Health & Wellness CHU NG, YU EH- CH I N G IN H ER STU DIO,H EIGHTS O F WELLN ESS
JA N UA RY 2 02 4
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
The Health & Wellness Issue Happy 2024! We’re kicking off the New Year with an issue that focuses on health, both of the mind and the body. We have a story this month about an innovative wellness center. Heights of Wellness, located in the Parkville Section of Hartford, melds ancient Chinese medical and health teachings with Western fitness practices to create innovative approaches to help clients find a way to feel better and heal injuries permanently. We visited with Dr. Oscar Gonzalez, DDS, a local dentist who has practiced here in West Hartford for more than 30 years, to discuss how his dental practice stands as a testament to the strength of community bonds and holistic care. We also spoke with officials of the American School for the Deaf. The nationally-renowned organization, which for over 200 years has set the standard for advocacy for the deaf, hearing impaired and DeafBlind community, recently won a federal grant to study and improve communication access for that community. Looking for a one-stop health care practice? We spoke with Dr. Vasanth Kainkaryam about his 4 Elements Direct Primary Care & Wellness practice and how it is disrupting the status quo of health care by providing integrated medical solutions across a broad spectrum of services. Lastly, if you’re looking to kickstart your healthy eating journey for this year our Culinary Creation feature this month focuses on smoothie bowl recipes and we’ve included a feature on plant-based eating. We hope you enjoy this month’s issue of West Hartford Lifestyle Magazine and that you have a happy and healthy 2024!
January 2024 PUBLISHER
Gary Perrelli | gary.perrelli@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R
Eileen McNamara eileen.mcnamara@citylifestyle.com AC C O U N T M AN AG E R
Jill Barry | jill.barry@citylifestyle.com P U B L I S H E R AS S I STAN T
Ivy Perrelli | ivy.perrelli@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Brian Boyer, Lucinda Jamison C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S
Connecticut Headshots, John Helmke, Defining Studios, Nadine Zuchorski
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 Josh Govero
GARY PERRELLI, PUBLISHER @WESTHARTFORD_LIFESTYLE
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 West Hartford Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Hartford area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
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 West Hartford 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
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Featured
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22 26 30 6
American School for the Deaf
For More Than 200 Years ASD Has Been a Bedrock of Advocacy for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind
Where East Meets West in the Wellness World
16 On the Cover
Departments
Chung, YuehChing operates an innovative wellness studio in Hartford's Parkville neighborhood.
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Lifestyle Letter
8
City Scene
12
Business Monthly
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Education Corner EDUCATION
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Get Active HEALTH + WELLNESS
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Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS
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House Call HEALTH + WELLNESS
34
Eat Right HEALTH + WELLNESS
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Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E
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Realty Report REAL ESTATE
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Events
Heights of Wellness Will Show You HOW to Move With Purpose
Oscar Gonzalez, DDS
Using The Latest Technology to Provide Individualized Dental Care
4 Elements Primary Care & Wellness An Innovative and Disruptive Approach to Healthcare
Photography: Connecticut Headshots
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JANUARY 2024
city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
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1-7: The Junior League of West Hartford recently hosted its annual golf outing.
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C I T Y SC E N E
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Why do West Hartford students succeed at Watkinson School? “Watkinson provides space for me to explore, learn, and do what I am passionate about.”
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JANUARY 2024
business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S
Rotary Donates to Noah Webster The Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society has received a sponsorship donation of $1,500 from the Rotary Club of West Hartford to support new family programming at the Noah Webster House. The donation will assist the Rotary Club with presenting all West Hartford Public School third graders with a Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Both institutions are proud to provide quality educational tools and programming to local families. Visit Noahwebsterhouse.org or Westhartfordrotary.org.
Photography by Nadine Zuchorski
Gotcha Covered Opens New Location in West Hartford Gotcha Covered, a leader in custom window treatment consultation, welcomes Hailey Handzel to the franchise family. Hailey is the owner and operator of Gotcha Covered of West Hartford. With an emphasis on end-to-end consultations, Gotcha Covered offers custom window treatments, a variety of blinds, draperies, smart solutions and much more. For information visit Gotchacovered.com/west-hartford or haileyhandzel@gotchacovered.com.
