M3-Martin Downs-Vol.560

By Gabby Gregory

medical MARIJUANA Is

just more…FAKENEWS?

Bynow, you’ve likely heard the almost miracle-like anecdotes from “patients” on the news about medical marijuana as it becomes more mainstream. When I hear these stories, I have to wonder: are they legitimate? I had to know the TRUTH, so I arranged to sit down with Dr. Anne Lynn Morgan, the Chief Medical Of cer at MMJ Health, Florida’s top-rated medical marijuana doctor’s of ce.

Many people don’t know that medical marijuana is legal in Florida, let alone readily available at over 250 in-state dispensaries (imagine a pharmacy speci cally for medical marijuana). For years, pop culture has depicted marijuana primarily as a recreational drug, but there’s more to the plant than what’s shown on the silver screen. Since its legalization, medical marijuana’s profound effects have changed the lives of countless Floridians. Dr. Morgan, as Florida’s top rated Medical Marijuana Specialist, is responsible for much of this positive impact. Indeed, she and the staff at MMJ Health were honored to be named by The Palm Beach Post as the “Best Medical Marijuana Card Provider” for their level of service and ef cacy in 2020!

Additionally, Dr. Morgan is an expert in the eld of medical marijuana, and is among one of the most respected clinicians in the industry. She sits on the board of directors for the American Academy of Cannabis Medicine, is a member of the International Cannabinoid Research Society, and is considered to be one of the industry’s highest-rated cannabis clinicians (no pun intended). Dr. Morgan has been in practice for 33 years and was the former Medical Director for United Health, Metropolitan Health, and Humana.

Dr. Morgan has been practicing marijuana medicine speci cally for the last 9 years, with licenses in Florida, Washington, and Pennsylvania. After years of education, research, and hands-on experience, Dr. Morgan attests to the relief medical marijuana brings to people, saying, “We have found that we have over a 90% success rate with medical cannabis.”

Dr. Morgan explains that medical marijuana patients at MMJ Health, rather than experiencing psychoactive effects or feeling high, nd relief from various medical conditions, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, arthritis, cancer, IBS, epilepsy, PTSD, autoimmune disorders, migraines, Parkinson’s, ADHD, Fibromyalgia, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and more. Medical marijuana is not for getting high, it’s for feeling better! How does it work? It’s simple –THC and CBD.

THC and CBD are two chemical compounds that come from the marijuana plant and affect the endocannabinoid system, the human body’s natural system for processing cannabis. “The endocannabinoid system’s reason for existing is to keep our bodies in homeostasis, i.e. healthy and balanced. Cannabis can positively affect so many systems in the body that are not being managed properly by pharmaceuticals,” says Dr. Morgan. Many of MMJ’s patients, since using medical cannabis, have been able to drastically reduce their prescription medication regimen, or have stopped taking prescriptions altogether!

Marijuana is still classi ed as a Schedule 1 substance federally, but Dr. Morgan explains, “It’s not what you think… Medical marijuana is not a narcotic. In fact, after using medical marijuana, many of our patients have reduced taking narcotics and/or opiates without even being asked!”

Medical marijuana is not like anything sold on the street... it’s completely safe! When you get your marijuana from a dispensary, you don’t have to worry about whether it was adulterated. Dr. Morgan clari es, “Florida has very stringent rules about how medical marijuana is grown and prepared, so you know it’s clean, pesticide-free, and has no bacteria or viruses.”

Medical marijuana has become a go-to for doctors across the nation to give their patients relief from a myriad of conditions without having to worry about the severe side effects associated with many pharmaceuticals. For the patients at MMJ Health, medical marijuana is 100% making a difference in their everyday lives. The stories are real. Dr. Morgan says that it is not uncommon for patients to cry, hug, and thank her because they are feeling better than ever since using medical cannabis. Dr. Morgan has seen the results, and she urges anyone and everyone to consider trying medical marijuana.

MMJ Health is at the forefront of technology, so nding out if you qualify for a medical marijuana card is super simple! The MMJ Patient Quali cation System, accessible at www.mmjhealth.com, allows you to nd out in minutes whether you qualify. If you do, then the MMJ Health of ce will contact you. MMJ Health has all of the resources necessary to get your health back on track!

