The Lakelander - Issue 59 / Health & Beauty

ISSU E 59

TREY SMITH AND ATENEA LARA CHAMPION A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO FITNESS

LAKELAND’S GROWING HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY

THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP

Wellness

Discover a Lifestyle You’ll Be

Thankful For.

Join Us for a

FLAVORS OF FALL TASTE & TOUR

A Private, Progressive Tasting at The Estates

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY THROUGH NOVEMBER 30 Get an inside look at our apartment homes and floor plans, get your questions answered by our Executive Team, enjoy seasonal tastings from our chef and meet some residents for an inside scoop on what life is like at The Estates!

Schedule your appointment for this unique opportunity and get a taste of the lifestyle you'll always be thankful for!

Discover Unprecedented Savings | Savings available through December 31, 2020.

When you make a move to The Estates, you can benefit from $2,500 to $15,000 in savings with one of our three limited-time opportunities.

The Lakeland real estate market is hot … but that can change quickly. Make your move NOW while you can sell your home fast – and for a great price! Call today to take advantage of this unprecedented, limited-time opportunity for savings!

In the midst of uncertainty, social distancing and altered plans, you may believe that hunkering down is the best decision. While this may give a sense of security, the truth is that there’s no better place to be than The Estates.

You Can

Count on The Estates for:

STRENGTH & COMMUNITY

With engaging programming, social opportunities and more, there’s always something to safely enjoy and new friends to be made.

LIFECARE & FREEDOM We’re here to take care of all your health, safety and home needs – taking all the worry out of your days and instead providing you with value and protection.

PEACE OF MIND WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST Offering stability and confidence, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing we’re always here for you. It’s a plan for the future complete with fun, safety and a secure retirement.

Discover Our Timeless Floor Plans

DESIGNED TO MEET YOUR NEEDS – YOU CAN Count ON FINDING A FLOOR PLAN YOU’LL LOVE!

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FLOOR PLANS TO MATCH EVERY STYLE AND BUDGET Floor plans ranging from 475 to 2,500 square feet. View all of the options on our website!

EstatesAtCarpenters.com

Aspen Studio

Signature Palm

Ask about our rental options that include dining, our services and amenities.

All-Inclusive Monthly Rent Starting at $2,170

HEAR IT DIRECTLY FROM THEM! Count ON US TO MEET YOUR DESIRES

“I knew it would be tough to give up my woodworking shop – and then I heard The Estates was in the process of expanding their current woodworking environment. Now my space is larger and I could donate my tools and still be able to use them! Everyone here was willing to listen to current and prospective residents on what their lifestyle and more should look like. This sealed the deal.”

YOU CAN Count ON CONTINUING THE LIFE YOU LOVE “We love Lakeland and wanted to remain in this area, but we also wanted to continue traveling. We are still able to pick up and go while enjoying everything that’s offered here!”

– JEN SPENCER

– CHUCK NASH

UNCOMPROMISED RETIREMENT LIVING

We're safely welcoming new residents!

Call today to make your appointment for a private, in-person tour or visit our website to see why now is the best time to make your move to carefree senior living!

1001 Carpenters Way | Lakeland, FL 33809 | EstatesAtCarpenters.com

863-588-7284 Like Us on

& THIS SET IS SURE TO MAKE YOUR SPACE A RETREAT AFTER A BUSY DAY.

THE BELMONT COLLECTION

SERVING YOU AT THESE TWELVE POLK COUNTY LOCATIONS

THE CHANNING COLLECTION

THE LAUREL MANOR COLLECTION

www.badcock.com

Auburndale 521 Hughes Rd. (863) 967-6602 ++ Bartow 1350 N. Broadway (US 98) (863) 533-1611 ++ Eagle Lake 1515 Hwy. 17 N. (863) 294-7749 ++ Frostproof 500 N. Scenic Hwy. (863) 635-2645 ++ Ft. Meade 1401 Hwy. 17 N. (863) 285-9757 ++ Haines City 35495 Hwy. 27 (863) 422-3144 ++ Lakeland - Christina 6100 S. Florida Ave. (863) 646-2921 ++ Lakeland - Combee 1225 N. Combee Rd. (863) 665-3111 ++ Lakeland - Lake Gibson 6625 US 98 North (863) 858-3866 ++ Lakeland - North 1409 N. Florida Ave. (863) 682-8107 ++ Lake Wales 126 Hwy. 60 W. (863) 676-6515 ++ Winter Haven North 1399 6th St. NW (863) 251-2039

Exclusively Aveda. Proudly serving Lakeland.

Hair Care. Skin Care.

5035 S Lakeland Dr | 863.644.0102 | VENUESALON.COM

VENUE'S PROMISE We want to hear all about you. We promise to listen and to communicate with you. Show us some of your inspirational photos and we will share some of ours. Our number one priority is that you walk out of our space loving your look.

Health is the new wealth Green is the new reality Care is the new currency Safety is the new luxury

OUR CORE BELIEFS Eco-friendly products Sustainability standards Education never ends

This Thanksgiving, go back for thirds.

Buy 2, Get 3rd Free All Holiday season, get a free product at our stores when you buy two others!

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Your “Extra Extra Helping� Store.

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Lakeland/Winter Haven

Our products have been inspected and passed by the Florida Department of Agriculture. Products have not been evaluated with the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Products can contain a total Delta-9-THC concentration that does not exceed 0.3% on a dry-weight basis. Must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by an adult.

Carefully Curated

Step up your self-care in the CARE area of our store. It’s a thoughtfully curated collection of specialty body care items—including vitamins, aromatherapy, natural soaps, and much more.

GreenWise Market 4747 S. Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33813

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The Shoppes at Lake Miriam Crossing 4747 S. Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. greenwisemarket.com

Three Top 10 Rankings for Florida Southern The newest edition of the prestigious “Best Colleges” guide ranks Florida Southern in the top 10 in three categories. FSC again is the only Polk County school to be included in the top 10.

• No. 9 Best Regional University in the South • No. 6 Best Undergraduate Teaching • No. 9 Most Innovative • No. 16 Best Value

Most Beautiful in Florida For the 11th consecutive year, The Princeton Review has recognized Florida Southern College for its campus beauty. FSC is the only institution in Florida in the Top 20 of the “Most Beautiful Campus” listing in the magazine’s 2021 college guide, The Best 386 Colleges.

PERSONALITY WHEN YOU HAVE CONFIDENCE

As a passionate and highlyskilled board-certified plastic surgeon with over 19 years of experience,

DR. FAEZA KAZMIER wants to help you feel confident in your beauty, inside and out. She offers a range of natural looking enhancement options including surgical and nonsurgical treatments that can help you achieve the look of your dreams.

• Facial Rejuvenation (Facelifts, Eyelifts and Minimally Invasive Browlifts) • BOTOX® and Dysport®, Kybella® for unwanted fat, and fillers such as Restylane® and Voluma® for the face and hands • Breast enlargement, breast implant revision, lifts and reductions • Tummy tucks and liposuction Registered nurse practitioner D.J. Alleva Nelson, APRN, works alongside Dr. Kazmier and offers a host of highly effective laser treatments that are performed in-office with minimal downtime, including Clear + Brilliant for healthy, youthful looking skin, BBL for brown spots and veins, and diVa® vaginal therapy for improved laxity and lubrication.

TM

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863-680-7676 Watson Clinic Women’s Center • 1400 Lakeland Hills Blvd. • Suite B • Lakeland • www.WatsonClinic.com/Kazmier

Model Shown

Be Local Bank Local Personal Services: • Online & Mobile Banking • Account Protection Preferences • Secured Loans • Contact-less Pay Options

Business Services: • Online & Mobile Banking • Account Protection Preferences • Access to Capital • Payment Solutions

Who’s Your Banker?

Schedule an appointment today to connect with a Banker about opening a new account, new loan, or discuss an existing loan request.

COVID-19: For the safety of our staff, clients, and community, we are limiting face to face contact.

Please utilize our drive thru or call to schedule an appointment by calling (863) 701-2685.

Propelling Forward Together. | www.bankofcentralflorida.com

Be

A place to { challenged }

{ innovative } { mission-minded } { inspired } { compassionate }

Every one of us has a God-given set of interests and skills. At LCS, we believe in giving kids the opportunities to develop these passions. Our faculty, staff and coaches help equip our students to solve problems creatively, face challenges confidently, pursue their dreams passionately and consider the positive impact they can have on their communities.

Visit our website, then call Julie Rice, Director of Enrollment, for a tour.

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Shopping home loans? Ask Angela!

Call 863-417-2265 for information and rates on Home Mortgages (new and existing), Refinance, and Construction/ Perm loans.

3340 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33803 | TryMyBank.com | (863) 417-BANK (2265) | NMLS #393620

C O N T E N T S ISSUE 59

ON THE COVER These health-focused entrepreneurs are building brands that help people reach their goals. Their holistic approach will reshape your perspective as well as your physique.

Photo by Dan Austin

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TH E L A K E L A N D E R

Welcome Home!

Lakeland’s premier adult community.

Office: 863.683.2782 | Model Home: 863.858.3228 lakejamesadultcommunity.com erniewhiteconstruction.com

CONTENTS

80 FEATURES

72 • PEOPLE

80 • BEAUTY

Body Talk

The Bigger the Hair...

A local husband-and-wife team on a mission to redefine Health & Fitness

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Hair culture in the South and styles inspired by the past

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

90 • BUSINESS

Healthcare Horizons Lakeland is becoming a recognized healthcare destination providing access to facilities, supplies, and treatments

At Lakeland Regional Health, we are committed to providing you

and your family with exceptional care when you need it the most.

That’s why we are so pleased that

Pablo Campus Urgent Care is now open and ready to care for you.

Urgent Care now at Pablo Campus!

Pablo Campus Urgent Care is open 7 days a week at 130 Pablo St., Lakeland.

Hours: Monday - Friday 8AM - 8PM

Saturday - Sunday 8AM - 5PM

Services we offer: - Asthma - Bronchitis - Cough and cold symptoms - COVID-19 testing

- Earaches - Immunizations - Minor back and shoulder pain - Minor trauma, burns or lacerations

To learn more, visit myLRH.org/UrgentCare.