Mashall + Ostop Named Top Producers The team of Marshall + Ostop, of William Ravies in West Hartford, were named the Top Producing and Top Selling Team within the agency and also won the Excellence Award in Customer Service. The Marshall + Ostop team is led by Ellyn Marshall and Paula Fahy Ostop, both of whom are Luxury Properties Specialists with William Ravies, whose offices are located at 125 LaSalle Road. Marshallostoprealestate.com.
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A ME R IC A N S C HOOL
F OR T H E DE A F 16
EDU CAT ION COR N E R | ED U CAT ION
FOR MORE THAN 200 YEARS ASD HAS BEEN A BEDROCK OF ADVOCACY FOR THE DEAF, HARD OF HEARING AND DEAFBLIND Founded in 1817 as the first permanent school for the deaf in the U.S., the American School for the Deaf (ASD) is the birthplace of American Sign Language and a national leader in providing comprehensive educational programs and services for deaf and hard of hearing students. Among deaf schools, ASD is known as the “Mother School,” providing an exemplary model educational program for the deaf community and serving as a springboard for trained and experienced educators in the field. Though originally located in Hartford, ASD has been located on an expansive campus on North Main Street in West Hartford since 1919. Today, ASD provides comprehensive educational services to over 500 students worldwide through an array of on and off-campus
ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEFINING STUDIOS
CONTINUED >
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“WE ARE TRYING TO GET THE MESSAGE OUT THAT IT IS TIME TO TREAT THE MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY AS EQUALS.” JEFFREY S. BRAVIN programs, including their Core academic program, PACES Residential Treatment and Education Program, statewide Birth-toThree program, Online Academy, and Camp Isola Bella summer camp in Salisbury. ASD has never wavered in its mission to serve deaf and hard of hearing students— the school, its officials and its supporters also remain devoted to raising awareness about the needs of the Deaf community. That passionate advocacy received a major boost last year when ASD was awarded a $1 million grant to study and improve communication access among Connecticut’s deaf, hard of hearing and DeafBlind communities in educational and healthcare settings. “This grant is providing ASD the opportunity to become a vital community resource,” explains ASD Executive Director Jeffrey S. Bravin. “Through this work, we hope to effect positive change throughout Connecticut. The federal grant will help identify communication accessibility challenges
A recent graduating class at ASD.
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EDU CAT ION COR N E R | ED U CAT ION
The ASD campus in West Hartford.
for deaf, hard of hearing and DeafBlind communities. The grant also calls for state and regional partners, such as the CT Association of the Deaf, Hear Here Hartford, and the CT Hospital Association, to work with ASD on a systems-wide approach to identifying and improving communication access in healthcare and education settings. “This grant will help us raise awareness about the obstacles the deaf, hard of hearing and DeafBlind encounter in healthcare settings,” Bravin said. “I’m challenging all presidents and CEOs of hospitals to sign a pledge to provide programs in their facilities that address our needs. I want them to be committed to improving communication access. We may be a small community, but we are a powerful community.” The communication access problems became particularly acute during the pandemic, Bravin said. For instance, deaf patients who sought out medical care for Covid-19 often couldn’t understand what
their health care providers were saying because they couldn’t read the lips of people wearing masks. While clear masks were available, many hospitals and clinics didn’t provide them, perhaps because they cost more, he noted. “Is this about money or about life and death? We are trying to get the message out that it is time to treat the members of our community as equals.” The need for greater access to in-person America Sign Language interpreters is also evident, and part of this grant will work toward increasing interpreting services in hospitals. ASD is working to raise awareness about these critical issues through a comprehensive marketing campaign. Through the campaign, the school is communicating the important message that no one should be “lost in translation.” No one should feel they are the subject of conversation, yet invisible. Communication can be the difference between isolation and connection, and through this grant, ASD is working to identify and eliminate accessibility challenges facing Connecticut’s deaf, hard of hearing and DeafBlind communities in education and healthcare. “ASD has been a trailblazer in the Deaf community for over two centuries,” said Bravin. “This grant represents a continuation of that legacy in a critical new direction, and we are honored to lead the way.” American School For The Deaf 139 N Main St., West Hartford 860-570-2300 Online: ASD-1817.org On Facebook: @ASD1817
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Reinvent
Heights of Wellness’ Innovative Theories Will Show You HOW
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONNECTICUT HEADSHOTS
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G E T ACT IV E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS
Your Life
Chung, Yueh-Ching in her studio.
