Essential Naples Summer 2023

Essential NAPLES Summer 2023

SWFL’s Resource for Essential Living

The Ultimate American Road Trip: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, and the Amazing Yosemite Lori Hubbard, MA

Do We Have the Power to Change Our Reality Through Thought?

Diane Hayden, PhD

Essential Oils to Reclaim Your Healthspan Susie Bagwell

Hormones for Men and Women—Is There a Natural Approach?

Jenni Berman, PA-C, CPT, CNS

Herniated Discs DO NOT Cause Back Pain!

Jake Berman, PT, DPT

How Floating Affects Pain, Mental Health, and Aging Lynn Brewer

Health

Purpose

+ A Real Answer to Chronic + A Strong Mindset to Neck and Back Pain > 14 + It’s All About Your Hormones > 16

Conquer Lyme > 38 + How to Gain Distance with Your Driver > 44

Buzz

Spotlight

+ ONE Thing to Reduce

+ Lisa’s Thermography

Your Stress Now > 6

+ Food as Medicine > 6

and Wellness > 8 + Hypnosis Haven > 8

A New Breed of Financial Advisor Who Treats You Like Family

Nina Azwoir

First Vice President, Investments tel: 239.687.5204

LOCATED AT

3401 Tamiami Trail North Naples, Florida

Wealth Management Investment products such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds are: NOT FDIC INSURED | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT A DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Photo: Michael Owen

CONTENTS

Summer 2023

Features

24 The Ultimate American Road Trip

Departments

Health

LETTER

6

BUZZ What Is ONE Thing That Can Help You Reduce Stress Right Now? Food as Medicine: Discover Your Own Joyful Wellness

8

SPOTLIGHT I Love Oils, Inc.—Susie Bagwell Lisa’s Thermography and Wellness—Lisa Mack Hypnosis Haven—Susana Padilla

49 HAPPENINGS 50 COMMUNITY

RESOURCES

32 Do We Have the Power to Change Our Reality Through Thought?

By Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD

10 What Does Your Gut Have to Do with Improving Your Type 2 Diabetes?

By Denise A. Pancyrz

11 How Floating Affects Pain, Mental Health, and Aging

By Lynn Brewer

12 Herniated Discs DO NOT Cause Back Pain!

By Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT

14 A Real Answer to Chronic Neck and Back Pain?

By Theresa Edmunds, CHC

16 Forget the Calories, the “Weight Debate”—It’s All About Your Hormones

By Betsy Opyt, RD, LD/N, CDE, RYT

18 Essential Oils to Reclaim Your Healthspan

By Susie Bagwell

36 Why Measuring Your Microvascular System Is Important

By Lisa Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT

40 Why We Use Ozone for Enhanced Healing in Dentistry

By Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD

42 Hormones for Men and Women— Is There a Natural Approach?

By Jenni Berman, PA-C, CPT, CNS

3 46 Why Your Knee Hurts, and What to Do About It

By Dr. Richard Hiler, DABCN

48 Are You Suffering from More Memory Loss, Anxiety, Depression, or Mental Fog as You Age?

By Dr. Kelly Miller, NMD

Purpose 38 A Strong Mindset as the Driving Force to Conquer Lyme Disease and Traumatic Brain Injury

By Jordan Dunin

44 How to Gain Distance with Your Driver

By Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT

Finance 20 The Risks of DIY Investing—Part 2 Provided by Nina Azwoir, First Vice President of Investments, Wintrust Wealth Management

SUMMER 2023

4

By Lori Hubbard, MA

ESSENTIAL Naples

24

LETTER

Hey, I’m Dr. Diane!

ESSENTIAL Naples

I

SUMMER 2023

4

“The power of our mind to heal our body is knowledge I believe we all innately have, but sadly has been forgotten.

And quite honestly, most of us were never taught how to access and apply this ability.”

—Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD

f you read our Spring issue, you know I attended the Dr. Joe Dispenza Week Long Advanced Retreat in April. I am still flying high from the energy! I have always been a big believer in the ability to heal your body with your mind—but after my experience at this retreat, there is not a shred of doubt in my opinion. Not only did I see people get out of wheelchairs and walk with my own eyes, but there was extensive research on the healing effects of meditation and energy medicine presented by Dr. Hemal Patel, MD/ PhD from UC San Diego.

They showed us study after study examining meditators at these retreats where their blood plasma shut down cancer cell metabolism, where tumors were eliminated on follow-up scans, where autoimmune markers for MS and ALS disappeared, and where cells had literally been changed in a seven-day period and diseases ceased to exist—even in people who had a particular disease for most of their life!

The power of our mind to heal our body is knowledge I believe we all innately have, but sadly has been forgotten. And quite honestly, most of us were never taught how to access and apply this ability. I am more committed than ever to teaching this information and to continue to provide the platform for our holistic practitioners to educate our communities on all their unique healing modalities.. That’s why I chose to write the feature this issue to address the question, “Do We Have the Power to Change Our Reality Through Thought?” Well, you already know what I believe.

How we create what we want is dependent on how well we can maintain an elevated level of emotion to tap in and to stay on the same vibratory level as our creation.

The problem is, as we go through our day we experience challenges, problems, and negative interactions with others, and we slowly lose our elevated state. We become unconscious, so to speak, and go back to operating at a lower vibration or energy level. If this happens day after day, month after month, year after year, our body becomes conditioned or addicted to these negative emotions and thoughts. Over the years, the body begins to create programming that keeps us stuck in these negative emotions through unhealthy relationships, unfulfilling jobs, and even chronic disease. The scary thing is that we don’t even realize this is happening!

Read the feature on page 32 for more insight and tips on how to maintain an elevated energy level. Hopefully I’ve provided a greater understanding of how you change your reality through thought in this article. I’d love to hear your feedback!

Wishing you health and happiness,

Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD Publisher & Owner, ELM Publishing

Essential NAPLES Vol. 4, Issue 1 Essential Naples is a quarterly lifestyle publication in SWFL for health-minded locals who need credible information on holistic health and well-being trends. Our coverage is 100% local with expert content that interests both local residents and professional integrated practitioners.

PUBLISHER/OWNER

Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD Diane@essentialnaples.com DIR. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/OWNER

Christopher Urso

H e r e ’s W h a t Essential Naples Has in Store for 2023/2024!

Fall • Natural Treatment for Cancer • Managing Stress and Anxiety

Curso@naturalnutmeg.com

Lori Hubbard lori@naturalnutmeg.com DESIGN DIRECTOR

Ashley Frament layout@naturalnutmeg.com ADVISORY BOARD

DISTRIBUTION

Naples and SWFL, please contact curso@naturalnutmeg.com Essential Naples Magazine essentialnaples.com

• Diet and Stress Reduction for Weight Loss • Natural Treatments for Chronic Pain

2024 Is Around the Corner • Start planning next year’s marketing strategy today!

In keeping with our concern for the environment, Essential Naples is proudly printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks.

Essential Naples is a free publication supported solely by our advertisers and distributed throughout SWFL. Please email curso@naturalnutmeg.com for locations near you. © 2023 by Natural Nutmeg, LLC. All rights reserved.

Parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, with permission. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your feedback.

Contact diane@essentialnaples.com to feature your business in Essential Naples!

5 SUMMER 2023

Nina Azwoir, Financial Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Derrick DeSilva, MD Theresa Edmunds, CHC Betsy Opyt, RD, LD/N, CDE Denise Pancyrz, Nutrition Josephine Perez, DMD

Winter

ESSENTIAL Naples

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

BUZZ ESSENTIAL Naples SUMMER 2023

6

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What Is ONE Thing That Can Help You Reduce Stress Right Now?

e all experience a variety of triggers in our lives daily that are unsettling and stressful: challenges at work, relationship conflicts at home, caregiving for children or older adults (or both), financial struggles, uncertainty, upsetting local, national, and global events, and more.

Blue Zones Project is a community-wide well-being initiative that helps make healthier choices easier for everyone in SWFL. Our goal is to live longer and better…together.

Understanding that residents are struggling, Blue Zones Project by Sharecare, sponsored by NCH, offers a free app to all SWFL residents called “Unwinding Anxiety.” This is just one tool that can be used alone or to support clinical therapeutic options. In addition to this app, Blue Zones Project has resources such as purpose workshops, cooking demonstrations, walking groups, and volunteer opportunities that help the community feel more connected.

The Blue Zones Project encourages simple but accessible wellness rituals such as: • a deep breath • a walk in the park • connecting with loved ones • practicing gratitude • enjoying a mindful meal These simple practices can help us reset and move forward with more ease.

Unwinding Anxiety provides tools to help calm our mind by identifying triggers, helping us ride out stressful moments, and building better habits for our mental and physical health.

Unwinding Anxiety is available for free and can be downloaded here: southwestflorida.bluezonesproject.com/unwinding-anxiety/ This app helps remind and guide us to take a few minutes to recalibrate. It enables us to be more present and emotionally regulated to handle the situations and tasks ahead of us.

So move your body, connect with a friend, take some deep breaths.

These simple habits can make a world of difference…in a world with so many stressors.

Attend a Blue Zones Project Purpose Workshop. People who know their purpose can live up to seven years longer. Register for a free interactive purpose workshop to discover or rediscover your gifts, passions, and values. To learn more about upcoming events and how to get involved, visit: BZPSWFL.Eventbrite.com.

Blue Zones Project is a well-being project that works with individuals, homeowners associations, faith-based organizations, restaurants, grocery stores, schools, and businesses in the community to help make healthy choices easier. We provide tips and tools to help people in Southwest Florida live longer, better lives. Connect with us: BZPSWFL. Eventbrite.com Learn more: bluezonesproject.southwestflorida.com

Food as Medicine: Discover Your Own Joyful Wellness

B

eth McCarthy, Founder of Joyful Wellness, LLC, is now offering personal health chef services, food-as-medicine culinary coaching, beautiful foods by Beth Boutique Catering, and healthy cooking class events!

As a Certified Natural Chef and graduate of the Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver, Colorado, I am delighted to share my love of healthy living, cooking, eating, and nourishment with you. I am especially passionate about “food as medicine” and how food can strengthen, protect, revitalize, reverse disease, and heal. I partner with you to help you rediscover deep health, renewed vitality, and optimal nourishment in your life.

Perhaps you’re struggling with a health condition requiring a change in mindset, diet, and lifestyle. Or you’re managing a hectic work schedule and/or family life. Or all of this, and more, without the time or energy to meal plan, grocery shop, and cook! You want more free time to do the things you love most; you’re frustrated by body image, weight gain, or digestive issues; or you simply want to learn fun new ways to cook healthier and feel better. And—bonus!—share it with family and friends at a cooking class or catering event!

I’m only a consultation away!

Your journey to Joyful Wellness begins today!

Beth McCarthy is the founder of Joyful Wellness, LLC, a healthy lifestyle consulting company offering culinary coaching, food-as-medicine personal chef services, boutique-style in-home healthy catering services, and cooking class events. When not in the kitchen, Beth can be found leading Awakening Joy for Women Wellness, Yoga, Nutrition, and Self-Care Retreats.

The Energy Medicine Solution Retreat Oct 12-15, 2023

AWAKEN, ACTIVATE & TRUST YOUR INNER WISDOM ESSENTIAL Naples

• Design a life with more peace and joy • Harness your innate power to heal yourself • Minimize the pain and daily stress you now embrace as normal • Create a new prosperity mindset

• Develop healthier, more loving relationships • Connect with Spirit, your higher self, and your life’s purpose

9 Experts

9 WAYS TO TRANSFORM

SUMMER 2023

• Make your well-being a priority over pleasing others

7

Make 2023 the Year You Become a Better Version of Yourself READY TO GET STARTED? For more details about the retreat & our personalized Accelerator Program, visit: bit.ly/EnergyRetreat2023 IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL OPTIONS AVAILABLE

All retreat experts are co-authors of the Amazon Best Seller, The Energy Medicine Solution

SPOTLIGHT ESSENTIAL Naples SUMMER 2023

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Susie Bagwell, Founder, I Love Oils, Inc.

S

usie Bagwell began using essential oils in 1999 to help care for her daughter’s ear discomfort. That success led to a lifelong passion and interest in the application of essential oils.

After being certified to teach and pioneer an early concept in essential oil application, Susie went on to become a Certified Massage Therapist in Michigan and opened Mässusie, an Essential Oil Spa, in 2007.

Susie joined dōTERRA International in 2008 and became an active AromaTouch Instructor. Since closing the spa and moving to Florida in 2010, she teaches about essential oil application in hospitals, clinics, and massage schools. Susie’s husband, Peter, left his manufacturing business in 2015 to work with Susie, and the two opened an office where they host educational classes and events together.

One of the biggest challenges Susie faces is decades-old misinformation about essential oils.

Many people believe you can’t use oils on children or cats or dogs or that essential oils should only be used either internally or externally. However, today’s certified-pure, tested-grade essential oils are very safe, and extensive research continues to reveal new secrets and modalities about using them in a more holistic lifestyle.

Susie’s current work is taking the information to the people. Her team regularly sets up booths at farmers markets and vendor events to teach people more about oils face-to-face. The Bagwells also host classes at their Fort Myers, FL office and wellness events around the country.

Susie Bagwell • Founder, I Love Oils, Inc. Independent dōTERRA Wellness Advocate For Myers, FL • 586.604.3500 Email: susie@iloveoils.com Website: www.iloveoils.com Instagram: iloveoils See ad on page 13 >

Lisa Mack, Owner of Lisa’s Thermography and Wellness

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y name is Lisa Mack, owner of Lisa’s Thermography and Wellness for 11 years. I am also a Certified Clinical Thermographer and Holistic Health Coach. I have always had a passion for holistic health and helping others in their health journey.

In the midst of following my passions, I discovered thermography and found it to be an amazing tool to help people identify their health issues before they become a problem.

Lisa’s Thermography and Wellness is a mobile business, which allows me to serve many different areas in several states.

I am currently serving in many locations in Florida, including BODYBAR PILATES in Osprey, Therapeutic Wellness Center in Punta Gorda, and Lotus Blossom Clinic in Fort Myers.

Thermography sees inflammation within the body, which is oftentimes the very first sign of a potential health problem.

Thermography provides all women with an accurate representation of their body’s current state and is a roadmap to understanding their journey to better health. More specifically, a woman’s thermogram can give insight on the current state of their breast health and potential hormone imbalances.

Additionally, thermograms can see a woman’s metabolic processes and body functions, offering new insight into the health of your body—in many cases, long before you feel any symptoms or before a specific test is able to diagnose an actual disease. The results can help in the prevention of disease by monitoring breast health, cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal disorders, sinus and allergies, thyroid health, digestive disorders, visceral health, dental pathologies, nerve damage, and inflammation. Simply put, thermography can see whether your body is asking for extra help.

