For Better Health
THE NEWTOWN BEE,
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2026
Highland Plaza—
A ‘One Stop Shop’ For Health Needs
By Sam CroSS
Highland Plaza, located at 123-125 South Main Street, is far more than a group of beige buildings with red roof rakes; some would call it a “hidden gem” in town, simply because of the amount of health-based businesses hiding behind modest signs and a 40 mile per hour speed limit that often allows drivers to pass the plaza without recognizing everything it contains.
Highland Plaza is far more than a shopping mall located near the Botsford district, it really is a “one stop shop” for health needs. Between health food stores, a medical spa, a Pilates studio, a therapy office, and more, Highland Plaza offers readers a unique experience to shop for a better, healthier lifestyle.
World Champion Taekwondo
While it may not seem like an obvious “health-based” business, the study of the traditional Korean martial art offered at World Champion Taekwondo offers students an opportunity to connect with the whole body and learn respect and discipline. Master Heny, the owner of the Newtown dojang, or “studio” in English, focuses on teaching these two principles to her students.
Students at Master Heny’s dojang not only learn respect, they also focus on three major aspects of martial arts: sparring, breaking skills, and “poomsae,” or a
do improves the whole body because the movements, control, and discipline transfer well to other sports.
“Because we’re using whole bodies … All the parents are saying that [taekwondo] helps [children] be good at other sports, too,” Master Heny said. She shared a quick story about some girls in her classes who are also part of Newtown’s color guard. The girls started taking taekwondo and found that the training helped them improve their movements for the guard.
Master Heny, as briefly mentioned earlier, said she also sees remarkable improvement in the behavior and confidence in children the longer they study taekwondo. She shared a story of a young boy who was very shy when he started. Now that he has his black belt, Master Heny will sometimes ask him to lead stretching and he is loud and proud with the counting.
To learn more about World Champion Taekwondo visit the dojang in Highland Plaza or visit newtowntkd. com
series of movements performed in a sequence. Master Heny was scouted from Korea to participate in University of Bridgeport’s taekwondo program. After graduating, she started teaching at World Champion Taekwondo in New Haven.
“I was working in New Haven for a long time, almost
six years. I started because I wanted to go to … school, but I don’t have money. So I said, ‘Alright, let me work.’ And then while I was working, I was like, ‘Oh, I think I like it.’ ‘Cause I see the kids are changing their [lives], how their mind is changing, how their behavior is changing. Like that was awesome! So I
was like, ‘Alright, I think I should open my own,’” Master Heny said. Championships were held at Newtown Youth Academy, which was how she was introduced to the Newtown area, she explained. When asked what health benefits taekwondo provides, Master Heny said taekwon-
Physical Rehabilitation Newtown, Part Of Northwell Health Highland Plaza is also home to a brand-new outpatient rehabilitation facility that is part of Northwell Health. The outpatient rehab facility, Physical Rehabilitation Newtown, part of Northwell Health, offers occupational and physical therapy for “regular orthopedic injuries” to “neurological rehab.” Clinic Supervisor Jennifer Kaminski said, “There’s not a lot of patient diagnoses that we would say that we can’t treat.”
Kaminski and Jenna Arrigo are two physical therapists on site who are trained in concussion and vestibular rehab. The facility also offers the LSVT Big program, a program designed to help patients with Parkinson’s disease reconnect with their body.
“We’re more of like a well-rounded facility, we tend to treat even diagnoses such as osteoporosis, things that are more preventative as opposed to just like treating someone when they’re injured,” Kaminski said. Part of the physical and occupational therapy is creating personalized plans for each patient that align with their health goals. The new facility is equipped with a kitchen so that patients can learn to maneuver, with an occupational therapist’s guidance,
Master Heny coaches a student on breaking a board at Middle Gate Elementary School’s 2025 Career Day. The owner of World Champion Taekwondo dojang, Master Heni’s is one of many businesses within Highland Plaza on South Main Street that collaboratively offer one stop shopping for health needed. —Bee file photo
Staff at Physical Rehabilitation Newtown, Part Of Northwell Health includes, from left, occupational therapist Alyson Iolin, physical therapist and clinic supervisor Jennifer Kaminski, physical therapist Jenna Arrigo, and physical therapist Bob Strittmatter. —Bee Photo, Cross
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Fast, precise smoke detection offers more time to react and get to safety. Experts encourage readers to clean and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms each spring, and maintain a habit of manually testing those alarms every month.
Prioritize Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Alarms During Spring Cleaning
(StatePoint) Spring is the perfect time for a home refresh. While dusting the ceiling fan and scrubbing the tub are likely already on the to-do list, the most essential task of all may not be on the radar: cleaning and testing smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.
A fresh home is great, but a safe one is even better. According to the National Fire Protection Association, working smoke alarms in a home double the chances of safely escaping a house fire.
This spring, Kidde, a pioneer in early smoke detection for over 100 years, is highlighting the importance of keeping smoke and CO alarms up to date.
• Install devices throughout the house, on every level including the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, hallways, basement and garage.
