THINK OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL
Freestanding emergency rooms are all the rage. THE GREAT FOOD DEBATE
Why GMOs are unhealthy.
SEP '20
L AKE & SUMTER
IT’LL TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY
Health Insurance and Retirement Advocates.
Read about a nightmarish health condition affecting sleepers.
HAVE A BEEF WITH EATING MEAT? Learn about the area’s vegan restaurants
SPECIAL HEALTH EDITION
C O M M E R C I A L
0C% ING 1I0 NAN BLE F ILA AVA
R E S I D E N T I A L
HOME & BUSINESS BACKUP GENERATORS
PUT POWER IN YOUR OWN HANDS Power outages happen. They plunge your home into darkness, leave your food spoiling in the refrigerator and have homeowners enduring unbearable heat. With a generator, you have the power to avoid these inconveniences. Act now before it’s too late.
8010 US Highway 441, Leesburg 352.460.0810 electricalworksflorida.com LICENSE EC13005476
Life can get your pulse racing.
Our Urgent Cares have heart specialists to keep your beat steady.
SET YOUR M I N D —AN D YO UR H E ART —AT E A S E . Every FHV Health Urgent Care now includes a practicing cardiologist. You never know when you may need a heart specialist. But now you’ll always know where to find one.
Leesburg 27637 US HWY 27 / 352.326.6001 MON-FRI 9am-7pm SAT & SUN 8am-5pm Lady Lake 201 LaGrande Blvd / 352.753.0606 MON, WED, FRI 9am-6pm fhvhealth.com
PERFORMANCE. IT’S WHAT WE’RE ABOUT. At Advanced Orthopedics Institute we specialize in hips, knees, shoulders, ankles, wrists...and tennis players. We’re national leaders in reverse shoulder replacements for those whose rotator cuffs are no longer functioning, performing more in a year than most surgeons perform in a lifetime. We also have a full range of non-invasive procedures to help relieve shoulder pain and improve function. Return to the activities you enjoy most. Get moving. Call 352.751.2862.
G E T A-O K W I T H AO I
John T. Williams, Jr., MD
1400 N US Hwy 441, Suite 552 | The Villages, FL 32159 phone 352.751.2862 | fax 855.420.1047 | goaoi.com
Alfred J. Cook, Jr., MD
SEP'20 V.16
≈ N.11
CONTENTS 1 of 2
FEATURES
059 SPECIAL ADVERTISIN G SEC TIO N
Ask the Expert Receive sound advice from industry leaders who shine in their respective fields.
Susan Brisbin and Julie Graham of Health Insurance and Retirement Advocates
036 042 048 054
When seconds count
Locally Vegan
Don’t sleep on sleep apnea
The skinny on GMOs
Freestanding emergency rooms offer convenience and shorter wait times, but are they always the answer when life is on the line?
Where’s the beef? Doesn’t matter to people who prefer eating vegan. Find out which local restaurants cater to their lifestyle.
In addition to extreme daytime drowsiness, sleep apnea can lead to other serious health conditions.
Eating healthy? Are you sure? GMOs continue to be a controversial topic, leaving consumers to wonder what they should and shouldn’t eat.
STORY: GARY CORSAIR
STORY: VICTORIA SCHLABIG
STORY: JAMES COMBS
STORY: VICTORIA SCHLABIG
010 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
We Listen. We Care. We Educate.
352.350.1161 TBFinancialGroup.com 3261 U.S. Highway 441/27, Suite F-2 Fruitland Park, FL 34731 Liz Cornell, CAS®
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Annuities 101
Workshop for September Seating is very limited and by RSVP only
Sept 24th | 9 a.m. BROWNWOOD HOTEL & SPA 3003 BROWNWOOD BLVD, THE VILLAGES
Sept 9th | 9 a.m. Sept 22nd | 9 a.m. THE WATERFRONT INN LAKE SUMTER LANDING, THE VILLAGES
TB Financial Group Inc. is a licensed insurance agency for life, health, and annuities. We are not securities licensed. We are not tax advisors. Our seminars are very general in nature and not meant to replace the advice of your CPA, Tax Preparer, Investment Advisor or Attorney. We will not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal professional for these matters.
SEP‘20 V.16
≈ N.11
CONTENTS 2 of 2
DEPARTMENTS
first
019
THE HIT LIST 020 OUTSTANDING STUDENT 024 MY FIRST TIME 026 PERSON OF INTEREST 028
agenda
083
024
026
086
088
028
JAMS 084 LOCAL TALENT 086 SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT 088 HI SOCIETY 090
healthy living
100
097
INSPIRATION 098 HEALTHY BODY 100 HEALTHY MIND 106
menu
090 106
098
120
113
IN THE KITCHEN 114 SPIRITS 118 FORK ON THE ROAD 120 DINING GUIDE 122
columns
136
FROM THE PUBLISHER 014 AT YOUR SERVICE 015 FINAL THOUGHT 136
114 118 THINK OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
Why GMOs are unhealthy.
THINK OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL
Freestanding emergency rooms are all the rage. THE GREAT FOOD DEBATE
Why GMOs are unhealthy.
SEP '20
L AKE & SUMTER
E ON TH R C OV E
SEP '20
VILLAGE EDITION
John T. Williams Jr., MD
IT’LL TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY
HAVE A BEEF WITH EATING MEAT?
Alfred J. Cook Jr., MD
Health Insurance and Retirement Advocates.
Read about a nightmarish health condition affecting sleepers.
Learn about the area’s vegan restaurants
012 /
Freestanding emergency rooms are all the rage. THE GREAT FOOD DEBATE
THE GAME-CHANGING SURGEONS OF
ADVANCED ORTHOPEDICS INSTITUTE SPECIAL HEALTH EDITION
Lake and Sumter Style
Village Edition
Photo: Anthony Rao Models: Susan Brisbin and Julie Graham
Photo: Douglas Tyler Models: John T. Williams Jr., MD and Alfred J. Cook Jr., MD
God Bless America! ING ND PE
1104 BECKER AVE, THE VILLAGES, FL 32163 WELL-APPOINTED 3/2 “Avondale” Bungalow Courtyard Villa in The Village of Pine Ridge. Block Stucco, Two-Car garage, Corner Homesite, Privacy Wall, completely “Turnkey furnished!” Income producing/Tenant Occupied w/2-Year Lease. $339,000 | MLS# G5027614
ING ND PE
321 CHULA VISTA AVE, LADY LAKE, FL 32159 GORGEOUS 2/2 “Turnkey furnished” completely remodeled Home nestled On the 4th Hole of the Mira Mesa Golf Course. NEW vinyl plank floors and Kitchen w/white cabinetry, GRANITE, Stainless Appliances, and Gas Golf Cart! NO BOND! $299,900 | MLS# G5029159
ING ND PE
1513 JACINTO CT, THE VILLAGES, FL 32159 STUNNING! 2/2 POOL HOME loaded with upgrades inside and out! Dynamite location in the Village of Santo Domingo. New ROOF October 2018, engineered HARDWOOD Floors, Reverse Osmosis water filtration and Paver drive and walks! NO BOND! $349,000 | MLS# G5031548
0000 W MAIN ST, LEESBURG, FL 34748 ATTENTION INVESTORS! Retail Storefront with SIX retail spaces! Centrally located on Main Street in Downtown Leesburg. New Roof 8/2020 and direct Main Street Frontage. $269,000 | MLS#G5028270
9899 NW 26TH ST, WILDWOOD, FL 34785 Build your Custom Dream Home on LOT 48 at the end of the Cul-de-Sac. These Gorgeous 13.95 Acres are located in the Gated PRESERVE AT OAK HILL Equestrian Community! Deed Restrictions allow for your barn and horses. The Preserve at Oak Hill offers quiet country living right in the Heart of Sumter County. $149,000 | MLS# G5015190
9060 NW 19TH ST, WILDWOOD, FL 34785 Build your Custom Dream Home on 10.08 Acres in the Prestigious Gated PRESERVE AT OAK HILL Equestrian Community! LOT78 is in the Cul-de-Sac. The Deed Restrictions allow for your barn and horses. Open pastures, horse farms, four board fencing, 100 acres of riding trails, underground utilities, street lights, internet, and phone. $110,000 | MLS# G4838375
ING ND PE
1203 W. MAIN STREET, LEESBURG, FL 34748 Awesome LOCATION in Downtown Leesburg with approximately 1.87 ACRES! This property offers many opportunities! Main Street and 12th Street FRONTAGE. Warehouse, Pole Barn and room to build. $259,000 | MLS# G5015726
4972 NE 73RD DR, WILDWOOD, FL 34785 BREATHTAKING VIEWS! 3/2 Estate Home with 1/1 Cottage. Both privately nestled on 2.05 ACRES on the 900-acre natural springfed LAKE DEATON. Canopy of towering Oaks, old southern charm, Roof 2017, vinyl plank floors and fresh paint. Adjacent 7.51 Acre lot also available! $395,000 | MLS# G5032256
ING ND E P
LOT 2
2297 NW 81ST AVE, WILDWOOD, FL 34785 Build your Custom Dream Home in the Gated Preserve at Oak Hill. LOT2 Features 4.20 Gorgeous acres with 4 board fencing, Deed Restrictions allows for your barn and horses. Offering quiet country living right in the heart of Sumter County. 100 acres of Equine riding trails, underground utilities and street lights, internet, and phone. $79,500 | MLS# G5021264
6010 POLOCHECK PLACE, THE VILLAGES, FL 32163
LIGHTLY LIVED IN 3/2 “SUNFLOWER 5” Designer home in the Village of Southern Oaks. Gable roof, 2-Car w/Golf Car Garage, leaded glass front door, spacious foyer, white gourmet style kitchen, gas, high definition beveled edge countertops, recessed lighting, large breakfast bar, and nova purified water system. $345,000 | MLS# G5031948
1-352-307-2925
5031 SE 115TH STREET, BELLEVIEW, FL 34420 ATTENTION INVESTORS! Two-story home on SIX ACRES, ZONED R-3. Retention pond at the backside of the property, TOPO and ENGINEERING reports available. Perfect site for apartments, duplexes or townhomes. Centrally located and close to shopping, restaurants, medical, and much more! $349,900 | MLS# G5031672
5181 NE 122ND BLVD, OXFORD, FL 34484 LOVELY 2/2 “Daisy” privacy and view! The “Family Friendly” Villages of Parkwood is A Deed Restricted Neighborhood surrounded by The Villages and close proximity to The Villages Charter Schools. Featuring Front and Rear porches, Open and spacious plan, Volume ceiling and neutral colors! $159,900 | MLS# G5031371
BassettPremierRealty.com
Spruce Creek Professional Plaza | 10935 SE 177th Place, Suite 201, Summerfield, FL 34491
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Choosing to cope, not crumble Let’s live life to the fullest. his is typically my favorite time of the year. Fun-filled community events happen all over Lake County, watching my beloved Miami Hurricanes play football, and holiday gatherings with family and friends right around the corner. Just as I start to look forward to all those things, I get hit with a huge dose of reality. Yes, the coronavirus will likely throw a monkey wrench into
all my plans for the next three months. But you know what? I’m not going to let this virus spoil my seasonal fun. I’m going to adjust, adapt and overcome. Life is too short to let a virus suck all the fun out of living. At Lake and Sumter Style, the coronavirus has forced us to adapt in a big way. As you know, we have always devoted part of the magazine to covering everything that’s happening in Lake County. That includes Social Spotlight, which previews an upcoming event for a particular month, our Jams section, which highlights upcoming concerts, and Hi Society, which features names
and faces of people who attend various community gatherings. With the cancellation of so many activities, we had to come up with new ideas on how to fill these pages. I’ve embraced this challenge. I’d rather cope than crumble. I’d rather become better than bitter. I’d rather emerge stronger than weaker. When you look at this month’s magazine, I think you’ll agree that we’ve emerged pretty strong. This may be one of the more diverse issues we’ve ever assembled. You’ll read feature stories covering a variety of topics, including freestanding emergency rooms, veganfriendly restaurants, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), the dangers of sleep apnea, what it’s like to be single during the coronavirus pandemic and the pros and cons of vaping. Our writers delved into these stories with passion and curiosity so that you, our readers, will have a better understanding of these topics. I hope everyone has a great September. Remember, don’t let coronavirus stop you from living. This too shall pass, and we’ll come out stronger on the other side. God bless,
Have a story to tell? We’re always looking for stories about people who live and work in our area. Send suggestions to editorial@akersmediagroup.com.
014 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
Kendra Akers Doug Akers
OWNER/PUBLISHER kendra@akersmediagroup.com
DESIGN
/
AT YOUR SERVICE
PRESIDENT doug@akersmediagroup.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
/
EDITORIAL
Steven J. Codraro James Combs
CREATIVE DIRECTOR steve@akersmediagroup.com
STAFF WRITER james@akersmediagroup.com
Michael Gaulin Theresa Campbell
SENIOR DESIGNER michael@akersmediagroup.com
STAFF WRITER theresa@akersmediagroup.com
Volkan Ulgen Victoria Schlabig
ART DIRECTOR volkan@akersmediagroup.com
THINK OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL
Freestanding emergency rooms are all the rage. THE GREAT FOOD DEBATE
Why GMOs are unhealthy.
STAFF WRITER roxanne@akersmediagroup.com
Douglas Tyler CON TRIBUTIN G DIRECTOR OF WRITER S
PHOTOGRAPHY douglas@akersmediagroup.com
Leigh Neily Anthony Rao Joe Angione
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER/ VIDEOGRAPHER anthony@akersmediagroup.com
Diane Dean
CON TRIBUTIN G Nicole Hamel ED IT OR
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER nicole@akersmediagroup.com
SA LES
/
Gary Corsair
M A RK ETIN G
Tim McRae
VICE PRESIDENT, SALES tim@akersmediagroup.com
Mike Stegall
SENIOR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE/ SPECIAL PROJECTS mike@akersmediagroup.com
Melanie Melvin Shaena Long
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING melanie@akersmediagroup.com
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR shaena@akersmediagroup.com
Freestanding emergency rooms are all the rage. THE GREAT FOOD DEBATE
Why GMOs are unhealthy. SPONSORED BY
SEP '20
VILLAGE EDITION
TO LAKE COUNTY
Megan Mericle Roxanne Brown
GRAPHIC DESIGNER megan@akersmediagroup.com
THINK OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL
SEP '20
L AKE & SUMTER
STAFF WRITER victoria@akersmediagroup.com
John T. Williams Jr., MD
IT’LL TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY
Alfred J. Cook Jr., MD
Health Insurance and Retirement Advocates.
Read about a nightmarish health condition affecting sleepers.
Perfect
THE
THE GAME-CHANGING SURGEONS OF
ADVANCED ORTHOPEDICS INSTITUTE
HAVE A BEEF WITH EATING MEAT?
SPECIAL HEALTH EDITION
Learn about the area’s vegan restaurants
+
PICK
Lake County has bushels of berries and a bounty of agritourism sites.
ON THE WATERFRONT
GO FISH
MUTUAL ATTRACTIONS
Launch yourself into endless waterways and discover scenic wildlife areas.
Explore a fishing mecca with countless hot spots for anglers of all skill levels.
By land, sea and air, visitors can find adventure, sightseeing and recreation.
Hot off the press! The latest editions of Lake & Sumter Style, Village Edition Style, and Welcome to Lake County.
Get yours Subscriptions: Order a subscription of your favorite magazine to be delivered directly to your home for just $84. Each subscription includes 12 consecutive issues of Lake & Sumter Style and Village Edition Style. Choose 2 or more magazines for $108 per year. To order, call 352.787.4112 or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749. Change of Address: If you are a seasonal resident or have moved, send your address
change request to general@akersmediagroup.com or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749. Back Issues: Order a single issue by mail for $8. To pick up a back issue from our office, please call 24 hours in advance.
A D M IN IS TRATION Aubrey Akers Simmons OFFICE MANAGER aubrey@akersmediagroup.com
Digitize your life
D ISTRIBUTION
Visit the Apple or Android app store today and download the Lake & Sumter Style online magazine app for your mobile device.
Scott Hegg
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com
Akers Media is a proud member of
Winner of 200+ Awards for Excellence
Lake & Sumter Style. Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 South Fifth Street, Leesburg, FL 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2020 by Akers Media. All rights reserved. Lake & Sumter Style is a registered trademark of Akers Media. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or billing information, call 352.787.4112. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Paid Promotional Feature” denotes a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims or contents of advertisements. The ideas and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of Akers Media.
Find us on social media
FULL-SERVICE ADVERTISING AGENCY • VIDEO PRODUCTION • CUSTOM PUBLISHING AKERSMEDIAGROUP.COM • 352.787.4112
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 015
OPTIONS? DO YOU KNOW YOUR BEST
FACELIFT, TEMPORARY FILLERS, OR PERMANENT FACIAL FILLERS
Liz had ImageLift, Laser, and filler treatments. Results are typical and do vary.
Kathy had a Laser ImageLift. Results are typical and do vary.
YOU’RE INVITED TO FIND OUT! Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
LIVE SEMINAR WATERFRONT INN
September 29th @ 2pm
Very limited seating.
MASKS REQUIRED FOR GUESTS AND STAFF.
ImageLift is following CDC guidelines for the highest level of safety.
SHOP THE ONLINE STORE
shop.imagelift.com
ATTEND VIRTUAL SEMINARS! imagelift.com/webinar
MEET THE TEAM!
WSJ
Bestseller!
FREE IMAGELIFT BOOK for first 20 callers! Limited quantities (Retail $14.95)
DR. RICH CASTELLANO
is a Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon as seen on:
*Patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination, or treatment that is performed as a result of and within 72 hrs of responding to ad for the free, discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination, or treatment.
8630 East CR 466, The Villages 877.346.2435 // www.IMAGELIFT.com
STARTING AT
$29* INSTALLED *per/sq.ft.
Over 300 colors in stock!
BUILDING STONE :: COUNTERTOPS :: FURNITURE :: LANDSCAPING STONE :: MISCELLANEOUS www.southeasternstoneandtile.com :: 352.629.7518 :: 1208 S.E. 3RD AVE, OCALA, FL 34478
The Villages Insurance
Home. Auto. Life. Business. Insurance for your
Daily Ride and Weekend Travels Give our Advisors a call today to see how much they can save you!
352-751-6622
Auto. Motorcycle. RV. Boat.
www.TheVillagesInsurance.com
Having the right insurance agent doesn’t matter. Until it does. 018 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
What a class act! Kristopher Ganesh talks about receiving a Take Stock in Children’s Leaders for Life scholarship.
first PEOPLE. COMMENTARY. NEWS.
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 019
THE HIT LIST
CHUG A CHAGA Mushroom lovers will be happy to know that there is a whole month dedicated to the tasty little fungi. According to NationalDayCalendar.com, September is National Mushroom Month, so you may try stuffing one for dinner or chopping a few up for a stir-fry. Or you could celebrate by drinking a mushroom. Why not try a Chagachino from One Utopia, a super foods drink bar located in The Downtown Exchange Clemont? Never chugged a Chagachino? It’s made with oat milk, monk fruit, cinnamon, vanilla, cacao and Chaga, a type of mushroom that grows on birch trees and that One Utopia’s Owner Tina Aldrich says contains a higher natural source of antioxidants than 3 pounds of blueberries or 30 pounds of carrots. When ordering a Chagachino, you can ask for it hot or cold, or with a shot of espresso. “When we tell people what’s in our Chagachino, they think, ‘What, I’m drinking a mushroom? Oh no,’ but when they try it, they usually can’t believe it. We turn it into something that really tastes delicious, that’s sugar free and that is very good for you,” says Aldrich. If you’re not into mushrooms, or you’re allergic to them, One Utopia serves many other drinks. And everything on the menu is plant-based, keto, vegan, organic, paleo friendly and gluten free. ONE UTOPIA 639 8th St, Clermont, FL // 407.575.7616 oneutopia.com
HONEY HONEY Dandelions aren’t just a weed to get rid of in your garden! They also have dual uses, culinary and medicinal. Dandelions are 100% edible, and in the culinary world, they have many uses because they are so full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Greens can be eaten raw in a salad, or cooked in a soup. Dandelion greens are high in vitamins C, A and K, and have small amounts of vitamin E, folates and other B vitamins. They’re also a good source of minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Stems are often used in teas. You can also use dandelion heads to make vegan honey! With water, dandelion heads and lemon, simmer for 15 minutes and leave overnight. In the morning, strain the liquid with a strainer
020 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
or cloth, add an amount of sugar equal to the amount of liquid and bring the new mixture to a boil for 15 minutes. Just make sure if you’re consuming raw or cooked dandelions your flowers have been grown in safe soil and have been washed thoroughly. Medicinally, not only do dandelions contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that are important to the human body, but consuming dandelions can control blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, promote a healthy liver, aid in weight loss and help with digestion and a strong immune system. Outside of the body, dandelion leaf and flower extracts have been shown to help with skin damaged by the sun, as well as reducing inflammation and even preventing acne in some cases.
TREAT ME NICE… TREAT ME GOOD
Photo of Miss Leesburg 2019 winners ( Left to right: Teen Miss Mercedes Perry, Tiny Miss Alexis Blasky, Miss Leesburg Kamryn Reynolds, Little Miss Harper Rickey, Junior Miss Callie Braun) provided by missleesburg.com, photo of Chagachino drink taken by Anthony Rao.
September is “Be Kind to Writers and Editors Month.” We know, it sounds bizarre, but Texas-based Lone Star Publishing actually established the event in 1984. For some, displaying kindness to a writer or editor seems incomprehensible. Many think journalists twist facts to promote their hidden agendas, need to take a remedial writing class, or are the lowest scum on earth. At Akers Media Group, we value honesty and integrity. We diligently fact check and thoroughly proofread each sentence, oftentimes pulling out the AP Stylebook or dictionary when something is in doubt. And our only “agenda” is to produce the most informative, eye-pleasing magazines we possibly can. And yet, we’ll be the first to admit we make errors. If you notice a mistake in any of our publications, we want you to bring it to our attention. Just try to be kind when doing so. At least for this month.
ISN’T SHE LOVELY The 34th annual Miss Leesburg Scholarship Pageant will be held on Saturday, September 26, at the Leesburg High School auditorium. Invitation for entry is extended to all local girls living or attending school in Leesburg, Yalaha, Fruitland Park, Lady Lake or The Villages. All girls ages 4-19 are welcome to enter, and there will be five age divisions. The Miss Leesburg Scholarship Program is a nonprofit educational youth organization, originally created by Mrs. Linda Watts, whose mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of young ladies of Leesburg, primarily through a professionally
supported volunteer program. The program’s goal is to assist girls in the community in achieving their highest potential “as they grow to become confident and caring individuals who show a commitment to volunteer work, leadership and standards of excellence,” says the Miss Leesburg website. Some of the many volunteer programs the girls participate in throughout the year are Share Your Christmas Food Drive, annual Jacket Drive, Leesburg Christmas Stroll, the Downtown Partnership Boo Bash event, School supply drive for needy children, Diaper Drive for the Pregnancy Care Center and local daycares, Leesburg Center for the Arts activities, Relay for Life, American Cancer Society, Head Start projects and volunteering at Brookdale Senior Living and many other projects. Winners will represent Leesburg at special events, parades and community activities throughout the year. The pageant is also pleased to announce that scholarships will be awarded. The scholarship committee works throughout the year to raise money with fundraisers, donations, and ad sales for the pageant program book. Since 1997, the Miss Leesburg Scholarship has awarded $165,000 to young women of Leesburg. All funds raised are used solely for scholarships, which are paid directly to the student’s college of choice. Miss Leesburg will receive a $5,000 cash scholarship, made payable to the college. The first runner-up receives a $2,000 scholarship and second runner-up receives $1,000. The four younger age group winners receive $500 cash. The students are also recognized by the Mayor, the City of Leesburg, Leesburg Chamber of Commerce, Leesburg Partnership, the Fire Department and Police Chief Rob Hicks. The application deadline is September 20, and applications can be found at missleesburg.com, or you can call 352.326.4217 for additional information.
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 021
THE HIT LIST
BOTTOMS UP! Beer lovers, Sept. 28 is your day! It’s National Drink a Beer Day, according to Foodimentary.com, just in case you need an excuse to enjoy your favorite brew. Those interested in savoring a selection of some fine German beers may want to check out Yalaha Bakery, which is also known for its beer garden and award-winning German bakery filled with fine European pastries, breads, tortes, tarts and tasty pretzels. YALAHA BAKERY 8210 County Road 48, Yalaha FL // 352.324.3366 yalahabakery.com
022 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
BOAT SAFELY As Lake County residents take to local waterways, the U.S. Coast Guard encourages people to act responsibly in following safety procedures while boating. “Florida is the biggest boating state that there is, and obviously we have great recreation,” says Robert Musco, vice flotilla commander and public affairs specialist of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Lake County. He encourages boaters to participate in an in-depth boating safety course. In the “About Boating Safely” classes to be offered 8:30am to 5:30pm Sept. 26 and also on Oct. 24, at Mid Florida Lakes Community Building, 188 Forest Drive, Leesburg, participants will learn the rules of the water and earn a Florida boater ID card. The class is required for anyone born after Jan. 1, 1988 who intends to operate a vessel of 10 horsepower or more. To learn more about the class, contact instructor Dan McFadden at dan2brig@comcast.net or call 609.774.8677. The course costs $40. For additional information on other boating courses, visit cgaux.org.
A CLASS ACT Twenty-seven years ago this month, Lake County lost one of its most beloved citizens. Max Wettstein, a science teacher and assistant football coach at Tavares High School, died in an ultralight plane crash near his home in Leesburg on Sept. 6, 1993. Max played professional football with the Denver Broncos in 1966 and spent several seasons in the Continental Football League with the Orlando Panthers. He later coached football at Leesburg, Wildwood and Tavares High Schools. He was equally proficient as a science teacher, earning an honor from NASA for creating a Mercury space capsule to help his students learn about astronaut John Glenn’s famous 1962 mission.