Do you feel confused by the jungle of information out there regarding exercise and nutrition? Are you seeking a teacher to guide you through a tried-and-true learning process? HOW, a state-of-the-art studio located in a historic building in Hartford’s Parkville Neighborhood, offers Stott Pilates, Qigong, Taijiquan (also known as Tai Chi) and massage therapy. Established in 2005, HOW’s Wellness Educator, Chung, Yueh-Ching (“Ching”) is a career dancer, instructor, and choreographer. She is also certified in Stott Pilates, Qigong, Taijiquan and massage therapy. Her teachings cover different modalities under
Chung, Yueh-Ching in her studio.
one roof as a complete wellness practice. Her experiences with breast cancer, Lyme’s disease, and injuries from high-impact dance moves led her to search for a form of prevention and recovery from injury. Trained in the study of anatomy, kinesiology, and physiology, “I began to integrate the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach to wellness and Western science to develop a roadmap for my own journey in healing,” Ching says. “The TCM wellness approach is based on the principles behind the Yin Yang symbol. I knew it had to be shared with others.”
Chung, Yueh-Ching works with a client.
Since exercise, dance and optimal health were already her passion, putting it all together in one place was a joyful journey, Ching adds. While sharing her methods with students, she’s learned that a “one size fits all” approach to fitness avoids basic facts: We are all individuals with different blueprints, interests, and ages, she says. “The glamourization of wellness has become commercial rather than sustainable. Wellness is a prevention approach to aid in fighting chronic conditions. My Purposeful Exercise System will enable you to attain your goals whether it be rehabilitation, strength training, or recovery.” The full exercise system is taught in a group class or in one-to-one sessions.
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O F US N E ED H C S AN “E A EX S D P E E C T I F A I C A LL C RE Y F E RCI O R S E PR OG R AM OU R OW N N E E DS .”
Chung, Yueh-Ching in her studio.
“The first program the student will learn is called Purposeful Movement (posture, breath work, core awareness, etc.). Once the program is understood (based on each individual), the student will progress to the Injury-free Exercise, (Pilates infused with stretching) and Ageless Exercise (Qigong and Taijiquan), also taught in group or individual settings,” says Ching. Students can explore and discover their own wellness journey while practicing in the studio and at home. The system involves specific movement
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G E T ACT IV E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS
fundamentals to balance out the use of prolonged positions and repetitive motions. These fundamental movements are the form and technique that can be applied to tennis, golf, cycling, and running but also in day-to-day tasks. Ching will provide students with a program modified per individual. Students will obtain knowledge and expertise of their own body, giving birth to empowerment. “Our teaching techniques are clear, meaningful, and insightful. Our students are people who have been searching for answers to their questions about their own wellness journey. What you will learn at HOW is immersive and plentiful.” Ching has also written a book on her theories and the Purposeful Exercise System called “One Body, One Life Within Your Control.” Heights of Wellness 1477 Park St., Suite 314, Hartford 860-951-1110 Heightsofwellness.com On Facebook: @Heightsof Wellness YouTube: Heights of Wellness
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O s c a r G o n z a l e z , DD S USING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY TO PROVIDE INDIVIDUALIZED DENTAL CARE
ARTICLE BY LUCINDA JAMISON PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONNECTICUT HEADSHOTS
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H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS
Established 37 year ago in the lively West Hartford business community, Dr. Oscar Gonzalez’s dental practice stands as a testament to the strength of community bonds, holistic care, and a genuine commitment to enhancing smiles and oral health. In a recent conversation, Dr. Gonzalez shared his dedication to the West Hartford community and shed light on the distinctive approach his practice employs, setting it apart in the competitive oral care landscape. Dr. Gonzalez’s choice to establish his practice here was inspired by the community’s spirit and the active participation of its residents in their own health and well-being. “The warm reception from the community has only strengthened our resolve to serve the people of this charming town.” His office staff includes his wife, Monica, whom Dr. Gonzalez credits for much of his success. With more than three decades of experience, Dr. Gonzalez is enthusiastic about the ongoing evolution of the field, particularly with the integration of stateof-the-art technology such as 3D printing, intraoral digital scanning, and laser technology. “These innovations enable more precise, predictable, and comfortable treatments, ensuring our patients receive the highest standard of care.” “ God has blessed me with many gifts. The gift of my dear wife, her support and love has been instrumental in my professional career and in my life’s emotional success!” His practice provides a comprehensive range of services, including Invisalign, restorative dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and general dentistry. The presence of an in-house board-certified periodontist distinguishes the practice, allowing for a multidisciplinary approach to dental care, addressing both routine check-ups and complex rehabilitations. Dr. Gonzalez emphasizes that each patient is unique, and their care is tailored to meet individual needs. Recognizing that fear and financial concerns can be