So the real question now is: why wait? MMJ Health is the only all-inclusive medical marijuana of ce in Florida, so you can get quali ed for your medical marijuana card in one visit. The friendly and knowledgeable staff will ll out the tricky government application for you, take your ID photo in their of ce, and submit all of your paperwork to the Florida Health Department. The only thing you have to do once you leave their of ce is wait for your card!

“You shouldn’t have to suffer… medical cannabis can help you! We are real doctors who provide real results,” says Dr. Morgan. The expert staff at MMJ Health encourages you to “Please come and see the MMJ Health difference. We care, we make a difference as a team, and we know our cannabis medicine. Isn’t it time to live your life the way you want, symptom and side-effect free?”

MMJ Health is located at 600 Sandtree Drive in Suite 108 in Palm Beach Gardens. MMJ Health also has locations in West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Melbourne, Wellington, Boynton Beach, and Boca Raton. Their of ces are open Mondays-Fridays from 9AM-7PM and Saturdays-Sundays from 10AM-7PM. For more information, please call 561-631-7994 or 772-212-4032, or visit www.mmjhealth.com.

Does your dog pull on a leash?

Does your dog show aggression to other dogs or people?

Is your dog so overly friendly that you have problems controlling him or getting him to be calm?

Does your dog run out the door every time you open it?

Is your dog destructive in your house (destroying your belongings, counter sur ng, getting into trash, terrorizing your cats or other pets)?

YOU HAPPY NEW

By Gabby Gregory

Every 5,000 miles, like clockwork, you take your car to get its oil changed and tires rotated. It’s basic, routine maintenance, but that consistent attention and upkeep is vital for your vehicle to run e ciently, especially over a number of years. Your body, much like your vehicle, requires regular care and treatment to keep it healthy. And, again like your automobile, your body needs support from someone other than yourself, a professional who can guide it to achieving its utmost abilities and to retaining its peak performance.

Getting older, playing sports, or having a condition like sciatica or arthritis shouldn’t hold you back from living your life! You can feel like your younger self again, the one who didn’t feel any aches or pains when walking, running, jumping, or even sitting… all you have to do is visit Stretch Zone.

Drew Brees, former quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, is the newest partner at Stretch Zone who advocates for people to regularly get stretched. A er personally going to Stretch Zone for an assisted stretching session, Drew was impressed with the uniquely e ective and nationally accredited Stretch Zone Method®, which is administered by a highly-trained and Stretch Zone-certi ed stretch practitioner.

Here’s How It Works:

1.) Your rst session begins with lling out an intake form and having a consultation with your experienced and knowledgeable stretch practitioner. Based on your medical background and your personal goals, the stretch practitioner will personalize the ensuing 30-minute assisted stretching session to meet your individual needs. On subsequent visits, you’ll simply do a check-in with the practitioner to update your medical pro le with any recent changes and/or any new pain or discomfort that you might be experiencing.

2.) e

stretch practitioner initiates the rst steps of the approved Stretch Zone Method®, utilizing Stretch Zone’s special patented

straps to encourage your body to relax and ease into the stretches. You won’t nd these straps anywhere else! Comparable to a thunder jacket for your pets, they are meant to calm your mind so that your entire body is perfectly loose, thus allowing the stretch practitioner to stretch your body to its full potential and, as a result, provide you with both preventative maintenance and pain relief.

3.) Assisted stretching (a/k/a passive stretching) is di erent from physical therapy in that your body is being stretched by someone else, you’re not actually doing any work. roughout your 30-minute session, the stretch practitioner will be steadily interacting one-on-one with you, ensuring that you are completely comfortable and not experiencing any pain. Ultimately, you are in control of the stretch, even as your practitioner guides your body through each and every step, because you tell the practitioner when you feel your best stretching position. e more you communicate, the better results you’re going to get!

Take advantage of Stretch Zone’s incredible New Year Special: get one FREE 30-minute stretching session! Anybody and everybody can and should be stretched. In fact, one Stretch Practitioner I spoke with at Stretch Zone says, “98% of the people I see in front of me really need to be stretched. is is something you should not live without.” Remember, it’s just like getting your oil changed! Plus, celebrities and professional athletes have been getting stretched for years, so it’s time for the general population to be clued into the secret!