STICKING TO THEIR GUNS As of July 31, Lake County ranks 13th among Florida’s 67 counties in the number of people who have concealed weapons permits, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Licensing. In Lake County, 50,422 people have a concealed permit, compared to 9,754 in Sumter County.
Photo of Max Wettstein is provided by nolafan.com, photos of About Boat Safety classes provided by by Bill Griswold, photo of Charles Broadway taken by Anthony Rao
REMEMBER TO NEVER FORGET Sept. 11 marks the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that killed and injured thousands of people when hijacked planes crashed into the twin towers, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania. On this day, people remember lives lost and the unity that ensued across America. Clermont Police Chief Charles Broadway, a detective with the New York City Police Department at that time, says he received a call on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001 he will never forget. The desk officer told him to report back to work because a plane had just crashed into the World Trade Center. Chief Broadway rushed in to assist with search and recovery efforts that lasted for weeks and months. Chief Broadway says 9/11 should never be forgotten. “Since I’ve been here, we have had a ceremony every single year in honor of 9/11,” Chief Broadway says. “But this year with the uncertainty of possibly not being able to host a ceremony due to COVID-19, I encourage everyone to remember those who died on that day, but also, to remember the first responders who died years later after being exposed to the toxins at Ground Zero and to pray for those who are still sick today.”
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 023
OUTSTANDING STUDENT
PEO PLE
Kristopher Ganesh South Lake High 2020 Valedictorian discusses Take Stock in Children four-year college scholarship.
VITAL STATS
INTERVIEWER: ROXANNE BROWN
≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL
• Age 18. • Born in Long Island, NY. • Youngest of two siblings.
• Served on the Clermont Youth Council. • Attending the University of Florida and pursuing a degree in business administration.
What was involved in qualifying for Take Stock in Children’s Leaders for Life scholarship?Aside from my
payload operator specialist, and we were able to win States and compete at Nationals in Washington, D.C.
What would you most like to accomplish in your life?
many volunteer hours, I was tasked with writing two essays. The first was about my leadership skills, and the second was about my five-year plan. I also had to list my various grades, clubs that I was active in, and my SAT and ACT scores, GPA, and class rank. After being narrowed down from a pool of 100 to 12, I had to create a short video interview answering a series of questions later submitted to the Asofsky Foundation.
Becoming a prominent leader in the business world so that I can support my family and ensure further success.
Inspiration? My parents inspire me the most through their hard work and the sacrifices they have made. It is difficult to even fathom what they have gone through to be where they are now and to encourage me to be dedicated to anything that I put my mind to.
Favorite genre of music? Soca because of
Where did you volunteer? Initially, I volunteered with STEAM Fit, (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). I was able to work with young kids. I also worked with local food pantries and thrift stores to aid the less fortunate in the community while a member and later vice president of Key Club.
my Guyanese heritage. Your advice to other students as far as working toward achieving their goals? Commit yourself to the idea of the end goal that you envision and think about that every day so that you can remember what you are working for.
What projects earned you state or national recognition? In 9th grade, I was a co-founder of South Lake’s first Real World Design Challenge (RWDC) Club. With my teammates, I was tasked with designing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that could perform specific missions. I was the
Know an outstanding student? Fill us in!
024 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
Email your
Favorite actor/actress? Shah Rukh Khan (of My Name is Khan).
Favorite subject in school? Math. recommendations to roxanne@akersmediagroup.com
Relax and
REJUVENATE Embark on a journey of tranquility and balance in the calming oasis of the Brownwood Spa. As the area’s premiere spa destination, we have everything you need for the perfect indulgence – from lavish treatments to soothing massages. Our professional team provides you a customized experience to relax and rejuvenate.
3003 Brownwood Boulevard, The Villages, FL 32163 352.626.1520 | www.brownwoodhotelandspa.com
MM# 40445
MY FIRST TIME
PEO PLE
Shawn Flohre Flight paramedic recalls first time losing a child. INTERVIEWER: JAMES COMBS
flew to the scene where an ATV had flipped over on a child who was riding it. The child was in active cardiac arrest by the time I arrived. The child hadn’t had a pulse in 30 minutes, and the ground crew did everything they could. When we fly, we typically don’t take extra passengers, but in this case, we allowed the child’s mom to fly with us because we knew there was a good chance the kid wasn’t going to have a favorable outcome. Being in that situation, I relied on my training and experience to help me stay focused on doing whatever I could to stabilize the child. That flight, I wasn’t in an emotional state but rather a business mode because I had a job to
What about your first time?
026 /
≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL
do. I had to be respectful of the fact the child’s mother was sitting right there. I also had to talk her through what we were doing to help save her child. I’m a human being and I’m a parent. I knew she wanted me to let her know what was going on with her kid. I gave the kid CPR and administered medications. We arrive at the hospital and the pediatric trauma team was waiting. I gave my report and the patient was transferred to the hospital’s care. Once that happens, essentially, my part of the job is complete. Of course, I wanted to know if what I did during flight was enough to save the child’s life. I stayed at the hospital for a while. At that point, I transformed out of business mode and into a normal human being who has two kids of my own.
Sitting with the mother during this time was difficult. I wanted the best outcome for the child, but there was nothing else I could do. Minutes passed and we learned about the tragic outcome. I approached the mother and gave her my condolences. She looked at me and said, ‘Thank you for everything you did.’ To watch her child go through this process and pass away and still have the strength to thank us was a very emotional moment. Losing a patient is a painful feeling because I walk into each job thinking I have all the training and tools necessary to stabilize patients and keep them from dying. You don’t work with the option of death. You know it’s there, but you don’t work with that option.
To share a story about your first time doing something significant, email james@akersmediagroup.com.
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
YOUR
MULTI AWARD WINNING BUILDER
WEST CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC. TAKES HOME
1ST PLACE
IN THE 2018 AND 2019
PARADE OF HOMES WITH THESE CUSTOM-BUILT HOMES IN UMATILLA AND MOUNT DORA. CALL TODAY TO START THE JOURNEY TO YOUR NEW AWARD-WINNING HOME! • CUSTOM HOMES • ADDITIONS • REMODELS • FAMILY-OWNED & OPERATED FOR 30 YEARS • GREEN ADVANTAGE CERTIFIED BUILDER
A BIG THANK YOU TO WEST CONSTRUCTION! FROM START TO FINISH, WE ARE THRILLED WITH THEIR EXPERTISE, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL. WE WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND DALE WEST AND HIS ENTIRE WEST CONSTRUCTION TEAM TO ANYONE LOOKING TO BUILD OR REMODEL. — KIM AND STEVE BAKICH
JOSEPH & DALE WEST
352.989.7757 1004 N. DONNELLY ST., MT. DORA
CBC057387 WESTCONSTRUCTIONFL.COM
PERSON OF INTEREST
PEO PLE
Mariah Wallis
L V I TA AT S ST
•
22 years old.
•
Sixth-generation Clermont resident.
• Graduated from Valencia College with a degree in baking and pastry management.
Tell me about Clermont Compassion: Every month, Clermont Compassion focuses on a new group, organization or cause to give back to within our community. I share our projects through social media platforms for community awareness and support. We collect any physical or monetary donations throughout the month.
A DVA N C E D
Founder of Clermont Compassion R back. T H O P E D I C S strives toOgive INTERVIEWER: ROXANNE BROWN
≈ PHOTO: ANTHONY I N SRAO T
I T U T E
Favorite pastime? Adding to my Pinterest boards. Especially crafting and cooking pins. Name something you collect: I started collecting postcards at a young age from wherever I traveled with my family.
Pets: An adorable 1-year-old black lab named Lincoln.
What inspired you to start
OUR SERVICES this organization? I have
Name a person in your life
always been a proud Clermont who has inspired you and resident with a passion for how: As cliché as it sounds, SPORTS MEDICINE my community. I faced some my mom is one of the most challenges in 2019 after falling TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT OF THE HIP AND KNEEinspirational people in my life. out of love with my career She has always taught me to path, sending my brother work hard for what I want, SHOULDER AND KNEE ARTHROPLASTY off to the Marine Corps and to always wear a smile and having a financially rough year. to look for the positive in life. I knew I needed something She would do anything for SHOULDER REPLACEMENT positive in my life that held me the ones she loves and never accountable. In January 2020, backs down from a challenge. REVISION TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT Clermont Compassion was My mom is incredibly strong, created and has truly blessed loving and loyal. I’m blessed EARLY INTERVENTION ANDmy CARTILAGE REGENERATION life since. to have been raised by such an amazing woman.
about giving to STEM CELLWhat TREATMENT Guilty pleasures? Any and others makes you smile all things dessert. most? Growing up, Christmas FRACTURES OF THE UPPER LOWER wasAND my favorite timeEXTREMITIES of the year. Of course, we all love to Name one thing on your presents, but the most bucket list: To eat at a 3-star PHYSICAL THERAPY ANDopen SPORTS REHABILITATION exciting part for me is watching my loved ones open their gifts. BRACING AND ORTHOTICS With Clermont Compassion I get to experience that feeling ONSITE X-RAY every month. Getting to meet the individuals involved in the groups organizations ASK ABOUT OUR LINE or OF AOI we give to and seeing their CBD PRODUCTS surprised faces is what makes me smile the most.
Michelin restaurant.
Name one word that best describes you: Passionate. You had me at: Sushi. Words to live by: Take time to do what makes your soul happy.
Know a person of interest? Tell us!
Email your
SHARON L. MORSE MEDICAL CENTER recommendation to editorial@akersmediagroup.com
1400 N US Hwy 441, Suite 552 | The Villages, FL 32159 phone 352.751.2862 | fax 855.420.1047 | goaoi.com 028 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
Our game-changing orthopedic surgeons get you back to the life you love
John T. Williams, Jr., MD
Alfred J. Cook, Jr., MD
1400 N US Hwy 441, Suite 552 | The Villages, FL 32159 phone 352.751.2862 | fax 855.420.1047 | goaoi.com PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Keeping people active and doing what they love, is not only the passion of AOI’s Orthopedic Surgeons … it’s their life’s work. Dr. Cook is among the nation’s leaders in reverse shoulder replacements to restore rotator cuff function, performing more in a year than many orthopedic surgeons do in a lifetime. He is also performing outpatient shoulder replacements.
Joint or muscle pain, stiffness, locking, giving way (buckling), creaking, swelling or an inability to walk or play without pain can occur because of traumatic injury, arthritis, or overuse. And that’s not okay with Dr. Alfred J. Cook, Jr., and Dr. John Williams, Jr., founders of Advanced Orthopedics Institute (AOI), who want you to live life at your best. “We’re not just treating knees, shoulders, and hips,” said Dr. Williams. “We’re treating grandparents and golfers, kayakers and workers, weekend warriors and elite athletes. And we’re not going to be satisfied until we get every one of them back to where they’re happy in their lives.“ “Similar conditions can impact two people in totally different ways,” said Dr. Cook. “Someone who leads an active lifestyle may find an injury totally upends their life, while someone who is less active may be happy just to relieve their pain.
Dr. Williams is at the forefront of hip and knee replacements and revision surgeries nationally. He is now performing outpatient knee and hip replacements on patients who are good candidates.
Before we create a treatment plan for our patients, we look at how their condition affects their lifestyle, discuss what their goals for treatment are, and review the state of their overall health. Most of the patients we see can be treated non-operatively. We lay out every option. And we have a lot. Surgery is only considered when patients don’t respond to more conservative treatments.
NURSE PRACTITIONERS Dispensing comfort and caring without a prescription MEGAN BENOIT, MSN, FNP-C, APRN, RNFA
HEATHER FLEMING, MSN, APRN-C, RNFA
Megan works with Dr. Williams, seeing patients, providing pre- and postoperative education and care, visiting patients in the hospital and rehabilitation facilities and assisting in surgery.
Heather works with Dr. Cook in clinic and the OR, and is excited to help educate her patients, prepare them for procedures, and coordinate their home health, rehab, transportation and other care needs.
Her nursing philosophy is to treat the whole patient, and she feels her patients are really receptive to that. “For some patients it’s enough to be able to walk without pain. Others want to get back to their active lives, play golf or enjoy more of the things they love to do. I believe you help tailor their treatments to what they’re looking for. Working with Dr. Williams is amazing.”
“We’re here for often when they’re in the worst shape of their lives. They may have broken an arm or a hip, torn a rotator cuff or worn out a knee. They’re here because they want to get better and they know this is a great place to do that. I’m able to give Dr. Cook more time to do what he does best and our patients get the best of both of us.”
AOI INTRODUCES ITS OWN LINE OF CBD PRODUCTS Benefits include: • Minimal (if any) side effects • Few known medication interactions • Reduced inflammation throughout the body not just joints, muscles and tendons.
AOI CBD products are available to patients and non-patients by visiting the office during normal hours, and include: People who suffer from arthritis and other types of joint pain may have considered cannabis-based treatments, such as cannabidiol (CBD) oil, as an alternative to opiod and other prescription medications. They may also be unsure about which ones to buy, and where to buy them. After considerable research and due diligence, AOI has introduced its own line of CBD products to give patients a healthier alternative for pain relief.
• Pain Management CBD Salve • Full-Spectrum CBD Sublingual Tincture (Peppermint and Natural) • CBD Salve/ Pain Stick • Lavender or Eucalyptus Body-Soothing Bath Bombs
LET’S GET YOU BACK TO LIVING If you are experiencing pain or weakness in a knee, shoulder, or hip and feel it’s time to do something about it, there’s no time like right now. If you have other musculoskeletal problems that are causing you pain, get moving and call 352.751.2862 for your appointment to come see us. We’re here for you.
phone 352.751.2862 |
goaoi.com
A DVA N C E D O R T H O P E D I C S I N S T I T U T E OUR SERVICES SPORTS MEDICINE TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT OF THE HIP AND KNEE SHOULDER AND KNEE ARTHROPLASTY SHOULDER REPLACEMENT REVISION TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT EARLY INTERVENTION AND CARTILAGE REGENERATION STEM CELL TREATMENT FRACTURES OF THE UPPER AND LOWER EXTREMITIES PHYSICAL THERAPY AND SPORTS REHABILITATION BRACING AND ORTHOTICS ONSITE X-RAY ASK ABOUT OUR LINE OF AOI CBD PRODUCTS
SHARON L. MORSE MEDICAL CENTER
1400 N US Hwy 441, Suite 552 | The Villages, FL 32159 phone 352.751.2862 | fax 855.420.1047 | goaoi.com
Our game-changing orthopedic surgeons Imagine Life Beyond Lenses get you back to the life you love with quick, safe iLASIK laser vision correction. Dr. Vinay Gutti utilizes the most advanced technology to create a unique map of your eye’s characteristics for individualized precision and ultimate satisfaction.
John T. Williams, Jr., MD
1400 N US Hwy 441, Suite 552 | The Villages, FL 32159 phone 352.751.2862 | fax 855.420.1047 | goaoi.com
Alfred J. Cook, Jr., MD
352-63-LASIK • LakeEyeLasik.com •
Country Club Living
MAIN CLUB HOUSE
FITNESS CENTER
GOLF COURSE
SPORTS COMPLEX
BISTRO RESTAURANT
Water Oak Country Club Estates is an all-inclusive, pet-friendly gated resort-like community that provides residents with luxurious and tranquil privacy at an affordable cost. Spend your days enjoying our 18-hole championship golf course, state-of-the-art fitness center with sauna and private showers, and our lakefront clubhouse with an Olympic-size heated swimming pool and spa area. Live vibrant and enjoy active adult living in the heart of Central Florida just minutes away from The Villages and local area attractions. Come see us today and tour our model home center and community. 888.321.6013 | WaterOakCountryClub.com | 224 Magnolia Drive, Lady Lake
G R E AT
WAIT DEBATE Freestanding Emergency Rooms are hot health care trends. STORY: GARY CORSAIR
UF Health The Villages Hospital Brownwood
illiam H. Johnson was cheering his beloved Wildwood Wildcats when white-hot pain shot up his left arm, his chest tightened, and he crumbled onto the Carter Field bleachers. Helpers quickly rushed to his aid. Two friends performed CPR. An ambulance was promptly summoned. All for naught. W.H. Johnson, Methodist, Mason, Civitan, Roadmaster, county commission candidate, died on the way to the nearest emergency
room – Leesburg General Hospital, 12 miles away. That’s 12 miles to Wildwood, and 12 miles back. At least 40 minutes, probably more. Sumter County didn’t have a hospital when tragedy struck the 66-year-old husband and father of two sons on November 21, 1980. Would W.H. have lived if an emergency room was three minutes away instead of 25 or 30? Who can say? This we do know: your odds of surviving a heart attack, stroke, or accident in Sumter County
“WE SAW AN OPPORTUNITY TO BRING EMERGENCY CARE CLOSER TO SUMTER COUNTY RESIDENTS.” —CHAD CHRISTIANSON
increased dramatically in February when two freestanding emergency rooms (FSERs) opened in Wildwood, just outside The Villages. Not familiar with the FSER concept? Simply stated, an FSER is an emergency department that isn’t attached to a hospital. And FSERs are the hottest trend in health care. Two years ago, there were zero standalone emergency rooms in Lake and Sumter counties. Today, there are four. All are open 24/7. All are required to accept patients regardless of ability to pay. Statewide, there are at least 67 FSERs. There were 26 in 2016. And at least 22 more freestanding emergency departments are coming to central Florida. Why? Because FSERs are an attractive alternative to hospital ERs known for long waits. And, for many patients, they are closer than the nearest hospital ER. Bottom line: freestanding ERs are more convenient. They are the express lane/ fast-food drive-thru/15-minute oil change/Wawa of health care. In 2016, Ocala Health opened the first local standalone ER, in Summerfield, just north of The Villages. It’s been busy ever since. Word quickly spread throughout the nearby retirement community: no need to wait for hours at our hospital, you can be in and out of the Summerfield ER in a fraction of the time. Ocala Health added an FSER on Maricamp Road in Ocala in 2019.
In February, Ocala Health opened Trailwinds Village Complex, a 11,630-square foot facility with 11 ER beds staffed by 30 full-time health professionals, including “highly trained and certified emergency physicians and nurses,” in Wildwood, just outside The Villages. “We saw an opportunity to bring emergency care closer to Sumter County residents,” says Ocala Health CEO Chad Christianson. “Over the last few years, we have seen more patients from Sumter County and Lake County choosing Ocala Health for their healthcare services. We believe this freestanding emergency room will provide our patients a more convenient, higher level experience for emergent care.” “Each of our FSERs offer 24/7 access to all the resources needed for acute care of a serious illness or injury. All locations offer adult and pediatric emergency care; diagnostic imaging on-site; and comprehensive laboratory services. At both Maricamp and Trailwinds Village ER there is a designated resuscitation room,” says Ocala Health Director, Public Relations and Communications Lauren Debick. UF Health, which acquired The Villages Regional Hospital and Leesburg Regional Medical Center in 2019, also saw opportunity. UF Health opened a freestanding ER in February, also in Wildwood (on State Road 44). The Villages® Hospital Brownwood E.R. is outfitted with “the latest diagnostic imaging
Photo: Courtesy of UF
AVERAGE TIME PATIENTS SPENT IN THE ER BEFORE BEING ADMITTED: LEESBURG REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
FLORIDA HOSPITAL WATERMAN
SOUTH LAKE HOSPITAL
THE VILLAGES REGIONAL HOSPITAL
3 hours, 12 mins
3 hours, 16 mins
3 hours, 17 mins
3 hours, 35 mins
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 037
Orlando Health South Lake Hospital - Four Corners
technology,” including CT and X-ray, 16 beds (and room for eight more), state-of-the-art trauma bays, and a negative air pressure room for patients who need to be isolated. The 25,000-squarefoot facility is open 24/7 and features “a full complement of staff, including physicians, nurses and patient care technicians.” It also offers laboratory and respiratory therapy services. According to a UF Health spokesperson: “UF Health Central Florida recognized the need to provide convenient access to high-quality health care in the Brownwood area of The Villages®, the city of Wildwood, and the surrounding communities to meet the growing demand for emergency services.” Convenient is the operative word. Dictionary.com definition: “suitable or agreeable to the needs or purpose; well-suited with respect to facility or ease in use; favorable, easy, or comfortable for use.” When was the last time anyone described a hospital ER visit as agreeable, favorable, comfortable, or easy? Freestanding emergency rooms are marketed as user-friendly, bright, cheery, ultra-efficient alternatives to hospital ERs. They supposedly take the wait out of waiting rooms. They are the better mouse trap. Thousands of Lake and Sumter residents obviously think so. More than 120,000 patients have visited Ocala Health’s three FSERs. UF Health’s standalone ER outside Brownwood has already treated more than 3,500 patients. Orlando Health is also doing steady business at its FSERs – Orlando Health South Lake’s Hospital Emergency Room and
Medical Pavilion – Blue Cedar in Leesburg, and Orlando Health South Lake Hospital Joe H. & Loretta Scott Emergency Room and Medical Pavilion in Clermont. Both have 12 beds, are staffed with board certified emergency physicians, and have full in-house labs, and imaging services such as CT, X-ray, ultrasound and MRI. Blue Cedar offers telemedicine for any medical specialty, a helipad for transport, and two resuscitation rooms for active heart attack patients. AdventHealth also wants a piece of the Clermont-area market. It will open a freestanding ER adjacent to the intersection of State Road 50 and Citrus Tower Boulevard in 2021. “This growth demonstrates our commitment to provide convenient, exceptional whole person care close to home,” says Abel Biri, president and CEO of AdventHealth Waterman. Convenient. There’s that word again. Are FSERs really more convenient? An August 2019 study by Stratasan concluded that “… FSERs are more efficient with getting patients in and out more quickly.” That certainly seems to be the case locally. “ER wait times at Trailwinds Village ER average around five minutes or less,” says Debick. According to a spokesperson for The Villages® Hospital Brownwood E.R., the average time for check-ins is less than 3 minutes, and the average time for a patient to see a provider is just 13 minutes. Local hospital ERs aren’t nearly as fast. Here’s how long you can expect to wait for the initial exam according to hospitalstats.org: 35 minutes at AdventHealth Waterman in
AVERAGE TIME ADMITTED PATIENTS WAITED TO BE TAKEN TO A ROOM: SOUTH LAKE HOSPITAL
LEESBURG REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
THE VILLAGES REGIONAL HOSPITAL
FLORIDA HOSPITAL WATERMAN
5 hour, 9 mins
5 hours, 32 mins
5 hours, 35 mins
6 hours, 7 mins
038 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
Photos: Nicole Hamel
AVERAGE TIME SPENT IN THE ER BEFORE BEING SENT HOME: FLORIDA HOSPITAL WATERMAN
LEESBURG REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
SOUTH LAKE HOSPITAL
THE VILLAGES REGIONAL HOSPITAL
2 hours, 44 mins
2 hours, 56 mins
3 hours, 14 mins
3 hours, 29 mins
Tavares; 50 minutes at Leesburg Regional Medical Center, 52 minutes at South Lake Hospital, 55 minutes at The Villages Regional Hospital. Editor’s note: UF Health did not own Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages Regional Hospital when the data was tabulated. End of debate? No. Because the times listed above only indicate how long you’ll wait to get checked in. How long will you actually spend in a freestanding ER? Ocala Health’s Debick says, “Overall length of stay times depend greatly on a patient’s level of acuity; low-acuity patients’ length of stay in the Trailwinds Village ER is about 45 minutes.” Low-acuity is medical speak for non-life threatening conditions like bronchitis, respiratory infections, sprains, and urinary tract infections. What about high-acuity patients with more challenging medical conditions? A UF Health spokesperson answers, “The total visit time varies depending on the patient’s condition. For example, there are certain tests that need to be completed
for suspected heart attack patients that take a minimum of three hours as part of best-practice protocols.” Debick says, “The other scenarios are impacted by many factors day-to-day; it could be difficult to give numbers that accurately depicted an average case.” Yes, you may spend three or four hours in a freestanding ER. Enough about wait times. Receiving the best possible care in a timely manner is the only thing that matters in an emergency. According to Northeast Ohio Medical University researcher Dr. Erin Simon, in the event of a true emergency, patients should generally choose the closest emergency department, whether it’s freestanding or not. When asked, “Under what circumstances would a patient at the Brownwood ER be sent to a hospital?” a UF Health spokesperson answered, “Patients who require further diagnostic workups or specialty care can expect to be transferred to the hospital. This includes emergent interventions and other specialist care, i.e. neuro, ortho, et cetera.”
Research emergency facilities now, before you need them. Here are some things to consider: • You can view surveys of patients’ experiences, ER wait times, even details like the percentage of outpatients with chest pain or possible heart attack who got drugs to break up blood clots with 30 minutes of arrival at: medicare.gov/hospitalcompare. • Will you be treated by a nurse, nurse practitioner, doctor, or a doctor board certified in Emergency Medicine (EM)? • Will your insurance be accepted? • A patient will be hospitalized following a visit to an FSER if the patient requires additional treatment other than being discharged with a prescription, i.e. IV antibiotic therapy, medical specialty need, surgery, etc. The time it takes to transport you by ambulance depends on which hospital the FSER is affiliated with.
Editor’s note: This article isn’t intended to promote any facility. Each person should evaluate what’s available to make an informed decision.
Orlando Health South Lake Hospital - Blue Cedar
NOW SELLING Longleaf Ridge, Our Next Great Neighborhood!
Hurry,
Limited Selection of Golf and Preserve View Homesites!
