Essential Naples Spring 2021 by ⌘ ⇧ ⌥

Essential NAPLES Spring 2021

COMPLIMENTARY

SWFL’s Resource for Essential Living

The Value of Whole Foods Chef David Robbins

All Disease Begins in the Gut Theresa Edmunds, CHC

Stop Shaming Your Diet and Have Fun! Betsy Opyt, RD, LD/N, CDE, RYT

Softer Skin Than You’ve Had in Years Diane Hayden, PhD

The Importance of a Mental, Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Solution Jamie Kliewe

Optimizing Testosterone Levels Affects More Than Just a Man’s Sex Drive Eduardo Maristany, MD

Health + A Different Kind of

Massage > 21 + Try Kombucha to Boost Your Mood > 32

Finance + Healthy Fats-How

About Healthy Debt? > 8 + Investing Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated > 38

Relationships + Ending Your Relationship

Without Drama > 8 + The #1 Secret All Singles Need to Know > 40

Purpose + Why Do Women Find It

Hard to Ask for Help > 34 + Six Habits to Help You Live Your Best Life > 36

Naples Functional Healthcare

Traditional & Holistic Therapeutic Services

Through traditional and holistic treatments Omni Balanced Life Center will bridge and transform YOUR Body & Soul. Lymphatic Drainage Clinical Skincare Detoxification BioCharger NG Acupuncture Chinese Medicine Therapeutic Massage Reflexology

Far Infrared Sauna Circulation Therapy Fitness & Wellness Coaching Ultrasound Therapy Ionic Foot Bath Microcurrent Biofeedback And More!

Omni Balanced Life Center 720 Goodlette Rd. Ste. 205 | Naples, FL 34102 239-234-1608 | www.OmniNaples.com

Call (239) 234-1608 TODAY to get started!

MM33202 MA68203

VITAMIN INJECTIONS at The B-12 Store

WHY?

Offering!

(239) 263-0356

The B-12 Store

1 SPRING 2021

ESSENTIAL Naples

Confidence Guidance Confidence Through Through Guidance Confidence Through Guidance

ESSENTIAL Naples

Confidence Through Guidance

SPRING 2021

Nina Azwoir First Vice President, Investments tel: 239.687.5204 Nina Azwoir NinaLOCATED Azwoir AT First Vice President, Investments Tamiami Trail North First3401 Vice President, Investments tel: 239.687.5204 Naples, Florida tel: 239.687.5204 LOCATED AT

3401 Tamiami Trail North LOCATED AT

Securities, insurance products, financial planning, and investment Naples, Floridamanagement services are 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. © 2020 Wintrust 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

3401 Tamiami Trail North Naples, Florida

Securities, insurance products, financial planning, and investment management services are 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. © 2020 Wintrust Wealth Management Investment products such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds are: Securities, insurance financial and| investment management services areINSURED offeredBYthrough Wintrust Investments, LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC), founded in 1931. Trust and asset management NOT FDICproducts, INSURED | NOT BANKplanning, GUARANTEED MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT A DEPOSIT | NOT ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

services offered by The Chicago Trust Company, N.A. and Great Lakes Advisors, LLC, respectively. © 2020 Wintrust Wealth Management Investment products such as stocks, bonds, and mutual<funds are: Page 38 “Investing Can Be Complicated but It Doesn’t Have to Be” BY NINA AZWOIR NOT FDIC INSURED | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT A DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Photo: Michael Owen

CONTENTS

Spring 2021

Features

22 The Value of Whole Foods By Chef David Robbins

28 Optimizing Testosterone Levels Affects More Than Just a Man’s Sex Drivel By Dr. Eduardo Maristany, MD

Health

9 Beauty on the Outside Begins on the Inside

LETTER 6 BUZZ

Flying Eagle Kombucha Delivers to Your Door

Clive Daniel Home Launches Fortuny Line of Stunning Luxury Fabrics

Dr. Samreen Mongillo Launches Live Your Best Life Now Coaching

Chefs for Seniors Improves Your Life Through Food

Andrea Geresdi Launches New Diagnostic Body Scan

By Oksana Acosta

10 The Importance of a Mental, Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Solution By Jamie Kliewe

12 A New Approach to Neuropathy Treatment By Dr. Richard Hiler, DABCN

14 There Is a Dental Shift on the Horizon By Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD

45 HAPPENINGS

16 Repair Damaged Soft Tissues with Topical Herbs

46 COMMUNITY RESOURCES

18 All Disease Begins in the Gut

48 NAPLES

HEROES

By Maddy Eagle

42 Relief from Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 Symptoms By Tom Paladino

43 Softer Skin Than You’ve Had in Years By Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD

44 Floating, Magnesium, and the Brain By Lynn Brewer

Relationships 40 The #1 Secret All Singles Need to Know By Dana Lee

By Steven R. Frank By Theresa Edmunds, CHC

20 Stop Shaming Your Diet and Have Fun!

Finance

21 A Different Kind of Massage

38 Investing Can Be Complicated but It Doesn’t Have to Be

30 Are You at Risk for Type 3 Diabetes?

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

32 Try Kombucha to Boost Your Mood and Immune System

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

Purpose 34 Why Do Women Find It Hard to Ask for Help? By Eilis Philpott

By Anthony Hansen, LMT By Denise A. Pancyrz

36 Six Habits to Help You Live Your Best Life By Dr. Samreen Mongillo, DPT

3 SPRING 2021

Departments

ESSENTIAL Naples

LETTER

Hey, I’m Dr. Diane!

ESSENTIAL Naples

SPRING 2021

“Our mission and intent is to support each reader’s wish to make a difference in their lives. Together, we can make a difference in the local community.” —Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD

elcome to the Spring issue of Essential Naples–a quarterly lifestyle publication in Southwest Florida for health-minded locals who desire credible information on holistic health and well-being trends. We launched our first issue last summer, however, if this is the first time you’re picking us up, you’ll find our coverage is 100% local with expert content that interests both Naples residents and professional holistic practitioners. Essential Naples focuses on four essential lifestyle pillars–Health, Relationships, Finance and Purpose. In each issue, you’ll find articles on wide-ranging topics from local experts in each of these areas who have dug up infinite nuggets of wisdom to share with all of us. Please connect with them as they make this complimentary magazine possible. I hope Essential Naples will become a regular must-read for you! Instead of reviewing what you’ll find in the current issue, I like to provide an inspirational and thought-provoking piece. My passion is to open your mind to new ideas, new belief systems and shift your perspective to a healthier and happier way of living. I’m someone who always sees the positive in any situation and I hope to show you ways to do so as well. Why are we so afraid to ask for what we want in life? For most of us, it’s the fear of rejection. We hate to hear the word “no” and we take it so personally. I believe part of the reason is because as children we hear the word no so often; it becomes ingrained in our soul as painful and something to be avoided at all cost. But what does it really mean when someone tells us no? All it really means is that we’re still in the same place as when we started—not better off, but not worse off either. So that means that we have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Asking for something that we want can sometimes be seen as taking a risk. In order to be successful, we know that we have to take risks. It truly scares me to think of all the outcomes that could have happened and all of the things I could have had, but I was too afraid to ask. When you start to contemplate this, it will become more painful NOT to ask for what you want, than it is to take the risk of asking.

Wishing you health and happiness,

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

Scalar Light

Energy Healing Wellness Workshop

With Tom Paladino and Dr. Diane Hayden Saturday, April 10, 1 p.m.–3 p.m. Edgewater Beach Hotel • 1901 Gulfshore Blvd N • Naples, FL Complimentary beverages served • Free admission and Free parking

• Enhance your spiritual, energetic, & physical state. • Experience renewed energy & resilience to stress • Improve your sleep & mood. • Reverse subconscious thought patterns, eliminate disease, & increase longevity.

Tom Paladino is a scalar energy researcher based in Florida.

scalarlight.com

Dr. Diane Hayden holds a PhD in exercise physiology and is the publisher/owner of Essential Naples Magazine.

5 SPRING 2021

• Disrupt molecular bonds of germs, heavy metals, & chemicals.

ESSENTIAL Naples

• Discover scalar energy, a revolutionary new natural medicine to human enhancement.

BUZZ

Flying Eagle Kombucha Delivers to Your Door

SPRING 2021

lying Eagle Kombucha, SWFL’s first Kombucha Brewery and Tap Room, uses healthy, gut-friendly microbes and plants as alternative medicine and creates a N/A, probiotic-rich, immune-boosting beverage full of micronutrients, B vitamins, and amino acids. This kombucha tea brewery is a specialty brewery—their beverage supports not only gut and immune health but includes herbs to help support a balance of the mind as well. Fermented in large vessels with either organic or local seasonal fruits, what’s left is a light, slightly tart, bubbly, and crisp drink. Freshness noticed in every sip and never any added sugars. Flying Eagle is a sip-able, “probiotic elixir,” with each flavor having purposes of its own. When founder Maddy Eagle realized her then home-brewed Kombucha was a remedy for her own digestive imbalance, and that the drink Available at their new Tap Room made her feel good, she wanted to share the inside Millennial Brewing in downtown Fort Myers, by delivery bubbly beverage with others. The brewery went to your door, or by visiting 25+ commercial in 2018. Entire refrigerated aisles are resale locations, and SWFL dedicated to different Kombucha brands in Publix farmers markets. Visit www.FlyingEagleKombucha.com for more and Whole Foods. It is quite the trendy beverage information. See ad on page 11 > today, but this brewery is for locals, by locals.

Dr. Samreen Mongillo Launches Live Your Best Life Now Coaching

r. Samreen Mongillo is a Success Coach, Certified as a Success Principles Trainer with Jack Canfield. She has her Doctor of Physical Therapy and has been practicing for 11 years. Because of her passion to help individuals tap into their inner potential and live their best life, she was motivated to launch her success coaching business, Live Your Best Life Now, Coaching by Samreen. She educates her clients about the role their mindset and daily habits play on their overall quality of life. Her focus is on helping her clients create a strong mindset, with an emphasis on creating empowering beliefs and a healthy lifestyle. She believes that most people run on autopilot and aren’t even aware of their self-talk and mindset, yet wonder why they’re not seeing results that they want in their lives. “I firmly believe that our beliefs are the foundation for what manifests in our lives. Our beliefs affect our thought patterns, which affects how we feel, and ultimately affects the results that we see in our life. Our beliefs affect our destiny.” Whether an individual is unfulfilled in their relationship, with their career, or their health, Samreen provides tools that help create long-term healthy habits as well as a positive mindset so that her clients can start seeing results within weeks. Dr. Samreen Mongillo specializes in helping individuals live their best life by mastering their mindset and creating healthy habits with her “7 Step System to Unlock Your Potential.” To learn more or to schedule a free 30-minute phone consult visit: https://www.liveyourbestlifenowcoaching.com or contact her at samreenpt@gmail.com, 804-874-0863. See ad on page 19 >

Clive Daniel Home Launches Fortuny Line of Stunning Luxury Fabrics

live Daniel Home has added Fortuny, the most exclusive fabric line in the world, to their exquisite offerings. The ultra-luxury Italian brand was established in the early 20th century and is world-renowned in the global design industry for the finest quality, rich history and tradition. Everyone loves a good story, and Fortuny has quite a fascinating one. In 1871, a humble yet mysterious man named Mariano Fortuny was born in Spain. Early on, Fortuny developed a curiosity for understanding things—how they were put together, what they were made of, and how they became what they were. His diverse methods of creativity differentiated him from his contemporaries. He approached his work through the perspectives of art, technology, and science. Over the years, he created the most exclusive fabric line in the world, but he was so humble you had to know him and travel to Venice to find his product. What makes Fortuny so unique? Mariano Fortuny was a student of light and magic. He studied the domes in theaters to see how light reflects. Eventually, he created a cotton fabric that literally looks like silk or velvet but has the durability of cotton. “You don’t just look at the fabrics, you want to jump into them,” says Maury Riad, now co-owner of Fortuny. “One of the most spiritual events of your life is to visit the Fortuny Museum in Venice.” Hence, Mariano Fortuny’s moniker was “the magician of Venice.” The Fortuny line offers an inspired collection of bespoke artifacts for a life well-traveled. You can find Fortuny at Clive Daniel Home, 2777 Ninth St. in Naples. www.clivedaniel.com. Contact Rebekah Errett-Pikowsky in our Naples showroom, 239-213-0706.

Kombucha Photo: Grind and Press

ESSENTIAL Naples

Essential NAPLES Vol. 1 , Issue 4

Essential Naples is a quarterly lifestyle publication in SWFL for healthminded locals who need credible information on holistic health and wellbeing 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 Curso@naturalnutmeg.com

essentialeditorlori@gmail.com MARKETING DIRECTOR

Linda Sciuto Linda@essentialnaples.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Visit chefsforseniors.com/naples-fl or call: Bill Springer

Naples

(239) 776-1758

< Page 8 “Chefs For Seniors Improves Your Life Through Food” BY BILL SPRINGER

Jim Nissen

jim@commandshiftoption.com

Now open in Fort Myers!

DISTRIBUTION

Naples and SWFL, please contact curso@naturalnutmeg.com Essential Naples Magazine essentialnaples.com 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. © 2021 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.

Crystals . Jewelry . Books . Community Helping you help yourself, we specialize in products and information that light your path. Our passion and focus is offering books ranging from Energy Medicine, Self-Help, Sacred Sexuality, Natural Medicine and Ancient Wisdoms. 13141 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33919 (239) 338-7816

www.mysticalbookshop.com

SPRING 2021

ADVISORY BOARD

Nina Azwoir, Financial Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Véronique Desaulniers, DC Derrick DeSilva, MD Theresa Edmunds, CHC Jamie Kliewe, CHHP, LMT Betsy Opyt RD, LD/N, CDE Denise Pancyrz, Nutrition Josephine Perez, DMD

ESSENTIAL Naples

EDITOR

Lori Emelander

ESSENTIAL Naples

BUZZ

Andrea Geresdi Launches New Diagnostic Body Scan

SPRING 2021

Chefs For Seniors Improves Your Life Through Food

any older adults stop eating because it is difficult to grocery shop, stand for long periods preparing meals, or cook for just one person. In fact, 33% of older adults admitted to the ER are considered malnourished, and the leading contributor to premature death is diet. Meal preparation is difficult for couples if one person is disabled or at home rehabilitating from a surgery or accident. Inability to make meals is one of the most common reasons for an older adult to have to leave their home and move to assisted living. Chefs For Seniors in Naples now services seniors wanting to “age in place” and take responsibility for their own health through nutrition. They offer a unique combination of companionship and customized meal plans. Bill Springer, owner of Chefs For Seniors in Naples, truly loves his job. His Chefs make high quality, customized, in-home meals using only the freshest ingredients that each Chef procures at a local grocery store or farmers market. “We enjoy building relationships through food. All of our Chefs are fully vetted, licensed and insured, we are a certified ServSafe accredited company and we are passionate about what we do,” says Bill. “Many times, we are the only people that an older adult sees all week. My Chefs and I have prevented accidents, and we are able to assess whether they are still safe to be living alone,” he says. Chefs For Seniors offers menu planning, grocery shopping, and a weekly inhome professional chef visit. Meals can be customized for dietary needs (e.g. diabetic, renal, low-sodium) and Chefs work with your doctor or nutritionist. The Chef brings the ingredients and their own equipment and typically spends two hours per week in-home preparing meals that consist of 10–12 servings of food, packaged individually. If you have an older parent in need of companionship or help with grocery shopping and meal preparation, please reach out to us. Bill Springer, Chefs For Seniors. For more information, contact 239-776-1758 or www.chefsforseniors.com/naples-fl. See ad on page 7 >

Want more BUZZ?