Get Stretch Zone’s New Year Special for yourself or get them for a friend or loved one… what better way to say you care than to give the gi of making life easier, of feeling healthier, lighter, and younger, and of feeling like yourself again?

What’s on your resolutions list? Do you want to:

✓ 3 HAVE MORE ENERGY TO DO ALL OF THE THINGS YOU LOVE?

✓ IMPROVE YOUR GOLF GAME, TENNIS SKILLS OR OTHER SPORTS PERFORMANCE?

✓ MANAGE TENSION AND STRESS MORE EFFECTIVELY?

✓ EASE FRUSTRATING MUSCLE ACHES AND PAINS?

✓ INCREASE YOUR OVERALL HEALTH AND WELLNESS?

THE LEAF

REAL THC EDIBLES WITHOUT A MEDICAL CARD?

The Leaf was founded with one goal in mind; to provide highquality lab tested THC and CBD products to the public without the need for a medical card. The Leaf operates under the 2018 farm bill and sells a unique variety of items all derived from one source; the cannabis plant. Anyone over the age of 21 can visit this one-of-a-kind store.

Edibles and topicals are just a few of the cannabis items now available right in your own backyard.

Delta-9 THC is the scientific name for dispensary-grade THC. Delta-9 THC is commonly found in edibles, vape cartridges, and even lotions.

Our edibles have 15mg of THC per gummy, 300mg per bottle. All products are farm bill compliant at under .3% Delta-9 THC by weight.

Leaf offers superior customer service to find the products specialized to your needs. All staff is certified bud-tenders.

Leaf also offers a variety of discounts such as veterans, first-time buyers, and seniors. Visit our new store in March in Port St. Lucie.

Happy New Year! You're Fired.

By: Emmelis Keaney

Even if you’re not currently in the market for a new work opportunity, you can’t ignore the continuous reports of near- term layo s projected for this year. Rightfully so, as the labor force tends to be a leading indicator of economic conditions. And while the Fed will try to assure you of their apparent control of the labor market, they’re not the ones that create payroll, employers do.

Giant conglomerates such as Goldman Sachs, Salesforce, Amazon, even e Wall Street Journal have begun their rst rounds of layo s and we’re a few weeks into the new year. Brace yourselves, this roller coaster is just taking o .

If this doesn’t set the tone for what this year is going to look like, then I don’t know what…Oh wait, what about more rate hikes? In a recent forum, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell maintained the priority, which does not involve taking on social issues, of “sticking to our knitting”. Mr. Powell remains committed to curbing in ation, despite pressures from Congress and Wall Street. And so do employers.

As in ation and overall cost continues to rise or remains high, corporations -which have an inherent primary duty to pro t- need to reduce cost and overall cash out ow to meet their goals. e number one expense for companies is their workforce. ose positions and departments they believe they can do without in the short term, will be eliminated. Another top expense is accumulated debt, which seems to be the “moda operandi” for most corporations over the past several years, in which case still produces massive job cuts to enable the ability to service the debt amidst low revenue.

Add to the mix the post covid labor force reformation that our future generations will read about. I don’t see much economic proof that workers don’t want to work, necessarily. What I nd is that the labor force demands a di erent working environment. Working from home, exible hours, higher livable wages, expanded group bene t programs, are just some of the increasing demands of the labor force. Mostly reasonable demands, but somewhat far from a nancial reality for most employers who most recently relied on debt and government stimulus to survive the crisis.

e past decade has been supposedly very pro table for capitalist America. But we don’t have to do an in-depth nancial review into companies to recognize the majority growth has been steer headed by low interest rates and cheap borrowing, massive nancial incentives and stimulus, and even nancial product innovation is at fault.

Employees proved to be resilient in every recession. We shall see which corporations rise as winners, and which fall. And Investors should pay close attention.

For What It’s Worth by Dr. Melfi, Ph.D.

I’ve received quite a few responses to last weeks column about the di culty of getting an appointment to see a physician now that the local hospital has its hands in scheduling at a central station. In my opinion it is cold, unfriendly, and seems to lack empathy of those who eld the calls, but perhaps there’s nothing they can do about it, and perhaps those receptionists are sick and tired of hearing how a sick patient needs to be seen sooner. ere can be blame all around, or perhaps nowhere, maybe it’s just the sign of the times. I do not know of any physicians who are uncaring, although some may be, but I do know that I have heard talk of some of them dissatis ed with the way things are working, so frustration everywhere.