Longleaf Ridge will offer: An exclusive collection of maintenance-free homes for care-free living Spacious 3 car garage Estate homes, all with golf course views
Maintenance-Free, Single-Family & Luxury Estate Homes from the $170s to the $400s. 855.975.0757 • OnTopoftheWorld.com • 8447 SW 99th St. Rd., Ocala, Florida 34481 From I-75 take Exit 350 (SR 200) southwest 6.5 miles. Turn right at SW 99th St. Rd.
13535-7/20
©2020 On Top of the World Communities LLC., Ocala, Florida a 55+ community. On Top of the World Communities reserves the right to change or withdraw any offer at any time. Prices, features, specifications and availability are subject to change without notice. Not to be combined with any other offer. See Sales Associate for specific details.*At least one guest must be 55 years of age or older to participate in our World Tour Adventure. All guests must be at least 18 years of age. A tour with one of our knowledgeable sales professionals is required. Accommodations are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. A 3 Day/2 Night World Tour is $149.00; rates subject to sales tax. Offer can be withdrawn at any time. Must book and stay between August 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020.
Enjoy Our World Tour Adventure to Live the Lifestyle Before You Buy!
3 DAY \ 2 NIGHT STAY
ONLY
149
$
*
Longleaf Ridge at On Top of the World, Ocala’s Premier Active-Adult community will have it all!
Innovative Carriage and luxury Premier Series homes Introducing “The Magnolia” and new updated floorplan designs New, beautifully crafted exterior elevations All homes include paver driveways, walkways and oversized rear patios, perfect for outdoor entertaining
6.5
les Mi
Enjoy endless indoor air-conditioned recreational fun! Plus, over 218 acres of outdoor amenities! • 4 fitness centers • Indoor/outdoor swimming pools • Tennis, pickleball and bocce courts • 54 holes of golf on three courses • Private radio-controlled flying field, drone course & race car track • Over 17 miles of walking trails • Dog parks & much more
HOW TO BE
A guide on eating vegan and plant-based near you. STORY: VICTORIA SCHLABIG
eing vegan can be tough, but you won’t go hungry in your neighborhood. With that in mind, here’s a list we at Style have compiled for vegans who like trying new things, or for prospective vegans testing the waters. It can even be used by people who just like to eat clean. And no matter where you are in your neighborhood, we hope this list helps you find a place nearby where both you and your carnivorous friends can grab a great bite. Additionally, if you’re looking into living a more plant-based lifestyle, these places can help you get started!
042 /
≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL
WAVE ASIAN BISTRO SUSHI Mount Dora WAVE Sushi is well known for unique sushi creations like sushi donuts, sushi burritos and sushi pizza, and luckily, they have plenty of vegan options as well! Not only can vegans enjoy veggie sushi rolls with things like avocado, red cabbage, carrots, cucumber and asparagus, but there are plenty of other choices as well. WAVE’s ginger salad, seaweed salad and cucumber salads are vegan, as are the miso soup, edamame, spicy crispy tofu and avocado fries. You can also try a build-your-own poke bowl, with a base of steamed brown or sushi rice, house salad or mixed greens, and lots of veggie toppings. The most unique option for vegans is the veggie sushi pizza, consisting of a cucumber roll ‘crust’ with seaweed salad base, and topped with cucumber, edamame, avocado, red cabbage, radish, carrots and sesame seeds. As far as sauces go, soy sauce, ponzu sauce and spicy sesame are all vegan options you can drizzle all over your sushi, pizza or rice bowl.
FIESTA GRANDE Mount Dora & The Villages Fiesta Grande is the place to go if you’re sick of veggie fajitas being the only vegan option at Mexican restaurants. With locations in Mount Dora and The Villages, Fiesta Grande is one of the only local Mexican restaurants that offers vegan cheese and soy chick’n that can be used as a protein replacement in almost any meat dish. By doing that, you won’t have to stick with the small vegetarian menu most restaurants offer.
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
MOUNT DORA:
HEALTH BASKET 18040 US Hwy. 441, Mount Dora 352.735.1166 healthbasketmountdora.com
TIJUANA FLATS 17375 US Hwy. 441, Mt. Dora 352.508.1174 tijuanaflats.com
COPACABANA CUBAN CAFE Mango Lassi
(L-R) Elena, Vhonda and Davinder Kumar
320 Dora Drawdy Way, Mount Dora 352.385.9000 copacabanarestaurants.com
FIESTA GRANDE 421 N. Baker St., Mount Dora 352.385.3540 fiestagranderestaurant.com
WAVE - ASIAN BISTRO SUSHI 301 N. Baker St., Mount Dora 352.383.9283 waveasianbistro.com
SHIVA INDIAN RESTAURANT Mount Dora Onion Bhujias
TAVARES ICE CREAM Tavares Tavares Ice Cream offers 3 different rotating flavors of vegan ice cream each week, including mint chocolate cookie, chocolate caramel cluster, peanut butter pretzel fudge, a selection of Italian ice, and many others.
MELLOW MUSHROOM Mount Dora For vegans who crave pizza, Mellow Mushroom has more options than most. Offering Follow Your Heart vegan cheese, tofu, build-your-own pizzas and salads with lots of veggie options, you’ll be able to eat out with your non-vegan pals. Mellow Mushroom also has a hummus and pita bread appetizer, and the staff is very accommodating to vegans when special requests are made. For instance, if you order vegan cheese on a pizza, they know not to add butter or Parmesan to the crust.
“Indian cuisine offers many healthy, varied and flavorful dishes for the vegan customer,” says Vhonda Kumar, manager of Shiva Indian Restaurant in Mount Dora. Vhonda runs the restaurant, which opened in April of 2016, alongside her husband, Davinder. Indian cuisine is one that is easily converted to vegan, though many dishes don’t need any fixing. Shiva Indian Restaurant offers many vegan options, as well as gluten free and healthy dishes. Vegan appetizers include samosas and onion Bhujias, which are “fried onions, India’s version of onion rings!” Vhonda adds. Aloo tikki-potato patties are stuffed with green peas, lentils and spices. As for the main dishes, Aloo Gobi is potatoes and cauliflower, cooked with ginger, tomatoes and various spices, which can also be made with green peas. The Bhindi Masala is sliced okra cooked with diced onions, tomatoes and spices served semi-dry. Baingan Bharta is roasted eggplant cooked with turmeric, spices, onion and tomato. All entrees are served with basmati rice. Shiva’s menu is conveniently marked with a green “V” next to each vegan item, and the full menu can be found online.
MELLOW MUSHROOM 18221 US Hwy. 441, Mount Dora 352.735.8257 mellowmushroom.com
SHIVA INDIAN RESTAURANT 140A W. 5th Ave., Mount Dora 352.735.4555 shivamountdora.com
JK THAI & SUSHI 116 E 5th Ave., Mt Dora 352.385.4700
THE JUICE BOX 334 N Donnelly St Suite 6, Mt Dora Marketplace 352.602.9560 facebook.com/thejuiceboxmtdora MINNEOLA:
GET BACK 2 BASICS 205 W. Washington St., Suite B, Minneola 352.348.1893 getback2basicsnow.com
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 043
CLERMONT:
LOVING HEART 781 E. Hwy. 50, Clermont 352.404.6506 lovingheartclermont.com
Chickpea Burger
GURU RESTAURANT 2400 S Hwy 27 Suite 101, Clermont 352.241.9884 gururestaurantclermont.com facebook.com/gururestaurantclermont
TIJUANA FLATS 2560 E. Highway 50 #101, Clermont 352.242.6561 tijuanaflats.com
VIDA 365 16129 FL-50 #104 6283, Clermont 352.474.8432 vida365.com facebook.com/vidacuisine365 LEESBURG:
Korean BBQ Tacos
(L-R) Raven Payne and Aaron Dunton
TIJUANA FLATS 10300 US Hwy. 441 Ste. 101, Leesburg 352.343.3337 tijuanaflats.com OCALA:
THE DRAGONFLY PLANT-BASED CAFE 3751 SE 36th Ave., Ocala 352.619.7900 facebook.com/dragonflyocala
4120 BOMBAY CAFE 4120 SW 38th Ct., Ocala 352.512.9484 hariomocala.com
SUSHI BISTRO 18 SE Broadway St., Ocala 352.401.7650 sushibistrofl.com
LOTUS ASIAN AND NATURAL FOOD MARKET 3751 SE 36th Ave., Ocala 352.624.8611 facebook.com/lotusmarketocala
044 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
THE DRAGONFLY PLANT-BASED CAFE Ocala Raven Payne, the 25-year-old head chef at The Dragonfly Plant-Based Cafe in Ocala, having grown up vegetarian, mainly for ethical reasons, has now been a vegan for three years. Finding somewhere to eat can be a challenge, as there are not many vegan places in the area, Raven says. “If I didn’t know how to cook it would be pretty hard to be vegan… We’re completely vegan here (at Dragonfly), like I make the cheese, it’s made out of coconut milk. We make pretty much everything from scratch,” he adds. “We have people come from a 50-mile radius just to eat here, every day. Next door we have sushi but we have vegan options,” says owner Aaron Dunton, who also owns Lotus Asian and Natural Food Market, adjacent to the cafe. As a vegan, some of Raven’s favorite types of food are Thai, Indian and most Asian
cuisines. Sushi places usually have a lot of vegan options. At Dragonfly, his favorites are the Korean BBQ tacos and the chickpea burger. “I make them out of chickpeas, brown rice and quinoa, sesame seeds, breaded with panko so it’s crispy on the outside,” he says. Popular items are the Greek falafel, Korean BBQ tacos, the portobello Philly, the chickpea burger, the Buffalo chickpea and the Buddha bowl. And they don’t only see vegan customers. “It’s about 50/50. We have a lot of people who aren’t vegan, they just like eating healthy,” Raven says. In the beginning of July, in downtown Ocala, Dragonfly opened a second location which serves mostly raw vegan food, and Aaron plans on adding a breakfast menu as well. A third location is planned for the new Hilton Hotel that’s opening soon in downtown Ocala. “We’ll be the first vegan restaurant in a Hilton in the United States,” Aaron says.
TAVARES:
LIVING GREEN HEALTH FOODS 15037 Old US Hwy. 441, Tavares 352.602.4956 livinggreenhealth.com facebook.com/lgrawks
TAVARES ICE CREAM 214 E. Main St., Tavares 352.508.5342 facebook.com/tavaresicecream
ASIAN INVASION 227 E Main St., Tavares 352.508.9980 facebook.com/tavaresasianinvasion OKAHUMPKA:
BOUNTIFUL FARMS AND BISTRO 27314 CR 33, Okahumpka 352.978.5904 bountifulfarmsinc.com
Sarah Cummins, kitchen manager at The Flying Biscuit Café
LADY LAKE:
SAKURA SUSHI
LOVING HEART
1104 Bichara Blvd., Lady Lake 352.205.8864 sakurathevillages.com
Clermont Loving Heart Clermont has been described as “vegan lovers paradise.” The menu has just about every food imaginable, and it’s all 100% vegan. Try Asian dishes like crispy fried spring rolls, pad thai, pho, veggie dumplings and vegan beef noodles made from soy protein. On the fancier side, try the “Sea Wander,” a tempura dish with mushroom and seaweed. Other “seafood” dishes include the “Spicy Cha Cha,” which is crispy vegan shrimp served with rice, or the “Ocean Treasure,” made from tofu skin and seaweed with a plum sauce. American-style dishes include soy chick’n nuggets, vegan corn dogs, and soy protein BBQ sticks made with an in-house special BBQ sauce. The black bean burrito, Philly sub and sloppy joe with avocado, jalapeño and soy protein are also options. Try egg and dairy-free desserts like flan, hummingbird cake, marble cake, coconut cake, carrot cake or cheesecake, or a smoothie to finish off your meal.
THE VILLAGES:
THE FLYING BISCUIT CAFÉ The Villages The Flying Biscuit Café is well known for its vegan breakfast scramble, which is made with tamari-marinated tofu and fresh veggies like onions, bell pepper, mushrooms and spinach. Kitchen manager Sarah Cummins says her favorite menu item is the vegan wrap, which includes a flour tortilla stuffed with tamari-marinated tofu, lettuce, tomatoes, red peppers, fresh mushrooms and basil and a spicy vegan chipotle sauce. It’s served with house-seasoned kettle chips. Once the restaurant is opened back up to full capacity and serving its full menu, a vegan breakfast sausage and vegan burger will be added to the menu, among other items. The cafe will also continue to offer the vegan stuffed pepper.
SAKURA SUSHI 265 Colony Blvd., The Villages 352.305.7393 sakurathevillages.com
FIESTA GRANDE 297 Colony Blvd., The Villages 352.751.0400 fiestagranderestaurant.com
THE FLYING BISCUIT CAFÉ 1101 Canal Street, The Villages 352.633.7704 flyingbiscuit.com/locations-2/thevillages facebook.com/flyingbiscuitthevillages
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 045
DISABILITY CONSULTANTS
HEARINGS ARE HELD IN OUR OFFICE! CHRIS BELL, A.D.R. + JEFF BELL, A.D.R.
Are you under 65 and unable to work? 352.326.5009 1 0 1 E B E R C K M A N S T, F R U I T L A N D PA R K 1 0 2 0 N E 8 T H AV E , O C A L A
ALSO OFFERING HELP WITH MEDICARE INSURANCE
RAPID TURNAROUND RESULTS IN 24-HOURS
COVID-19 Testing O F F E R I N G
To schedule a testing appointment call 352-391-5200.
Most insurance accepted, including Medicare.
352.391.5200 ExceptionalUrgentCare.com Mon-Fri 9am- 5pm | Sat 9am-3pm
New Location!
John Im, D.O. Graduate of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
046 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
13767 US HWY 441, Lady Lake Next to Takis in front of Bealls. Golf cart accessible! HIPAA Compliant | Not for use with emergencies - Call 911 | Internet access required
Clermont Radiology We fulfill your imaging needs with comfort, convenience, accuracy. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
edical imaging can often be inconvenient, expensive, and uncomfortable for patients of all ages. Whether its claustrophobia causing anxiety for an upcoming MRI or a busy work schedule that engulfs your weekdays, Clermont Radiology has a solution for you. At Clermont Radiology, we can fulfill all of your family’s imaging needs with comfort, convenience, and accuracy at the core of every appointment. We have three centrally located centers in Clermont, Kings Ridge and Ocala that can accommodate any schedule. Our extended hours provide appointment availability before and after normal business hours and on the weekends so that your appointment doesn’t have to interfere with other plans and commitments. From women’s imaging to an open upright MRI, Clermont Radiology offers all study types. The full list of available services includes X-ray, DEXA, 1.5T MRI 3T MRI, open upright MRI, 64-slice CT, mammogram,
3D mammogram, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, and PET/CT. Our open upright MRI is ideal for patients with claustrophobia, providing an open and comfortable scan, without constriction. Clermont Radiology also provides a top-tier women’s imaging experience. With a private waiting area, heated gowns, and mammogram pads for comfort, women are able to complete annual mammograms and ultrasounds in a spa-like environment. Whatever the exam, providing the highest quality imaging at the best price is what we do. By accepting the majority of insurance providers, offering competitive self-pay prices, and price-matching, you can be certain that you are receiving the best possible price for your imaging. All studies are interpreted by boardcertified, fellowship-trained radiologists within 24-48 hours of your appointment. The kind staff, skilled technicians, and highly trained radiologists all work together to ensure
your experience, images, and image interpretation is second to none. Since 2005, Clermont Radiology has been an active member of the Clermont community, striving to gain the trust and confidence of each Clermont family. Next time you or a family member needs medical imaging, choose Clermont Radiology!
To schedule an appointment or learn more, call us at 352.241.6100 or visit us at ClermontRadiology.com.
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 047
MATTER OF
life
breath AND
For the sake of your health, don’t sleep on sleep apnea. STORY: JAMES COMBS
athy Chastain learned that bad dreams sometimes do come true. Not long ago, the Eustis resident would dream about suffocating, then she’d abruptly wake up choking or gasping for air. “It was like my body was talking to me in my dreams and telling me I was not breathing,” she says. Kathy suffered from sleep apnea, a condition that causes breathing to stop or become very shallow during sleep. During her worst spells, she awoke in the morning feeling exhausted, her mind cloudy, her body deprived of true rest. The condition disrupted a good night’s sleep and a hard day’s work. “It was particularly hard in the morning to get dressed and get ready for work,” says Kathy, an OB/GYN educator at AdventHealth Waterman. “I was tired all the time during the day.” Sleep apnea affects an estimated 22 million Americans, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association. While people of all ages are diagnosed with sleep apnea, the typical patient is an obese male in his 50s or 60s with a neck size of 17 inches or greater. Common symptoms include snoring, waking up with dry mouth, excessive daytime sleepiness and abrupt awakenings
048 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
accompanied by gasping or choking. Patients can experience pauses in breathing that last up to 30 seconds and occur 20 to 30 times per hour, impeding restful sleep. But adverse health effects go well beyond morning grogginess and daytime drowsiness. Studies show that sleep apnea causes other medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arrhythmia, strokes and heart attacks. Dr. Rosemary Cirelli, a pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist at AdventHealth Medical Group Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine in Tavares, has observed dire consequences of untreated sleep apnea in patients she’s treated since the mid-1990s. “Patients are three to five times more likely to suffer a stroke, heart attack, sudden cardiac death, and develop cardiac rhythm disturbances,” she says. “Over time there are higher incidences of diabetes because low oxygen levels that occur at night causes glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Also, sleep apnea can lead to higher incidences of dementia because the glymphatic system in the brain doesn’t clear toxins and metabolites that build up during the day if you’re not getting good sleep.” Atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm abnormality in which the heart experiences mechanical and chemical changes when a person is suddenly awakened by lack of oxygen night after night, is one of the most common conditions associated with sleep
“IT WAS LIKE MY BODY WAS TALKING TO ME IN MY DREAMS AND TELLING ME I WAS NOT BREATHING.”
A NE AP AN EP S S L E F EC T E D T F A IMA ON EST M I L L I S. N 22 R I CA E AM
—KATHY CHASTAIN
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 049
apnea. Research conducted by Harvard Medical School estimates that as many as 53 percent of people with atrial fibrillation also have sleep apnea. Electrocardiologists treat atrial fibrillation by shocking the heart to convert it from irregular rhythm back into a normal rhythm. However, shocking the heart typically proves ineffective in patients who also have untreated sleep apnea. “When the doctor shocks the heart back into rhythm, it will only last 20 percent of the time if nothing is done to address sleep apnea,” Dr. Cirelli says. “However, if a doctor also treats sleep apnea, then the success rate improves to 80 percent. It is important for anyone
Dr. Rosemary Cirelli in a private sleep lab room where patients can relax during a sleep study test.
with atrial fibrillation to have a sleep study to be able to confirm or rule out sleep apnea.” Sleep apnea also puts stress on the cardiovascular system. Approximately 70 percent of people admitted to the hospital for coronary artery disease also had sleep apnea, according to the American
Thoracic Society. In addition, a study presented at the Radiological Society of North America’s 2020 meeting revealed that sleep apnea patients have a larger amount of plaque build-up in their coronary arteries. “When the airway is blocked off and your oxygen levels drop, your
body responds to that with narrowing of blood vessels,” Dr. Cirelli said. “That makes it easier for plaque to build up in the arteries.” The outlook is equally bleak for chronic pain patients who also have sleep apnea. With sleep deprivation, the body does not release endorphins, which are natural pain killers. Thus, a patient’s pain threshold is lowered. Sleep apnea also affects memory, cognition and mood. “Patients tell me they feel like they’re in a fog and not thinking clearly,” Dr. Cirelli says. “They’re having trouble remembering things and their executive decision-making capabilities are impaired. They’re irritable and grouchy and don’t enjoy doing certain activities they used to love.”
“I WASN’T GETTING ANY REM SLEEP AND FELT LIKE A NON-FUNCTIONING PERSON.” —CHAR BENEDICT STEPS TO TR EATM ENT
Nine years ago, life became a constant brain fog for Char Benedict of Grand Island. Each morning, she woke up with painful headaches and felt disoriented. As a deployment analyst with Blue Cross Blue Shield, she struggled to stay awake during company meetings.
Dan Benedict
050 /
“I wasn’t getting any REM sleep and felt like a nonfunctioning person,” she says. At the urging of her doctor, Char agreed to undergo a sleep study. The sleep study area resembled a comfortable hotel room, allowing her to watch television, read books and relax. The biggest difference was trying to fall asleep with multiple wires attached to her body. Doctors recorded her brain waves, heartbeats and breathing while she slept, as well as limb movements and oxygen in her blood. The study revealed that Char was experiencing between 24 and 36 apneas each hour, causing significant decreases in airflow.
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
Her doctor prescribed a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. While she is sleeping, Char wears a mask that is connected to the machine’s motor by a hose, keeping her airway open and allowing for normal nighttime breathing. Getting used to wearing a mask that delivers pressurized air during sleep took some time. She also was on the receiving end of harmless heckling from her husband Dan. “I would laugh at her with the mask on,” says Dan, a self-admitted jokester. “It looked like a diving mask, so I’d ask her how deep she was planning on diving.”
These days, Dan is more sympathetic. He was diagnosed with sleep apnea seven months ago and now uses a CPAP, too. Both admit the lifechanging benefits are evident and undeniable. “For me, it was like being wide awake for the first time in years,” Char says. “I experienced a total turnaround and got my life back.” Dan wakes up each morning at 7:30 a.m. and walks four miles. “I have better mental clarity and wake up feeling refreshed,” he says. Kathy Chastain, the sleep apnea patient from Eustis, has experienced similar results since receiving treatment. While wearing a CPAP
Photos: Nicole Hamel
leaves some patients feeling embarrassed, she maintains a different outlook. “I’m embarrassed not to wear it,” she says. “I used to snore so loud that my husband would get up in the middle of the night and go to another bedroom. So having a CPAP machine is less embarrassing as far as snoring. It also improves fatigue, sleep and mental clarity, and to me, those things far outweigh any feelings of embarrassment.” Dr. Cirelli echoed those sentiments and cautions patients to ignore the stigma associated with CPAP machines. “There are a lot of misconceptions about CPAP. They say the mask is not attractive. However, it’s less attractive to disrupt your bed partner’s sleep during the night because you’re snoring, you’re gasping, and they have to nudge you to breathe again. The new machines make absolutely no noise. They run so quietly that you can’t even tell they’re on.”
Other sleep apnea treatments exist. In cases of mild sleep apnea, doctors may use positional therapy because patients experience less airway obstruction when sleeping on their sides. Some patients receive positive results by using a mandibular advancement appliance, which positions the lower jaw forward and increases the size of the upper airway. Patients with enlarged tonsils that contribute to airway restriction can have them surgically removed. For sleep apnea sufferers who face dire health consequences without medical intervention, having several treatment modalities available is a breath of fresh air. “If you have cancer, you go to a doctor,” Dan says. “Why wouldn’t you go to a doctor if you have sleep apnea, especially if it can do a great deal of harm to your body other than just feeling tired?”
A sleep study test can determine whether a patient has sleep apnea.
THE U E YO MOR W KNO
CELEBRITIES LIVING WITH SLEEP APNEA • Comedians Rosie O’Donnell and Roseanne Barr • Mythbusters personality Adam Savage • Former Texas Governor Rick Perry • Former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal • NFL quarterback Brett Favre • NFL quarterback JaMarcus Russell • Star Trek icon William Shatner • Comedian and magician Penn Jillette • Author Anne Rice • Daniel Lawrence Whitney (Larry the Cable Guy) • Musical legend Quincy Jones Source: American Sleep Apnea Association
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 051
From our heart to yours. Your kindness, imagination and caring helped us get through this tough time. Thank you to our employees for their sacrifice and support in keeping our community safe. Thank you to our residents, who trusted us while they sheltered in place. And thank you to the neighbors and medical professionals who lifted us up with their smiles and helping hands. Thank you from all of us at Lake Port Square.
Live the life you love at Lake Port Square. #LakePortSquareStrong 600 Lake Port Blvd., Leesburg, FL 34748 352-988-2556 | LakePortSeniorLiving.com
The Best For the Job Lake Jem Farms has been around since the early 1900s growing a number of agricultural products. Recognizing a real need for quality sod products, in the 1980s, the farm shifted focus to growing quality turf products that thrive in Central Florida. Lake Jem Farms has built its turfgrass business on excellent turfgrass products, customer service, and product availability.
QUA
LITY TURF GRASSES
ST U R |T
OVER 30 YEARS R O F ED
352.383.7196 / lakejemfarms.com / 12547 Woodlea Road, Tavares
052 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
An eye for
greatness
One visit to Dr. Angeline Simeus and patients will see a difference. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
hen patients meet Dr. Angeline Simeus, they can expect a friendly hello, a warm smile and most likely a joke or two. Dr. Simeus, an optometrist, has one particular joke that always makes patients laugh. “When patients are sitting behind a slit lamp, I tell them never to look into the light,” she says. Her loving personality and pleasant demeanor are two reasons why the team at Lakeview Internal Medicine has welcomed her with open arms. Dr. Simeus officially started at the practice on Aug. 24. It’s safe to say that she is equally excited to join Lakeview Internal Medicine. “It’s nice to be part of a group that offers patients a continuity of care,” she says.
“Here, they can see their primary doctor, as well as other specialists, under one roof.” Dr. Simeus earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in public health from the University of South Florida. She then graduated with honors from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico’s School of Optometry. While living in Puerto Rico, she became fluent in Spanish. As an optometrist, Dr. Simeus provides primary health care for the eyes, as well as disease management for conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. She also prescribes patients with contacts and eyeglasses. For her, interacting with patients is one of the most enjoyable aspects of her profession. She listens to their concerns and thoroughly addresses any questions they may have.
