The Lakelander - Issue 97

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PE RSONAL TRAI NE RS for you

SIMPLE HEALTH HACKS TOP MEDSPAS local FA IT H WA GNER personal trainer

DR. GUS DE JESUS vein & vascular

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TH E L A KE L A N DE R

URGENT CARE just for you.

Feeling under the weather? Our three Urgent Care locations offer you and your family comprehensive services, like flu shots and diagnostic testing with no appointment needed, to make sure you get back to feeling your best!

Not an LRH patient? Not a problem. We welcome all patients ages 2+ to receive care even if they are not established with LRH. So come on in, we’ll take care of the rest!

HOURS: Monday - Friday 8am to 8pm I Saturday - Sunday 8am to 5pm OUR URGENT CARE LOCATIONS:

Kathleen Campus (N. Lakeland)

2400 Kathleen Road, Lakeland, FL

Lake Miriam (S. Lakeland)

4710 Florida Ave South, Lakeland, FL

Pablo Campus (Near Southgate) 130 Pablo Street, Lakeland, FL

COMMON CONDITIONS WE TREAT: • Asthma • Bronchitis • Cough & cold symptoms • Earaches • Flu symptoms • Minor back & shoulder pain • Minor medical concerns • Minor trauma, burns, or lacerations • Seasonal allergies • Sinus infections • Skin rashes • Sprains • Urinary tract infections • Yeast infections

How to use a QR code: 1. Open your smartphone’s camera.

2. Hold it over the QR code.

3. Click on the link that pops up.

Your Health. Our Promise.

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myLRH.org/UrgentCare 3

Realtors included in photo from left to right.

ALYSIA CORTES Hello Florida Real Estate (863) 812-5683 Alysia@hellofloridarealestate.com KALEI FIORENTINO EXP Realty (813) 758-8498 HomeSweetPolk@gmail.com LANA BURKE LPT Realty (863) 529-4436 LanaBurkeHomes@gmail.com ANDREA ANDERSON S&D Real Estate (863) 808-8626 AndreaSellsFlorida@yahoo.com TAMMY STORIE Regal Real Estate (863) 698-6000 TammyStorie@gmail.com VANESSA ARMAS La Rosa Realty Prestige (786) 514-6868 VanessaArmasRealtor@gmail.com CHRISTINE EHLENBECK Keller Williams Realty Smart (863) 617-8544 Christine@nextstephometeam.com JENNIFER DANIELL La Rosa Realty Prestige (863) 440-3603 JenniferDaniell.Realty@gmail.com MADISON ZORN S&D Real Estate (863) 838-7411 Madison@sanddrealestate.com CHRISTINE HUBBERT Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Fine Living (863) 370-4915 ChristineHubbert.Realtor@gmail.com HEATHER ALFORD Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Fine Living (863) 327-6564 HeatherAlford.Realtor@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARI VAUGHN VIDEO BY MICHAEL WALKER

WE ARE B O S S B A B E S ...

SELLING

VIEW OUR VIDEO

W E A R E R E A LT O R S . . . A N D W E A R E

LAKELAND

We may not have our own reality TV show, but we do share a strong passion and hustle with each of our real estate businesses and in helping our clients with achieving their real estate goals and homeownership dreams.

#sellinglakeland #lakelandrealtors

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UNCOMPROMISED RETIREMENT LIVING

Embrace the Beauty of Life at The Estates

Life is beautiful when your health and your future are protected by Lakeland’s premier senior living community.

Live life to the fullest

Enhance your well-being

Enjoy the company of friends Feel secure by decades of proven excellence

Call 863-509-1467 or scan the QR code to schedule a personal visit.

1001 Carpenters Way | Lakeland, FL 33809 EstatesAtCarpenters.com

N O W

O F F E R I N G

H A I R

E X T E N S I O N S

AT BELLE LA VIE SALON AND SPA

eauty and fashion has always been my muse, and for 15 years I have committed my heart and mind to creating fabulous hair color and hair extensions. It hasn’t always been easy operating a small business at the lofty standards we set for ourselves, but at Belle La Vie we are a resilient bunch of positive like-minded professionals who are driven to leave every person feeling fabulous.

Just like every one of you, I am so thankful to be part of this community, and I can confidently say that we are ready to transform how you look and feel.

After nearly eight years of rigorous research I have determined the right recipe to create my own hair extension line, and I could not be more ecstatic to share it with you, as well as colleagues

OUR SERVICES

throughout Polk County and beyond.

With these extensions we cater to every texture, every age and every gender. We offer-semi permanent options, and soon will also offer wigs, toupees and other exciting choices.

Come stop by for a visit and allow yourself to be pampered. We offer everything from the latest haircuts to colors, extensions and perms, to facials and massages, to teeth whitening. Our spa can become an essential part of you living your most beautiful life. We are certified in the newest massage technique called lymphatic massage, and our facial treatments leave you feeling good and looking great.

Join us at the salon and spa, where every touch is a spell of relaxation and beauty!

SPA SERVICES

Charline Fulbright

HAIR SERVICES

Bella Vie Owner

HAIR EXTENSIONS GLO MAKEUP ARTISTRY EYELASH EXTENSIONS KOREAN DETOX TREATMENT

LEARN MORE

(863) 617-5408 BelleLaVieSalonandSpa.com 452 5 F LO R IDA AVE S S U IT E #1 6 L A K E L AN D, F L 33 8 1 3

ISSUE 97

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Renew and Refresh Local spots to renew and refresh.

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Find Your Fit Go inside the gym with three Lakeland personal trainers.

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10 Simple Health Hacks

Making lasting change can be easier and less expensive than you think.

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Nourishing Bodies & Fueling Wellness Anthony’s Health Hut & Restaurant has been a staple of healthy living for 46 years.

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MASTHEAD

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EDITOR’S NOTE

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THE BUZZ

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CONTRIBUTORS

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METRO

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RENEW AND REFRESH

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FIND YOUR FIT

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10 SIMPLE HEALTH HACKS

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NOURISHING BODIES & FUELING WELLNESS

82 HISTORY

MASTHEAD

ISSUE 97

PUBLISHER

ADVERTISING

CREATIVE

Curt Patterson

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Curt Patterson | 863.409.2449

Briana Chenot

ADVERTISING SALES

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jason Jacobs | 863.606.8785

Jordan Randall

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER OPERATIONS Jason Jacobs

H E A LT H + B E A U T Y | I S S U E 9 7

EDITOR, CONTENT STRATEGIST RJ Walters

Madi Elizabeth EDITORIAL DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCER

CIRCULATION

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jordan Randall

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

Jonathan Sierra

CONTRIBUTOR

Jason Jacobs

Adam Spafford VP, FINANCE

DISTRIBUTION

Deb Patterson

David Heideman GENERAL COUNSEL Ted W. Weeks IV

The Lakelander is published 12 times annually by Lakelander Media, 1505 Florida Ave. S, Lakeland, FL 33803. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission of The Lakelander is prohibited. The Lakelander is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions.