Checkout www.essentialnaples.com RELATIONSHIPS

Ending Your Relationship Without Drama Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD

FINANCE

Healthy Fats—How About Healthy Debt? Caroline Wetzel, CFP, VP

www

rom the comfort of your home, receive a fullbody diagnosis in one hour from a hair sample. This revolutionary new modality, Quantum Biofeedback, can offer relief for digestive problems, lymphatic issues, and sleeping disorders. The treatment sessions can help destress the body and mind, strengthen the immune system, relieve pain and inflammation, and balance hormones. The Quantum Biofeedback System is a safe, non-invasive diagnostic tool that can provide answers to your health concerns. With our long-distance option, you can receive a full-body diagnosis within one hour. The Remote Body Scan helps identify the weaknesses and imbalances in your body, regardless of where you are located. A Quantum Biofeedback session starts with a non-invasive test procedure, where upon completion we get feedback on over 9,000 items in your body! Once it has measured vitamin levels, amino acids, nutrients, food substances, minerals, enzymes, natural sugars, toxins, hormone levels, muscle tone, disease, bacteria, molds, fungi, viruses and the health and balance of internal organs, the device then compares these figures against normal results and shows anything that is negatively affecting your health. Quantum Biofeedback has emerged as a new field of alternative medicine that addresses the electrical properties of the body through stress reactivity testing of the entire energetic body field. Once tested, Quantum Biofeedback can help the body re-harmonize and neutralize imbalances caused by physical and emotional trauma. It works by stimulating the self-healing capacity of the body. Contact Andrea Geresdi at 239-297-9949 or diagnosticbodyscan@gmail.com. www.diagnosticbodyscan.com. See ad on page 15 >

Health

Beauty on the Outside

Begins on the Inside By Oksana Acosta

energy. Some of the respiratory system benefits are anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, thinning and clearing of mucus, improving lung capacity and lung function, helping to alleviate and diminish the symptoms of allergies, asthma, bronchitis, colds, Cystic Fibrosis and sinus conditions. Our other rejuvenating treatments include Infrared Sauna which promotes detox and weight loss, Bio Stimulation uses electrical impulses to reshape the body and reduce cellulite, NeuroLymphatic Therapy increases lymphatic drainage and increases energy, Compression Therapy reduces swelling and inflammation, Ionic Detox Footbath eliminates toxins, and Vacuum Therapy increases blood circulation to eliminate fats. Praha Spa and Salt will still offer Biofeedback which is a new field of energy medicine that addresses the electrical properties of the body through stress reactivity testing of the entire energetic body field. It’s a non-invasive way to gather data about weak areas in your body. Once tested, energetic therapy helps to neutralize disease and imbalances to harmonize the system. Our therapy works to relieve stress by balancing physical trauma and emotional trauma by stimulating the mind to naturally balance the body. The QXCI and the SCIO technology offers a rapid, comprehensive and guided approach for health care. It can provide answers to many questions, such as what foods to eat, if exposed to environmental toxins, and any chemical sensitivities one may have. We’ll also be offering special programs for mothers with children. While Mom has a facial, kids can play in the Salt Cave and go on crystal hunts! •

9 Oksana Acosta brings a youthful and vibrant approach to customer service as the new owner of the Salt Cave. Her passion for selfimprovement began as a youth growing up in the Ukraine and Czech Republic, Prague. She believes in the holistic approach of equal balance of mind, body, and spirit. Oksana is eager to share her secrets of success in achieving and maintaining a healthy and vigorous lifestyle through the various offerings and services provided at the Praha Spa and Salt located at 4962 Tamiami Trail N. in Naples. info@prahaspa.com. 239-403-9170 See ad on page 17 >

SPRING 2021

raha Spa and Salt owned by Oksana Acosta builds on the services and eleven years of experience of Andrea Geresdi and the former Salt Cave located in Central Naples. Of course, the famous Salt Cave is still here, so stop by and combine a relaxing visit to the cave with a facial treatment using products from organic lines to medical grade, professional peeling for the treatments. By combining holistic therapeutic, detoxification, and healing services with massage and skincare treatment, we offer the place to go for total body and soul wellness for the inside and outside of your body. Our “Beauty on the Outside” offerings include the Signature facial, Algomask facial with seaweed treatment, Sea C Spa facial with marine and vegetal ingredients, Hydrolifting facial with intense hydration, Dermaplaning to remove dead skin cells and Collagen 90-II treatment. We also offer Reflexology, Therapeutic Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, and Myofascial Release. The psychological and emotional benefits of combining a facial with a salt cave session include reducing stress, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Nail and makeup services along with nutrition counseling will also be offered. You will look and feel beautiful on the inside and outside. Our “Beauty from the Inside” offerings include Salt Cave therapy which normalizes certain chemical levels in the brain to improve outlook and mood. Negative ions also help you sleep by regulating your serotonin secretion, reducing headaches and sickness, and increasing the flow of oxygen to the brain resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental

ESSENTIAL Naples

Health

The Importance of a Mental, Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual

Solution

10 SPRING 2021

By Jamie Kliewe

“Staying connected to others is very important and spending time around uplifting and positive people is extremely beneficial for a healthy mental state.” —Jamie Kliewe

e have learned a great deal about mental health over the years, and we continue to learn even more as time goes on. Our mental health affects many areas of our lives—it can have a positive or negative impact on our self-esteem; our ability to perform; our relationships; our professions; our sense of peace, contentment, and well-being; our purpose and direction in life; and so much more. Our mental health helps us navigate through times of emotional challenge, change, disappointments, even everyday stress. Science has begun to realize the brain’s ability to create what we call neural patterning, either negative or positive, by subconscious programming resulting from repetitive experiences or thought patterns. If, for example, we have continually experienced traumatic events, one after another, our mental fortitude to work through future traumatic events significantly diminishes, potentially leading to what may be called a mental break. Essentially, our brains become programmed for these repeated thought patterns and behaviors. While most of us are mentally equipped to handle typical day-today life stressors such as sadness, anxiety, and disappointments, there are breaking points for all of us. We must take care to implement strategies to mitigate the damage that may be caused by too many mental and emotional stressors.

How to Control Your Stressors

The best approach to controlling stressors involves mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual interventions. A majority of mental health stress is generated by fear and feeling out of control of our lives. I like to say that most of the time, fear is “false evidence appearing real.” Most of the time! While there are certainly events in life that may cause apprehension and fear, most of the time we fear things that do not ever come to fruition. 1. Mental: So, the first mental exercise is to establish truth. Is what I am “fearing” even likely to happen? 2. Physical: Physically, we may experience some challenges because we do not have proper diet and exercise habits. When our physical foundation of diet and exercise is not in alignment, the chemical components of our being cannot properly mitigate stress, which often causes our rational thinking to be off as well. Experiencing this physical imbalance can often lead to lack of sleep, which can change the way we are able to process things mentally. 3. Emotional: Reconciling our emotions can be tough, so finding productive ways to manage them most certainly gives way to more positive mental health. It is all connected! Mental health affects physical health, physical health

affects emotional health, and so on. When one is off-kilter they all can be thrown off—which leads us to the spiritual category. 4. Spiritual: Faith in a power greater than ourselves, one that operates in the realm of love and goodness that cares about us, that wants to see good things happen to us and for us, often provides a sense of peace and calm when things happen that seem out of our control and that we do not understand. Faith in a power greater than ourselves, that is good and loving, also provides us with hope. It is extremely important to never lose hope in the good. There is good and bad in all of us, but what we focus ourselves on affects our mental health and well-being.

Positivity Promotes Mental Health

See ad on the inside front cover >

239-297-8844 healthyconceptsconsulting.com < Page 20 “Stop Shaming Your Diet and Have Fun!” BY BETSY OPYT, RD, LD/N, CDE, RYT

11 BREWED WITH BALANCE

& the Highest Intentions

We DELIVER! for 10% off f ff use use code: cod de: essential valid in-store/online in-store/ e/o e/ /online

ro o cs • ges ve Inflammatory Aid B Vitamins • Amino Acids .

Tap Room: 1811 Royal Palm Ave, A e, Av Fort Myers, FL 33901

(check Google for limited hours)

< Page 32 “Try Kombucha to Boost Your Mood and Immune System” BY MADDY EAGLE

SPRING 2021

Jamie Kliewe is the founder of Omni Balanced Life Center, which offers many different types of stress reducing techniques such as Therapeutic Massage, Reflexology, Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, Yoga, Reiki, and energy work such as the BioCharger NG and Biofeedback. All services are offered by trained and licensed professionals in a clean and safe environment. Call 239-234-1608 to schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation. Services are offered at Omni Balanced Life Center 720 Goodlette Rd., Ste 205 Naples, FL 34102. Visit www.OmniNaples.com to learn more.

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

ESSENTIAL Naples

Science continues to prove that the brain has the ability to be reprogrammed, known as the quality of neuroplasticity. Just as negative mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual experiences can create more stress and mental fatigue, so can positive mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual experiences create more peace, contentment, and a healthy mental state. Finding the right mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual experiences is an important part of the journey, and well worth seeking. There are many therapies and modalities that can reduce stress and give your body a chance to properly process situations and events, which can be vital in a balanced, healthy mental state. We thrive in community and need to feel needed and wanted. Staying connected to others is very important and spending time around uplifting and positive people is extremely beneficial for a healthy mental state. These principles are the driving force behind the strategies used by the team members of Omni Balanced Life Center to assist our clients and patients with cultivating a healthy Mind, Body, and Spirit! •

Integrative Functional Nutrition Specialist

Health

Treat the Condition, Not the Symptoms: A New Approach to

Neuropathy Treatment By Dr. Richard Hiler, DABCN

ESSENTIAL Naples

WINTER 2021

Dr. Richard Hiler is a board-certified chiropractic neurologist with more than 15 years of success and clinical experienc—Dr. Hiler and his medical team offer a complimentary telephone consultation. For questions or to schedule an appointment, contact the office at 239.330.1000. www.FeelAmazing.com 3031 Airport-Pulling Rd N., Naples. See ad on page 33 >

onventional medicine says that peripheral neuropathy is difficult, if not impossible, to treat. At Feel Amazing Institute/Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology Center in Naples, FL, we have the tools and skills necessary to diagnose and treat a wide range of neuropathy conditions. We use regenerative medicine combined with red LED and low-level infrared light therapy, as well as specialized electrical therapies to effectively treat stubborn neuropathy arising from chemotherapy, diabetes, or unknown causes. • Dr. Hiler is a board-certified chiropractic neurologist qualified to treat neuropathy. • Feel Amazing Institute is the first office in Southwest Florida to offer a comprehensive program including regenerative medicine to drastically improve peripheral neuropathy. • More than 15 years of success and clinical experience. We use state of the art modalities to effectively treat neuropathy, even if you have been told that peripheral neuropathy is untreatable. • Stem-cell allografts, red LED, low-level infrared light therapy, and specialized electrical therapies help to heal and regenerate the small nerve endings that are damaged in peripheral neuropathy. • Supplementation, nutrition advice, and home exercises are provided, tailored to each individual.

What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Small fiber peripheral neuropathy is a disorder that impairs the smaller nerves under the skin, causing sensory changes. The symptoms typically start at the toes or fingertips and gradually move up the legs or arms. Some people describe the sensory loss as a tight stocking or tight glove feeling; others describe it as burning, tingling, or numbness, with occasional sharp pains. Some people have intense sensitivity, and some people have hardly any feeling. The symptoms may

worsen at night and can also be related to the disorder known as restless leg syndrome.

What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?

There are several causes of peripheral neuropathy. Many sufferers can often attribute their condition to multiple causes, while others have peripheral neuropathy from unknown causes (idiopathic). The most common known cause of peripheral neuropathy is type 2 diabetes, though we also see many patients whose peripheral neuropathy was a side effect of prescription medication. Most doctors prescribe painkillers for neuropathy symptoms rather than treating the progressive condition with alternative methods. At Feel Amazing Institute, we are devoted to working with our patients toward improved health by treating the condition itself.

Why Have I Heard There Is No Treatment That Works for Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy can be a disheartening diagnosis to many, because it is progressive and has historically been very difficult to treat successfully. There is no drug or surgery that can be used to actually improve the condition, so normally painkillers are prescribed to mask the symptoms but of course do nothing for the numbness. The only treatments that actually work to reverse symptoms are very specific intensive therapies, which require a time commitment most physicians aren’t able to make. At our office, we specialize in therapy and are willing to take the time your condition warrants.

What Is the Neuropathy Treatment?

The core of the treatment is a low-level infrared light therapy often combined with stem-cell allografts, which have been clinically proven to reduce the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. It

is drug free and works by improving circulation and boosting your body’s natural healing capabilities. In addition, patients receive multiple other therapies known to increase balance, improve the brain–body connection, and restore normal circulation and nerve function to the extremities. Based on your personal situation, you may also receive customized nutritional or exercise plans.

What Kinds of Effects Can Be Achieved through the Neuropathy Treatment?

How Long Will This Take, and How Much Does It Cost?

Save for a healthy tomorrow with a health savings account! Schedule time to speak with a banker and learn more about what we offer at wintrustflorida.com/meetus.

B ANKING C ENTER 3401 Tamiami Trail North | Naples, Florida 239-687-5200 | www.wintrustflorida.com Wintrust Banking Center is a branch of Lake Forest Bank & Trust Company, N.A. < Page 38 “Investing Can Be Complicated...” BY NINA AZWOIR

13 Dr. Diane

Podcasts

Dr. Diane interviews Essential Naples’ Expert Contributors in uplifting discussions about natural therapies, life purpose, green living, and how to live a healthier lifestyle with tips you can easily integrate into your daily life.

What We Can Promise You

Your condition will be monitored throughout your course of care, and we will work with you to help you make decisions from an informed, knowledgeable standpoint. We will never perform any procedures that have not demonstrated results in the past, and we will never perform or recommend anything that we don’t think is necessary to get the results you want. We will also work with your insurance company to keep your out-of-pocket expenses as low as possible. If you are in need of a highly experienced Regenerative Medicine, Physical Medicine, Chiropractic and Neurology office in Naples FL, look no further than Feel Amazing Institute/Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology. •

www

SPRING 2021

Our patients often report improvement within the first two weeks of treatment. The length of treatment varies, depending on the severity of the condition, on the cause of the condition, and even on different people with similar levels of severity. We will be able to tell you more after your exam, but the amount of therapy you will personally need varies on many unknown factors and can be unpredictable. You will receive a sample treatment and a price quote on the first visit.

We believe in offering friendly community banking service, plus great financial tools to help you now and in the years to come.

ESSENTIAL Naples

Clinical studies show that more than 90 percent of the people who undergo our treatment experience excellent results with one or more of the following: reduced pain and cramps, reduced tingling and numbness, ability to experience normal touch without pain, reduced cold or burning sensations, improved balance and coordination, lowered dependency on medications, improved sleep, and reduced sensation of restlessness in the legs. Additionally, several patients also experience reduced local swelling and inflammation, increased range of motion, increased blood flow to the extremities, decreased tension, and decreased muscle spasm. An important side benefit to the treatment is that it significantly reduces the risk of falls by improving balance and position awareness of the feet.

Shouldn’t your bank: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND?

Health

There Is a

Dental Shift on the Horizon

ESSENTIAL Naples

By Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD

SPRING 2021

“When we change our mindset and think outside the box, we realize that what we thought was absolute law in science is just an interpretation of a moment in time.” —Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD

here is only one absolute in life…change. I was at a conference recently of very talented and smart doctors dedicated to the research of naturaceuticals, immune boosting protocols, and reduction of oxidative stress factors as related to the dental profession, specifically biological dentistry. One of the presenters was the son of a very respected professor I had in dental school. My professor even had an Institute” named after him. To us, this professor was a god! He spoke eloquently and commandeering of how and why certain things in dentistry are done the way they are and even had papers written on the subject backed up by quotes and studies with the appropriate footnotes. He mingled with the authors of our textbooks! In dental school we studied hard, memorized quotes, practiced long hours until our bodies and souls were saturated with all that was “true” and “proven” in the textbooks. We knew the material inside and out. We just needed more practice so that our skills were perfectly honed. Each and every one of us graduated “knowing” we were the best in the field. We were ready to eat the world! Until...life. It takes a lot of humility to say we were wrong.