“I care about my patients and want to help them with whatever problem they may be experiencing,” she says. “If I don’t have an answer for my patients, I’ll find someone who does.” While patients appreciate her professional and personable approach, they also enjoy her sense of humor. “I try to have fun and laugh,” Dr. Simeus says. “I tell corny jokes, and therefore the patients are either laughing with me or at me. I want their experience to be enjoyable.” Outside of her profession, Dr. Simeus enjoys hiking and traveling. Prior to the coronavirus, she traveled once a month to destinations such as the Bahamas, Haiti, and Jamaica.
352.460.4004 / lvhcs.com / 1801 US Hwy 441, Bldg 100, Leesburg 34748
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 053
LOOK FOR THE
butterfly Identifying GMOs, why should you stay away from them, and how to assure you’re eating clean. STORY: VICTORIA SCHLABIG
054 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
ating healthy but still gaining weight? Your problem could be Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). “In many cases now we’re seeing that when eating GMO foods people are putting on weight eating healthy food,” says Lori Esarey, a nurse practitioner with a master’s degree in nutrition and metabolic medicine who has owned Total Nutrition and Therapeutics in Lady Lake for 14 years. Lori would love to see more people “eat and live better by taking the food-first approach,” But GMOs aren’t likely to go away anytime soon. GMOs exist in over 80 percent of processed foods and are even used in some vitamins. Additionally, GMO foods are usually less expensive than healthier options. And lower prices are all some shoppers think about. Genetically Modified Organisms have been used in farming and food production for many years even though there are almost no positives about consuming GMOs, says Michelle Williams, who took over as owner of Jeff ’s Health Food Store in Leesburg in January 2020. “People think they’re taking vitamins and supplements for their health, meanwhile they are still doing damage to their bodies due to the SAY “NO” TO GMO sometimes hidden GMOs in these products,” says Michelle, who was born and raised in Eustis, earned her bachelor’s degree in management at the University of Central Florida, and taught the food and nutrition aspect of personal training during eight years as wellness director at the YMCA. She also worked at a hospital for many years. The existence of GMOs in foods and supplements can negate the effect you are trying to give your body by taking those vitamins in the first place. It behooves a person to know what GMOs are, how they affect the body, and how to avoid them.
GMOs exist in over
80 percent of processed foods.
More than
60
W H A T A R E G E N E T I C A L LY MODIFIED ORGANISMS?
There aren’t any major studies about the long-term effects GMOs have on the human body, but there will be. Researchers are taking a look as
countries require GMO labeling, but the U.S. and Canada do not.
consumers become more aware of the existence of GMOs in their food. HOW D O E S G E N ET IC MODI FICAT ION WOR K?
“Genetic modification of foods basically changes the structure of the food, and unfortunately with that we don’t know what the long-term ramifications to the body are going to be. In many cases, the body just really doesn’t recognize that food and will often cause the body to behave with that food in a way that’s not specifically like it should,” Lori says. For example, if you’re eating broccoli, you expect your body to break down the nutritional value of that broccoli; vitamins, minerals and nutrients. With GMOs, if the protein structure or molecule has been changed and is not recognized by the body, the body doesn’t know what to do with those modified nutrients, and therefore your body doesn’t get what it needs. Lori says that many people eat what looks and sounds healthy, such as vegetables, fruits and whole foods, but the body is unsure of what to do with modified nutrients because of the modified structure of the foods not recognized by the body. In turn, people who are supposedly eating healthy and not seeing results have a lot of added confusion to the already frustrating issue of weight loss. HOW CA N I I D E N T I F Y A N D AV O I D F O O D S T H A T H AV E B E E N G E N E T I C A L L Y MODIFIED?
Lori likes to use the “bad-betterbest” approach when helping her patients figure out a diet that works for them. If you are trying to adopt a healthier way of eating, there are two things to remember to ensure you find better or best whole foods. “The first rule of thumb should always be farm-to-plate,” Lori says. It’s always best to support your local farmer. You should know their growing practices, where they get their
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 055
“GENETIC MODIFICATION OF FOODS BASICALLY CHANGES THE STRUCTURE OF THE FOOD, AND UNFORTUNATELY WITH THAT WE DON’T KNOW WHAT THE LONG-TERM RAMIFICATIONS TO THE BODY ARE GOING TO BE.” — LORI ESAREY
seeds from, whether they are genetically modified and how they are taking care of their crops.” Because shopping local isn’t necessarily always viable, Lori’s second rule of thumb is to look for the number 9 on labels of grocery store items. Grocery stickers beginning with 9 signify that a product is non-genetically modified and organic. In addition to the number 9, Lori says you should note where products come from and buy from the closest farm. For example, it’s better to buy from a farm from Florida or Georgia rather than, say, Mexico. Buying within the U.S. will give you an additional reassurance that the labels are correct and honest regarding GMO presence. Lori suggests using a commonsense approach. “A whole food comes from the ground, whole foods, farm-to-plate, fresh is best and eating diversity,” she says. “Does GMO play a role? Absolutely. I want unprocessed foods, I want whole foods and I don’t want something that’s been chemically or structurally changed, because those foods unfortunately don’t have the same nutrient value
056 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
as other foods, and so if I’m going to eat a food I want to make sure it has the best nutrient value for me and my body,” she adds. As for packaged foods, “look for the butterfly,” Michelle says. She’s referring to a label that can help you identify what is natural and will be better for you. “If it’s non-GMO verified by the NonGMO Project, there’s a label that has a butterfly and a little green check, and that is a sign for all consumers to know, ‘OK, I can trust this brand, there’s not genetically modified organisms, whether it be plant, animal, microorganisms or whatever,’” Michelle says. Almost every item in her store – and many health foods stores – has a little butterfly on it. More than 60 countries require GMO labeling, but the U.S. and Canada do not. The Non-GMO Project is a nonprofit
created in 2012 with the goal “to preserve and build sources of non-GMO products, educate consumers, and provide verified non-GMO choices,” according to nongmoproject.org. HOW D O E S C O ST C O M E I N T O EFFECT REGARDING GMOS?
“Genetically modified foods cost less. But the problem is you’re gonna spend to either be well or you’re gonna spend to be sick, but eventually you’re gonna spend. So it’s like, what do you want to include in your budget?” Lori says. She compares it to diesel gas. “You wouldn’t think about taking your car to the gas station and putting unleaded fuel in your diesel tank just because it’s cheaper. Unleaded fuel is cheaper than diesel, but your engine runs on diesel, so why would we place something into our bodies which are worth far more than vehicles? We’re going to get subpar results out of subpar food.” “I don’t believe we can completely avoid GMOs. I would love to, I think it’s ideal to, but the reality is I don’t really know that we
can,” she adds. Not only do GMOs save companies, and in turn consumers, a lot of money, but continually using GMOs for so many years has depleted many crops, so if farms were to attempt non-GMO farming at this point, their soil no longer has the nutrients needed to grow those products. “There’s a lot of debate because people that create the GMOs say this is the only way we can create this particular product. Well that’s not true, it’s going to of course cost a little bit more money to do it the right way, but nowadays unfortunately people are so into cost and think, ‘well, if this is cheaper, I’m gonna get this,’” Michelle says. You’re likely to spend more on groceries if you buy non-GMO foods. Lori says it will end up being the same for your wallet as if you were to buy GMOs, because you won’t need to spend extra money on supplements and things to rebuild your health.
If you buy the cheaper groceries, she says, “you’re gonna spend, unfortunately from a health standpoint, a lot of money trying to rebuild your immune defense by not taking a more proactive approach to spending your finances to actively try to control that environment.” It’s best to pay into your health from the start, with the foods you eat, rather than spending money later trying to heal your body or give it what the foods did not. The connotation around health food stores, Michelle says, is that it’s excessive to spend money there rather than at your average grocery store. “Well really if you look at the products we have here, yes it’s a little more expensive, true, but you’re not damaging your body. Nothing here is gonna have the side effects that can potentially cause cancer for you or major health problems in the future with you taking something on a daily basis. So it’s really, really important that people become more aware of what they are consuming,” she says.
W H AT E L S E S H OU L D I K NOW ?
An additional factor of GMOs is that oftentimes, these crops have pesticides and herbicides embedded in them, rather than the kind that you can wash off when you get them home. Why is this bad? Well, pesticides and herbicides aren’t able to pick and choose what they kill off, so they are also killing things that defend our natural habitats, like bees and bugs and organisms that are part of our ecology and can help our environment, she says. “There are (effects of pesticides in food), so unfortunately our gut microbiomes, the bacteria in our gut, thrive on basically an environment that has bacteria. So unfortunately, much like an antibiotic is to us, it’s not specific so it wipes out everything. So anytime we’re ingesting any type of pesticide or herbicide, regardless of where they are, either in the seed or in the GMO or on that vegetable, they’re the same. When we eat those, we are basically wrecking our gut microbiome which is our army of defense,” Lori says.
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 057
. e
$
0 5 CVC “What’s Next” 2021 Gun Raffle $
50 per calendar
Each calendar comes with a ticket for the raffle.
One gun raffled each week 53 total guns To Purchase: Email: Sandee@CombatVeteranstoCareers.org Call 352-775-4008 | Cell: 352-461-4025 Visit: CombatVeteranstoCareers.org All proceeds benefiting Combat Veterans to Careers. Visit CombatVeteranstoCareers.org for rules and details.
Style has brought together a number of medical experts to answer questions about various health issues. Find your answers here from the dedicated health professionals in our area. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 059
Home Health Care Shayna Grunewald
Lake Centre Home Care / 352.315.0050 / GoLCHC.com / 310 Market St., Leesburg
How does skilled home health play a role during a pandemic? As you can imagine, in the era of a pandemic, “homebound” has taken on a whole other meaning. During this time of national emergencies, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), relaxed the homebound requirement to include patients whom physicians determine have a medical contraindication that prevents them from leaving the home. We are in the new world of telehealth and video doctor visits. Physicians and patients alike are looking for ways to be treated without going into a doctor’s office. At this moment, there are numerous people foregoing a muchneeded ER visit in fear of being exposed to the COVID-19 virus. In April and May, numerous surgeries were put on hold in anticipation of keeping hospital beds available.
060 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
Skilled home health care can be utilized when someone is entering a recovery phase after an illness or surgery. We are considered post-acute care. Whether it is after a surgery, a patient receiving a new diagnosis or flairup on an ongoing diagnosis, home care is used to aid the patient in getting back to his or her level of functional ability. The goal is for patients to return to their prior activities of daily living. The main requirement to receive home care is that the patient be “homebound.” Normally, patients are only eligible for home health services if they’re confined to the home due to illness or injury—or because leaving home requires “a considerable and taxing effort.” If the patient meets the requirement of homebound status, he or she can quality for skilled nursing and/or rehabilitative therapy in the home. This is often a short-term
service lasting a few weeks to a couple months, depending on the severity of the patient’s needs. Home health care workers have become a silent army in these new times. They care for those isolated, alone and in need. In a time where so many are afraid to walk outside their homes, these clinicians are walking in. Lake Centre Home Care is accepting COVID-19 patients and will continue to do so.
LAKE CENTRE HOME CARE
Cardiology David C. Lew, MD, FACC. FSCAI
FHV HEALTH / 352.504.3343 / FHVHEALTH.COM
ARTERIOSCLEROTIC RENAL ARTERY STENOSIS IN A 69 YEAR OLD MALE PATIENT
When do hypertension and/ or diabetes become serious enough to involve the services of a cardiologist?
Management of essential hypertension and diabetes is usually within the purview of primary care physicians. So when is it appropriate for patients with these conditions to schedule an appointment with their cardiologist? The first thing to realize is how interconnected the systems of the body are. One singular diagnosis that seems isolated can trigger a domino effect of symptoms, health concerns, diseases, and treatment options. While hypertension and diabetes are most known as contributors to kidney disease, these two “silent killers” are also major risk factors for the development of a staggering number of cardiac and vascular diseases. Heart attack, stroke, renal vascular disease resulting in kidney failure, and PAD, which could lead to limb
amputation, are only a few conditions that come to mind. And all of these conditions are set squarely within the purview of a cardiologist. The statistics bear that out in stark relief. High blood pressure is seen in: • 69% of people who have their first heart attack • 77% of people who have their first stroke • 74% of people who have congestive heart failure. Hypertension is a major contributing factor to atherosclerosis. The hardened or blocked arteries that disease causes will almost certainly require the services of an interventional cardiologist. Angioplasties and stent placement are the treatment choice for a vast array of vascular diseases that affect the carotid, cardiac, and renal arteries. Although
SUBTOTAL OCCLUSION OF THE OSTIUM OF THE LEFT RENAL ARTERY.
renal artery stenosis is not as common a cause of hypertension as compared to primary essential hypertension, it can lead to severe secondary hypertension easily treatable with angioplasty and stent placement. A successful intervention with either option may result in improved blood pressure control for approximately 25-50% of patients. In the case of diabetes, again, services of a cardiologist are usually not indicated. Though an interesting new study does reinforce how interconnected medical treatments can be. In the DAPA-Heart Failure Trial,
AFTER PERCUTANEOUS ANGIOPLASTY WITH STENT IMPLANTATION.
4,744 patients were treated with a diabetic medication Farxiga (dapaglifozin). The study investigators noted that the risk of worsening heart failure or cardiac-related death was significantly reduced when compared to placebo therapy. Finally, for patients with advanced kidney failure on hemodialysis, an interventional cardiologist can prove vital in providing procedures and services to maintain adequate function of the A/V fistulas or grafts (dialysis access). This gives patients renewed ability to continue with their life-saving dialysis therapy.
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 061
Urgent Care Larry Foster MD, FAAFP
FHV HEALTH / 352.504.3343 / FHVHEALTH.COM
Should I go to an Urgent Care center for help with my diabetes and high blood pressure?
Diabetes is really a group of diseases involved with the ways your body metabolizes glucose (blood sugar). The chronic form of diabetes is classified as either Type 1 or Type 2. Prediabetes is a condition that is exactly what it sounds like— not quite diabetes, sugar levels are high but not quite full-on diabetes high. Symptoms of the disease include: • Increased thirst • Frequent urination • Extreme hunger • Unexplained weight loss • Presence of ketones (a byproduct of muscle and fat breakdown when there’s not enough insulin) in the urine • Fatigue • Irritability • Blurred vision • Slow-healing sores • Frequent infections, such as gums, skin, vaginal, etc.
062 /
According to the CDC, around 34.2 million Americans (10% of the US population) have diabetes. Nearly 26.9 million adults and 100,000 children have been diagnosed, leaving 7.3 million (21.4% of cases) undiagnosed. Meanwhile, 88 million US adults (34.5% of the population), including 24.2 million people ages 65 and up, have prediabetes. The Mayo Clinic suggests seeing your doctor if you suspect diabetes for yourself or a family member. If you have already been diagnosed, you will need close medical follow-up until blood sugar levels stabilize. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a much more common condition. About half of the adults in the US have it—that’s almost 108 million. About half of those (37 million US adults), have uncontrolled blood pressure of 140/90 or
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
higher. Both diabetes and hypertension are chronic diseases (diseases that last more than a year and need ongoing medication and/or attention). But is Urgent Care the answer? Not in most cases. Diabetes and hypertension, because they are chronic diseases, are best handled between the patient and their PCP (primary care physician). They rarely require a visit to Urgent Care. However, hypertension can cause elevated blood pressure and symptoms like headache, neck or arm pain, confusion, flushed face, and pounding in chest. Call your primary physician if these occur. Or, if symptoms are severe (chest pain,
stroke symptoms or speech problems) a trip to the ER is in order. Diabetic urgencies, while also rare, can be more of an emergency. Diabetics are generally aware of their condition, know when their blood sugar is too low or too high, and can take steps to manage it. But life-threatening situations can occur. An extremely low blood sugar count can cause a patient to go into hypoglycemic shock and lose consciousness. The only option there is a call to 911. A high reading will cause symptoms of hunger, thirst, confusion, and lethargy. If it is over 300 to 500 notify your primary care physician and/or head for Urgent Care immediately.
Nephrology John Hayes MD
FHV HEALTH / 352.504.3343 / FHVHEALTH.COM
What is the relationship between diabetes and hypertension? And how does it affect my kidneys?
Diabetes and Hypertension are serious diseases and can result in permanent organ damage or even death if not carefully managed. Unfortunately, there are often causal links between the two conditions. Diabetes damages arteries, which can make them ripe for a condition called atherosclerosis—hardening of the arteries. Hardened, narrowed blood vessels will raise blood pressure and bring on hypertension. In fact, most people diagnosed with diabetes will later develop hypertension and heart and circulation problems. On the other hand, hypertension can cause or worsen complications from diabetes including diabetic eye disease and kidney disease. Unfortunately, it usually has zero symptoms—one reason doctors call it a silent killer.
Your kidneys are miraculous organs. They control blood pressure, excrete waste through your urine, maintain salt, water and pH balance, manufacture red blood cells, and maintain bone health by regulating vitamin D, calcium and phosphorous. Without healthy, functioning kidneys, the only alternatives for maintaining life are regular kidney dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant. Even one of these conditions can lead to serious problems for your kidneys. One way to keep them healthy and free of disease is to keep tight control of your hypertension and diabetes. According to the National Kidney Foundation, when those two conditions are kept reined in through treatment, kidney disease can often be slowed or prevented altogether. Hypertension can be kept in check by your choice of a multitude of medications.
Lifestyle changes can also play a huge role, weight loss and regular exercise in particular. Diabetes, depending on the severity, also responds well to changes in diet and healthier eating habits. If you already have both diabetes and hypertension, there is a drug your physician may want to put you on called an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor to help protect kidney function. A nephrologist is the doctor of choice for orchestrating all the complicated ins and outs of hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease. Nephrologists are internal medicine physicians who specialize in the treatment and prevention
of high blood pressure and kidney disease. Your nephrologist has several tools available to help analyze and treat your condition, including . They can analyze the protein in your urine, check for kidney structure abnormalities via ultrasound, and order a blood test to check your Glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Kidney health is a clear indicator of the presence of or damage already done by hypertension and/or diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with either condition, add a Nephrologist to your list of important calls and the “silent killers” will be silent no longer.
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 063
Vascular Surgery David L. Sustarsic MD, FACS
FHV HEALTH / 352.504.3343 / FHVHEALTH.COM
Why would I need a vascular surgeon if I have hypertension and/or diabetes?
The primary treatment of hypertension and diabetes is medical, not surgical. With sound medical therapy and good control of these disorders, complications occur at a much lesser note. As medical control can become less than optimal, and over a period of time, complications do arise and vascular surgeons become involved. Both hypertension and diabetes have adverse effects on our blood vessels. These vary with severity and time. The end result is an accelerated atherosclerosis, commonly called “hardening of the arteries”. Through different mechanisms, the vessels become damaged and allow a build up of cholesterol and calcium in the vessel walls called plaque. As the plaque builds, the vessels become narrowed and the blood flow slows and
064 /
becomes turbulent. This can result in symptoms due to decreased flow and lack of oxygen or clots forming and travelling to other sites. This can occur in any vessels, including the carotids, coronaries, and legs. The visceral vessels can also be affected, as in the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract. Untreated, these complications can result in heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and loss of legs. Today’s age of vascular surgery has multiple tools to treat these issues. These include both catheter-based interventions and open surgical procedures. The catheter-based procedures are done under fluoroscopy and include angiography, balloon angioplasty, atherectomy, and stenting. The open procedures are done in the operating room with anesthesia. They usually involve a bypass around obstructed vessels or an endarterectomy where the vessel
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
is opened and cleaned. The diagnostic and decision process for these interventions are quite complex. The other complication that occurs with hypertension and diabetes is kidney failure. Occasionally, this can be treated by stenting a renal artery. When complete kidney failure occurs, we create access for hemodialysis. This generally involves connecting an artery and a vein in the arm to give a high-flow superficial vessel that can be used for dialysis. Indeed, we have many options to treat patients at any stage of hypertension and diabetes.
Primary Care Michael Glick MD
FHV HEALTH / 352.504.3343 / FHVHEALTH.COM
How important is my Primary Care Physician when it comes to treating my high blood pressure and/or my diabetes? What about specialists for those conditions?
Hypertension and diabetes are both serious medical conditions that can have a devastating effect on your overall health and quality of life. The presence of either condition can prove especially dangerous to the overall health and function of the kidneys. Primary Care physicians are on the front lines when it comes to diagnosing and helping treat hypertension and diabetes. Primary physicians tend to know the details of their patients’ lifestyles and see trends and changes that may happen over time. A patient’s woozy spell could simply be a product of standing up from the recliner too quickly, while another’s may give clear hints of a problem with high blood pressure. One patient may be thirsty all the time because he or she simply is not drinking
enough water. Another patient with the same symptom could very easily be exhibiting symptoms of prediabetes. One of the first steps a primary physician will want to take will be a close evaluation of their patients’ medications. With so many medications available that treat such a wide variety of diseases and conditions, it is no stretch of the imagination to realize that complications can and do occur. Diabetics could be taking certain drugs to help with their condition. Yet, if they are unfortunate enough to have hypertension combined with diabetes, one medication that does wonders for its prescribed use may react negatively to the meds prescribed for the other. At the least, canceling one medication’s effectiveness. At worst, creating a life-threatening drug interaction.
Now, add in the medications that may be necessary for the onset of kidney disease—often a byproduct of either previous condition— and it rapidly becomes clear how one physician in charge of a patient’s entire health picture plays a vital role. Something else to consider: everyone is an individual. One patient’s blood pressure readings and blood sugar levels may be wildly different from another—yet, both may still fit what is often accepted as “the norm.” Primary care physicians are simplify best qualified to know what readings are best for each of their individual patients and how to treat them accordingly.
There may very well come times when a primary care physician will want to consult with other medical experts. He or she may suggest a specialist for more focused expertise on a specific condition. A cardiologist for heart questions, a nephrologist for kidneys, perhaps even a surgeon for some interventional repair. In that situation, the primary physician will still function as a medical “field general” now directing an entire team of medical specialists whose sole focus is delivering on the broad spectrum of care necessary to improve a patient’s opportunity for a good outcome.
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 065
Insurance Julie Graham(L) / Susan Brisbin(R) Co-Founders & Independent Agents
Health Insurance And Retirement Advocates Inc. / 352.735.7795 / HealthAndRetirementAdvocates.com
How can I minimize “Medicare Overload” during this year’s Annual Enrollment Period? As fall approaches, so does the deluge of Medicare information. Sometimes it can feel like an information OVERLOAD. With all the craziness going on in the world, it can seem even more overwhelming than usual. Here are some tips to help cut through that overload and simplify the process.
1. First, know that Medicare does not advertise or mail you marketing materials. Some ads are disguised to look like they are from Medicare and are meant to make you think you are missing out on something important. All companies want your attention and some will say almost anything to get it, so keep that in mind when responding to an ad.
2. Medicare Advantage (MA) plan members: Review your Annual Notice of Change! It should be delivered around the end of September. If your plan served your needs and has stayed stable, consider letting it automatically renew. This could be something NOT to worry about this year.
066 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
3. Medicare Supplement policy holders: The medical benefits to these plans always stay the same; the monthly premium may change. If you have a separate stand-alone Part D Plan (PDP) for prescriptions, you can do a personal review on the Medicare. gov website. Simply enter your meds, select your pharmacy, and sort the results by “lowest drug + premium cost.” 4. For those considering a change, things will look a little different this year in the absence of Community Meetings and gatherings. However, it is more important than ever to make sure you are getting personalized information. It may be tempting to enroll online or call a 1-800#, but we urge you to seek out the help of a local agent. Agents are involved in the communities they serve; they bring knowledge that can only be attained by having their feet on the street. Working with a local agent costs you NOTHING, but they can give you better insight into the product you are selecting and serve as an advocate you can call on when needed. If you are new to Medicare, recently moved, or are getting ready to retire and you are
not sure what to do, give us a call. We will provide basic information about signing up for Parts A/B and inform you of the primary things you need to consider when selecting additional coverage. It can feel like a confusing time, but it doesn’t have to be. The licensed professionals at HIRA pride themselves on Making Medicare Easy. We can meet with you in our quaint office in Historic Downtown Mount Dora, at your home, over the phone, or even virtually. Our local expertise can calm the chaos of the Annual Enrollment Period. Stay safe! Stay healthy!
Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. By contacting us you agree that a licensed agent may call or e-mail to discuss Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug Plans or Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Urology James W. Young, III, M.D.
UROLOGY INSTITUTE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA / 352.751.0040 / PROSTATEEVALUATION.COM
Dr. Young, Boston Scientific just designated your practice as the first Center of Excellence for Rezum Therapy for enlarged prostates in the Southeastern USA. What does that prestigious honor mean to you?