barriers to seeking dental care, the practice offers oral sedation for patient comfort and provides financing options to facilitate access to necessary care. A key aspect of his practice, Dr. Gonzalez says, is his genuine affection for his patients. “I personally get a lot of joy from seeing dramatic positive changes in patient’s comfort, confidence and beautifully functioning enhanced smiles.” His office is welcoming, modern, and pristine, staffed by a cheerful, compentent and friendly team ready to greet and assist patients. The practice prioritizes building relationships with patients, with every visit commencing with a thorough consultation including oral cancer screening. The initial consultation form the foundation of his approach, allowing the team to fully understand the patient’s needs and desired outcomes. Regarded as among the top dentists in the area, Dr. Gonzalez’s practice has already left a lasting impression in the local community. The dental team’s commitment to providing exceptional care in a warm and welcoming environment continues to earn the trust and respect of the community. Dr. Gonzalez and his team’s care is evident in testimonials from patients. “Dr. Gonzalez is extremely friendly and made me feel comfortable during my first appointment. I was also impressed with how professional the staff was.” Dr. Gonzalez says his team is dedicated to creating a comfortable and valued experience for patients. “I take pride in the trust patients place in me and my team. Customer service is paramount in our practice “ Dr. Oscar Gonzalez, DDS 1340 Boulevard, West Hartford Phone: 860-521-2500 For appointments: Ogsmiles.com On Facebook: @OscarGonzalezDDS
“I personally get a lot of joy from seeing dramatic positive changes in patient’s comfort, confidence and beautifully functioning enhanced smiles.” JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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SULLIVAN & RUSSILLO WEALTH ADVISORS OF JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT LLC
Sullivan & Russilo Wealth Advisors of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC 15 N. Main Street, Suite 300, West Hartford, CT 06107 © JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT LLC • MEMBER: NYSE, FINRA, SIPC • REF. 1262800 - 1123
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JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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4 Elements Primary Care & Wellness PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN HELMKE
Dr. Vasanth Kainkaryam.
AN INNOVATIVE AND DISRUPTIVE APPROACH TO HEALTHCARE
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H OU SE CA LL | H E A LT H + WEL L NESS
“
“4 Elements has evolved into something bigger than just primary care,” - Dr. Kainkaryam Here and below, Dr. Vasanth Kainkaryam with patients in his South Windsor offices.
What if your doctor actually worked for you, and focused resources on keeping you healthy and out of the high-cost sick care health system? Founded four years ago to disrupt the status quo of health care, 4 Elements Primary Care & Wellness Space has grown into a comprehensive healthcare practice that provides integrated medical solutions across a broad spectrum of services. 4 Elements was created by Dr. Vasanth Kainkaryam as a direct-pay healthcare practice where patients pay a monthly membership fee for Dr. Kainkaryam’s primary care services and can visit or speak with him as often as they like. The model is a growing trend as more healthcare professionals grow weary of dealing with myriad health insurance providers and the demands health insurers place on patients and healthcare professionals. Dr. Kainkaryam, who spoke about his innovative practice at TEDxHartford 2020, says the model was so popular, 4 Elements is now evolving into the 4 Elements Vitality Institute, “vitality center,” that provides an alternative care environment where patients still get treated for acute medical situations, but also receive preventive, aesthetic and holistic care. His personal belief is to blend the best of allopathic, integrative, functional, precision, and lifestyle medicine philosophies to create a customized approach for each patient because he believes these can be complementary instead of opposing. In effect, 4 Elements works directly with patients, instead of insurance companies or hospitals, offering concierge healthcare services at non-concierge rates, making primary care affordable for everyone whether they have insurance or not. “4 Elements has evolved into something bigger than just primary care,” Dr. Kainkaryam says. “The traditional CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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4 Elements’ business model includes physical therapy.
