHIO MASONIC HOME | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE OHIO MASONIC HOME

The Ohio Masonic Home Helps Residents Connect Past and Present

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F E AT U R E | HEALTH + WELLNE S S

In 2021, The Ohio Masonic Home communities began using a program that is designed for each person “to connect where they are now with the realities from their past.” This method of care has shown success for those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This multidimensional approach to care and services leads to a satisfying quality of life for our community members. They engage in meaningful programs, such as hobbies and social activities, that connect with events of the past. Health related empowerment, confidence, and purpose in life are also promoted.

This process of connecting to a person’s realities is a person centered approach. It focuses on the abilities, needs, interests, and strengths of elders with dementia in a supportive environment. It can identify where the person with Alzheimer’s is “living” at that moment and help them to become better engaged with those around them, including staff and family, leading to a better quality of life.

The approach features “life stations,” which support individuals by placing needed memory, visual, auditory, tactile,

and olfactory cues in the environment.

This provides useful cues and allows for attention to activities that are personally relevant to the community members. These life stations include the Men’s Workshop, Music & Art Room, Exercise Room, Laundry Station, Office Area, Reading Nook, and Flower Station.

The proof of the success of connecting where the community members are now with the realities from their past comes from testimonials by family members.

A community member who has a background as a schoolteacher was also a driver’s education instructor. The staff was aware of his background. When going on an outing, the community member was placed behind the driver. During the trip he started critiquing the driver, giving pointers on the dos and don’ts of driving. At the end of the ride, the staff member went to help him off of the bus; he informed her that she received a B for her driving performance. She then listened to his suggestions and let him know that she would work on them, before they drove together again.

CONTINUED >

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In 2021, The Ohio Masonic Home communities began using a program that is designed for each person “to connect where they are now with the realities from their past.” This method of care has shown success for those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Another community member, who was non-verbal, did not interact well with others. His visits with his daughter were very strained. She felt that she was talking at him and would sit and stare at him in silence until the visit was over. They were both present, but not connecting.

Staff then spoke with the daughter and suggested that on her next visit, she try something different. The staff provided her with a sensory bin that had magnetic connecting building tiles. The tiles were dumped out on the table, and the daughter started to play with them. Before

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long her dad joined in and was smiling, laughing, and interacting better than any of their other recent visits.

The daughter came to the staff after the visit with tears in her eyes and stated, “I felt like I was able to connect with my dad again, even though we didn’t talk.”

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THE WELLNESS REVOLUTION ARTICLE BY RAAMA DAS, BSC, E-RYT500, C-IAYT PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BY RAAMA DAS

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O PE N H OU SE | WEL L NESS

How did a farm boy from England, now in his early 60s, come to guide South Dayton residents toward a healthier lifestyle?

Growing up, I took for granted physical activity, homegrown food, and a supportive community; yet, knowing there was a whole world out there to explore, I left home for college at 18. That was the beginning of a long, slow decline in health, from stressful desk jobs, poor diet, limited exercise, and lack of purpose. The inevitable breakdown came in my early 30s, following a bitter divorce that left me in despair.

After finding meditation and yoga practice, I began to take responsibility for my own health and well-being, subsequently sharing this knowledge and experience as a professional stress management consultant. Championing the new Wellness Revolution became my “dharma,” or life’s purpose.

Do you have back pain, poor sleep, low energy, a few extra pounds, or perhaps a chronic illness, such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, or cancer? This is the “other pandemic,” possibly deadlier than the one making the news. Our medical system is wonderful in an emergency and for acute conditions, but less successful with these lifestyle conditions. The growing field of “lifestyle medicine” is not well supported by most health insurance. Some would say that we have a disease-based system, rather than a health system.

Most people are aware of what they “should” be doing, in terms of diet, exercise, and combating stress; however, seemingly simple lifestyle changes are notoriously difficult to implement in practice. Witness the annual outbreak of gym memberships and diet club subscriptions every January, followed by falling attendance within a few weeks.

Some try yoga and meditation. Unfortunately most yoga classes are targeted at the youngest and fittest 20% of the population and are not necessarily suitable for the rest of us—especially those over 40 who have not been physically active. If you are in that demographic, you likely feel intimidated to join these classes, fearing judgment or ridicule if you cannot keep up. I believe in nurturing and reassuring beginners. Indeed, it is essential to practice safely by respecting their limits.

It’s not easy to create a new habit; some say it takes at least 30 days of commitment. But what happens after that, when there is a crisis at work, a family illness, a vacation, or simply a change of season? Many of my clients feel that if they can’t make every desired change almost immediately, it’s not worth making any effort at all. Without support they are doomed to fail. They need compassionate support and accountability.