I am very proud that my staff and I received this designation. To be the first practice honored thusly in Florida… no, make that the entire southeastern United States… means Boston Scientific is recognizing the excellent results we have had from performing the Rezum on men who are having problems with their enlarged prostates. Upon completing my residency in Arkansas in 1982, I moved to Lake County to open my practice. My primary area of concern has always been men with enlarged prostates having difficulty with urination. This difficulty could be a very slow stream, getting up at night, waiting to get started, not emptying completely, or conversely, it could be urgency, frequency and urinary accidents. For decades TURP (roto-rooter) was the only procedure available for BPH (enlarged prostate) and I performed 3,000 procedures over the course of several decades. In retrospect, it is a fairly barbaric procedure but the only one available at that time. Next, medications for enlarged prostates were approved and worked well for a number of years, but there is considerable controversy in our literature possibly linking dementia to taking these medications on a long-term basis. Moreover, there could be many other side effects from the medications, and after a
period of time they lose their effectiveness. Fifteen years ago, a newer procedure, transurethral needle ablation (TUNA later renamed Prostiva) was approved. It was the first, in my opinion, truly effective inoffice procedure. I have performed 3,000 of these procedures, 2-3 times more than anyone in the world. In late 2015, the FDA approved Rezum, a new procedure performed in the office under local anesthesia that relives the obstructing prostate tissue using steam. Immediately upon researching this technology, I changed from performing Prostivas to Rezums. Currently, I have performed over 900 in my office (more than anyone in the world) and my results are outstanding. Patients experience a significant difference in the quality of their lives, and following the procedure
they may resume most regular activities within a few days. Healthgrades.com is a website that allows patients to review their doctors. According to my patient reviews, Healthgrades informs me I am in the top 100th percentile of all urologists in the United States. And it is because of my success with Rezum. In summary, receiving this recognition from Boston Scientific confirms that my staff and I are doing a great job relieving any issues our patients have from enlarged prostates. Having been designated a Center of Excellence allows patients from all over the world to be aware of our practice and great results. Patients throughout the United States, North America, Central America and South America have traveled to my Lady Lake office because of my success with the Rezum procedure.
Med Spa Lisa Gonzalez, APRN
Immunity Health Spa / 352.750.9909 / ImmunityHealthSpa.com
How does IV therapy boost your immune system?
You’ve heard it your entire life. If you want a healthy immune system, you need to stop by your local pharmacy or drug store and buy supplements. That’s not bad advice, but unfortunately 99 percent of supplements on the market today are poor quality and can cause negative effects to the body. Even the highest-quality supplements have to be digested through the stomach, and that process minimizes the absorption of vital minerals and vitamins. There is worse news for people with digestive disturbances such as bloating and indigestion. They are unable to absorb the nutrients that would normally help them achieve better health. No need to worry however, because IV therapy is an excellent way to boost the immune system and help it function optimally. When immune systemboosting vitamins and antioxidants are administered intravenously, they bypass the digestive system and ensure a 100 percent absorption rate. At the same time, IV therapy detoxifies and hydrates your body, eliminating free radicals that
068 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
contribute to toxin buildup and impaired immune function. Your immune system is improved because all the vitamins and antioxidants are delivered directly to your cells. This is extremely important because disease always begins at the cellular level. Thus, IV therapy allows for a rapid improvement in cellular function and a decrease in disease states. It is important that IV therapy benefits our health on a cellular level. The human body alone has trillions of cells. Cells form body tissue and make up the organs in our body such as the heart, liver and lungs. Without proper nutrition, cells cannot operate efficiently, and the functions of tissues and organs become compromised. This can result in disease. Conversely, when you provide your cells with proper nutrients, you are helping your entire body function at it’s very best. At Immunity Health Spa, our IV therapy replenishes your body’s essential nutrients because you are getting the full effect of vitamins.
How does your immune system benefit from salt therapy? As we age, lung function can decrease, which leads to many health problems. Fortunately, salt carries antibacterial and antiinflammatory properties that can help people who are suffering from COPD, smoker’s cough, asthma, emphysema and seasonal airborne allergies. Salt therapy is a 100 percent natural, safe and drug-free therapy. When you breathe in microscopic salt particles, they enter the airway and reach down to a cellular level. At this level,
the salt particles stimulate airway linings, improve mucous clearance and allow the immune system to respond better to pathogens. This helps ward off sickness and reduces dependence on medications. Salt is rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, copper and iron. Inhalation of these minerals help give your immune system a natural boost. Salt therapy also reduces stress, which can weaken your immune system. Clients who relax in our salt room inhale salt-enriched air deep down into their lungs. This is when the healing
benefits begin. Inflammation is reduced, making more room in the airways for people to breathe better. The treatment is particularly beneficial for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, colds and flus, sinus infections and ear infections. In addition, exposing the skin to salt can improve
the general health and appearance of the skin and help relieve or alleviate a number of skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. From children to teens, adults and senior citizens, everyone can enjoy and benefit from a salt therapy session.
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 069
Fitness Tiffany and Bob Bone
Bone Fit Studio / 239.822.5928 / BoneFitStudio.com / 402 N 14th St., Leesburg
COVID-19 has had severe outcomes on people with compromised health. What can I do to prepare for a second wave or future pandemics?
Great question and we have a personal answer. We both overcame bouts with COVID with comparatively minor symptoms. While sick, we continued to eat even with no appetite, we sought sunlight exposure, and we exercised even when tired and aching. Things could have been different had we not begun exercising and eating healthy eight years ago. We have had our own health challenges. In 2012, we were both overweight and physically inactive with no eating plan. Tiffany had epilepsy and high blood pressure. Robert was sedentary, carrying an unhealthy amount of fat and on a course towards obesity. Obesity and severe obesity (defined by the CDC as a BMI
070 /
of 30% and 40% respectively) and their accompanying illnesses increase the chances of complications with COVID. The CDC stresses the importance of staying physically active and practicing healthy habits to be and remain healthy during the COVID pandemic. Regular physical activity reduces stress, prevents weight gain, improves sleep, and can boost the immune system. It turns out, our last eight years of exercise and healthy eating where exactly what the doctor ordered. Our moderate reaction to the virus could have been much different. Our fitness is mostly light weights and add some cardio. We also eat a balanced macronutrient diet of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to maintain energy, muscle,
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
and a healthy weight. Find ways to be active without a gym with online instructors and videos for exercise at home and physical activities
like mowing the lawn. It’s not too late. If you have not used the last six months to get healthy, start now!
Vision Dr. Steven Houston
Florida Retina Institute / 877.357.3846 / FloridaRetinaInstitute.com
Q. What technology is
How can the doctor diagnose me without actually doing a physical exam?
What we do is called Hybrid Telemedicine which combines advanced in-office imaging with virtual consultation with the physician. So, patients will come in one at a time and get an Ultra Widefield Image and an Optical Coherence Tomography test, which are the two types of imaging tests we need to make a lot of our decisions regarding retina, and then they connect with us after we’ve reviewed it.
Q. Will my insurance cover
this visit? A. Before COVID, telemedicine was limited to certain situations, but since COVID, Medicare has opened it up to all their beneficiaries and most commercial
payers followed suit. Most insurers will cover telemedicine visits the same as if they were in-office visits.
Q. What conditions can I get
treated for via telehealth? A. We see a lot of chronic-management patients who have diseases that could progress or change over time but aren’t currently needing treatment. Some examples are dry macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, epiretinal membranes or macular puckers. A lot of the patients that have these diseases tend to be at higher risk for COVID, so keeping them as safe as possible, while still being able to monitor their diseases so that we can keep them seeing well, is a huge benefit of telehealth.
used for telemedicine visits? A Outside of the advanced imaging in the office, we’re using HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platforms. Zoom is one of the most common because since COVID, people have become familiar with using it to talk with their family and friends. However, it was restricting certain patients who don’t have a smartphone or internet at home, so if necessary one of my techs can set up an iPad with Zoom after their imaging so that they can still have those virtual meetings with their physician.
Q. Why should I consider
telemedicine visits? A. When we started this program, it was really trying to focus on how we can provide the best and safest opportunity for patients, while still giving them the best care possible. The other part was efficiency, and that we are now able to get patients in and out of the office in 30 minutes or less with this program. So, I think the safety, convenience and efficiency aspects are the three things that most benefit the patients for telehealth visits.
Locations in Lady Lake, Clermont, Mount Dora, Lake Mary, Kissimmee and Orlando
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 071
NUCCA Chiropractic Dr. Jose E. Portela-Berrios
Balanced Spine Center / 352.708.5333 / bspinecenter.com
What is the NUCCA procedure? The NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) procedure is a non-invasive specialized technique that focuses on analyzing the craniocervical junction (upper cervical spine). The goal is to reduce interference to the nervous system and restore balance to the entire spine.
There are only 24 board certified NUCCA doctors worldwide. We are proud to say that, currently, we are the only office in Florida with this designation. Doctors certified in the NUCCA procedure/correction – done solely by hand and without twisting, turning or popping of the spine – use precise and objective X-rays of the head and neck, along with mathematical measurements
to analyze the biomechanical misalignment of the spine and understand how it needs to be restored to its normal position to naturally return it to a balanced and unstressed state.
Q. Who is a
candidate for NUCCA care? A. Your spine protects your nervous system, and your nervous system is the master controller of your entire body. Therefore, everyone should receive an evaluation to determine whether their body is functioning optimally, effectively and if treatment is necessary.
Q. Do I need to be in
pain to receive an evaluation? A. Although NUCCA doctors frequently end up seeing patients when they are in pain, the evaluation and measurements that are performed allow the doctor to visualize and correct the misalignment before it even generates symptoms, such as pain. I often refer to the dental profession and how we get our teeth evaluated a minimum of twice annually, regardless of pain levels. This is to ensure that our dental hygiene is preserved, and that, if there are problems, they can be addressed before becoming severe. The same applies to our spine and nervous system, which should be measured and checked regularly to avoid pain and before it affects or minimizes your ability to enjoy daily life or decreases spinal function.
Q. I have migraine
headaches, can NUCCA help me? A. Although NUCCA care is not focused on any symptom
or problem, NUCCA doctors often care for patients who suffer from migraine headaches. The doctor will focus on determining whether there is a biomechanical misalignment affecting the integrity of the upper cervical spine and how that is reducing the body’s capacity to function properly or optimally, whether it is by causing, for example, migraines, neck pain or lower back pain. Although the evaluation and treatment are not focused on any particular symptom, misalignment of the upper spine can lead to spinal and postural distortion, which when subjected to gravity generates stress to multiple tissues of the body, such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, discs, etc. Prolonged stress to these tissues can generate numerous amounts of symptoms, including migraine headaches.
Q. I have bulging
discs and stenosis, Is NUCCA safe for me? A. NUCCA is generally safe for most patients. However, before the doctor can
Q. How can
misalignments of the spine affect my nervous system? A. Your posture reflects your
determine if care is necessary and adequate for them, patients will go through a process. This process involves a consultation, evaluation, exam, and a report of findings. The NUCCA correction is very gentle, therefore it is generally safe for patients suffering from bulging discs, stenosis, and/or arthritis. When the head and neck are not properly aligned and the weight of the skull is not evenly distributed on our neck, the body will reflexively react by contracting musculature to attempt to maintain its upright position. Your body and postural muscles are constantly working to maintain an upright position. When there is a breakdown in the integrity of your alignment, it will result in uneven weight
distributed in all joints and surfaces of your body. Often, this area tends to be the discs of the spine or the lower back. When present for a prolonged period, it can lead to stenosis, arthritic changes, and therefore pain. As NUCCA practitioners, we focus on restoring on the relationship between the head and neck to restore balance and sustained posture. Although NUCCA focuses on the upper cervical spine, restoring posture and balance results in less stress to all areas of your body including your lower back.
spine, which is what protects your nervous system, which keeps every tissue, cell, organ, and organ system in your body working properly. When there is a misalignment of the spine, whether caused by a prolonged period of improper posture or trauma, it can lead to stress, inflammation, or soft tissue compensation. Changes in the integrity of these tissues, can lead to misalignment of the spine, bulging discs, stenosis, arthritis, pain, and lack of function. Because of the spine’s role in protecting our nervous system, it is advised that spinal integrity be checked, regardless of pain or symptoms.
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 073
Podiatry Dr. Erik Zimmermann
Zimmermann Podiatry / 352.435.7849 / DrZPodiatry.com / 1208 W. Dixie Ave., Leesburg
What is toenail fungus and how it is treated?
The scientific name for toenail fungus is: onychomycosis, which is when the nail gets invaded with fungi and the resulting nail infection causes the nail to become thick, deformed and discolored. Onychomycosis is a very common condition and can start from an athlete’s foot infection, previous nail trauma, transmission from someone else with nail fungus, unsanitary pedicures, and a variety of other ways.
074 /
Onychomycosis does tend to be more prevalent as people get older. On an interesting side note, onychomycosis wasn’t even prevalent in the United States until the World War II timeframe; troops coming from the jungles of the Pacific brought it home. People often notice the first signs of onychomycosis when their toenails start to get thick, discolored, flaky. Usually it painless and more of a cosmetic concern but that is not always the case. A lot of times people will try to dig
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
under the toenail to “clean out the fungus” but that only makes it worse. Diabetics and people with immune system disorders are more prone to onychomycosis, and Florida does have more fungal nail conditions with it being a tropical climate. Regarding treatments, over-the counter treatments generally tend not to be effective. Now there are several topical treatments that are FDA-approved, yet one would need to see a doctor for a prescription. In our office we generally prefer taking a sample of the infected toenail-which is a painless procedure, and sending it out to a lab. The lab is able to identify the specific fungus in the nail, as there are thousands of different types of fungi. This allows us to target which fungus type is causing the infection and to make a more specific treatment plan. We usually start patients out with a very effective topical antifungal and we also have been utilizing prescription foot soaks formalized with medications for the specific fungus or germs in the toenail. The high-powered, heavy hitter for the treatment of onychomycosis is our laser,
which is just fantastic at eradicating fungus. In fact, we have one laser dedicated strictly for the treatment of onychomycosis. It has proven been extremely effective and the treatment is quick and painless. The best compliment we hear is when happy patients tell us that their toenails look like they did when they were younger. A complete resolution of toenail fungus is our goal, because nobody wants funky looking toenails! Patients love that we have a happy, nice office. It’s very professional but we also have a lot of fun, and we don’t treat patients like numbers. We try to do the best we can at everything we do, all the while making our office a friendly environment. I can say that we must be doing something right as we often have patients stop by for no reason other than to bring doughnuts, candy or homemade goodies just to show their appreciation for their happy feet.
Assisted Living Michael Hurwitz, Executive Director
Osprey Lodge / 352.253.5100 / OspreyLodgeTavares.com / 1761 Nightingale Lane, Tavares
When Should You Think About a Senior Care Community for Your Loved One? Acknowledging that someone you love needs full-time care is hard. Recognizing that you can’t give them that care may be difficult as well. If you’re concerned about your aging loved one’s safety, health or happiness, talk to them about their housing options. Involve their doctor and a financial advisor in your conversations so that you and your loved one understand all the senior living choices available to them.
Q. What Sets Osprey
Lodge Apart? A. Today’s seniors are active, social and vibrant, and are living longer, healthier and more fulfilling lifestyles. They have already started revolutionizing senior living, and their expectations will continue to change what it means to age in America. When choosing the right community, many seniors focus on the overall lifestyle options offered as well as how the community will support their quality of life. Today’s seniors want to live in a community that offers an active lifestyle, a connection to the outside community, and avenues to share their lifestyle to experiences, knowledge, and skills. Osprey Lodge Assisted Living and Memory Care offers a
broad range of programming to the varied lifestyles and backgrounds of the residents we serve. We offer choices, foster independence, promote individuality, and stimulate the spirit of each individual. Osprey Lodge’s lifestyle offerings are developed and scheduled according to the residents’ needs, interests, and ability to participate. Our community has a full-time Lifestyle Director coordinating recreational, educational and social opportunities and activities. There’s always something intriguing to do at Osprey Lodge. Wellness means much more than simply eating right and exercising often. In fact, there are a total of seven dimensions of wellness that impact a person’s overall health and well-being.
The seven dimensions are physical, social, emotional, environmental, spiritual, professional/vocational, and intellectual. When one of these seven areas are hindered or neglected, it can negatively impact the other areas, as well. At Osprey Lodge, we understand each dimension of wellness and how they work together to maximize each resident’s overall well-being.
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 075
Emergency Care (L-R) Navin Reddy, M.D. / Jennifer Robertson, M.D. / Jeremy Spry, D.O.
Navin Reddy, M.D. Q. What sets
University of Florida Health Central Florida E.R.s apart from others in the area? A. I think all of the emergency rooms in our area do a great job following the standard of care, but if I had to say what sets us apart at UF Health Leesburg Hospital, it is our heart. We care about our patients; each other and we care about our community. Most of the people who work here also live here, and have lived here longterm. We’re not like big city E.R.s where there’s a lot of turnover among our nursing staff. Many of the talented UF Health Leesburg Hospital
professionals I work with today were on staff during my first shift here 15 years ago. At the end of the day, I just think it’s our love for our community that makes our care so special.
Q. What is the
most significant improvement in care you have seen in emergency medicine since joining the UF Health Central Florida team? A. Having the support and resources of a large academic health care system is invaluable. As an example; I trained in New York, and while they were in the midst
UF Health Central Florida / CentralFloridaHealth.org
of the coronavirus, they often struggled to get their COVID-19 tests results in seven days or less. Because we are part of the UF Health system, when we first started seeing community spread of COVID-19, we were able to send our tests to UF Health Shands in Gainesville and receive a result within 24 hours. That provided us with a huge advantage in providing care to these patients as early as possible. Since then, this has evolved to being able to effectively test for COVID-19 and develop effective treatment plans within 1 hour.
and X-ray, state-of-the-art trauma bays, respiratory therapy, laboratory services, a negative air pressure room for isolation, and a full complement of staff including physicians, nurses and patient care technicians. Patients that need to be admitted to a hospital for more complex or specialty care are quickly transported to the nearest hospital by ambulance.
Q. What do you like
most about working in the emergency room setting? A. It is an invigorating
Jennifer Robertson, M.D. Q. What are the
capabilities of your specific E.R. facility? A. The UF Health The Villages® Hospital Freestanding E.R. at Brownwood offers everything that a standard emergency department has. Our facility is equipped with the latest diagnostic imaging technologies, including CT
experience to be able to provide care for the wide variety of conditions our patients face; there is a lot of variety throughout the day. People who work in emergency care settings are often referred to as a ‘Jack of all trades’ due to the wide range of conditions we treat on a daily basis. I can go from treating a two-year-old in one room to caring for a 90-yearold in the next, and then have a trauma case a few minutes later. I like the diversity — it is certainly never boring!
as paralysis or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, and loss of consciousness, are examples of situations that require a visit to an emergency department.
Q. What measures
UF Health The Villages® Hospital Freestanding ER
have been put into place to keep patients safe during the coronavirus pandemic?
Q. What does
Jeremy Spry, D.O.
A. UF Health The Villages®
the future of emergency care delivery look like?
Q. What kinds
Hospital adheres to a number of measures designed to protect our patients, visitors and staff. All patients and
A. I foresee that telemedicine is going to be more prevalent in our area to enhance the availability of efficient, high-quality health care. Telemedicine technology allows freestanding E.R.s such as UF Health The Villages Hospital’s Brownwood E.R. to offer specialty care that may not be readily accessible through local providers.
of things should patients consider when making the decision to choose between emergency or urgent care?
visitors are medically screened upon entering the hospital and visitation is restricted to one visitor per patient for the duration of the patient’s stay. In our E.R.s, potential COVID-19-positive patients are separated from patients seeking care for other conditions. Additionally, a hospital-wide policy is in place for face masks to be worn at all times by all employees, patients and visitors.
UF Health The Villages® Hospital
A. Any sort of minor injury or illness is probably best fit for urgent care, or even your primary care office. But symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain, trouble walking, speaking, and understanding, as well
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 077
Pet Health Dr. Cara Erwin-Oliver
Belleview Veterinary Hospital / 352.347.3900 / BelleviewVeterinaryHospital.com
Do pets need special care as they age?
If you are a pet owner, it probably seems like yesterday when you brought that adorable kitten or puppy home. You remember it running around the yard with endless energy, exploring its new surroundings. Unfortunately, there will come a time when your furry friends slow down. It happens to them like it happens to us. When we age, our health care needs change considerably because we’re more prone to developing health conditions that may negatively affect our quality of life. Same with pets. If you want to ensure that your beloved dog or cat lives a longer, happier life, it must receive adequate care during its golden years.
Fortunately, Dr. Cara Erwin-Oliver of Belleview Veterinary Hospital has extensive experience when it comes to caring for geriatric pets and she is a strong believer in preventive pet health care. “Pet care is always important, but that is especially true during a pet’s older years,” says Dr. Erwin-Oliver, who has worked at the family-owned practice for 13 years. “Dogs become geriatric patients at approximately age 8, cats around age 9. When an older dog or cat does not feel well, pet owners sometimes chalk it up to old age. But age is not a disease. There is a reason your pet doesn’t feel good. So, let’s fix it. It is always better to prevent a problem from occurring or treat it early rather than wait.”
The doctor recommends yearly blood profiles of geriatric pets to monitor organ functions. She looks at liver enzymes, kidney enzymes, blood cell counts, glucose levels, thyroid levels, and electrolytes. Doing this helps her detect numerous diseases in their early stages such as diabetes, kidney disease, blood disorders, liver disease, thyroid disorders, and Cushing’s disease, to name a few. “Problems start at a cellular level. Detecting these diseases early is important because we can combat many of them with proper nutrition and nutritional supplements. Diabetes is a good example. If a dog or cat has slightly elevated glucose, we may be able to regulate it by diet alone. If that doesn’t work, we have the option to treat medically.” Besides blood profiles, Dr. ErwinOliver also conducts a thorough exam of the patient, including auscultation of the heart and lungs. She performs parasite screenings to detect intestinal parasites—a major problem in Florida. She uses urinalysis to detect kidney disease, diabetes and UTI’s. Belleview Veterinary Hospital was founded in 1993. Today, Dr. Rick Erwin and his daughter Dr. Cara Erwin-Oliver have a thriving practice located at 10725 SE 36th Avenue.
Dental Care Cheryl L. Pisano, DMD (L) / Alexandria Purdy, DMD (R)
First Impressions Dental Care / 352.364.0064 / DrPisano.com
What is periodontal disease and how serious is it? A. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that causes loss of bone around teeth. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease can be serious and there are studies showing that it is linked to systemic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. There is no cure for periodontitis however, your dental team can make sure the disease is managed in order to prevent further bone loss.
Q. How often do
I need to go to the dentist? A. Twice a year is a good rule of thumb. There are certain circumstances where people should see their dentist every three months, especially if they have periodontal disease. Visiting the dentist twice a
year allows us to monitor for oral cancer as well as changes in your overall health.
the heart and the brain, you don’t want an oral infection to travel to those areas.
Q. If I have an
Q. Can medications
infected tooth, why can’t I take an antibiotic to make the infection go away?
affect my teeth?
A. Antibiotics are meant to help relieve symptoms caused by the infected tooth, not cure it. Once a tooth is infected, the blood supply of that tooth has been destroyed so an antibiotic cannot get inside the tooth to heal the infection. Even if the pain goes away, the tooth will remain infected and that bacteria can travel to other areas of your body,
A. Yes, absolutely! There are hundreds of medications that can cause dry mouth which can make a person more prone to cavities. Other medications, like some that treat high blood pressure can cause swollen gums which can make teeth more difficult to clean.
A. Pulling out a tooth and not replacing it can lead to other problems. Once a tooth is extracted the remaining teeth have more force exerted on them making them more prone to wear or fracture. Teeth will also shift to fill the space of the tooth that is missing, meaning that your bite changes and can affect the way you chew. We try to save teeth when we can because it genuinely is better for a person’s overall health.
Q. Why should I pay
money to save a tooth if it is cheaper to pull it?
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 079
Annuities Elizabeth Cornell
TB FInancial / 352.350.1161 / TBFINANCIALGROUP.COM
How can an annuity help my retirement?
TB Financial Group specializes in: • Planning with fixed annuities, index annuities, and life insurance
Annuities are insurance products designed to insure against the risk of outliving your money or what is called “longevity risk.” Outliving retirement savings is now one of the biggest concerns retirees face. Protecting your income is an important piece to your retirement and having an annuity can add a lot of value to your overall plan. The whole key to retirement is getting your fixed income in place to live comfortably. That is exactly what annuities do best. The advantages of annuities can include taxdeferred growth, guaranteed income, better interest opportunities than CD’s, and principal protection. Most people believe having an annuity means you can’t touch your money, and that
080 /
is the exact opposite of what they are designed to do. The products have changed a lot over the last 20 years. They are more flexible than they’ve ever been and provide tons of choices for interest earnings potential and withdrawal options. Annuities are offered by insurance companies and are contractually-bound to distributing you your money. In placing your money with the insurance company, you are getting some sort of guarantee it’s a matter of determining which guarantees are most important for example: income, interest, principal protection, death benefit etc. There are different types of annuities and a lot of carriers with a lot of different product offerings that are not all created equal, so It is really critically important that if you are going to add insurance
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
products to your portfolio, to work with someone who truly specializes in them. I’ve built my career on educating people on how annuity products work, and I’m a Certified Annuities Specialist©. I have been doing this for 12 years, and I know the products up, down, backwards, and sideways. It’s important to become well informed. We offer workshops, Annuities 101 and Annuities 102, where I go through every nook and cranny on annuities and life insurance. I don’t sugar coat it and really there’s no reason to. Annuities are not “complicated” they just don’t work like everything else and it’s taking the time to understand them. Our goal is to help you have a deeper understanding of how these products work. Visit tbfinancialgroup.com to learn more.
• The design and implementation of comprehensive income plans • Wealth preservation • Income maximization strategies • IRA, inherited IRA, and 401K distribution strategies • Annuity exit strategies • Protecting principal against market volatility • CD and savings alternatives • Legacy planning
TB
F INANCIAL G ROUP I NC . TB Financial Group Inc. is a licensed insurance agency for life, health, and annuities. We are not securities licensed. We are not tax advisors. Our seminars are very general in nature and not meant to replace the advice of your CPA, Tax Preparer, Investment Advisor or Attorney. We will not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal professional for these matters.