THE LAKELANDER

“ Trust in th e Lord with all your h ear t , an d lean n ot on your own un derstan din g. In all your ways a ckn owledge Him, an d He will direc t your paths.” Proverbs 3:5- 6

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CONTACT Lakelander Media, 1505 Florida Ave. S, Lakeland, FL 33803 Customer Service: 863.701.2707 • thelakelander.com

EDITORS NOTE

IT’S OK, WE’RE ALL A LITTLE FICKLE ABOUT THIS

AUTO ACCIDENT?

THE LAKELANDER

H E A LT H + B E A U T Y | I S S U E 9 7

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For exceptional Chiropractic Care after a vehicle accident, contact Dr. Abraham and the professional team at New Hope Chiropractic in the Lake Miriam Publix Plaza.

D ON ’ T I G N OR E YOUR INJ URIES.

We would love to evaluate and treat you!

Dr. Abraham New Hope Chiropractic

Phone: (863) 682-1170 4788 S. Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33803

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would walk in and be greeted by a smiling face offering me an array of made-to-order espresso beverages.

I would then find my spot next to friends (and of course my wife) and go through a slow and purposeful half hour of stretching. Next, I’d run through about 15 minutes of high intensity interval training exercises, and then use a low impact machine for 20-30 minutes—with sports or my guilty pleasure HGTV keeping me company.

Next up would be a stint in a hot tub (with at least 20 jets), followed by a short massage, fresh beard trim and moisturizing treatment for my skin.

Then give me a chance to sit, read and pray in a quiet space, with a nutrientrich smoothie on a side table—and all the while, please ensure my six lovely children are taken care of so I don’t have to wonder what kind of mischief they are getting into.

For me, at age 39, count me in for a membership at RJ’s Reverie Retreat.

Unfortunately I don’t have three hours a day to devote to activities and services that make me look and feel better, but it’s fun to share with you what my idea of health, wellness and beauty looks like.

The reality is that looking good and feeling good about yourself is a very personal matter.

For some people health and beauty looks like intense training at the gym, others a mountain biking excursion, others a laser or injectable treatment, others a spiritual retreat to connect with God and remember the man or woman they see in the mirror each day.

If you pick up this issue and feel body shamed or feel guilty that you’ve already

failed at your New Year’s resolution, then you’re missing the point.

We want you to see that fellow Lakelanders deeply care about your well being and how you feel about you, and they offer ways to come alongside you on your journey.

Maybe you’re looking to get back into a gym or find a personal trainer; maybe you need a few simple ways to fuel your body in a healthier way; maybe you want medical experts to personalize a plan to help you achieve results that seem unattainable. Whatever it is, you’re not alone, yet it’s also true that no two journeys are exactly the same.

As Scripture reminds us, each of us were wonderfully and fearfully made

by God—and on the days we feel great about ourselves, as well the days we want to hide from the world, that Truth never changes.

RJ Walters EDITOR

THE BUZZ

THE BUZZ

THE LAKELANDER

H E A LT H + B E A U T Y | I S S U E 9 7

COMMENTS FROM LAKELANDERS

FA R M R I O

D O LC E V I TA

MARIE OLIVER

PA I G E

OLIPHANT

A M A N DA U P R I C H A R D

KE R I S M A

LOV E T H E L A B E L

Find us here! @monkeesoflakeland 2 510 S F LO R I DA AV E | L A KE L A N D, F L

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CONTRIBUTORS

CONTRIBUTORS MADI ELIZABETH

H E A LT H + B E A U T Y | I S S U E 9 7

Madi Elizabeth is a California-born photographer who now resides in Lakeland. Known for her ability to capture fleeting moments with authenticity, Madi's work showcases a diverse range of subjects and settings, from landscapes to intimate portraits.

With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she invites viewers to experience the emotions and beauty of each captured scene. Madi's talent has gained recognition through features and publications in People Magazine, The Lakelander, Voyage Tampa, etc, solidifying her place as a sought-after artist in the field of photography.

ADAM SPAFFORD Adam came to Lakeland in 1999 to attend Florida Southern College and, except for a 20-month graduate school stint in Massachusetts, has been here since.

When he’s not writing page-turners for The Lakelander, he trades stock and index options.

THE LAKELANDER

DAVE HEIDEMAN

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David grew up in Minnesota and Iowa, but made the move to Lakeland to be close to family and enjoy the Sunshine State's amenities. Most of his working life was spent in upper management in the restaurant industry. He also controlled inventory and shipping for a large manufacturer and owned a fulfillment company.

His favorite hobbies are spending time with family, attending church, dining out and enjoying the activities the area has to offer.

David enjoys working with his colleagues at The Lakelander, where he leads the Distribution Department (you'll see his smiling face filling racks of magazines!) and does other special projects.

Left to right: Nurse practitioner CJ Birge, Dr. Kimberly Corbitt, Dr. Gus De Jesus and nurse practitioner Nestor Guerrero.

BUSINESS PROFILE

Written by RJ Walters Photos by Jordan Randall Produced in partnership with Vein and Vascular Experts Designed by Briana Chenot

The Heart and Expertise to Create Healthier Communities H E A LT H + B E A U T Y | I S S U E 9 7

It

THE LAKELANDER

is fitting that every day when Dr. Gus De Jesus walks into his clinic in South Lakeland he heads into a building that has a bank vault in it.

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican born De Jesus and his family are fully invested in Lakeland, and the completely renovated Vein and Vascular Experts building that was formerly a Fifth Third Bank branch is a foundation to build the practice into wherever God leads him next.

“When I see someone in my office, it’s not just a job, it’s a calling,” De Jesus says. “We’re motivated by making this community stronger, better and healthier, and educating people to make sure that we can put them on that path.”

In 2012 De Jesus moved to Lakeland, and he worked at Bartow Hospital and then Choice Healthcare in North Lakeland before opening Vein and Vascular Experts in 2017. In the 12 years since he became a Lakelander, the population of Polk County has exploded from around 615,000 to nearly 800,000, and De Jesus is positioning his practice to help and educate as many people as possible.

VVE currently serves patients in South Lakeland and at a smaller location in Auburndale, and De Jesus is keen on adding a location in Plant City, where eventually the newly hired Dr. Kimberly Corbitt will work out of.

“There are gaps in vascular surgery all across the country, especially in Florida,” De Jesus says. “If you ask me what our one year, five year, and 10 year plan is, we basically want to triangulate the central Florida corridor, the I-4 corridor.”

If you’re curious or uncertain what vascular health is all about, you’re not alone. Much of modern medicine is compartmentalized into distinct subspecialties, but as De Jesus and his team will tell you, your vascular health is all tied into the main switchboard of your entire body.

“Every single organ in your body has arteries and veins, so it is impossible for me to compute

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everything in a compartment where, ‘This is just vascular,’” he says.

“When you have eye problems, it could be a vascular problem. When you have kidney problems, it could be a vascular problem. Skin issues, vascular problem. And when you see people with risk factors like aneurysms, they are a dangerous condition that could rupture and be life-threatening.”

The clinic is also highly regarded for its treatment options for varicose veins.