- Minor medical concerns - Seasonal allergies - Sinus infections - Skin rashes

- Sports physicals - Sprains - Urinary tract infections - Yeast infections

98 • HEALTH

106 • TASTE

The Science of Sleep

California Gold

Benefits and tips from experts for a healthier relationship with sleep

Lakeland’s newest restaurant concept, offering healthy, Mediterranean-inspired eats

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106

DEPARTMENTS

28

30 • MASTHEAD

34 • CONTRIBUTORS

38 • METRO

32 • EDITOR’S NOTE

36 • LETTERS

54 • GREATER LAKELAND

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

122 • HISTORY

BECOMING A CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IS PRECISELY THE POINT. The surgeons at Bartow Regional Medical Center are experts in performing gynecologic and general robotic procedures using the da Vinci® Surgical System. And we’re accredited as a Center of Excellence by the Surgical Review Corporation for practicing the gold standard of robotic surgery. This award distinguishes Bartow Regional Medical Center from other hospitals by showing that we meet nationally recognized standards and provide the highest quality of care to our patients. Additionally, we help keep our patients, team members and physicians safe by encouraging social distancing and using face masks in our facilities. Robotic surgery gives patients lots of benefits including shorter hospital stays, reduced blood loss and smaller incisions, which reduces the risk of infection. Plus, faster recovery times which means you can get back to your normal activities sooner.

And that’s pretty excellent. Learn more: RediscoverBartow.org

BAYCARE.ORG 20-1213369-0920

Curt Patterson

Jason Jacobs

PUBLISHER

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Sally Ibarra Barceló

Daniel Barceló

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Advertising ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ADVERTISING SALES

Curt Patterson | 863.409.2449 Jason Jacobs | 863.606.8785

Editorial CONTRIBUTORS

COPY EDITOR

Daniel Barceló, Sally Ibarra Barceló, Victoria Bardega, Beth Carter, Caite Hamilton, Rebecca Knowles, Allison Stephan, Benjamin Vickers Laura Burke

Creative DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nate Chappell Dan Austin, Michael Giragosian, Ben Johnson, Jason Stephens

Digital DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR

Sally Ibarra Barceló

Circulation CIRCULATION DIRECTOR VP, FINANCE GENERAL COUNSEL

Jason Jacobs Deb Patterson Ted W. Weeks IV

Issue 59 The Lakelander is published ten times annually by Patterson Jacobs Media Group, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission of The Lakelander is prohibited. The Lakelander is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions.

YOUR ANYTIME PLACE COFFEE HOUSE & CASUAL EATERY

DOWNTOWN 205 EAST MAIN STREET 863.682.1210

Contact: Patterson Jacobs Publishing, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802 863.701.2707 • thelakelander.com Customer Service: 863.701.2707 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

LAKE MORTON 100 LAKE MORTON DRIVE 863.500.9500

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800.496.4096 MySouthernHome.com Bring this ad in to receive $500 in new home options

OUR FAMILY KNOWS EYES Lakeland’s newest locallyowned practice with a curated collection of stylish frames.

E DITO R ’ S N OTE

lthough uncommon timing for a Health and Beauty issue, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this process and I am reminded to reset and plan for the upcoming year with intentionality.

Throughout the year, I’ve adopted some very good habits and some very unnecessary ones. For me, it’s time to reevaluate how to feel my best, look my best, and be my best, because, ready or not, 2021 is only a few weeks away.

This year has been unexpected in many ways, and it has taken most of us to a place of survival mode.

So how do we switch from being in survival mode back to living from a place of intention in our lives? How do we look to a better, healthier, and more beautiful life ahead of us?

In my early 20s I adopted the habit to take time at the end of the current year to plan for the upcoming year. The idea is to assess every part of my inner being and make room to dream, plan, and set goals. Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to

A

So how do we switch from being in survival mode back to living from a place of intention in our lives? plan, you plan to fail.”

In this issue, we cover topics about health and beauty, including expert advice for better sleep habits. We explore iconic hairstyles through the decades and their modern interpretations, including the business of hair culture in the South.

As we prepare for the holidays and end of the year, we hope this issue sparks momentum for you to approach the new year holistically with a new mindset.

Sally Ibarra Barceló EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

1400 S. Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33803 863.250.5553 EYESONLAKELAND.COM

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PHOTO BY: BRANDON CRUZ

Our products are locally made and range from skincare to bath and home items. All are freshly crafted from natural and organic ingredients.

244 North Kentucky Avenue

175 South Central Avenue

Lakeland, FL 33801

Bartow, FL 33830

RafaNatural.com • 863.712.7620 · Find us on Instagram @RafaNatural

C O N T R I B U T O R S THE WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS THAT MAKE THE LAKELANDER

NATE CHAPPELL

“California Gold” written by Benjamin Vickers, pg. 106

BENJAMIN VICKERS Benjamin Vickers is a native of Lakeland. After studying literature in college, he moved to New York for formal culinary training at the Culinary Institute of America. After working in numerous prestigious bakeries, restaurants, and resorts along the East Coast, he returned to Lakeland and founded Honeycomb, the local artisan bread bakery specializing in sourdough. When writing about food, he brings a professional’s focus on technique with a unique and playful writing style. honeycombbread.com

How did you first get into baking?

Like so many others, baking began for me as a hobby. In college I was determined to become a writer, but bread and pastry was something I couldn’t put down. Eventually baking became my entire career, and writing is now something I do for enjoyment. Perhaps the attraction of this form of artisanship is how incidental it is: Cooking is a means of survival, whereas baking is something extra — unneeded but desired. When someone shares something they’ve baked with you, they’re communicating that you are loved.

How do you draw inspiration as a writer?

Dry as it may sound, research is the best source of inspiration. I’m always looking for a deeper understanding about the topics we write about at The Lakelander. Not only because the magazine speaks with authority and competence, but also because the nuances of a situation often become the most important and fascinating elements of a piece.

Subtlety is certainly something to be excited about.

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You’ve contributed to numerous issues of The Lakelander. What has been your favorite article to write so far?

Hands-down it would be March 2018’s Passover feature “The Seder Plate.” The content has such a specific emotional and historical context that was important to communicate. It was a real joy bringing something from my personal background to the public. The photography, food, and article all turned out brilliantly.

What does an ideal Lakeland weekend look like?

Sleep in, because you deserve it! During the day, peruse the Downtown Farmers Curb Market before it gets too hot at noon (maybe pick up a loaf of Honeycomb bread), then finish up any chores or errands that you’ve been putting off. In the evening, reward yourself with a fancy drink at Revival downtown with your compadres. Sunday you should take your parents out to breakfast or give them a call.

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

Nate Chappell has just celebrated his first year as a member of the Lakelander team. He hails from South Georgia and graduated from Southeastern University in 2018 with a degree in graphic design. He has lived in Lakeland for over seven years and has enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with several local businesses and organizations as a creative. Nate is passionate about building community through intentional design and creating a space for others to feel included and represented. natechappell.com

MICHAEL GIRAGOSIAN Michael Giragosian is a professional photographer specializing in fashion editorials and advertisements.

His foundation as a wedding photographer developed his creativity utilizing various lighting sources as well as enabling him to perfect his ability to photograph people. He regularly contributes his vivid images to magazines, photographing both covers and editorials. michaelgiragosian.com

See the masthead on pg. 30 for a list of all contributing writers and photographers.

Relax, we’ve got this!

L E T T E R S COMMENTS FROM LAKELANDERS

“MORE THAN TEN YEARS LATER AND STILL GETTING ATTENTION. LOVE THIS OFFICE, OUR PEOPLE AND OUR COMMUNITY.” Maggie Briggs // Facebook

“THIS LOOK FROM THE LAKELANDER BRIDAL SHOOT IS GIVING US ALL THE FALL AND HOLIDAY PARTY VIBES.”

Home Solution Lenders, Inc. ... making the mortgage process more calm and tranquil since 2008

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Mortgage Solutions • FHA VA • USDA • Conventional Bond • Construction Refinance Loans

“...THEY DO SUCH AN AMAZING JOB UNITING & HIGHLIGHTING THE COMMUNITY OF LAKELAND, SO IF YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY.. SNAG ONE OFF THE SHELVES.. IT IS SUCH A GOOD READ...” @marjanslookbook // Instagram

HOME SOLUTION LENDERS, INC. 863-607-HOME (4663) HSLenders.com 1445 E Main Street Bartow, FL 33830

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TH E L A K E L A N D E R

MESSIEH ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC Leader in anterior hip replacement in Central Florida since 1991 Less-invasive surgery for the active patient looking for a quick recovery and a quicker return to work

Two Locations 1601 Sixth Street SE Winter Haven, FL 33880 863.419.9301 3200 Physicians Way Sebring, FL 33880 863.471.9700

M E T R O NEW AND NOTABLE IN LAKELAND

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For the first time in a long time, it feels as if we are truly realizing the importance of holistic health. Besides the obvious global pandemic we endured in 2020, over the past few years our generation has tried to change the narrative from superficial beauty to both inner and outer beauty by understanding the five aspects of holistic health: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and mental. All of these aspects of holistic health are what keep the body’s energy balanced and healthy.

The American Holistic Health Association explains holistic health as an approach that considers the whole person and how he or she interacts with his or her environment. It emphasizes the connection of mind, body, and spirit.

P H Y S I C A L H E A LT H Physical health is most commonly tied to a healthy person, which is only partially true. For years, our society has focused on physical signs and symptoms that are easier to measure versus other

non-physical signs and symptoms that can seem more abstract. Holistic health believes in the power of getting eight hours of sleep, along with a balanced diet and abstaining from smoking and excessive alcohol intake.

social schedule, such as being a part of a church community or extracurricular clubs and teams. Research has shown that some of the happiest people have deep connections with their friends, family, and community.

E M O T I O N A L H E A LT H Emotional health can drastically affect physical health. It is important to be mindful of your emotions and practice stress-reduction habits that can help you better manage life’s daily stressors.

S P I R I T U A L H E A LT H Spiritual health looks slightly different for everyone, but it should all achieve the same goal: connecting with who you are at your core and who you are personally.

Your spiritual health should focus on how you are connecting with your inner soul and the greater world around you, such as spending time outdoors.

S O C I A L H E A LT H Social health has more to do with human connection rather than a full

WITH HOLISTIC H E A LT H , T H E R E I S T H E B E L I E F T H AT T H E B O D Y C O N TA I N S A N E N E R G Y S Y S T E M T H AT IS THE SUPPORT AND LIFE FOR THE P H Y S I C A L B O D Y.

I SS U E 59

M E N TA L H E A LT H Our mental health often overlaps with both our emotional and physical health.

One of the major distinctions between the two is that emotional health refers mostly to our daily moods and emotions, while our mental health pertains to our cognitive abilities that affect how our brain functions.

With holistic health, there is the belief that the body contains an energy system that is the support and life for the physical body. Holistic health focuses on more than what can be diagnosed through medical screening. It is the idea that a person feels their best when the body is balanced.

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METRO

Your new beauty go-to Bella Visage might just be your new beauty

DOCTORATE OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

secret.

One year of study is complete for Florida Southern College’s inaugural Doctorate of Physical Therapy class. The accelerated program, which opened in August 2019, lasts 28 months (or six semesters) and requires students to perform clinical rotations throughout Central Florida and beyond, as well as provide pro bono services to underserved populations.