If I ran the medical facilities, I’d have a few ideas to toss around. For one, I think it’s silly to give a prescription to patients who are leaving the emergency room. If these people were healthy enough to get around, they wouldn’t be spending hours waiting to be seen in an ER. In hospitals I have worked in, in other states, and in other decades, there

was an all night pharmacy in the facility that could ll the prescriptions right then and there. I mean, I know there are pharmacies associated with our hospitals…that is how inpatients get there medications. Why not help out a few patients who have no one to go to the drug store for them? at would ease their minds, and allow them to focus on getting well.

e next thing I would be thinking about is the need for more convenient urgent care centers in neighborhoods.

ere is one in Jensen, one in Palm City and one in Stuart, o the highway, but there are an enormous number of senior citizens who either can’t drive on the highways, shouldn’t be driving on the highways, or are too sick to get themselves help. If not, then how about a hospital owned transport company, not ambulances, who can take sick people to facilities that will treat them on the spot, instead of having them stand in a virtual line for months waiting to be seen. By then, they’ve either gotten better, or unfortunately, much worse. In case the higher-ups haven’t factored in the need to assist people, especially the elderly,

widowed and alone, who o en can’t or won’t call an Uber. e elderly are worried about their safety, getting into a car with a complete stranger, and I don’t blame them.

I don’t know how these issues can be addressed, how much money it would take, who could pay for these bene ts, and if anyone even cares to try to rectify our medical situation, but if anyone much more intelligent than I am could tackle these problems, please let us all know.

For What it’s Worth, no one feels more alone than someone who is sick, and no one has a worse doctor than themselves when they attempt to selfmedicate for lack of bona de, quali ed, timely, medical attention.

The FDA approved Aduhelm in 2021 under accelerated approval. First approved June 7, 2021.

A subsequent, poorly-explained controversy eventually resulted in MEDICARE to withdraw coverage for the drug. The company decided to support patients, and as of today, has active participation to help individual patients to obtain the treatment via a company support program.

As a result of Medicare not paying for the treatment, many providers stopped administering the drug in their office. Our office had difficulty finding a provider who would administer the drug intravenously.

After some thinking and brainstorming with my staff, I decided to start this I.V. service in our office at 100 US Hwy. 1, Suite 120, Vero Beach.

We are a cash-based practice and do not accept insurance. This is because of the prohibitive overhead billing from the insurance companies. So, we make it the patient’s responsibility to obtain the Aduhelm. We assist in this process, and Biogen has a PATH Enrollment (Patient Assistance Program) for financial assistance. The intravenous medications arrive in our office ready to go. We do charge for our expenses and for the services we render. We think our pricing is more than reasonable. My goal as a physician is to help patients who so desire to get access to the first rational therapy for Alzheimer’s disease.

Please read the FDA approval... Link: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/fdas-decision-approve-new-treatment-alzheimers-disease

TOP 5 REASONS TO BUY A HOT TUB OR SWIM SPA FROM HOT TUB SALES

BY GABBY GREGORY

Both you and I can probably come up with countless reasons to purchase a therapeutic hot tub or swim spa. I mean, what’s not to love about feeling relaxed and rejuvenated? But, here’s the thing, buying either a hot tub or swim spa shouldn’t necessarily be as simple as swiping your credit card. You need (and deserve!) to work with experts who actually care about you, your wants, and your needs. How else can you expect to get the best overall customer experience? So. without further ado, let’s talk about the top 5 reasons to buy a hot tub or swim spa from Hot Tub Sales:

Family Owned & Operated

In 2016, local married couple Lori & Mario Hicks founded their business, Hot Tub Sales, with a mission to “always strive for perfection.” But how do they deliver on that mission? Simple — Lori and Mario are deeply committed to being the quintessential definition of an honest-to-goodness family-owned and locally-operated business. Indeed, as active members of our community, Lori & Mario appreciate how important it is to be compassionate advocates for their clients, not transaction-focused salespeople. “You’re joining a family when you come to us,” affirms Mario.