E H T T SHU ! R O O D T N FRO OUTPATIENT ANTERIOR HIP REPLACEMENTS! At UNOVA HIP & KNEE CENTER, our minimally invasive techniques, opioid & narcotic free anesthesia, and our enhanced rapid recovery approach, allow us to offer outpatient anterior total hip replacements to our patients. Since there are fewer muscles at the front of the hip, the surgeons at the UNOVA Hip & Knee Center work between them. This leaves the large muscles utilized for walking and hip stability intact thereby enhancing recovery. Our patients recover without the need for hip dislocation precautions. CALL US TODAY FOR A CONSULATATION WITH ONE OF OUR ANTERIOR HIP REPLACEMENT SPECIALISTS.
888.847.4895 UnovaHealth.com
COLD, ALLERGY & SINUS
NASAL RELIEF
Judith Milstead, MD
Board Certified, Otolaryngology
J. Samuel Moak, III MD Board Certified, Otolaryngology
Dino Madonna, MD
Board Certified, Facial Plastic Surgery, Otolaryngology
S. Dwight Vaught, MD Board Certified, Otolaryngology
Audiology | Sinus Conditions | Allergies Pain | Pressure | Nasal Obstruction
352.728.2404 LakeENT.net LEESBURG THE VILLAGES TAVARES
®
agenda EVENTS. TRAVEL. PEOPLE.
It’s not a pipe dream. Plaid in the Park will bring Scottish culture to Lake County.
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 083
JAMS
sep.JAMS 2020
084 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
Move to the beat of one of your favorite performers at one of these great concerts or local venues!
9/4@9pm
9/12@9pm
FREE AGENT Oasis Saloon, Sorrento
MUSIKOLOGY DUO Oasis Saloon, Sorrento
9/5@7:30pm
9/13@1pm
MEL TILLIS, JR. Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale
OFF WHITE BETTIES Lilly’s on the Lake, Clermont
9/5@9pm
9/13@1pm
SPEED LIMIT 70 DUO Oasis Saloon, Sorrento
MANFREDI ROCKS Ruby Street Grille, Tavares
9/6@3pm and 7pm
9/18@5pm
THE VILLAGES PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA The Sharon, The Villages
MANFREDI ROCKS Lighthouse Point Bar and Grill, The Villages
9/11@9pm
MAIDEN VOYAGE BAND Lake Harris Hideaway, Tavares
DONNIE LEE Oasis Saloon, Sorrento
9/12@noon C.O.D. FLORIDA Hurricane Dockside, Tavares
9/12@5pm MANFREDI ROCKS Lighthouse Point Bar and Grill, The Villages
9/12@7pm MAIDEN VOYAGE BAND Gators of Umatilla, Umatilla
9/12@7:30pm DION PRIDE Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale
9/19@1pm 9/19@7:30pm MICHAEL TWITTY Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale
9/19@9pm RACHEL AND RALEIGH Oasis Saloon, Sorrento
9/25@9pm JILTED Oasis Saloon, Sorrento
9/26@7:30pm MARTY HAGGARD Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale
10/3@9pm MAD HADDER BAND Frank’s Place, Leesburg
* Dates and time are tentative due to COVID-19 guidelines. Contact the venues for updates.
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 085
LOCAL TALENT
PEO PLE
Magic from the heart Scott Humston uses his magical abilities to connect with people. STORY: ROXANNE BROWN
≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL
cott Humston knew that magic was in the cards for him the moment he stepped through the glass door of a little shop he spotted on the side of the road. He was in downtown Auburndale on his way to Walmart with his grandfather more than 30 years ago. “I saw a sign that said VIP Magic and I said ‘Grandad, stop, stop,’ and he pulled over and turned around,” Scott says. “I tell people today that I’m thankful for grandparents that make U-turns.” To this day, Scott, now 46, remembers the heavy scent of cardboard, cigarettes and paint inside the shop, but also the thrill he felt from all the props, tricks, cards, costumes and other cool things he noticed. “As I looked around, I got bit by the magic bug. I was actually pretty consumed by it,” he says. Today, Scott, a longtime Mount Dora resident, is a dad, evangelist, award-winning magician, pseudo-mind reader and storyteller all wrapped into one. He travels the world wowing audiences large and small and has performed at the White House, a high-end resort by the Mediterranean Sea in Turkey and at an outside stage near the Guatemalan border. He also performs monthly Mind, Myth and Magic shows at the Donnelly House in Mount Dora and has a book coming out called “Share Wonder” featuring stories about his life on the road. Scott’s shows include a variety of amazing card tricks, items appearing and disappearing out of thin air illusions and other tricks involving people from the audience. In between, he tells jokes, shares life lessons, and does an extra-special trick and story using the very ball and cup set his grandfather bought him at the shop that started it all. “I want people to be entertained, but it’s the connection with them I love most. I put the people first, before the tricks,” Scott says. Additionally, Scott says he hopes his magic boosts people’s spirits like it did his own, explaining that magic upped his confidence and vanquished insecurities following years of surgeries and speech therapy sessions to correct the cleft lip and palate he was born with. “I want people to walk out of my show and realize that for the last two hours they’ve forgotten everything else in their lives and simply experienced wonder and laughter and joy,” he says. For information about Scott and his upcoming shows, go to scotthumston.com.
Do you know talented people in the community? Send recommendations to roxanne@akersmediagroup.com roxanne@akersmediagroup.com.
086 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT
EVENTS
Scottish for a day Mount Dora Sister Cities teams up with Mount Dora Pipes and Drums Band to bring Scottish culture to Lake County. STORY: VICTORIA SCHLABIG
Jerry Mericle, bagpiper for Mount Dora Pipes and Drums.
088 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
ount Dora Sister Cities, an international organization, joined the City of Mount Dora with Forres, Scotland back in 1990, and since then, the two cities have worked together to promote one another’s tourism and economy. Beginning in late 2020, Mount Dora Sister Cities will host a monthly event called “Plaid in the Park,” where attendees are “Scottish no matter where you’re from,” says Mount Dora Sister Cities Vice President Julie Campbell. Sister Cities had previously hosted a monthly pub night at The Magical Meat Boutique in Mount Dora, when they were approached by Mount Dora Pipes and Drums Band, a local bagpiping group. “The Pipers came to us a couple of months ago and said, ‘Hey, we have an idea that would elevate this,’ so we decided to team up,” Julie says. The event started as a way to gain exposure for both organizations while promoting the Scottish heritage. “Part of Sister Cities’ goals is always to build economic development in our own town as well as in Forres, so we’ve involved local merchants as much as we could. The Pipers will be performing, and we have other Scottish and Celtic musicians coming to perform each month,” Julie says.
“PART OF SISTER CITIES’ GOALS IS ALWAYS TO BUILD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN OUR OWN TOWN AS WELL AS IN FORRES, SO WE’VE INVOLVED LOCAL MERCHANTS AS MUCH AS WE COULD.” —JULIE CAMPBELL
Mount Dora Pipes and Drums
S, RE IS FO R A N D TL O TER C S S SI E F T H T Y O RA O CI TD UN MO
Photo of Jerry Mericle: Nicole Hamel // Photo of Mount Dora Pipes and Drums: Megan Mericle
IF YOU GO
The monthly gathering will include outstanding Celtic-style entertainment around Sunset Park, highlighting performances by the Mount Dora City Pipes and Drums Band. Entertainment and event details will differ month to month, but confirmed acts include music by The O’Possums, McIntyre, Stewart Walker, and the Center for Dance and Performing Arts Scottish Dancers. Music will fill the air alongside an engaging Scottish and Celtic evening street market with food, drink, raffles and unique, quality vendor items to discover. There will be raffles by Mount Dora Sister Cities, a raffle by Walkers Shortbread and a Putting Green raffle by the Mount Dora Golf Club that will benefit both the Mount Dora Sister Cities and Pipes Band. Additionally, if continuing down Fourth Avenue, you will find local Celtic and Scottish vendors. We’re Jammin’ from Ocala will sell freshly made jams, bread, scones and other goodies and Tantalizing Teas will feature a Sister Ci-Teas Scottish tea blend, along with other loose teas and accessories. Magical Meat Boutique will
post a “pop-up pub” where they will serve fried Mars Bars and other goodies, and Triple Threat Desserts will sell treats to benefit the American Legion. Albion Grove will be selling handcrafted jewelry, books and gifts and The Thistle Club will have a variety of beautiful Scottish items for sale. Ashley’s Corners, a merchant in Mount Dora and a member of Sister Cities, will be featuring exclusive Scottish and Celticthemed items and there will be a variety of other vendors attending and food options available, as well. Green Bunny Hats will attend the event in October. Mount Dora Sister Cities believes that bringing Scottish culture to town will be a great way of introducing more unique entertainment and events to Lake County. Their goal is to create exposure to the culture and traditions of Scotland, all while enjoying the music, food and crafts that originated in the country. Event planners are making sure to keep all guests safe, so masks will be required and there will be signs as a reminder to practice social distancing and stay at least six feet apart.
PLAID IN THE PARK
Oct. 9 @6-9pm Sunset Park , Mount Dora 1.800.768.9463 facebook.com/PlaidinthePark
Due to COVID-19, event is subject to postponement or cancellation. Stay up-to-date by following their Instagram @plaidinthepark.md or their Facebook page at facebook.com/PlaidinthePark.
Want to see your event in Social Spotlight? Contact us at least three months in advance and provide all the details to victoria@akersmediagroup.com.
VICTORIA SCHLABIG
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 089
HI, SOCIETY!
Alisia Collins, 2020 Valedictorian of Hope Preparatory Academy
Stephanie Dukes Canidate for FL House-32, Rita Simon Asst Pastor Hope International Church
Jodie and Pastor Tony McCoy, Hope International Church
Khrystyna Tremaine, Groveland Communications Manager
Mike Hein, Groveland City Manager
See all the photos for this event at lakeandsumterstyle.com/hisociety
Evelyn Wilson, Groveland Mayor
E 'S WHER ?! M Y P IC
090 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
Shawn Ramsey, Groveland Police Chief
Marianela and Amir Singh, Jariah and Jayce Powe Tim Sullivan, Lake County Commissioner, District 1
Alan Hays, Supervisor of Elections and Pastor Tony McCoy, Hope International Church
Randolph Waite, Groveland City Council Member, District 5
S TA N D I N G F O R E Q UA L I T Y @ HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH
≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL.
A “community unity celebration of life” was the theme of a June 19 gathering in Groveland at Hope International Church featuring community leaders, dignitaries, Lake County Commissioner Tim Sullivan and others, honoring those who through that time had lost their lives to COVID-19. The event also featured residents showing their united support for equality and recognizing the importance of Juneteenth, a nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 091
Two Great Choices to Uplift Your Look! Call today to ask about our two month-long Diamond Glo specials! Erase years of aging from your skin and regain your youthful glow with our rejuvenating dermalinfusion treatment.
T H E V I L L A G E S ® • L E E S B U R G • TAVA R E S
352.259.5126 Face2FaceFL.com
FACIAL COSMETIC SURGERY | BOTOX | LASER TREATMENTS | PEELS | SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
Color
Salon
BEAUTY IN EVERYTHING.
Featuring
KEVIN.MURPHY products
PAUL MITCHELL focus salon BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT certified stylists
Call or Text 352.461.0874
touloucolorsalon.com
Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
115 North Main Street Wildwood, FL 34785
Thursdays: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Dr. Breanna Ferguson offers a full spectrum of conservative and surgical podiatric care. The doctor and her staff will strive to provide you with the best care suited to your medical needs.
OFFICE VISITS | SURGERY | SPORTS INJURY OFFICE HOURS: Tue-Thu 9am-5pm | Fri 9am-12pm Please call the office for an appointment time.
870 S Duncan Dr., Tavares 352.432.8434 info@midlakefootandankle.com
SERVING SUMTER COUNTY
352-748-1454
Still committed. Still working for you. Since 1937, United Southern Bank has worked hard to meet the needs of our customers. Today, our commitment to service is even stronger. ◊ ◊ ◊
12 Convenient Branch Locations Online and Mobile Banking Services Unparalleled Customer Service
unitedsouthernbank.com 094 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
SINCE 1974
Dr. a
Dr. a
a
352-735-2020
D Dr. Drr.. Charles Cha Ch har arles rlleess
Meet some of our 5 star team
We have highly skilled clinicians dedicated to all aspects of managing your home care safely and effectively. Skilled Nursing (RN, LPN) Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy Certified Nursing Assistants Medical Social Services Medicare Assignment Accepted Private insurance Accepted with Pre-Authorization
L-R: Ashley Bailey, RN, ADON - Jackie Stanfield, RN, DON - Haley Smith, RN - Chrissy Nichols, COTA - Steve Van Dyke, DPT Shanitia Brown, LPN - Shayna Grunewald, CEO - Lory Baxley, Business Development - Jenny Stinson, PT - Renee Piryk, PTA - Kristin Coons, RN, Clinical Manager - Baylie Treves - Pam Balthaser, CNA - Ashley Tatum, LPTA - Cindy Bahoot, PTA
For more information about our services, staff and quality of care, contact us: 310 Market St., Leesburg, FL 34748 Phone: 352.315.0050 | Fax: 352.315.0059 www.golchc.com HHA299992424
LAKE CENTRE HOME CARE
healthy living MIND. BODY. SOUL.
Chet and Ashley Abbot already had one daughter with Turner syndrome. They opened their big hearts and adopted another girl with the same condition.
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 097
INSPIRATION
PEO PLE
Sister for Bailey Abbotts open hearts & home to another girl with Turner syndrome. STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL
shley Abbott and her husband Chet talked about expanding their family through adoption, and once the Oxford mother saw a little orphan girl online with Turner syndrome, her heart melted. “I immediately felt a connection and felt like this was our child,” Ashley says of seeing the child, whom the Abbotts affectionately call Calley, on the Rainbow Kids website, which features children available for adoption throughout the world. Calley is 11, the same age as their daughter Bailey, who also has Turner
≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL
syndrome, a condition affecting one in 2,000 girls and women. Turner syndrome is caused by the absence of all or part of the second X chromosome females have, the sex chromosome, in all or some of the body’s cells. Physical features of girls with Turner syndrome include short stature and lack of ovarian development. The Abbotts prayed and talked to their physician, close relatives, and daughters Bailey and Tenley, 15, before proceeding with the international adoption of Calley, which was approved in early July. “We officially signed the paperwork saying she is our child,” Ashley says. However, due to COVID-19, there have been travel delays and the Abbotts are hopeful Calley will be part of their family by Christmastime or before the end of the year. The adoption agency has provided the family with recent photos and videos of Calley singing and riding a bicycle. “It melts my heart whenever I get those. She is happy and she is thriving,” Ashley says. “Bailey is excited
Get a n
approac
to have somebody else in the house to relate to, and I’m excited for their bond, friendship, and even as sisters as they grow up.” Ashley adds she felt a “proud mom moment” when her oldest daughter expressed Calley Abbott mature and encouraging words about adopting Calley. “Tenley said, ‘I feel if anybody can give her a good home, we can because we know about Turner syndrome. We can give her the services that she needs to have a good life and she’ll be able to relate with Bailey and Bailey can relate to her.’” The Abbott family has made it their mission to spread the word Mid-Flo and the awareness about Turner syndrome. Their nonprofit organization, Baileysbutterflies.org, advocates for Colony girls, women and families touched by 280 Farner Plac Turner syndrome.
Do you know someone who is a healthy inspiration? Email your recommendations to editorial@akersmediagroup.com
Florida B
Call your
no-cost, n
1-352
The Villages, FL 1-352-775-112
Florida Blue Medicare is Inc., DBA Florida Blue M Applicable to 2020 HM basis Chet, Bailey, Tenley and Ashley Abbottof race, color, nat 2583 (TTY: 1-877-955Cross and Blue Shield o
Villages Y0011_98890_M 101
Get a new 5-star plan that takes a personalized
Get aanew plan that takes a personalized new 5-star plan that takes newGet 5-star plan that takes a personalized Medicare needsa personalized approach to5-star your
approach toto your Medicare ch to your Medicare needs needs needs approach your
Medicare
® Florida Blue Medicare now accepted by The Villages Health Florida Blue Medicare now accepted by The Villages® Health ®
Blue Medicare now accepted by The Villages Health
Florida Blue Medicare now accepted by The Villages Health
Call your Call yourlocal localHealth HealthInsurance Insurance
local Health Insurance
Call your local Health Insurance no-cost, no-obligation . no-cost, no-obligationconsultation consultation.
no-obligation consultation.
Florida Blue Medicare offers Florida Blueplans Medicare in youroffers community with a complete approach to plans in your community withFlorida a your health Blue
complete approach to your health. plans in your c
no-cost, no-obligation consultation. 1-352-259-0666
Mid-Florida Agencies – Golf Cart Accessible! 2-259-0666
1-352-259-0666
Colony Pinellas Pinellas Colony 280 Farner Place 2485 Pinellas Place 280Mid-Florida Farner Place Agencies 2485 Pinellas Place – Golf Cart Accessible! Pinellas TheThe Villages, FLFL32163 The FL Villages, Villages, 32163 The Villages, 32162 FL 32162 2485 Pinellas1-352-775-0991 Place1-352-775-0991 1-352-775-1129 1-352-775-1129
ce L 32163 Colony 29
Plans with $0
The Villages, FL 32162 1-352-775-0991 Palm Ridge Plaza
complete appro
monthly premium
Plans with $0
monthly premium
orida Agencies – Golf Cart Accessible!
®
■
■
Additional vision
Plans
and hearing coverage
Additional vision
month
■
and hearing coverage ■
MVP Athletic Club ■
Additi
MVP Athletic Club and hea Five out of five star rating
Pinellas ■ Our HMO received Medicare’s 280 Farner Place 2485 Pinellas Place Five out of five starplans rating 11962 CR 101 Ste 303 MVP A highest rating for quality The Villages, The FL 32163 TheinVillages, Your Local Agency The Villages FL 32162 Villages, FL 32162 Our HMO plans received Medicare’s for over a decade! 1-352-259-0666Community 1-352-775-0991 1-352-775-1129 highest rating for quality ®
Your Local Agency in The Villages® Community for over a decade!
Five out of
Florida Blue Medicare is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Florida Blue Medicare depends on contract renewal. HMO coverage is offered by Florida Blu plans Inc., DBA Florida Blue Medicare, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Every year, Medicare evaluates plansOur basedHMO on a 5-star rat Applicable to 2020 HMO plans on contract H1035. Other providers are available in our network. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discrimi highest ra ® Your Local Agency in on The Villages basisplan of race, nationalcontract. origin, age, disabilityinorFlorida gender. ATENCIÓN: Si depends habla español, tiene arenewal. su disposición servicios gratuitos lingüística. Llame al 1 s an HMO withcolor, a Medicare Enrollment Blue Medicare contract HMO coverage is offereddebyasistencia Florida Blue Medicare, 2583an(TTY: 1-877-955-8773). Si Cross w paleand Kreyòl Ayisyen, sèvis pou lang ki disponib gratis pou ou. plans Rele 1-800-352-2583 (TTY:rating 1-800-955-8770). © Community forèdover a year, decade! Medicare, Independent LicenseeATANSYON: of the Blue Blue Shieldgen Association. Every Medicare evaluates based on a 5-star system. Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., DBA Florida Blue. All rights reserved. MO plans on contract H1035. Other providers are available in our network. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the
tional origin, Villagesage, disability or gender. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800- 352Accepted -8773).Y0011_98890_M ATANSYON: w1019 paleisCMS Kreyòl Ayisyen, sèvis èdcontract. pou lang ki disponib gratis pou ou. Rele 1-800-352-2583 (TTY: 1-800-955-8770). ©2020 Florida Blue Si Medicare an HMO plan withgen a Medicare Enrollment in Florida Blue Medicare depends on contract renewal. HMO coverage is offered by Blue Florida is an a Medicare contract. Enrollment Florida BlueShield Medicare depends on contract renewal. HMO cov Florida Blue Medicare Medicare, Inc., DBA Floridaplan Blue with Medicare, an Independent Licensee of the Bluein Cross and Blue Association. Every year, Medicare evaluates of Florida, Inc.,Blue DBA Florida Blue. All HMO rights reserved.
based on a 5-star system. Applicable to 2020 HMO plans on of contract H1035.Cross Other providers areShield availableAssociation. in our network.Every We comply applicable evaluate Inc.,plans DBA Florida Bluerating Medicare, an Independent Licensee the Blue and Blue year,withMedicare Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or gender. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su Applicable 2020 gratuitos HMO plans on contract H1035. providers are1-877-955-8773). available inATANSYON: our network. WeKreyòl comply with applicable civil r disposiciónto servicios de asistencia lingüística. Llame Other al 1-800-352-2583 (TTY: Si w pale Ayisyen, gen sèvis èd pouFederal lang 19 CMS Accepted ki disponib gratis pou ou. Rele 1-800-352-2583 (TTY: 1-800-955-8770). ©2020 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., DBA Florida Blue. All rights reserved. basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or gender. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de as Villages 2583 (TTY: 1-877-955-8773). Y0011_98890_M 1019 CMS AcceptedATANSYON: Si w pale Kreyòl Ayisyen, gen sèvis èd pou lang ki disponib gratis pou ou. Rele 1-800-352-25 Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., DBA Florida Blue. All rights reserved.
BODY
Up
smoke in
Yes, vaping is better for you than cigarettes, but… STORY: GARY CORSAIR
hristina Page recently joined 11 million American adults who use electronic cigarettes… and she’s wondering if she made the right decision. “I’m concerned about the health aspect. I’ve been researching it, but nobody really knows,” says Christina, who resides in Central Florida. Christina’s concern is understandable. The Internet is filled with dire warnings about the dangers of vaping, the act of “smoking” a battery-powered device containing a cartridge filled with liquid that’s heated into
a vapor the person inhales. Keep scrolling and you’ll find a plethora of information extolling the benefits of e-cigarettes. There are thousands of conflicting opinions about e-cigarettes. What’s a person to believe? Christina was still on the fence after weighing the pros and cons…until her buddy Carolyn nudged her toward vaping. Christina trusted her friend’s judgment; at least Carolyn had first-hand knowledge. “I quit smoking cigarettes about seven years ago cold turkey and never picked another one up. It was not until recently that I felt an immense amount of pressure and felt the urge again. My husband has been a vaper since 2014 and after doing some research on it, I felt that maybe it would be the safer route, so I tried it,” Carolyn says.
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 101
BODY
67 Cigarette smokers who picked up vaping were
Carolyn’s conclusion after doing research: “No known health issues have been identified from vaping. There is not enough scientific evidence completed regarding the safety issues and potential health concerns resulting from vaping.” Carolyn is right. There isn’t much scientific evidence about how e-cigarette vapor affects health. There is no long-term study on vaping; the oldest study is four years old. Carolyn is also wrong. There are known health issues related to vaping. Researchers at the University of Mainz (Germany) recently published the world’s first comparison of the effects of smoking and vaping on human health and the function of cells that line blood vessels. The findings: • E-cigarette users are 194% more likely to develop COPD than non-smokers. • E-cigarette users are likely to have 7% more arterial stiffness than non-smokers.
Study author Professor Thomas Münzel explained how e-cigarettes hurt the human body: “Vaping leads to increased production of oxygen-derived free radicals in blood vessel tissue that breaks down nitric oxide, which is important for protecting against inflammation and clogging of the arteries. Researchers say the main
102 /
toxic chemicals in e-cigarette vapor include formaldehyde and acrolein, as well as traces of chemicals called transition metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), all of which are known to damage cells.” With that said, the study also showed that cigarettes are much, much more detrimental to your health than vaping: • Cigarette smokers are 704% more likely to develop COPD than non-smokers. • Cigarette smokers are likely to have 10% more arterial stiffness than non-smokers.
percent more likely to quit smoking.
—physiciansweekly.com, July 15, 2019
Teens who use e-cigarettes are
4X 2X more likely to try regular cigarettes than their peers who never used tobacco. — JAMA Network Open, Feb. 1, 2019
E-cigarettes are
There you have it, clinical proof that you’re better off vaping liquids than smoking tobacco. A lot better off. That’s good news for makers of e-cigarettes, vape pens, e-liquids, vaporizers, mods (customizable, more powerful vaporizers), tanks, cartridges, atomizers, batteries and other vaping products. If you’re thinking vaping is big business, you’re right. The global e-cigarettes market was valued at about $14.05 billion in 2018 and is expected to grow to $29.39 billion by 2022. Vaping has evolved considerably since the first e-cigarette was sold in 2005. First-generation e-cigarettes, or “cigalikes” as they were often called, were disposable, designed for one-time use, and marketed to tobacco
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
as effective at getting people to quit smoking as nicotine replacements such as the patch and gum.
— New England Journal of Medicine study.
15 In 2018,
in
high school students used e-cigarettes.