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other spa treatments).

We asked Bella Viságe’s Raechel Kilburn to tell us about a few of the newest services the downtown medical spa has on offer. The big takeaway: Technology is quickly advancing, making it easier, less painful, and more affordable than ever to opt in to treatments.

“In the past, things that used to call for surgeries and downtime — or even time away from work or social events — no longer require that,” says Kilburn. “Many treatments can be done on your lunch break.”

FEATURED SERVICES

BEL L A V I SAG E 119 Traders Alley Lakeland, FL 33801 863.333.0553 bellavisagelakeland.com

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igh-end spa services in downtown Lakeland? That was the mission of Mark and Jeanna Parker, the husband-and-wife duo behind Bella Viságe, when they opened their business in 2015. They also wanted to make sure they covered a lot of bases, so the business features both medical rejuvenation (for treatments like neurotoxin injections, microneedling, and skin resurfacing), which Jeanna, a nurse practitioner, oversees, and aesthetic services (for facials, massages, and

EMSCULPT

V I VA C E

JEUVEAU

A body-contouring service that helps build and tone muscles in the abs, thighs, arms, and butt, Emsculpt is a noninvasive procedure that utilizes high-intensity electromagnetic energy.

The energy triggers contractions that tighten the muscles and target fat around the muscle.

Bella Viságe is one of the only providers in the area offering Vivace, a microneedling procedure that utilizes radio frequency technology. The device, which stimulates the production of collagen, reduces wrinkles and fine lines, as well as tones the hands, face, and body.

Similar to Botox, Jeuveau is the latest in injectables.

Like its popular predecessor, Jeuveau reduces frown lines by blocking the signal from the nerve to the muscles.

The main difference? It’s at a lower price point, which makes repeat visits more of a possibility.

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

accountants consultants wealth advisors From tax planning and preparation to financial planning and investment management, Wall Titus has the experience and expertise to accomplish all of your financial goals.

PROVIDING A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO YOUR FINANCIAL NEEDS

863.683.0708 walltitus.com

METRO

THE FINISHING TOUCH When it comes to beauty, sometimes you have to think outside the box. These four extra-special treatments will have you feeling fresh, head to toe.

M IC ROBLA DING Brow & Beauty Suite If the eyes are the windows to the soul, the eyebrows are the curtains that frame the windows—and you want blackouts, not sheers. Enter microblading, a semi-permanent treatment whereby a technician implants pigment beneath the skin in fine, hair-like strokes.

According to Brow & Beauty Suite, the treatment can last for up to 18 months with periodic touch-ups. browandbeautysuite.com

EYELASH E XTENSIO NS The Lashery

CR AN B ERRY T URNOVER P EEL Body Allures

Want movie star-quality, batworthy eyelashes? Pro tip: consider extensions. At The Lashery Makeup Studio, owner Haylee Doyle enhances what you already have with synthetic polyester lashes, applying them one at a time until your peepers look celebrity worthy.

While it sounds like a delicious dessert, the cranberry turnover peel at Body Allures is actually for your skin (and not your tummy).

A chemical peel meant to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation, it’ll exfoliate and brighten your skin thanks to Vitamin C-rich cranberry.

thelasherymakeup.com

bodyallures.com

DI P N AI L S Noire The Nail Bar What’s a dip nail? It’s somewhere on the spectrum between a regular manicure and a fake acrylic nail.

After the base coat, but before the sealant, you dip your nails into a jar with colored powder. At Noire The Nail Bar, the technicians can create a range of looks—from a glitter burst to faux snake skin.

4620 S. Florida Avenue #110 Lakeland, FL 33813

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METRO

FROM THE INSIDE OUT Since purchasing Krazy Kombucha three years ago from the chiropractor she worked for, Wendy Johnson has been spreading the good word — and flavor! — of the popular fermented tea drink all over Polk County.

“I love brewing it because I know that every drop in someone’s belly is benefitting it,” Johnson says.

We asked her to tell us more about the business and how kombucha is a straight shot to good health.

What is kombucha and how does it benefit health?

Wendy Johnson: Kombucha is a fermented tea that contains a live probiotic.

Each of our tanks have a large scoby (a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast). That’s the probiotic.

When someone drinks it — I

recommend regularly if you have digestive issues — it starts working to fix issues in the gut biome.

If you clean up the gut biome, then of course you’re boosting your immune system and boosting your own energy. Kombucha is also considered a detoxer— it helps the liver. The reason for that is not only from the probiotic, but the gluconic acid that’s left from the fermentation.

Do you offer flavors that target specific issues?

Ginger is our best seller.

Ginger, by itself, is the best digestive aid. We blend it in a Vitamix and squeeze it through a cheesecloth to get as much sugar out as possible. We add organic apple juice because ginger is so strong, and then add

it to kombucha.

Our spirulina mint is very much the same. Mint is so soothing to the system if there’s nausea or pain from something. It’s really about helping the body digest whatever’s going on and helping soothe the system.

Where can readers find Krazy Kombucha?

We mainly sell at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market every Saturday.

In January, we spread our wings a little bit — my best friend, Amy Jackson, helps me — at the Winter Haven market.

We’re on tap at Nineteen61, Yard on Mass, and The Joinery. We’re also at Bru Growler in Tampa and Union Tap Room in Winter Haven. And Good Thyme is actually our brew location.

good guts As Wendy Johnson often tells her three sons, drinking kombucha is like sending an army into your gut. The “good guys” fight an overgrowth of yeast and other elements that cause indigestion, bloating, and gas — the “bad guys” that cause chronic issues.

“The army grows and gets stronger, so then you get an overgrowth of good bacteria, and those chronic and painful issues go away,” Johnson says. “That’s what kombucha’s all about.”

DON’T FORGET THE BABY Rafa Naturals is the local go-to for all things skincare, and a year and a half ago, the company added a line for babies, too. Soon available online (and currently at various

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retailers), the baby wash/ shampoo is sulfate-free and infused with lavender, chamomile, and a buttermilk peach blend (“It smells so good, I put the creme on!” says owner Kim Hancock).

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

Start that Project now!

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METRO

E S TA B L I S H 3 7 : A H A I R SA LO N ON A MISSION Lynzee Larson grows her business with the essential

E

purpose of supporting and celebrating women.

Photography by Ashley Cheshire

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stablish 37 has a unique mission far beyond being a fullservice salon offering hair color, cuts and styling, facials, nail services, tanning, and makeup.

Owner and lead stylist of Establish 37, Lynzee Larson has a defined purpose as to why Establish 37 exists. She and her husband relocated to Lakeland with their son last summer, and after a few months of working for a local salon, Larson literally decided to establish herself by opening her own salon.

“The heart and vision of Establish 37 are that people have

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the opportunity to establish their dreams here. Whether it be a guest who enters the doors and shares her dreams with her stylist, or a stylist building her business, it can be done here,” says Larson.

“One night, around 11:00 o’clock, I thought about how much I loved the Dixieland area, so I Googled ‘retail locations under 1,000 square feet,’ and [what ended up being] our first location on Hillcrest came up. So, I called the next day and we jumped right into it.”

Larson has been a hairstylist for 10 years, and her vision was to create a space where stylists were empowered as entrepreneurs, giving them the tools and resources to grow.

E STABLISH 3 7 AT HI L LCREST

ESTABL I SH 3 7 AT PAL M O L A

801 S. Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33801 establish37.com

1224 S. Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33803 establish37.com

Establish 37’s first location (Establish 37 | Hillcrest) on 801 South Florida Avenue opened in November 2019. With a booth rental business model in place, the salon quickly filled up with talented, eager stylists.

“I always say, ‘I like hair, but I love people,’ and that’s really why I do hair. Hairstyling allows me to be around people and be a part of their everyday lives. It’s such a privilege that hairdressers have — to be a part of our customer’s journey of life and hear what their dreams are and see how their life is established as well.”

By February 2020, Establish 37 was ready for a second location, and, unlike most business owners, Larson decided to open her second location about half a mile from the first location: Establish 37 | Palmola. The Palmola location is a slightly different business model, a combination of booth rental and commission.

“In this salon, we welcome our

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guests. We listen to requests. We care about people. We love hair.

We believe in sustainable beauty.

We celebrate grace and elegance.

We appreciate suggestions. We believe that beautiful is also good.” — Establish 37 Larson is passionate about empowering every stylist/team member and creating customized opportunities for them to grow and achieve their goals, which led her to the addition of a nail technician at Establish 37 | Palmola. Nail services are a unique addition to a Lakeland hair salon. The community around Establish 37 loves these services and the talented nail technician, Ashanti Lauren.

“I was never interested in doing the traditional commission business method, but there was a need,” says Larson. “We had stylists who were looking for this option; they were in the beginning stages of their career or transitioning. So, we meet those needs. We try our best to accommodate everyone. And I believe there’s room for everybody at the table.”

Larson plans to open a third Establish 37 location by Spring 2021, and, as she looks to the future, she ultimately would like to help fill the need for an esthetician and cosmetology school here in Lakeland.

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METRO

Gentlemen, put your best face forward.

Did you think we forgot about you guys? Of course not. There are a lot of services out there being marketed to men. Here are a few we think would be worth looking into.

Hairline Nowadays, hair loss can be prevented and in some cases even reversed. The biggest key is prevention. Start early and keep those luscious locks.

Sometimes improvement can be achieved though basic diet and lifestyle changes in addition to prescription remedies. Check out offerings from sites like Forhims.com and Keeps.com, and consult a dermatologist at Watson Clinic. watsonclinic.com

Skin Beyond being an amazing way to relax, regular facials are great for maintaining healthy skin.

The extraction of blackheads, exfoliation of dead skin cells, and deep moisturization lead to a healthier complexion. Just think of it as a power-wash for your face. Book one today with Spa

by MD. spabymd.com

Neck Beard

Brows

TrueMedSpa says laser hair removal is wildly popular for men and women alike. One thing you may not have thought about is eliminating that pesky neck beard. This can be a huge timesaver and especially beneficial for those who deal with razor irritation in that area. truemedspalakeland.com

Sparse or thinning brows can be the result of genetics, skin conditions, age, or scarring.

Microblading is a semipermanent tattooing technique used to create the appearance of fuller brows. Unlike older techniques, the results can appear extremely natural for a youthful look. Consult with the experts at Brow & Beauty Suite. browandbeautysuite.com

Regrettable Decisions Actions have consequenses, but they don’t always have to be permanent. Mark Parker of Bella Viságe says that tattoo removal is by far the most popular treatment among men. We aren’t surprised, but we aren’t judging either. The technology has come a long way over the years, and many have achieved remarkable results. bellavisagelakeland.com

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Dark Circles

Nail the Basics E X F O L I AT E

H Y D R AT E

PROTECT

Use a cleansing scrub with clean ingredients.