It’s also a good idea to keep fire extinguishers in the kitchen, basement, laundry room and garage.
• Smoke and CO devices aren’t just plastic boxes — they’re sophisticated mini-computers. Their sensors and circuits constantly analyze air particles, and like any computer, dust and neglect can inhibit their functionality.
Clean alarms this spring, and regularly after that, to help prevent false alarms. Use compressed air or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush to clean the vents, and then wipe the device with a dry microfiber cloth.
• Smoke and CO alarms are electronic devices with sensors and circuits that
wear out over time. It’s recommended to replace them every 5 to 10 years depending on the model.
To can determine whether it’s time to replace or upgrade alarms, look at the manufacturing date. Be sure to opt for self-testing devices that help ensure the alarms are operating as expected, like the Kidde Smoke Alarm, 10-Year Battery Powered or the Combo Smoke CO Alarm, 10-Year Battery Powered, which last a full decade.
Kidde’s Detect line of devices offer revolutionary technology that provides fast, precise smoke detection, giving individuals and families more time to react and get to safety. The line also prioritizes enhanced sensing technology, which helps reduce those nuisance alarms that can lead to consumers disabling their devices.
Remember, a self-testing device is not a substitute for a manual push test. No matter what style devices are have been installed, be sure to take time this spring to manually test them, and then monthly after that. More information about fire and CO safety can be found at kidde.com and NFPA.org.
“A happy, healthy home starts with safety. Make sure your fire and carbon monoxide detectors are part of your seasonal refresh routine: clean them, test them, and replace any units that have reached their limit,” says Isis Wu, president of Global Residential Fire & Safety at Kidde.
through similar spaces.
“When we’re talking about getting back to what you need to do … There are patients that need to cook for themselves, and if you’ve had something like a stroke or you know things that really impair your ability to take care of yourself," Kaminski said. "There are patients that live by themselves or their spouse cannot be around them 100% of the time, or you just want to get back to doing what you need to do," she added. Occupational Therapist Allyson Iolin puts the kitchen to use, cooking dishes and "having patients prepare food here. Which is just real-life stuff,” Kaminsky explained.
Kaminski added the staff at the facility can also do wheelchair assessments for patients. The facility is decked out in all brand new equipment, including a mirrored strengthening area with weights.
The small staff offers oneon-one appointments, too, so each patient is listened to and heard. Each person has their own goals to achieve, and helping patients rebuild their confidence and mental health is a major part of what the therapists do at Physical Rehabilitation Newtown, Part of Northwell Health, Kaminski said.
“There’s a lot of fear around pain in general … Taking people through that, it is a lot of emotional support, I think, too. You know, helping patients that are in chronic pain, they’ve been in pain for their whole lives, and empowering them to work through that,” Kaminski said. She wants this outpatient facility to be a “place people can turn to” with “providers you can trust,” and is
overall very excited to be a part of the Newtown community.
For more information about the Newtown physical rehabilitation center, go to nuvancehealth.org/locations/physical-rehabilitation-newtown
Rosewood Market & Deli
Owned by James Molina, Rosewood Market & Deli collaborates with 14 local farms to bring the freshness under one roof. On top of collaborating with local businesses, Rosewood Market & Deli also creates prepared meals with ingredients sourced from those places.
An employee at Rosewood said, “Our whole premise is basically … you can have good quality food with flavor.”
The food is not processed, and has no steroids, no chemicals, or high pressed seed oils. Fried items are fried in
beef tallow, creating a richer flavor without using highly processed oils. Roast beef is roasted in house and ham is smoked in house, and, as Molina said, that means it is not “douse[d] in salt and we don’t need to douse it in nitrates."
Rosewood Market & Deli also accommodates all dietary restrictions. For vegetarians and vegans, fried food is prepared in an air fryer. Those with gluten allergies or intolerances can get gluten free bread at no extra cost.
“It’s a labor to not get food doused in chemicals,” Molina said, “So we’re trying to change that a little bit at a time.”
The staff uses higher quality ingredients and focuses on the quality of food rather than the quantity. Molina said customers appreciate the difference.
“People notice the flavor,
they don’t always notice the health benefits that come with the removal of [chemicals],” he said.
Part of what Rosewood Market & Deli does is make it easier for the individual to get these whole foods, and part of the way it does that is with its Dinner Club. Every Thursday, for $35 a plate, club members will receive an entrée, two sides, salad, bread, and dessert, all made fresh and in-house. Rosewood Market & Deli also offers pre-made frozen meals that people can grab on their way to work when they pick up their breakfast sandwich or coffee.
Molina and his staff have a lot to offer the community, and invite readers to check them out.
Go to rosewood-market.com for more information.
Willow And Oak Wellness Jessica Ward and Jill Pluta
own Willow and Oak Wellness, a collaborative practice of licensed clinical social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, and psychiatric nurses located within Highland Plaza. The team offers therapy to children, teens, and adults, and also has telehealth options available. Ward provides divorce mediation as well.
“People are looking to separate non-contentiously. It really is for people who want to work things through to the best possible benefit of everybody. You might be surprised how many people really do want to do that,” Ward said.