For more information, contact me at 855.667.9338 or email lisa@lisasthermographyandwellness.com Lisa Mack • Lisa’s Thermography and Wellness 855.667.9338 • lisa@lisasthermographyandwellness.com lisasthermographyandwellness.com

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Join us! Next cohort starts August 28th!

Email ihi@salemu.edu for more information today!

profession, and how our everyday behaviors can influence our overall health and well-being.”

– NS, nurse participant, 2023

Hear Dr. Diane interview Bruce Cryer, Founder and Senior Advisor for the Integrative Health Institute at Salem University, on the Essential Living Podcast!

Listen at essentialnaples.com/podcasts

salemu.edu/integrative-health-institute

9 Inner Child Healing to Create a Life of Ease, Flow & Abundance

Holy Cow! I just finished a session with Jacqueline Kane & my mind is blown!

This is such powerful healing that everything has shifted for me. I can’t recommend Jacqueline enough.

- Lisa Roche

Pain is a warning sign that something needs to be resolved.

Constant low back means your sacral chakra is not in balance.

An imbalanced sacral chakra is the result of suppressed emotions, feelings and desires. It can also mean you may have had sexual trauma and resist intimacy.

My 4 Weeks to A Happy Low Back program will get to the root cause of your pain.

You can heal too!

Call Jacqueline at 860-307-0232 to book your appointment 111 Main St., Collinsville, CT 06019 (860) 307-0232 www.jacquelinemkane.com

SUMMER 2023

Susana Padilla, Certified Hypnotherapist, Hypnosis Haven • New Milford, CT Hypnosis-Haven.com 949.53.HAVEN (949.534.2836)

Integrative Health Coaching is a powerful “This has been a fantastic 16-week program designed to educate experience. I have learned professionals interested in coaching others so much about myself, about the Health Coaching to optimal health and wellness.

ESSENTIAL Naples

ypnosis Haven, located in New Milford, CT, has been helping clients around the globe since 2016. Using therapeutic imagery with hypnosis creates an internal mindscape for hypnotherapy to take place, and clients benefit from certified hypnotherapist Susana Padilla’s mastery.

She has been helping clients in the “usual” realms of hypnosis, such as overcoming anxiety or traumas, weight management, smoking cessation, and fears, but for the past few years, she has been helping increasing numbers of clients who have survived strokes or traumatic brain injuries.

“The reason I decided to study Hypnosis for Stroke Survivors was because my younger brother suffered a severe stroke in 2020. I saw firsthand not only how many aspects of life are changed but how advantageous it could be to add hypnosis to the recovery plan. Hypnosis is all about neuroplasticity and finding new ways to make new connections in the mind/ brain to help the body!

“I dove right in and began seeing clients that hadn’t walked in years, clients suffering from aphasia, pusher syndrome, and many other challenges that come from surviving a stroke. Online and in-person sessions have helped clients recover their abilities and get out of their depression or mental plateaus of physical therapy.

“The benefits clients come to experience by the seventh hour of hypnosis are lifelong, and given that they have their recordings to keep, the progress is continually reinforced.”

Available for evening and weekend sessions, online and in person.

Do you wish you could do more to support others in their health?

SPOTLIGHT

Susana Padilla, Certified Hypnotherapist, Hypnosis Haven

INTEGRATIVE HEALTH COACHING

Health

What Does Your Gut Have to Do with Improving

Your Type 2 Diabetes?

By Denise A. Pancyrz

ESSENTIAL Naples

S

SUMMER 2023

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“Chemical-based sweeteners are touted as sugarfree, coaxing diabetes patients to buy processed food products in an effort to be ‘healthier.’ Food and beverages with these sweeteners have had a hand in the explosion of obesity and chronic disease for decades, albeit unknowingly for much of that time.”

—Denise A. Pancyrz

ixty to seventy million Americans have some type of digestion issues (e.g., constipation, diarrhea, gas, IBS, IBO, acid reflux). Many people have gut issues and don’t know it’s inhibiting them from improving their glucose levels. Many don’t even realize they have gut issues.

An unhealthy gut can be missing strains or have a low number of good bacteria, making way for fungus like candida and increased bad bacteria such as H. pylori, E. coli, and others. These bacteria could be lingering for many years without you being aware.

When these pesky bacteria or fungi overtake your digestive tract, it can lead to inflammation and lack of vitamin and mineral absorption, causing a metabolic issue. This is worsened by an unhealthy diet and medication.

What to Watch Out For

Over time, food sensitivities or intolerances can add to issues like weight gain, bloating, joint pain, migraines, headaches, and more. Additives, colorants, and preservatives in food and beverages can aggravate the situation. You can find these same additives, colorants, and preservatives in your supplements and possibly in your medication.

Additives such as: • Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)— check your cereal!

• Orange Yellow S, FD&C Yellow 6 • Carrageenan • Polysorbate 80 Chemical-based sweeteners are touted as sugarfree, coaxing diabetes patients to buy processed food products in an effort to be “healthier.” Food and beverages with these sweeteners have had a hand in the explosion of obesity and chronic disease for decades, albeit unknowingly for much of that time.

Sweeteners such as: • Aspartame • Acesulfame potassium • Caramel • Sodium cyclamate Check your keto-friendly snacks and protein powders and bars for these sweeteners. While the body doesn’t appear to digest these sweeteners, they can cause glucose intolerance over time.

Artificial sweeteners also seem to reduce the population of good bacteria in your gut.

Ever wonder why so many people need TUMS, Rolaids, Pepcid, and prescription medication to control acid reflux? All the chemical additives, sweeteners, and unhealthy food worsen digestive issues, perpetuating the problem.

If you don’t work to improve your gut health now, you’ll need to stay on a keto diet and essentially starve yourself to keep your glucose in check.

And that, too, will only last so long.

Three Steps to Improved Gut Health

Improving gut health starts with three essential steps.

Step 1: Gather information through non-invasive lab testing: • Learn which foods are irritating your system and which are therapeutic for you • Find out if you may be deficient in minerals • Learn which food additives you are intolerant to • Determine if you have too many harmful bacteria and not enough good bacteria in your gut Step 2: With the right information, you can have a personalized protocol to: • Improve your gut health and your diabetes • Target professional grade without those pesky additives with a review of your supplements Step 3: Once you rebalance your gut, you can lose weight, feel great, and live a healthier life again!

Denise A. Pancyrz is a Diabetes Reversal and Holistic Lifestyle Coach, speaker, and best-selling author of The Virgin Diabetic, Reverse the Effects of Type 2 Diabetes, Reduce Medication, and Improve Your Glucose Levels, available on Amazon.

Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Denise was prescribed four daily insulin shots along with oral medication for diabetes and heart disease. This protocol helped to bring her glucose levels down; however, she did not feel as healthy and vibrant as expected. After changing her protocol by learning to rest and preserve her pancreas, she was able to eliminate all medication and insulin, regaining her energy. Visit ReverseMyDiabetes.net for coaching and training information, to book a free consultation, or to set up a speaking event. Contact Denise by calling 888.848.1763, or email her at Denise@ReverseMyDiabetes.net.

See ad on page 17 >

Health

How Floating Affects Pain, Mental Health, and Aging

By Lynn Brewer

I’m telling you this because, in the end, my pain and sleep disorder affected my life and made my body look and feel older than it was. I found that after floating regularly, I had less pain and better sleep, and, as a result, my hormones were more regulated, making me feel younger, have much more energy, and look and feel better. The blast of the essential and life-giving mineral magnesium was giving me a new lease on life.

When further researching floating, it became clear that it aids the body in many ways, including pain relief, relaxation, stress relief, concentration, meditation, insomnia, helping eliminate eating disorders, assisting with hypnotherapy, and managing fibromyalgia and all autoimmune diseases.

When your body is in better health, your hormones are more balanced, and your mental and physical states are more robust. Floating naturally improves your immune system, and studies have shown that consistent floating reduces cortisol (stress) levels by over 20%. More importantly, studies also demonstrated the body’s increased resilience to handle stressful situations with a 50% reduction in cortisol variability.

Unfortunately, our bodies do not produce magnesium, and magnesium deficiency is more commonplace than we realize. In short, float for your health and wellness. Visit Cloud9 Float Spa to feel the difference magnesium can have in your life. When your body is functioning with the proper amount of magnesium, you look and feel your best.

A simple, peaceful, enjoyable way to do this is by introducing floating into your health and wellness plan.

“I found that after floating regularly, I had less pain and better sleep, and, as a result, my hormones were more regulated, making me feel younger, have much more energy, and look and feel better. The blast of the essential and life-giving mineral magnesium was giving me a new lease on life.”

Come be part of the solution to a healthy life at Fort Myers Cloud 9 Float Spa today! Lynn Brewer, owner of Cloud9 Float Spa & Wellness Center located at 13710 Metropolis Ave., Suite #104 in Fort Myers. Call 239.887.4161, email info@c9floatspa.com, and visit www.c9floatspa.com. SWFL’s Only Float Spa. See ad on page 19 >

—Lynn Brewer

11 SUMMER 2023

any of us suffer from chronic pain, so we understand how it affects our mental and physical health. Most often with chronic pain, we struggle with sleep disorders which, in addition to the pain, often leave us housebound, if not entirely bedridden, and feeling emotionally battered. I know this for a fact, as I have been through many years of pain and sleepless nights that have affected the mental and physical aspects of my life. Having explored all the doctor referrals, suggestions, and medications available, I knew there had to be a solution or at least a release from some of the pain. Turning to the holistic side, as many friends had suggested, I started down a new path.

The new holistic path was wide and varied depending on who you listened to or what you read to the point of confusion. Then I encountered a book by Carolyn Dean, The Magnesium Miracle.

I figured I had tried everything else—why not floating? After all, it’s the most effective, efficient way to painlessly receive the most magnesium in a short time.

A quick explanation of floating and its history for the uninitiated: the float tank, sometimes known as a sensory deprivation tank, is an enclosed pod or chamber filled with water warmed to human body temperature. It also contains over a thousand pounds of magnesium sulfate, causing your body to float as if you were in the Dead Sea. For a minimum of one hour, you lie in the darkness as you relax deeply and seem to lose sense of time. The sleep disorder person in me relished the chance to rest passively while the floating tank worked its magic on me.

ESSENTIAL Naples

M

Health

ESSENTIAL Naples

Herniated Discs

DO NOT Cause Back Pain!

12 SUMMER 2023

By Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT

“Over 60% of people over the age of 40 consistently show some type of disc herniation, disc bulging, nerve root compression, or degeneration of some sort, YET none of them reported having any pain!”

—Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT

O

ne of the most frustrating things that I hear on a weekly, if not daily basis, is that “I have a herniated disc causing my back pain so there’s nothing you can do about my back pain. I have to have surgery.” And this couldn’t be farther from the truth! I can honestly tell you that over the course of my entire career, I’ve only come across TWO patients who had a disc herniation bad enough that required surgery—and I’ve treated hundreds, if not thousands, of patients who had disc herniations!

The reason is that disc herniations in themselves do NOT cause pain! Read that sentence again, please, and let me explain. Most people who have severe back pain who do not try quality physical therapy first (not the run-of-the-mill, cookie-cutter PT) and go straight to their PCP or orthopedic surgeon will end up having an MRI. Nine times out of ten, this will show disc herniation, disc bulging, or nerve compression of some sort, which they immediately attribute to causing their back pain.

However, over the past 10 years, more and more studies are proving that disc herniations themselves do not cause pain.

These studies are looking at asymptomatic (no symptoms or back pain) people over the age of 40 and giving them an MRI, and the results are mind-blowing! Over 60% of people over the age of 40 consistently show some type of disc herniation, disc bulging, nerve root compression, or degeneration of some sort, YET none of them reported having any pain! Because of this, we cannot say that disc herniations in themselves cause back pain. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. What we can say is that disc herniations can be correlated with back pain, but by no means can we say that they cause back pain.

Blame Your Big Butt…Muscle

What I can tell you, after working with thousands of people who had back pain over the years, is the one common factor among them: glute (your big butt muscle) weakness. Another common factor is SI joint (sacroiliac joint) instability. After strengthening the glutes, stabilizing the SI joint, and doing a little core work, 99.9% of my patients’ back pain resolved! Please notice that I didn’t say anything about working on disc issues…

My thought process is this: Why did the disc herniation happen in the first place? The truth is that disc herniations occur because they become overworked and underpaid due to something (glutes) somewhere else not doing its job correctly.

This brings me to our entire treatment philosophy, which is to treat the problem (glute weakness) and not the symptoms (disc herniations as the result of glute weakness). An amazing thing happens when you start treating the problem that’s actually causing your symptoms…you get better!

Try PT First!

See ad on page 41 >

< PAGE 42 “Hormones for Men and Women—A Natural Approach?” BY JENNI BERMAN, PA-C, CPT, CNS

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dōTERRA Lifelong Vitality Pack Live Younger, Longer

Maximize your Energy, Focus,& Well-Being Schedule your personal wellness consultation with Susie now!

Call 586-604-3500 Group classes available Susie Bagwell, Independent dōTERRA Wellness Advocate iloveoils susie@iloveoils.com www.iloveoils.com < PAGE 18 “Essential Oils to Reclaim Your Healthspan” BY SUSIE BAGWELL

SUMMER 2023

Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and owner of Berman Golf, where they focus on helping aging golfers increase distance off the tee, shoot more consistently, and play more frequently. If you’re not ready to accept “getting old” as an excuse for a poor golf game, call Dr. Berman at 239.431.0232 to take advantage of a FREE 30-minute taster session!

ESSENTIAL Naples

Now you may be asking, if it is really that simple, why aren’t all PCPs, PTs, and orthopedic surgeons thinking this way, too? And it’s really quite simple—“Big Pharma” wants to get paid! Think about it: The longer you’re in pain, the more money they make. And even after a surgery that’s supposed to “fix” your pain, it’s extremely rare that someone wouldn’t at least fill the script for pain meds the surgeon eagerly hands over—so they get paid again!

And if that’s not enough to convince you, the results of a study that looked at 472,000 Medicare beneficiaries who received a diagnosis of low back pain in 2014 found that those who chose PT first over injections or surgery spent on average 75% less on their total care. The actual numbers are that those who chose PT first spent, on average, $3,992 to resolve their back pain, compared to those who chose surgery first, who spent an average of $16,195!

For more information on how your health insurance and Big Pharma are not keeping your best interests in mind, check out The Berman Method Podcast or Bermanpt.com!

Health

A Real Answer

ESSENTIAL Naples

to Chronic Neck and Back Pain?

SUMMER 2023

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By Theresa Edmunds, CHC

“I found a major improvement after my first session.

In the days after, I noticed a huge increase in my flexibility and range of motion. If you have any sort of pain or stiffness, I would strongly recommend making an appointment, as I haven’t felt this great in a long time.”

—Thomas Peluse

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the only muscle that attaches the torso to the legs, making it one of the most important muscles in the body. Generally, low back pain involves the psoas muscle in some way.