Dentistry Is Changing

Science is dynamic and constantly changing mostly when it shows that theories do not conform to observation. The absolutes that I learned in dental school have changed and are changing everyday. I was taught to combine mercury with other metals and place in the mouth as a restoration, and that this was completely safe. A toxic compound became “safe” when placed in a tooth. I was taught to recommend traditional orthodontics to crooked teeth, never mind if there was a deficiency

in growth patterns, underdeveloped jaws, tongue and lip ties (a deal breaker for being able to nurse) or, most important, upper airway deficiencies. We believed that clenching, grinding, or bruxism was purely stress related. Today we know better. Our bite is directly related to our posture, our breathing, chewing, and our gut health and microbiome to name a few. There is ALWAYS a root cause. We just need to dig deep to find it. There is no “one-shot” appliance that will fix myofunctional disorders. Just like there is no ONE pill that will cure you. Research shows that the diaphragm and the back of the tongue work together. The tongue has 16 muscles and some consider it an organ. Today we know that chewing is a lost art. Why are so many Americans taking digestive enzymes when the parotid gland is the largest maker of enzymes? They have even discovered an extra set of salivary glands in the throat that no one ever knew existed.

Biological Dentistry Deals with Systemic Issues

When we change our mindset and think outside the box, we realize that what we thought was absolute law in science is just an interpretation of a moment in time. These interpretations are indirectly affected by politics, social circumstances, religious practices and beliefs. One of the most recent changes relates to constant mask wearing. I am seeing more patients with “burning mouth syndrome,” low pH levels due to carbon dioxide recirculation, dry mouth, and increased cavities. Before, I would prescribe medications to deal with the symptoms; a sort of band-aide, so to speak. Today we realize that traditional dentistry dealt with mechanical issues but biological dentistry deals with systemic and non-toxic issues. If more

ANDREA GERESDI

See ad on page 35 >

DIAGNOSTIC BODY SCAN FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME, RECEIVE A FULL-BODY DAIGNOSIS WITHIN ONE HOUR, JUST FROM A HAIR SAMPLE TEXT: 239.297.9949 EMAIL: DIAGNOSTICBODYSCAN@GMAIL.COM WWW.DIAGNOSTICBODYSCAN.COM < Page 8 “Andrea Geresdi Launches New Diagnostic Body Scan” BY ANDREA GERESDI

20 Years of Healing Therapies! Anthony Hansen, LMT Myofascial Release (for injuries, post-op, neck & back pain) Cranial Sacral Therapy (for headaches, anxiety, depression) Lymphedema Therapy (for cancer, toxicity, post-cosmetic surgery)

20 OFF

Your Massage Candace Van Ree

Free Use of Infrared Sauna with Treatment

Theresa Kennedy

Therapy on the Gulf 824 Anchor Rode Dr. | Naples | (239) 262-8722 < Page 21 “A Different Kind of Massage” BY ANTHONY HANSEN, LMT

SPRING 2021

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. 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. https://www.thesmilefairy.com.

LONG DISTANCE

ESSENTIAL Naples

health care providers would communicate with each other and collaborate in their patients’ health, root cause would be easier to reveal. We now know that most people do not know how to breathe. We need breathing re-education! The number of patients on CPAP devices increases every year, but not many talk about the root cause. Be it BMI, anatomic variances, orthodontic compensation...the list goes on. I still believe mechanics and function are the pillars of dentistry, but everything is connected and there is no “one cookbook” that works on every patient. Sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zone and step into learning and change. That presenter, son of my professor from dental school? Well, his lecture highlighted the new standard of care. Almost every point in his lecture was far from what his father taught and believed. He too used to profess the “old ways” but change is acceptable, embraceable, and liberating. If, just for a moment, we allow ourselves to consider the possibility of a different point of view, learned dogmas and preconceived beliefs start shifting and allowing change. Healing begins. Frequencies start aligning. Change happens. There is a dental shift on the horizon. Who would have thought that I would have holistic healing protocols in my office? That I would offer a certain vitamin that “mops up” ionizing radiation when you have an X-ray or CT scan, or include detox modalities through infrared light sauna after mercury removal? Or that I would reference Meridian Charts in my comprehensive exam? Who would have thought that I would embrace so much change? Change is good! •

Health

Repair Damaged Soft Tissues with

Topical Herbs

ESSENTIAL Naples

By Steven R. Frank

SPRING 2021

“Taking antiinflammatory drugs inhibits the healing process and although it reduces pain, it limits the extent of the repair.” —Steven R. Frank

endons attach muscles to bones while ligaments hold bones and tendons in place. Fascia guides muscle groups and allows them to slide over other structures. They all have a few things in common. Predominantly, they all mostly consist of collagen. This means that when they get damaged or excessively worn they need to be repaired by fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are like little elastic-tissue factories in your body that combine a couple of amino-acids with a vitamin C molecule to produce collagen. Your brain takes the clue from pain in a region to determine that it is time to turn up the fibroblast activity in that region. Turn up the fibroblast activity, create more collagen, repair the damage.

Collagen Repairs Damage to Tissue

When you pull or strain a ligament or mash/stretch or damage a tendon, you often get micro-tears in the tissue. The entire tissue may not be torn in half or may not even be pulled completely from the bone, but it will require collagen repair to regain its full strength and be able to handle a full load. When the damage occurs, there is local pain and inflammation. This acts as a signal to your brain to increase the activity of the fibroblasts. Your brain signals the liver which releases enzymes to increase fibroblast activity. These collagen facto-

ries produce the materials to repair the damage. Taking anti-inflammatory drugs actually inhibits this process and although it feels good, limits the extent of the repair. If you must take pain pills, it is best to use acetaminophen products like Tylenol to control pain. These don’t stop the inflammation process that is critical in keeping the collagen production going.

Arnica Relieves Pain

In most injuries, there are little blood clots that form in the connective tissues. These microobstructions block the flow of nutrients and vital repair-constituents to the region. These blockages inhibit the repair. As we age, more of the small micro-capillaries in these tissues are also blocked with plaques. There is, however, tremendous benefit that can be gained by applying some simple herbs to the region. Enzymes within Arnica break-up micro-clots in damaged tissues and significantly enable the healing process. Also, Arnica contains constituents called prostaglandin blockers that relieve pain, and when this is combined with the natural salix of White Willow bark, the pain relief is terrific. Of course, the ability to break up micro-clots also means that the bruising will dissipate far faster and you will get greater flow to the region.

“Wellness isn’t simply FREE Session an absence of illness”

Allantoin Stimulates Collagen Growth

Comfrey and Plantain contain a constituent called Allantoin, which actually stimulates the fibroblasts and gets them to produce more collagen. By continually applying this to damaged tissue (ligament, tendon, fascia, or bone) the process of repair will continue...for as long as you keep applying it. If you apply these two herbs to a soft tissue injury for 4 or 6 weeks, a very complete repair can be generated long after the pain and inflammation are gone.

Rosemary & Thyme Increase Circulation

See ad on page 45 >

- Small changes that will make a big difference in your life - Achieve not only wellness but also well-being

Theresa Edmunds, CHC • 734-308-7105 theresa@theresaedmunds.com • www.theresaedmunds.com < Page 18 “All Disease Begins in the Gut” BY THERESA EDMUNDS, CHC

17 Experience the New Praha Spa - formerly Salt Cave Naples

A Unique, Revolutionary Healing Spa & Salt Cave Radiate Beauty From the Inside Out Healthy Nutrition & Energy Healing

OFFERING:

Organic & Natural Facials Clinical Skincare Treatments Therapeutic Massage & Body Treatments Nail Services | Nutrition Counseling 4962 Tamiami Trail N, Naples

239-403-9170 www.prahaspa.com

< Page 9 “Beauty on the Outside Begins on the Inside” BY OKSANA ACOSTA

WINTER 2021

Steven R. Frank is an innovative herbalist for Nature’s Rite. His concoctions and decoctions have helped thousands achieve more comfortable healthier lives. Mr. Frank has spent more than a decade doing medical research and has numerous patents in the healthcare arena. His products and formulations can be seen at: www.MyNaturesRite.com. This combination of herbs in a water based decoction, gelled and ready to treat can be procured from Nature’s Rite, LLC at www.MyNaturesRite.com It is called Bruise-Strain-Tear Repair.

- Learn about truly healthy foods & optimizing your lifestyle so you feel great

ESSENTIAL Naples

Rosemary and thyme increase circulation when applied to tissues and witch hazel increases flexibility. This is very important when healing tissues as the damaged area can hold residual trauma. Residual trauma immobilizes portions of muscles and this increases the load on adjacent fibers and puts them at risk of damage. The increased circulation facilitated by the rosemary and thyme allows more nutrients to the cells that are rebuilding. If you put all of these herbs together with a little vitamin C for collagen production and a little peppermint leaf for soothing, you have a wonderful combination to facilitate complete healing of soft tissues. Using a water-decoction that is gelled, the vital constituents will be delivered transcutaneously. This gel, applied directly to the injured area, will make your damaged tendons, ligaments and fascia as-good-as-new and will actually reduce recovery time dramatically. Knees, ankles, wrists, elbows, shoulders… you name it, they will all benefit. The important thing to remember is to use it long after the pain stops to complete the repair. Support the repair process by oral administration of vitamin C, D, E, and A. •

Certified Health Coach

Health

All Disease

ESSENTIAL Naples

Begins in the Gut By Theresa Edmunds, CHC

SPRING 2021

“Symptoms seemly unconnected to the digestive system, such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, brain fog, headaches, skin conditions, and mood or behavioral problems are all related to a compromised gut.” —Theresa Edmunds, CHC

t is estimated that 70% of our immune system is regulated by the digestive system, otherwise known as the gut. Interestingly, gut health is often overlooked even though the gut contains ten times the health-determining bacteria than the rest of the body and is one of the most important factors in immune health. With COVID-19, many of us are now even more concerned about our immune systems. Having a healthy gut means having a strong immune system, which is more important now than ever. There are millions of microbes living in our bodies that serve various functions; in fact, we wouldn’t be alive without them. These microbes are particularly plentiful in our digestive tract. We each have between three and five pounds of microbes living in our gut, made up of good and bad bacteria.

Balancing Bacteria

In a balanced system, the good bacteria make up about 85% of the bacteria in our digestive system, with the bad bacteria making up the remainder. The good microbial flora is supposed to keep the bad bacteria under control. Unfortunately, for most people today that ratio is inverse: 85% bad bacteria to 15% good bacteria. This is known as gut dysbiosis. Good bacteria have a significant role to play not only in the digestive system, but also in the rest of the body. Today, many people are suffering with digestive complaints, some previously unheard of a generation ago. Acid

reflux, indigestion, heart burn, constipation, and IBS, along with more serious diseases such as diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, and celiac disease are becoming quite common.

Why “Bad” Bacteria Are Bad

When the bad bacteria begin to run rampant, we experience significant health problems. Not only can the bad bacteria cause damage to the small intestine, they also release toxins into the body and hinder important functions in the body and brain—meaning that gut health influences many diseases, not just digestive complaints. Autoimmune illness, autism, food allergies, and eczema are strongly linked to gut flora imbalances. These microbes have the ability to affect our mood and behavior as well. The gut is actually known as the second brain, because it is so closely tied to and regulates so many functions of the brain. The gut manufactures neurotransmitters (brain chemicals); 80% of serotonin is manufactured in the digestive tract. Scientists have actually found neurons (brain cells) living in the digestive system. Symptoms seemly unconnected to the digestive system, such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, brain fog, headaches, skin conditions, and mood or behavioral problems are all related to a compromised gut. Doctors and scientists now know that issues in the gut are far reaching and extend beyond the digestive system.

The good news is that there are steps we can take to heal and protect our digestive systems. These are traditional principles that we have lost over time, combined with new measures to protect ourselves from the world we are living in. To learn more about rebalancing your digestive system, strengthening your immune system, and eliminating these health issues, visit www.theresaedmunds.com. •

Theresa Edmunds, is a Certified Health Coach focusing on all aspects of natural health. Using her Foundations for Health, she helps clients transform their health and their life. “Being healthier leads to feeling better which makes people happier, and happiness is what we are all striving for.” Contact her today for a free 20-minute consult to see how she can help you feel better and happier. Theresa@theresaedmunds.com or 734-308-7105. Available for speaking engagements and seminars. See ad on page 17 >

Are you ready to experience a unique combination of services that will calm your mind, relax the body, amplify the spirit, and improve your overall function and well-being?

RELAX ˜ REFLECT ˜ REBALANCE

Flotation Therapy Enhances The Immune System 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.

C9floatspa.com

(239) 887-4161

13710 Metropolis Ave, Suite 104, Fort Myers, FL 33912 < Page 44 “Floating, Magnesium, and the Brain” BY LYNN BREWER

Are you ready to LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE? Master your mindset and improve your well-being with the

7 Step System to Unlock Your Potential • • • • • • •

Manage stress effectively Contact me for Achieve a success mindset Improve your confidence a free 30 minute Achieve your work and life goals consultation. Create a plan of action Achieve more balance and joy in life Create permanent healthy habits by changing neural pathways in the brain

“Your Life is as Good as Your Mindset” Dr. Samreen Mongillo Success Coach

804-874-0863 • samreenpt@gmail.com www.liveyourbestlifenowcoaching.com < Page 36 “Six Habits to Help You Live Your Best Life” BY DR. SAMREEN MONGILLO, DPT

SPRING 2021

Improve Your Digestive and Overall Health

Come Float For Your Health

ESSENTIAL Naples

One only has to look at the diet of a typical American to understand why these conditions are on the increase. Bad bacteria feed on sugar and foods that convert quickly to sugar in the body. With sugar and refined carbohydrate consumption at an all-time high, it is no wonder health issues related to the gut are following suit. While some people may not currently have significant symptoms, if they are consuming the standard American diet it is likely that their health will begin to suffer. We have grown up thinking that we can eat anything and our bodies will accept it. Unfortunately, almost two generations of eating a diet of processed, convenience food high in sugar and low in nutrients has begun to affect our health. Babies guts are sterile until birth, at which time they take on the gut bacteria balance of the mother. It is believed that many women have an imbalance in gut bacteria and pass it on to their children. This generation of children are plagued with allergies, food allergies, asthma, and ADHD, all of which can be traced back to an imbalance in gut bacteria. Doctors confirm that all children with autism have a gut bacteria imbalance, which contributes to their symptoms and accounts for the continuing rise in autism diagnosis. Additionally, we see many children today suffering with anxiety, depression, and even bipolar disorder, like never before.

Health

The New Food Attitude:

Stop Shaming Your Diet and Have Fun!

By Betsy Opyt, RD, LD/N, CDE

ESSENTIAL Naples

SPRING 2021

20 “When you find the right style of eating that meets your needs you will feel better, have more energy, and enjoy a variety and abundance of foods that are meant for you.” —Betsy Opyt, RD, LD/N, CDE

s a registered dietitian for over 20 years, I look at food in a very different way. I consider food to be medicine, and I understand the value of the intricate detail and synergy that these nutrients have in regard to optimizing our health. I respect the fact that food plays an important role in our culture, our social life, and our emotional well-being. Whether you eat to live or live to eat, as a human being you always have to have a relationship with your food. After all, we cannot divorce food. We need it to live! Over the years I have watched fad diets come and go: high-carb/low-fat, low-fat/high protein, high-fat/high-protein/low-carb, eat for your blood type, find your right Zone, live on cabbage soup, and count those points! There are so many diets out there, no wonder it is so confusing! Whether you prefer to eat vegan, are an omnivore, or follow the SAD (Standard American Diet), I feel people often label themselves with a certain “diet” in order to feel they have some form of identity with their eating. What if I challenge that thought? What if I told you that it is better for you to not stick to one style of eating? I like to call it a “flexitarian” style of diet, matching your diet to your metabolic and nutritional needs; a diet style that flows with your body as it changes. What your body needs nutritionally as an adult is very different than the foods required as a child or a teen. As disease sets in you may need a specific style of diet to correct the issue. Finding the right style of diet

can sometimes be tricky if you don’t know how to assess your needs, and the media exacerbates this problem by promoting the hype of a particular diet style or trend that tends to be a one-sizefits-all approach. I firmly believe one diet is not meant for everyone. Depending on where you are on your health journey, whether you are younger or older, metabolically compromised, battling an autoimmune issue, fighting cancer, or trying to achieve sports performance, your style of eating needs to match your health requirements. It is also possible that adhering to one style of diet over time can actually cause more health risks, especially if you don’t understand the science behind the diet. Strictly vegan eating can cause a host of nutritional deficiencies. A keto-style diet can cause an imbalance in your gut microbiome from lack of fiber; a high-fat keto diet can promote inflammation if you’re eating the wrong types of fats. Working with a professional who understands the fundamentals of human nutrition, who can perform a proper assessment to identify inflammation, nutritional insufficiency, and imbalances in the body can best guide you on a diet that will help in healing you. Going in and out of different eating styles also offers flexibility of nutrients, more enjoyment of food, and helps prevent you from getting into a diet rut. Eating should be fun, not restrictive or boring! When you find the right style of eating that meets your needs you will feel better, have more energy, and enjoy a variety and abundance of foods that are meant for you. •

Betsy Opyt 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. She understands the importance of living a mindful life and incorporates her background of mindfulness and yoga teaching to her practice. Betsy is a professional speaker and advocate for healthy living and is available for individual consultations, group programs, and speaking engagements. To learn more visit www.healthyconceptsconsulting.com. betsy@healthyconceptsconsulting.com. 239-297-8844. See ad on page 11 >

Health

The Power of Biomechanical Bodywork:

A Different Kind of Massage

Biomechanical Bodywork

Not all massage is the same. Myofascial release (biomechanical bodywork) is a unique, intuitive, whole-body experience that will reconnect you with your body and ways of moving you had thought you lost. Through the symbiotic nature of massage and biomechanics, your awareness

is heightened, which helps your body regulate to have you feeling relaxed, grounded, and positive when you walk out the door. Stretching is integrated with a unique sequence of massage strokes that allow for a spontaneous release of the body’s muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments. It is truly a customized approach, as every patient is different and the first concern is to root out where the “issue in the tissue” starts or stems from. It can be described as the wheels in a clock, all the separate parts have to fit comfortably with the ability to do their function; not compensate for others within the system. Therapists use their hands, elbows, forearms, knees, and even breath to administer a variety of motions applied both lightly and with firm pressure to elicit response in the muscles and fascia.