One aspect of Willow and Oak that separates it from other therapy offices is that APRNs are available on staff, so medications can be prescribed, adjusted, and changed on-site. Ward added it is difficult to find locations that offer APRN services and can be “a lot of responsibility to have all of that in one place.”
The office offers some Saturday appointments, too, another aspect that makes Willow and Oak unique. When prospective patients call, they go through a brief screening process with Ward. There is no receptionist. Ward tries to match patients with the staff member she thinks will fit them best, and if it does not seem to be working, she will try to adjust as much as she can. Willow and Oak accepts most insurances. For more information, go to willowandoakwellness.com
Balanced Pilates
Martina Sprague has been in the Balanced Pilates space for almost ten years. She knows what “true” Pilates is, describing its as “a system of exercises and how you move your body.”
Sprague opened her studio in 2017 and has built a steadily increasing community of dedicated students. She offers small group classes and private lessons. Before new students can participate in the group classes, she does two private training sessions to evaluate the individual and create a plan for the student.
“Pilates is a mindful movement system," she explained. "It is an actual system of exercises that builds on your strength, your alignment, and control. Our goal is to develop better posture, core stability, and balance our muscle development so that we are functioning more efficiently in our day-to-day life."
Classes use all fundamentals of Pilates: reformers, barrels, on the mats, Wunda Chairs, and so on. Each piece of equipment is used and every Balanced Pilates instructor is trained on how to use them. Now that Sprague’s studio has grown, she has been able to build upon her dreams of creating an instructor training program which will be launch-
Rosewood Market & Deli offers fresh food sourced from local farms at its store in Highland Plaza.
—Bee Photo, Cross
One of the many therapy offices at Willow and Oak Wellness, a collaborative practice of licensed clinical social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, and psychiatric nurses located within Highland Plaza.
ing May 8. The program can take anywhere from one to three years, depending on the student.
“There’s a lot that goes into becoming a Pilates instructor … it’s a whole experience," she said. "It’s like going back to school, it’s more intense than people think. My teacher training program is designed to educate and mentor the next generation of Pilates instructors.”
To learn more or sign up for classes, go to balancedpilatesbarre.com
Somatic Balance Massage
While each of the already mentioned businesses has its own storefront, there is a suite space hidden away in the corner of Highland Plaza with much more to offer.
Within this suite space is Nellie Bentz’s Somatic Balance Massage.
Bentz is a licensed massage therapist who brings a deep understanding of health sciences and an “intuitive approach to each session.” Bentz has several years of experience behind her and uses it to assist each client she sees.
“Massage therapy [is] a collection of body work modalities used to impact the body on a lot of different levels — skeletal muscles, lymphatic system, nervous system, cardiovascular system, integumentary system — pretty much everything is going to be impacted because everything inside the body is connected,” Bentz explained.
Like the other health-based businesses that work directly with clients, Bentz asks what each client’s goals or problem areas are and then uses that information to create a massage that will most benefit the individual. While some massages have a more medicinal aspect, Bentz
views massage as an “opportunity to unclench” and relax.
Beyond her studio, Bentz offers mobile chair massages for private events and offers canine and feline massages.
Of her four-legged clients, Bentz says the approach is “not going to be for every animal. Not every animal is really going to be compliant with the process … I found it to be gratifying to get some results with canine and feline clients because there is no placebo anything coming into it. Whatever impact you’re having is really happening, it’s not just in their heads."
Somatic Balance promises
a “small batch authenticity” for each client. For more information about the practice, go to somaticbalancemassage.com
Golden Aesthetics
Nestled between BD Provisions and World Champion Taekwondo sits a cutting-edge medspa that offers a wide variety of treatments. Golden Aesthetics, owned by Michelle Santucci and James Manoyan, offers anti-aging treatments, hormone replacement therapy, IV infusions, and so much more for both men and women.
“We are a full-blown functional medicine practice medical spa and anti-aging
clinic. We offer everything from Botox to dermal fillers to laser treatments. We do over 155 dermatological treatments with laser,” Manoyan said.
There are aesthetic nurses on staff who perform the treatments, like botulinum toxin injections, laser treatments, and IV drips. The IV drips offered are expansive — there are drips to aid in skin brightening, immune support, and detox, but this is only a sample. Manoyan said IVs can be custom made to fit the needs of each client.
“For us, it’s from the inside out,” Santucci began. “A couple things that set us apart from competition in general
is just the customer service that they get here. Like, when they come in, I feel like everyone thinks that they’re just like part of the family, whether that’s the staff or clients that come in.”
Santucci added a lot of clients arrive after experiencing a difficult life event. They enter the medspa hoping to leave looking better, “but they leave feeling better.”