Here and below, Dr. Kainkaryam consults with patients in his offices.
health care model in the U.S. is a doctor surrounded by a bunch of sub-specialties and hospitals and the primary care doctors send patients to the hospitals and subspecialists because for each primary care doctor owned by those systems, they generate over $2 million downstream, so it makes profit for the hospitals but creates high costs for patients. But we thought, ‘What if we take the primary care and surround it directly with its own health wellness specialists so you can keep people out of the high cost healthcare system and keep them out of the acute care facilities?’ ” As part of that new model, 4 Elements - which are Engage, Educate, Empower and Encourage - offer a diverse range of services. Besides direct primary care, it also provides health and mindset coaching, medical aesthetics, vitality medicine and weight optimization, massage therapy, nutrition counseling, advanced testing options, exercise training, cpr classes, and clinical hypnosis, redefining what it means to be a modern day community medical practice. Dr. Kainkaryam is also a recognized Civil Surgeon by the U.S. Customs Citizenship and Immigration Services and is authorized to perform immigration medical exams for people applying for permanent resident status. His primary care model also allows him to treat visitors from other countries who may not have health care coverage or whose travel insurance isn’t accepted here. His staff runs the gamut from a medical aesthetics nurse practitioner, two medical doctors, a nurse who is also a trained CrossFit coach, a hypno-therapist, registered dietician and a massage therapist. They all come to 4 Elements with the belief that we can do better for our patients and community. His team is honored to have received the Hartford Business Journal’s Healthcare Heroes Award in 2022 for “Advancement in Health Care - Innovation.” “Our overall goal is to keep you healthy and vital through a more integrated medical access practice center and to take a deeper dive into patient lifestyles to provide prevention wellness.” 4 Elements Direct Primary Care & Wellness Space Main Office: 1199 Sullivan Ave., Suite A, South Windsor Satellite Office: 1111 Cromwell Ave., Suite 304, Rocky Hill Main Phone: 860-469-5646 Email: Hello@4elementsMD.com Online: 4elementsMD.com On Facebook: 4Elementswellness On Instagram: 4ElementsMD, the.doctor.vk YouTube: 4ElementsMD Podcast: 4 Elements of Health Care
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H OU SE CA LL | H E A LT H + WEL L NESS
Let’s get you
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We provide comprehensive foot and ankle care, from conservative to surgical management of podiatric conditions. Common Issues & Procedures Athletes’ Foot + Fungal Toenails · Hammertoe · Warts · Gout Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery · Foot + Ankle Fractures Ulcerations + Wounds · Ingrown Toenails · Heel Pain
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Call 203.941.6999 to Schedule Your Consultation Today 300 Hebron Ave., Ste. 104 · Glastonbury, CT 06033
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the BENEFITS OF PLANT-BASED EATING ARTICLE BY CLAUDIA MARTIN AYOADE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Most people think a plant-based diet is strictly for those vegan and vegetarian types, but there is no debating the overwhelming evidence showing the benefits of improved health for those who make that diet choice. Plant-based eating is more of a lifestyle than a diet. You are simply eating more foods that are closer to their harvested state with minimal processing.