— e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov, Jan. 10, 2019
smokers who wanted to quit. That certainly was the case in Carolyn’s household. She says vapes, “Made it easier to transition from cigarettes to vape in an attempt to cut back and eventually quit.” Back then, there was just one flavor. Today, there are 15,000, including Gummi Bear, Blue Raz Cotton Candy and Watermelon Wave. With fruity names like that, it’s no wonder the vaping industry is accused of trying to get young people addicted to nicotine, even though some juices contain zero nicotine. Earlier this year, the federal government moved to protect children by raising the minimum age to purchase e-cigarette products from 18 to 21. President Donald Trump’s administration also announced plans to ban most flavored e-cigarette products. Nine states – Massachusetts, Montana, California, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, and Washington – have taken action on e-cigarettes, especially against flavored products favored by teens and young adults. According to the Public Health Law Center, at least one lawsuit to enact an emergency ban on vaping products has been filed in each state. Opponents of flavored e-cigarettes frequently cite media reports of acute lung disease, and even death, among youth and young adult
vapers. They fail to mention that nearly every case of serious illness attributed to vaping involved individuals who smoked black-market e-liquids containing THC, the drug found in marijuana. There are no documented cases of serious illness or death involving vaping legal e-cigarette liquids containing nicotine. School of Public Health Professor Michael Siegel says flavored e-liquids aren’t the problem. He argues that legislation should focus on nicotine content and formulation, which he calls the real cause of the youth vaping epidemic. Siegel is especially critical of products that use high concentrations of nicotine salts, which allow nicotine to be absorbed into the bloodstream much more quickly. Siegel wants manufacturers to be required to clearly state just how much nicotine consumers will be taking into their bodies. He says “It’s not the flavors. It’s the nicotine.” Vapers are fighting back with convincing arguments. First and foremost, that vaping helped 2.5 million smokers give up the tobacco habit that kills 443,000 people a year. In Canada, controlled trials conducted by National Health Services
concluded that smokers increase their chances of quitting smoking by 83% using e-cigarettes compared to any other nicotine replacement therapy. Reason No. 1 continues to be, “It’s safer than smoking tobacco.” That’s because e-cigarette users have full control over their nicotine dosage, they can control the amount of vapor they exhale. Another plus: vaping quickly satisfies cravings. Smoking e-cigarettes offers potential health benefits because it delivers lower levels of nicotine than oldfashioned cigarettes. E-liquids contain components like vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, nicotine and food-grade flavoring ingredients. But e-cigarettes also contain solvents, flavorings and toxicants, which can be potentially harmful to human lungs for chain smokers. The bottom line: vaping will continue to be a hot topic for years to come. Each person needs to decide for themselves
whether to vape or not. There’s plenty of reliable information out there, if you know where to look.
Here’s what we learned: Yes, there are risks associated with vaping, risks that have been documented by clinical research. Finding those findings, however, can be a challenge. Keep in mind that the Internet is part of the problem. Much of what you’ll find is opinion, and that which appears to be factual may be outdated. To ensure you get the most pertinent information, include words like “clinical study…researchers…” along with words like “e-cigarettes…vaping…” And research often. Studies are being conducted all over the world, and it seems there’s new information about vaping each day. Hopefully we’ll know someday soon if vaping is more good than bad. Editors note: This article is based on research studies published in 2019 and 2020 to ensure that information presented here reflects the most recent science.
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 103
UNCOMMONLY
GOOD VOTED NUMBER 1 WINGS IN LAKE COUNTY !!! 10700 U S H W Y 4 4 1 , L E E S B U R G | O P E N D A I L Y 1 1 A M - 9 P M
3 5 2 . 2 5 3 . 2 4 42 |
CVINNIES.COM
FULL TIME MASTER INJECTOR KAITLYN SAPIA, our Master Injector, is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in The Villages Community office, 5 days a week IMAGELIFT IS FOLLOWING CDC GUIDELINES FOR THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF SAFETY
I M AG I N E A L I F E S T Y L E W H E R E YO U R LOV E D O N E W I L L B E
Inspired • Engaged • Fulfilled Each day, those with memory loss are inspired by YOURLife TM of Wildwood’s exceptional lifestyle,
care and services. Because our sole focus is Memory Care, our team gets to know your loved one personally to create the lifestyle that suits their desires with care that meets their needs, complete with: – Carefully tailored plans of care based on their needs and abilities – YOURStory TM programming personalized to preferences, interests and passions – 24-hour support for total peace of mind – The convenience of respite care, should you just need a break from caregiving
Discover the lifestyle your loved one deserves – and the support you need – call today!
SPECIALS WITH KAITLYN
352-432-1282 | YourLifeWildwood.com
BUY ONE VERSA, GET ONE HALF OFF Revanesse® Versa is a dermal filler used to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, including nasolabial folds.
Life
Your
EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 30, 2020
Buy One Area Of Wrinkle Relaxer, Get One Area
FREE
Complimentary Consultations
Rich Castellano, M.D., Founder, Medical Director
(Dysport, Xeomin)
EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 Patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination, or treatment that is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to ad for the free, discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination, or treatment.
104 /
Now Open
Memory care Inspired • Engaged • Fulfilled
7330 Powell Road | Wildwood, FL 34785
Assisted Living Facility License Number Pending
888.875.3223 / ImageLift.com
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
TM
OD2A : Overdose to Action
Recovery Coaching - Peer Support - Resource Navigation - Counseling - Follow-up Support
(352) 531-9680 24-HOUR ON CALL SERVICES
LifeStream’s Community Substance Abuse Response Team (CSART) deploys a team to address opioid and other substance misuse. The team has the ability to intervene with individuals in their own communities, identify immediate resources on the scene and relieve the need for any further intervention when possible by motivating and assisting the individuals to receive the most efficient and effective services to address their individual needs.
cdc.gov/RxAwareness
MIND
HARVESTING THE HEALING POWER OF
music
Music can trigger a memory, make you feel better, and serve as entertainment, but it also promotes physical and mental well-being.
Maria Vastano Photo: Provided by Maria Vastano
STORY: LEIGH NEELY
he role music plays in healing is still being explored. However, it was first referenced as a therapy as early as 1789 when an article titled, “Music Physically Considered” appeared in Columbian Magazine. Today, music therapy is widely practiced, and college degrees are available for those who wish to be music therapists. As an established health profession, music is used as therapy to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of people by boardcertified therapists. Board-Certified Music Therapist Maria Vastano works virtually with clients right now. “I do music therapy for groups and individuals,” Maria says. “It’s usually groups with adults and individual therapy with children from ages 6-18.” She has worked with clients with diagnosed mental illnesses such as bipolar or personality disorders, children on the autism spectrum or who have ADHD, and those in addiction recovery. “We work on focusing attention by using drumming responses, musical games, name the instrument or musical ‘Simon says.’ This helps with impulse control and gaining sustained attention,” Maria says. The process begins with an assessment of each patient’s needs. This personalized treatment may include creating, singing, moving to, or listening to music. Music therapy often opens communication for those who find it difficult to express themselves with words. Movement to music strengthens physical abilities. Like most
therapeutic work, there is no one-size-fits-all model. It’s essential to know a patient’s needs in order to create an effective treatment plan. According to the American Music Therapy Association website, the primary goals of music therapy are to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation. Music therapy moved into the spotlight during Congresswoman Gabby Gifford’s recovery from an assassination attempt in Arizona in 2011. Since the bullet wound affected the left side of her brain, Gabby had aphasia, causing her to struggle to recall words and string words together. However, in music therapy sessions, she sang along quite well to lyrics from one of her favorite musicals, “Annie.” The brain processes speaking and singing differently. Most language skills come from the left side of the brain,
Maria Vastano
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 107
MIND
“I TARGET MY SONGS FOR THE AGE GROUP LISTENING, ESPECIALLY FOR THE MEMORYCARE PATIENTS. BECAUSE THEY DON’T LOSE THE MUSIC MEMORY, IT’S AMAZING TO WATCH THEM COME ALIVE WHEN THEY RECOGNIZE A SONG” — PAU L A B A K E R
which was where Gabby’s significant injuries were. Music, however, is processed all over the brain, making it easier to recall those skills. There are those who think playing and music and singing are just “fun,” but perhaps not therapy. However, according to a blog written in April on the AdventHealth website, listening to, singing, or playing music was recommended as good therapy during the coronavirus lockdown. Listening to a favorite music style or to soothing, comforting music can lower stress levels and even blood pressure. “Music therapy has its challenges, especially now with it being virtual,” Maria says. “I help clients work on controlling impulses and I definitely read body language to do that. I often utilize improvisation with clients like playing music to match their movements. Music is nice to share, but using it to build a relationship with clients is amazing.” As part of wellness therapy, Maria says she helps clients on the autism
108 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
spectrum and those in addiction recovery to learn to focus. Being mindful and in the moment or working with self-expression are two tools for these therapies. She may even encourage clients to write songs. “They need to be mindful of triggers that control their impulses and the people in their support system,” Maria says. “They need to harness a different part of the brain and be self-aware while working toward their goal. It’s not just, ‘I listen to music and I feel better.’” The same can be said for using music therapy with those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Doctors say key brain areas linked to musical memories are not
Paula Baker
affected by dementia. It’s important to focus on the kind of music the patients enjoy and to be aware if they have a negative response to a particular piece of music. People generally recall their favorite songs from ages 13-16 for men and 11-14 for women. These songs remain in the memory throughout life. Paula Baker, a local entertainer from Mount Dora, takes great pride in singing for those with cognitive disorders. She has been performing in Central Florida for almost 25 years in independent living and assisted living facilities throughout the area. “I target my songs for the age group listening, especially for the memory-care patients. Because they don’t lose the music memory, it’s amazing to watch them come alive when they recognize a song,” Paula says. “You can actually see life come into their eyes where they might have been just sitting with no focus.” Paula’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, which has given her new insight when performing for those with cognitive issues. She worries about those she has come to know at local facilities who are now in lockdown due to COVID-19.
Photos: Nicole Hamel
“I really miss performing, and I’m very concerned about COVID and how this is affecting them,” she says, adding, “I would do sing-along songs and I make an effort to play songs I’m sure they know.” Paula also takes along small tambourines for those who wish play along with her. “I talk to them before, during, and after my performance, and I try to remember songs they requested during my last visit to play again. I also do things like teaching them to jazz hands [a gesture in which hands are waved rapidly to and fro to express or indicate excitement or triumph] at various points during a song.” Paula says it’s always delightful when residents get up and dance and enjoy the music fully. “There’s a woman in a wheelchair at a Lake Harris facility whose body causes her to be completely bent over. During one of my performances, she got so into the music, she sat up straight and was smiling and facing the crowd,” Paula says. “It seemed they enjoyed seeing her come to life more than they enjoyed me, and I loved that.” Paula still performs where she can. This includes going to a facility that has a large enough building to allow residents to be socially distant and for Paula to be farther away from them. She has also
done outdoor concerts with residents of independent-living residents. “I tell them to stay aware of the heat and go inside immediately if they feel it’s bothering them,” she adds. Creating interactive performances is a priority for Paula. She plans her repertoire with the intention of her audience being a part of the show and encourages moving around and dancing. “Music is necessary for humans. There needs to be more music therapy,” Paula says. “Since my mother got Alzheimer’s, it has really made me aware of how vital music is. That’s why I think it’s essential to have the sing-along songs and use the tambourines so they become a part of the music performance and use the cognitive skills still available to them. I love it when they’re dancing, hands are moving, and feet are tapping.” An article on the website VeryWellHealth.com indicates there are ways to use music through the various stages of Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, there are times music creates a connection with the patient that is often impossible with words alone. The article suggests it could be helpful to create a playlist of favorite songs to use throughout therapy. Perhaps Plato said it best, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.”
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 109
WHEN CLEAN JUST ISN’T CLEAN ENOUGH.
COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICES FOR: BANKS DOCTOR’S OFFICES PROFESSIONAL BUSINESSES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CLEANING
SERVICES ALSO INCLUDE: FLOOR MAINTENANCE CARPET CLEANING WINDOW CLEANING
CALL TODAY 352.753.8653 Free Estimates // Licensed & Insured UltimateContractCleaning.com danucc@aol.com PROUD MEMBER OF:
CLEANING SUPPLIES:
PAPER // CHEMICALS // EQUIPMENT
110 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
“We can honestly say that whilst we were somewhat reluctant to sign with Wiseman owing to the long lead time from contract signing to completion, the finished product was well worth the wait. The custom design is exactly what we asked for and we maintain that the craftsmanship of the pool, spa, equipment, pavers, screen enclosure, and summer kitchen are second to none.” — TOM & LYNDA MURPHY
We know that every single customer is unique—Building Unique Pools is our company motto—and so every project we undertake is delivered to a client’s signature set of personal tastes and, where necessary, solves any challenges their property may present. 352-431-3766 | www.WisemanPools.com | 1517 W Main St., Leesburg Wiseman Pools is a family-owned-and-operated, licensed residential and commercial swimming pool builder with an extensive portfolio of projects. From the small—fountains and in-ground spas. To the large—million dollar installations with multiple pools and spas. Our customers, large and small, demand a quality swimming pool for a fair price. And we deliver.
up Get
$
to
auto loans
0 0 3 1
from a loan g in r b PUS! you to CAM when r e d n r le 00) anothe de: L3 o C o (Prom
GAME PLAN “CAMPUS is a part of my winning game plan. Make it part of yours, too!” Steve Spurrier - Head Ball Coach, CAMPUS Member
An Auto Loan for All the Routes You Run NO MONTHLY PAYMENTS for 90 days2 FAST, EASY APPROVAL with flexible payment terms and competitive rates PLUS GET AN ADDITIONAL $3003 when you open a FREE Checking Account4 with direct deposit (Promo Code: CL600)
Apply online at campuscu.com Call 237-9060 and press 4 Now offering Curbside Service – Visit any CAMPUS Service Center Visit campuscu.com for a complete list of convenient locations. Membership is open to anyone in Alachua, Marion, Lake, and Sumter counties.5 OFFER NOT AVAILABLE ON EXISTING CAMPUS LOANS. OFFER IS FOR NEW LOANS ONLY. MAY NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. OFFER SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. 1. Cash bonus is 1.25% of amount financed up to a maximum of $300. Limit one per household. Must present offer at time of loan closing. 2. Interest will accrue from date of purchase. Choosing this option will increase the total amount of interest you pay. Credit approval required. Your APR may vary based on creditworthiness, loan amount and term of loan and vehicle. A $35,100.00 loan with no money down at 2.79% for 60 months would require 59 monthly payments of $628.19 and a final payment of $627.59, finance charge of $2,690.80, for a total of payments of $37,690.80. The amount financed is $35,000.00, the APR is 2.91%. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. 3. Offer not available on existing CAMPUS Checking Accounts. Within the first 90 days member must elect to receive eDocuments and establish Direct Deposit of at least $200 per month. If the requirements are met and the account remains open after 90 days, the $300 reward will be made available to the member. $300 is considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT. 4. Credit approval and initial $50 opening deposit required. Member must elect to receive eDocuments. 5. Credit approval and initial $5 deposit required. Federally insured by the NCUA.
It’s fun to stay at the YMCA. For chef Gary Appelsie, it’s fun to cook there, too.
menu FOOD. DRINKS. REVIEWS.
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 113
IN THE KITCHEN
RECIPE
Breaking bread Chef Gary Appelsie: ‘Cooking for people makes my heart sing. I love how it encourages conversation among strangers, helps people become friends.’ STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL
≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL
here’s something heavenly about savoring a delicious meal to the last crumb, and for Gary Appelsie, it’s even more glorious being the chef behind tasty creations. “The best thing is to see the smile on someone’s face when they take that first bite,” says Gary, 53, director of Healthy Eating at the YMCA of Central Florida, which serves a six-county area, including the Golden Triangle YMCA Family Center in Tavares.
114 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
The Golden Triangle Y recently served as one of 10 YMCAs in the region repurposed as a food distribution site during the early phase of the coronavirus pandemic. Gary credits “generous support” from donors and members for allowing the Ys to feed and provide basic supplies to over 3,000 families. His love for the YMCA began when he was a Y volunteer in California before moving to Winter Garden in 2014. He holds a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts from the New
England Culinary Institute, and a master’s in integrative health and nutrition from the University of Bridgeport. “I write blogs for our website about healthy eating, healthy lifestyles, and give people cooking and nutrition advice through our Virtual Chef portal,” says Gary, who notes that good nutrition is vital in helping people reduce their risk of chronic illness and disease.
Chef chat My passion for food: Began in my teens. I used to watch my grandmothers cook and always helped my mother bake. But my real interest began when my uncle taught me how to make a cheese omelet for the first time. I was fascinated and worked on it many times until I made the perfect fluffy omelet with oooey gooey cheese. I started to collect and read cookbooks as well as watch cooking shows on PBS such as Julia Child and the Galloping Gourmet … I remember once cooking filet mignon for my parents with a mushroom sauce and how much they loved it. My father still raves about it to this day. I think it was at that point I realized how much I enjoyed cooking for people. Favorite cuisine to cook: Mediterranean. I love the freshness and simplicity of the flavors; they blend so well together. “Teaching people how to cook with nutritious ingredients is a powerful combination,” he says. “We try very hard to encourage fresh, seasonal, healthy ingredients that are easy to find.” Gary has created over 100+ recipes geared to help people cook healthy, tasty meals at home. He has also been involved in culinary medicine classes with the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. One of his career highlights was receiving an invite from the James Beard Foundation to be among 10 Florida chefs in a bootcamp to
support, sustain and maintain a better food system. “We learned about farm workers and the inequalities and inequities in our food system,” says Gary, adding that chefs bonded as friends and became a cohort group on a mission to work with state, local communities and “to help our local farmers, to promote our local food system, give fair pay to farm workers, and help restaurants find sustainably grown and locallyproduced products.” Gary says being involved in this cause was a sign he was doing something right.
What is always in my refrigerator: Eggs, Greek nonfat yogurt, berries when they are in season, and Swiss cheese.
My go-to snack: Cashew nuts. Favorite childhood dish: Grilled cheese sandwiches were my staple. Everywhere we went my mom would bring a grilled cheese sandwich for me. She would make them and wrap them in tin foil. I still remember that even though they were cold and soggy. I also loved my grandmother’s stuffed cabbage and her split pea soup. I still make her split pea
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 115
IN THE KITCHEN
COUSCOUS WITH BUTTERNUT S Q UA S H A P P L E A N D C R A N B E R RY 6 SERVINGS PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES COOK TIME: 50 MINUTES
soup: a few carrots, onion, some celery, yellow and green split peas of course, some barley, spices and water. Those are all etched in my memory for a lifetime.
If I could cook for anyone, it would be: All of my grandparents together. They inspired and encouraged me in so many ways. I have all of one of my grandmother’s recipes in a binder. Some of these I have improved on, but the memory of them and the aromas when I cook them in my kitchen take me back to my childhood.
Favorite celebrity chef: Toss-up between Michael Symon and Andrew Zimmern. I appreciate both for their commitment to family recipes. If you ever watch them, they will often talk about how their parents or grandparents used to make a particular dish and their memories of it. I would love to cook with either of them, if ever given the opportunity.
HIGH FIBER • LOW SODIUM VEGETARIAN • LACTOSE FREE
INGREDIENTS
/
cup olive oil
1
cup cubed and roasted butternut squash
2
cups Israeli couscous
3
cups low-sodium vegetable broth
/
cup parsley, chopped
14
14
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped 1
teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1
medium granny smith apple, diced
1
cup dried cranberries
12
/
cup pumpkin seeds (raw or roasted and unsalted)
4
tablespoons apple cider vinegar Zest of one orange
1
tablespoon fresh orange juice
2
tablespoons honey
2
tablespoons olive oil Kosher salt and pepper to taste
N UTRITION INFO: Calories: 523 Fat: 20g Saturated Fat: 3g Protein: 11g Total Carbs: 77g Fiber: 7g Sugar: 23g Sodium: 29mg Cholesterol: 0mg
Biggest influence: My wife, Betsy, hands down. She is and has always been my biggest cheerleader. She encourages, inspires and challenges me every day. I would not be where I am if not for her.
What I enjoy most about cooking: For me it’s not about a fancy meal or an artful plate. I love how food brings people together. Cooking for people makes my heart sing. I love how it encourages conversation among strangers, helps people to become friends, bridges generations. When you cook from the heart and with love, you can taste when it’s someone’s passion.
116 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut butternut squash in half, carefully peel and remove seeds and cut into 1-inch dice. Toss squash in a large mixing bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place squash on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 30-45 minutes until squash is soft but not mushy. Set aside. (You should be able to easily pierce with the tip of a sharp knife). While the squash is roasting heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saucepan on medium-high heat. Add the couscous and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until slightly brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until the liquid has fully evaporated. Transfer the cooked couscous to a large bowl. Toss in parsley, rosemary, thyme, apple, dried cranberries, squash and pumpkin seeds. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, orange zest, orange juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until fully combined. Pour the vinaigrette over the couscous and toss to coat evenly. Chef’s note: You can purchase precut butternut squash in the freezer section of your local grocery store or in the produce aisle. Some stores sell it in microwaveable bags for ease and convenience.
P U M P K I N PA N C A K E S 4 SERVINGS (12 PANCAKES, 3 PER SERVING) PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES COOK TIME: 25 MINUTES LOW SODIUM • VEGETARIAN • GLUTEN FREE • KID FRIENDLY
INGREDIENTS
1
cup all purpose flour
/
cup whole wheat flour all-purpose flour
12
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 34
/
teaspoon baking soda
14
/
teaspoon kosher salt
1 /
teaspoons ground cinnamon
1
teaspoon ground ginger
12
/
18
teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 /
cups whole milk
2
tablespoons honey
12
34
/
cups canned pumpkin purée
2
extra large eggs
3
tablespoons melted butter, plus more for greasing the skillet
1
teaspoon vanilla extract Pure maple syrup for serving
DIRECTIONS
N UTRITION INFO: Preheat oven to 225 degrees. Using a fine mesh strainer sift flours, baking powder, baking soda, Calories: 399 salt and spices together into a large mixing bowl. In a medium bowl, whisk the milk, honey, pumpkin Fat: 15g purée, eggs, melted butter and vanilla extract Saturated Fat: 8g until well combined. Pour the wet ingredients Protein: 12g into the dry ingredients and whisk together until Total Carbs: 54g just combined. You may have a few lumps but Fiber: 4g that’s fine. Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add butter to grease when hot. Sugar: 15g Using a 1/4 cup measure scoop pancake mixture Sodium: 456mg into greased griddle or pan. Leave some room Cholesterol: 136mg between pancakes so batter can spread. Cook on medium low heat until batter begins to bubble, and the bottom starts to turn brown. Using a spatula carefully flip. And cook another two to three minutes, until the batter is completely cooked through and the pancakes are puffy and deep golden brown. (be careful not to burn) Clean griddle or pan add additional butte and repeat until all of the batter is used. Place pancakes on an oven proof dish or baking sheet and place in oven to keep warm until all pancakes are cooked. Serve warm with warm maple syrup. Chef’s note: If you don’t have whole wheat flour you can substitute all purpose. Substitute granulated sugar for honey.
Hey, readers! Do you have favorite recipes or know a chef we should profile? Comment on this article or send story ideas to theresa@akersmediagroup.com.
THERESA CAMPBELL
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 117
SPIRITS
REVIEWS
Not for the weak of heart (or liver) The strong drinks and countless options at Crafted Concoctions in Tavares will have you coming back for more. STORY: VICTORIA SCHLABIG
raig Williamson and Rebecca Doherty, owners of BTW (Burgers, Tacos, Waffles) in Tavares, decided to branch out, about three weeks before what they described as, “all the craziness that we are dealing with today.” “We were just getting our feet wet when we had to shut down. We quickly changed
118 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL the way we operate to help to ensure the safety of our guests whether they are dining in or taking their cocktails to go,” Rebecca says. Originally from New England, Rebecca has been in Eustis since 2001, and Craig moved to Florida from Pennsylvania many years ago. The couple relocated from Orlando when their kids, who are now 24 and 21, were starting school. The couple’s first business was Brü Taphouse, a craft beer bar, which opened in 2015, followed by BTW in March of 2018, and
now Crafted Concoctions, which as of February 2020, has joined the bunch. With those three businesses all wrapped into one, Craig and Rebecca are guaranteed to serve you anything you may be craving. As for Crafted Concoctions, the café/bar was made to be a casual and fun hangout spot for people of all ages. “We let the atmosphere, and the show put on by our crafted cocktail bartenders, speak for itself. We save the partying and events for Brü Tap House,” Rebecca says. Happy hour is 5pm-7pm on weekdays, during which you’ll get $1 off all coffee concoctions and certain cocktail concoctions, plus a “Happy Hour Bites” menu, which includes a lot of shareable options for your party. Adventurous visitors will also have to try the absinthe. You have a choice of five different options. It is poured into a special absinthe glass, topped with a spoon and sugar cube. Cold water is then slowly dripped onto a sugar cube over the drink, which is referred to as “releasing the green fairy.” “This not only counters the bitterness, but in well-made absinthes, it seems also to subtly improve the herbal flavor-profile of the drink,” Rebecca says. Some Style writers and photographer Nicole Hamel tried the absinthe ordinaire, which reminded us of ouzo or black licorice. Definitely an acquired taste. The House Ol’ Fashioned is a popular choice, made with brown butter infused Old Forrester, as does their twist on
Absinthe
House Ol’ Fashioned being “smoked”.
Boulevardier
a classic Boulevardier. The House Ol’ Fashioned also comes smoked, if you so choose. After being crafted by the outstanding bartenders, the glass is placed in a small treasure chest with smoking wood, that makes the drink an experience. The Boulevardier is made with High West double Rye that is run through a Japanese cold brew system that infuses the liquor with locally roasted espresso beans, Orange Spiced tea and toasted cardamom pods. “It is a real delight,” Rebecca says. Both drinks are not shy on the liquor, and you’ll taste the flavors of everything in them. For a hot day you may want to try the Mur-Man, which is served with a shaved ice cone in the middle, and was on the sweeter side of the drinks we tried, as was the Friki Tiki, “because every good craft cocktail bar needs a good tiki drink,” she adds. The Friki Tiki was a favorite among my drinking companions, with a creamy almost milkshake-like texture, it is made with matcha tea, coconut milk, lime bitters, clement orange rhum agricole and garnished with crushed pistachios, served in a cute tiki mug. Because circumstances for bars and restaurants changed due to the coronavirus pandemic soon after Crafted
Concoctions opened its doors, Rebecca and Craig found a way to continue to serve their customers. They started offering adult “Kapri Sun” pouches, which are 16-ounce clear pouches filled with some “rather strong” cocktails. They’re great for a summer day, Rebecca says, and have become a definite favorite amongst all guests. To come up with a lot of their drink recipes, the team brought on Chelsea Harkness, who many know from the bars at 1921 Mount Dora and 1884 Restaurant and Bar. “We have been great friends for many years, and she was excited to help me build a new brand in her field. She has come up with many of our creations as well as had some help from our other bartenders. We have a creative vibe around here,” Rebecca says. As for the coffee concoctions, Rebecca’s favorite is the Lavender White Mocha Latté. This I had to try for myself. The hot latté is served in a fancy glass mug, garnished with foam and dried lavender. The blend of coffee and lavender flavors is different than any coffee I’ve had previously, and it will definitely bring me back to try more of their coffee concoctions, like the Cinnayum, with a cinnamon bun, cookie butter,
espresso and milk. The Nutty Professor also piqued interest, with pistachio, espresso and milk. Rebecca is glad to constantly see customers of all ages enjoying the drinks and atmosphere at Crafted Concoctions. “Our unique blend of flavors and custom creations keeps everyone intrigued and coming back for more.”