This deep-seated core muscle is responsible for many functions. We use our psoas muscle for standing, walking, and running, and it is vital for proper balance and range of motion. When the psoas becomes shortened, it creates a host of problems, including discomfort in the low back and tightness in the hips. A shortened psoas will also throw off The Role of Our Lifestyle in Chronic Pain your posture.

And it’s not only our psoas muscle that is affected.

As a culture, we now spend most of our time When using a computer or driving, for example, sitting—sitting at the computer, sitting in the car, sitting watching TV. All this sitting causes specific we’re positioned with our arms in front of our body, mostly in a static position. This affects our pectoral muscles in the body to shorten and tighten, which muscles. Even using our phones or working in the then strains the back and neck. kitchen can cause these muscles to contract and Muscle tissue should be pliable and able to move shorten over time. freely to allow us range of motion. (Think of how When the pectoral muscles, located on either side flexible children are!) As we engage in repetitive of the chest and attached to the shoulder, become motion or certain postures, our muscles contight and short, it causes the shoulders to round. tract. Injuries can also cause muscles to shorten.

This not only stresses the shoulder joint but also Shortened muscles lose flexibility and become causes tension in the trapezius muscles as well as tense, affecting our posture and even pulling bones the neck. The strain it causes on the upper back and out of alignment. Contracted muscles inhibit range of motion and athletic performance. If the muscle is neck is significant, and a tight pectoral muscle can also cause injury to the shoulder. over-stretched, strains, tears, and injury can occur.

As we sit, we are affecting the psoas muscle (pronounced so-as, the p is silent). The psoas Is There Really a Solution? muscles are located on either side of the body, Muscles in their natural state are long and pliable, attaching to the lower part of the spine, continuing able to move freely, and allow us range of motion. through the hip, and connecting to the leg. It is Shortened muscles lose flexibility and create

ired of back pain? Have a “pain in your neck,” literally? You are not alone. 80% of the population will experience back pain at some point.

Back and neck pain are the leading cause of work limitations, not to mention restrictions in lifestyle and the things you want to do.

Why are there so many instances of chronic neck and back pain? A lot of it has to do with the way we move our bodies or, rather, how we don’t move our bodies.

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We offer a complimentary consultation so clients can learn more about this revolutionary technology. We learn about your condition, and you discover whether this therapy can help you. You truly have nothing to lose— except your pain. Theresa Edmunds is a Certified Health Coach and co-owner of Precision Robotics Muscular Therapy. She is passionate about helping people feel better. To schedule a no-cost consultation or for more information, contact 239.778.6842 or visit precisionroboticstherapy.com.

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pressure on the joints and nerves. As large muscles like the pectoral muscles and the psoas contract, it is very difficult to release and lengthen them.

Creating sustained pressure is the only way for large muscles like the pectoral muscles and psoas to relax and return to their lengthened state.

Manual therapy, such as massage, cannot apply enough sustained pressure to affect the tension in these muscles.

An innovative muscle therapy technology called Robotic Precision Therapy can resolve these issues.

This non-invasive, passive therapy involves a robotic arm that applies gentle static pressure to a specific area of the muscle at programmed intervals. Using pressure and vibration, this process lengthens the muscle fibers back to their proper state, correcting imbalances and alleviating the tension on the bone structure and nerves. Once this occurs, it dramatically increases mobility and decreases pain.

Symptoms are relieved and increased flexibility is seen in a relatively short time.

Often people see improvement after just one visit.

Don’t live with your back or neck pain, thinking there is no solution. Our clients have often tried medication, therapy, injections, and even surgery or have resigned themselves to living with pain.

Robotic Muscular Therapy targets the source of the pain instead of treating the symptoms.

Health

Forget the Calories, the “Weight Debate”—

ESSENTIAL Naples

It’s All About Your Hormones

SUMMER 2023

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By Betsy Opyt, RD, LD/N, CDE, RYT

“When the body becomes estrogen dominant due to the inability of the liver and colon to eliminate the estrogen, it recirculates back into the body. When progesterone levels become low in females, symptoms include hot flashes and night sweats, trouble sleeping, and irritability.

Men benefit from balanced progesterone, too, so don’t think of it as only a female hormone.”

—Betsy Opyt, RD, LD/N, CDE, RYT

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hinning hair? Weight gain? Fatigue, bloating…. and what happened to my skin? And now, belly fat? Why am I so irritable, anxious, and can’t sleep through the night? Or maybe you’re just not feeling like yourself these days. Do you relate? These are all tell-tale signs of a hormonal imbalance.

Our hormones are essential to the overall well-being of both men and women. From our mood and appearance to our sex drive and lean body mass, our hormone levels dictate everything, including our weight. If you’re beating yourself up for gaining weight and trying to diet to fix it, you’re barking up the wrong tree. You must fix the root cause of weight gain; otherwise, it’s an uphill battle. You don’t know how many people I’ve seen in my office who have gone to extremes to lose weight….500-calorie diets, injections, extreme exercise, and fad diets, only to be disappointed with 1–5 pounds of weight lost, which then returns. You can’t diet your way out of a hormone imbalance; instead, you need to understand your own hormones.

Signs, Symptoms, and Some Steps to Take

The first step is to have your hormones tested, whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond— as we age, our hormones decline. Work with a professional to understand your goals and where you need to be; then, you can work on supporting your hormones to find a balance. Once that happens, the weight will fall off, your mood will balance, you will find more energy, and you’ll sleep better. You will feel like a whole new you…and everyone will ask what you have been doing!

You also need to know how your diet and lifestyle can also affect your hormones. Inflammatory foods, a high-sugar diet, alcohol, seed oils, processed foods, and toxic elements all tax the liver. When the body becomes estrogen dominant due to the inability of the liver and colon to eliminate the estrogen, it recirculates back into the body. When progesterone levels become low in females, symptoms include hot flashes and night sweats, trouble sleeping, and irritability. Men benefit from balanced progesterone, too, so don’t think of it as only a female hormone.

And don’t forget the mighty testosterone! In adult men and women, low testosterone may lead to a reduction in lean body mass, loss of body hair, and reduced collagen. Testosterone levels in men and women decline naturally as they age. Have you ever heard of male menopause (andropause)? Low testosterone levels can cause mood disturbances, weight gain, lean tissue loss, erectile dysfunction and poor sexual performance, bone loss, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, and sleep issues.

Hormone Helper, not Hamburger Helper!

Yes, your diet and lifestyle have much to do with the rapid decline of your hormones. First, you need to clean up your diet! That means reducing or eliminating alcohol, supporting liver detox, reducing insulin, eating an anti-inflammatory diet, avoiding processed foods, and eating a hormone-supporting diet! Here are some “hormone-helping” foods that are good for you!

Foods Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

• Vitamin E: nuts, seeds, wheat germ, apricots, dried basil, spinach, green olive, paprika • B Complex: green leafy veggies, whole grains, banana, avocado, Brussels sprouts • Vitamin C: citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries, guava, kiwi, cantaloupe, Brussels sprouts • Vitamin A: carrots, sweet potato, yellow-orange peppers, leafy greens, butternut squash • Calcium: dairy sources, chia seeds • Magnesium: oat and wheat bran, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, nuts, halibut, beans, cocoa powder • Vitamin D: sunshine, egg yolk, fish

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17

You Shouldn't Be in Therapy for Years Jennifer Vear Hoy, MS, MS, helps YOU make massive change in your life that's lasting.

Specializing in: • Depression • Anxiety • Grief • Addictions • Anger Management • Relationship Problems Call 239.307.4708 or visit peacefulsummitnaples.com Peaceful Summit Counseling, LLC. 1048 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201, Naples Cell: 239.450-8090 • Office: 239.307.4708 jennifervearhoy1@gmail.com • peacefulsummitnaples.com

SUMMER 2023

Betsy is a Licensed and Registered Dietitian, a Certified Diabetes Educator, Integrative & Functional Medicine Nutrition Therapist, and RYT200 yoga teacher. She specializes in nutrigenomics, gut health, food sensitivities, detoxing, inflammatory diseases, and longevity living. She also understands the importance of living a mindful life and incorporates her mindfulness and yoga teaching background into her practice.

Betsy is a professional speaker and advocate for healthy living and is available for individual consultations, group programs, and speaking engagements.

Betsy’s exclusive balcony yoga studio, called 4 Elements Yoga Naples, provides a luxury outdoor experience connecting you to the beautiful environment of Naples. To learn more, visit www.healthyconceptsconsulting.com and www.yoga4elements.com, or Contact Betsy at 239.297.8844 or betsy@healthyconceptsconsulting.com.

Are you tired of hearing your doctor tell you to diet and exercise?

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• Dang gui (Angelica sinensis) • Motherwort • Saffron (no more than 300 mg or 1/10 tsp daily) • Aloe vera gel • Royal jelly Food is always the best medicine. But if you’re anything like me, your hectic schedule can make it tricky to always eat as healthy as you’d like. That’s why it’s essential to have a plan of how you will incorporate these healthy hormone foods into your diet and make a plan! Having a professional customize a more nutritional meal plan is always helpful.

Healthy hormones and a healthy diet will lead to a healthy body that feels great!

Do you struggle with high glucose levels from type 2 diabetes?

ESSENTIAL Naples

Health

SUMMER 2023

18

Essential Oils to Reclaim Your Healthspan

By Susie Bagwell

“What happens when daily nutrient requirements aren’t met?

Existing conditions can worsen. Bone, cardiovascular, and metabolic health can be threatened, among other health concerns.

Hormones can also become imbalanced.”

—Susie Bagwell

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hink of your health like Jenga blocks— if you remove the foundation, it all topples.

Nutrition, digestion, movement, and metabolism impact all other aspects of your health and well-being. These wellness principles are the same lifestyle factors that impact overall health.

The key to healthy aging, then, is understanding these factors and then making choices to support them. Sadly, our current lifestyle has put good nutrition at the opposite end of proactive medical care. Modern science has engineered crops for yield and flavor; however, this has come at the cost of removing the valuable nutrients we all need.

Everyone also has different nutritional needs.

This may have to do with age, gender, pregnancy, and other factors. In general, studies show that most American adults do not get the right amount of essential vitamins and minerals like vitamins D and E, magnesium, vitamin A, calcium, vitamin C, and even protein.

What happens when daily nutrient requirements aren’t met? Existing conditions can worsen. Bone, cardiovascular, and metabolic health can be threatened, among other health concerns. Hormones can also become imbalanced.

How Can We Improve Healthy Aging?

Let’s look at bolstering these foundational blocks so they don’t fall out! Obviously, there’s no quick fix to our food supply chains. doTERRA, known for their Certified Pure Tested Grade essential oils, has come up with some innovative ways to

give us the support we need. For example, their omega-3 supplement in the Lifelong Vitality package is combined with essential oils.

The xeO Mega supplement (or vegan veo Mega) with essential oils provides antioxidants, supports healthy cellular responses and immune function, and has digestive calming effects. It provides a wide range of omega-3 fatty acids from marine and plant sources to help maintain a healthy balance of these vital nutrients. Astaxanthin provides the body with antioxidants. This supplement also provides the body with natural sources of vitamin D and E.* What about all those vitamins and minerals? doTERRA’s Microplex VMz provides 22 essential vitamins and minerals to support normal growth, function, and maintenance of cells. This combination supports healthy metabolism and cellular energy.* As the final piece of this incredible system for lifelong vitality, doTERRA’s antioxidant and cellular support blend is called Apha CRS. This supplement supports healthy cell function by protecting cellular DNA. Promotes cellular energy by supporting mitochondrial and healthy cellular immune function health, mental clarity, and brain function.*

Lifespan or Healthspan?

We might well live into our 70s, 80s, 90s, or longer, but without a measure of good health, we might not enjoy those years. Many health markers begin to decline as early as our 20s. So what can we look at in our metabolic health to improve our healthspan, which is so much more than lifespan?

Susie Bagwell is a certified massage therapist, Blue Diamond dōTERRA Wellness Advocate, AromaTouch application instructor, and former owner of Mässusie Spa. Her 20+ years of experience have helped her become an expert in the use of essential oils, and she shares that knowledge with hospitals, medical offices, and wellness events. Work with her remotely or attend a class at her Fort Myers, FL, Training Center. To schedule a wellness consultation, call or text 586.604.3500 or visit www.iloveoils.com.

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Metabolic health obstacles include maturing fat cells, cellular integrity, blood sugar spikes (in the normal range), and inferior supplements. How can we close the gap? New products that support molecules like NAD and NAD+, carbohydrate absorption, and collagen are now available. Proper supplementation is the key.* doTERRA’s MetaPWR products support these needs. For instance, the Metabolic Blend designed for internal use inhibits fat cell maturation and helps curb cravings. The blend is available in a variety of delivery systems to suit everyone: an essential oil blend, a beadlet, a gelcap, or gum.* The MetaPWR Assist product naturally reduces the absorption of simple carbohydrates and helps decrease post-meal glucose spikes. It also supports healthy blood sugar responses and can help stabilize energy levels throughout the day.* Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body—did you know there are 28 types of collagen in our bodies? Collagen is a key component of connective tissues that make up tendons, ligaments, skin, muscles, and other body parts. dōTERRA collagen is sourced from sustainably harvested cold-water marine fish in Italy. This MetaPWR Advantage is 12 times more absorbable (or bioavailable) than other collagen products.

Also, most collagen-replacing products only feature one or two collagen tripeptide types. MetaPWR Advantage contains nine unique collagen types.

Of course, there’s more. Movement is vital, so we must get out and exercise. Managing stress is also key. In the end, getting the foundation right is the best chance we have to improve our healthspan, not just our lifespan. doTERRA’s Lifelong Vitality and MetaPWR supplements are available from your local dōTERRA Wellness Advocate or Peter and Susie Bagwell in Fort Myers, FL.

Finance

The Risks of DIY Investing Part 2

ESSENTIAL Naples

By Nina Azwoir, First Vice President of Investments, Wintrust Wealth Management

SUMMER 2023

20

This is Part 2 of a two-part series on DIY Investing from Wintrust Wealth Management. See Part 1 in our Spring 2023 issue and at EssentialNaples.com

I

n Part 1 of this two-part series, we discussed some aspects of DIY investing that can create risks for the investor. Those risks included overconfidence in investing, inertia (or failure to act), and naïve diversification. See our Spring 2023 issue to read about these risks.

Myopia

Myopia, or short-sightedness, distorts the decision-making of many investors. Of the many forms of myopia, the tendency to chase trends is arguably the strongest bias. Researchers studying behavioral finance at the University of California found that 39% of all new money committed to mutual funds went into the 10% of funds with the best performance the prior year.

Although financial products often include the disclaimer that “past performance is not indicative of future results,” many investors still believe they can predict the future by studying the past.