Moisturize, and drink plenty of water.

Wear SPF, and be careful with sun exposure.

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Avoid looking like you’re burning the candle at both ends. Eliminating dark circles and under-eye bags can be addressed with a variety of treatments at Viva Vitality.

This is one of the best ways to achieve a healthy, well-rested appearance. viva-vitality.com

A daily dose of joy At Comfort Keepers ®, we provide in-home care that helps seniors and others live safe, happy and independent lives in the comfort of their own homes.

In-home care services • Personal care • Dementia and Alzheimer’s care • Companionship and housekeeping • Respite care • Safety solutions

(863) 327-3132 ComfortKeepers.com HHA #299992766 © 2020 CK Franchising, Inc. Most offices independently owned and operated. 0320 I SS U E 59

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METRO

photo by David Dickey / Lkld Now

PADDLES UP The Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex is home to Lakeland’s first public kayaking and canoeing facility.

The City of Lakeland created a native plant landscaping that complements the natural environment of the entire complex adding to the already-existing dog park and boat ramp. The facility features classroom space, event rental space, and the opportunity for water sports programming from kayak rentals to fishing tournaments. The banquet room includes impressive views of Lake Crago.

TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE Previous Vanguard Room recording artist, Bela Pierce, has released two singles back-to-back: “New Ground” and “Lying.”

“New Ground” has received positive feedback and praise from the press in the music industry. “[‘New Ground’] channel[s] an understated R&B sound, the skittish beats and warm bass notes urge the track forward. Offset by smatterings of guitar and Pierce’s dexterous vocal, this latest outing muses on the push and pull of love.” — Clout You can now stream the two singles on Spotify. Scan the code with the Spotify app and listen now.

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PLANET –ARIUM R E V I VA L Completed in 1958, the Polk County Science Building Planetarium is the only planetarium designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright and is located on the Florida Southern College campus.

The Polk County Science Building Planetarium will receive a $250,000 restoration grant administered by the National Park Service (NPS) of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The planned two-year restoration project calls for repair, replacement, and physical upgrades to the planetarium facility’s infrastructure and interior features, addressing damage caused by aging as well as water infiltration accelerated by several hurricanes.

Funding for the planetarium project is supported through a grant from the Save America’s Treasures program. The program requires applicants to match grant money, dollar for dollar, from other funding sources —

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bringing FSC a total of $500,000 in funding for the planetarium’s interior restoration.

“Combined with a significant gift from Lakeland’s own historic preservationist and philanthropist Gregory Fancelli, the future is bright for this magnificent one-of-its-kind planetarium. Scholars from around the world are eager to come and study this gem of world-class architecture at Florida Southern College.” — FSC President Anne Kerr Restoration work will include repairing damage to the facility’s unique “textile-block” walls, a construction system that weaves together concrete blocks reinforced by steel bars. Damage to ceilings, windows, floors, doors, and other hardware will also be addressed, in addition to the off-site refurbishment of the planetarium’s original, Wrightdesigned wooden seating and upholstery.

Your home deserves a great paint We now carry Benjamin Moore® premium paints, giving you the very best color and quality for your paint project.

Shop your favorite Benjamin Moore® colors and get $7 OFF select paints.

Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware 2 Lakeland Locations Lakeland , FL 33803 (863) 683-6702 | acehardware.com

Offer valid for $7 off gallons, up to five (5) gallons, of ben from participating Ace retailer. Subject to availability. Cannot be combined with other deals or applied to previous purchases. Retailer reserves the right to cancel or modify without notice. Offer notice. expires XX/XX/XXX expiresOffer 04/30/2020. ©2019 Benjamin Moore & Co. ben, Benjamin Moore, Gennex, and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. All other marks are the property of their respective owner. 10/19

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ORAL HEALTH CAN BE A JOURNEY. WE ARE HERE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

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Meet Peggy: “I began my journey with Agnini Family Dental at the age of 68. You’re never too old! I didn’t realize, looking at my teeth daily, how crooked they were. Dr. Mike transformed my crooked teeth with Damon® Braces into a smooth, even smile.

A little later, Dr. Drew consulted and presented me with a plan for a new adventure. While my teeth were now straight, they weren’t the best quality. It was a very precise plan for implants and veneers. He explained each stage, using x-rays, developing templates, and fitting temporaries.

The technology was incredible. When he finished, I had a healthy, even smile. And I have to say, I had no pain, maybe a little tenderness after braces adjustments. Wow, what a difference!

Thank you Dr. Mike and Dr. Drew and all of your staff. I feel like family.”

Peggy Cahman

We accept CareCredit

before

Agnini Dental Patient

South Lakeland Office 2410 S. Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33803 863-682-1500

after

North Lakeland Office 1805 Lakeland Hills Blvd.

Lakeland, FL 33805 863-682-1500

AgniniDental.com

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Greater Lakeland Healthy Skin Is K.E.Y K.E.Y Esthetics is a day spa located in Plant City, complete with two treatment rooms, one medical massage practitioner, and three licensed paramedical estheticians. The space is cozy and comfortable, offering customized services from trained professionals to guide you on your journey to healthier skin. keyesthetics.com

POLK COUNTY

PLANT CITY

AND BEYOND

COMMUNITYFOCUSED CARE

Caring for Polk County and beyond, BayCare is on a mission to improve people’s health by providing the highest-quality and most effective healthcare services.

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BayCare is a not-for-profit healthcare system devoted to the Tampa Bay and Central Florida community, offering healthcare to individuals and families. They offer a range of services, including primary care, immediate care, imaging, laboratories, home care, rehabilitation, and a variety of specialty care.

BayCare was established in 1997 in the Tampa Bay area by a group of local hospitals, and they have now grown to an integrated

system with 15 hospitals, three of which are located in Polk County, including Winter Haven, Bartow, and Lakeland.

Founded in 1926, Winter Haven Hospital has an outstanding reputation maintaining the BayCare mission of providing high-quality compassionate care to those they serve.

BayCare recently opened their first urgent care in Lakeland, providing convenient and accessible care for patients in the local community.

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Written by Allison Stephan

Located in the iconic Southgate Shopping Center, they are excited to continue their mission by providing a total care experience. They strive for excellence and pride themselves in ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.

For more information, visit www.baycare.org.

Winter Haven Hospital 200 Avenue F NE Winter Haven, FL 33881

W I N T E R H AV E N

REGIONAL NEWS & STORIES – CURATED FOR LAKELANDERS

Wax Haven: A Place Where Skin Comes First Wax Haven is Winter Haven’s first waxing center dedicated to removing hair safely, effectively, and gently through wax services. With licensed estheticians on staff, Wax Haven offers custom, individual waxing experiences to their customers. In addition, these licensed estheticians educate customers on their skin type, providing custom regimens to practice at home.

W I N T E R H AV E N

thewaxhaven.com

The Most Wonderful Time of Year Celebrate the holidays at LEGOLAND. Enjoy seasonal shows and treats, special LEGO characters, twinkling lights, fireworks on select nights, and even a Kids’ New Year’s Party.

Festive Builds and Models Don’t miss the 30-foot LEGO Christmas tree and its ongoing dazzling light show. The lights dance along to seasonal tunes.

Character Experiences This year’s event has a variety of photo opportunities with LEGO characters for your favorite holiday picture, including characters such as Gingerbread Man, Santa, Unikitty, Toy Soldier, and more.

Interactive Activities Build holiday cheer this year and take a ride on LEGOLAND’s two-story carousel for a holiday sing-along. Mail your letter to Santa from the new LEGOLAND interactive post office.

Also, give Santa’s master builders a helping hand with the Santa Toy Build.

The Very Merry Mix Up and North Pole Nonsense Shows Experience spectacular shows with showtimes throughout the day.

All character and performance interactions will be staged using spacing of six feet or more, and elevated platforms.

Kids’ New Year’s Party Presented

by Ford Ring in the new year with lights, music, fireworks, and fun for the whole family. Be on the lookout for flying bricks and fireworks.

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RETINOL REVOLUTION Retinol and retinoids: an 89-year-old powerhouse ingredient that has made a comeback in recent years

In

1931, Swiss chemist Paul Karrer changed the trajectory of skincare forever. He identified retinol alongside other retinoids as the chemical makeup of Vitamin A, one of the body’s essential nutrients for boosting cell turnover. Retinol was a tricky compound, prone to quick degeneration when exposed to oxygen and light.

In 1971, Retin-A, a brand name for retinoic acid, was FDA approved as a prescription-strength treatment for acne. Suddenly, dermatologists started reporting a variety of benefits such as reduction in fine lines and hyperpigmentation. But, due to the lack of knowledge in how much and how often to use the product, major concerns regarding side effects like dryness and irritation shelved the product for a few years. For decades, retinol was not an option as a skincare ingredient because it

was harder to stabilize than retinoic acid.

Over the years, researchers began to focus on retinol (the milder parent molecule) for everyday use and over-the-counter products. Researchers soon discovered that when retinol goes onto your skin, your cells receive the retinol and retain it — to then convert only what your skin needs into retinoic acid. This made the ingredient even more consumer friendly than Retin-A, leading to the technological advances that have had more to do with the appropriate packaging of retinol than retinol itself.

Pharmaceutical companies have now taken major strides to make retinol stable enough to live in a bottle with other active ingredients.

Today, you can find a variety of serums, creams, and oils containing retinol.

Consult your dermatologist to appropriately incorporate this powerhouse ingredient into your regimen and achieve your best complexion to date.

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WILL RUN FOR BEER

For some of us, there’s only one excuse to hit the pavement: the promise of beer at the end of the journey. Luckily for fans of Grove Roots Brewing Co., the downtown brewery makes it easy with its weekly Roots Run Club.

Every Thursday at 6 p.m., triathletes, casual joggers, veteran runners, and moms with strollers gather for a 1.5- or three-mile run through downtown Winter Haven.

“Everyone is encouraged to participate,” says the brewery’s Director of Operations, Morgan

BOWLING GREEN

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GREATER LAKELAND

Wilson. “It’s a common meeting ground to just get out and move.”

There are about 20 regulars each week, but Wilson says they’ve occasionally had as many as 40 participants.

As promised, post-run, participants wearing a green Roots Run Club shirt get $1 off all beer and wine. As Wilson says, “Shouldn’t every run end with a cold beer?” (We’ll let you in on a little secret: Even if you don’t run, wearing the shirt will get you the same deal!)

A Luxurious Retreat Located at Streamsong Resort, the AcquaPietra™ spa offers some of the most exquisite spa experiences in Central Florida. The spa features a moody, European-style grotto design encouraging inner tranquility and relaxation. Enjoy a full menu of therapies and packages, including Florida Resident Spa Exclusives, body services, facials, massages, enhancements, hair and nail salon services, and spa escapes. streamsongresort.com

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TH E L A K E L A N D E R

W I N T E R H AV E N

The Florida State University College of Medicine Family Medicine Residency at BayCare Health System received hundreds of applications and interviewed nearly 75 applicants.