“[It] makes us feel like it’s more than just a medspa,” Santucci shared. Golden Aesthetics is in its early phases, but that does not mean that it is small. Santucci and Manoyan said clients come
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Martina Sprague (standing, center), owner of Balanced Pilates, teaches a class at her studio within Highland Plaza. —Bee Photo, Cross
Nellie Bentz offers massage therapy within the suite space of Somatic Balance Massage, shown here. She also offers mobile chair massages for private events and canine and feline massages. —Bee Photo, Cross
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from New York and New Jersey for treatments because of the trust and care the staff create within the office at Highland Plaza. While in its third year, Golden Aesthetics has already claimed the title of third best medspa in the state from CT Insider.
“We will only continue to expand, to grow, get better, and try to do the best that we can to always be ahead of the game and offer our patients the best there is to offer,” Manoyan told The Newtown Bee
Jaimie Anderson, a registered nurse working at Golden Aesthetics, shared she has worked at many different places, but stated the reason why she has stayed with Golden Aesthetics is because it goes against the trend of “get them in and get them out.”
“That was never something that settled very well with me as a nurse, never mind as, you know, a human being and a provider,” Anderson said. She never wants her
patients to walk around not knowing what has been done to their bodies or faces, she said. She wants them to be happy, to know that “you’re getting the latest in evidence-based practice, and if you have a question or concern or fear, that there is an actual real person invested in your care.”
Golden Aesthetics offers a wide range of additional services, like workout guidance and muscle recovery therapies. For more information, go to golden-aesthetics.com.
To schedule an appointment, call 203-785-0100
BD Provisions
BD Provisions is if “[a] bulk [food store] and William Sonoma had a baby,” according to co-owner John Boccuzzi, Jr. His wife, Cynthia, is also co-owner and manages the Newtown store.
Opened in 2018 at its South Main Street location, BD Provisions now has franchise locations, one in New Milford and the second in Severna Park, Md.
BD Provisions offers a wide
range of nuts, coffee, tea, candy, chocolate, shelf-stable soups, and so much more. The coffee is roasted on site, and Boccuzzi noted that “there’s nothing fresher.” The nut butters available in store are also made on site. There are no plastic containers in the store. BD Provisions has a jar program where jars can be exchanged for fresh clean ones, cutting down on plastic waste and pollution. Like Rosewood Market & Deli, BD Provisions offers gluten free flours and grains. The decaffeinated coffee is “Swiss water processed,” meaning it is naturally decaffeinated, without using chemicals.
Janet Townley, a chef who goes by @coolcookster on Instagram, has begun teaching classes at the store, using BD Provisions ingredients to create healthy meals. Boccuzzi said he hopes to bring Townley back and expand programming at the store. For more information, visit bdprovisions.com
Reporter Sam Cross can be reached at sam@thebee.com
South Main (Rte 25), Newtown
Golden Aesthetics is a medspa in Highland Plaza owned by James Manoyan (left) and Michelle Santucci. Jaimie Anderson is a registered nurse on staff at the medspa. —Bee Photo, Cross
Co-owners John Boccuzzi, Jr and Cynthia Boccuzzi stand next to the coffee roasting machine within the Newtown location of BD Provisions. —Bee Photo, Visca
Dr. Perry Levenson, DACM
It’s Not Too Late To Protect Your Baby From RSV This Season
(StatePoint) Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is spreading across the country, but it’s not too late to take steps to protect babies from severe illness associated with the virus.
While it is true that by age 2, nearly 100% of children will be infected with RSV, for many, the illness can be severe — potentially leading to other infections like bronchiolitis and pneumonia — and even life threatening. In fact, RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization.
The youngest infants, children born prematurely, and those with chronic lung disease, weakened immune systems, congenital heart disease and other conditions, are most at risk of severe infection. Of children hospitalized due to RSV, however, 75% were born at full term with no underlying conditions, making precautions important for everyone.
As part of a campaign to help keep all infants and young children healthy, the American Lung Association, in partnership with Sanofi, offers the insights about RSV for parents, expectant parents, and caregivers of infants. Multiple forms of protection are available and work right away: Fortunately, there are safe and proven-effective methods to dramatically reduce severe illness from RSV. For most infants, the US Centers for Disease Control recommends one of these forms of protection:
•Throughout the season, including February and March, an RSV preventive antibody is recommended for all infants younger than 8 months old and born during or entering their first RSV season, and young children between 8 and 19 months at
increased risk for severe RSV symptoms, including children with chronic lung disease.
Preventive antibodies are not vaccines, but rather proteins that mimic the immune system’s naturally produced antibodies to help fight off harmful viruses. A single dose provides protection for at least five months.
•An RSV vaccination given during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy. This option is recommended earlier in the season, from September through January. Protection lasts about six months after birth.
Protection is effective: Winter 2024-25 was the first RSV season with widespread availability of both the preventive antibody and vaccination, resulting in a significant decrease in infant hospitalizations. A CDC analysis of RSV hospitalization rates among two surveillance groups from October 2024 through February 2025 found hospitalization rates 45% and 52% lower for infants 0-2 months during peak RSV season and 28% and 43% lower for those 0-7 months old, compared to 2018 rates.
Despite this encouraging trend, RSV is circulating nationwide with hospitalizations increasing especially in infants less than 1, making it important to take recommended preventive steps and discuss immunization with your healthcare provider.