The study found that investors who weighted their decisions on past performance were often the poorest performing when compared to others.

Myopic loss aversion is another related phenomenon that was coined by Shlomo Benartzi and Richard Thaler in their seminal behavioral finance research paper in 1995. Their research showed that investors would allocate more to stocks, and thus assume more risk if they made their decisions at longer intervals. Investors that check the values of their portfolio with great frequency are more likely to be subject to this particular bias. Given that most investors now have the ability to check on their portfolio’s valuation in real time, with great ease, they subject themselves to the pain of losses with great frequency. This pain, caused by myopic loss aversion, can easily cause them to stray from a well-thought-out investment plan.

This is especially true in bear markets when the frequency and intensity of the pain are high. Thus, investors become susceptible to buying high and selling low.

Irrational Decision-Making

Researchers have documented a number of biases that affect the way in which we filter and use information when making decisions. In some cases, we use basic mental shortcuts to simplify decision-making in complex situations.

Sometimes these shortcuts are helpful, though in many cases, they can mislead.

One form of this irrationality is anchoring, or the process of becoming fixated on past information and using that information to make inappropriate investment decisions. When investors are influenced by this bias, they may become fixated on a particular sell-price target, even if new information is available or the investing landscape has shifted significantly. They become stuck and may ride markets to the bottom if they cannot let go of what they think the price “should” be. Furthermore, if the price drops below the psychological anchor, investors often become more likely to buy because the stock seems cheap as if it were on sale at the supermarket. This is driven by a desire to make up for their initial losses. “I can’t believe it! The price is 50% lower! That has to be a record low.”

Another form of irrational decision-making lies in the notion of “representativeness bias,” which reflects decision-making based on a situation’s superficial characteristics rather than a detailed evaluation of the reality. A common financial example is for investors to assume that shares in a high-profile, well-managed company will automatically be a good investment. This idea sounds reasonable but ignores the possibility that the share price already reflects the quality of the company

form of mental accounting is the distinction made between money in the bank and money made on the financial market. The latter, known as “house money,” is often placed at a greater risk than bank balances, which usually come from savings.

Conversely, losses incurred are often viewed separately from paper losses. In essence, mental accounting makes investors think that a dollar is not worth a dollar—a dangerous attitude. This idea explains why an investor can simultaneously display risk-averse and risk-tolerant behavior, depending on the mental account about which they are thinking. It is why individuals can buy at the same time both “insurance,” such as treasuries, and “lottery tickets,” such as a handful of speculative stocks. The base layers represent assets designed to provide “protection from poverty,” which results in conservative investments designed to avoid loss.

Higher layers represent ‘hopes for riches’ and are invested in risky assets in the hope of high returns.

The theory also suggests that investors treat each layer in isolation and do not consider the relationship between the layers. Established finance theory holds that the relationship between the different assets in the overall portfolio is one of the key factors in achieving diversification.

—Nina Azwoir

Investor Biases in Action

To appreciate these biases, consider a hypothetical investor and the investment roller coaster in the below diagram. The markets are on the rise, and stock exchanges are registering record highs.

Our investor follows developments in the bull market with bated breath. Business journalists report on innovative, creative companies that are all making a profit in these markets, putting out headlines about price gains and booming markets.

Unfortunately, the media rarely mention the companies that fail using those same criteria (confirmation bias). After a certain amount of watching from the wings, our investor decides to participate

21 SUMMER 2023

“The implication that investor underperformance has for longterm wealth accumulation is staggering.”

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and thus future return prospects may be moderate.

Another example would be assuming that the past performance of an investment is an indication of its future performance.

Investors also suffer from representativeness bias when they evaluate fund managers. Investors are often drawn to a manager with a short track record of beating market averages over a few years. Meanwhile, they show less interest in a manager with a much longer track record that has exceeded averages by only a small margin.

Statistically, the manager with the long-term track record has the stronger case to make about skill. But investors tend to look at the manager with the short-term track record and believe that the record of superior performance will continue.

The way information is presented influences investors’ decisions and can also lead to irrationality. For instance, there is a significant difference in whether a sum is presented as a loss or a missed profit, even if these terms mean the same thing.

This so-called “framing effect” applies to everything in life. Imagine having dinner at a friend’s house and being told that she made the sauce with 80% fat-free cream. Do you think she would have bought the cream if the package labeled it 20% fat?

The framing effect also extends into how investors tend to think about their portfolios.

Finance theory recommends that all investments be treated as a single pool, or portfolio, and that the risks of each investment be considered in the context of others within the portfolio. Rather than focusing simply on individual securities, traditional financial theory suggests investors consider their wealth comprehensively, including their house, company pensions, government benefits, and ability to produce income. However, investors—by and large—tend to focus overwhelmingly on the behavior of individual investments or securities. As a result, in reviewing portfolios, investors tend to fret over the poor performance of a specific asset class or security or mutual fund. These “narrow” frames tend to increase investor sensitivity to loss. By contrast, by evaluating investments and performance at the aggregate level, with a “wide” frame, investors tend to exhibit a greater tendency to accept short-term losses and their effects.

A final form of irrational investment decisions that many private investors exhibit is “mental accounting,” or the process of making distinctions that are not reflected in financial reality. In so doing, investors pay less attention to the relationship between the investments held in the different mental accounts than traditional theory suggests is prudent. This natural tendency to create mental buckets also causes investors to focus on the individual buckets rather than thinking broadly, in terms of their entire wealth position. A second

Finance

“The worst enemy of the investor is most likely himself.”

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—Benjamin Graham

SUMMER 2023

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in the uptrend before it is too late (chasing trends).

With the wind of so many success stories beneath his sails, our investor erroneously believes he has little chance of failing (overconfidence).

Our investor begins to look for familiar company names or those he has heard in the media or through friends when trying to find a good investment (availability bias). He eventually finds a promising pharmaceutical company and begins to support his opinions about it with other publicly accessible information, making the mistake of looking for only positive information (confirmation bias, again). Report after report indicates that the company has done very well over the past two years (representative bias). Suppose that while researching the profits of the pharmaceutical company, our investor finds an interesting analyst report in a reputable business journal that projects the company to have a 20% chance of generating a 10% excess return over the S&P 500 in the coming year. He probably would not have been so intrigued if he had read that there was an 80% chance of the company generating a less than 10% excess return over the S&P 500 (framing effect).

Although it is speculative, our investor decides to invest in the company thinking, “I have some capital gains realized earlier this year. I can take some risk with a long shot” (mental accounting).

Our investor monitors his position, and it does well initially. He thinks, “Thank goodness I didn’t wait any longer.” Later he begins to see concerning reports emerge about the prospects of an important product in the company’s pipeline, though he

is reluctant to give as much credence to those as he did the reports used to make his initial investment decision (conservatism bias). As the stock begins to sell off, our investor’s response is to buy more stock: “I’m taking advantage of the correction and reinforcing my position,” or, “Great, I’ll double my position at this price” (anchoring bias). As the stock continues to fall, the investor does not sell off his investments (disposition effect). In addition, he wants to earn back the acquisition cost from his investment. The stock continues to plunge, and our investor becomes increasingly anxious.

All these considerations—expenses already incurred (the purchase price), not wanting to regret the decision, or engaging in mental accounting—lead to irrational decisions and can cost a lot of money. Checking his stock’s performance daily—or even multiple times a day—our investor becomes ever more keen to the pain of loss and short-sighted in his thinking. Eventually, he reaches the point where he can no longer take it: “Enough is enough! I’m never buying equities again!” Our investor liquidates his position, thankful to have retained at least a portion of his investment. Then the prices drop a bit more, and our investor feels his decision was validated. “Good thing I sold it all,” he thinks.

Eventually, the stock becomes oversold and begins to recover. Initially, he is very cautious and does not trust the rebound. Despite small price gains, the investor is convinced that “it’s still going to drop.” The share price does, in fact, drop again, and the investor feels vindicated. “It’s just

as I said…” he tells himself (hindsight bias). He becomes more confident again. Then the stock begins a sharp increase. Our investor is as surprised by this development as he was by the selloff. “Now what’s going on?” he wonders. The investor needs a little time to get back on board with the fast-paced market. Eventually, the stock rallies to a point where our investor feels a restored sense of optimism. He decides to invest again in the stock, thinking, “What the heck, I’ll buy it again because it’s cheaper than last time” (anchoring, again).

Our investor’s story is an all-too-common one and illustrates the biases and misperceptions that drive the typical private investor to buy high and sell low—wasting a lot of money in the long term.

Guarding Against Destructive Tendencies

Working with an Investment Professional

Nina Azwoir, First Vice President of Investments, Wintrust Wealth Management. © Morningstar 2020. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.

This information may answer some questions but is not intended to be a comprehensive analysis of the topic. In addition, such information should not be relied upon as the only source of information, competent tax and legal advice should always be obtained.

Securities, insurance products, financial planning, and investment management services offered through Wintrust Investments, LLC (Member FINRA/ SIPC), founded in 1931. Trust and asset management services offered by The Chicago Trust Company, N.A. and Great Lakes Advisors, LLC, respectively. Investment products such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds are: NOT FDIC INSURED | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT A DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY. See ad on Inside Front Cover >

23 SUMMER 2023

You likely did not build your own house. You likely do not make your own clothes, practice medicine on yourself, or serve as your own attorney. You almost certainly did not build your own car. The time, skill, and expertise required to do so is prohibitive for most. Similarly, in the

ESSENTIAL Naples

Do you see a bit of yourself in any of this? If you do, perhaps the best advice for individual investors is this: Avoid trying to outsmart the markets and instead work to outsmart yourself, and bear in mind the value that an investment professional brings to the table.

complex world of investment management, doing it yourself often ends up being costly, time-consuming, and ineffective. A professional Financial Advisor brings expertise to the table (to combat naïve diversification), objectivity (to protect against myopia, inertia, and irrational decision-making), and experience (to guard against overconfidence). However, for a relationship with a professional to function best, investors need to recognize their own biases when they rear their heads. To that end, here are some investing axioms to bear in mind (see inset) and suggestions for topics to discuss with your Advisor.

Understand that the best way to avoid the pitfalls of human emotion is to have trading rules.

Those might include selling if a stock drops a certain percentage, not buying a stock after it rises a certain percentage, and not selling a position until a certain amount of time has elapsed. Dollar-cost averaging is another good way to reduce regret— and make your head clearer for smart investing.

In terms of rebalancing, using a regular schedule for guiding decisions can help investors avoid being swayed by current market conditions, the recent performance of a “hot” investment, or other fads. To weed out home bias, discuss different investing strategies than you typically use with your advisor and then consider employing those that are appropriate for meeting your unique financial goals. Finally, realize that if you find a trend, it is likely that the market identified and exploited it long before you. Last year’s winners are often this year’s losers.

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Feature

SUMMER 2023

24

The Ultimate American Road Trip: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, and the Amazing Yosemite

“If you don’t think you’ll ever get to the Amalfi coast in Italy, then you have to come to Carmel, as it’s about the closest thing to it I’ve seen. All Italian style architecture— the shops, galleries, tasting rooms, and restaurants are beautifully designed, with many tucked away in cozy little courtyards.”

By Lori Hubbard, MA

I

was afraid this would happen.

I’ve longed to visit the Monterey Bay area for what seems like forever.

You know how sometimes you read about a place and just know you’ll fall in love with it before you even get there? Well, that’s Monterey and Carmel for me. And yes…I did fall in love! Monterey offers the ultimately iconic California experience, and it’s easy to see why the drive to Big Sur has been voted the top road trip in the United States.

The coastline is just breathtaking.

There are an endless number of things to do here. The drive is a must, of course.

But there are also the shops and attractions of Cannery Row, the art galleries of Carmel sipping handcrafted wines at tucked-away tasting rooms where the winemaker might just be the person pouring, surfing or paddleboard lessons, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or playing 18 holes at legendary golf courses. It just doesn’t end. Plus, the incredible Esalen Institute is based in Big Sur, where you can take fascinating courses on consciousness studies. I might end the trip now and stay here!

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Some of the amazing scenery along California’s oceanside.

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—Lori Hubbard, MA

Feature “Through the boom and bust of the whaling and sardine industries to structural and economic despair followed by restoration and redevelopment, the tale of Cannery Row continues to fascinate people.”

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—Lori Hubbard, MA

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Top and Middle: Our accommodations at Portola Hotel and Spa, Monterey.

Bottom: Cannery Row.

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27 Monterey

• Landscaping featuring native and droughttolerant vegetation and drip irrigation controlled by weather conditions.

• Actively participate in the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch® Program, designed to raise awareness about the importance of ocean-friendly seafood choices.

• Peter B’s Brewpub changed operations to save over 41,000 gallons of water a year and recycles mash from brewing the brewing process to local farmers and growers.

• The Hotel produces hot water with cogeneration which simultaneously generates electricity on site.

We set out that day to explore Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Through the boom and bust of the whaling and sardine industries to structural and economic despair followed by restoration and redevelopment, the tale of Cannery Row continues to fascinate people. You can find almost anything here, from touristy shops to wine-tasting rooms to brewpubs and more. The Aquarium is a great way to spend a few hours, especially with the kids, as they have feeding times for sharks, sea otters, and fish, which was exciting to watch.

Top Left: Sea lions are abundant in this region; here, a lone sea lion basks on a rock.

Top Right: Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey.

“One of California’s premier wine regions, Sonoma County, is a hidden gem. It’s a short drive but worlds away from the sometimes pretentious and always pricier Napa tasting rooms.”

—Lori Hubbard, MA

SUMMER 2023

We checked into the beautiful Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey, located steps away from unique shopping, dining, Fisherman’s Wharf, and a great running/biking trail right along the water where you can see harbor seals and sea lions lounging on rocks. Our room was nautically themed and spacious with a patio and cabana, a luxuriously comfortable king-size bed, and of course, Green from Natura room amenity products and packages made from rapidly renewable material and biodegradable. Monterey is extremely pet friendly, and we noticed many guests with their dogs in the hotel—you can even have a dog bed, bowl, and bone for Fido!

The Portola Hotel & Spa is Silver LEED® Certified, becoming the first “Green” Hotel in central California, the third in California, and the sixth in the U.S. to attain this high level in the “Existing Building” category. Their list of ecofriendly initiatives is long, but some of the more unique things they implemented are: • The carpet at their onsite restaurant, Jacks, is made from sheep wool and the backing is natural jute and latex, all of which are rapidly renewable materials—and it’s 100% compostable at the end of its useful life.