Educating Winter Haven’s Future Doctors In a recent Community Health Needs Assessment study, BayCare Winter Haven Hospital found that its citizens struggle with access to healthcare.

The Winter Haven Hospital Foundation, along with several community partners, then took steps to commission an extensive feasibility study to determine if a graduate medical education program in Polk County would help improve primary care access.

By 2017, BayCare Winter Haven Hospital took the first step toward developing a graduate medical education program by contracting with FSU as a mission-aligned academic partner. Since then, many milestones have taken place in order for the Florida State University College of Medicine Family Medicine Residency at BayCare Health System in Winter Haven to welcome the first inaugural residents to the program.

Residents are physicians who have completed medical school and are undergoing additional training for a

specialty. Residents seek a graduate medical education program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education; and after completion of a qualifying residency program, physicians are eligible to take an exam to become boardcertified in the program specialty.

The first six residents of the Winter Haven program — Dr. Marvin Dieujuste, from Fort Lauderdale; Dr. Brian Greene, from Reno, NV; Dr. Feisal Hamam, from Paterson, NJ.; Dr. Trevor Owens from Cocoa; Dr. Ravi Patel from Bonifay, and Dr. Dianna Pham, who was raised in Winter Haven — are learning more about the family medicine specialty during a three-year stint.

The curriculum offers a learning environment across several settings, including hospital, ambulatory, emergency, home care and long-term care, and various specialty rotations.

The rotations include training with community physicians specializing in

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pediatrics, behavioral health, cardiology, geriatrics, dermatology, gynecology, obstetrics, general surgery, orthopedics, nephrology, urology, and pulmonology — all things expected of a family medicine physician.

The physicians also see patients at the BayCare Medical Group Family Health Center, which opened in 2019. Here, they work closely with faculty primary care physicians, a pharmacist, and mental health specialists.

Pham was especially excited to begin her studies. As someone who grew up in Winter Haven, she looks forward to serving the community.

“I never thought there would be a residency program in my hometown,” she said. “To be able to return feels good, because now you’re contributing back to the place where you’ve lived your life.”

Currently, the residents are getting to know each other, and they will learn together as well. The specialty of family medicine requires that the physicians know a lot about an array of conditions.

Founding Program Director Nathan Falk, MD, MBA, FAAFP, said that they will rotate together to various units as they do this and then come together at the end of the day to trade notes.

“We wanted people with strong medical knowledge, but they also need to have a passion for caring for the whole person.

They also have to be a good team player who is able to interact well with everyone, from pharmacists to nurses and everyone on the patient journey,” said Falk.

Winter Haven Hospital signed the contract with Florida State College of Medicine on December 12, 2017, to

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We’re worth the drive.

Every morning, more than 100 students from the Winter Haven area make the trip to Lakeland Christian School for: • • • •

Challenging academics Championship athletics Award-winning fine arts Biblical worldview

Find out more by visiting our website. Then call Julie Rice, Director of Enrollment, for a tour.

1111 Forest Park Street, Lakeland 863-688-2771 | lcsonline.org

WH magazine ad - Jan .indd 1

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2/7/20 3:09 PM

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“WE WANTED PEOPLE WITH STRONG MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE, BUT THEY A L S O N E E D TO H AV E A PA S S I O N F O R C A R I N G F O R T H E W H O L E P E R S O N . . .”

Nathan Falk, MD, MBA, FAAFP Founding Program Director

establish and operate the residency program with the mission-based purpose to be responsive to community needs. Winter Haven Hospital then set forth to build a training site, and FSU to hire a program director to develop the curriculum, hire faculty, and achieve accreditation. In 2018, Dr. Falk was named the founding program director, and in mid-2019, the training site construction was completed. Shortly after, faculty physicians were hired and started building a patient clientele at the training site, which opened formally as BayCare Medical Group Family Health Center at 1201 First Street South in Winter Haven.

Today, the Family Health Center employs two full-time primary care physicians and a clinical pharmacist who also serve as FSU faculty. The

Center accepts appointments for patients from newborn to adult age for wellness visits, plus back-to-school and sports physicals, non-operative orthopedic care, sports medicine, women’s health (including prenatal care and obstetrics), and pharmacy consultations.

The search for the inaugural residents began in the Fall of 2019, after the program received accreditation.

For medical school graduates, the residency application process begins in the fall during the final year of school when they apply to the programs of their choice. Interviews are held; then in February, both applicants and residency programs rank each other in order of preference and submit the preference lists to the

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National Residency Match Program.

NRMP processes the lists using a computerized mathematical algorithm to match applicants with programs.

On “Match Day,” the third Friday of every March, residents and faculty are notified of their matches.

After this year’s Match Day, the Winter Haven residency program met their residents virtually due to the pandemic. Each year, more residents will join the program to begin their threeyear program. Drs. Dieujuste, Greene, Hamam, Owens, Patel, and Pham will complete their training in 2023.

Meanwhile, Winter Haven Hospital has a goal to retain at least half of their residents to practice in Polk County after program completion, and therefore contributing to improving access to healthcare for the community.

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POLK COUNTY

GREATER LAKELAND

BEAUTY WITH A CAUSE Written by Allison Stephan Photography by Beth Carter

Beauty may be fleeting, but it can build confidence and connect us to one another in uplifting and empowering ways.

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T

op Buttons Boutique is a nonprofit organization that operates out of an upscale thrift store open to the public for shopping. They have three locations, each situated in the downtowns of Lakeland, Bartow, and Winter Haven, with their office spaces being in Lakeland.

Before starting Top Buttons, Sarah Powers began the Wearing Confidence Program in 2012 — but not with the goal to sell clothing. The vision

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of the program is to build self-worth inside and out through education and provision of resources.

“We began with the heart to provide desperately needed resources to young women and inspire them to know who they are and present that to the world without compromise and without limiting their opportunities,” explains Powers.

To build partnerships, Powers had conversations with local organizations, explaining her passion for young

At Top Buttons Boutique, customers can purchase both new and gently used clothing items and accessories.

women and using fashion as a tool to connect with, inspire, and equip them. Top Buttons now partners with about 28 organizations that serve at-risk young women between the ages of 11 and 25. Once the girls have enrolled with them, they are invited to attend Top Buttons’ educational events and boutique sessions in which they are matched with a personal stylist and are able to have their hair styled in addition to selecting free clothing items. The Wearing Confidence Program includes haircuts, touchups, and styling.

“Providing not only clothing but also personal hygiene and beauty became a really important part of the Wearing Confidence Program,” says Powers. “I hate using the word ‘beauty’ because it doesn’t seem like the right word, but when we talk about skincare, makeup, and hair, we reference that by using the word ‘beauty.’”

Support Top Buttons’ mission with a a onetime donation gift or become a regular monthly supporter.

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The Beauty Bar features a clean and inviting aesthetic, allowing for an inviting environment to help women look and feel their best.

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When her choice matters most SARAH POWERS Founder and CEO

“WE WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW T H E F U L L N E S S O F W H AT WE’RE DOING; WE’RE NOT JUST A SHOP OR SALON. WE A R E F I R S T A N O N P R O F I T; T H AT ’ S W H Y W E S T A R T E D .

H AV I N G A S H O P A L LOW S U S TO MEET PEOPLE AND SHARE T H E M I S S I O N E V E R Y D AY.”

we are here to help Empowering Women with Medical Services,

While the Lakeland Top Buttons location has The Strand Salon next door, the Winter Haven location is the largest Top Buttons and the first one to have a full beauty bar concept due to the convenience of a larger unit. They currently have two salon chairs with the potential to add a third.

“While we are extremely grateful for The Strand, we wanted to have our own beauty bar so that when we’re serving girls in our Wearing Confidence Program, we have the chair to wash their hair, cut, and style it,” says Powers.

The beauty bar is free for the girls

in the Wearing Confidence Program, and Top Buttons also allows hair stylists to pay rent and bring in their paying clients. Due to recent events surrounding COVID-19, however, they are currently looking to rent the chairs to more hair stylists in order to generate additional revenue for the nonprofit.

Top Buttons plans to continue to grow their connections in Winter Haven and develop a volunteer base there. They also plan to eventually establish a similar beauty bar in Bartow, but they have not had the space for it yet.

Options and Compassionate Support

YourChoiceLakeland.com 1234 E. Lime St Lakeland 33801 863-683-2341

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“We want people to know the fullness of what we’re doing; we’re not just a shop or salon.

We are first a nonprofit; that’s why we started.

Having a shop allows us to meet people and share the mission every day.”

The future of Top Buttons is bright, as they have had many requests from people to start a Top Buttons in their city.

“For two and a half years, I’ve said, ‘We’re not ready.’ We have a good model and a lot of systems in place, and now we have the legal and financial framework put together where people can replicate what we’re doing if they follow the guidelines that we’ve established,” says Powers.

Their first location outside of Polk County has recently opened in Nashville, Tennessee.

As their partnerships grow and word spreads, Powers and the Top Buttons’ team hope to continue educating young women about what beauty looks like in an overly critical world, empowering them with the confidence to prosper wherever life takes them.

For more information on how you can support Top Buttons, visit topbuttons.org.

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topbuttons.org sarah@topbuttons.org LOCATIONS 236 N. Kentucky Avenue Lakeland, FL 33801 226 W. Central Avenue Winter Haven, FL 33880 160A E. Summerlin Street Bartow, FL 33830

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

Experts at exceptional smiles At Walding & Associates, we strive to provide patient-centered, compassionate dental care. Whether you need a dental checkup or more advanced treatment like crowns, veneers, or dental implants, Walding & Associates has an experienced dental team with the knowledge and skills to provide you with a beautiful, healthy smile for years to come.

We are proud to offer comprehensive dental care for Lakeland Area families including: • • • •

General Dentistry for the Entire Family Cosmetic Dentistry Botox Dental Implant Services

• • •

Full & Partial Dentures Emergency Dental Care TMJ

We’re here to provide you with the level of care you need, no matter what stage of life you are in.

Call today!

863.614.1794 or visit DrWalding.com 444 W. Pipkin Road | Lakeland, FL 33813 11/20

IT TAKES A LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER TO PROTECT ONE. INSURE YOUR BUSINESS WITH AN AGENT WHO UNDERSTANDS.

KAREN A. BRYAN | Agent karen@choosekaren.com 863.268.2900 WWW.CHOOSEKAREN.COM

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LLC

SMALL CITY RISING

863-299-1195

LIVE. WORK. PLAY.