Symptoms To Watch For RSV symptoms are not usually severe right away, however, they may become more severe a few days after symptoms begin and can be unpredictable. Call a healthcare provider if a child is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough, or their
symptoms are getting worse. RSV is spread person to person through sneezing and coughing; by touching objects such as toys or doorknobs that have the virus on them; or through direct contact, like when kissing a baby while sick with RSV. Taking these everyday preventative actions can help stop the spread of RSV:
•Avoid close contact with sick people;
•Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue;
•Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds;
•Clean frequently touched surfaces;
•Stay home and avoiding close contact with others when you are sick, including keeping distance from babies even if you mildly ill;
•Avoid shared cups, bottles or toys; and
•Improve indoor air quality. Welcoming a baby into the world is an exciting time, with many new opportunities, questions, and steps to take to be prepared. One step that shouldn’t be missed is a conversation with a healthcare team about RSV. For more information, visit https://www.lung.org/rsv.
Community Helping Hands
The Benefits Of Singing
B y J enna V i SCa
Getting into a new hobby can be intimidating, and singing is no exception. From star-studded performances on Broadway to local productions shining on the small stage, it can be easy for audiences to look on in admiration and wonder, "How can I ever do that?"
Singing is something anyone can pick up and learn, no matter their age. It can be a way for someone to uplift and connect to the people around them. It also has numerous physical and mental benefits.
Singing can develop and strengthen the lungs, increase confidence and discipline, and help reduce the feelings of anxiety or depression through the release of endorphins, among many other perks.
are also learning how the body helps their voice to sing.
"It's really all in the body," Gaudet said. "It's mind, body, and soul. The benefits are so holistic, it's not even funny."
With all these physical benefits also comes several mental benefits.
Gaudet said singing helps people feel more confident in themselves and lets them overcome fear when performing or auditioning.
She added that singing taps into someone's core being, what they want to express so that they actually feel seen.
Singing, says Gaudet, "is poetry to music. What do you want to express? What lyrics do you feel connected to? Then let's put music to that and make music happen with your body."
research on singing's impact on other aspects of mental health.
A recent Yale Child Study Center study, published last May in Child Development , the flagship journal of the Society for Research in Child Development, noted that singing to an infant can significantly boost the baby's mood.
The study included 110 parents and their babies, most of whom were under 4 months old. These parents were randomly split into two groups, with one group encouraged to sing to their infants more frequently than the other group.
Accepting New Patients
Physical, Mental Benefits
Singing comes with many physical and mental benefits, not only for the person singing, but also for whoever they're singing to.
Local singing teacher
Jackie Gaudet has seen these benefits in person. She noted that singing releases endorphins, which reduces stress. Beyond that, Gaudet said singing builds lung capacity, along with good posture, diaphragmatic strength, and core strength.
"The deep breathing, the diaphragmatic breath, the low breath — people know those benefits come from yoga or meditation. I feel like there's so much to singing, so there's a lot that other people focus on besides the health benefits," Gaudet explained.
In that sense, Gaudet feels the physical benefits that come with singing, compared to other hobbies or activities, are somewhat underrated.
She also said that, by learning how to sing, people
The Barbershop Harmony Society, a group that promotes and preserves barbershop music as an artform, notes that singing is a remarkably efficient brain workout.
Singing demands coordination across the prefrontal cortex, temporal lobes, hippocampus, and cerebellum, which control decision-making, auditory procession, memory, and motor control respectively.
This is especially important for older adults, as engaging multiple structures in the brain at the same time helps preserve and enhance cognitive functioning well into later life, according to the society.
It cites a 2021 study published in peer-reviewed academic journal Frontiers in Psychology , which reported that individuals involved in musical ensembles into their 60s and 70s showed stronger functional connectivity in regions associated with attention and memory than those who engaged only in passive listening or non-social activities.
There has also been
The parents of the test group received infant-friendly songbooks and weekly newsletters on how to incorporate music into their daily routine. All parents received surveys on their phone and answered questions for four weeks on their infant's mood, fussiness, and the frequency of musical behavior, among other observations.
The study noted that singing led to a measurable improvement in infants’ moods overall, even if it did not significantly improve the caretakers' moods, according to Yale School of Medicine.
Avoiding Strain, First Steps
As fun as singing can be, it can also be incredibly easy for someone to damage their voice if they are not careful.
Gaudet cautioned about something she sees that upsets her: when people right out the gate try to imitate professionals belting out huge, significatnt notes. She noted kids at a certain age tend to be attracted to big, larger than life songs, such as "Defying Gravity" from Wicked Idina Menzel, who originally recorded the song along with Kristin Chenoweth, studied voice for years to perform
she does, Gaudet noted.
"The people who sing those are probably highly trained singers that can belt on their break," she said. "It takes a lot of skill and training to be able to do that, and those tend to be the most passionate songs."
This creates a situation where children will then attempt to sing along to a song they are not ready for and push their voice too hard, according to Gaudet.
"And then they won't use their voice in a healthy way because they don't know how to, and then they can do damage," Gaudet continued. "So the sooner you develop good vocal habits, singing in a healthy way, the better. Otherwise, pushing happens."