He notes that “your body keeps score” and risk factors such as smoking, diabetes and what he calls a “toxic food environment” that most Americans are naive to contribute to why people end up with vascular and/or vein challenges.

De Jesus and his team take every opportunity to educate patients, as well as family and friends that accompany patients, about ways to prevent vascular issues, such as walking and exercising frequently and being intentional about what you are putting in your body.

The recent hire of CJ Birge and Nestor Guerrero as nurse practitioners,

Dr. Kimberly Corbitt is excited to make a difference for Lakelanders.

as well as bringing in Dr. Corbitt proves De Jesus is set on making the greatest impact possible in a community that he says he believes God has placed him in with a purpose.

The 33-year-old Corbitt, who was born in Orlando and attended Ocoee High School before embarking on the long and intense journey to become a surgeon, said she is excited to work with and for someone who has a great reputation and can relate to the challenges that come with the profession.

“He has kind of already been through some of the bumps in the road,” she says. “And I could just tell by talking to him that he’s well experienced and everything you could want in a mentor.”

Corbitt became interested in the medical field when she dual enrolled in some EMT classes in high school, and she enjoys vein and vascular work specifically because of the variety of different cases she sees and how she can help make transformative impacts in patient’s lives.

She has long sought to find her way back to Central Florida, but

she had never spent a moment in Lakeland. Now that she and her husband, Dr. Devlin McCormick, who is a trauma acute care surgeon at Lakeland Regional Health, have settled into the Swan City, she can’t believe how fortunate they are to have ended up here..

“It has every feature you could ever want in a town…as far as a lot of restaurants, things to do outdoors, parks, and you’re close to other major cities,” she says. “It’s kind of a small town secret or something…and I hope they keep it that way.”

She does want to provide solutions to as many health problems as possible and help people realize that most of the time someone doesn’t just wake up with pain in their calves or swollen veins, it is usually an accumulation of years of chronic health issues that have been building up.

“God brought her to our doorstep,” De Jesus said. “She is a very humble and approachable individual….I know that she fits Lakeland, and this community is going to love her.”

“She is a very humble and approachable individual….I know that she fits Lakeland, and this community is going to love her.”

O W N E R S N AT H A N PAT T E R S O N & M AT T C O Y L E

(863)225-8482 | StrongholdRoofing.com FOR M E R LY R E S I D E N TI A L R OOFI N G D E P OT

percolating with purpose How Ethos Roasters is Changing the World Through Coffee WRITTEN BY DIEGO DE JESUS | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ETHOS COFFEE ROASTERS | DESIGNED BY BRIANA CHENOT

Lisabeth Pacheco (center), co-owner of Ethos Coffee Roasters, in Poaquil, Guatemala last December with farmhands contracted

by Ethos.

“Many families take the kids from school just for the harvest season so that they can get enough money to survive to eat... many consumers here in the U.S. probably have no idea that even happens.”

METRO

Lisabeth Pacheco and her husband, Jolian Rios, both have Latin American roots that have served them well in business.

THE LAKELANDER

“Just thinking about the fact that some kids never have the chance to go to school was something I always dreamed of one day [doing something to combat,]” Pacheco said.

When they immigrated to the States, they both earned college degrees. Among their degrees, Rios earned a Doctorate of Medicine and Pacheco a Doctorate in Food Chemistry.

With their scientific background, they understand how to maintain optimal conditions for their roastery and carefully roast each batch to their standard.

Before she immigrated to the States in 2005, Pacheco attended Zamorano University in Honduras in 2004, where she made many connections in the coffee industry that would be the framework for Ethos to source its products directly. Ethos resulted from much planning, beginning with the language defined in their contracts.

Ethos requires these cooperatives to send their children to school without contributing as a farmhand. These families typically would have had their children help in farming to ensure demand was met. To compensate for this, Pacheco says Ethos pays three to four times more than average coffee distributors so that children can attend school.

They’ve maintained this price and contract since their founding, with one of their earliest sources being Cooperativa La Asuncion, in Poaquil, Chimaltenango, Guatemala, which is home to 30 farmhands.

Poaquil is a remote town in the Guatemalan countryside that is predominantly families of Mayan descent. When Pacheco and Rios first visited the cooperative, the town didn’t have paved roads or the necessary resources to properly educate their children.

Ethos has maintained its relationship with the Poaquil cooperative for almost eight years. Since their contract began, the employees have made the profit necessary to improve their conditions with

H E A LT H + B E A U T Y | I S S U E 9 7

thos Coffee Roasters imports around 10,000 pounds of green coffee beans annually from farming cooperatives across Latin America. Ten contracted farms, that range from 30 farmhands to 50 families in size, are the origin of the beans stored in burlap sacks at the roastery located along Lake Beulah.

Being directly sourced from Mexico, Colombia, Honduras, and Guatemala, these beans come from remote villages that boast some of the best coffee in the world.

Ethos Coffee Roasters champions these farmers, roasts exquisite coffee to share with the world and strives to positively impact these communities.

That is the mission of co-owners Lisbeth Pacheco and her husband, Jolian Rios, who launched Ethos at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market in 2017—a spot you will still find them on Saturdays.

“The reason that we started the business and the reason that we keep going and the reason, honestly, it’s so much fun, and it’s a passion for us,” Pacheco said.

“It’s because of the impact.”

Raised in the heart of Colombia’s eje cafetero or “coffee lands,” Rios witnessed the impoverished conditions of caf icultores, coffee farmers, that Ethos strives to alleviate.

“Many families take the kids from school just for the harvest season so that they can get enough money to survive to eat,” Rios said. “Many consumers here in the U.S. probably have no idea that even happens.”

While attending private school in Guatemala City, coffee always surrounded Pacheco. She even admits that she would enjoy a little coffee being added to her milk as young as age 2. Her inspiration for establishing a better future for children of these cooperatives stems from seeing children her age outside the classroom picking coffee cherries from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.—supporting their families but missing out on their education.

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METRO THE LAKELANDER

“My target is to actually get people who go through Starbucks or Dunkin every day.”

H E A LT H + B E A U T Y | I S S U E 9 7

Order coffee, learn more about the business or become monthly subscribers at EthosRoasters.com

paved roads, which has helped grant access to cities and all the amenities that come with that.

“One of the reasons why we believe even more strongly now in the model is because we’ve seen the effects of it,” Pacheco said, noting that she and her husband enjoyed a December trip to visit the farmers at Poaquil.

The model is not only making an impact in other countries, it has created a business that is ready to expand.

Pacheco excitedly shared with The Lakelander that the couple recently purchased a lot near Christina Park in South Lakeland where they have plans to build a coffee shop, complete with the convenient option of drive-thru service.

“My target is to actually get people who go through Starbucks or Dunkin every day,” she says. “I feel like if we could get more of the mass market kind of customer…I’m hoping once they become a regular for us they’re going to start asking more questions about the coffee and we will be able to explain our mission.”

She says the build out will likely take around 18 months, and Lakelanders should expect the Ethos Roasters coffee shop experience to open in 2025.