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EAT R IGH T | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS
Meatless diets have been shown to improve health outcomes by lowering the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, and some cancers. It also improves gut health because of added fiber to your diet. A plant-based diet still allows to you consume the carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals and vitamins that are necessary for good health, with the added benefits of being higher in fiber and phytonutrients. You do not have to give up meat entirely and there are labels to identify where you fall in your plant eating journey. Do what is comfortable for you so you will stick with it. You can choose to be a flexitarian which mean you occasionally eat meat but you choose plants as the primary foods you eat. You have some flexibility with your diet. If you choose to be a vegetarian, then you do not eat meats but you still eat eggs and dairy products as opposed to being a vegan who eats no animal products. There is also another reason to add more fruits and vegetables to your daily food intake; It is better for the environment. The industries that produce our dairy and meats is said to account for a third of the world’s water usage in addition to producing greenhouse gas emissions. Eat your greens and save the planet!
TIPS TO GET STARTED ON YOUR PLANT-BASED JOURNEY: 1. Make small changes to test your comfort level when reducing meat intake. There is a risk of being overwhelmed if you suddenly stop eating meat altogether, and it will be harder stick to your choice long term. Increase consumption of plant foods you already like. 2. A plant-based diet does not mean boring! You can create a variety of dishes, including ethnic meals that are meat free and delicious. This is a great time to try new spices to add a punch to your vegetables and add green leafy vegetables to your smoothies. 3. Use the whole plant because there are nutrients in every part of the plant, including the stems and leaves. Use the leaves from celery, radishes, beets and carrots and use the stems from spinach. Don’t throw away vital nutrients like potassium, vitamin C and fiber. You are also reducing waste. 4. Eat the rainbow! Choose different colored fruits and vegetables to get a variety of nutrients. The color of plant-based foods is often an indicator of the vitamins and minerals they contain. So, more colors mean more nutrients. Example: Orange foods contain beta carotene, the precursor for vitamin A. 5. If you do not eat animal products, you will need to take a B12 and possibly an iron supplement. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin available only in animal products. Low B12 can cause anemia and damage to the nervous system. Some vegan foods are fortified with vitamin B12. 6. A meat-free diet does not automatically mean healthy if you replace the meat with highly processed junk food and meat substitutes. You need to eat fresh quality fruits, vegetables and grains to get the health benefits that can add years to your life.
Claudia Martin-Ayoade, is a registered dietitian, writer and public speaker who is passionate about educating people on nutrition and addressing food insecurity. AgeSmartNutrition.com
JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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SMOOTHIE BOWLS
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES Start your day with a nutritious and vitamin-packed breakfast. Smoothie bowls are a great way to add a variety of fruits and vegetables. Top with chia or flax seeds for an extra omega-3 boost, nuts or seeds for added protein, or sliced fruit for additional vitamins and fiber. Including a hint of turmeric or ginger can aid in digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can aid in cellular repair and gut health, and smoothie bowls are a delicious way to incorporate more into your day. Try some of these simple recipes, or create your own combinations to give your health a boost.
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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE
INGREDIENTS: • 1 orange or 2 clementines • ½ cup carrots • 1 cup frozen mangos • 1 cup frozen peaches • ½ banana • ½ cup vanilla yogurt • ½ teaspoon turmeric, ground • small pinch of pepper Blend all ingredients until smooth. Top with desired toppings.
TOPPING SUGGESTIONS: • granola • sliced almonds • berries • ground flax seeds
Ca
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Or
an
g e B o wl
CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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Pine ap p
o B wl a n a n a B le
INGREDIENTS: • 2 cups frozen pineapple • 1 frozen banana • 1 handful spinach (optional) • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice • 1 tablespoon manuka honey (or other natural sweetener) • ¼ inch fresh ginger • ½ cup coconut water TOPPING SUGGESTIONS: • fresh fruit • seeds • pomegranate seeds
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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE
Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a bowl and top with desired toppings.