Feature

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Pacific Grove

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That night we headed into Pacific Grove, a cute little seaside town. We ate at Passionfish, one of the best meals of the trip so far. Ted Walter, a Classic French-trained chef, worked in restaurants across the country before perfecting his unique style and opening Pacific Grove’s Passionfish with his wife Cindy in 1997. Since then, Ted has earned a national reputation for his simple, inspired cuisine, incorporating fresh, organic produce and sustainable seafood. He is also an active advocate for the sustainable seafood movement, using his talent and his restaurant as platforms for delivering sustainable seafood education. Passionfish was the first in Monterey County to be certified as a Green Restaurant. The halibut with tangerine-tamarind coulis and Provençal yellow squash was exquisite, and the Wild King salmon with a bacon-onion-corn braise, roasted tomato and lemon jam was the best we’ve had yet.

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29 The next day we ventured into Carmel, which I fell in love with immediately. If you don’t think you’ll ever get to the Amalfi coast in Italy, then you have to come to Carmel, as it’s about the closest thing to it I’ve seen. All Italian style architecture—the shops, galleries, tasting rooms, and restaurants are beautifully designed, with many tucked away in cozy little courtyards. Just a short walk from town down to the beach, you can see one of the most amazing sunsets you’ll probably see in your lifetime.

We dined at Basil in their outdoor patio area— when it got a little chilly, they had lovely fleece blankets and gas fireplaces to keep you warm.

The menu is based on seasonal and locally grown organic ingredients, fresh, wild, sustainable seafood, and creative local California cuisine. Chef Peters’ passion for Farm to Table food and being sustainably responsible made Basil the first Certified Green Restaurant in Monterey County. Don’t miss the shaved Brussels sprout salad with hazelnuts and the local burrata—some of the best I’ve had.

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Carmel

Feature “We were lucky enough to hike the Panorama trail, which had unbelievable views of Half Dome.”

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—Lori Hubbard, MA

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Rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley, Half Dome is a quartz monzonite batholith in Yosemite National Park. It is a Yosemite icon and a great challenge to many hikers.

Yosemite and Tenaya Lodge…

Words Just Can’t Express

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite sits on a cozy and secluded expanse of the Sierra National Forest just a few minutes from the south gate of Yosemite National Park. From here, it’s easy to access Mariposa Grove to see the incredible giant sequoia trees, and it’s also close to Glacier Point if you want to explore that area. If you’re looking to hike during the day and be pampered at night, Tenaya Lodge is the place for you. With luxurious rooms, an amazing spa, five seasonal dining options, indoor/outdoor pools, a fitness center, and loads of activities that your concierge can plan for you, you will be hard-pressed to find better lodging than Tenaya near the park.

The words to describe Tenaya and Yosemite… escape, play, feel, learn, and wonder.

And you can feel good about staying there as their list of eco-friendly initiatives goes on and on, from water-saving fixtures to biodegradable laundry detergents to sustainable food products and reducing the use of disposable products.

Their awards include double Silver LEED certification, TripAdvisor® GreenLeaders™ Program, Gold Level, and Environmentalist Level in the California Green Lodging Program.

When you first walk through the entryway to the lobby, you’ll notice the smell of their roaring, rock-hewn fireplace and the soaring, open-beam ceilings with classic lodge furniture—so cozy you could stay in the lobby all day. We stayed in one of their spa suites with 550 square feet of living space that included a luxurious king-size bed, private balcony overlooking the forest, full wet bar and refrigerator, extra-large bath, and large whirlpool tub separate from the shower.

If you can bear to leave your room, you’ll find poolside cabanas and the Bearfoot bar that provide the perfect place to relax after the day’s adventures, or you can unwind in one of the four spa hot tubs situated throughout the mountain resort property. There is also an arcade on the property to keep the kids entertained.

Need some pampering after those day-long hikes? The Ascent Spa features twelve treatment rooms and offers signature organic treatments, men’s and women’s steam rooms and saunas, relaxation rooms, a fitness center, and a spa boutique with local and organic product lines. A Silver LEED-certified spa, Ascent Spa is recognized for its green building design and sustainable operations.

In addition to hiking, biking, climbing, and sightseeing in Yosemite National Park, the resort

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more adventurous activities, including whitewater rafting, camping, and rock climbing.

Another great thing about Yosemite are the dining options. Mealtimes can be whatever you want them to be, whether you’re enjoying a picnic in the park, grabbing a bite from a taco truck, enjoying simple American fare at one of Mariposa County’s many bar and grills, dinner with the family at Timberloft Pizzeria at Tenaya, and plenty of upscale dining, available in various locations across the Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an exciting family vacation, an unforgettable trip with friends, or an intimate couple’s getaway. For more information, visit yosemite.com and www.tenayalodge.com.

Lori Hubbard, MA is Editor-in-Chief of Natural Nutmeg and Essential Naples magazines, and is also a freelance editor, writer, and graphic designer.

A beautiful destination throughout the year, Tenaya at Yosemite is the gateway to Yosemite National Park.

31 SUMMER 2023

features plenty of on-site seasonal activities like archery, rock wall climbing, swimming, a kids’ camp, sledding, ice skating, and guided hikes.

You’ll also find world-class golf, horseback riding, fishing, rafting, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Don’t miss the flashlight hike, which they do every night and will give you a completely different experience of being in the Sierra forest.

We saw awe-inspiring constellations, bats that flew effortlessly around our group all night, and even a couple of tarantulas!

With only a few days in Yosemite, our time to explore the park was limited, as it can take close to two hours to get to certain trails. We were lucky enough to hike the Panorama trail, which had unbelievable views of Half Dome. We traveled into Yosemite Valley and hiked the Inspiration Point trail—1.3 miles pretty much straight uphill, but you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of El Capitan and Half Dome, among others. On the last day, we explored Mariposa Grove and the beauty of the Giant Sequoias.

There is so much to do and see at Yosemite, from relaxing activities such as their summer outdoor music concerts and speaker series, art galleries, spas, wine and beer tasting, and shopping, to guided tours and programs, to even

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Health

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Do We Have the Power to Change Our Reality Through Thought?

By Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD

A

lmost twenty years ago, before I launched my first magazine, I walked away from a job I truly loved. That job was an amazing experience that gave me opportunities to speak in front of thousands of people, meet hundreds of natural medicine practitioners, and discover a passion for treating health issues naturally, which would eventually be the catalyst for starting Natural Nutmeg. But why would I leave such an incredible position? My passion for my work was crushed after I realized that the owners of the company did not share the same morals and business ethics as I had. I was completely devastated—it felt like a divorce. I couldn’t understand how this could happen to me because I had truly believed I would work for this company forever.

It seems that so often, a crisis like this is what ends up sending you down a path to finding your true soul purpose. That is exactly what happened to me, and to this day, I am so grateful for that experience because it sent me down a path to discovering and creating a spiritual practice. To heal, I devoured every book I could find on intuitive guidance, life coaching, soul purpose, and spiritual healing. It totally changed my life.

Spirit Having a Human Experience

Then, the most profound insight came when I met the director of an Energy Medicine school shortly after I launched Natural Nutmeg. She said to me in a whisper, “You see, Diane, at this school, we believe that we are all spirits having a human

It starts with the understanding of energy. We know we’re made up of energy and vibration, and everything we do and create daily requires energy. Yes, physical energy, like hammering nails if you’re building a house, but also the energy you can direct that you can’t see—the energy that is created from thought and emotion.

Maintaining an Elevated Emotion

How we create what we want is dependent on how well we can maintain an elevated level of emotion to tap into and stay on the same vibratory level as our creation. The problem is that as we go through our day, we experience challenges, problems, and negative interactions with others, and we slowly lose our elevated state. We become unconscious, so to speak, and go back to operating at a lower vibration or energy level. If

“One of the tools I am slowly mastering is not being attached to how or when something you want appears in your life, of being so joyful and connected that I don’t even care if I have this “thing” I’m after— it doesn’t define me, it’s not my identity.”

—Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD

33 SUMMER 2023

Directing the Energy

The first experience I had with directing energy from thought was when I was 14 years old. And no—I didn’t have any idea what I was doing, but I remember it clearly. There was a boy at school who I had a huge crush on, but I’d never even spoken to him. A school dance was coming up, and I was just dying to go with him. Every night for what seemed like weeks, I would lay in bed visualizing him calling me on the phone and asking me to the dance.

I would imagine us slow dancing and his arms around me with my head on his chest. I could feel his body next to mine, and my heart would pound with excitement. I think I even made up a scent of what his cologne would smell like. I was creating an image in my mind that was so close to reality that my brain didn’t know the difference.

A week before the dance, our house phone rang. My mom answers it and then yells up to me, “Diane, it’s for you.” I picked up the phone and who do you think it was? Yep—the boy I’d been dreaming about, and he was calling to ask me to the dance. Do you think that was a coincidence?

Fast forward thirty years, and I started learning about how I literally made my dream a reality. It’s similar to the law of attraction, but it goes much deeper than that. Directing energy requires tapping into and connecting with the quantum field or what we can call consciousness. The definition of the quantum field, according to Dr. Joe Dispenza, “is an invisible field of energy and information—or you could say a field of intelligence or consciousness—that exists beyond space and time. Nothing physical or material exists there. It’s beyond anything you can perceive with your senses.”

These quantum fields really do exist throughout space, and experiments show not only that they do exist but the magnitude of their effects as well.

To connect with this field of intelligence, you must raise your energy to a level equal to it. This requires staying in the present moment and feeling elevated levels of joy and love.

Albert Einstein summarized this nicely, “Everything is energy, and that’s all there is to it.

Match the frequency of the reality you want, and you cannot help but get into that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy, this is physics.”

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experience.” What?! I still remember sitting there staring at her, with my jaw open, as I wrapped my head around what she said. I’d never heard anything like that before. But there was a part of me that statement resonated with so clearly and profoundly, I knew it to be true to the very core of my being. This further inspired my journey into spirituality, mysticism, metaphysics, and the understanding that we are so much more powerful than we realize. We ARE spirits having a human experience, and we do, indeed, have the power to change our reality through thought. The proof is right in front of our eyes—if we’re awake enough to see it.

Because of my realization that we are all spiritual beings made up of energy and it’s what we do with that energy that creates the life experience we have, this is an article I should have written years ago. So, what finally lit a fire under my butt?! You may remember from my Spring publisher letter that I was attending the Dr. Joe Dispenza WeekLong Advanced Retreat in April. I’ve been to many personal development workshops and spiritual retreats over the years, but this one was by far the best I’ve ever attended. It’s hard to put a lot of what happens there into words (you just have to experience it!), but I’m certainly going to try.

I’ve always been a big believer in the ability to heal your body with your thoughts—but after attending this retreat, there is not a shred of doubt in my mind. Not only did I see people get out of wheelchairs and walk with my own eyes, but there was also extensive research on the healing effects of meditation and energy medicine presented by Dr. Hemal Patel, MD, PhD, from UC San Diego.

They showed us study after study examining meditators at these retreats whose blood plasma shut down cancer cell metabolism, where tumors were eliminated on follow-up scans, where autoimmune markers for MS and ALS disappeared, where cells had literally been changed in a seven-day period, and where diseases ceased to exist—even in people who had a particular disease for most of their life! The power of our mind to heal our body is a power I believe we all innately have, but sadly has been forgotten. And quite honestly, most of us were never taught how to access and apply this ability.

“Everything is energy, and that’s all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want, and you cannot help but get into that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy, this is physics.”

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—Albert Einstein

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this happens day after day, month after month, year after year, our body becomes conditioned or addicted to these negative emotions and thoughts. Over the years, the body begins to create programming that keeps us stuck in these negative emotions through unhealthy relationships, unfulfilling jobs, and even chronic disease.

The scary thing is that we don’t even realize this is happening!

So, how do we do this if most of the time we don’t even realize we’re “unconscious”? How do we use our thoughts to direct energy and create something out of nothing? How do we hold on to an elevated level of emotion day to day? The best way I’ve been able to stay conscious and break the programming is through the specific kind of meditation I’ve learned through training with Dr. Joe Dispenza. I also have various other strategies and tools I’ve used over the years to direct energy and maintain an elevated emotion. And let me just say, it’s an ongoing process. I work on this every day.

One of the tools I am slowly mastering is not being attached to how or when something you want appears in your life, of being so joyful and connected that I don’t even care if I have this “thing” I’m after—it doesn’t define me, it’s not my identity. I believe this is how people can create spontaneous healing from cancer or other terminal illnesses. When you’re in such a state of joy, even while having this illness—that’s when the disease will leave your body. Essentially, my understanding is that you can tap into disease OR you can tap into health. Your cells can change in an instant. When you are in this state of joy, you become a different person. The old identity had the disease; the new identity is healthy.

Extraordinary Things Have Happened

What I can tell you about my experience with these types of daily meditations is that in addition to the increase in patience I’ve had, extraordinary things have been happening in my life since I started just six months ago. In my meditations, I’ve been focusing on growing and diversifying our writers and advertisers, and over the last month, I’ve brought on 13 new practitioners. Those are unheard-of results in all the years I’ve been publishing. We increased our page count for the first time in 10 years. Unbelievable synchronicities and amazing people have come into my life to offer support and collaboration.

We’ve been getting so many emails from readers saying the last few issues of the magazines have such incredible energy and have been amazing.

As for my personal life, I have healed both hip and knee pain that I’d been having for over a year

and can run again without pain. My relationship with my boyfriend has deepened, and we no longer argue over the same issues. You may be aware of the situation with my mom falling and breaking her hip. Even there, things could not have gone more smoothly for both of us with her recovery, and she is able to walk with just a cane now—not even three months after her surgery!

The Tools I Use

Like this article?

www

If you loved this article, sign up for Dr. Diane’s Inspirations—weekly articles on mindset and more great content from Essential Naples.

Find it all at www.essentialnaples.com

-Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD

35 SUMMER 2023

Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD, is an entrepreneur, mindset warrior, perspective shifter, and unshakable optimist. She founded a holistic lifestyle publishing business with nothing more than passion, a laptop, and a dream, and has created a socially conscious print and digital platform that has touched thousands of people in the last 17 years. Dr. Diane spent over 10 years in the health and wellness industries as an Assistant Professor at Central CT State University, St. Joseph’s College, New York Chiropractic College and University of Bridgeport. She holds a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Connecticut, a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Maryland, and is an Empowerment Life Coach. Dr. Diane travels nationally to speak and present spiritual and personal development workshops. She has her own podcast and internet radio show called The Dr. Diane Show on Transformation Talk Radio.

Contact her at diane@naturalnutmeg.com

“We can choose every moment of every day how we will respond to certain situations when something “bad” happens to us, and whether that response will be positive or negative.”

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I’ve learned I need to get up from my meditation a different person than when I sat down. And I don’t get up until I feel differently. That’s the only way I can hold an elevated level of emotion throughout the day. As Einstein said, you must match the frequency of the reality you want.

Abundance and vitality have a certain frequency, but I think the easiest thing to do is just feel love.

If I can tap into love and pure joy in my meditations, if I can forget my programmed thoughts, then I can begin to think differently when I go about my day. I wake up each day and ask myself: • Who do I want to be?

• What thoughts do I need to have?