With the Hicks family, you not only receive friendly and honest service, but also the assurance of longevity. Lori and Mario don’t plan on retiring any time soon, especially since they are genuinely passionate about supporting their valued clients. Additionally, with 3 children — Caroline, Monte, and Matthew — the couple will eventually pass Hot Tub Sales onto their next generation. In that way, the Treasure Coast and surrounding areas will always have knowledgeable, comprehensive, and trustworthy hot tub and swim spa sales, service,

Strong Customer Relationships & Personalized Attention

You’re not just a number at Hot Tub Sales, so you never have to worry about falling for sales gimmicks with shoddy products. In fact, Lori & Mario are so intent on creating strong relationships with their clients that they personally test each and every product before they allow it to be sold on their showroom floor. Mario says, “We know anything we’re selling to you is the highest quality. It works or it does not get sold in our place, no matter what.”

Furthermore, the personalized attention you receive at Hot Tub Sales is second to none. The goal is for Lori & Mario to find the best therapeutic hot tub or swim spa for your unique wants and needs. “We’re not trying to sell you the tub,” Mario clarifies, continuing, “I’ll look at you, I’ll look at your height, and I’ll say, ‘Well, although you like that tub, we need to get your shoulders under the water. That tub’s not going to fit you correctly.’”

As such, Lori & Mario encourage their clients to “wet test” a hot tub or swim spa before purchasing it. That’s right, bring your swimsuit to the showroom! “We want you to ‘test drive’ your hot tub,” Mario conveys, “because a hot tub is not going to be in your backyard for 3 or 4 or 5 years. It could be the last tub you ever own if you pick the right one! It’ll be there for 20 years.”

The Largest Selection of In-Stock Products with Comprehensive Warranties… and the Lowest Prices Since 2019!

There has never been a better time to buy a hot tub or swim spa than right now... seriously! Lori and Mario share, “You’re going to see prices you have not seen since 2019/2020 right now on our in-stock stuff!” So, if you’re looking to save money on your hot tub or swim spa purchase, then Hot Tub Sales likely has a deal for you!

Additionally, you don’t have to wait months for your hot tub or swim spa to be delivered, installed, and properly functioning. In fact, if you purchase an in-stock hot tub or swim spa from Hot Tub Sales, then you can have it in your backyard as early as next week!

Simply Great Service

Your experience at Hot Tub Sales doesn’t start or end with a sale! Lori & Mario’s motto is, and has always been, “Simply Great Service.” For that reason, Mario explains, “We sell the tubs, we’re fully stocked with parts, we service them, we deliver them, we install them.” He continues, “Most importantly, we hold [your] hand. Once the tub’s in [your] backyard, we coach [you] consistently on water chemistry and maintenance of the tub. There’s no 800 number to call. [You] don’t register [your] warranty, we do that for [you].”

Hot Tub Sales is a one-stop shop for all of your hot tub and swim spa needs! Lori and Mario will happily assist you, at no cost, with any questions you have about maintaining your hot tub or swim spa. If you happen to be a seasonal resident, then you can count on Hot Tub Sales to work with your schedule to “open” and “close” your hot tub or swim spa.

It doesn’t cost you anything to have a conversation with the experts! Learn more about how a hot tub or swim spa will improve your quality of life by visiting Hot Tub Sales. Their countless 5-star reviews on Google and A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau speak for themselves.

Tailored Emotional, Mental, & Physical Health Benefits

There are countless ways in which therapeutic hot tubs and swim spas positively impact your health and wellbeing, not only in the traditional physical sense, but also in the oft-forgotten emotional and mental arenas. At Hot Tub Sales, you will be working with a highly experienced and educated team of professionals.

With a combined experience of over 30+ years in the industry, Mario and Lori appreciate how important it is to understand your individual situation in order to direct you to the ideal hot tub or swim spa. They, along with their caring and attentive team members, take the time to ask you questions about how you’re feeling. Whether you’re experiencing lower back pain, struggling with severe bouts of depression, or just looking for a way to de-stress after work, you will find that the professionals at Hot Tub Sales will help find the best hot tub or swim spa to suit your hydrotherapy needs.

2555

Mondays-Fridays 9:30AM-5PM

Saturdays 9:30AM-4PM

Sundays 10AM-3PM

772-410-7191