After training as a yoga teacher in 2009, I lived and served at a yoga ashram in Virginia. The community there has a daily schedule in which work fits around practice times—not the other way around. When everyone else is up and meditating at 6am, it becomes much easier to join in than to stay in bed.

Communal meals with a plant-based diet also contributed to a sense of belonging.

After 10 years of extensive training in yoga, Ayurveda, and yoga therapy, I arrived in Dayton in late 2019. My intention was to develop in-person retreats, workshops, and trainings with my new partner, a local yoga therapist and exercise specialist. Then came COVID-19.

Since that time I have been studying what it really takes to establish a personal health and wellness routine that is consistent and sustainable, no matter what is going on in your life or in the wider world.

My 12-month program is based on: • The 10 essential daily habits of Body Thrive • Kaizen (small steps) and other habit evolution strategies • Group coaching and support • Individual coaching and guidance • Weekly yoga and meditation classes for complete beginners • Short practices for home, work, and vacation, whenever you have a few minutes between commitments • Access to practice resources 24/7 The pilot program launches in Feb. 2022. It will be a fantastic opportunity to establish the habits necessary to regain health and vitality through to the retirement years.

You may have substantial pension savings and be financially secure; however, this will not help you get down on the floor to play with the grandchildren or enjoy the hobbies and travels that you have planned, if your mind and body are not well taken care of.

I am offering South Dayton Lifestyle readers a free discovery session, to discuss your biggest health and wellness concerns and find out if you would be a good fit for the pilot program.

Use this link to schedule a telephone/Zoom video meeting: tinyurl.com/8uke9rst (Use discount code SDLIFESTYLE.) I also offer personal yoga tuition and yoga therapy for holistic healing.

I teach weekly classes and monthly workshops at Club Yoga, 21 W. Whipp Rd., in Washington Township, and at the South YMCA in Kettering.

Find out more at https://raama-das.OfferingTree.com. Contact me at (540) 395-6643 or raamayoga@gmail.com.

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THE PERFECT PORT CLASSIC FORTIFIED WINE IDEAL FOR WINTER DAYS ARTICLE BY JENNIFER LORENZETTI PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOROTHY LANE MARKET On a cold winter day, there is something so comforting and elegant about sipping a glass of port by the fire. The pleasure is enhanced by an understanding of the different varieties.

Port is a Portuguese fortified wine whose character is, like many wines, determined by the grapes used in its production and the method and length of its aging. It comes in three main varieties: white, ruby, and tawny.

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NOW OP E N | FOOD + BEVE RAGE

White port, made from white grapes, can range from dry to very sweet. It makes a good aperitif, or it is ideal for cocktails like spritzers. Cooking with port often involves the use of a white port.

Ruby ports are the most common variety and often the most economical. When one thinks of port, the mental picture is often of a deep ruby red wine. Ruby ports are typically aged in oak barrels for 18 to 24 months before bottling.

Tawny ports do all of their aging in oak barrels, lending them a nutty flavor and rich amber color. They are aged from five to 40 years, then bottled.

If you are interested in exploring ports, you don’t have to break the bank to do so. “You don’t have to buy the Cadillac” your first time out, said George Punter, wine and beer manager for Dorothy Lane Market. There are a number of options that are affordable and a good drinking experience; experts like Punter can help you choose.

Ports pair well with foods that have distinct flavors, such as heavier cheeses, fruit, and dark chocolate. In addition, nutbased desserts pair well with tawny ports.

Punter also recommends using port as a very special future gift. If a child’s birth year is a particularly good year for ports, buy a bottle (or several) as a gift, to celebrate a future 21st birthday or wedding day.

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The Cold Plunge

Dive Into The Wellness World’s Hottest (Actually, Coldest) Addition 30

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Are you ready to take the plunge? It’s a question you may not have asked yourself before but will now. So what is “The Cold Plunge?” In short, it’s a brisk, three-minute immersion into a cold tub that triggers the body into a state of regulation, greatly improving levels of energy, mental and physical strength and blood circulation.

The profound effects of The Plunge can impact your overall health, from reducing chronic pain and inflammation to boosting metabolism and focus and creating better sleep and mental clarity.

Co-founded by two entrepreneurs who bonded over their love for health and business, Ryan Duey and Mike Garrett found a friendship and created a vision to rejuvenate people. Two to three minutes a day of plunging into 39-55 degrees of cold water stimulates the mind, body and soul and sets your day into optimistic motion.

Mike and Ryan both previously owned their own flotation therapy centers. Early pioneers in that space, they discovered they shared many of the same values, business practices and interests. Therefore, the formulation of a business together became inevitable. With finding himself feeling sick on a consistent basis, Ryan found solace in cold plunging. With an engineering background and having built his own chest freezer, Mike found cold plunging tubs on the market unattainable. Together, they set out to create a more realistic solution for half the price.