Gaudet also said there are certain activities outside of singing that can damage a person's voice. These include shouting at a football game, screaming on a rollercoaster, or even simply talking loudly for a long period of time.
One of the challenges of being a singer, she said, is their instruments are a part of their body. Gaudet likened it to a double-edged sword: while it is one of the most personal instruments a person can perform with, they cannot put their vocal chords in a case and lock them away at night.
"So if you’re really trying to take care of your voice and if you need to perform for shows, you kind of need to lay low on the voice outside of the singing realm. You need to rest it," Gaudet said. Whether someone wants to sing professionally or just for fun, she encourages people to take care of their vocal chords, since it is "an instrument that's always with you."
Gaudet, who has been a student many times herself, said she knows how intimidating it can be to walk into a room with a voice teacher
for the first time.
She said someone's voice is their most personal instrument, and it is natural for some people to be very vulnerable about that. Gaudet herself has had many students over the years who were "absolutely nervous" walking into her room for the first time.
She encourages people to connect with someone who will create a safe, supportive space for them to learn and acquire the skills they will need to develop their singing.
Gaudet said everyone can practice and improve, even professionals. Just because someone has their own journey does not mean they will never be able to grow.
From her experience, Gaudet said teaching voice is a matter of learning what works well for the student, finding what they connect to and adjusting as they go.
"It may take you some training and developing some skills, and the more skills you develop, the more fun it is," Gaudet said. "The larger your repertoire, you’ll be able to do more that expresses who you are and you can do with more ease the more skills you have."
One of her favorite things about teaching voice is when a student arrives at the start of a lesson "dragging their feet." Maybe they had a rough day or are really tired, but then 45 minutes later, at the end of the lesson, they walk out humming and skipping, completely transformed because of all the benefits of singing.
"It’s just so joyful for me to see people blossom and see music bring so much to their lives. Whether they get involved in community theater or sing their own stuff, it just enriches them so much," Gaudet said. "Just to see the joyful enrichment that music brings to their life ... it's really magical."
Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.
By Jenna ViSCa
When thinking about self care, it can be easy for someone to focus on getting adequate rest, practicing good hygiene, and sticking to a well-balanced diet. One important aspect of health people may overlook, however, is eye care.
People rely on their eyes to see and understand the world around them. As eyes are an important sensory organ, it is important for people to protect and take care of them.
Proper eye care is about keeping eyes healthy through good daily habits, regular checkups, and treatment when needed, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Library of Medicine, the world's largest medical library, which is part of the National Institutes of Health.
Even with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is never too late for someone to take better care of themselves and their eyes.
Conditions
Signs and symptoms of eye conditions and disorders can vary greatly, according to multispecialty academic medical center Cleveland Clinic. This is because eyes have many different parts and tissue types that affect or contribute to vision.
There are common eye conditions, such as reflective errors, which occur when the natural shape of the eyeball, cornea, or lens prevents the eyes from focusing correctly.
People who have myopia, better known as nearsightedness, have difficulty seeing objects from far away, but can see them more clearly up close. This happens because the eye grows too long from front to back or because the cornea or lens is too curved.
Hyperopia, better known as farsightedness, makes it so distant objects look clear, but they are blurry up close. This happens when an eye grows too short from front to back, or because the cornea or lens is not curved enough. These conditions can be easily managed with proper corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Vlad Koyfman, OD, who works at the local optometrist office Dr EyeFit, believes the biggest untreated condition by both patients and doctors is dry eye.
Dry eye is a condition that usually affects both eyes and occurs when someone's tears are not able to provide adequate lubrication for their eyes, according to non-profit medical group Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms may include eye redness, light sensitivity, watery eyes, blurred vision or eye fatigue, a stringy mucus in or around the eyes, and a stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in the eyes, among others. Dry eye
What To Look For With Eye Care
It is never too late to start taking care of your eyes. From getting eye test assessments to taking breaks from screens and electronic devices, there are many ways people can keep their eyes safe and healthy.
affects vision.
"It affects vision a lot. People don't think about it," Koyfman said. "They think it's allergies. They put some drops in or put some saline in ... They just think, 'I'm okay,' and they don't know about it until it's so bad."
Koyfman said dry eye is the "biggest thing" he sees in the office. He said a lot of it could be indirectly association with conditions such as blepharitis, which causes inflammation, itching, and crusting along the eyelids. Blepharitis can be caused by clogged eyelid oil glands or an overgrowth of harmless bacteria normally on the skin becoming overpopulated.
Koyfman said dry eye can also be caused by systemic conditions such as arthritis, lupus, or thyroid issues.
Regardless of the cause, Koyfman said uncorrected itchiness and watery eyes can cause someone to experience glare, strain, and blurry vision, potentially affecting quality of life.
"You might not need a prescription change or glasses," he explained. "It might just be because your eyes are producing all this mucus and all these tears that is making your vision blurry."
Another thing Koyfman commonly sees is eyestrain. This can cause someone to experience headaches or the sensation of their vision "coming and going."