What Is Fascia?

The fascia is an underestimated but fundamentally needed asset of the body. Fascia is the membrane casing that surrounds muscles and other organs. It can be related to an elastic lining that encompasses the body similar to shrink wrap. Through Myofascial Release, therapists can prevent your “shrink wrap” from becoming too tight, reducing spasms and cramping in your muscle groups which then creates joint flexibility throughout the body. This helps to reduce recovery time for those who have been recently injured or who feel the after-effects of previous trauma and for those restricted of motion whether from injury or lifestyle. Touching is a natural human response to pain and stress. Likewise, it is a universal gesture that non-verbally conveys compassion and support. All selected species instill from a young age that touching and contact are a means of connecting with another. •

21 Anthony Hansen, LMT, founder of Therapy on the Gulf. We specialize in myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, and lympatic drainage. We do aromatherapy massage, pregnancy massage, and other types of massage and energy work. I am also a Qigong and Reiki Master. Candace VanRee, LMT and Teresa Kennedy, LMT are both highly qualified and do the same things that I do. For further information, please feel free to call us at Therapy on the Gulf, 239-262-8722. See ad on page 15 >

SPRING 2021

ith 20 years of experience and a wide variety of certifications in different modalities such as myofascial release, cranial sacral therapy, lymphatic drainage and others, I’ve treated over 30,000 people in the last 20 years. I originally became interested in massage therapy due to a car accident that happened to me about 22 years ago. I hurt my neck badly and it was recommended to me to fuse a couple of vertebrae which I decided against doing. I made the rounds trying different therapies; physical therapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture, with no relief. Luckily, I found a massage therapist who did a treatment called myofascial release. After eight treatments, she completely relieved my problem with my neck. We all know that massage is medicine for the body. Massage is primarily prescribed for medical or stress-related issues and the goal is to loosen and lengthen to strengthen. Overall, it is the therapeutic manipulation of the body’s soft tissue using a series of pressured movements to elicit muscular release. Massage reduces the body’s production of cytokines, which are specific proteins that contribute to inflammation due to injury or disease. Moreover, massage is known to stimulate the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a vital part of the immune system, and provides pathways for lymphocytes and other cells. When properly administered, massage also stimulates the mitochondria, which aid in cellular function and repair.

ESSENTIAL Naples

By Anthony Hansen, LMT

ESSENTIAL Naples

Feature

SPRING 2021

“Not a Burger,” whole-food, plant-based protein patty with local natural toppings & rich homemade garlic herb cashew “cheese” spread.

ESSENTIAL Naples

The Value of Whole Foods By Chef David Robbins

Abbott: I say, “Who’s on first?

Costello: The guy on first.

What’s on second?

Abbott: Who.

Don’t Know’s on third.”

Costello: The first baseman.

Costello: Are you the manager?

Abbott: Who.

Abbott: Yes.

Costello: The guy playing…

Costello: You gonna be the

Abbott: Who is on first!

coach too? Abbott: Yes. Costello: And you don’t know the fellows’ names?

Costello: I’m asking YOU who’s on first. Abbott: That’s the man’s name. Costello: That’s who’s name?

Abbott: Well, I should.

Abbott: Yes.

Costello: Well then,

Costello: Well go ahead

who’s on first?

and tell me.

Abbott: Yes.

Abbott: That’s it.

Costello: I mean the fellow’s name.

Costello: That’s who?

Abbott: Who.

Abbott: Yes.

hef, a guest would like to speak with you,” the waitress exclaims, frustrated. In a very much confused state, the guest begins her complaint. “My burger doesn’t taste like a burger and it’s not fully cooked.” “Ok, let’s take a look at it,” I reply. Seeing that the item in front of the guest is the “NOT A BURGER” from the menu, I probe with a few questions to confirm exactly what is happening. Holding a menu, I ask the guest to please point to which item she ordered to be sure I have the right information to best care for her. She points to the item that clearly reads, in bold font: “NOT A BURGER | house made vegan patty | lettuce | tomato | veganaise | onion straws | vegan brioche bun” and tells me again, “my burger doesn’t taste like a burger.” With a smile, I reply “ma’am, you ordered the ‘NOT A BURGER.’ This item is NOT a burger. It is a plant-based protein patty. It is not an imitation beef burger, it is plants being plants. The reddish-purple color

SPRING 2021

When “Healthy” Foods Aren’t So Healthy

ESSENTIAL Naples

Feature

SPRING 2021

comes from organic beets—I assure you it is fully cooked and the color doesn’t indicate that it is ‘rare’ or underdone. It is NOT a burger.” Much like our Abbott and Costello vaudeville skit, this bit goes on a while. The humor in overtly and ironically naming this dish “NOT A BURGER” was lost here. A disc-shaped plant-protein patty made only of organic, non-GMO, gluten free, unprocessed, whole-food ingredients, grilled and served with lettuce/tomato/fried onions on a round bun was just too confusing. Unfortunately, we too often find this type of linear thinking in life and for me, as a chef who advocates slow, whole, clean, functional, and sustainable foods; seeing the passive, bifurcated thought process through which much of the public approaches food can be a bit challenging. In fact, whether it is a result of conditioning, a goal of big business and marketing firms, a factor of culture/history, or a misstep in our thought process, accessing food that is good for the planet, good for society, good for our bodies, and sustainably produced is much more difficult than it should be. Since the dawn of industrial agriculture and industrially produced, processed food in the mid 20th century, access to this type of food for many communities around the world is much further removed from day-to-day life now than it has historically ever been.

What You Perceive Is What You Get

I’m not here to debate the pros and cons of being able to grow and produce food on a large scale (especially during times of war or global economic depression and famine), or to critique the worth of many new industrialized plant-based foods, but rather to continue to ask questions, challenge our perception of our modern food system, and to hopefully inspire some rethinking and positive changes. I believe there are multiple factors at play here. In my opinion our approach to food is very much an issue of perception, part of which is related to our food vocabulary and education. Another is the misperception of the global food system at large—which we must remember that, as consumers, we have the potential to effect tremendous changes simply by using our voices through our choices. Speaking of the global food system, perhaps you are familiar with the 1973 Charlton Heston sci-fi thriller Soylent Green (based upon the 1966 novel Make Room! Make Room! by Harry Harrison), in which a dystopian version of the future (year 2022) faces scarcity of natural resources and mysteriously processed foods? Well, today, in the year 2021, you can have a sausage-and-egg fried rice that contains no sausage, no eggs, and no rice. And yes, there is also an actual company named “Soylent,” founded in 2013 by a group of Silicon

“Not a Burger,” whole-food, plantbased protein patty, topped with artisan pickles from Naples Canning Co.

Admittedly, what these food scientists are doing is remarkable and I support creating accessible, nutritious, globally healthy and sustainable food. However, in light of all the hubris-driven capabilities of humankind while taking these steps, do we really believe we can improve upon what nature has done for millennia? Besides asking “can we?” and “how much money will this make?” did anyone stop to ask, “should we?” Plant foods, in their unadulterated natural forms, are already packed with amino acids, proteins, micronutrients, antioxidants, and all the nutrients we need. Do we really need to see the flora of this earth so heavily processed in laboratories that we don’t even recognize them as plants in the end? Do we need to have a plant substitute for eggs, dairy, beef, and so on? How much energy is used in the production and transportation of laboratorybased foods? What is their end footprint—is it any better than local, seasonal, slow food-style

25 Slow roasted organic local beets are the star for flavor + nutrition.

SPRING 2021

Putting the Nature Back in Health Foods

ESSENTIAL Naples

Valley engineers who, incidentally, are well aware of the connotation of their name. Products and companies like Impossible Foods (now owned by PepsiCo), Beyond Meats, JUST Eggs, and Right Rice all market themselves as a nearly-miracle food that is an apples-to-apples replacement for animal products, and that because they are vegan (made from plants—no animal ingredients) they are inherently “better” in all regards. From JUST Eggs: “The egg is the world’s most eaten animal protein, so we reimagined it…. A better egg…” This company has recently launched GOOD Meat—a “cultured” meat (laboratory grown from chicken cells) available exclusively at 1880, a private club/restaurant in Singapore. Upon many hours of research and reading through websites of industrial/laboratory-rooted, plant-based food companies, mission statements, company histories, FAQs, and ingredient lists, a similar motif appears: a great deal of eloquently written material about a desire to make positive changes for the future of food and to solve tomorrow’s food problems today. Data is shown on how much less land and water is used in plant foods vs. livestock and how plants scrub CO2 instead of producing it as animals do; how these substitutes are nutritionally equal or better than their animal-based counterparts; and of course that in making plantbased foods, no animals are harmed. Ultimately, the goal of this very well-crafted content is to market these products as something inherently better that you not only want, but need.

“Not a Burger” patty, local heirloom tomato, lettuce, onion, mushrooms, fresh baked sesame bun.

ESSENTIAL Naples

Feature

WINTER 2021

meats? Is it possible to produce eggs, dairy, or beef, in a manner that is ethical and just as healthy and environmentally sustainable as their faux plant counterparts? We’ll save this longer discussion for another time, but for now, the short answer is “yes.” Documentaries such as Kiss the Ground research regenerative agriculture, and livestock companies such as Joyce Farms and Polyface Farms raise animals on grasslands that are biodiverse and practice seasonal pasture rotation of animals that mimic natural migration patterns. Scientists are now finding this type of regenerative farming sequesters carbon and has positive environmental impact. Growing up in a heavily agrarian community in Hawaii, we had great access to fresh, natural foods. In the late ’80s my friend’s parents, who were vegan, were excited to try and share with us a soy-based vegan cheese. I remember first thinking, “What? Why? If it’s not made with milk, what is it?” It wasn’t very good, the texture was like plastic, and the flavor was just not there. Unfortunately, many of us have had these negative food experiences with alternative foods and now associate a certain stigma with them, oftentimes before even trying them. A big part of this problem is perception and managing expectations. If someone gives me a glass of strained, puréed almonds, water, and seaweed-based thickeners and tells me—who grew up drinking super local, fresh, grass-fed, pasture-raised, whole milk—that this is a glass of milk, I’m most likely (A) going to be confused and (B) be disappointed and not going to care for it. However, if this almond drink were to be made in a way that uses fresh, high-quality, whole-food ingredients with an appealing taste (maybe with a pinch of sea salt and sprinkle of cinnamon…hey, I’m a chef after all), then served to me as a delicious chilled almond drink, I’m much more likely to receive it with an open mind and enjoy it.

The Limitations of Labeling

The plant-based food industry, my palate, and my perceptions have come a long way since I was 8 years old. I have observed that many people make one of two preconceptions upon hearing a word like vegan in the description of a food: (A) “Here we go, more of that weird, flavorless, tree-hugging, hipster food” and automatically assume it won’t be a good experience or (B) “Vegan, this is so great! It is made with plants, which are ‘natural,’ and no dirty CO2 -producing animals were involved; therefore, this must be super healthy for me and for the environment.” Or, on rare occasions we have (C) All of the above.

Let’s think about these things for a moment. A mango is vegan; is it a weird, flavorless food? Truffles—one of the most valuable foods in the world—also vegan. Most fresh-baked breads, such as an olive oil-rosemary focaccia, is vegan. They are not described as such, however, and we therefore simply take them as they are and openly enjoy them. Do you see where I’m going? On the other hand, donuts are (or can be) vegan, as are Oreo cookies…are these foods inherently healthy for you and the planet? Much like the confused “Not A Burger” lady, many of us have been programmed to have these preconceptions that if a food is labeled a certain way, it is better for us. We are raised “in the box” of a burger being made of beef and looking and tasting a certain way. As a chef, I’m classically trained to think we must exclusively use eggs, heavy cream, and butter to achieve certain textures and flavors. But what happens when we step out of the box, ask some questions, and seek a balanced answer that connects the dots of everything we’ve just covered? I have found it to be a quite enjoyable challenge. In all the vast natural world of plants as ingredient options, can great flavors and textures be achieved without using the animal-based products I’ve been rigidly trained in while keeping the plant ingredients as unprocessed, whole, and close to their natural state as possible? Not because I am personally a subscriber to a vegan philosophy, but because I am a chef who, like a scientist, is driven to ask questions and make discoveries. Just because I was taught to use heavy cream to get a smooth, silky, rich mousse texture filled with the fats that boost flavor, does that mean there aren’t other ingredients that just as easily lend themselves to such results—without the need of a laboratory and a PhD in molecular engineering? I have discovered with simple ingredients like cashews, virgin coconut fat, avocados, raw cacao, and bananas, amazing dishes such as mousses; rich, creamy chocolate tortes; savory silky sandwich spreads, and many others can be created. As with any other type of cooking, all you need is high-quality, natural ingredients, a solid understanding of said ingredients, and good technique. The only dilemma left is whether to describe the dishes as vegan or plant-based— which appeals to some diners but turns away others—or to drop the need for labels altogether and simply call it food. Perhaps then we could skip the vaudeville act and go straight to enjoying delicious, clean, whole, unprocessed foods that are good for you, the planet, and the future. •

Garlic Herb Cashew Spread (serves 4–6)

Recipe:

(recommend sourcing organic/local ingredients when possible) • 1 lb raw unsalted cashews • 2 qts water • 4 oz extra virgin olive oil (or oil of your choice) • 2 oz extra virgin coconut oil (this helps with viscosity) • 8–10 roasted/browned garlic cloves (or 1 tsp dry granulated garlic) • 1 oz each minced fresh chives / thyme / rosemary / chervil • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast • 1/2 tsp fresh cracked pepper • Sea salt or kosher salt to taste (approx. 2 tsp)

Specialized Equipment

• VitaMix or other high-powered blender with plunger tool (or wooden spoon).

Plan Ahead

• Using 1 to 1.5 quarts water, fully submerge and soak the cashews overnight (refrigerated). • Before blending, bring the cashews and oils up to room temperature or above (80–100°F is good).

Method

• Starting with the cashews, drain the excess water from the soaking process and discard. • Place the cashews into VitaMix. • Add the remainder of the ingredients (except the extra half quart of water and fresh chopped herbs). • Starting on slow speed and gradually working up to high speed, use the plunger tool and puree the cashews mixture until very smooth and creamy. • Add in water if needed to achieve desired texture. • If the mixture gets warm/hot while in the blending process, this is OK. • The final product should have the smoothness of a creamy peanut butter. • Remove from the VitaMix, stir in the fresh chopped herbs, then refrigerate. It will thicken as it cools. • The product must stay refrigerated and will keep for approximately 7–10 days.