• What emotions and feelings do I need to feel?

When you start to think differently, your brain starts forming new neural networks, and over time, it becomes easier to stay “conscious.” You have more energy to create. I can attest to this because it’s happened to me over the last six months.

Another tool I’ve used that has helped me immensely is to keep reinforcing the present moment. If I feel my thoughts going down a familiar path, I’ll stop what I’m doing and take a breath.

I’ve put up sticky notes around my house, I’ve played certain music, I’ll read or listen to something inspiring—because I know the longer I stay in a negative thought pattern or lower vibration, the more I’m pushing my desired reality further and further away.

Start to believe in your future more than your past. What thoughts do you want to put your intention and energy behind? If you’re able to maintain that state of being for your entire day, something

unexpected and unusual should happen. It may seem like a coincidence, but really it’s the Universe speaking to you.

We all have far more control over our energy than we realize. While the number of hours in a day is fixed, the quantity and quality of energy available to us is not. We can choose every moment of every day how we will respond to certain situations when something “bad” happens to us, and whether that response will be positive or negative.

Being more aware of choosing a negative response is the first step in becoming better at managing our energy. Then, learning to shorten the amount of time we stay in that negative emotion is key to getting back to a more positive feeling or elevated emotion.

The ultimate measure of our lives is not how long we live, but rather how we are able to manage our energy in the time we are each given. Take a ride with me and try this for 30 days—I’d love to hear about your experiences!

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Health

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Why Measuring Your Microvascular System Is Important

By Lisa H. Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT

I “No matter what

your microvascular health score is, you can still improve the health of your vascular system!”

—Lisa H. Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT

n the Spring 2023 issue, we discussed the role of the glycocalyx on the microvascular system and introduced a revolutionary new device to measure and analyze the function of the microvascular system—the GlycoCheck. Here we get more in-depth into what the GlycoCheck is, how it works, and how it can help restore your health.

How Does GlycoCheck Work?

GlycoCheck is a non-invasive, under-the-tongue test that shows the live movement of your red blood cells. This device produces a single Microvascular Health Score that reveals the health of the glycocalyx by measuring several critical parameters of the microvascular system: • Capillary Density: Gives the capacity of your capillary network to get nutrients to organs and tissue cells. Higher numbers are better.

• Capillary Blood Volume (CBV) Recruitment Capacity: Shows the additional number of functional capillary blood vessels that can be engaged when flow increases. Higher is better.

• CBV Dynamic: Indicates the maximum functional capacity of the capillary network. Higher is better.

• Perfused Boundary Region (PBR) Flow Corrected: Gauges the level of damage to the EDX. A lower number indicates a healthier glycocalyx.

• Microvascular Health Score (MVHS): This is your overall score based on capillary density, recruitment capacity, and glycocalyx health. A higher score means better microvascular health. Lower Microvascular Health Scores are linked to:

• Diabetes • Hypertension • Heart disease • Kidney disease • Stroke • Dementia • Septic shock • Inflammatory disorders • Cancer metastasis • Long-haul COVID-19 complications

How You Can Restore, Regenerate, and Protect Your Glycocalyx

No matter what your microvascular health score is, you can still improve the health of your vascular system! Clinically proven to repair the damage in your arteries, veins, and microcapillaries is a new anti-aging patented product called Endocalyx Pro. Endocalyx Pro is made up of seven synergistic ingredients from three classes of compounds: polysaccharides (helps restore), amino sugars (helps regenerate), and antioxidants (helps protect). You can restore the health of your endothelial glycocalyx and capillary function with Endocalyx Pro and monitor your progress with GlycoCheck.

Lifestyle choices are just as important. Support the health of your glycocalyx by having a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, exercising regularly, and eating an anti-inflammatory, Mediterranean-style diet.

If you’re looking to enhance your quality of health and longevity and gain insight into your true cardiovascular potential and risk, start with Microvascular Solutions.

Integrative Functional Nutrition Specialist

239-297-8844 healthyconceptsconsulting.com < PAGE<16 “Forget the Shaming Calories—It’s About Your Hormones”

BY BETSY OPYT, RD,CDE, LD/N,RYT CDE, RYT Page 20 “Stop YourAll Diet and Have Fun!” BY BETSY OPYT, RD, LD/N,

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After we pinpoint YOUR specific problem, to administer gentle pressure in intervals to a specific area of a muscle. Taking tension off and restoring balance, greatly increasing mobility and relieving pain.

Precision Robotics Muscular Therapy is changing the game with a new standard

“This therapy was life changing for me! I could barely walk, was in constant pain and scheduled for hip surgery. I canceled the surgery after just 3 visits and have been playing golf and tennis pain-free ever since.”

-Julie P., Michigan

Microvascular Solutions is located at 5633 Strand Blvd., Ste. 312, in Naples.

Contact Lisa at info@microvascularsolutions.com and visit microvascularsolutions.com for more information. See ad on page 15 >

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SUMMER 2023

Meet Your New Therapeutic ROBOT we use the RX2600 Therapeutic ROBOT

Lisa Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT, is a licensed healthcare practitioner with over 35 years of experience.

She has been in private practice since 1999 and specializes in frequency-based medicine and advanced wellness technologies. Lisa believes in treating the whole to heal the part, empowering you to optimize your health and well-being, and bringing self-care back into your healthcare.

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For practitioners, the GlycoCheck is not only an objective tool to monitor changes in your patient’s microvascular system—it also allows you to monitor the impact of your treatments. GlycoCheck and Endocalyx Pro provide objective data and the solution to a healthy microvascular system that ultimately enhances whole-body health. Microvascular Solutions provides sales, training, and ongoing support to practitioners interested in using this technology in their practice.

It’s not too late to slow down or reverse the breakdown of your glycocalyx. Ask us about the advanced technology that takes improving glycocalyx to the next level!

Anti-Inflammatory Living Diabetes Management Corporate Nutrition Detox/Cleansing Gut Health Nutrigenomics Immune Building Weight Management Personalized Nutrition Allergies

Purpose

A Strong Mindset as the Driving Force

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to Conquer Lyme Disease and Traumatic Brain Injury

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By Jordan Dunin

“An integral part of my transformation was the creation of a new identity— one not defined by illness. I realized that to fully embrace a healthy future, I needed to let go of the identity of a patient.”

—Jordan Dunin

I

n the face of daunting challenges like Lyme disease and a traumatic brain injury, a resilient and positive mindset can become the ultimate game-changer. It’s incredible how a shift in perspective, unwavering belief, and a determined purpose can pave the way for remarkable recoveries. I have personally experienced the transformative power of mindset as the fundamental pillar that enabled me to conquer these debilitating conditions, and I am here to share my story of hope, inspiration, and triumph.

From the very beginning, I held onto the unwavering belief that I was going to get better. Despite the setbacks and uncertainties, I knew deep within me that my mind had the ability to influence my body’s healing process. This unshakable faith became the foundation of my recovery journey.

With every step I took, I embraced the power of positive thinking and harnessed it to manifest my ultimate goal: reclaiming my health.

Purpose Is Power

Along with this belief, I discovered the transformative power of having a defined purpose once I regained my well-being. It was no longer just about my recovery; it was about channeling my

experience into helping others on their healing journeys. This newfound purpose ignited a fire within me, propelling me forward with a sense of determination and a burning desire to make a positive impact in the lives of those facing similar challenges. My purpose became my driving force, fueling my motivation to do whatever it took to not only heal myself but also inspire and support others in their quest for wellness.

In the face of Lyme disease, a condition often regarded as difficult to cure, I chose to challenge the prevailing narrative. I refused to accept the notion that it was impossible to recover fully. Instead, I delved into extensive research, exploring various treatment options and seeking alternative therapies. I embraced the belief that there was always hope and that new possibilities existed beyond the boundaries set by conventional medicine. This mindset of open-mindedness and exploration empowered me to uncover innovative approaches and discover hidden paths toward healing.

Admittedly, the road to recovery was not without its share of setbacks and obstacles. There were times when things seemed to get worse, and the path to healing appeared non-linear. However, I refused to let these moments deter me. Instead,

I viewed them as opportunities for growth and resilience. I held onto my belief in a brighter future, even when faced with adversity, and I persevered. It was during these challenging times that my mindset truly proved its worth, giving me the strength and determination to continue the fight, no matter how difficult it seemed.

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www.puredentalnaples.com

(239) 692-9623

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< PAGE 40< Page “Why Use Ozone for Enhanced Healing in Dentistry”

BY DR JOSEPHINE PEREZ, DMD 14We “There Is a Dental Shift on the Horizon”

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THE BERMAN METHOD

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See ad on Back Cover > < PAGE 44 “How to Gain Distance with Your Driver” BY DR JAKE BERMAN, PT, DPT

SUMMER 2023

Jordan Dunin is the CEO and Founder of HatchPath—an online marketplace connecting clients with health coaches. He knew that coaches were the missing link in the healthcare system, and he knew there had to be a better way to find them. Jordan created HatchPath out of his desire for holistic healthcare that works and to connect as many people as possible to the right people who can help them. Call 239.361.6704, email jordan@hatchpath. io, and visit hatchpath.io for more information, and find him on Instagram: jordandunin

Biological Dentistry

ESSENTIAL Naples

While on this journey, I encountered negative opinions and doubts from others who had faced similar situations. Yet, I made a conscious decision to surround myself with a supportive network of individuals who believed in my recovery. Their unwavering faith and encouragement became my shield against negativity, allowing me to stay focused and motivated. By leaning on their steadfast support, I learned the importance of building a positive and uplifting community, one that nurtures belief, fosters resilience, and reinforces the power of a determined mindset.

An integral part of my transformation was the creation of a new identity—one not defined by illness. I realized that to fully embrace a healthy future, I needed to let go of the identity of a patient. I began envisioning myself as a person free from the shackles of illness, vibrant with energy, and living a life of vitality. This shift in mindset empowered me to rewrite my narrative, embracing a new identity that embodied strength, wellness, and limitless possibilities.

Today, my daily routine stands as a testament to the power of mindset in overcoming adversity.

Waking up at 3:30 am, immersing myself in a 39-degree cold plunge, and pushing myself at the gym are not mere rituals; they represent the physical embodiment of my unwavering determination and resilience. By challenging myself to do hard things, I continue to reinforce the strength of my mindset and solidify my commitment to a life of health and vitality.

Welcome to

Health

Why We Use Ozone for

ESSENTIAL Naples

Enhanced Healing in Dentistry

SUMMER 2023

40

By Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD

“Ozone stimulates the body to work better on its own via selfregulation. Oxygen is our most critical element, and ozone increases oxygen utilization.”

—Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD

O

zone is a triatomic molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms (O3). It has been successfully used in medicine for its microbiological properties—as a bacteriocidal, virucidal, and fungicidal— for over 100 years. In fact, the first patented ozone generator was invented in 1897 by Nicola Tesla.

Using Ozone Safely

A lot of questions arise about ozone as it relates to pollution and the “ozone alerts” we have become so familiar with. Because of these “ozone alerts,” it is no surprise that we may wonder about the safety of something called ozone therapy. However, ozone is not pollution—it only serves as an indicator of pollution. The burning of fossil fuels produces hydrocarbons that gather and cause the pollution; ozone is a by-product of the sun’s UV rays contacting those hydrocarbons. Because ozone is much easier to detect it is commonly used as a reference point for hydrocarbon levels, but ozone itself is not the problem.

It has been demonstrated scientifically that the application of ozone in chronic infectious diseases, vasculopathies, orthopedics, and dentistry has yielded striking, positive results, and it is unfortunate that for the most part, the medical community continues to ignore ozone therapy.

How Does Ozone Work?

Ozone is created in nature; for example, in a thunderstorm. When the oxygen (O2) in ambient air is “struck” by lightning, it very briefly forms O3. The “problem” with this O3 is that there are other molecules in ambient air, namely nitrogen, which will

form noxious gases that are not healthy to breath.

Ozone can be created in a lab as well, by using pure, hospital grade oxygen and a good ozone generator with the capability of creating several different concentrations (gamma or micrograms/cc).

Ozone stimulates the body to work better on its own via self-regulation. Oxygen is our most critical element, and ozone increase oxygen utilization.

There are many ways to implement ozone therapy: cosmetic, medical, injections, injury, and dental. In the dental practice, I use ozone as a bacteriocidal, virucidal, and fungicidal. For example, we do not use city water in our practice, but rather, we make fresh ozone daily that runs through all our equipment and lines. We use ozone in every aspect of dentistry, from cavities and disinfection to surgeries and healing protocols in ulcerations, sores, or even trauma.

Ozone has a negative charge, while biofilm, bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, infections, and inflammation are positively charged. Therefore, ozone naturally “looks” for these to counteract them. Healthy cells have antioxidants on their membranes, whereas pathogenic cells lack antioxidant enzymes on their cell wall. This is why ozone does not damage healthy cells, but rather stimulates healthy cells to produce more antioxidant enzymes.

It’s a win-win! Essentially, ozone helps the immune system “auto-correct” itself, especially when used in IV treatments. It is not used on its own, but a synergistic treatment in functional and alternative medicine or as an adjunct to traditional treatments.

And because ozone increases our oxygen utilization, it provides a stimulus that allows the body to operate more efficiently on its own.

Improving Oxygen Utilization with Ozone

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41 SUMMER 2023

Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD has been practicing dentistry for 30 years. She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dentistry in Boston and interned at New Orleans Coast Guard/Navy Base.

Her holistic approach to dentistry encompasses each person’s unique and entire (or whole—holistic) state of physical and emotional well-being. The ability to maintain health through preventive measures and treatments of oral disease is her priority. Dr. Perez focuses on the underlying condition, rather than only treating the symptoms.

She tests for biocompatibility to find pathways to reduce inflammation and apply biocompatible and biomimetic materials, supplements, essential oils to restore and strengthen the oral cavity and ultimately, the whole body. After decades of restoring and transforming smiles, Dr. Perez has integrated total wellness into her oral health enhancement practice— a revolutionary style of dentistry.

THE PRACTICE OF SELF HEALTH

ESSENTIAL Naples

Many drugs—mitochondrial toxic drugs such as statins, beta-blockers, barbiturates, some antibiotics, and muscle relaxants—interfere with oxygen utilization, . There are also some genetic predispositions that may interfere with a person’s oxygen utilization, as well as their predisposition to cavities or periodontal disease. Your starting point is genetically predetermined; your rate of decay is modifiable. This is the reason I discuss the “why?” with patients. What led us to our condition in the first place? Sometimes finding the “why” takes a little longer, but don’t give up! If we control the terrain, even if there is a genetic predisposition to dental issues and diminished oxygen utilization, the body is prepped and can manage those issues.