Common causes of eyestrain include looking at digital device screens, exposure to bright light or glare, stress or fatigue, underlying eye problems such as dry eyes or uncorrected vision, reading without pausing to rest the eyes, and more, according to Mayo Clinic.
This can be a problem since, if left untreated or undiagnosed, someone who experiences headaches might not know eyestrain is
—photo courtesy Nadia L/peopleimages.com
the source of their problems and instead seek care from other professionals such as a neurologist.
Koyfman said a lot of eyestrain is being manifested from computers and screens.
"I’ve had young kids, people who are like 20-year-olds, wear bifocals," Koyfman said. "Their muscles are just naturally weaker."
He said patients also ignore more common conditions such as flashes and floaters.
"That's a big thing that patients ignore that can lead to complications that could be bad. Floaters could lead to retinal detachment, and so some patients might just ignore them and hope they go away," Koyfman said.
Just because someone experiences something such as floaters does not mean it is the worst case scenario, he noted. Everyone's eyes are different, he said, and it also depends on what someone is doing with their eyes.
"That's why it's better to not ignore flashes or floaters," Koyfman said. "You don't even know the things that could be there sometimes."
Appointments, Eye Care
Koyfman recommends people get their eyes checked at least once a year, especially if they are over 40. This way, if there is something that needs to be treated or monitored, the patient and optometrist can learn about it early on and take the needed steps to address it.
Another cause for someone's eye issues, he said, could simply be because they were given the wrong prescription.
Prescriptions have generally been going down over the years, according to Koyfman. This means someone's visual acuity is going toward zero, for example going from -10 to -5.
Eyelid scrubs can also be used to gently cleanse the eye to combat blepharitis and other eyelid inflammation-causing conditions.
Koyfman said he believes in the 20/20/20 rule, where every 20 minutes, someone looks at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. The whole point of this, he said, is when someone is on the computer for so long, their eyes strain.
"You want to teach your muscles to look far, to relax when I'm looking far, and then strain when I look close," Koyfman said. "It's called visual hygiene ... you're teaching your muscles to unfocus and relax."
He also said if someone's vision is refocusing like a camera lens, that could mean their eyes are straining. This could an early sign their prescription can be reducing or increasing.
He attributed this to doctors who have overcorrected based on the computer strain and muscle weakness that they have seen.
Koyfman said he had a patient who, the first time he saw her, was experiencing "crazy headaches." She had a -13 prescription for her contacts; she was actually a -8.
"That's a big drop," Koyfman said. "Now she's stabilized ... but that's how much she's been overstraining herself or her muscles."
This is another reason he recommends people get their eyes checked every year.
Koyfman said regular check-ups are also important for those with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, as each can also impact eye health.
"Some of these conditions can be exacerbated," Koyfman said. "Could that be vision induced? Could they be causing bleeds? Could they be causing your fluctuation in your prescription ... there's so many variations.
So that's why, with systemic conditions, if you haven't had an exam, go get checked."
People can start taking care of and protecting their eyes even at home. Koyfman encourages people to be on the lookout for crusting, mucus, and build up, and to address any watery, itchy, gritty eyes.
He also encourages people to focus on eyelid hygiene.
Mayo Clinic notes frequent and gentle eyelid washing may help someone with blepharitis and other conditions that cause eyelid inflammation that blocks the flow of oil to the eye.
To do so, wet a clean cloth with warm water and hold it over eyes for five minutes.
Re-wet the cloth with warm water when it cools, then gently rub the washcloth over the eyelids to loosen any debris.
"So especially if patients use [the] 20/20/20 thing and notice, 'Wow, every time I look far, it takes forever to unfocus,' that could be a sign of strain," Koyfman said. It can be difficult for someone who wants to take care of their eyes but is nervous to take the first step in seeking care. Koyfman encourages them to pull the bandage off, however.
"Even if you're not worried, get a check-up, and make sure everything's okay," Koyfman said. "It's better to be on top of it because you never know."
MedlinePlus encourages people to avoid rubbing their eyes, since it can transfer dirt and bacteria that may cause irritation or lead to an infection. It also encourages people to use good lighting to brighten their space so as to reduce strain and help them see comfortably.
Sun exposure can damage a person's eyes and raise their risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, according to MedlinePlus. It states that people can protect their eyes by using sunglasses that block out 99-100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
Other general nutrition and lifestyle habits that affect eye health include eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially dark, leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, or collard greens; avoiding smoking since it increases the risk of developing age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts; and getting regular exercise to prevent or control diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, among others. Finally, MedlinePlus encourages people to know their family medical history, as some eye diseases are inherited.
Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee. com.
Quick, Healthy Meal Ideas For Busy Families
(StatePoint) What if memorable home-cooked meals didn’t have to take hours to prepare to be healthy and wholesome? By getting smart about stocking the pantry, home cooks can speed up food prep while still serving up flavor in every bite.