Vegan: A system of diet and lifestyle beliefs in which no animal products are consumed or used. Plant-based: A system of diet focused on eating 100% or mostly plants, departed from any ethical conflicts with animal products. Whole foods: Foods/ingredients that have been processed or refined as little as possible, remaining close to their natural state.

27 SPRING 2021

Terminology

Ingredients:

Chef David Robbins (a true locavore chef) is an advocate for biodynamic agriculture, slow foods, clean eating/living, veggie forward cuisine, supporting family owned local businesses, and spreading education on all aspects of sustainability. Growing up on a small family farm in Hawaii gave him a unique appreciation and perspective for the places and people that produce our food. Chef Robbins launched “The Sunday Supper Club,” in collaboration with various local experts connected to a wide span of clean living components. Robbins describes the events as “a way to experience community, good eats, whole food philosophy, and meaningful conversations. His vision is to recreate the sense of healthy connectivity people had with the earth, their food, farmers, bakers, and neighbors that has been lost to too many of us in recent decades. 239.247.2244 IG @chefdavidrobbins chefdavidrobbins @gmail.com.

ESSENTIAL Naples

In January 2021, Chef David Robbins launched Not A Burger, plant-protein patties, at the 3rd St S, Downtown Naples Farmer’s Market. A clean, plant-protein alternative. A healthier choice for the planet, for the future, and for you! 100% vegan | gf | nonGMO | nothing artificial | no preservatives | locally made | fresh unprocessed whole superfood ingredients | clean eating |clean living | eco sustainable || Per serving, approximately: 20 G protein / 7 G fat from organic olive oil / 30 g carbs / 325 calories / rich in iron, dietary fiber, prebiotics, and antioxidants || Made with locally sourced organic beets, ancient grains and legumes, organic herbs and spices. This garlic herb cashew spread is the perfect condiment to add a creamy, rich, savory component to a grilled Not A Burger. It is rich in healthy fats and loaded with fresh herbs, garlic, and nutritional yeast. All good stuff. It is not a substitute for cheese, but you will definitely not find yourself wanting.

Feature

Optimizing

Testosterone Levels ESSENTIAL Naples

Affects More Than Just a Man’s Sex Drive

SPRING 2021

By Dr. Eduardo Maristany, MD

“Too much estrogen is bad, but too little estrogen is also bad. The key is the right balance.” —Dr. Eduardo Maristany, MD

estosterone levels often are associated with a man’s sex drive, and only his sex drive. However, the hormone has a far greater impact on a man’s overall health. For a man, testosterone is essential to his mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Men also need proper testosterone levels for improved resilience to stress. Without the proper testosterone level, men fighting chronic disease are often unable to gather the will to keep fighting. Testosterone gives a man the needed drive, motivation, and fortitude to battle and continue fighting chronic disease and life stressors. Clinically, I have seen this time and time again. Men with chronic disease often feel much better with improved testosterone levels.

How Do Low Testosterone Levels Present?

Many men suffer from low testosterone, particularly as they age, but few recognize that it impacts more than just libido and erectile function. Other side effects, according to the American Urological Association, include fatigue, memory loss, depression and mood swings, changes in body composition, difficulty sleeping, and reduction in bone density. It can even lead to higher rates of mortality and diabetes, according to a 2006 study published

by the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers have confirmed that testosterone levels are dropping across the board by up to 1% annually, clear evidence that there’s a problem. More and more, we are seeing men in their 30s and even their 20s exceptionally symptomatic of very low testosterone, with fatigue and lack of libido being the primary symptoms. But why are we seeing this so much more frequently? Physicians and researchers suspect environmental toxins are to blame. Those include environmental estrogens in our food supply, xeno-estrogens in our environment like plastics and even paper receipts, and other environmental toxins like heavy metals, dioxins, and other persistent organic pollutants. Certain medications also have the potential to lower testosterone levels.

High Estrogen Levels in Males?

Some men with low testosterone also have higher estrogen levels, which typically occurs for two reasons. Some men genetically have more aromatase enzyme, which converts testosterone to estrogen. However, men most often have high estrogen because they are overweight. Fat cells are loaded with the aromatase enzyme and create estrogen. Additional estrogen further

Balancing Hormone Levels

Diet: Cut out sugar and junk food such as French

fries, cheeseburgers, potato chips, soda, candy bars, and pastries. Increase your intake of lean protein and healthy fats from natural foods like fish, nuts, and avocados. Intermittent fasting: Eat healthy, well-balanced meals in a condensed period of time, ideally over eight to 10 hours, to allow your organs to rest and balance hormones. Exercise: Intense or moderate training with weights and resistance machines is a natural remedy for hormone production and is good for your overall health. Stress reduction: Overcome work-related stress by taking a brisk walk, making time for family activities and hobbies, and taking a minute or two for deep breathing. Sleep: An ample amount of sleep each night—at least seven hours for most people—helps the body recharge naturally. Vitamin D: Readily available simply by stepping outside, Vitamin D is also one of the most popular supplements on the market. Zinc: Meats like beef, chicken, and pork, as well as nuts and beans, help replenish zinc and boost testosterone production. Patients who seemingly do it all right—eat healthy, exercise, and generally take good care of their bodies—may still experience declines in their testosterone levels because we’re constantly being bombarded by environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors. My goal is to help patients optimize their testosterone levels. It’s a powerful brain stimulant but is also a vital body regulator. Every individual is different, which is why I spend hours delving into patients’ medical histories and concerns before drafting a to-do list that, if followed, can reduce or eliminate many of their health concerns. As always, consult with your physician prior to making dietary and lifestyle changes. •

Dr. Eduardo Maristany is a board-certified internal medicine physician who specializes in functional and integrative medicine, genetics testing, and men’s health at the Naples Center for Functional Medicine. For more information, call 239-649-7400 or visit NaplesCFM.com. See ad on page 35 >

29 SPRING 2021

With June being Men’s Health Month, it’s an ideal time for men of all ages in Southwest Florida to think about the one hormone that affects us in so many ways. A simple blood test can confirm testosterone levels, and for those with low numbers, urologists often provide treatment through prescription drugs or injections. Older men may pop a Viagra to fix erectile dysfunction, a side effect of low testosterone, but it doesn’t actually resolve the overall issue of low testosterone. As is the case with many medications, prescriptions for low testosterone also come with potential side effects: headache, upset stomach, muscle pain, nausea, abnormal vision, skin rashes, acne, and even heart attack and stroke. When prescribing medication, many urologists in their course of treatment are isolated to one specific condition or concern—oftentimes erectile dysfunction—and that’s what they treat. The manner in which many urologists treat patients is a core principle that separates traditional medicine from functional medicine, a medical practice whereby physicians determine how and why disease, illness, and pain are occurring, and restore health by optimizing a patient’s body through an evidence-based, holistic approach to medical care.

For patients with low testosterone, I start with a thorough physical examination and complete a detailed health history analysis. Oftentimes, I suggest additional testing to measure biotoxin markers, glucose metabolism, nutritional deficiencies, and more. My goal is to develop a scientifically and genetically complete profile of a patient, which often points to factors that interrupt or inhibit the development of testosterone. Most patients I treat can experience immediate results in their testosterone numbers by making changes to their diet and lifestyle. Here are some natural solutions I often suggest:

ESSENTIAL Naples

suppresses testosterone, thus leading to more fat storage and more estrogen. That, in turn, further suppresses testosterone, which is proven to burn fat. This is a vicious cycle we see in overweight men. In this situation, some individuals use a medicine to reduce estrogen levels. This may increase testosterone levels and reduce fat loss over time, as high estrogen drives fat deposition and increases appetite. Unfortunately, this increased appetite can lead to individuals craving for—you guessed it—sweets, chocolate being a very common choice. There are some men who have both low testosterone and low estrogen. Alongside testosterone, estrogen is thought to play a key role in keeping the brain healthy, and it aids men in maintaining a healthy vascular system and bones. This is important because men derive their estrogen from testosterone. Testosterone converts in small amounts to estrogen, so if a man does not have enough estrogen, this shortage can potentially affect his mood, brain health, and overall health. Too much estrogen is bad, but too little estrogen is also bad. The key is the right balance. In men with low testosterone, optimizing testosterone levels through natural solutions or actual testosterone replacement is often a very effective method of restoring the vitality he once had in his 20s.

ESSENTIAL Naples

Health

SPRING 2021

Are You at Risk for

Type 3 Diabetes? By Denise A. Pancyrz

“Insulin resistance could damage brain cells enough to cause memory loss.” —Denise A. Pancyrz

s conditions many of our aging population fear have no answer, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease have long been at the forefront of many health discussions. Over 34.2 million Americans have diabetes, which is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S., and more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s, the sixth leading cause of death. These numbers are particularly relevant as we are now learning that many individuals living with diabetes have presented with brain changes characteristic of both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. One possible reason for this connection is that high glucose levels can damage blood vessels, contributing to mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI may precede or accompany Alzheimer’s disease. While much research is still needed, the term “type 3 diabetes” may provide some insight into one area of Alzheimer’s disease.

Type 3 Diabetes

Why the term “type 3 diabetes”? This type of diabetes is linked to the glucose-insulin imbalance. Our brains use sugar and respond to insulin as a function vital in helping to keep our brain cells healthy. Insulin is part of the process associated with learning and long-term memory; therefore, the insulin resistance associated with this type of diabetes could damage brain cells enough to cause memory loss. Early signs or symptoms of Alzheimer’s include: • Forgetting recently learned information. • Challenges in planning or solving problems. • Difficulty completing familiar tasks, such as driving to a familiar location. • Forgetting where you are or how you got there. • Changes in judgment or decision-making, such as less attention to grooming or keeping clean.

Control Your Glucose Levels

Living with Alzheimer’s

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

Book a FREE consult at ReverseMyDiabetes.net Start seeing results in weeks:*

• Stabilize glucose levels • Lower your A1c • Lose weight

How?

• Identify high glucose reasons • Learn hidden food ingredients that may sabotage your efforts • Concentrate on tasty, healing foods • No carb counting, no dieting! *Results vary

Available Nationwide

Denise A. Pancyrz

Diabetes Reversal Coach Speaker • Author

(888) 848-1763

Denise@ReverseMyDiabetes.net

< Page 30 “Are You at Risk for Type 3 Diabetes?” BY DENISE A. PANCYRZ

31 SPRING 2021

It’s estimated that by 2050, Alzheimer’s cases may increase to 13.8 million people. If you or someone you know is experiencing signs or symptoms, reach out to a physician to begin the planning process for a smoother transition into this life change. Resources for assistance are also important for both the caregiver and the patient. The Alzheimer’s Association is a great place to find help and support for learning about Alzheimer’s disease. You can find more information at www.alz.org. Caregivers and patients can get help for stabilizing glucose at www.ReverseMyDiabetes.net. •

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

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 she expected. After changing her protocol by learning to rest and preserve her pancreas, she was able to eliminate all medication and insulin and regain her energy. Visit www.ReverseMyDiabetes.net to book a free consultation. Call (888) 848-1763. Email Denise@ReverseMyDiabetes.net. See ad on this page >

ESSENTIAL Naples

So how can we begin to tackle these two diseases when we have limited information and more research is still needed on both? We can begin with changes and improvements that are in your control. Healthy glucose levels are the key to keeping healthy blood vessels. • Long-term high glucose levels and impaired insulin levels go hand in hand. You can lower your glucose by consuming whole, fresh foods. If you feel you need to count carbs and calories for everything you eat, you may not be making the best food choices. • E xercise can help move glucose from your bloodstream to your cells where it belongs. A walk after your meal can certainly help! • Reduce your sugar intake from food sources such as bakery goods, desserts, sugary and energy drinks, and high starch foods such as potatoes and rice. • Limit or eliminate fried foods. • Limit dining and snacking late in the evening. With diabetes, your system may not efficiently metabolize your food and have difficulty returning to healthy glucose levels before bedtime.

< Page 40 “The #1 Secret All Singles Need to Know” BY DANA LEE

Health

Try Kombucha

ESSENTIAL Naples

to Boost Your Mood and Immune System

By Maddy Eagle

“[G]ood bacteria in your gut enhances your immune system function [and] can improve symptoms of depression, help combat obesity, thwart off autoimmune diseases, and provide numerous other benefits.” —Maddy Eagle

s a Kombucha brewer, when I ask people, “How is your gut?”, I hear it all. “My gut is working jusssst fine,” while they give it a good rub, “I have NO issues.” Or, “I DON’T HAVE A GUT!” The gut is the long tube that starts at the mouth and ends at…well, the butt. It consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, colon, and the butt. It’s a powerhouse not only because of these organs, but it also largely affects the immune system and neurotransmitters. In fact, 70% of the immune system is housed in the gut. Have you ever eaten an unhealthy meal and just felt bad afterwards? I don’t mean the rumbly stomach or constipation. I mean you actually feel low. How about when you eat a healthy meal and you feel on top of the world? I’m sure we can all recall both of these feelings. Here’s why.

Fermented Probiotic Beverages Improve Digestion

Researching medical journals due to my own digestive issues and joint pain, and then turning to homebrewed Kombucha to alleviate

my symptoms, transformed into starting my own “fermented probiotic beverage” brewery. With my business as a platform, I have been educating others on gut health, probiotics, and plants as medicine. Some of our customers have no idea that what they thought was “regular” digestion was quite the opposite, and they feel so much different with kombucha in their diet. In other cases, we simply help people feel good after a meal, in their core, or sometimes they even notice differences in their mental clarity or mood.

An Unhealthy Gut Causes Disease and Depression

Studies on the gut-immune system connection have been heavily conducted in the past two decades, while the gut-brain link has only been studied more recently in the last decade. I have begun to understand that an unhealthy gut is the reason for many of my issues and many diseases we hear so much of today. An unhealthy gut may cause gas, daily fatigue, skin diseases, and even serious depression. After all, our bod-

Photo: Grind and Press

SPRING 2021

See ad on page 11 >

SPINE & JOINT INSTITUTE

Regenerative, Physical, & Preventative Medicine

“Comprehensive programs for spine, joints, neuropathy, NEW and wellness.” M

edicare Friendly Options!

• Stem Cell Allografts • Exosomes • Platelet Rich Plasma • Ozone • Peptides • Nutritional IVs • Chiropractic • Massage • Float

Richard Hiler DABCN

239.330.1000 3031 Airport Pulling Rd N Naples, FL 34105 FEELAMAZING.COM < Page 12 “A New Approach to Neuropathy Treatment” BY DR. RICHARD HILER, DABCN

Looking for Natural Therapies for Your Pet? Many vaccines are given unnecessarily to your pet causing illness and disease. There are other options including toxic-free flea, tick and heartworm protection. Choose a natural approach and keep your pet healthy for a lifetime. Call 239-297-6519 or visit www.animalhealthoasis.com to learn more! Dr. Anja Kordon Animal Health Oasis 6720 Lone Oak Blvd, Naples FL 34109 239-297-6519

SPRING 2021

Maddy Eagle launched Flying Eagle Kombucha in 2018 when she realized that Kombucha was a remedy for her physical imbalance. They have since transformed from a regular Kombucha tea brewery to a specialty brewery using herbs to support balance in the mind too with relaxing or serotonin-boosting properties or spices for metabolic support. With lower acidity and sweetness than most on the market, Flying Eagle is a N/A, sip-able “probiotic elixir,” with each flavor having purposes of its own. Flying Eagle’s feel-good, refreshing probiotic elixir is waiting for you! Available at their new Tap Room inside Millenial Brewing in downtown Fort Myers, by ordering delivery, or visit 25+ resale locations and SWFL farmers markets. For more information, visit www.flyingeaglekombucha.com.