Unfortunately, some patients want a quick and easy fix. It is usually these “Band-Aids” that end up costing more time, money, and most importantly, health. Thanks to ozone, I have an extra tool in my tool box. I use ozone every day and in every single aspect of dentistry…I call it my SUPERPOWER. Ozone is used for enhanced healing in dentistry in a variety of ways: • initial “mouthwash” prior to any treatment • performing cleanings • extractions and periodontal surgeries • deep cavities that might otherwise end in root canals • restoring fillings to prevent sensitivities • sensitive teeth • mouth ulcers and canker sores • traumatic lesions As always, work with your medical provider or functional/integrative PCP to see if ozone and its various therapy modalities are right for you.

ESSENTIAL Naples

Health

SUMMER 2023

42

Hormones for Men and Women—

Is There a Natural Approach?

By Jenni Berman, PA-C, CPT, CNS

H

ormones… blame the hormones. As we age, our bodies change, our brains change, our muscles change, our physiques change, our drives change—blame the hormones. The inevitable change of hormones: We’re doomed, right?

Wrong.

Functional medicine is an alternative type of medicine in which a full-body, biology-based approach is taken to identify the causes of specific issues rather than treating the symptoms. In other words, we need to assess individuals from the inside out, head to toe, to identify what is going on rather than just hearing the symptoms and treating this with a pill or cream.

Are We Doomed?

Most hormones start to decline through the natural aging process—but is it the chicken or the egg? Which happens first—hormones decrease, and then we begin to lose muscle mass, or vice

versa? Do our hormones change and then sleep suffers, or are we getting inadequate, unrestful sleep and then the hormones are affected?

Brain fog, memory decline, weight gain, loss of muscle mass, poor sleep, hot flashes, night sweats, poor sex drive, hair loss, irritability, anxiety, depression, constipation, hunger and cravings, fatigue…

This list could go on, but this is just the start of the symptoms I hear from patients that are often blamed on hormones, and subsequently, they believe nothing can be done.

Did you catch what I said? These are symptoms they’re experiencing. And anytime we have symptoms, we must evaluate and identify the cause.

Let’s Get to the Bottom of This

As we age, we naturally start to lose muscle mass, a process called sarcopenia. Many people blame this on the fact that hormones are

First things first: Let’s assess your metabolism, blood sugar, and vitamin levels. Let’s look at your medical history, medications, and other diagnoses impacting your metabolism. Let’s assess the amount of inflammation in your body. Sure, your hormones have decreased, though your symptoms are likely coming from something else.

1. Blood sugar stability is more challenging as we age due to the changes in muscleto-fat ratio, vitamin levels, and the body’s

“As we age, our body’s ability to stimulate muscle protein synthesis (to stimulate the proteins to build muscle mass) declines, resulting in less overall muscle mass. And as muscle mass declines, the body’s metabolic rate, or the rate at which we burn calories at rest, also declines.”

—Jenni Berman, PA-C, CPT, CNS

Berman Health and Wellness is a Functional Medicine Center that helps individuals reach their goal weight and optimize their gut health while avoiding needless medications and achieving the highest quality of life imaginable.

Focusing on and optimizing gut health is vital to protecting our brain, metabolism, hormones, and longevity.

Call 239.431.0232 or visit www.bermanpt.com/wellness to learn more.

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43 SUMMER 2023

Treat the Problem, Not the Symptom

ability to metabolize (break down) glucose (sugar). This needs to be a primary focus in preventing the symptoms associated with aging. We must focus on getting the proper amount of lean protein into our body with the right balance of complex (good) carbohydrates and unsaturated (healthy) fats. In some cases, a plant sterol called berberine can help aid in efficient glucose metabolism. With stable blood sugar, our vitamin levels, sleep, energy, recovery time, and muscle-building opportunities significantly improve.

2. Optimizing vitamin levels is essential to improving many of the symptoms we are experiencing. For instance, magnesium is vital for sleep, bowel movements, muscle aches and cramps, headaches, melatonin production, and reducing stress and anxiety. Vitamin D is crucial to improve blood sugar stability, preventing depression and anxiety, and bone health. Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve health, brain health, energy, and metabolism. Ferritin is the iron-storage level in our body which is vital for energy, preventing restless leg syndrome, and more. This is just a pinch of the vitamin levels that should be assessed regarding hormonal symptoms, as we often lack vital nutrients and vitamins as we age (trigger gut health conversation).

3. Identify the proper amount of strength training versus cardiovascular exercise for maintaining or gaining muscle mass and protecting heart health.

4. Assess gut health: This is a topic for another day, though it is essential in optimizing our health, nutrient absorption, and reducing inflammation! 70% of our immune system starts in the GUT! 5. Hydration: Again, a topic for another day.

Are you drinking enough? Most likely…NO. The symptoms you’re experiencing as your hormones change are often due to very treatable conditions, malnutrition, and vitamin deficiencies.

These are simple changes, but making them is not easy—it requires work and change! Contact Berman Health and Wellness today.

ESSENTIAL Naples

changing (and declining). However, as we age, our body’s ability to stimulate muscle protein synthesis (to stimulate the proteins to build muscle mass) declines, resulting in less overall muscle mass. And as muscle mass declines, the body’s metabolic rate, or the rate at which we burn calories at rest, also declines.

Simultaneously, the risk of insulin resistance increases through the aging process. Insulin resistance is a metabolic dysfunction in which the body is not metabolizing food, specifically carbohydrates and sugar, efficiently, resulting in higher blood sugar and insulin levels. Insulin resistance can occur due to vitamin deficiencies, poor nutrient balance through diet, lack of physical exertion, a decrease in muscle mass, medications, hormonal changes, or medical comorbidities such as high cholesterol, blood pressure, and autoimmune disease.

Sarcopenia can occur due to insulin resistance, less physical activity, less strength training, a lack of protein in the meal plan, and medications. Yes, a loss in muscle mass can increase the risk of insulin resistance, and insulin resistance can increase the risk of a loss of muscle mass.

I know what you might be thinking: “We must be doomed because sarcopenia and insulin resistance are part of the aging process, so there isn’t anything to do except take hormones and hope I feel better.” Hold that thought.

Something else you might be thinking: “If I am exhausted, not sleeping well, and craving sugar, how will I ever overcome these issues of not consuming enough protein and not exercising enough? My doctor told me to take hormones to fix my symptoms.” Please, keep reading.

ESSENTIAL Naples

Health

How to Gain Distance with Your Driver

SUMMER 2023

44 Dr. Jake Berman, DT, DPT

“And because of the laws of physics, once we have more muscles firing and we’re generating more power during the golf swing, the only possible outcome is that the ball will go further!.”

—Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT

I

f you consider yourself an “aging golfer” or if you’ve lost 20+ yards off your tee shots over the past year or so, I’m sure you’ve done your share of searching the internet for the holy grail of golf instruction that will give you that extra yardage back. You’re looking to regain your dignity on the course and once again stroke your ego as you’re able to outdrive your golf buddies and earn back your bragging rights.

But like 100% of the other aging golfers out there, you’re stuck, left with frustration and pessimism because the false golf prophets on YouTube promised you their technique works for everybody— when it really only works for those actually athletic and limber enough to pull it off…in other words, those young bucks you see on the range wrapping the club around their necks and bombing it 300+ down range.

A New Approach

If any of this resonates with you, keep reading. I’m a physical therapist by trade who “accidentally” started a golf performance business, and since

2015, I’ve helped hundreds of SWFL golfers over the age of 60 gain more distance off the tee, shoot more consistently, and play more frequently. I’ve done this by following a very simple yet effective method (The Berman Method) that produces results 100% of the time.

The reason I’m able to help aging golfers gain distance is that I completely bypass the interpretation part of instruction. Said differently, most golfers get frustrated with instruction because the instructor is asking them to do some technique.

Then they have to interpret that instruction and attempt to reproduce that instruction. And that, my friends, is where 100% of the problem occurs—the interpretation phase. The reason being, if you’ve never “felt” what it feels like to get into those positions and feel the appropriate muscles firing the appropriate way, you’ll NEVER be able to consistently reproduce the movement!

The Berman Method

What I’ve developed is a very specific set of tests I administer to you while you’re in very specific golf

See ad on page 39 >

45 SUMMER 2023

Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and the owner of Berman Physical Therapy where they focus on treating the actual problem causing your symptoms (pain) to help you avoid taking pain pills and dangerous surgeries. So if you’re tired of feeling “old” and you are looking for another way to keep active and mobile, call Dr. Berman at 239.431.0232 to take advantage of a FREE 30 minute taster session!

ESSENTIAL Naples

positions and all you have to do is resist me.

You don’t have to think at all. For example, in your address position, I’ll put my hands on you and push in a certain direction while coaching you to “don’t let me move you.” This completely bypasses the interpretation phase and allows you to simply react, allowing you to learn immediately what those positions and muscle activations feel like!

Some of the most common responses I get in the first few sessions are “WOW, I’ve never felt my glutes fire like this before.” Or “I’ve never thought about activating my core this way.” And because of the laws of physics, once we have more muscles firing and we’re generating more power during the golf swing, the only possible outcome is that the ball will go further!

And because I know you’re still skeptical, and rightfully so, I want you to try these two very simple things to give you a little taste of The Berman Method. In your address position, close your eyes and think about what muscles you feel firing and engaged. Then rate how intensely you feel those muscles firing: a little bit, moderately, or intensely.

Next, while still in your address position, simply pull your belly button into your spine as if trying to fit into a tight pair of pants, and then start pushing the arch of your right foot (left foot if you golf lefty) through the ground as firmly as you can. Now reassess how intensely you feel muscles working. Chances are that you are NOT currently doing this on the golf course which makes it highly unlikely that you will be able to gain any significant distance or consistency.

If I’ve piqued your interest, go check out The Berman Method on YouTube and try some of my most popular videos. Who knows, maybe you’ll be one in contention for your next Club Championship!

Health

Why Your Knee Hurts,

ESSENTIAL Naples

and What to Do About It

SUMMER 2023

46

By Dr. Richard Hiler, DABCN

D

ue to injuries, mechanical issues, or overuse and aging, cartilage may be damaged or lost, resulting in pain. Even if patients have already had joint replacements and all medical options have been tried, correcting the muscle mechanics and alignment can often give a good amount of relief. And although orthopedic surgeons are brilliant when it comes to joint replacements and other surgeries, they are not usually knowledgeable and would probably even be skeptical of the following natural corrective procedures.

Regenerative Medicine for Cartilage Wear or Tear

• Stem Cell Allograft: In times of injury the body recruits its own stem cells for repair and healing. As we age, our own stem cells become less efficient. The addition of millions of young, potent stem cells from an allograft helps the body heal like it did when it was younger. Allograft is a tissue donation and transplant from one person to another.

Connective tissue from one source containing live mesenchymal stem cells may help with inflammation and regeneration of cells in a recipient. Wharton’s jelly is a connective tissue from which umbilical cord stem cells

• To complicate matters further, there are 12 muscles that cross the ankle and 16 muscles that move the hip. When walking, these muscles also play a role in the mechanics of the knee joint and must also be considered.

Four nerves from the low back innervate the muscles that move the knee. Nerve function and back function therefore must also be considered in a complete knee rehab regimen.

• Alignment: Many patients with knee pain may have worn out only the inside or only the outside of the knee joint. This happens due to muscle function and the actual alignment of the joint space. The lower bone or shinbone (tibia) may rotate inward, outward, or straight back. The malalignment of the joint causes excessive stress and accelerates degeneration and damage unevenly through the joint. The key is early detection before the malalignment becomes permanent.

It’s Time to Feel Amazing

Dr. Richard Hiler, DABCN, and his medical team offer a complimentary telephone consultation. Feel Amazing Institute proudly serves the Naples area with comprehensive physical medicine, regenerative medicine, and chiropractic services since 1998. For questions or to schedule an initial consultation the office can be reached at 239.330.1000. We also offer a complimentary telephone consultation to answer any questions. www.FeelAmazing.com. 3031 AirportPulling Rd N., Naples. See ad on page 19 >

—Richard Hiler, DABCN

47 SUMMER 2023

Whether you suffer from chronic pain, are recovering from an injury, or seeking overall improved health and performance, Feel Amazing Institute has the skills and experience to help you work toward your goals, and our office strives for excellence.

We also offer a vast array of physical therapies: light therapies, electrical therapies, laser, shockwave/acoustic wave, as well as ozone and peptide therapy. If you are looking for a clinic highly experienced regenerative medicine or chiropractic in Naples, FL, look no further than Feel Amazing Institute. For more information or to schedule your initial consultation, call us today!

“The natural fluid within the knee joint space is normally high in hyaluronic acid molecules.

As we age, the concentration of these molecules is reduced; therefore, the addition of these products can help the joint move better and feel better for a time.”

ESSENTIAL Naples

are derived. The allograft has nothing to do with the baby; it comes from the umbilical cord from a healthy birth. The umbilical tissue could either be discarded or preserved for medical benefits. The tissue contains no antigens so there is no rejection and no matching required for the recipient. The allograft is administered with a simple injection and there is no downtime after the procedure.

• Placental and Amniotic Fluid Allograft: While Wharton’s jelly contains 7% by volume mesenchymal stem cells and 93% other growth factors, the placental allograft contains no live stem cells but 100% growth factors.

While this application doesn’t work quite as well as the live cells combined with the growth factors, if it is done more than once similar results and outcomes can be obtained.

• Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP): Platelets from your own blood draw are concentrated and injected into the site of needed repair. There are many techniques for concentrating the platelets, and your own platelets release growth factors in the area to also assist in regenerative healing. The younger and healthier the patient, the healthier the platelets will be, and better outcomes can therefore be expected.

• Prolozone Therapy: A proliferative mix of vitamins, natural sugars, and ozone are combined to cause a reduction in inflammation and stimulate tissue repair.

• Viscosupplementation: This process uses hyaluronic acid molecules. There are many hyaluronic acid products available that are commonly used to cushion and lubricate the joints. The natural fluid within the knee joint space is normally high in hyaluronic acid molecules. As we age, the concentration of these molecules is reduced; therefore, the addition of these products can help the joint move better and feel better for a time. Examples of these products are Genvisc, Hymovis, Hyalgan, and Synvisc. These products will do nothing to regenerate or repair the joint, however, and the results are temporary.

• Mechanical Issues: There are 13 muscles that cross the knee joint. These muscles must work in unison to properly move the joint. Some muscles may become too tight and other muscles may become weak over time. The imbalance of tightness or weakness accelerates wear and tear on the joint. There are very few practitioners who are skilled in diagnosing then lengthening the tight muscles and strengthening the weak muscles.

Health

Are You Suffering from More Memory Loss, Anxiety, Depression, or Mental Fog as You Age?

ESSENTIAL Naples

By Dr. Kelly Miller, NMD

SUMMER 2023

48

“If the information we receive from our eyes, ears, hands, feet, and the like is not gathered or processed properly or coordinated with other incoming information in the right timing and sequencing, we cannot make the correct decisions.”