Streamlining the spice rack while eliminating the need to measure, mix or buy multiple ingredients is the lineup of Signature Seasoning Blends by McCormick. Each seasoning blend — Garlic & Olice Oil, Chili Garlic, Caramelized Onion and Chimichurri — combines expertly balanced herbs, spices, and seasonings in one convenient mix that delivers a complete flavor profile.
“Whether you’re super busy or just want to simplify meal prep, blends provide a one-step solution to bringing layered, chef-inspired flavor to everyday proteins, vegetables and grains,” says Giovanna DiLegge, vice president of marketing, US Consumer, McCormick.
Bursting with bright, crisp flavors, this three-step recipe for Orzo Pasta Salad combines the savory notes of the Garlic & Olive Oil Seasoning Blend with zesty lemon juice and vibrant seasonal vegetables.
Ingredients
1/4 C orzo pasta
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and thinly sliced on a diagonal into 1-inch pieces
1 C frozen green peas
3 Tbs olive oil
1 medium lemon, zested and juiced (about 1 teaspoon zest plus 3 tablespoons juice)
4 tsp McCormick Garlic & Olive Oil Seasoning
8 small radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced
Optional: crumbled feta cheese to sprinkle Bring a medium saucepot
With the right seasoning blends and a well-stocked pantry, it can be easy to create a wide range of delicious dishes in 30 minutes or less, like this three-step Orzo Pasta Salad.
of salted water to a boil on high heat. Add asparagus; cook for 2 minutes. Remove asparagus using a slotted spoon and immediately transfer to an ice bath to cool. Let it stand 5 minutes. Drain well and set aside. While asparagus cools, add orzo to boiling water. Cook according to package directions until al dente, adding peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Rinse under cool water. Drain completely Whisk olive oil, lemon zest and juice, and Garlic & Olive Oil Seasoning in a medium bowl. Add orzo and peas, asparagus and radish, tossing to coat well. Sprinkle with the optional feta for an extra savory twist. Serve immediately at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate and serve chilled.
Busy families want to put quick, wholesome meals on the table without compro-
mising on flavor. With the right seasoning blends and a well-stocked pantry, creating a wide range of delicious dishes in 30 minutes or less is very possible, each one full of bold, satisfying taste.
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Rare Lung Diseases: What To Know For Earlier Diagnosis And Treatment
(StatePoint) Rare lung diseases affect people nationwide, yet many patients go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. One rare lung disease that illustrates the challenges of timely diagnosis is autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (aPAP). Like many rare lung diseases, aPAP has no cure, but treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
To encourage early diagnosis of rare lung diseases like aPAP, the American Lung Association, with support from Savara, Inc., is sharing these five key points:
1. Symptoms are often common, but the pattern is not. Rare lung diseases like aPAP often have symptoms similar to more common lung conditions, like persistent cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath, especially with exertion.
“Part of aPAP is that its symptoms mimic many lung diseases, which means patients get misdiagnosed as having asthma or recurrent pneumonias and the correct diagnosis is often delayed,” says Ali Ataya, MD, a pulmonologist specializing in rare lung disease. “However, the distinguishing factor for rare lung diseases is a pattern over time of persistent, worsening symptoms or symptoms that don’t respond to standard treatments.”
2. Don’t wait on persistent or worsening symptoms. If symptoms are not improving with your current treat-
ment, seeing a pulmonologist or healthcare provider specializing in rare lung diseases is key to getting the correct diagnosis.
“A doctor familiar with rare lung diseases will know to look for a specific pattern of symptoms, especially when those symptoms aren’t improving with standard treatments like inhalers or antibiotics,” says Ataya.
3. Diagnosis often requires specialized testing. Unlike common lung conditions, rare lung diseases often cannot be confirmed with a single test. Diagnosis may involve a detailed medical history and family medical history, a physical examination and specialized testing.
A rare disease specialist will have a better understanding of what specialized tests to order to help diagnose a disease.
Ataya says in the case of aPAP, “ordering a chest CT
Control
• Binocular Vision/Double Vision
• Floaters/Flashes of Lights
• MiSight Contact Lens Evaluation
• Pre-Op &
LASIK Co-Management
scan can reveal telltale signs, such as hazy areas in the lungs known as a ‘crazy paving’ pattern, while a simple blood test can help confirm the diagnosis.”
4. Treatment can help, especially when started early. Many rare lung diseases don’t yet have cures; however, treatment may be available to help manage symptoms, slow disease progression and improve quality of life.
With rare lung diseases, it is vital to have a tailored treatment plan. A specialist can help get a patient on the path to targeted medical therapies, specialized procedures, pulmonary rehabilitation and ongoing monitoring to ensure a treatment plan continues to meet their needs.
5. Support, education and specialized care make a difference. Living with a rare lung disease can be physically and emotionally challenging. Access to education, support networks and a coordinated care team that specializes in your rare disease is an essential part of long-term management.
Early diagnosis starts with awareness. Learn more about rare lung diseases, like aPAP, and find trusted resources and support by calling the Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA (800-586-4872)
“If you or someone you know is struggling with unexplained lung symptoms, don’t settle for uncertainty,” says Dr Ataya.
