O3-Rocky Point-Vol.562

A Fresh Take on Hair

By Gabby Gregory

Asfun and relaxing as it can be to get your hair cut, colored, or styled, the experience can also be unnerving... and even a little intimidating. Change is hard, especially when you’re used to a certain style. Plus, if you’re going to a new salon for the rst time, you may be nervous about connecting with your hair stylist. What if they don’t understand your vision?

If you book an appointment with the friendly, experienced, and knowledgeable stylists at Elysian by MOD in the Hobe Sound Plaza, then you don’t have to deal with any of this anxiety and apprehension!

The owner of the hair salon, Sam Johansen, has fostered a fresh take on hair, i.e. a unique culture that’s entirely different from the status quo. “We really try to make it so that clients feel good and comfortable,” Sam states, adding, “I don’t want people to feel like they have to get dressed up to go get their hair done.”

5-STAR SPECIALTY HAIR SERVICES

At Elysian by MOD, you’ll nd incredibly talented stylists — Sam, Bella, Alison, and Kristen — who offer a wide range of premierquality hair services that are 5-star rated on Google. If you can dream it, then someone at Elysian by MOD can do it!

While each of the stylists at the salon is able to deliver anything that your heart desires, each one also has her own special forte. Sam specializes in creative

cuts and colors. Bella, the salon’s manager, specializes in blonding and hair extensions. Alison is Elysian by MOD’s color specialist, while Kristen excels at smoothing treatments. Even the Salon Coordinator, Joy, has a background in hair, so she will be happy to chat with you about any ideas you may have.

Just because the stylists at Elysian by MOD are skilled doesn’t mean that they act superior to others. Instead, the team is bubbly, down to earth, and, ultimately, focused on you. Sam explains, “It’s maintaining the image of a high-end salon with the feeling of a small family business.”

PREMIER PRODUCTS

Your health and safety is very important to the entire team at Elysian by MOD. For that reason, they exclusively utilize highquality organic, cruelty-free, and vegan hair products from brands like Maria Nila. “It’s a really toxic industry in terms of the amount of chemicals,” Sam explains, “so to minimize that as much as possible is de nitely bene cial.”

To make it easier to maintain your color and style, Elysian by MOD has these premier hair products for sale at the front of the salon. Sam con rms that the product lines are very userfriendly, so you can nally achieve that salon-quality blowout on your own!

ALL ABOUT YOU

With their years of expertise and experience, the stylists at Elysian by MOD are happy to guide you to nding the perfect cut and color. At the same time, they will always listen rst to what you want, as well as determine your needs. They ask all of the relevant questions to understand you and what will work best for both your style and routine. For example, if someone doesn’t want or have the time to do their hair every morning, then they would receive suggestions for lowmaintenance styles and colors.

Of course, the stylists want to earn your total and complete satisfaction, so they will go the extra mile to deliver the very best results. If something still doesn’t turn out how you envisioned, however, then it will be xed. “There’s always a way to solve the problem,” Sam assures, continuing, “They can come to me directly or to their stylist directly.”

Cut with any Full Color

CULTIVATE YOUR CONFIDENCE

Visit the talented hair artists at Elysian by MOD to cultivate your con dence! You deserve to feel more special and beautiful than ever. Plus, you don’t have to stress about your experience at the salon, as the team at Elysian by MOD will kindly walk you through each step of the process, ensuring that you feel entirely comfortable and heard. “Coming here is a fun experience,” assures Sam, “and it’s welcoming! We’re here for you.”

Elysian by MOD is located in the Hobe Sound Plaza at 11185 SE Federal Highway in Hobe Sound. The salon is open for both appointments and walk-in clients on Tuesday-Thursday from 10AM-7PM and Friday-Saturday from 10AM-5PM. To schedule your appointment, call 772-402-5572 or visit elysianbymod.com.

Sam -Kristen - Joy

As soon as you enter the breathtakingly beautiful space at Hudson’s on the River, you’re transported to a bright, tranquil oasis that encourages you to celebrate life. How could you not feel at ease when you’re dining on the waterfront underneath the Roosevelt Bridge, soaking up the sun on one of the restaurant’s two outdoor patios, or sipping a creative cra cocktail at its expansive full bar? en, as you learn more about Hudson’s three core principles — sustainability, fresh ingredients, and avors — you become even more immersed in the positive, upli ing vibes of the setting.