56 FOURTH STREET, NW 2ND FLOOR WINTER HAVEN, FL 33881

WWW.SIXTENLLC.COM 68

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WHEN REAL ESTATE BECOMES A FAMILY AFFAIR! Bill and Wendy Walters have utilized Cathy “K” and The K Team for nearly 20 years of buying and selling homes in Polk County. Personal, investment, waterfront, acreage – the Walters have

owned it. Their daughter Catherine and her husband Chad have carried on that family tradition and we have proudly served them for numerous purchases and sales as well. Reputations are

built on trust and relationships and we are so grateful for the trust their family has placed in ours. We look forward to working with your families and cultivating a relationship that will continue for generations!

Zac Kluytenaar, Chad and Catherine Sanders, Cathy “K” Kluytenaar, Wendy and Bill Walters

CATHY “K” & Find Us 323 First Street S. Winter Haven, FL 33880

Contact Us 863.604.6220 Info@Yourkteam.com

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GREATER LAKELAND

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PEOPLE

Written by Rebecca Knowles

Photography by Dan Austin

It’s not uncommon for couples to have similar interests or even own a business together. In this case, Trey Smith (RDN, LDN) and Atenea Lara are a dynamic husband-and-wife duo who have been building their health and fitness businesses for many years. Though they each have their own distinct business (Trey owns Smith Advanced Nutrition Enterprise and Atenea owns Inspiring Fitness), they work together to inspire and motivate one another.

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BODY Husband-and-wife team Trey Smith and Atenea Lara are on a mission to redefine health and fitness through their ambitious and holistic companies.

TALK

Atenea Lara’s business model has shifted through the years, catering to the needs of clients and industry professionals alike.

wardobe by Dillard’s Lakeland hair & makeup by Giselle Oliveras and Kayla Judy of Venue Salon Jorge Massas of Barber Zone

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Atenea and Trey’s journey began in 2013 when the couple met in Orlando while attending the National Personal Trainer Institute at the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Atenea, who had been coaching and training clients in her home country of Mexico for a number of years, enrolled in the program to earn certifications that would allow her to engage clients outside of Mexico. Trey, who was on active duty with the Air Force, attended the program in order to help his unit meet their

goals on the physical fitness test.

“We met over casual conversation and agreed on two things: how much we loved Florida and how important it was for us both to grow our fitness businesses,” says Atenea.

After a few months, the training came to an end.

Atenea returned home to Mexico, and Trey returned to Atlanta where he was stationed. The couple continued their relationship and dated over the course of four years.

In 2017, Trey left active

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duty and joined the reserves.

He moved to Lakeland and enrolled at Keiser University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in dietetics and human nutrition.

Within a few months, he proposed to Atenea and she too moved to Lakeland.

They both loved Florida, and while they were not yet sure if the small town of Lakeland would be a good fit for them, the Dietetics and Nutrition Coordinated Program at Keiser combined an internship and classroom learning experience.

Atenea is currently creating a six-month comprehensive online certification program for people who want to become coaches.

The recently married couple enjoys cooking healthy recipes for a balanced diet.

Trey was able to earn his degree faster at Keiser than in other programs. In addition, the program was also flexible and respectful of his deployment schedule, allowing him to stay on track to graduate.

There was a charm to Lakeland and a community that Trey and Atenea felt drawn to.

They eventually got married in the States and hosted a big reception with family and friends in Mexico. When Trey graduated, the couple realized that Lakeland had become home and began to plan a future as newlyweds and entrepreneurs.

Atenea’s ambition to expand her company, Inspiring Fitness, created an opportunity to find a great community, especially at Catapult where she has an office and Trey utilizes the co-working space. “Catapult has been a huge [deciding] factor [on calling Lakeland home], at least for me,” says Atenea. “I work remotely, therefore community and space are important.

My friends are here.”

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Another factor in their decision to stay in Lakeland is how supportive they have found the community to be. “As an interracial couple, it was important to find a place where we felt comfortable… [and] we have found that,” says Atenea.

As with many people in the fitness field, Atenea started as an athlete first, participating in fitness competitions. After achieving success, people began asking her how she did it and if she could help them train. Eventually she had to make a choice: stay at her stable job or take a risk to follow her passion.

Atenea was nervous about quitting her job, but with the help of her family she was able to step out in confidence. “It was a big game changer because I realized how powerful it is

“...And I think that is the real crux of being a nutritionist, and nutrition in general: It’s helping people feel better.

You don’t have to look a [certain] way to feel good.”

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to take risks, but at the same time, how important it is to have somebody… that [person] saying, ‘You’ve got this and I have your back.’”

Now, Atenea wants to be that encouragement and support for other women and is transitioning her business to focus on training, hiring, and supporting fitness coaches.

She is currently creating a six-month comprehensive online certification program for people who want to become coaches. She plans to launch her program in January of 2021.

In addition to building Smith Advanced Nutrition Enterprise, Trey works at Brandon Regional Hospital a few days a week. His business is focused on coaching clients to be the healthiest version of themselves. In the future, Trey hopes to connect with corporate communities to help employees achieve and maintain healthy lifestyles, which in turn would lower insurance premiums.

A registered dietitian is an expert in food and nutritional science, and, since becoming an RDN, Trey’s perception

Trey Smith Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN, CPT

has shifted as to what makes a healthy person. He now believes in a more holistic approach.

Instead of just focusing on physique, he wants to be someone “who wants to live longer, feel better when he wakes up in the morning, and has more energy throughout his day. And I think that is the real crux of being a nutritionist, and nutrition in general: It’s helping people feel better. You don’t have to look a [certain] way to feel good.”

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AT E N E A LA R A Inspiring Fitness inspiringfitness.com.mx TREY SMITH Smith Advanced Nutrition Enterprise 334.538.4130 saneweight.com

Atenea’s Chia Cups

R EC I PE

Perfect for a quick and light breakfast or a refreshing midday snack

1 egg 1/3 cup oats Vanilla extract, to taste 1 tablespoon chia seeds 3 ounces Greek yogurt Stevia, to taste 1/2 cup fruit or berries of your choice

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In a bowl, mix the oats, egg, stevia, and vanilla until totally incorporated.

Put the mix in small bowls shaping them like a “cup.”

Microwave for 2-1/2 minutes (adjust according to microwave strength). Allow the cups to cool before removing from bowl.

Mix the chia seeds and stevia with the Greek yogurt.

Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Fill the oatmeal cups with the chia pudding and top with your favorite fruit.

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There have been tough lessons along the way which have caused both Atenea and Trey to grow as people and entrepreneurs. Atenea’s advice to those who are thinking of starting a business is three-fold: 1) take time to validate the idea before doing anything else; 2) hire people who are good at the things you are not good at; and 3) identify ways to evaluate how you are doing.

“It’s so easy to feel like you’re doing great when you’re not, because I’ve done that, and also feel like you’re doing really bad when you’re actually doing pretty good, because I’ve done that too,” says Atenea. “It’s hard to assess your real value in the market, so finding ways to ground yourself and find perspective are key.”

Atenea and Trey help their clients focus on multiple ways that they can make progress beyond what they see when they step on the scale. “What we try to tell people is, ‘progress, not perfection,’” says Trey.

Whether it’s helping health and fitness clients or guiding entrepreneurs ready to join them on the mission to spread the holistic wellness message, this health-and-fitness duo hope to make a difference by impacting people’s lives in Lakeland and beyond.

“One day,” says Trey, “I want to look at my son or daughter and tell them that their dad risked everything for them: his career, failing, he risked everything, in order to believe in a dream.”

Get local help with your Medicare questions.

I’m Cassie Hill, a licensed sales agent in Lakeland, FL. When it comes to Medicare, it’s important to consider all of your options. What works well for your neighbor may not be the best fit for you. I know the ins and outs of Medicare, and I’m ready to answer your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs. Take advantage of my knowledge and experience to: • Take the confusion out of Medicare

• Receive one-on-one service

• Get help comparing plans

• Make enrolling in a plan easier

I look forward to helping you explore your Medicare options so you can enroll in a plan with confidence.

It’s time to take advantage.

Cassie Hill

Licensed Sales Agent

863-934-2152, TTY 711 cassielifeandhealth@gmail.com www.MyUHCagent.com/cassie.hill

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract.

Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. ©2020 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All rights reserved.

Y0066_21SPRJ55189_C SPRJ55189

BEAUTY

the higher the

“The higher the hair, the closer to God,” they say. Or at least that’s what I was told growing up in the South.

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Written by Sally Ibarra

Photography by Michael Giragosian

Early on, I was taught that Southern women care for their hair. This lesson started with the number-one rule: “A Southern woman never leaves the house with her hair wet.”

Throughout the years, I’ve watched as my mother’s style evolved into the latest trends, and her greatest discipline was that of a Southern woman, regularly visiting the local hair salon and never missing a nail appointment.

The smell of perm solution, the sound of blow dryers, women gasping, and laughing; for young Southern girls the salon is a place of discovery where you learn the do’s and don’ts of a Southern woman. Having your hair properly blown out, washed, and/ or curled is a form of Southern elegance.

In a healthy community, the salon can be more than just Hollywood’s depiction of “gossip central.” It is a community of women, a safe space to exchange ideas and dreams, to leave feeling a little

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better about yourself inside and out, regardless of what awaits outside the salon doors.

Instinctively, one could argue that these rules no longer apply and to some degree feel antiquated. But, right or wrong, these rules are the foundation of hair culture. And understanding why generations of women hold these sacred spaces and traditions with hair very near and dear to their hearts can be indicative to understanding the business of hair and its influence in pop culture.

In Lakeland, if you’re a hairdresser and good at your craft, your schedule is always full. According to the Community & Economic Development of Lakeland, there are 627 hairdressers out of 6,056 registered businesses,

equating to 10.35 percent of registered businesses within city limits. To say Southern hair culture is prominent around here would be an understatement.

Historically, Southern women have been creating big, voluminous waves and have arguably been the most influential when it comes to hairstyle trendsetting, from chic and memorable updos like Aretha Franklin’s 1960s’ mile-high beehive to wellcoiffed styles such as Farrah Fawcett’s blonde feathered waves in the 1970s.

They say history repeats itself, and these classic hairstyles are indicative of that. Here are some of the most iconic hairstyles over the years and their modern interpretations.

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’60s THE BOUFFANT & THE BEEHIVE An evolution of late1950s’ hairstyles, the bouffant and the beehive led the way in 1960s’ hairstyles.

The bouffant varied in size depending on personal taste, from perfectly rounded and tamed to big and teased all over. Iconic women filled the 1960s with their interpretations of the bouffant — from Jackie Kennedy and Jane Fonda’s teased, flipped-up, smoothand-sleek bobs to 1960s’ film actresses like Raquel Welch and Nancy Sinatra’s

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longer locks and teased waves. Style icons such as Catherine Deneuve and Brigitte Bardot paired the bouffant with ribbons and headbands, often transitioning into the beehive. The beehive was considered an elegant, perfectly sleek updo compared to the bouffant.