In the meantime, coffee aficionados can dive deeper into the Ethos brand by signing up at EthosRoasters. com for a brewing experience where guests learn the basics, brew a variety of coffees and even leave with a brand new V60 dripper and a bag of coffee.

As Ethos grows and continues its impact with more farmers, patrons can dabble in unique roasts, become monthly coffee subscribers at EthosRoasters.com, or meet the team at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market.

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M E D

med spa marries the science of healthier skin and nonsurgical aesthetic medical services with the relaxing, nourishing options that people have come to traditionally love at spas.

In Lakeland the choices are plentiful, but each spot has its own vibe, unique offerings that set it apart and staff with varying experiences that play into what med spa might be right for you.

Meet some of the top local professionals and teams who are dedicated to helping people feel good and look their best.

S P A S

THE LAKELANDER

DESIGNED BY BRIANA CHENOT

H E A LT H + B E A U T Y | I S S U E 9 7

T O P

& MADISEN ELIZABETH

RENEW AND REFRESH

RENEW AND REFRESH

PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL

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RENEW AND REFRESH

TRUEM E DSPA CUSTOMIZED BEAUTY BEYOND SKIN DEEP

H E A LT H + B E A U T Y | I S S U E 9 7

For

nearly two decades, Lisa therapeutic massages. They also offer health Birket and her team, which and wellness services including weight loss she lovingly refers to as the management therapies, hormone replacement “True Tribe,” have poured their time, energy and sexual wellness therapy. and passion into building TrueMedSpa into a “We want everyone to feel welcomed," premier spot where locals can enjoy the latest Lisa says. "We want them to experience our procedures, technologies and trends. They professionalism but feel that warmth.” have been awarded Central Florida’s Best Lisa says that vision often comes to life at Medical Spa five years in a row by The Official TrueMedSpa, where recently a client who had Community’s Choice Awards. Lisa says her been struggling with a prolonged illness shared team of more than 30 professionals the newfound confidence Lisa is constantly learning new practices and her team helped her find. to better serve clients, and she “She stated that she had been “We are like a big stays on the cutting edge of new hiding from pictures, but with family. We all help technologies that are proven to treatments she has been receiving help people. at TrueMedSpa, she felt more each other...it's “We are like a big family,” Lisa confident and recently was in all about love and says with a smile “We all help pictures for the first time in many respect.” each other and we don’t compete years,” Lisa says. “That’s what against each other…it’s all about keeps me thriving.” love and respect.”

In addition to doing everything it takes As Lakeland continues to grow, TrueMedSpa to be a premier medical spa, Lisa also makes offers a luxury experience with a hometown feel, it her mission to continually give back to and their goal is to be an “all in one destination” the community. for guests with their extensive range of services.

She is involved in numerous charitable TrueMedSpa customizes beauty and wellness outreaches, including Rotary Club, SPCA, treatments ranging from Botox, dermal fillers, Central Florida Speech and Hearing, and body contouring treatments such as truSculptiD KidsPack, where she has served on the board of and truSculptFlexPlus, corrective skin care directors for a number of years. services, hair and nail services and clinical and

SERVICES INCLUDE Bo t o x & D e r m a l F i l l e r s W e i ght L o s s / B o d y Sc u l p ti n g /S m a r t L i p o Laser Hair Removal H o r m o n e R e p l a c e m e n t/ Se x u al W e l l n e s s Microneedling/ H y d r afa c i a l M D C o r r e c ti v e S k i n C a r e Se r v i ce s L a s e r T r e a tm e n ts L a s h E x te n s i o n s M e d i ca l M a s s a g e

C H E CK THEM O UT 4935 Southfork Drive Lakeland, FL 33813 863-646-3376 TrueMedSpaLakeland.com

SPE C I AL OFFE R $25 off Hydrafacial MD $50 off Microneedling Mini Lip Plump $399 BBL Photofacial $350

THE LAKELANDER

$100 off any sexual wellness service

Scan to learn more about what TrueMedSpa has to offer 38

LISA BIRKET Ow ner/Director

SAL ON & MED SPA

RENEW AND REFRESH

CLIQUE

LO O K Y O U N G E R , F E E L BET T ER, L IVE L ONGER

SERVICES INCLUDE I n j e cta b l e s /fi l l e r s Trusculpt iD Body C o n to u r i n g Trusculpt Flex Muscle Sc u l p ti n g

H E A LT H + B E A U T Y | I S S U E 9 7

Morpheus8 RF Microneedling – Face, Neck & Body

At Clique, the focus extends beyond midst the relentless demands of the pandemic, Racheal treatments—it's about crafting personalized journeys rooted in comprehensive consultations, Santarpia, a dedicated nurse practitioner, found herself longing medical histories and cutting-edge technologies.

Services like body contouring, muscle sculpting, for a change. Encouraged by medical weight loss, and skin rejuvenation are her daughter Brandie, a cosmetologist, the meticulously tailored to address individual duo embarked on a transformative journey, needs, supported by advanced solutions like bioresulting in the opening of Clique Salon and identical hormone replacement Med Spa in South Lakeland. therapy, IPL Photo Facial and Driven by Racheal's extensive Morpheus8 RF Microneedling. medical expertise and her "We dive into your Racheal's approach mirrors husband John's astute business medical history her own quest for vitality as she acumen, Clique became a haven embraces the wisdom of age where health, wellness, and and lab results with a commitment to natural aesthetic aspirations converge. for a personalized enhancements.

Transitioning from the hectic experience that "Less is best," she asserts, hospital environment to curating advocating for treatments that rejuvenating experiences, Racheal transcends ordinary enhance natural beauty without found solace in blending her med spas.” compromising authenticity. medical background with a As both a practitioner and passion for holistic well-being. a patron, Racheal understands the desire to The spa's ethos resonates with those seeking preserve youthfulness gracefully. more than surface-level transformations; it's With empathy born of experience and a about understanding the underlying factors dedication to excellence, Clique Med Spa and affecting one's health and beauty.

Clique Health & Wellness promise not just a "We dive into your medical history and transformation, but a journey towards enduring lab results for a personalized experience that well-being. transcends ordinary med spas.”

H y d r a fa c i a l I P L P h o to fa c i a l L a s er H a i r R e m o v a l Bi o - i d e n ti c a l H o r m o n e Re pl a c e m e n t T h e r a p y Se m a g l u ti d e / T i r z ep a ti d e W e i g h t L o s s In j e c ti o n s

CHECK THEM OUT 5315 S Florida Ave South Lakeland, FL 33813 (Outback Restaurant Plaza) 863-249-3002 CliqueMedSpa.com

SPE C I AL OFFE R Mor pheus8 RF Microneedl i ng Face S pec i al - $450

THE LAKELANDER

Tr uscul pt i D Body C ontouri ng Treat ment for $999 ( 50% of f ) + R ece i ve a FREE Tr uscul pt Fl ex Sessi on ($449 val ue)

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Scan to learn more about what Clique Salon and Med Spa has to offer

REBECCA TYLER Aesthetician/ Laser Technician

RENEW AND REFRESH

RACHEAL SANTARPIA Owner, MSN, APRN, AGNP-C

H E A LT H + B E A U T Y | I S S U E 9 7 THE LAKELANDER

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THE LAKELANDER

H E A LT H + B E A U T Y | I S S U E 9 7

RENEW AND REFRESH

One Heart. One Purpose. Your Health.