realty report A S A M P L E O F R E C E N T LY S O L D P R O P E R T I E S I N W E S T H A R T F O R D , C T
N EI GH B O RH O O D
ORIGIN AL PRICE
SO L D P RIC E
%SO L D/ O RIG
DO M
B DRM S
B AT H S 29
5-7 Elmhurst Cir
309,900
330,000
106
2
2
88 Hillcrest Ave
349,900
400,000
114
4
2
1
1 King Philip Dr, Unit #302
329,900
334,000
101
2
2
5
20 Timberwood Rd, Unit #20
429,900
441,000
103
3
3
4
66 Overbrook Rd
199,900
225,100
113
2
1
6
51 Cumberland Rd
269,900
332,001
123
3
2
2 11
91 Foxridge Rd
349,000
380,000
109
2
2
130 Walden St
369,900
402,000
109
3
2
5
89 Tunxis Rd
405,000
435,000
107
3
2
3
14 Fox Meadow Ln
380,000
438,000
115
3
2
5
7 Cascade Rd
399,900
445,000
111
3
2
4
69 Pioneer Dr
385,000
448,888
117
4
3
3
53 Miamis Rd
399,900
468,000
117
3
3
3
60 Argyle Ave
460,000
470,000
102
3
2
6
37 Keeney Ave
449,900
525,000
117
4
2
3
124 Selden Hill Dr
450,000
553,000
123
4
2
3
115 Robin Rd
549,900
560,000
102
3
2
8
78 Steele Rd
549,900
575,000
105
5
3
32
9 Rosedale Rd
549,995
601,000
111
4
3
2 4
270 Fern St
595,000
645,000
108
4
4
97 Cliffmore Rd
635,000
690,000
109
4
3
4
56 Linnard Rd
639,999
695,000
109
3
3
20 2
24 Linbrook Rd
740,000
821,000
111
4
3
11 High Point Ln
700,000
900,000
129
3
4
5
44 Sunset Farm Rd
995,000
1,100,000
111
5
5
3
This data is a sampling of sold properties from November 2022. Source: IRES MLS system.
IN 2024
PUT YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS IN THE RIGHT HANDS SHERRI KAGAN SCHWARTZ
REALTOR O: 860-231-2600 | C: 860-883-0178 Sherri.Schwartz@cbmoves.com www.sherrischwartz-realestate.com 992 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06107
Coldwell Banker
PRESIDENT’S ELITE TOP 3% INTERNATIONALLY
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JANUARY 2024
events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S
JA NUA RY 1 5T H
MLK Day Celebration Town Hall, 50 South Main St. | 10:00 AM The town will host its popular annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Town Hall auditorium. The event pays tribute to Dr. King’s ideals and vision and includes numerous speakers. Visit WestHartfordct.gov for more information. JA NUA RY 1 9 T H
Watkinson School Hosts Information Session Watkinson School, 180 Bloomfield Ave., Hartford | 9:00 AM Watkinson School will host its monthly information session for parents beginning at 9 a.m. You’ll have the opportunity to meet faculty and school leaders, tour the 40-acre campus, see classes in session and hear from a panel of current students. Visit Watkinson.org additional options to visit the school. Information sessions are held monthly. JA NUA RY 2 0 T H
Hartford Home Show XL Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Hartford | 10:00 AM The annual Hartford Home Show, featuring dozens of home and decor vendors, will run Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 20-21. Doors open at 10 a.m. each day. Register online for free admission or pay $10 at the door. Visit Xlcenter.com for more information. JA NUA RY 2 1 ST
Sounds of the Silk Road Westminster Presbyterian Church 2080 Boulevard | 3:00 PM Take part in an improvisational concert with Cuatro Puntos, which will take on a journey to a warm summer's night, drinking tea atop an ancient sandstone building, while local musicians get lost in a unique world of their very own. Violinist Ameen Mokdad will join Cuatro Puntos in the performance. A $20 donation is suggested. Visit Westpresby.org for information. JA NUA RY 2 4 T H
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson - Apt. 2B Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road | 7:30 PM An irreverent, modern take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous sleuth and sidekick, this fast-paced romp re-examines the world’s most famous detective story through a new lens as two female roommates, Sherlock Holmes and Joan Watson, team up to solve crimes. The play runs Jan. 24-Feb.18. Visit Playhouseonparkct.com for additional times and tickets. JA NUA RY 2 4 T H
Author Talk with Mary Lowengard West Hartford Public Library, 20 South Main St. | 6:30 PM Author Mary Lowengard, a longtime West Hartford residents, will introduce and discuss her debut novel, The Bucknoll Cottage Chronicles. Subtitled “Sex and the City meets Under the Tuscan Sun, but no sex, no city and in the Poconos, Lowengard's book, straddles the genres of humor essay and memoir. Visit Westhartford.org to register or for more information.
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