Today, the bouffant’s and beehive’s modern interpretation tends to focus on the side of subtlety creating the perfect opportunity to elevate any outfit with a statement headband.

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earrings: Dillard’s Lakeland, headband: Zara, Vince Camuto dress: Dillard’s Lakeland

Styled by Venue Salon

Model: Kloie Whitman –BMG Models

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earrings: Dillard’s Lakeland, top: Zara, jacket: vintage

Styled by Venue Salon

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Model: Kara Michelle – Benz Models

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’70s THE FEATHERED LOOK Although there were a variety of popular hairstyles during the 1970s, one of the most iconic was Farrah Fawcett’s feathered hairstyle in her role as Jill Munroe on Charlie’s Angels. Unlike the 1950s and 1960s, volume was no longer concentrated at the top and crown of the head; instead, the volume was focused toward the ends for an effortlessly sexy look.

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This hairstyle clearly defined the 1970s’ era. Fawcett’s flipped-out and feathered hairstyle has been reinterpreted through the years making it one of the most popular hairstyles of all time. As was the case of Fawcett’s 1970s style, “Curl away from your face,” says every hair stylist and beauty blogger to date.

Also inspired by this iconic look, curtain bangs are in.

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’80s THE PERM

Teased, curly hair was the name of the game in the 1980s, and if you weren’t lucky enough to have naturally curly hair, it was time for you to book an appointment and ask for the permanent-wave hair treatment, also known as the “perm.” The perm was a chemically altering process for your hair, with the outcome being small, tight, teasable curls. Inspired by rock bands and edgy style,

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volume was in and so were perms. Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, and even Julia Roberts were known for their big hair.

In modern times, we haven’t completely pivoted away from the volume, just the unnecessary frizz and tease.

With hundreds of products out there and even the blow dryer’s diffuser attachment, voluminous soft curls are achievable and way healthier for your hair.

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accessories: Dillard’s Lakeland, blouse: GANNI

Styled by Venue Salon

Model: Sara Hicks – Michele Pommier Models

accessories: Dillard’s Lakeland, romper: Zara

Styled by Relax It’s Natural Salon

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Model: Louina Lafalaise Kent – Alexa Models

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’90s BOX BRAIDS BOB Brandy (or as I remember her, “Moesha”) is and always will be the box braids bob queen.

The 1990s was a defining decade for black hairstyles.

Brandy was at the forefront of this iconic moment

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with her signature braids bob worn on the TV show Moesha. Jada Pinkett Smith and Lauryn Hill were also seen rocking the box braids bob in 1990s’ Hollywood films. This style is chic, and it is back.

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BUSINESS

H H

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A O

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As the healthcare industry evolves, having reliable access to facilities, supplies, and treatment continues to be a universal topic and concern. Our city is rising to meet these challenges for Lakeland residents by expanding existing services and inviting investment for new endeavors and facilities.

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Written by Caite Hamilton Aerial photography by Ben Johnson

With the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic (aka the coronavirus), the state of the quality of healthcare was pushed to the forefront even more than usual.

This certainly holds true for Lakeland. Its progression is going strong with recent renovations to major healthcare facilities, making it a reliable source to meet the needs and anxieties of the growing industry.

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“Everyone needs healthcare.”

– Ashley Cheek

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“Everyone needs healthcare,” says Ashley Cheek, VP of Business Development at the Lakeland Economic Development Council (LEDC).

“For years we’ve been able to attract the medical industry, whether it’s factory, distribution, or even just healthcare, with the recent expansions of Lakeland Regional and Watson Clinic.”

In November, Lakeland Regional announced its plan to build its $46 million Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness.

It also broke ground on the expansion of its cancer center in 2015. Watson Clinic’s newest

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center, Watson Clinic Urgent Care South, opened its doors in January.

Cheek says developments like these help serve the people of Lakeland and those in its surrounding cities, which could be a greater number than most think.

“Because of where we’re located in the state, we have 10.1 million people within a 100-mile radius.

We have more than 200 companies in the medical healthcare and biotech industry, and more than 20,000 employees in the industries — that’s including the hospital and all of the healthcare and medicalrelated companies.”

From Cardinal Health and

WATSON CLINIC HIGHLANDS

Eagle Pharmacy, to the Center for Retina Macular Disease, several medical companies have come to Lakeland for the long haul. Medical-device packaging and sterilization; and life sciences, biotech, pharmaceuticals are two of the targeted industries that Cheek says the LEDC hopes to help expand in Lakeland and Polk County.

Cheek notes that medical businesses like WellDyne, a prescription management company, help sustain and grow the city’s economy by paying its workers well and being featuring high-end technology.

Watson Clinic Highlands is a nearly 74,000-square foot, two-story medical facility that offers a variety of services including, but not limited to, family medicine, dermatology, facial plastic surgery, gastroenterology, general surgery, obstetrics - gynecology, orthopaedic surgery / sports medicine, pediatric, psychiatry, and physical therapy. Additionally, the facility includes an on-site laboratory and a Nurse Clinic.

Patients and non-patients alike can receive walk-in care without an appointment from the Watson Clinic XpressCare at Highlands offices. watsonclinic.com 2300 E. County Road 540A Lakeland, FL 33813

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JOHNS HOPKINS ALL CHILDREN’S OUTPATIENT CARE Johns Hopkins All Children’s meets the medical and rehabilitative needs of children of all ages, from infants through teens. They work together with community physicians to provide familycentered care, making parents an important part of the healthcare team. hopkinsallchildrens.org 3310 Lakeland Hills Boulevard Lakeland, FL 33805

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“A lot of these companies are kind of hidden, and people might not know that they’re here.

Having access to so many people from the state of Florida from our location is a big driver for healthcare companies to move to this area in order to be closer to their clients.”

The advancement of healthcare and medical supplies provided in Lakeland is just beginning.

Along with improvements to Watson Clinic and Lakeland Regional, there has been a noticeable boost in medical devices, packaging, and sterilization services (such as Stryker, Steripack, Sterigenics, MESM, and Advanced Concept Innovations).

“Central Florida will continue to be a hot spot for the industry. I think we’ll continue to see the medical industry grow, whether it’s biotech, pharmaceutical, life science, medical manufacturing, medical logistics,” says Cheek. “I think they all work together, and they all have to kind of be close together.”

photo courtesy of The Lunz Group

BOND CLINIC bondclinic.com 325 1st Street N Winter Haven, FL 33881

Bond Clinic, P.A. is one of the first businesses established in Winter Haven. Founded in 1948 by Dr. Benjamin Bond, the clinic has grown throughout the years from four doctors to more than 90 providers, encompassing 28 specialties. Bond Clinic’s mission is to deliver high-quality healthcare in a compassionate, ethical, and efficient manner.

ER 24/7 Brandon Regional Hospital’s 24/7 ER is staffed by a team of highly skilled physicians and nurses who treat medical emergencies for patients of every age. ER 24/7 handles everything from heart attacks to orthopedic injuries,to stroke treatments, pediatrics, and more. brandonhospital.com 3526 S. Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33803

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“Healthcare is a very pivotal piece to our quality of life.”

With growing companies come employees who may or may not already call Lakeland home.

“From an economic development perspective, when we’re trying to recruit companies here, we’re also trying to recruit people, such as executives who work for those companies.”

Cheek adds that the goal is for healthcare workers, and even those who are searching for

quality healthcare, to become attracted to a city like Lakeland, with the hopes of getting access to premier healthcare facilities.

“Healthcare is a very pivotal piece to our quality of life. When people move to a community, they want to have access to quality healthcare. With the hospitals and everything expanding, I think that will be a big driver to recruit people here.”

LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER Lakeland Regional Health has provided more than a century of service to Lakeland and all communities across Central Florida, with over 550 medical staff. LRH Medical Center is the only hospital in Polk County to offer three hybrid operating rooms and a hybrid catheterization lab. Lakeland Regional Health’s physicians practice in more than 25 specialties. mylrh.org 1324 Lakeland Hills Boulevard Lakeland, FL 33805

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HEALTH

Written by Victoria Bardega

Illustrated by Nate Chappell

There is something incredibly powerful about a good night’s sleep. It’s even noted by some A-list celebrities as one of the “secrets” to looking forever young. It can empower you with a whole new mood and be a huge confidence booster as you walk out to face a new day. All it takes is that moment of surrender where you shut off the crazy distractions and get some quality time with your favorite pillow.

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Sleep produces life-

global pandemic can

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create unhealthy sleeping

body, yet it seems to be

patterns, learn from local

the one thing fighting the

medical experts on how

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to have the best sleep

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can benefit from it.

According to local medical experts, sleep is so much more than something you do to re-energize for the next day. “It plays a vital role in good health and well-being throughout your life” (Thane Htun, MD, Lakeland Regional Health pulmonologist). So why does your sleep schedule seem to always get the shorter end of your bargain? Sleep deficiency has become quite prevalent in today’s day and age.

SLEEP DETOURS Think about last night, for example. You come home after a long day of work and find yourself with a list of things to do before hitting the sheets.

Or maybe you hit the gym to work out for several hours. Or you go out with your friends and family for a night out.

When you finally make your way to the bedroom, your weary eyes find entertainment and refuge in the blue-light screen of your TV, iPhone, or MacBook Air.

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Suddenly, your mind is overstimulated and unable to unwind. Next thing you know, it’s three o’clock in the morning, and your night’s rest is rudely interrupted by the resounding gong that is your alarm clock. This cycle is more common than we think.

Other common sleep detours include food in the bedroom, pets roaming around in the bedroom, and TV watching in the bedroom –– all overstimulating your brain and keeping you from truly winding down for the night.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that “more than a third of American adults are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis.” With this in mind, there are quite a few

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contributing factors, too. Local managing partner, John Evans, of Polk Starlight Sleep Labs, LLC, shares that there are “three components [that contribute to the overall health of your sleep]: 1) nutrition; 2) rules [or habits to ensure a] good sleep every night; and 3) lifestyle choices.”

Every choice you make affects your sleeping patterns. When your sleeping patterns are compromised and REM (known as Rapid Eye Movement, which is the dreaming stage) is not reached in your cycle, your body’s chemistry is disrupted.

Evans concurs that REM is a crucial part of a healthy sleep schedule. “It’s like your computer restoring, refreshing, and resorting your brain every night,” he says.

“When we don’t get enough sleep, we don’t reach that point in the cycle, and our body becomes disorganized internally.”

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LASTING EFFECTS Sleep affects every part of our lives, from our immunity to our ability to function. Dr. Htun urges his patients to prioritize sleep, no matter their age. He says, “While you’re sleeping, your brain is forming new pathways to help you learn and remember information.