Book an appointment at one of our 15 health centers today.

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almost 20 years, “I want to be a partner in helping you create Jeanna Parker helped a healthy life that honors your schedule, that patients facing heart honors your budget,” she says. “So that you problems as a trauma really love who you’re becoming.” and intensive care nurse. Today as the owner of That mindset was the catalyst for launching Bella Viságe Medical & Aesthetic Rejuvenation, the Bella Membership Program earlier this year. with her husband Mark, she is as dialed in as For $149 per month, members can choose a ever on helping people’s hearts, both physically Bella Classic Facial, Neck Revive RF Treatment, and emotionally.

CoolPeel Laser Hand Treatment or IPL Photo Jeanna is passionate about helping women invest Treatment for the hands. Members also receive in themselves so they can, in turn, feel better and discounted pricing on a number of products and have more to offer in many facets of their lives. services, as well as complimentary skin or body “I personally think that women run their well care products during their birthday month. so dry and ignore things. Honestly, that’s how I “Honestly, I want people to be able to get ended up at 231 pounds—I was everything they want here and putting this before me, this before feel comfortable and know they me, this before me, and I feel like don’t have to wait for a sale or “I want to be a partner women take so much on and then to get a great deal,” in helping you create a promotion it turns into this destructive selfJeanna says. "We see you, we healthy life that honors hear you and we're ready to neglect,” she said.

She has shared with numerous help you." your schedule, that media outlets about her wellness Jeanna smiles as she recalls honors your budget” and weight loss journey in 2020 when she received a text from that resulted in losing 90 pounds a client who was thrilled that through primarily eating more nutritious food everyone thought she was in her 30s. The text read: and regular exercise. She is more enthusiastic "Thank you for everything you have helped me than ever to help others achieve life-changing achieve all these years." results, whether through aesthetic rejuvenation Her team of nurse practitioners and services, scientifically backed products or aestheticians is always excited to welcome people through the spa’s new Bella Wellness Program. into the Bella family because they want what is best Jeanna said she was hesitant to start offering for the client. the trendy option of weight loss injections, “I think people actually have more respect but soon realized she could pair that with when they see where you have traveled from,” health coaching, clinically-proven products and Jeanna says. “Girl, I hear you, I was you, and educating clients on their nutrition habits to actually am still you, I’m just on the other side.” build something that fosters long-term health.

MEDI C AL & AESTH ETI C REJUVEN AT I O N SERVICES INCLUDE

Neurotoxin & Fillers CO2 Laser Resurfacing Laser Hair Removal Weight Loss Injections & Coaching Laser Tattoo Removal Radiofrequency Microneedling Facials Microblading/Microshading

CHECK THEM OUT 119 Traders Alley Lakeland, FL 33801 863-349-3940 BellaVisageLakeland.com

NEW CL I E N T SPE C I AL OFFE R F RE E - 1 B e l l a Cl a s si c F a c i a l o r 1 0 u n i t s o f To x

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JEANNA PARKER Owner & Nurse Practitioner

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VE NETIAN SAFE, TRANQUIL AND INVITING

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contouring" but only provide one modality, Benito Torres has spent his which may not target the deep fat, resulting in career helping people feel less desirable outcomes. better about themselves for "We offer several options for minimally invasive the long haul—as a doctor body contouring and sculpting provided by a at Moffitt Cancer Center and as the owner of physician, including liposculpting, Facetite and the award-winning Novus Spine & Pain Center Bodytite, which are advanced minimally invasive here in Lakeland—so it’s no surprise his newest technology," Dr. Torres says. "These treatments venture Venetian Medical Spa and Aesthetic induce collagen and elastin production, which Surgery focuses on that, just with tightens the skin to provide a different vernacular and procedures. more youthful look."

Torres prides himself on having Venetian also offers a mix of “We do out best to a staff of certified experts, a clean services like PDO thread lifts, ensure our clients fully and sterile spa that is also warm as well as traditional medspa understand the services offerings including hydrafacials, and inviting, and a menu of services that he says sets him apart we are proposing and derma fillers, laser hair removal, from the competition. discoloration treatments, do our best to ensure Dr. Torres received his training superficial vein treatments and outcomes match with a leading cosmetic surgeon in more.

Beverly Hills, Calif. and Torres is expectations.”

“We do our best to ensure a double board certified physician our clients fully understand the and assistant clinical professor. services we are proposing and do So why has he built his business in Lakeland? our best to ensure outcomes match expectations."

"In speaking with colleagues and patients, Torres admits that after moving to Lakeland I realized many patients traveled outside of from Tampa with his wife and three children eight Polk County to get treatment or services that years ago he wasn’t sure how long it would be for, could be provided locally by a properly trained but he has found a place to call home where he physician. We have the expertise and technology says he fell in love with the area and the people— to meet those needs." and he’s always looking to help people love Torres says a lot of medspas offer "body themselves a little more.

SERVICES INCLUDE Contouring Hydrafacial Liposuction Laser Hair Removal Injectables

CHECK THEM OUT 6030 Florida Ave S Ste 120 863-430-0582 VenetianMedSpa.com

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DR. BENITO TORRES Medical Director

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AGELESS AESTHETICS BEAUTY BEYOND SKIN DEEP

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hen a woman in her 60s stopped or the way that they look. My job is to take in Ageless Aesthetics & what God has already given them and enhance Wellness several years ago she natural beauty...and make them feel better and looked tired and sad, and she was more refreshed,” she says. admittedly hopeless. She had been a caregiver Ashley thanks God for his continual hand to her husband for nearly four years, and he of provision on her journey. The Lakeland had recently passed away. She didn’t know how Christian School graduate, who is married to to go on. At Ageless, she chatted with founder her middle school sweetheart Cori, opened and nurse practitioner Ashley Newman, and the Ageless in 2018, utilizing a single room in client simply said, “Can you help me?” a shared space. Just after purchasing a laser “I said, ‘Well, I believe we can,’” Ashley machine, the pandemic struck and like many recalls. “It will take some time, it local businesses, Ashley had to will take appointments, it will cost shut down for several months. money, but you have to trust me “It was tough, being a single “My job is to take along this journey.” injector owner…and having a what God has already staff and renting at the time,” About a year and a half later, the client's confidence was renewed she recalls. "But I always given them and when she looked in the mirror, and believe God will provide, and enhance natural she had begun working out and throughout my life I have seen beauty.” dancing again, and she had started Him helping me." attending church.

Fast forward to 2022, and Fast forward another year and Ashley found a piece of land a half to earlier this year when the client walked on Lake Harris that she wanted to buy, but through the doors at Ageless’s brand new spa at someone else snatched it up before she could— 242 Lake Harris Dr. or so she thought. Two months later the lot “She shared with me that she's engaged to be was back on the market, and she found out that married again. I’ve watched her evolve, and she local builder Mark Hulbert—a family friend for has a whole new outlook on life,” Ashley says. many years—owned it. He was excited to help “This is why I do what I do.” make her dream become a reality.