—Dr. Kelly Miller, NMD

R

esearch has found that symptoms related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), TBI (traumatic brain injury), dyslexia, anxiety, depression, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s are often associated with what is known as a hemispheric weakness or imbalance in the brain. This means one side of the brain is operating less efficiently than the other, causing symptoms like anxiousness, depression, insomnia, short-term memory loss, balance problems, mental fog, and more. Generally speaking, most issues in the aging brain are associated with left hemispheric weakness. In contrast, most issues in younger individuals with ADHD or autism spectrum symptoms are associated with right hemispheric weakness.

Hemispheric Weakness

When we speak of a hemispheric weakness, we are discussing the area of the brain known as the frontal cortex on that side. The frontal cortex is the decision-making part of our brains. The front half of our brain is used to make decisions after receiving sensory information from the back half of our brain—the occipital, parietal, and temporal areas. The back half of our brain is responsible for processing information coming from our eyes (vision), ears (hearing), touch (hands and feet), and more. If the information we receive from our eyes, ears, hands, feet, and the like is not gathered or processed properly or coordinated with other incoming information in the right timing and sequencing, we cannot make the correct decisions.

Assessment of Function

Each part of the brain is assessed to determine normal or abnormal function or strength and weakness. Those weak areas are then strengthened through specific sound, light, or vibrational frequencies. The brain responds to sound, light, and vibration. The area of weakness in the brain can be strengthened much like an arm or leg can be strengthened after an injury.

When we experience problems with our sleep or our balance or experience excess anxiousness or anger, these are indications of a brain imbalance.

It is our job to determine where and why this is occurring and help restore brain balance by strengthening the weaker areas. This requires repetition and frequency of the right brain exercises.

Neuroplasticity

The brain has neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity means that the brain has the ability to change.

Specifically, stimulating certain areas of the body with the correct light, sound, and vibrational frequencies will have a positive impact on a weak area of the brain. With frequency and repetition, these weakened brain pathways are strengthened. Over time, these weakened areas in the brain are strengthened, and more normal function returns.

All assessments are painless and non-invasive and include state-of-the-art technologies not found elsewhere. At Saving Your Brain, we use QEEG Brainmapping, RightEye, Balance Traks, Interactive Metronome, cognitive testing, and more. For more information on these technologies, please visit our website at www.savingyourbrain.com.

Initial assessments usually take 90–120 minutes.

Initial assessments are done on Mondays and Wednesdays in Naples.

Dr. Kelly Miller, NMD, and Saving Your Brain work with people of all ages to correct brain imbalances.

These brain training centers use advanced technology to help resolve chronic brain health problems that aren’t resolved by one single approach. For more information, see savingyourbrain.com or call 239.986.3097. 1032 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples, Florida 34102

HAPPENINGS SUMMER 2023 Saturday, August 5

Tuesday, August 15

Regenerative/ Cellular Therapy 12:00–1:00 pm, Free Learn about regenerative medicine treatments, including stem cell allografts combined with other natural treatments.

How these treatments may help conditions such as knee pain, back pain, and peripheral neuropathy.

Better Posture, Better Life 3:00 pm, FREE Presented by Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT, this FREE Online webinar will expose the three most common causes of bad posture and seven simple tips on how you can immediately start improving your posture to gain self confidence, resolve nagging neck and shoulder pain, and improve your overall quality of life!

At Feel Amazing Institute 3031 Airport-Pulling Rd., Naples, FL 34105 Register by calling 239.330.1000

Berman Physical Therapy 501 Goodlette Rd N, C-100 Naples, FL 34102 Register by calling 239.431.0232 or email drberman@bermanpt.com

Wednesday, August 16

Saturday, September 2

Increase Shoulder Turn Regenerative/ and Clubhead Speed Cellular Therapy 3:00 pm, FREE 12:00–1:00 pm, Free Presented by Dr. Jake Berman, Learn about regenerative PT, DPT, this FREE Online wemedicine treatments, including binar will reveal seven reasons stem cell allografts combined why you’ve lost distance and with other natural treatments. shot consistency and give you How these treatments may three immediately actionable help conditions such as knee tips on how to improve shoulder pain, back pain, and peripheral turn and clubhead speed so neuropathy. you can regain distance and improve your ball striking At Feel Amazing Institute regardless of age!

3031 Airport-Pulling Rd., Naples, FL 34105 Berman Golf Register by calling 239.330.1000 24850 Old 41 Rd., #8 Bonita Springs, FL 34135 Register by calling 239.431.0232 or email distance@bermangolf.com

Saturday, October 7 Regenerative/ Cellular Therapy 12:00–1:00 pm, Free Learn about regenerative medicine treatments, including stem cell allografts combined with other natural treatments.

How these treatments may help conditions such as knee pain, back pain, and peripheral neuropathy.

At Feel Amazing Institute 3031 Airport-Pulling Rd., Naples, FL 34105 Register by calling 239.330.1000

www

www.essentialnaples.com

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We also accept classified listings.

STEM CELL TREATMENT in beautiful Antigua. Consultations in Bonita Springs/Chicago/virtually

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• Spine Pain • Lung • Anti-Aging • Memory • Other

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Princeton AB Johns Hopkins MD, Harvard Fellowship, U-Chi/Rush Residency

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(847) 699-6810 < PAGE XX “Article Name” BY DR

49 SUMMER 2023

EVIDENCE-BASED, SAFE, WORLD-LEADING

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Have a Happening?

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Local Experts In and Around Naples BIOLOGICAL DENTIST

ENERGY HEALING

FLOAT SPA

Naples 239.692.9623 www.puredentalnaples.com

Zel Rau—Owner/Operator 7935 Airport Pulling Rd. 2nd Floor, Suite 214 Naples FL 34109 219.381.9777 • bekind111@yahoo.com ZelRau.com/book-online

Fort Myers 239.887.4161 www.c9floatspa.com

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Josephine Perez, DMD

SUMMER 2023

50

Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD, has been practicing dentistry for 29 years.

She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dentistry in Boston and interned at New Orleans Coast Guard/Navy Base. Her holistic approach to dentistry encompasses each person’s unique and entire (or whole, therefore holistic) state of physical and emotional well-being. The ability to maintain health through preventive measures and treatments of oral disease is her priority. Dr. Perez focuses on the underlying condition, rather than only treating the symptoms. She tests for biocompatibility to find pathways to reduce inflammation.

COUNSELING

Peaceful Summit Counseling Jennifer Vear Hoy, MS, MS Naples • 239.307.4708 www.peacefulsummitnaples.com jennifervearhoy1@gmail.com Jennifer Vear Hoy has spent over 20 years in the corporate world as a corporate strategist operating her firm in Chicago, for which she earned her first master’s degree in Management and Organizational Behavior. She has since relocated to Naples, and after the death of her husband, she realized firsthand the need for professional and compassionate counseling in the Naples area. She went back to school and earned her second graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her passion is helping others live the life they were meant to live.

DIABETES REVERSAL COACHING Reverse My Diabetes

Denise A. Pancyrz Naples • 888.848.1763 www.ReverseMyDiabetes.net Denise@ReverseMyDiabetes.net The conventional approach to managing type 2 diabetes long term is not effective. Holistic lifestyle coaching helps to reverse the effects of diabetes, guiding you away from counting carbs and diets and leading you to recognize factors that affect your glucose.

Lower your A1c, stabilize glucose levels, increase your energy, and lose weight naturally.

Energy Spa

Zel is a Certified Energy Work Practitioner with a profoundly rooted energy background. At the Energy Spa, Zel offers other energy work modalities such as Energy Field Tuning/Clearing, Bio-Well Energy Scans, Crystal Light Therapy, and more. Receiving this type of work can help with many issues we deal with today. Zel offers a 30-minute complimentary session to better learn about her services.

ESSENTIAL OILS AND NUTRIENTS I Love Oils, Inc.

Susie Bagwell • susie@iloveoils.com 17030 Alico Commerce Ct. #303 Fort Myers, FL 34109 586.604.3500 • www.iloveoils.com Susie Bagwell has been using essential oils for over 20 years and helps her customers with cutting edge natural solutions. Her “Smell ’em Wear ’em Drink ’em” slogan applies to more than just certified pure essential oils. Her dōTERRA brand products also include bioavailable supplements and exclusive home care products.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Wintrust Wealth Management Nina Azwoir, First Vice President Naples • 239.697.5204 www.nazwoir.wintrustwealth.com nazwoir@wintrustwealth.com Nina Azwoir is a licensed Financial Advisor with over 17 years of industry experience in the realm of wealth management, financial planning, and retirement solutions.

Nina has the knowledge and perspective to help keep her clients and their financial future on a steady course as they navigate through life and retirement. Her highest priority is her clients and their families. Reach out to Nina for your complimentary financial plan.

Cloud 9 Float Spa

Floating, also known as Flotation Therapy, has been used for years for its mental, spiritual, meditative, and physical benefits and has a vast amount of published research to support its claims.

HEALTH COACH HatchPath

4850 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 301, Naples 34103 289.221.7195 • hatchpath.io hello@hatchpath.io Where health coaches and clients meet.

Customizable coaching within a trusted wellness community.

Theresa Edmunds, CHC

Naples 734.308.7105 theresaedmunds@hotmail.com Educating clients about all aspects of natural health. Truly healthy food, living chemical-free and detoxing, healthy home, emotional well-being, reducing stress, movement, supplements/homeopathy. Helping you recover, enhance, and protect your health. Providing the foundation that you need to live your best life full of energy and vitality.

Kristina B. Gretouce

239.350.4544 codependencyfreedom.com Kristina B. Gretouce is a Certified Life and Health and Wellness Coach with over 15 years of experience.

Kristina offers a complimentary 10-minute discovery call. Please contact Kristina at 239.350.4544. 704 Goodlette-Frank Rd N, Naples.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS Berman Physical Therapy

Jake Berman, PT, DPT 501 Goodlette Rd N, C-100, Naples, FL 34102 • 239.431.0232 Drberman@bermanpt.com www.Bermanpt.com Most people think pain is a normal part of the aging process. We help people age 50+ avoid surgery and pain pills so they can keep active, mobile, and living their best life!

HOLISTIC FUNCTIONAL HEALTHCARE Berman Health and Wellness Jenni Berman, PA-C, CPT, CNS 501 Goodlette Rd N Unit C202 Naples, FL 34102 239.431.0232 www.bermanpt.com/wellness Berman Health and Wellness is a Functional Medicine Center who helps individuals reach their goal weight and optimize their gut health, while avoiding needless medications and achieving the highest quality of life imaginable. Our goal is to evaluate the metabolism, gut health, and bloodwork to optimize each aspect of the client.

MICROVASCULAR HEALTH Microvascular Solutions, LLC

5633 Strand Blvd #312, Naples, FL 34110 239.821.1223 • 239.595.2353 www.microvascularsolutions.com info@ microvascularsolutions.com Life is in the blood! Until now, doctors have only been able to measure 1% of your arteries and veins.

Now, with GlycoCheck, we can measure the other 99%. This FDA-cleared, state-of-the-art medical device allows us to take a look at the function of your microvascular system before it’s too late.

ROBOTIC MUSCULAR THERAPY Precision Robotics

Theresa Edmunds, CHC, RPT Naples 239.778.6842 www.precisionroboticstherapy.com info@precisionroboticstherapy.com

Onlines • 800.991.7088 www.mynaturesrite.com

This innovative technology uses the static pressure of the robotic arm to release muscle tension, lengthening muscles back to their original state.

This reduces pressure on joints/ bones and increases flexibility. Clients report pain resolution, greater mobility, recovery from injury, increased range of motion and a general feeling of well-being.

Healthy Concepts Consulting

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

Betsy Opyt, RD, LD/N, CDE Naples 239.297.8844 www.healthyconceptsconsulting.com betsy@healthyconceptsconsulting.com

Candice Rosen RN, Health Counseling

Richard A. Hiler, DABCN Naples 239.330.1000 • DrRHiler@aol.com www.FeelAmazing.com

INTEGRATIVE & FUNCTIONAL REGISTERED DIETITIAN

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS Nature’s Rite

Oftentimes, to simply inject a joint or nerve with stem cells for pain, inflammation, and degeneration is not enough. Boost regenerative capability and capacity with the addition of ozone, PRP, growth factors, peptides, myoneural therapies, and physical reconditioning.

Lee for Lifehealth

Dr Prodromos received his MD from the Johns Hopkins Medical School, served a surgical internship at the University of Chicago, his orthopaedic surgery residency at Rush and a fellowship in Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. He was a pioneer in surgery of the ACL and served as editor in chief of the first and only comprehensive textbook on the ACL for orthopaedic surgeons.

LIFE COACH

Naples • leehartman14@gmail.com 312.208.1698 • leeforlifehealth.com https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100048548046587 Freedom from food without starving!

Become your magnificent self beginning with the first element of self-discipline—controlling food and drink. When you do that everything else falls into place—family, business, and mental health. Calm and peaceful happiness result with no cravings taking over your life. Gentle support through your process in 6 or 12 weeks with me.

The Prodromos Stem Cell Institute Chadwick C. Prodromos, MD Naples and Chicago 847.699.6810 • care@thepsci.org www.thepsci.com

Candice P. Rosen is a registered nurse, social worker, nutritionist, health counselor, and author. She is the creator of The Pancreatic Nutritional Program and Data-Driven Fueling. She has spent her life’s work focused on improving the wellness of both her clients and her community.

She advocated for preventative medicine, improved disability access, promoted maternal and infant health, and worked to bring awareness to the global obesity and diabetes epidemics.

SPORTS/PERFORMANCE/ EXERCISE Berman Golf

Jake Berman, PT, DPT 501 Goodlette Rd N, C-100, Naples, FL 34102 • 239.431.0232 distance@bermangolf.com www.Bermangolf.com Most golfers think a deteriorating golf game is a normal part of getting older.

We help aging golfers increase distance off the tee, shoot more consistently, and play more frequently!

51 SPRING 2023

Betsy is a Licensed and Registered Dietitian as well as a Certified Diabetes Educator, Integrative & Functional Medicine Nutrition Therapist, and RYT200 yoga teacher.

She specializes in nutrigenomics, gut health, food sensitivities, detoxing, inflammatory diseases, and longevity living. Betsy is a professional speaker and advocate for healthy living. She is available for individual consultations, group programs, and speaking engagements.

Candice Rosen, RN www.candicerosenrn.com

ESSENTIAL Naples

Spine, Joint, and Neuropathy Care

SELF HEALTH

Unleash U nleash Y Your our Potential Potential with with HatchPath!

HatchPath!

Struggling with a chronic illness or aiming to conquer your first half-marathon? At HatchPath, we connect you with experienced health coaches who tailor their expertise to your unique needs.

Book Now! at www.hatchpath.io No Matter Your Goals, We Have the Perfect Coach for You!