Studies show that a good night’s sleep improves learning.”

Lack of sleep has been linked to serious health conditions such as anxiety, depression, heart disease, obesity, and suicidal thoughts.

Dr. Eric Lipson from Watson Clinic serves locally as a boardcertified sleep medicine specialist and sleep center medical director.

In addition to the wide range of mental health risks and heart risks, he adds that lack of sleep can cause “impaired memory and performance.”

Sleep deprivation can be lethal to the human body. Dr. Htun says, “It’s estimated that driver sleepiness is a factor in about 100,000 car accidents each year, resulting in about 1,500 deaths.”

Your body relies on sleep to hit the reset button and refresh its state in hopes for a healthier tomorrow. Every cell in your body depends on this to rest and to flush out all of the toxins that accumulated throughout the day within your body. Sleep is also linked to cell regeneration which also occurs while you’re asleep. When your body doesn’t receive the sleep it needs, it not only suffers, but it diminishes your ability to fight off infections.

HEALTHY SLEEPING TIPS While the current state of our world is feeling angst from the pandemic, it’s vital to maintain a healthy sleep schedule. If you’re finding it difficult to get quality sleep, here are a few tips from local experts on how to get the best sleep of your life.

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

Create and maintain a regular sleep routine.

Your body needs at most two hours of disconnection time from technology before going to sleep.

Schedule a consistent time where you are turning your phone off, getting ready for bed, and then going to sleep — at the same time every night, including weekends. This will get your body in the right mindset and help you get to bed at a decent time to ensure you’re getting at least seven hours of sleep.

Reserve the bed for sleep and intimacy.

Many times, as multitaskers, we bring everything in the bedroom with us: food, cellphones, laptops, radios, TVs, pets — you name it. With so much stimulation happening around you, this makes it difficult for your mind to be at ease. Be intentional about creating a quiet, dark room with cool temperatures so your body can unwind for rest. Make it a habit to leave that ever-ringing cellphone in the other room.

Don’t take daytime naps, if possible. Naps at the right time are such a mood-lifter, right? But when they last too long or are taken later in the day, they can disrupt your sleeping schedule and keep you up at night. If you do decide to take a nap, keep it early and no more than 20 minutes long.

Exercise earlier in the day. Rigorous exercise activities can be an awesome calorie burner. But if you work out later in the evening (closer to your bedtime), it may prevent you from experiencing a good night’s rest. Plan ahead, and get those reps in early at the gym so the couple hours before you sleep, you’re able to fully unwind and rest your mind and body.

Avoid stimulants.

That’s right — caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, and over-the-counter medicines. Steer clear from taking any of these things before going to sleep. As stimulants, these can reduce your ability to sleep well and promote a nocturnal lifestyle.

Things may feel out of your control this year, but one thing’s for sure: If you find time in your schedule to prioritize sleep, your body (and mind) will thank you immensely.

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SEU.edu/apply ONLINE | ON-CAMPUS

We welcome transfer credits and financial aid is available.

Southeastern University | Lakeland, Florida | 800.500.8760 or 863.667.5018 | Follow us @seuniversity 104

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DISCOVER THE

LANDS OF YOUR FAITH After touring the Lands of the Bible by motorcoach or cruise ship, you and your group will return home with a refreshed faith and memories to share. Our expert guides will provide meaningful insights for you and your group as you explore your favorite Biblical sites, and award winning accommodations will give you a great night’s rest with breakfast and dinner included.

Learn more and book your group’s tour today! www.NoseworthyTravel.com/TheLakelander • 800-929-4684 ext. 208 nt@travelwithus.com • 5725 Imperial Lakes Blvd. • Mulberry, FL 33860

Sea of Galilee

TASTE

CALIFORNIA GOLD

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food doesn’t mean you have to cook all of your meals yourself.

Lakeland’s newest Mediterraneaninspired restaurant is here to serve you

Photography by Jason Stephens

Eating nutritious

Written by Benjamin Vickers

wholesome meals.

Lakeland’s modern food hall, The Joinery, has a new voice in an already impressive chorus of diverse culinary vendors.

Plenty is a new restaurant founded by The Joinery coowners Sarah and Jon Bucklew. The Mediterraneaninspired restaurant aims to celebrate the fresh and satisfying wholesomeness of seasonal produce, packing a lot of flavor into the tiny booth formally occupied by King State Coffee.

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TOMATOES + TOASTED SOURDOUGH Heirloom tomatoes, wheat berries, lacinato kale, toasted Born & Bread sourdough, sherry vinegar and olive oil, burrata, basil, nigella seeds

Plenty’s concept and brand are vibrant and colorful, influenced by Sarah’s 11 years in the Pacific Northwest. I was charmed by the tropical plant prints, quirky food puns, and playful multicolored dishware. Plenty is a brand that knows its identity and communicates it well.

“Food can be really healthy and also really good for you,” says Sarah about Plenty’s menu.

As The Joinery project was underway, Sarah had hoped for a West Coast-style vendor to apply for a space there. However, she never imagined that she would be the one to take up that responsibility when no such vendor could be found. After King State Coffee moved out of their space in March, the opportunity to implement Sarah’s vision for Plenty presented itself. With the help of Chef Nate Hardin as recipe consultant, and Ellie Leach as chef de cuisine leading daily operations, Sarah’s vision was brought to bear in the eclectic bowls-andskewers the restaurant now features.

The menu encourages guests to mix and match from a small but diverse menu of five bowls such as “Peas + Carrots,” “Bacon + Egg + Kale,” and “Tomatoes + Toasted Sourdough” ($12 each), with five optional protein additions such as harissa-basted tofu, organic beef kofta, and chermoula-marinated shrimp skewers ($2.50 to $4.50).

Sarah and Ellie plan on their menu changing dynamically with the season. Though loyal guests may have a favorite go-to bowl, the focus on fresh produce means that a premium must be placed on seasonality and availability. As Chef Josh McFadden says in his book Six Seasons, “P.S. don’t buy tomatoes in winter.” Plenty seems to take this advice to heart, and the results of that commitment speak for themselves.

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Sarah and Ellie plan on their menu changing dynamically with the season. Though loyal guests may have a favorite go-to bowl, the focus on fresh produce means that a premium must be placed on seasonality and availability.

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For my first lunch at Plenty, I ordered the Peas and Carrots with a shrimp skewer. The staff was very kind and patient as I figured out how the menu worked and was able to provide helpful suggestions. English peas and roasted carrots are some of my favorite vegetables, and the dark char on Plenty’s carrots gave them a wonderfully sweet sumptuousness. The little gems lettuce and wild rice salad with cucumber and lemon was a tasty and substantial enough base, but I was glad to have the shrimp for the bit of protein. The green-tinged chermoulamarinated shrimp was the unexpected star of the show after the roasted carrots themselves, and I couldn’t have asked for a more complete and harmonious pairing.

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I went back the next day for lunch with two companions. I tried the “Beans + Things:” a bowl of green beans, asparagus, lettuce, and wheat berries with house-made ricotta. An inclusion of fresh herbs was a revelation, adding a wonderful extra snap of brightness to the already zesty dish.

The vegetables were prepared with the most minimal-possible intervention, being mostly cut and tossed with a somewhat sweet vinaigrette.

I had the beef kofta skewer, served with a dab of tzatziki, which was filling but light and wonderfully herbaceous and paired well with the mild ricotta.

My companions shared the “Tomatoes + Toasted Sourdough” bowl: a kale salad with wheat berries, burrata cheese, sourdough croutons, basil, and studded with beautifully fresh and sweet heirloom cherry tomatoes. The tofu skewer accompaniment was underwhelming compared to the outstanding shrimp and lovely beef, but vegan and dairy-free guests have a lot to look forward to in future iterations of Plenty’s menu. Though the eatery only opened in October, future bowls are already being designed and will feature pumpkin, beets, sweet potato, chickpeas, and lentils.

Chef de Cuisine Ellie Leach is excited to offer menu items that reflect the freshest, seasonal produce available.

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PEAS + CARROTS English peas + roasted carrots, carrot-top chermoula, wild rice salad, roasted garlic yogurt, puffed rice, avocado, pistachio (gf)

After a big bowl of veggies, guests can indulge in a little sweet treat provided through a partnership Catapult member Vegetation Plant Food. Mini chocolate chip, coconut, and pecan-cardamom can be mixed and matched (three for $5).

Availability and affordability of fresh, wholesome, plant-based cuisine continue to be the missing pieces in the American’s diet, and I asked Sarah about how Plenty provides its guests with value. “I’m learning a lot about what it costs to get good quality products” she says.

“In other markets, it doesn’t matter how low the quality is and you can make a lot of money, but it matters a lot to me, and I don’t want to sacrifice that. I have to ask, ‘How can I be the change I wish to see in the world?’” Plenty aims to support guests who want to live well, starting with what they put in their body.

An inclusion of fresh herbs was a revelation, adding a wonderful extra snap of brightness to the already zesty dish.

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DISCOVER YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE, GREAT MEAL, OR UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT OUT

SUBSCRIBE to our twice-weekly newsletter for the best recommendations and articles delivered right to your inbox.

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MEZZE Hummus (roasted garlic, beet, edamame), wheat berry salad, labneh, pickled things, crudité, picked herbs, flatbread

Sarah Bucklew, co-owner of The Joinery and Plenty

T H E J OI N E RY 640 E. Main Street Lakeland, FL 33801 thejoinerylkld.com

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Guests can expect to pay about $15 to $17 per person, which is in line with other Joinery vendors. The McGreers farm, Happy’s Place Farm, Fort McCoy, and Brick Street Farms are the local growers that are supported by Plenty’s decision to source locally. While “farm to table” is a useful marketing buzzword in many restaurants, no American cuisine has fully embraced the culinary implications of supporting local organic growers like the Pacific Northwest has, and Plenty is a fine reflection of that.

I found The Joinery’s

unique, casual context helps make Plenty’s cuisine and concept stick in my mind.

In an economy that favors national fast-casual chains, it feels important for Plenty’s perspective on freshness and wholesomeness to be so easily accessible to Lakelanders.

I finished my meals feeling energized, and the playful, zesty style is a treat for the eyes and the tongue. If you can break out of the old mindset of “meat and starch make a meal,” you will be delighted by one of Lakeland’s most creative new experiences in years.

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Photo Courtesy of Special Collections, Lakeland Public Library

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HISTORY

The Morrell Memorial Hospital, located on Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland, Florida, was the second structure to bear that name. The original Morrell Hospital opened on South Missouri Avenue in 1916.

The structure pictured here opened in 1926 and was renamed Lakeland General Hospital in 1959. This building was torn down in 1977 to make way for a larger facility, which became Lakeland Regional Medical Center in 1982.

Circa 1940s

Photo courtesy of the Lakeland Public Library

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