Ashley has been serving people through In November 2023, Ageless opened the doors to healthcare for almost 20 years now, including its brand new Hulbert-built facility, and Newman eight in aesthetics. She has worked with couldn’t be more ecstatic about what’s ahead. thousands of patients, and she knows everyone “To say I'm thankful is an understatement. has a little bit different DNA so every person It has been nothing short of blood, sweat, and deserves an individualized treatment plan. tears…but it’s been so worth it.”

“It is not my job to change someone's face

& WELLN E S S SERVICES INCLUDE B otox | Filler Mi croneedling Faci als Vi tamin I nf usions Laser Resur f acing Threa d Lif t s

CHECK THEM OUT 242 Lake Harris Dr. Lakeland, FL 33813 863-225-5400 AgelessLakeland.com @Ageless_LKLD

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Ageless

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ASHLEY NEWMAN MSN, APRN-C Provider and Founder

AESTHETICS & WELLNESS

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MONARCH M AKI NG AGIN G MORE ENJOYABLE

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and aesthetically, all in the same building. We Timothy Knight and his really enjoy helping people feel better and more team aim to “make aging confident about themselves." more enjoyable,” and at The The Monarch MedSpa offers a wide-range Monarch MedSpa in North of “state of the art” services in the areas of Lakeland their expertise in skincare is peerless. injectables, skincare contouring, and laser Dr. Knight has more than 35 years of treatments. experience in dermatology, and Dr. Knight and his staff since 2003 he and his wife, Judy, focus on meeting the needs of have operated North County patients of all age groups. He “Our providers Dermatology Clinic in Lakeland, says many of the treatments can devoting themselves to the can treat patients help people look 5, 10 or even diagnosis and treatment of skin, medically, surgically 15 years younger, depending on hair and nail conditions. and aesthetically, all in the treatments provided.

In 2023, they opened The “We listen to the patient Monarch MedSpa at the same the same building." to determine their goals and location, a venture Dr. Knight was expectations. We then offer confident in because of his own them options and together experience, as well as that of his team decide the best treatment plan," of experienced practitioners Lexi, PA-C, Kristen, he says.

"We discuss risks and benefits, possible DNP, and Joann, an aesthetician. downtime and cost.”

“Our aesthetic providers are very, very Dr. Knight prides himself on ensuring the spa well trained and have combined decades of is always sparkling clean, as well as a professional experience in the field,” Dr. Knight says. “Our and friendly environment. providers can treat patients medically, surgically

SERVICES INCLUDE Injectables Skincare Contouring Laser Treatments

C H E CK THEM O UT 6500 North Socrum Loop Road Lakeland, FL, 33809 863-225-3468 TheMonarchMedSpa.com

Scan to book an appointment with Monarch Med Spa

DR. TIMOTHY KNIGHT Medical Director

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D E S I G N E D BY BRIANA CHENOT

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it a group class or one-on-one coaching, whether their clients aim to regain lost vigor or have never broken a sweat inside a gym before, or even if clients desire app-based remote instruction, three of Lakeland’s top trainers– Faith Wagner, Will Doyle, and Blake Scheidt– all share a passion for improving people’s lives through fitness. We connected with each of them about the why and what of personal training—to see how it’s helping Lakelanders get and stay healthy, and how they could help you reach your fitness goals.

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ill joined the Army at age 22 after earning a degree in exercise science.

Although he’d grown up playing sports he was, perhaps counterintuitively, overweight and out of shape at the end of his nine-year military stint.

But he fell in love with the local fitness scene, managed a gym and trained clients on the northside for about a decade, and then opened up Will Power Fitness five years ago.

Will is dedicated to helping everyone reach his or her fitness goals, and being a gym that is accessible 24/7/365 helps accommodate people of all lifestyles.

“After you’ve trained people for a decade or more,” he says, “it becomes clear that helping people reach their weight or strength goals is important, but it’s really about your clients building self-confidence. It’s the father with

the bad blood work whose wife encouraged him to look after his health—and now he’s fit and confident. It’s the grandparents who are able to get on the floor and play with their grandkids when pain kept them from it before they started training.”

Will recalls one of the more poignant stories of inspiration that his gym cultivated was that of a fellow veteran who was deeply depressed but has now found hope through training at Will Power Fitness.

In fact, helping veterans stay fit—as well as active duty military, police, firefighters and first responders—is one of Doyle’s main missions.

Roughly a quarter of Will Power’s 275 members serve in those capacities and receive a 20 percent membership discount. All members can choose from small group classes in the morning and evening as well as personal training from one of Will Power’s nine personal trainers.

“We focus on mobility, correcting form, and imbalances,” Will says, “by making sure

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

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“THOU G P H YS I H W E ’ V E T R CAL C A HALLE INED PEOP N L THRO UGH T GES, WE K E FOR POW NOW T HEIR ERLIF EME R T D AY P T H X ING AT M E AIN-F O R E TO G O DD M M R E E W O S T P E O P AAN O LG ITH H E J UNS T WRAENETX T R E N I I GLH T ME I FE N E RE J UTS WA N TL S .”

R E T E L G O W P Y LYE V GO L EEV R PO OST PEO ER G L O S F . ” E AT M H I G H E N EOPL H P T D W E H RAIN , WE KNO REE WIT T E W E ’ V L E N G E S Y PA I N - F H G L U A “THO CAL CHA THEIR D I H P H YS T H R O U G

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E N E RGY joints are aligning safely under load. If the form isn’t correct, we deload until we correct it. Though we’ve trained people for powerlifting and more extreme physical challenges, we know that most people just want to go through their day pain-free with high energy levels.”

Doyle recalls how his approach to training has changed since the beginning of his career. “I used to be a drill sergeant!” he laughs. “I didn’t want anyone to have a better workout than the one I gave them. I still want that, but I’ve come a long way in how I achieve it.”

He’s found replacing his own intensity with simple questions is most effective.

“We are constantly doing little spot checks: how are you feeling? How did that last workout make you feel? Several weeks in, we assess a client’s energy levels, sleep quality, food choices, and recovery strategy. The most common question is, are you feeling stronger?”

He said he knows a client is on the right path if they feel stronger, their appetite is increasing and if they have more energy to pour into what matters most to them.

Will Power’s next move is a revamped website and gym expansion, but Doyle’s vision goes even further.

“I love the fact that there are so many other gyms and fitness options popping up in Lakeland. As the city grows, I hope fitness remains a part of it. I would love to collaborate with other gyms, perhaps have health fairs, fitness competitions,etc.”

WILL POWER FITNESS 1014 Walt Williams Rd. Lakeland, FL 33809 (863) 603-8600 WillPowerFitnessLkld.com

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Immersive, hands-on experiences such as internships and research equip students to lead, succeed, and make an impact in our community and across the globe.