Hudson’s on the River is located on the St. Lucie River at 351 SW Flager Avenue in Stuart. e restaurant is open Sunday- ursday from 11AM to 9PM and Friday-Saturday from 11AM to 10PM. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 11AM to 3PM. For more information or to make a reservation, call 772-247-6062 or visit hudsonontheriver.com.

Celebrate Life at

Hudson’s ON THE RIVER

A unique dining experience on the river, Hudson’s o ers a resplendent menu featuring both out-of-thebox creations and innovative interpretations of beloved classics. Indeed, with a keen attention to detail, the restaurant serves beverages and meals that you won’t nd anywhere else in our area!

For example, where else can you order a sushi roll made not only with sustainable ingredients, but also that includes a bacon and avocado ailoi?! I thoroughly enjoyed that particular dish — Hudson’s signature roll ($24) — which, other than the aioli, combines fresh crab, cucumber, corn, scallops, sriracha ginger aioli, tempura akes, and soy paper. Singularly avorful, the sushi is a fun mix of spicy, smoky, and sweet, with a textural complexity that further excites the palate. “It’s a fusion of Asian and American avors,” commented Abby, concluding, “that wonderfully subverts the status quo.”

For a more straightforward starter, try the Seafood Tower appetizer ($70 for 2 people). An impressive array of chilled oysters, jumbo shrimp, lump Maryland blue crab, and a large lobster tail, the tower is a breath of fresh air… and avors! Paul declared that the oysters were “excellent,” while Luis, who normally doesn’t like oysters, agreed, saying that Hudson’s were “so good that [he] would actually order them again.” Meanwhile, Abby took one forkful of all-white crab meat and exclaimed, “Oh, that’s good!” And the lobster? e sweet, succulent meat was extracted from the pesky shell for us, so eating it was both easy and enjoyable!

When it comes to an entrée, if you’d like something other than seafood, then try the New York Strip ($58), which is made using 14 oz. of phenomenal grass-fed, sustainably-raised, all-natural beef from a family farm, Brasstown Beef, in North Carolina. Served with ngerling potatoes, locally-sourced green beans, and a roasted bone marrow maître d’ butter, the steak is tender and seasoned just right. e butter adds a delectable richness, and Luis said, “Despite being a more seafood-focused restaurant, Hudson’s achieves a better NY strip than most other dedicated steakhouses.”

Seafood lovers, on the other hand, should take the leap and select what is arguably the most unique item on Hudson’s menu: the octopus “hotdog” ($19). Cornmeal-dusted con t octopus is layered with napa cabbage, black garlic aioli, avocado wasabi aioli, and

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Review

by Gabby Gregory

Questions/Comments? diningreview@mediaoms.com

with Gabby, Abby, Luis, & Paul

appreciated the freshness of the snapper, and said that even without the tempura, “its avor would still shine.”

sesame seeds on a toasted brioche hotdog roll, then served with your choice of side (we highly recommend the yuca fries… di erent and delicious!). It may sound or look intimidating, but this creative twist on an American classic is “remarkably delicious,” according to Abby. e nicely-cooked octopus is salty without being shy, and boasts the perfect balance of a crunchy outside with a succulent inside that is “so freaking good,” said she.

More of a traditionalist? Order the seafood risotto ($41), a luscious, creamy combination of gigantic diver scallops, royal red shrimp, crab, baby heirloom tomatoes, chopped asparagus, and grilled corn. I was oored by the melt-in-yourmouth quality of the seared scallops, and could’ve easily eaten them on their own! e shrimp and crab were similarly fresh and tasty. Overall, I adored the instant comfort that this dish inspired within me. e rich cream, sweet seafood, and full vegetables all work in tandem to tantalize your tastebuds!