FEEL AMAZING

ESSENTIAL Naples

ies are made up of 1.3 bacterial cells for every single human cell. One could say that bacteria helps rule the body and mind. Having a wide variety of good bacteria in your gut not only enhances your immune system function, but it can improve symptoms of depression, help combat obesity, thwart off auto immune diseases, and provide numerous other benefits. Mental health is on the forefront along with autoimmune diseases. Recent studies have shown that abnormal microbiota (microorganisms or bacteria) and the microbiota-gut-brain dysfunction (GI disorders) may cause mental disorders. Correcting these dysfunctions could alleviate depression. We generally know that depression can be caused by certain genes and environmental stressors, but the latest research has indicated that gut microbiota probably plays a crucial part in the pathophysiology of depression. The “gut brain” is a microbial organ, 90–95% of the total cells of which are microorganisms including bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses, and some protozoa. The metabolism, immune system, and signal transmission are all closely related with microbiota. Thus, as a whole, the gut and gut microbiota can serve to respond to and influence other organs. Live probiotics, when administered in adequate amounts, are highly beneficial in correcting these dysfunctions. They reach the whole microbiota-gut-brain axis; researchers call these probiotics psychobiotics to emphasize their capabilities to improve behavior and mind. If you think you’re struggling, notice other red flags for an unhealthy gut: food intolerances, skin irritation, sleep disturbances or constant fatigue, unintentional weight changes, high-sugar diet, or an upset stomach. •

Purpose

Why Do Women Find It

ESSENTIAL Naples

Hard to Ask for Help?

SPRING 2021

By Eilis Philpott

“Family tragedies can send shock waves from one generation to the next. Explore three generations to understand why trauma repeats.” —Eilis Philpott

was recently asked this question, “Why do women find it hard to ask for help?” I want to qualify my answer by sharing that finding it hard to ask for help is not just a difficulty for women, men also share this issue. I believe that women have additional and/or differing layers of baggage to clear in relation to this topic. Culturally, women have been taught from an early age that their role is to be the caregiver and nurturer of the family, usually at the cost of their individuality. We don’t have to go too far back in our history to see that women were considered second class citizens, with no individual rights or identity. Young women were forced into the role of striving for and making a “good” match, which benefited the family as a whole. Once married, their husband controlled them and any assets they brought to the union. Thus, asking for help probably was not even in the realm of conscious awareness for many women.

The Field of Epigenetics

More recently there have been studies in the field of Epigenetics that show that lifetimes of trauma

and belief systems are passed down through the generations in the DNA of each individual. To explain this phenomenon further, these studies have swept away the idea that having a particular gene produces a particular result. It turns out that many genes work together to influence a single outcome. Even more important, genes are not fixed. Life events can trigger biochemical messages that turn them on or off (by a process called methylation), making them sensitive to messages from the body. While life events can change the behavior of the gene, they do not alter its fundamental structure. Methylation patterns, however, can be passed on to children. This phenomenon is what is known as epigenetics. Stressful experiences affect gene expression in humans. Family tragedies can send shock waves from one generation to the next and it can be important to explore three or more generations of family history to understand the mechanism behind patterns of trauma that repeat.

Generations of Family Trauma

When members of our family have experienced unbearable traumas, or have suffered

Welcome to

Biological Dentistry We Understand that Oral Health is Fundamentally Connected to Overall Health Biocompatability Testing To Find Pathways To Reduce Inflammation • Mercur y SAFE Practice • Metal Free Restorations • BPA and Bis GMA free fillings • Fluoride Alternatives • Ceramic Restorations

Societal and Generational Expectations

Eilis Philpott is the owner of Soul Healing Journey, LLC and the Academy for Soul Healing. She has been a healing practitioner and teacher for over 20 years. For more information about her services, visit SoulHealingJourney.com. For events and trainings, visit www.AcademyForSoulHealing.com. Connect at 203-767-5954 or Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com. See ad on page 37 >

P R O U D

M E M B E R

Oxygen/Ozone Treatments Laser Therapy Special Air Purification Special Evacuation System • Oral DNA Testing

The Smile Fairy Dental Spa 9010 Strada Stell Court Suite 101 Naples, FL 34109

Josephine Perez, DMD Biological Dentist

www.thesmilefairy.com

(239) 254-4480

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

35 SPRING 2021

I believe we could take the question even further and ask why do women find it hard to receive? Why do women feel it is selfish for their needs to be met? Why do women feel it is part of their “job” to put everyone else first? The answers to these questions can be traced to societal and generational expectations as stated above, but also to the individual experiences of each woman in her own life. What if asking for help is perceived as making yourself vulnerable. What if you have experienced/learned that allowing yourself to be vulnerable actually puts you in harms way both physically and emotionally? So many what ifs... Are women doomed to never be able to ask for their needs to be met, to never put themselves first on their list, to never learn how to love and nurture themselves? Of course not. If there is a struggle with receiving support, give yourself permission to ask for help, to clear what is getting in the way, and remind yourself that you cannot give from an empty vessel. You are worth it! •

• • • •

ESSENTIAL Naples

from immense guilt or grief, the feelings can be overwhelming and can escalate beyond what they can manage or resolve. Sometimes pain submerges until it can find a pathway for expression or resolution. That expression can be found in the generations that follow and can resurface as symptoms that are difficult to explain. Events such as the death of a parent or infant, a child given away, the loss of a home, or even the withdrawal of a mother’s attention can all have the effect of collapsing the walls of support and restricting the flow of love in a family. Discovering the origin of these traumas, long-standing family patterns can finally be laid to rest. How women deal with trauma of any kind can be directly related to their family history and whether that trauma was dealt with appropriately at the time. Most often it was buried because survival was the number one priority at the time. Thus, women were not encouraged to or even taught how to ask for support.

We provide an individualized, whole-body approach to health care including:

Carol L. Roberts MD, ABIHM

• Preventative Medicine & Health Optimization • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy • IntellxxDNA™ Genomic Testing • Nutritional Analysis & Food Sensitivity Testing

Eduardo Maristany, MD

• Immune & Digestive Disorders Treatment • Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy • Infusion Therapy • Brain Health & Memory Support

Lindsey Berkson, MA, DC, CNS, DACBN

800 Goodlette Rd. Suite 270, Naples, FL 34102 NaplesCFM.com | 239-649-7400 < Page 28 “Optimizing Testosterone Levels...” BY DR. EDUARDO MARISTANY, MD

Purpose

Six Habits to Help You Live Your Best Life By Dr. Samreen Mongillo, DPT

ESSENTIAL Naples

o you want to live your best life? Do you want less stress, more confidence, and more energy? These six habits, based on research and proven to help you create a sustainable healthy lifestyle, can help get you there quickly so you can live your best life!

HABIT 1: Exercise

SPRING 2021

36 “Focus on empowering beliefs instead of limiting beliefs, question the beliefs that no longer serve you, and remember that you are capable of more than you can ever imagine.” —Dr. Samreen Mongillo, DPT

Make exercise a priority. Research shows that exercise is beneficial not only in lifting our mood but also in decreasing stress, preventing chronic diseases, increasing mental clarity, and boosting energy. With all of these benefits, it is vital to make exercise a part of your daily routine. Exercising in the morning can be a powerful way to start the day and getting 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity a week can help you feel your best. Find a type of exercise you truly enjoy and you’ll be more motivated to do it. There’s nothing like exercise to boost your confidence and make you feel great.

HABIT 2: Sleep

Sleep is foundational to good health. Most research indicates we need at least seven hours of sleep to maintain brain health. Continuous lack of quality sleep can take a toll on our health over time, contributing to heart disease and diabetes as well as affecting our memory and mood. Create healthy sleep habits by establishing a bedtime routine. Get approximately ten minutes of morning sunlight to set your circadian rhythm, wake up and go to sleep around the same time every day, and avoid caffeine after noon to improve your quantity and quality of sleep.

HABIT 3: Develop a Strong Mindset

You can do this by journaling about things you’re grateful for and to release emotions. Try focusing

on three to five things that you’re grateful for every day and you will be amazed at how your life will transform. You will start seeing the cup as half full instead of half empty. Focusing on gratitude is one of the most powerful ways to create a positive mindset and is an incredibly effective way to boost your mood. A gratitude practice trains the brain to focus on the positive aspects of life and what we choose to focus on then expands even more. If you commit to making gratitude a daily practice for at least the next 30–66 days, as it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit, you will give your brain an opportunity to form new neural pathways toward more thoughts of gratitude. Every time we think a grateful thought and focus on the cup as half full, we are creating new neural pathways in the brain that help form the habit of gratitude. Counting your blessings takes very little time, and the benefits are so powerful. There is growing research that shows that dopamine is released when a person expresses gratitude. Making journaling a regular practice can help you think strong and when your thoughts are strong, you will see great results in all areas of your life. As Marcus Elliot said, “when you can master your mind, you can master your reality.” Another effective way to cultivate a positive mindset is to become aware of your self-talk. Consistent defeatist self-talk can turn into internalized feelings and cement your negative conceptions of yourself. Many of us run on autopilot and aren’t even aware of our self-talk, but it is imperative that you catch yourself when you think a negative thought and transform it into a positive one. Once you start noticing your thoughts, you’ll get into the habit of focusing more on the positive. Our self-talk is based on our self-image, which is based on our core beliefs. Focus on empowering beliefs instead of limiting beliefs, question the beliefs that no longer serve you, and remember that you are capable of more than you can ever imagine.

Habit 4: Do Something Each Day to Relax

Make time in your daily schedule for an activity such as meditation, yoga, riding your bike, going for a walk, or reading a book. It will look different for each person but it’s important to do something regularly that helps you be more in the present and mindful during the day.

Habit 5: Eat NutrientDense Foods

Habit 6: Allow Time for More Joy, Play, and Creativity in Your Life

Weight Loss Program

Lose 10+ pounds and gain your life back in 30 days! “ M e g a n h a s b e e n i n s t r u m e n t a l i n m y s u c c e s s o n m y w e i g h t - l o s s j o u r n e y .” - E l l e n S .

Megan Moriarty

“This program changed me. I lost 10 pounds in 30 days and feel amazing. Everyone is saying that I am glowing and look amazing.” -Lindsay S.

Call (860) 808-4627 for a

FREE Consultation

M e g a n M o r i a r t y, C . H t . (certified hypnotherapist)

www.megan-moriarty.com

•

860-808-4672

37 SPRING 2021

Schedule in things that give you happiness. We all have an inner child, so think about what you loved doing when you were a kid. It is so important to schedule things in your life that give you joy. Maybe it’s a sport you love, joining a club, painting, dancing, listening to music—anything that gives you that spark of happiness. These six habits can help you live your best life. By making these habits a priority you’ll improve your overall well-being and avoid the myriad of chronic health conditions that can result from excess stress in our lives. Cultivating a healthy lifestyle requires commitment and consistency, but the results are worth it. Make these habits a priority and you’ll have more confidence, less stress, greater energy, and improved health. •

Dr. Samreen Mongillo is a Success Coach and Doctor of Physical Therapy. She is the founder of Live Your Best Life Now, Coaching by Samreen. She specializes in helping individuals live their best life by mastering their mindset and creating healthy habits with her 7-Step System to Unlock Your Potential. Visit https://www. liveyourbestlifenowcoaching.com. For a free 30-minute consultation or to learn more, contact her at samreenpt@gmail.com or 804-874-0863. See ad page 19 >

ESSENTIAL Naples

Avoid highly processed foods and foods with a high sugar content. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Choose lean meats. When you make a commitment to eating healthier you will not only look better, you will feel better and have more energy.

Think Yourself Thin

< Page 34 “Why Do Women Find It Hard to Ask for Help?” BY EILIS PHILPOTT

Financial

Investing Can Be Complicated But It Doesn’t Have to Be

ESSENTIAL Naples

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

SPRING 2021

I “There is a strong link between life expectancy and investment time horizon, since a portfolio only has to last long enough to sustain a person during his or her natural life.” —Nina Azwoir

nvesting can be incredibly complicated, with hundreds of thousands of investment choices that can be combined in nearly infinite variations. The sheer number of options available— and the high stakes involved in getting decisions right—can make the process overwhelming. That is one reason why rules of thumb can be useful. They are a way of cutting through complexity and helping investors make decisions more quickly without getting bogged down in endless questions about “what if” or “what is next.” These heuristics, or mental shortcuts, can help investors focus on the most important steps to take without getting trapped in analysis paralysis.

Keep 100 (or 120) Minus Your Age in Stocks

For decades, investors have relied on this simple formula for basic asset allocation guidance. Using 100 as a starting point effectively means targeting a bond weighing equivalent to your age, with the remainder in stocks. This guideline is based on the notion that younger individuals can afford to take on more investment risk because of their longer time horizons. As investors get older, their time horizons shorten, making an increasing fixed-income allocation more prudent. More recently, 120 has been showing up as a more common starting point, partly because average life expectancies have gradually increased. Before his death, Vanguard founder John Bogle advocated using 120 minus one’s age to determine equity allocations, explaining that the previous guideline came to fruition in an era of much higher bond yields. In one of his landmark articles, one expert recommended targeting equity exposure at 128 minus one’s age as part of a comprehensive strategy to support sustainable withdrawals. Why it works: This rule has stood the test of time partly because it is simple and intuitive.

There is a strong link between life expectancy and investment time horizon, since a portfolio only has to last long enough to sustain a person during his or her natural life (unless someone wants to set aside money for bequests after death). In practice, investors implementing this rule would start out with hefty equity allocations that gradually glide down as they get older. Linking portfolio allocations to age might lessen the temptation to engage in market-timing (making dramatic allocation shifts in response to market moves). It also indirectly reinforces portfolio rebalancing, as keeping allocation in line with an age-based target would require pruning back equities after significant gains or adding to them after market corrections. Limitations: Now that bond yields are even lower, fixed-income allocations are likely to generate lower total returns than in the past. That argues in favor of increasing savings, decreasing planned spending, or increasing equity exposure to boost long-term returns. In addition, the age-based guideline may not be optimal for investors who are either just starting out or approaching the end of life. A 25-year old investor with decades left until retirement does not necessarily need any fixed-income exposure as part of a core retirement portfolio, assuming she already has an emergency fund and is willing to take on the higher risk inherent in an all-equity portfolio. On the other end of the age spectrum, some experts have argued that while a lower equity allocation in the years leading up to and immediately following retirement can mitigate sequence-of-returns risk, older retirees might consider gradually increasing their equity exposure over time.

commodities and precious metals, have also gone through prolonged slumps at times. The verdict: Partially true, but greatly oversimplified. Diversification remains a sound strategy, but it is an insurance policy that has a cost and will not always pay off.

Use 4 Percent of Assets to Determine Portfolio Withdrawals in Retirement

See ad on page 2 & page 13 >

39 SPRING 2021

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

ESSENTIAL Naples

Investors and financial advisors have long relied on Bill Bengen’s landmark research on sustainable withdrawal rates, which found that for a portfolio combining 50 percent stocks and 50 percent bonds, setting an initial withdrawal equal to 4 percent of the portfolio’s starting value and then adjusting each year’s withdrawal amount for inflation has historically never fully depleted portfolio’s value, even during some of the worst market periods since 1926. Why it works: This is another rule of thumb The verdict: Age-based guidelines are a reasonable starting point that has stood the test of time because of its ability to cut through complexity and provide but might be on the conservative reassurance about one of the biggest fears for side overall. retirees: running out of money. It is also useful Diversify Your Portfolio to Reduce Risk because it can be easily reverse-engineered to determine a required savings amount for retireand Improve Returns It is often said that diversification is the only free ment. A 4 percent spending guideline would dictate a starting portfolio equal to 25 times annual lunch in finance. This quote, usually attributed to Nobel Laureate Harry Markowitz, refers to the spending. If you know that you want to spend $50,000 per year in retirement, for example, you power of diversification to reduce risk without can multiply that amount by 25 to figure out that necessarily hurting returns. you will need a portfolio size of $1.25 million. Why it works: In many ways, diversification Limitations: The 4 percent rule assumes that does have incredible power. Within an asset class, inflation-adjusted withdrawals remain at the adding up to about 20 additional securities can same level year in and year out during retirement, dramatically reduce a portfolio’s overall risk proregardless of market performance or changes in file. And adding asset classes with lower correlations is where the magic really happens. The lower spending needs. In practice, many retirees spend the correlation, the bigger the reduction in volatili- more in the early years of retirement on travel ty. It is one of the few cases where the whole can be and other pursuits, then spend less as they age more than the sum of the parts; a well-constructed and more toward the end of life because of medical costs or long-term care. There has also been portfolio can have better risk-adjusted returns extensive research about more flexible approachthan its component parts alone. es to withdrawals, such as setting guardrails Limitations: The problem is that correlation coefficients shift over time, so what worked in the based on portfolio size or market performance. In addition, there is some question about whether 4 past will not necessarily work in the future. In percent will still be sustainable in an era of lower addition, adding asset classes to reduce volatilbond yields, which will likely weigh down returns ity can also drag down returns, sometimes over for portfolios that include fixed income. multiyear periods. International diversification, The verdict: The 4 percent rule is still a reafor example, might have seemed like a no-brainsonable starting point, but investors may want to er for investors about 30 years ago, given that use a slightly lower number to account for poteninternational-stock indexes had handily outperformed from 1982 through 1991 and also showed tially less robust long-term returns. Most of the rules of thumb discussed above a low correlation with U.S. market benchmarks. But over the past 10 years, non-U.S. markets have have stood the test of time. Understanding some of the nuances behind how they can—or can generally underperformed, and international not—support a sound portfolio strategy can help diversification has dragged down returns more often than not. Other popular diversifiers, such as investors apply them more effectively. •

ESSENTIAL Naples

Relationships

The #1 Secret

SPRING 2021

All Singles Need to Know

By Dana Lee

roverbs 21:18 says, “When there is no clear prophetic vision, people quickly wander astray.” Having clear prophetic vision is that #1 secret, and I am here to walk with you on your journey to clarity. Vision is the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom, a mental image of what the future could look like, and the state of being able to see. As these definitions indicate, visualizing yourself with all the details of your future relationship is key to manifesting it in your life. When you have only a vague idea of what you desire in your soulmate relationship, you will

attract and be attracted to many varying types of people or, worse yet, none at all.