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competitive gymnast through college, Faith Wagner earned a Master’s Degree in kinesiology and serves as an adjunct professor at Southeastern University in the discipline in addition to being the director of Earn Your Stripes, a gym that launched in the heart of Downtown in 2023. Her lifetime of experience and academic training allows her to adapt and customize workouts for clients that includes corrective movement and accommodation for existing injuries.

“I love being able to meet people where they are, give them a phenomenal workout, and help them prove to themselves they can do it,” she says. “I’ve worked with people who’ve been suffering with longstanding pain, clients struggling with mental health issues, moms returning to the gym after having

babies, retired athletes—and together we’re able to create super effective workouts.”

Earn Your Stripes is primarily a group fitness studio that also offers personal training. Their signature class, EYS Fit, runs about 45 minutes and involves a dynamic workout that includes strength, function, endurance and power training.

“We really focus on a balance of those four areas, training to the appropriate heart rate zone in each one,” Faith says.

For the particularly ambitious, EYS Combat is another class designed around full-body HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training).

For people who might be inexperienced with or intimidated by fitness classes and personal training, Faith said EYS staff provides prospective members tours of the gym and makes sure they are comfortable.

Her team also finds out where people are in their personal health and wellness journeys.

“We ask about any existing injuries, pain, or anything physical our certified trainers should know about—and we modify workouts as needed,” she says. “Everyone who hasn’t yet taken a class starts at a station that monitors the

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S “WE W U ORK T YO E S S I O …

O BUI LD CA ASS ING S L M C A RAD LIKE Y HE RAIN O U G O E R I E IINN TTH ELCTL A T A P EI E A N SS…Y R R OU SH D E ESROSNOA L T R A A OULD R I P N I A N G SES L E AV E M OT A A S FEELI C I O G N .”

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C ONSISTE NT heart rate throughout the class. We work to build camaraderie in the class and give personal attention to members during it, too…you should leave feeling like you got a personal training session.”

Faith offers some sage advice for those starting out: “When people take the all-or-nothing approach starting out, going from zero to several classes a week, they have a hard time finding balance in their lives. I suggest starting slow and taking a bite-sized approach; perhaps start with two days a week, be consistent while you try to make it seamless with the rest of your schedule.

When that feels good, add a third day.

“If someone is consistent, the workouts will prove themselves. I have a client who now comes four to five days per week without fail, works hard, takes the modifications to the workouts as needed— she’s lost 30 pounds and feels healthy. So don’t hold yourself back from trying something new—really go for it and see where it takes you.”

EARN YOUR STRIPES 305 W Main St. Lakeland, FL 33815 (863) 225-0560 EYSFit.com

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L AK EL AND AT HLET IC CLUB COACH P E R SONAL IZED REM O TE CO ACHI NG

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lake Scheidt has been a trainer for a decade, podcasting and building a digital footprint along the way to help younger coaches build their training businesses and to train people in the comfort of their own home.

Through trainerslab.io, Scheidt offers coaching calls, blueprints for success as a personal trainer, collateral and resources. At blakescheidt.com he offers remote personal coaching to individuals anywhere in the world who are ready to get and stay fit. And for the old school in-person experience with Blake, you can train with him at Lakeland Athletic Club.

“I love helping people,” Scheidt says. “I was a youth minister in the inner city for 10 years before this and, as I made this career shift, I found I could use that gift in a new way.

“This work is deeply relational; my clients are allowing me to train their bodies and paying me

for it, so I have to maintain their trust and buyin. It requires constantly knowing what they need and encouraging them while I challenge them. I really enjoy those ‘lightbulb moments’ when people realize their lives have improved.”

Blake has found that the best recipe for serving clients includes both empathy and a data-driven approach.

Some of his clients have never played a sport or done much physical activity in their lives. Scheidt says data is critical because it allows clients to see their progress objectively, and once they start seeing results they are even more motivated.

Scheidt’s clients have also included bodybuilders training for a competition, those in their 70s who just want to live longer with less pain, as well as Crossfitters.

“I strive to be a Swiss Army knife of training,” he says.

To that end, Blake spends about $10K a year on his own continuing education.

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OA L I S TO AU TO MAKE NOM MY C E OUS LIEN Y AR E AND H T T SS THER H AT T EFOR O KNOWL E A B L E .”

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GOALS “It’s just built into my budget–I have a mentor coach who I talk to weekly and I pursue certifications where I’m not equipped.”

His approach is serving clients well. “I’m most gratified that I have high client retention,” he says. “But—weirdly perhaps—my main goal is to make my clients so knowledgeable that they are autonomous and therefore they could fire me. I have a client who came to me for in-person training–she didn’t know how to workout. She worked hard on that until she went to a hybrid in-person/online program, and now she is fully remote.”

Blake said she has lost 30 pounds, is confident in her home gym, and her quality of life has vastly improved.

Blake really enjoys helping people

2295 Commerce Point Dr #180 Lakeland, FL 33801 BlakeScheidt.com

“...the hardest part about knowledge is wisdom...”

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realize how reaching their health goals can positively impact them as a mom or dad, or even regain daily energy that was unintentionally lost as they pursued careers and other ventures.

“Sometimes they’re depressed or have trouble sleeping. Together, we’re able to build a program around those things to improve them,” he says.

“Fitness has reached a point where there’s no lack of information available. So why do many of us remain unhealthy? It’s because the hardest part about knowledge is wisdom: when to do the right thing at the right time”

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TEN SIMPLE HEALTH HACKS THAT ANYONE CAN DO

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1

Lemonade is filled with sugar, but lemon water? Prevention.com lists seven benefits of a few squeezes of lemon in your H2O, including vitamin C, it helps with bloating and it can prevent kidney stones. Lemons also can zest up a salad, add flavor to other healthy beverages like tea and you can even use lemon juice to keep your fresh sliced apples from turning brown (aka oxidizing).

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WRITTEN BY RJ WALTERS DESIGNED BY BRIANA CHENOT

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Get Your Fill of Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Zinc

Create a Tech Curfew and Stick To It

These two vitamins and mineral make a potent trifecta, and you can find them neatly packed into everything from pills to gummies. Vitamin C builds your immune system, helps your body heal and plays an important role in everything from the forming of blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen to absorbing and storing iron. Vitamin D is famously known as the hero that builds strong bones, because it is necessary to absorb calcium. Zinc helps stave off sicknesses, enables wounds to heal quicker and generally contributes to healthier skin. Simply put, why wouldn’t you want more of these power players in your daily routine? (of course, check professional resources for any side effects or exceptions)

Slowly walk away from your phone. Lock it in a box that will not open until morning.

And then…

Ok, wake up, or should we say, let’s get to sleep! It is popular to count on melatonin or a variety of habit forming sleep aids to ensure Zs, but research proves that letting your screens sleep well before you do is a healthy routine to practice. The blue light emitted from most screens actually suppresses melatonin production and your mind stays engaged with information and movement instead of preparing to rest. Most research recommends a tech curfew of 1-2 hours before going to bed.