Another excellent option is one of the most popular items on the menu: Hudson’s Snapper ($38). e generous plate includes a huge piece of fresh, tempura snapper with coconut jasmine rice, baby bok choy, bell peppers, mango jalapeno coulis, and spicy coconut aioli. e mild sh rst pops with bites of spice, then is balanced by the avor of the subtly- oral rice. Paul really

For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the coconut cream pie or Key lime pie. e former is a deconstructed version of the dessert, with crumbles of a “crust” that’s so and tastes like sweetness and cinnamon. I, normally, despise both the avor and texture of coconut; however, a er hearing the others rave about Hudson’s coconut cream pie, I had to try it. I can honestly say that it’s the one and only coconut dessert that I have ever actually enjoyed! It was a light and refreshing excursion to the tropics, with delicate notes of coconut that harmonize beautifully with hints of vanilla.

e Key lime pie, on the other hand, immediately enlivens your tastebuds with its tart sweetness, which is tempered by the honey and cinnamon in its graham cracker crust. “ at’s the stu ,” Luis complimented, “that makes you go ‘Mmmmm.’”

Brighten your day, excite your palate, and celebrate life by dining at Hudson’s on the River! e waterfront view alone is enough to delight you, so just wait until you get your hands on one of the restaurant’s visionary libations or inspired entrées…

Seafood Risotto

Hudson’s Snapper

Key Lime Pie

Octopus Hot Dog

Hudson’s Signature Roll

Moussaka

Souvlaki

Salmon

Fried Shrimp

Grilled Salmon

Lamb

Greek

Dolmathakia

Falafel

Spanakopita

For What It’s Worth by

Ok, so here’s the latest scoop on the medical situations regarding my last several columns, having to do with inability to get to a doctor from Cleveland Clinic in a timely manner. Yes, for those of you who insisted I name the dreaded hospital that I was writing about, it is, in fact, Cleveland Clinic. e reason I am now going to put a name to the place is because I was invited by Dr. Singh, the President of Cleveland Clinic to have a meet and greet this a ernoon. Just when you think you know how your week is going to go, wham, a personal invitation to speak with the president himself, who read my articles and wanted to talk. Okay, so I’ll admit I was nervous, anxious, worried, but also armed for bear in the event that he wanted to minimize the situation, but in fact, surprisingly, he was caring, open to suggestions, and transparent with regard to how Cleveland Clinic took over Martin Memorial North and South, and what he strived for going forward. I was impressed, and I’m not easily sold on lip service, but between him and the head of Patient Experiences, Karen Ludwig, who was also present, it was apparent that he knew and understood the frustrations the general public has been experiencing getting seen by a physician in a timely manner.

I have to give him credit. His information was forthcoming, addressing my concerns, sometimes even before I had

Dr. Melfi,

the chance to list them. Also to his credit, he was young-ish, a physician himself, and has only been the president of the hospital for one year. In that year, he and Karen had an earful of complaints and they had plans to address all of them by way of hiring almost 60 new physicians, twice as many nurses, and ongoing training for those people on the front lines, who take the calls and make appointments. I was shocked, in a good way. He never tried to make excuses, nor did he make false promises. He said getting things turned around was not going to happen overnight, but he does strive to make this hospital the best it can possibly be, within a reasonable amount of time. He is there to speak with, to read emails, and to even give out his cell phone number (No, sorry, I can’t pass it along, lol) but from what I understand, he has done that frequently to others as well.

He loves this community, he loves this hospital, and he loves medicine. He is not one of those people who sits in their ivory tower, having no pulse on medical practices. He wants to do better, and promises he will do better, but this is what he has been handed, well, that, and the pandemic, which has seen the resignation of good nurses and doctors who no longer wish to expose themselves and their families to infection. I get

Ph.D.

it. Much as I loved hospital nursing, I have asked myself many times if I had stayed in nursing, would I quit? I feel like the answer is a hard “no” but it’s easy to say from the sidelines, and not in the midst of potentially deadly chaos.

My point is this. He wants things to change, and he has ideas to change them, many of which it is not my place to share. I came in with a list of suggestions, but before I could get my ideas out of my mouth, he already verbalized them. We were on the same page! So, the bottom line is this.

For What it’s Worth, he’s young, he’s enthusiastic, he wants to make things better, and he wants Cleveland Clinic, Stuart, to be exactly what we all want it to be, a place we can trust with our very lives. Let’s be fair and give him time to get it together. If I was a gambler, I think I’d put my money on him.

Comments or Suggestions

DrMelfi@mediaoms.com

3355 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart 34997 (Next to Play It Again Sports)

Furry Friends Welcome!

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?

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?

New Treatment for Alzheimer’s

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.

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.