What You Focus on GROWS!

Because of the vast amount of information we are inundated with, there is a part of our brain that is able to filter out unimportant information and focus on what we consider to be meaningful. This is called the reticular activating system, or RAS. If I ask you to close your eyes and focus on the color green, when you open your eyes you will take in information about ev-

Personal Values and Common Interests

Journaling Benefits

I recommend journaling on a daily basis. Journaling daily creates intentional focus and trains your brain to see what you want and what is important to you. Brainstorming activity: Brainstorm the ideal

traits you would love in your soulmate, the activities that you can see yourself doing together, and five emotions you would like to feel while together. Traits can be physical, mental, career-focused, emotional, spiritual, and financial. Activities can range from walking on the beach or in your neighborhood, working out together, bike rides, cooking together, going out to eat, watching movies, saying goodbye as each of you goes off to work, and so on. Have fun brainstorming these as you get your imagination involved and learn how to visualize.

Journaling activity: I recommend journaling about three or more of the traits and three or more of the activities every day. The best way to journal these traits and activities is as if you are currently experiencing them. This retrains your brain for positive focusing, and your desired traits and activities eventually become your dominating thoughts. For example, focus on thoughts such as “I feel extremely loved and important as we sip wine and cook dinner together. I am grateful to be loved and respected by my partner.” Interestingly, your brain doesn’t know whether these things are actually happening or if they’re simply in your imagination. It is like truly experiencing it! This is how you can activate that RAS and attract the relationship of your dreams.

Choosing Wisely

The people who cross your path will either fit or not. Your clarity will now be a guide to making wise decisions based on what is important to you. Making the right choices becomes simpler and manifestation begins to take place. This is the first secret of my 52 Secrets for Singles program! I designed this program because of my passion to help others experience that happy, healthy, and fulfilling relationship that I am blessed to experience after many years of being single. Are you ready for the systems, tools, and support that will guide you on your journey toward your soulmate? Your first step is to email me and set up a 30-minute phone call at relationshipsecretsforsingles@gmail.com. •

Dana Lee is a Certified Life Coach and owner of Relationship Secrets for Singles. If you’ve almost given up and need someone to help guide you, send me an email and we can set up a free online Zoom “Meet ‘N Greet” session to see if this program is right for you. RelationshipSecretsForSingles@gmail.com; www. RelationshipSecretsForSingles.com. See ad on page 31 >

“Secret #1: Seeing and feeling yourself with your soulmate is the first step to that healthy, happy, and fulfilling relationship you desire.” —Dana Lee

41 SPRING 2021

The soulmate relationship is designed to be the most intimate and important. Many single people are so desperate to connect with somebody that they are willing to settle for someone they are physically attracted to and have chemistry with, overlooking their own personal values and what’s important to them. This is why it is extremely important to have a crystal-clear picture of your future soulmate, their values and interests, and what you would like your relationship to look like. What a person values and enjoys will determine the choices they make. So let’s get started!

What are your non-negotiables? Go back to your traits and activities lists and circle the top eight to ten things in each that are non-negotiable. Be specific and mindful of your own! These qualities and interests should line up closely with your own values and interests for a healthy, happy, fulfilling relationship. The key is to intentionally focus on their traits and your activities together at the same time you are feeling the emotions on your list.

ESSENTIAL Naples

erything that is the green, because that is what your mind has been focusing on. This pertains to most areas of our lives, and especially to that romantic soulmate relationship most people desire. I asked several people, “What are the top five qualities you are looking for in a soulmate?” Most of the time, the answers involve something they are not looking for. For example, I hear things like, “I don’t want somebody who works all the time,” or “I don’t want somebody who takes me for granted.” To better understand their mindset, I will reword the question to get an answer that focuses on what they would like in a soulmate, rather than what they don’t want. It turns out, the majority of those people have no idea what they want in a soulmate. Focusing on what you want instead of what you don’t want is extremely important, because what you focus on grows. Where your dominating thoughts are is what you will notice and will then manifest in your life.

Health

Relief from Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 Symptoms

ESSENTIAL Naples

SPRING 2021

s a primal force in nature, scalar energy can interrupt the intermolecular bonds that serve to assemble and maintain pathogens, such as the herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2. As a result, herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 virus are transmuted by scalar energy and subsequently reduced to smaller, benign, physical forms as proteins or elements, such as carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, hydrogen, calcium, and so on. The scalar energy pathogenic cleanse disassembles and eradicates herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2; specifically, the cleanse transmutes herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 whereby these infectious agents cease to exist. All scalar energy sessions are exclusively administered upon photographs of people, animals, plants, and objects. Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 are neurotropic viruses—those that preferentially affect the nervous system—and subsequently neuroinvasive in character, as these viruses infect the cell bodies of neurons found in the peripheral nervous system. Following the initial infection, there will be episodic outbreaks or reactivation of the herpes viruses. During an outbreak, a virus will become active and will be transported along the axon or nerve fiber to the skin, thus resulting in an outbreak or blister. Typically, the herpes simplex virus 1 resides in the trigeminal ganglia (cranial nerves), whereas the herpes simplex virus 2 resides in the sacral ganglia (nerves of the lower spine). Although scalar energy serves to disassemble and eradicate herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2, the nerves invariably have been damaged to some extent by these neuroinvasive viruses. As a result, the nerves may occasionally signal an outbreak or blister after the herpes simplex viruses have been disassembled and eradicated. That is, the damaged nerves may still produce signals that mimic an active infection even though herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 have already been transmuted by way of scalar energy.

Symptom Persistence and Relief

There are symptoms associated with disassembling and eradicating herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 by way of the scalar energy pathogenic cleanse. Some people have experienced the following

By Tom Paladino

symptoms after the herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 have been disassembled and eradicated. · Although the herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 have been disassembled and eradicated, outbreaks or blisters might still be experienced as the damaged nerves continue to elicit signals. · The skin may be sensitive and experience a tingling or burning sensation or may be painful to touch. · Neuralgia or nerve pain may persist after the herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 have been eradicated. · Lymph nodes may remain swollen and sensitive for a period of time. · Urination may continue to be painful until the genital outbreaks and blisters have healed.

Nerve Damage Takes Time to Repair

Although scalar energy can disassemble and eradicate the herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2, this photographic process does not signify an immediate termination of pain, discomfort, and symptoms associated with these viral infectious agents. Invariably, the nerves that have been damaged by herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 will take time to repair. The scalar energy pathogenic cleanse does not repair the nerves damaged by herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2; instead, the human body’s natural recuperative capability will serve to repair much of the nerve damage occasioned by herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 infection. Again, all scalar energy pathogenic cleanse sessions are administered exclusively upon the photograph of a person, animal, plant, or object, disassembling and eradicating the herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2. In doing so, the nerve damage remains for a period of time and as a result, the damaged nerves will continue to broadcast signals, resulting in surface skin outbreaks and blisters. In some cases, the latent symptoms of skin sensitivity, nerve pain, swollen lymph nodes, etc., may persist for some time as the body recovers and repairs from herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 infection. Proper nutrition and stress avoidance will serve to reduce the symptoms of herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 during the healing process. •

Tom Paladino is the foremost authority on scalar energy phenomenon and he hosts a weekly LIVE Q & A session so you can ask questions and learn more about scalar science that has been hidden from the history books. Tom offers a 15-day trial to anyone interested to experience the benefits of his Scalar Light Standardized program. There are no visits to an office and you don’t even need to leave your house. Simply upload a facial photo and healing light-energy is administered to your photograph every day during your 15-day trial. NO COST. NO OBLIGATION. www. scalarlight.com. Join the LIVE Q & A every Thursday at 8 PM EST. https://us02web.zoom. us/j/6062703050. Meeting ID: 606 270 3050. Find your local number: https:// us02web.zoom.us/u/ keFZ0GBBTD. See ad on page 51 >

Health

Softer Skin Than You’ve Had in Years By Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD

Dermaplaning

Why Would You Choose to Have a Dermaplaning Treatment?

Here are just a few of the benefits: · It painlessly exfoliates the stratum corneum (top layer of the skin) to stimulate cellular turnover with no downtime. · It is a great option for clients with sensitive skin, rosacea, and pregnant women who are looking for a deep exfoliation. · It may be performed prior to treatments like facials, laser, and chemical peels for better product penetration. · It is typically performed frequently–every 4 weeks. · It helps make-up go on smoother and more evenly. · It can help significantly lighten postinflammatory scars from past acne. · It does not make the hair grow back thicker and darker.

After one, I was hooked. It was so relaxing I might have fallen asleep had I not been asking my aesthetician a million questions for this article. She started with a cleanse to remove oils from my face and followed that with a toner. This is used to increase the effectiveness of the dermaplaning. Then the procedure started with a tool that looked just like a tiny butter blade. After she ran the tool across my skin a few times I wasn’t concerned at all about how it would feel, as it felt just like lightly running your fingernail across your skin. Following the treatment, your skin may be slightly pink. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), growth factors, or other treatment products may be applied to encourage faster skin rejuvenation. The best part, however, was her signature face massage—WOW—I could have totally fallen asleep on the table. I was shocked to notice that my skin felt softer than it had in years—like many years! My skin tone was drastically improved and evened out. I immediately noticed a softening of fine lines around my eyes, forehead, and frown lines. That day I left feeling amazing, but the next day when I went to apply my normal makeup, I can’t tell you the difference I noticed. My makeup went on like butter and I literally felt airbrushed. After treatment, wearing of sunscreen is strongly advised. In addition, it is recommended to not use any products with glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, Retin-A or retinol unless advised to do so by your skin care professional, and no exfoliating for three days following the treatment (why would you need to?). You can return to your regular skincare routine thereafter and make sure to stay hydrated. One of the reasons skin can look dull and have buildup is from ongoing dehydration. Aesthetic Treatment Centers truly have something for every guest whether it be relaxation, results, or both. They strive to offer organic product lines that are impactful and results oriented. • By Dr. Diane Hayden. Online bookings available at www.atcnaples.com, 239-322-3790. 720 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Ste. 300, Naples. See ad on the back cover >

“I was shocked to notice that my skin felt softer than it had in years— like many years!” —Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD

43 SPRING 2021

One of the trendiest exfoliation options today is dermaplaning, which is performed using a sterile surgical scalpel to manually exfoliate dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin. This treatment results in ultra-smooth, fresh, and brighter skin. By removing that dead layer and hair from the face, the skin is evened out and it helps with cell metabolism which helps new skin come to the surface. Dermaplaning cleverly triggers the cell regeneration process and improves the appearance of acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. The effects of the procedure are instant, leaving your skin with a smooth appearance and a radiant glow. Along with the removal of fine hairs, it results in healthier skin that feels silkier.

What Is a Treatment Like?

ESSENTIAL Naples

had the pleasure of sitting down with Mindy DiPietro, at Aesthetic Treatment Centers in Naples to talk about the hottest new trends in skincare! Mindy and her partner Dr. Kathleen Marc have cultivated a strong and knowledgeable skincare team. The center offers dermaplaning, Epiwave and microneedling, advanced PRP procedures, body contouring and feminine rejuvenation among other skincare services.

Health

Floating, Magnesium, and the Brain:

ESSENTIAL Naples

The Original Chill Pill

SPRING 2021

By Lynn Brewer

“When you float, you enter a sensory-reduced environment— there is no light, no sound, the water is the same temperature as your skin, and due to the large amount of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) in the water, gravity disappears. In other words, most of the sensory input we normally process is turned off and the body goes into a deep state of relaxation.” —Lynn Brewer

agnesium is a vital nutrient that is often deficient in many modern diets. The current recommended daily allowance (RDA) for adults is between 320 and 420 mg daily, while the average U.S. intake is around 250 mg daily or less. If your magnesium is too low you may experience muscle cramps, arrythmias, and even sudden death. Magnesium deficiency can cause depression, behavioral disturbances, headaches, muscle cramps, seizures, ataxia, psychosis, auto immune diseases, and irritability—all reversible or greatly reduced with magnesium intake repletion.

Ion Regulation and Stress

Ion regulation in our bodies is vital with respect to how muscles contract and nerves send signals. In the brain, potassium and sodium balance each other. In the heart and other muscles, magnesium pulls a lot of the load. Magnesium is also involved in long-term memory formation. Stress causes us to use our magnesium at an alarming rate. The brain is very susceptible to stress; for example, a stress-induced rise in corticosteroid levels regulates short-term memory by storing information that is emotionally related to the stressful event, but by suppressing information not associated with it. The inability to remember important data intensifies the individual’s stress and makes the person even more vulnerable. While acute stress affects memory in a reversable way, chronic stress can result in harmful changes in the brain. Magnesium can suppress the brain’s ability to stimulate the release of the stress hormone, decrease the release of ACTH (the hormone that tells your adrenal glands to get in gear and pump out cortisol and adrenaline), and reduce the responsiveness of the adrenal glands to ACTH. In

addition, magnesium can act at the blood-brain barrier to prevent stress hormones from entering the brain. All of these functions, and more, are why magnesium is “the original chill pill.”

Floating

In oral form, it is almost impossible to absorb the magnesium your body requires to stay healthy and happy. Intravenous application and floating are two methods of supplying your body with the magnesium it needs on a daily basis. But what is floating? When you float, you enter a sensory-reduced environment—there is no light, no sound, the water is the same temperature as your skin, and due to the large amount of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) in the water, gravity disappears. In other words, most of the sensory input we normally process is turned off and the body goes into a deep state of relaxation. Some of the many benefits of floating are stress and anxiety relief, alleviating chronic pain, supporting athletic performance, and enhancing creativity and mindfulness, which is directly connected to your body’s having the proper amount of magnesium. We are often asked: “Is one float enough or do I need multiple sessions?” Much like meditation, floating is a pathway to better health. It is recommended to float weekly to maintain the proper amount of magnesium your body requires to work at its highest level. • Come be part of the Solution 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. 239-887-4161 info@c9floatspa.com. www.c9floatspa.com. SWFL’s Only Float Spa. See ad on page 19 >

HAPPENINGS SPRING 2021 Tuesday, April 6th

Tuesday, April 20th

Wednesday, May 12th

The Hidden Effects of Type 2 Diabetes. 12–1 p.m. Free. You may be missing key information on how diabetes impacts your health. Don’t confuse signs of aging with the effects of type 2 diabetes. Reverse the effects of this disease, such as diabetic neuropathy— that numbness or pins and needles feeling in your feet and fingers, loss of eyesight, and even heart disease. Online Webinar | Register: www.ReverseMyDiabetes.net/services/training. 630.281.0873. Denise@ReverseMyDiabetes.net

Stress and Emotional Wellbeing. 7–9 p.m. $45. Stress and negative emotions are the most overlooked cause of illness. Powerful techniques you can adopt to feel better and be happier and improve relationships and your overall health. Virtual class/www.theresaedmunds.com or 734-308-7105 to register.