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Find Workouts That Work For You It sounds simple enough, but it’s also human nature to shoot for the stars and never even leave earth’s atmosphere, so to speak. If you think walking more might be your thing, consider buying ankle weights or incorporating some stair steps or short spans of jogging to take it to the next level. If a gym is too intimidating, do a quick internet search for “Top Fitness Apps,” and see what has worked well for others in your shoes.

If you already train five days a week, good for you—you’ve clearly already mastered this tip, so help others find entry points to get started.

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A study by the Food and Drug Administration found that nearly 9 in 10 Americans eat more sodium than recommended, which leads to health problems like high blood pressure. A lot of “healthy” options (sometimes they are moderately healthy and sometimes clever marketing tricks us) like more nutritious frozen dinners or soups are loaded with salt, as are some of your fast food and restaurant dishes. Have some fun by buying one new “salt free” spice or herb to try each month and see what becomes a fan favorite in your household. There are tons of exciting options with catchy names and various heat levels, so cut the salt and buy a new spice rack!

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Spice Up Your Life

Make Life Sweet Without So Much Sugar

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Now that your salt shaker is staying more full longer, it’s time to zoom in on the “added sugar” category on all your labels. A 2022 study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, indicates the average American consumes nearly 70 grams of sugar per day, far above the recommended limit of 50 per day. You might not realize how much sugar is in your barbecue sauce or your “healthy” sports drink, but the labels don’t lie. Stevia, monk fruit sweetener, beetroot and dates are all oftrecommended substitutes that can

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Your stomach is growling again and you can see the massive fast food sign outside your office window. If you have a selection of nuts, fruits and snack bars that are low sugar and filled with “real” ingredients at your disposal you’ll reduce calories, feel better and save yourself money. Buying snack-sized portions becomes costly, and the reality is we need good snacks to keep us going, just prepare accordingly.

Artificial dyes make for bright colored treats, sports drinks, baked goods,etc.

But more and more research is showing your gut doesn't like these dyes as much as your eyes do. A new study from Cornell and Binghamton University shows colorants such as dyes Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 can be found in 90 percent of artificially colored product in the U.S. Certain dyes can negatively affect intestinal functionality and can mess with your digestive system as a whole.

Simply Slow Down We get it, life is often frantic, and we love to reward efficiency, but your body is made to enjoy what you’re putting in it. Biologically speaking, it takes about 20 minutes for your hormones to tell your brain to be satisfied by what you are consuming, so if you like to brag about being on your fifth slice of pizza 15 minutes in, you’re really just cheating the system, and creating unhealthy habits in the process. Eating slower improves chewing and is linked to passing less gas and better overall gut health.

Make Every Day “Berry” Good Living across the county line from the home of the Strawberry Festival, we all know that berries make for a good time, but did you realize they can also help you live longer? A plethora of studies indicate they help prevent cancer and the antioxidants boost overall health. Berries have the added benefit of being able to make dishes sweeter without adding any sugar, and an article on Health.com shares research that says frozen berries may be even more nutrient rich than their fresh counterparts.

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Don't Let the Colors Fool You

1 0 S I M P L E H E A LT H H A C K S

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Keep Healthy Snacks On Hand

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Assisted Living Facility Licenses: #AL11995, #AL12732, #AL5217, #AL7902

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FOR 4

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EA 6 Y RS

Cranapple Chicken Salad Sandwich on Multigrain Bread

NOURISHING BODIES & FUELING WELLNESS

In

1978 Anthony Miller decided she wanted to do something where she could help people every day, and 46 years later she is still doing just that.

The 88-year-old founder and owner of Anthony’s Health Hut and Restaurant isn’t lacking for energy or enthusiasm, and she is on a mission to help Lakelanders live their healthiest, longest lives possible.

When you walk into the store located in a wellestablished plaza in South Lakeland you are greeted by shelves lined with the latest supplements, scientifically backed natural wellness products, sugar substitutes and more, but you will also smell the aroma of nutritious fresh soup, homemade quiche and freshly made pies.

The restaurant offers a number of healthy flavorful options under $10, they make a wide array of fruit and veggie based smoothies, and for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth, homemade key lime pie is among the options.

Anthony acknowledges it’s challenging to compete with all of the large online retailers in the health and wellness space, meaning she has to be diligent to maintain personal connection with customers.

When Anthony quit her banking job in the late 70s, and reflected on her time previously spent working in the medical field, she knew she could make an impact by building relationships built on helping people feel better.

“I’ve had my shares of ups and downs, but I pray to God every day—I am a woman of faith—and He has guided me along the way...”

Avocado Toast with Tomato and Sprouts

NOURISHING BODIES & FUELING WELLNESS

“I’ve had my shares of ups and downs, but I pray to God every day—I am a woman of faith—and He has guided me along the way,” she said.

Anthony chuckles when she says, “Sugar is the root of all evil,” but in the same vein acknowledges she cheats “once in a while” including a recent trip to The Joinery to try the much-talked about Mayday Ice Cream.

She believes everyone can benefit from finding the right supplements to meet their needs and says from her experience a lot of doctors simply don’t take the time to help patients realize that.

She talks about how the right supplements have eliminated chronic joint pain for her, and recently she was excited to bring in a new product called Fisetin, a supplement that touts itself as a “powerful senolytic activator, antioxidant and brain support.”

While science unveils new truths about human health and wellness and trends come and go, Anthony’s Health Hut and Restaurant remains a staple.

“I am just so grateful to be part of Lakeland, a community that has supported this business and that I have been able to help all these years,” she says.

Mediterranean Salad with Feta Dressing

5329 Florida Ave S Lakeland, FL 33813 (863) 644-5330 Green Goddess Smoothie

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See more of what Anthony's Health Hut has to offer:

Keylime Pie

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quality Only the finest meats, cheeses and vegetables are used to make our delicious classic italian dishes.

Come enjoy.

3615 S. Florida Ave. Suite 1310 Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 617-9832 • ilfornolakeland.com

Since 1972 We’ve treated them like family.

Marshall Jewelers New Location!

2058 E Edgewood Dr | Lakeland, Fl 33803

863.682.4725

• Comprehensive Medical Services • Professionsal Grooming & Stying • Comfortable & Spacious Lodging • AAHA Accredited 3710 Cleveland Heights Boulevard 863.646.2995 pethospital.com

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863.224.2354 INFO@ALTERNATIVEGASCONSTRUCTION.COM PO BOX 9461 WINTER HAVEN, FL 33883-9461

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HISTORY

ISSUE 97

1991

Lakeland Marathon

Participants in the Lakeland, Florida marathon run along Main Street, passing through the intersection with Kentucky Avenue.

Courtesy of the Lakeland Public Library

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TH E L A KE L A N DE R

76 years of

EXPERIENCED MINDS handling

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We believe each client deserves attorneys who create learned, practical, individualized solutions in a constantly changing and complex environment. Please call us or visit our website today for more information about our time-tested legal experience.

PETERSONMYERS.COM • 863.683.6511 • LAKELAND | WINTER HAVEN | LAKE WALES

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Committed to providing the highest levels of quality care to our patients.

Central Florida’s Premier Healthcare Provider for Over 80 Years 863-680-7000 | WatsonClinic.com |