“Everything else on the market was $10k, and it’s not really achievable for a lot of people,” they say.

But as the business began to set in, so did the 2020 pandemic, forcing both to shut down their primary businesses, which turned out to be a blessing. It offered time for Mike to begin designing the product that would look, feel and cost significantly different.

In a short 12 months, The Cold Plunge quickly garnered attention as a result of organic growth, wellness influencers who embraced the product, and a pandemic that forced people to focus on their health and added time at home. It’s also worth noting that the likes of Tony Hawk and Kerri Walsh Jennings swear by their cold plunges for their athletic recovery.

“It’s an interesting moment in time. There’s this heightened sense of, ‘how do I become more resilient, how do I boost my immune system?’ Health and wellness is way more in the spotlight, and the trend of more people being at home has launched a new consumer process,” they say.

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“What’s also exciting about this is that we have partnered with American Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman, who has a very specific protocol: Get in for sixty seconds, get out for sixty, do three to five rotations and get to the point of a shiver.”

It doesn’t hurt that they are designed with your home in mind. The elegant and unique physique makes it an easy decision for everyone to appreciate.

“The design passed the wife test—everyone was happy to have it! We appreciate aesthetics and design, that’s been a key piece. It fits with a beautiful home and we are proud of that.”

Everyone from homeowners to commercial businesses are hopping on the train to add these beautiful accessories into their space. Hot or cold environment, home or commercial studio—the tubs were built with design and longevity in mind.

“The one thing I’m still bullish on is I know it works,” Ryan says. “Anyone who gets a unit from us, their true testimony is that this would go onto their top three things they would NOT give up for their health and wellness. Right now the cold plunge is “kind of trendy, it’s kind of cool, but it’s effective.

Two to three minutes, or even 60 seconds a day—there are very few things out there that give you the return you get from this.”

Different protocols are needed for different desired results. They recommend one style of plunging for increasing metabolism and fat loss and a different, more deliberate process for muscle recovery or inflammation, mental clarity and so on.

Ryan also compares it to working out, citing weightlifting as an example. “The whole thing is tearing your muscles down so they become stronger. You are going through an intentional stressor. You will get a relaxed response after, but you are intentionally putting yourself into a fight or flight state.

It’s uncomfortable. You are literally going through an override of that natural internal process, and that sends signals back into the body that creates these different activations.”

The goal with the cold water is to lower your core body temperature, and it takes time to do that. “Water cools your body at 25 times what cold air does. Cold water is the quickest activation to do it.”

Ryan shares his sentiment on doing something uncomfortable first thing in the morning to make the biggest, most positive impact on your day. What you can expect to feel is, “I did something first thing in the morning that I didn’t want to do, but I know it is good for me.”

“What’s also exciting about this is that we have partnered with American Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman, who has a very specific protocol: Get in for sixty seconds, get out for sixty, do three to five rotations and get to the point of a shiver,” he says.

Ryan also knows over the next one to two years they are going to learn so much about cold plunging. As more people do it, there will be more anecdotal data and validity to the practice.

Ryan has his own process—getting in, breathing four seconds in and four seconds out, transitioning his hands in and out of the water because their different nerve endings create a different blood flow and kick off the fight or flight mechanism. His nervous system then calms down and his mind sets into calmness roughly two and a half minutes in.

After a three minute plunge, he comes out super energized with mental clarity.

“It feels like a back door to meditation for people who don’t meditate, i.e. two to three minutes vs twenty,” he says. “It’s a totally different process, but you push out the mental chatter and you become more present.”

Cold plunging can be done daily or multiple times a day. It’s all about getting people to explore what works for them. They may offer up recommendations, but ultimately CONTINUED >

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it’s you building a relationship with your cold plunge.

Many like the morning plunge, others enjoy nighttime.

For some, it cools the body down resulting in better sleep.

“A lot of people who come for our product just want to do hard things, uncomfortable things. They say, if it’s good for me AND it’s difficult, then they are completely motivated by that.”

The Cold Plunge offers four different models, all the same size, all cold at 39-55 degrees, and one that can turn into a hot tub at 103 degrees. The heat can be great for clients in really cold environments. There is also an app to control the temperature via bluetooth.

“One of the things that has been rad that we did not anticipate is parents doing it with their children,” he says.

“It’s become this ritual where they do it together, a family plunge.” CrossFit frontman Rich Froning told the team that the coolest thing about having The Plunge is doing the plunge together every night with his daughter. It’s another layered benefit for their clients to know, one of creating special time around doing something uncomfortable and getting healthier, together.

You can find The Cold Plunge at thecoldplunge.com and @the.coldplunge on Instagram.

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