Digestive Health. 7–8 p.m. $25. Acid reflux, heart burn, constipation, IBS, gallbladder issues aren’t normal! Learn what you can do to support this important system of the body and regain your health. Virtual class/www.theresaedmunds.com or 734-308-7105 to register.

Online Webinar | Register: www.ReverseMyDiabetes.net/services/training. 630.281.0873. Denise@ReverseMyDiabetes.net

Tuesday, June 8th

There are more people today with digestive problems than without. Our damaged food supply and dependence on antibiotics has caused terrible damage to our systems by shifting the flora in our gut. As we take vitamins and supplements, we are missing the biggest question of all: are we absorbing these products?

• Kill the bad bacteria and fungus in your gut • Re-seed the gut with beneficial bacteria • Restore the integrity and functionality of the intestinal lining

Order online at MyNaturesRite.com or call 800-991-7088

45 WINTER 2021

Nutritional therapy works best when you can absorb the nutrition... fix the gut FIRST!

The Digestive Rehabilitation Kit is designed to:

ESSENTIAL Naples

The Hidden Effects of Type 2 Diabetes. 11 a.m. Free. You may be missing key information on how diabetes impacts your health. We can confuse signs of aging with the effects of type 2 diabetes. Reverse the effects Wednesday, May 19th of this disease, such as diabetic neuWednesday, April 21st The Truth about Heart Health. ropathy—that numbness or pins and Heal Diabetes with the Power of 7–8 p.m. $25. What if most of what we needles feeling in your feet and even Food. 12–1 p.m. Free. Changed your have been told about heart health is heart disease. diet but can’t lose any more weight? Do incorrect? The latest research reveals Thursday, April 8th you have a hard time deciding the food just that, we’ve been eating the wrong Online Webinar | Register: www. ReverseMyDiabetes.net/services/training. Contigo, Tapas y Vino. 6:30–9:30 you should eat versus what you want to foods! Latest research about cholester630.281.0873. Denise@ReverseMyDiabetes.net p.m. $95. A culinary tapas journey and eat? Learn why counting carbs may be ol and inflammation. Wednesday, educational experience paired with a gimmick. Virtual class/www.theresaedmunds.com or June 23rd wine to enjoy the best of the Mediterra- Online Webinar | Register: 734-308-7105 to register. nean diet and lifestyle. www.ReverseMyDiabetes.net/services/training. Heal Diabetes with the Power of Tuesday, May 25th 630.281.0873. Denise@ReverseMyDiabetes.net 917-826-4975, www.bodegaolenaples.com Food. 12–1 p.m. Free. Changed your Ask the Diabetes Coach. diet but can’t lose any more weight? Do Thursday, May 6th Sunday, April 11th 9–9:30 a.m. Free. Coach Denise is you have a hard time deciding the food Eating on the Run with Diabetes. bringing back her long awaited “Ask Sarasota Healing Diva Retreat. you should eat versus what you want to 11 a.m. Free. Stabilize your glucose the Coach” Q&A sessions! Have any Through Apr. 15. All day retreats eat? Food as medicine and the revelatoburning questions about diabetes? Ask with in-house therapies that promote levels during your busy lifestyle and ry benefits. Certain foods can sabotage learn that proper foot care and wear the expert, someone who eliminated healing. Join like-minded women who your efforts; learn why counting carbs can keep you on the move. all medication and insulin. Denise are healing breast cancer naturally. may be a gimmick. Online Webinar | Register: understands your struggles and your Location: Sarasota in a private home. www.ReverseMyDiabetes.net/services/training. journey to successfully reversing the Online Webinar | Register: www. Call 770-893-9635 for more information. ReverseMyDiabetes.net/services/training. 630.281.0873. Denise@ReverseMyDiabetes.net effects of type 2 diabetes. support@breastcancerconqueror.com 630.281.0873. Denise@ReverseMyDiabetes.net

You eat well, but can you absorb the nutrition? Rehabilitation Kit 20% Digestive with coupon code DRK20 OFF

Everyone can benefit from restoring their gut. I have seen so many “mystery” illnesses and symptoms disappear when a healthy gut has been restored. Fix the cause, don’t chase the symptoms. - Steven Frank, Master Herbalist.

< Page 16 “Repair Damaged Soft Tissues with Topical Herbs” BY STEVEN R. FRANK

COMMUNITY RESOURCES BIOLOGICAL DENTIST Josephine Perez, DMD

ESSENTIAL Naples

Naples 239.254.4480 www.thesmilefairy.com

SPRING 2021

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.

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. Coaching leads you to recognize many factors that affect your glucose. Lower your A1c, stabilize glucose levels, increase your energy, and lose weight naturally.

DIAGNOSTIC BODY SCAN Andrea Geresdi, Owner

Naples 239.297.9949 www.diagnosticbodyscan.com diagnosticbodyscan@gmail.com From the comfort of your home, receive a fullbody diagnosis in one hour from a hair sample. The treatment sessions can help destress the body and mind, strengthen the immune system, relieve pain and inflammation, and balance hormones.

ENERGY HEALER

Academy for Soul Healing Eilis Philpott Fairfield, CT 203.767.5954 www.academyforsoulhealing.com Eilis Philpott, founder of the Academy for Soul Healing, has been a healing practitioner/teacher for 20+ years. AFSH is a place for energy healers to develop skills needed to align with their soul’s purpose. The mission of AFSH is to integrate many modalities to support

Local Experts In and Around Naples

the expansion of humanity while helping students become teachers of this integrated way of service.

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. She is astute in the realm of wealth management, financial planning, and retirement solutions. Nina has the accumulated 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 her to get your complimentary financial plan.

FLOAT SPA

Cloud 9 Float Spa Fort Myers 239.887.4161 www.c9floatspa.com 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

Theresa Edmunds, CHC Naples 734.308.7105 www.theresaedmunds@hotmail.com Educating clients about all aspects of natural health. Truly healthy food, living chemical-free and detoxing, healthy home, emotional well-being, stress reduction, 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.

HOLISTIC ANIMAL CARE Anja Kordon, DVM

Naples 239.297.6519 www.animalhealthoasis.com Dr. Anja Kordon, DVM has been practicing veterinary medicine for 30 years. Her holistic approach to animal care encompasses each animal’s unique and entire state of physical and emotional well-being. Find the Cause for every Effect is the motto, it’s detective work. Prevent the cause (be it unfit water or food,, etc.—yes, even organic) and you have treated and prevented further ill-health.

Symptom treatment will not bring about true healing. Everything that goes in and on your animal is getting evaluated and when the pet guardian believes it and follows all instructions, inflammation will stop and your pet will thrive. It is up to the guardian to follow the provided schedule.

HOLISTIC FUNCTIONAL HEALTHCARE Omni Balanced Life Center 720 Goodlette Rd. Ste 205 Naples 239.234.1608 Office@omninaples.com www.omninaples.com

Omni Balanced Life Center brings a revolutionary style of healthcare to the marketplace. Our unique team style approach combines the expertise of multiple practitioners offering traditional and holistic treatments and services designed to bridge and transform the mind, body and soul creating lasting healing and harmony within. We work alongside western medical teams collaborating to offer the most advanced information available in research and science from all areas of medicine.

Naples Center for Functional Medicine 800 Goodlette-Frank Rd. N., #270 Naples 239.649.7400 info@naplescfm.com www.naplescfm.com

Naples Center for Functional Medicine provides functional and integrative medical services. The practice focuses on treating the whole person, not just a single ailment. Led by Carol Roberts, MD, ABIHM, they utilize evidence-based solutions like functional testing, nutritional analysis, supplements, IV therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and more to improve patient health.

HYPNOTHERAPY

Holistic Hypnotherapy Megan Moriarty Online 860.808.4672 www.megan-moriarty.com info@megan-moriarty.com Megan’s official title is Certified Hypnotherapist, but she considers herself a professional belief enhancer. Through hypnosis, she guides clients to break through limiting habits and beliefs. After working together, you will embody the belief that you are the powerful creator of your life and can manifest anything you desire.

INTEGRATIVE & FUNCTIONAL REGISTERED DIETITIAN Healthy Concepts Consulting

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

KOMBUCHA

Flying Eagle Kombucha Maddy Eagle, Owner Inside Millenial Brewing downtown Ft. Myers www.flyingeaglekombucha.com

MEDICAL SPA

Aesthetic Treatment Centers Dr. Kathleen Marc & Mindy DiPietro 720 Goodlette-Frank Rd. Ste. 300 Naples 239.322.3790 www.ATCNaples.com Aesthetic Treatment Centers truly have something for every guest, whether it be relaxation, results, or both. We strive to offer organic product lines that are impactful and results oriented.

METAPHYSICAL PRODUCTS Mystical Bookshop

David & Wendy Kaplan 13141 McGregor Blvd, Ste 7 Fort Myers 239.338.7816 www.mysticalbookshop.com contact@mysticalbookshop.com Helping you help yourself, we specialize in products and information that light your path. Our passion and focus is offering books ranging from Energy Medicine, Self-Help, Sacred Sexuality, Natural Medicine, and Ancient Wisdoms. We also offer jewelry, crystals, yoga and workshops. Visit us in store or purchase online.

Anthony Hansen, LMT 824 Anchor Rode Dr. Naples 239.262.8722 Anthony Hansen, LMT, founder of Therapy on the Gulf. We specialize in myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, and lympatic drainage. We do aromatherapy massage, pregnancy massage, and other types of massage and energy work. I am also a Qigong and Reiki Master. Candace VanRee, LMT and Teresa Kennedy, LMT are both highly qualified and do the same things that I do. For further information, please feel free to call us at Therapy on the Gulf.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS Nature’s Rite

Online 800.991.7088 www.mynaturesrite.com

ORGANIC SPA Praha Spa & Salt

Oksana Acosta, Owner 4962 Tamiami Trail N. Naples 239.403.9170 www.prahaspa.com info@prahaspa.com Praha Spa and Salt owned by Oksana Acosta builds on the services and eleven years of experience of Andrea Geresdi and the former Salt Cave located in Central Naples. The famous Salt Cave is still here, so stop by and combine a relaxing visit to the cave with a facial treatment using products from organic lines to medical grade, professional peeling for the treatments.

PRIVATE CHEF Chefs For Seniors

Bill Springer, Owner Naples 239.776.1758 www.chefsforseniors.com/naples-fl bill.springer@chefsforseniors.com Chefs For Seniors offers menu planning, grocery shopping, and a weekly in-home professional chef visit. Meals can be customized for dietary needs (e.g. diabetic, renal, low-sodium) and Chefs work with your doctor or nutritionist. The Chef brings the ingredients and their own equipment and typically spends two hours per week in-home preparing meals.

Spine, Joint, and Neuropathy Care Richard A. Hiler, DABCN Naples 239.330.1000 www.FeelAmazing.com DrRHiler@aol.com 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.

RELATIONSHIP COACH

Relationship Secrets for Singles Dana Lee, CLC Naples 239.776.4350 www.relationshipsecretsforsingles.com relationshipsecretsforsingles@gmail.com Dana Lee is a Certified Life Coach and owner of Relationship Secrets for Singles. If you’ve almost given up and need someone to come alongside you, send me an email and we can set up a free online zoom “Meet N Greet” session to see if this program is a right fit for you.

SCALAR ENERGY HEALING Tom Paladino, researcher 805.364.3051 www.scalarlight.com

Tom Paladino has developed scalar energy instruments that are able to negate the molecular bonds of pathogens and their associated toxins, thereby providing relief for pathogenic disease. Scalar energy is the natural energy of the Sun as well as the stars.

SUCCESS COACH

Live Your Best Life Now Coaching Dr. Samreen Mongillo, DPT Naples 804.874.0863 www.liveyourbestlifenowcoaching.com samreenpt@gmail.com Dr. Samreen Mongillo is a Success Coach and Doctor of Physical Therapy. She specializes in helping individuals live their best life by mastering their mindset and creating healthy habits with her “7 Step System to Unlock Your Potential.”

Want more?

www

www.essentialnaples.com

47 WINTER 2021

SWFL’s first Kombucha brewery and Tap Room, uses healthy, gut-friendly microbes and plants as alternative medicine and creates a N/A, probiotic-rich, immune-boosting beverage full of micronutrients, B vitamins, and amino acids. Stop by and see us, or available by delivery and in 25+ resale locations and farmers markets.

Therapy on the Gulf

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

ESSENTIAL Naples

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 and is available for individual consultations, group programs, and speaking engagements.

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE/ MASSAGE

Are You an Essential Naples Hero?

ESSENTIAL Naples

Health

SPRING 2021

Tell Us Your Success Story & Be Featured in Essential Naples!

have overcome health issues derived from a career working with toxic ingredients and rebuilt my business from the ground up. This led to our whole family starting a new vitamin store to share our knowledge about toxins and chemicals in personal care and beauty products.

Maria Pitonzo

52, Organic Cosmetologist Co-owner of Genesis Non GMO Vitamins in Naples

Finance

Relationships

Purpose

Amy Lin

Andrea McKenna

Mike Davis

55, Early Retirement

38, Found Soulmate

48, Launching New Career

www

Meet Us Online! www.essentialnaples.com

The Essential Naples community is made up of real heroes, and we want to take pause and celebrate your success stories. Please go online and tell us of your own success, to be featured in an issue of Essential Naples.

How Can Scalar Energy Change Your Life? Take a 15-day trial of the Standardized Scalar Sessions with NO cost and NO obligation! https://nn.scalarlight.com

Scalar Energy balances your energy centers, disassembles health-robbing substances and assembles micro-nutrients. “Scalar Light is a blessing. Deﬁnitely feel lighter, and more playful, and enjoying life.” My body is feeling much lighter. I feel calm and at peace most of the time. When situations are difﬁcult - I am more aware that it will pass. I have much more clarity. The explanations and references you send is very helpful. –Josette

“The fogginess, weakness, and lack of energy I’ve suffered with from Fibromyalgia is gone!” After 16 years I can’t tell you how amazing it is to feel whole again. I feel 20 years younger. I am astounded at the effects Scalar Light is having in my life. –Marise

Using a photograph of a person we can determine the emotional and physical health status of that person. The photograph appears to act as your body double. Changes in your state of being are reﬂected in the photograph continuously. Renewed energy, resilience to stress, better sleep, and even changes in mindset are just a few of the beneﬁts.

Tom Paladino

(805) 364-3051 • TOLL-FREE 1-800-345-9851 • scalarlight.com

The O-Shot: An all-natural, painless, non-surgical procedure that can rejuvenate and revitalize vaginal function, giving you dramatically improved sensitivity and signiﬁcantly enhancing your sex life.

O-Shot

The O-Shot® [Orgasm Shot®] can help: • Decreased libido (sex drive)

• Lichen sclerosus

• Stress urinary incontinence

• Lichen planus

• Dryness (with resulting painful intercourse) from Menopause or from Breast Cancer Treatment

• Postpartum fecal incontinence

• Decreased ability to orgasm

• Chronic pain from mesh

• Urge urinary incontinence

• Chronic interstitial cystitis

(239) 322-3790

atcnaples.com

• Chronic pain from trauma from child birth (episiotomy scars)

Aesthetic Treatment Centers is the newest aesthetic concept in Southwest Florida. We specialize in minimally and non-invasive cosmetic services including fat reduction, body sculpting, wrinkle reduction, hair removal, IV hydration, and feminine rejuvenation.

Essential Naples Spring 2021

Articles inside

HAPPENINGS

Softer Skin Than You’ve Had in Years

Floating, Magnesium, and the Brain

The #1 Secret All Singles Need to Know

Optimizing Testosterone Levels Affects More Than Just a Man’s Sex Drivel

A Different Kind of Massage

Repair Damaged Soft Tissues with Topical Herbs

All Disease Begins in the Gut

A New Approach to Neuropathy Treatment

Stop Shaming Your Diet and Have Fun!

The Importance of a Mental Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Solution

There Is a Dental Shift on the Horizon

Beauty on the Outside Begins on the Inside