IF YOU GO
CRAFTED CONCOCTIONS 115 E. Main Street, Tavares // 352.508.9287 Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday 11am-11pm, Saturday 12pm-11pm, Sunday 12pm-8pm, Monday closed.
Santa Evita
Happy hour Monday-Friday 5pm-7pm facebook.com/btwcrafted // btwtavares.com
Do you know a place where we can drink? Comment on this article or send story ideas to victoria@akersmediagroup.com.
VICTORIA SCHLABIG
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 119
FORK ON THE ROAD
REVIEWS
Blowin’ smoke Three Generations BBQ pitmaster continues proud family tradition. STORY: JAMES COMBS
tanding outside on a sizzling summer day, an enthusiastic pitmaster slides a shovel under a pile of burning oak wood and scoops up a few small pieces. With shovel in hand, the pitmaster enters a small building several feet away and evenly spreads the wood below meat cooking inside a large, black barbecue pit. Several minutes later, a cloud of white smoke curls into the air as the pitmaster lifts a heavy steel lid to inspect the results of the handiwork: racks of spareribs and whole chickens ready to be consumed. Outside, a crowd of hungry people line up at Three Generations BBQ, a small restaurant on Pine Street in Leesburg that’s only open Fridays and Saturdays from 11am until whenever the meat runs out. This restaurant, formerly known as Pine Street BBQ, is remarkable not only for the quality of its meat but
120 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL also, its unlikely story. Turns out the pitmaster is an energetic 46-year-old woman named Ashantia Hill. Barbecuing is no longer just a man’s world. “I had one customer tell me that a woman cannot cook barbecue,” she says. “I told him to taste my meat once and he’ll be back. Sure enough, he returned.” Don’t refer to her as a Sweetheart of Swine or Grilling Goddess because she already has a handle she loves. “I am the Last Pit Barbecuer,” she says passionately. “To me, barbecuing is an expression of art. There’s nothing like picking up a slab of ribs and having it fall apart because it’s so tender.” Originally, all barbecue was done with small logs of dried hardwood as the sole fuel source. The meat was slowly roasted with the added benefit of smoke, which improved flavor and preserved the meat. However, it is difficult to control heat when cooking with logs, and only a few expert pitmasters continue that practice today. Ashantia refuses to part with tradition. That’s how her grandfather, William Edward Hill, cooked in the 1950s and 1960s when he owned Top Hat Barbecue on North Boulevard in Leesburg. It’s also how her parents, James and Dolly Hill,
“TO ME, BARBECUING IS AN EXPRESSION OF ART. THERE’S NOTHING LIKE PICKING UP A SLAB OF RIBS AND HAVING IT FALL APART BECAUSE IT’S SO TENDER” —ASHANTIA HILL
cooked when they opened Pine Street Bar-B-Que in 1977. Ashantia learned the cooking style, which she describes as “prehistoric, slow and tedious,” at an early age. Her method of barbecuing is a labor of love. “Smoking meat would be easier and would save me time and money,” she says. “That said, I want to continue serving the tender and flavorful meat our customers have become accustomed to.” She has been a full-time employee at the restaurant since 1995 and officially took over the family company in 2018. She renamed it Three Generations BBQ, not only as a tribute to her family, but also to recognize the various generations of families they’ve served. “Not everyone can say they’ve fed three generations of families,” she says. “I have fond memories of coming here as a kid and helping my parents out. In fact, I learned my colors by passing out red, orange and purple Chek sodas.” Three Generations BBQ does not offer inside dining. Guests walk up to a glass window, place their order and
take the meal home. Arriving late isn’t recommended. On an average weekend, Ashantia sells 400 pounds of chicken and 350 pounds of ribs. In other words, she can run out of meat in a matter of hours. Those lucky enough to get served enjoy a meal they’ll remember. That plate full of meat, soft, square slices of white bread and sides of beans, slaw and potato salad keep customers like Joyce Jones coming back. “I began eating at Top Hat in the 1960s and followed the family to Pine Street Bar-B-Que,” says Joyce, a Leesburg resident. “Ashantia cooks up the same delicious ribs and chicken that her grandfather and father became known for.” Some customers drench their meat with the family’s popular homemade mustard sauce, which has been a closely guarded secret recipe throughout the years. “My parents didn’t give me the recipe until I took over the restaurant two years ago,” she says. “My dad always said the one thing you mastered
as a businessowner should be kept to yourself.” Ashantia hasn’t changed much since becoming owner of the restaurant. She still uses the antique-looking cash register with a crank handle that she operated as a small girl. She cooks from the black barbecue pit her father bought in 1977. And she continues buying oak wood from the same man in Paisley who delivered wood to her father back in the 1970s. The only upgrade Ashantia made was installing an air-conditioning unit in 2018. “If things aren’t broke, then I see no reason to fix them,” she says. IF YOU GO
Three Generations BBQ 408 Pine St, Leesburg, FL 34748 Hours: 11am to 8:00pm Friday; noon to 7pm Saturday. Closed Sunday to Thursday.
Let’s do lunch Tell us about a great restaurant by emailing james@akersmediagroup.com.
JAMES COMBS
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 121
DINING GUIDE
dine
OUT From classic diners and lakeside restaurants to fine dining and everything in-between, Lake County’s culinary scene is booming. Your favorite meal is sure to be served with a side of hospitality. Denotes locations where you can find Lake & Sumter Style A S TAT U L A
CLERMONT
Race Car Diner 25641 Monroe St. 352.253.6940
Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro 4300 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.8988
ASTOR Blackwater Inn 55716 Front St. 352.759.3802 Castaways Restaurant 23525 US SR 40 352.759.2213 Sparky’s Place Restaurant 24646 SR 40 352.759.3551 Williams Landing 55716 Front St. 352.759.2802 BUSHNELL Odd Cuples Café 117 W Belt Ave 352.568.0408 Hong Kong Restaurant 2229 W. CR 48 352.568.8888 Howie’s Family Restaurant 840 N. Main St. 352.793.8582 TJ’s Family Restaurant 412 W. Belt Ave 352.793.8877
122 /
H OW EY- I N THE -HILLS
The Crazy Gator 402 N. Bay St. 352.589.5885 The Oyster Troff 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939 Tillie’s Tavern & Grill 31 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.602.7929 Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001 F RU I T L A N D PA R K Fruitland Park Café 3180 US Hwy. 441/27 352.435.4575
Uncle Kenny’s BBQ 157 Hwy. 27 352.394.1225
Legends Cafe 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.728.0006
Clermont Brewing Co. 750 W Desoto 321.430.2337
Robata Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar 1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688
G’s NY Pizza 12346 Roper Blvd. 352.243.8900
Thai Sushi America 925 N. Bay St. 352.357.1949
Guru Restaurant 2400 S. Hwy. 27 352.241.9884
Lilly’s on the Lake 846 W. Osceola St. 352.708.6565
Friar Tuck 16640 Cagan Crossings Blvd. 352.404.6818
Red Wing Restaurant 12500 S. SR 33 352.429.2997
Troy’s Cuban Deli 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295
Cheeser’s Palace Café 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431
El Cerro Restaurant 811 W. Hwy. 50 352.241.9884
Taki’s Pizza House 2824 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022
Green Garden 1790 E. Hwy. 50 352.243.2077
Legends Grille & Tavern 1700 Legendary Blvd. 352.243.1118
Devenney’s Irish Pub 16909 High Grove Blvd. 352.432.3925
Lil Anthony’s Pizza 7965 SR 50 352.429.7499
ibar-be-que Express 3170 Hwy. 27 352.315.4227
Calabria Ristorante 13900 CR 455 407.656.5144
Corelli’s Italian Restaurant 1042 E. Hwy. 50 352.989.5924
Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. CR 44 352.589.9100
Root and Branch Bistro and Bar 1200 Seaver Dr. 352.708.4529 Sanctuary Ridge Bar & Grille 2601 Diamond Club Road 352.243.0411 Sarah’s Greek Cuisine & More 16640 Cagan Crossings Blvd., Ste. 305 352.404.8031 The Crooked Spoon Gastropub 200 Citrus Tower Blvd. 352.404.7808
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
EUSTIS Jeannie’s Place 209 E. Gottsche Ave. 352.359.0027 Kiku Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 15211 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.483.8288 King’s Taste Bar-B-Que 503 Palmetto St. 352.589.0404 LaCabana Mexican Bar and Grill 2060 S. Bay St. 352.357.4600 Nalan Sultan Mediterranean Grill 1 N. Eustis St. 352.357.4444 NightOwl Caribbean Restaurant 929 S. Bay St. 352.589.0256
NY Deli N Diner 3325 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.365.0051 Rae Rae’s Restaurant 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.323.1595 Stavro’s 3223 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.315.0028 The Rose Plantation 200 Rose Ave., Fruitland Park 352.805.4340
JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd. 352.324.3600 La Hacienda Restaurant 10400 CR 48 352.324.3910 Nicker’s Clubhouse Restaurant 10400 CR 48 352.324.2718 L A DY L A K E Bamboo Bistro 700 Hwy. 441 352.750.9998 El Ranchito 1 Lagrande Blvd. 352.750.3335 Harbor Hills Country Club 6538 Lake Griffin Rd. 352.753.7000 Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 504 S. U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.753.2722 OakWood Smokehouse & Grill 860 S. Hwy 27/441 352.751.5640 Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 U.S. Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630 LEESBURG Bloom’s 610 W. Main St. 352.787.1004
Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.2442 Frank’s Place 201 N. 1st St. 352.323.1989 Gator Bay Bar & Grill 10320 CR 44 352.365.2177 God Café 300 W. Main St. 352.801.7447 Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room 311 W. Magnolia St. 352.474.2739 HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006 Ichiban Buffet 10301 Hwy. 441 352.728.6669 Kountry Kitchen 1008 W. Dixie Ave. 352.323.0852 La Palma Mexican Grill 1690 Citrus Blvd. 352.323.1444 Lilly’s Super Subs 2339 CR 473 352.343.4663 Magnolia’s Oyster Bar 201 W. Magnolia St. 352.323.0093 Main Street Cantina 205 W. Main St. 352.435.7279 Mamma’s Pizzeria 27405 US Highway 27 352.728.2020 Mrs. T’s Place, Southern Restaurant 305 Pine St. 352.431.3217 Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.323.1616
G R OV E L A N D
Brick & Barrel 209 W. Main St. 352.431.3069
Coyote Rojo 214 W. Broad St. 352.557.8999
Cafe Ola 400 N. 14th St. 352.365.0089
Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill 2775 U.S. 27 352.435.4633
Ikaho Sushi Japanese Restaurant 7965 SR 50, #900 352.557.8988
Cedar River Seafood 8609 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.3377
Osaka Japanese Steak House 1401 Citrus Blvd. 352.728.0788
Chesapeake Bay Grill 4467 Arlington Ridge Blvd. 352.315.0066
Pine Street Bar-B-Que 408 Pine St. 352.728.1293
James Barbeque 262 W. Orange St. 352.557.4050
Plantation Oaks Restaurant 4720 Plantation Blvd. 352.530.2680 Ramshackle Café 1317 N. 14th St. 352.365.6565 Rodello’s Italian Restaurant 26736 US Hwy. 27 352.319.8093 San Jose’s Original Mexican Restaurant 1337 S. 14th St. 352.805.4174 Sip Restaurant and Wine Bar 707 W. Main St. 352.435.7840 Stokes Seafood Market and More 719 W. Main St. 352.787.3474 Sully’s Smokehouse 10820 CR 44 352.483.7427 Takis Pizza Restaurant 1205 N. 14th St. 352.787.2344 Pint Sized Pub 110 S. 5th St. 352.460.0383 The Florida Porch Café 706 W. Main St. 352.365.1717 The Kitchen Cafe & Cooking School 712 W. Main St. 352.901.6537 The Mojo Grill & Catering Co. 9925 US-441 352.787.0494 The Old Time Diner 1350 W. North Blvd. 352.805.4250 Turners 114 S. 5th St. 352.530.2274
MINNEOLA Jack Benny’s Barbeque 100 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.2673 Lil Anthony’s Pizza 205 N. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.1516 Minneola Grill 117 W. Washington St. 352.394.2555 Napoli’s Pizzeria 556 Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 The Surf Bar and Grill 650 N. Hwy. 27 202.527.0100 Tiki Bar & Grill 508 S. Main Ave. 352.394.2232
Belle Glade Country Club 446 Moyer Loop 352.205.8208
Margarita Republic 1102 Main St. 352.753.4600
Magical Meat Boutique 322 N. Alexander St. 352.729.6911
Fish Camp Lake Eustis 901 Lake Shore Blvd. 352.742.4400
BlueFin Grill & Bar 2738 Brownwood Blvd. 352.571.5344
Mount Dora Pizza & Subs 2718 W. Old U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.5303
Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd. 352.508.5137
Cane Garden Country Club 1726 Bailey Trail 352.750.0627
Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant and Bar 320 Colony Blvd. 352.753.3824
Kalua Hale Beach Bar 181 S. Joanna Ave. 352.609.5910
Chengs Chinese and Sushi Restaurant 4050 Wedgewood Ln. 352.391.9678
Orange Blossom Country Club 1542 Water Tower Circle 352.751.4501
China Gourmet III 343 Colony Blvd 352.750.4965
Palmer Legends Country Club 1635 Palmer Way 352.750.4499
Olive Branch MediterraneanItalian Grille 115 W. 3rd St. 352.729.6734 One Flight Up 440 N. Donnelly St., Ste. 100 352.758.9818
MOUNT DORA 1921 Mount Dora 142 E. Fourth Ave. 352.385.1921
PizzAmore’ 722 E. 5th Ave. 352.383.0092
Anthony’s Pizza 17195 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.357.6668
Shiva Indian Restaurant 140A W. 5th Ave. 352.735.4555
Barnwood Country Kitchen & Smokehouse 3725 W. Old US Hwy 441 352.630.4903 Beauclaire Restaurant at Lakeside Inn 100 N. Alexander St. 352.383.4101
Sidelines Sport Eatery 315 N. Highland St. 352.735.7433 Sugarboo’s Bar-B-Que 1305 N. Grandview St. 352.735.7675
Bocce Pizzeria 925 E. First Ave. 352.385.0067
The Bavarian Haus 433 N. Alexander St. 352.735.8387
Café Gianni 425 N. Alexander St. 352.735.3327
The Country Club 1900 Country Club Blvd. 352.735.2263
Cody’s on 4th Cafe 111 E. 4th Ave. 352.735.8426
The Goblin Market 331-B Donnely St. 352.735.0059
Copacabana Cuban Cafe 320 Dora Drawdy Way 352.385.9000
Whale’s Tale Fish House 2720 W. Old U.S. Hwy 441 352.385.1500
Frog & Monkey English Pub 411 N. Donnelly St. 352. 383.1936
MASCOTTE
Highland Street Café 185 S. Highland St. 352.383.1446
Rainbow Restaurant 704 E. Myers Blvd. 352.429.2093
BTW (Burgers, Tacos & Waffles) 115 E. Main St. 352.508.9287
Pisces Rising 239 W. 4th Ave. 352.385.2669
Wolfy’s 918 N. 14th St. 352.787.6777
Napoli’s Pizzeria 556 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.7500
Let’s Do a Maine Lobster Roll 426 N. Donnelly St. 352.735.3702
Jeremiah’s 500 N. Highland St. 352.383.7444 J.K. Thai & Sushi 116 E. 5th Ave. 352.385.5470
SORRENTO Del Franco Pizza Place 31436 CR 437 352.383.8882 Lisa’s Kountry Cafe 23911 CR 46 352.735.3380 TAVA R E S Angelo’s Italian Restaurant 2270 Vindale Rd. 352.343.2757
Lake Dora Sushi & Sake 227 E. Main St. 352.343.6313
NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgwood Ln 352.750.1994
Mary’s Kountry Kitchen 15945 CR 448 352.343.6823
Chop House at Lake Sumter 1045 Old Camp Rd. 352.750.6000
O’Keefe’s Irish Pub and Restaurant 115 S Rockingham Ave. 352.343.2157
Evans Prairie Country Club 1825 Evans Prairie Trail 352.750.2225
Ricciardi’s Italian Table 3660 Kiessel Rd. 352.391.9939
Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill 297 Colony Blvd 352.751.0400
Sakura 265 Colony Blvd 352.205.7393
Palm Gardens Restaurant 1661 Palm Garden St. 352.431.3217 Puddle Jumpers 111 W Ruby St. 352.508.5862 Ruby Street Grille 221 E. Ruby St. 352.742.7829 Sunrise Grill 462 E. Burleigh Blvd. 352.343.7744 The Hideaway 11912 Lane Park Rd. 352.343.3585 Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill 118 W Ruby St, Tavares 352.508.5783 THE V I L L AG E S Amerikano’s Grill 998 Del Mar Dr. 352.633.8027
Giovanni’s 3439 Wedgewood Lane 352.751.6674 Glenview County Club 3914 Glenview Rd. 352.753.0077 Habaneros Mexican Grill 3551 Wedgewood Ln. 352.633.2080 Hemingway’s at Havana Country Club 2484 Odell Circle 352.430.3200
RedSauce 1000 Canal St. 352.750.2930
Greg’s Haystax 526 Umatilla Blvd. 352.669.1555 Old Crow Real Pit Bar-B-Q 41100 SR 19 352.669.3922 Shang Hai Restaurant 531 N. Central Ave. 352.669.2004 The Mason Jar 37534 State Rd. 19 352.589.2535 W I L DWO O D China Jade 420 W. CR 44 352.330.5913 Continental Country Club 50 Continental Blvd. 352.748.3293 Cotillion Southern Café 101 N. Main St. 352.748.1223
The Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille 925 Lakeshore Dr. 352.753.7800
Los Magueyes Mexican Restaurant 346 Shopping Center Dr. 352.461.0577
Tierra Del Sol Country Club 806 San Marino Dr. 352.753.8005
O’Shucks! Oyster Bar and Grill 1016 S Main St. 352.399.2200
VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887
Traditions Café 3107 Hwy. 44 352.748.1077
U M AT I L L A
Legacy Restaurant Nancy Lopez Country Club 17135 Buena Vista Blvd. 352.753.1475
Gators 9 N. Central Ave. 352.669.6969
Combat Café 831 S Central Ave. 352.483.0250 Fish & Chix 100 N. Central Ave. 352.669.7145
Woody’s Bar-B-Q 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.1109 YA L A H A Yalaha Bakery 8210 CR 48 352.324.3366
GOOD GRUB
Mamma’s Pizzeria Family owned and operated, Mamma’s Pizzeria in South Leesburg prides itself on bringing customers true New York-style pizza. Scrumptious garlic knots are a great way to start your meal, and you can try daily specials like one XL 18” Pizza with 1 Topping and 10 wings for $24.99. Try gourmet pizzas like the Super Deluxe with pepperoni, Italian sausage, peppers, onions, mushrooms, ham and black olives, the Chicken Bacon Ranch with grilled chicken, hickory smoked bacon and zesty ranch, or a classic Hawaiian with ham and pineapple. If you want something to complement your (pizza) pie, they also serve beer & wine or you may want to try a side of honey BBQ or roasted garlic butter chicken wings. Mamma’s also serves classic pasta dishes with marinara, alfredo, pomodoro and vodka sauces, and a selection of calzones, strombolis and pepperoni rolls, which are made with melted cheeses and your choice of toppings with a side of marinara sauce.
THIS MONTH'S EDITOR'S PICK
27405 US Hwy. 27, 352.728.2020
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 123
DINING GUIDE
The Kitchen Café
Tuesday-Saturday 9am-2pm
352.901.6537 | 712 W. MAIN ST., LEESBURG GETCOOKINGWITHZE.COM Culinary creativity comes alive at The Kitchen Café, tucked away inside the Southern Gardens Mall in Downtown Leesburg. The “create-your-own-bowl” option allows diners to choose a base product such as brown rice, sweet potatoes, good rice and riced cauliflower. From there, pick your choice of veggies, and a plant or animal based protein options like citrus grilled, herb roasted chicken, or personal meatloaf. Other menu items include thier made from scratch soups, chicken salad, and flavorful breakfast items like sweet potato hash, and a breakfast sandwich made with homestyle yeast rolls. Partnering with local food purveyors bring “fresh” back to the table.
Mamma’s Pizzeria 352.728.2020 & 352.365.9004 | 27405 U.S. HWY. 27, LEESBURG MAMMASPIZZERIAON27.COM Step into Mamma’s Pizzeria and step into Little Italy. Owners Jimmy and Shawna Pancari have created an authentic, hometown restaurant adorned with an Italian flag, chandelier lighting and photos of New York City—fitting since Mamma’s specializes in New York-style pizza, the thinner the crust the better. Get any toppings you want up to super-deluxe pizza with everything on it. Other favorites include chicken parmesan, chicken marsala, classic lasagna and a variety of salads. Jimmy and Shawna’s four children also work at the family business. Jimmy spent 31 years in the Coast Guard, and Mamma’s takes care of veterans, residents from nearby retirement communities and Northern transplants, all of whom are a big part of the devoted customer base. The restaurant offers online ordering, catering and delivery.
Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 352.753.2722 | 304 US-441, LADY LAKE Mom and Dad’s Italian Restaurant in Lady Lake has the distinct honor of calling itself a true family-owned restaurant. In fact, five generations of family members have represented the restaurant since its humble beginnings in May 1962. As many generations of customers have dined there throughout the years thanks to the outstanding service and scrumptious dishes such as Spaghetti a la Bruzzi, Delmonico steak, and lasagna. This food savvy family prepares everything from scratch, crafting everything with love to satisfy your taste buds.
124 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
Monday-Thursday 11am-8pm Friday 11am-9pm Saturday 3pm-9pm Sunday 12pm-7pm
Wednesday-Sunday 4pm-9pm Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Full Gluten-Free Menu
Temporary COVID Hours
Monday-Friday 4pm-10pm Saturday 11am-10pm Sunday 11am-8pm
Custom-made, fresh sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads made right before your eyes. The “healthy” alternative to fast food.
O’Keefe’s Irish Pub & Restaurant 352.343.2157 | 115 S. ROCKINGHAM AVE., TAVARES OKEEFESIRISHPUB.NET Located in the waterfront entertainment district of Tavares, O’Keefe’s Irish Pub & Restaurant has been a local family-owned favorite since 1984. O’Keefe’s serves traditional Irish cuisine like bangers & mash, corned beef and cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie and reubens, as well as their popular steak sandwiches and 1/2 lb burgers and delicious steaks and fresh fish selections. O’Keefe’s has a full liquor bar and serves 12 beers on draft, six of which rotate between seasonal beers, local IPAs and “old school” classics. O’Keefe’s is currently open seven days a week for dinner, and on weekends for lunch. Happy Hour runs from 4pm-6pm Monday through Friday. O’Keefe’s famous Mug Club has over 1800 members. Your lifetime membership includes a personalized mug and discounts on all draft beer. O’Keefe’s offers indoor dining as well as outdoor dining on their covered porch or on their open-air patio with beautiful views of Lake
Subway SUBWAY.COM LADY LAKE | 208 W. GUAVA ST. | 352.750.4929 EUSTIS | 469 PLAZA DR. | 352.357.7827 MOUNT DORA | 18870 U.S. HWY. 441 | 352.735.4376 LEESBURG | 2013 CITRUS BLVD. | 352.787.6442 10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 4 | 352.326.3234 27405 U.S. HWY. 27, SUITE 4 | 352.314.8847 THE VILLAGES | 1580 BELLA CRUZ DRIVE | 352.750.9600 8796 S.E. 165TH MULBERRY LANE | 352.750.9991 1070 LAKE SUMTER LANDING DRIVE | 352.205.8535 349 COLONY BLVD. | 352.391.1657 WILDWOOD | 480 W. GULF TO ALANTIC HWY. | 352.748.8800
Open Daily 8am-7pm
Yalaha Bakery 352.324.3366 | 8210 STATE ROAD 48, YALAHA
A German Bakery Like No Other!
The family owned German Bakery since 1995, is an award-winning Bakery that offers to customers high-quality German products made with the highest culinary standards. Fine European pastries and breads are made with organic flours, chocolates, and spices, butter, and imported European ingredients. Take home tortes, tarts, and wonderful pretzels, but before you go home, enjoy something from our delicious deli menu. We serve breakfast from 8-11am and lunch and dinner are served 11am-7pm. Enjoy German specialties like Nurnberger breakfast, Hunterschnitzel with Spätzle, Bratwurst, Reuben, Quiche, typical German soups, and maybe Semelknoedel (bread dumplings with mushroom sauce) for lunch or dinner. We offer a fine selection of German beers and wines. Whatever time of day, you’ll find something you love at Yalaha Bakery. On the weekends you can come and enjoy various events and music concerts on Saturdays and Sundays at our Beer Garden. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter or via our website www.yalahabakery.com
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 125
VOTE
IN YOUR 2020 GENERAL ELECTION VOTA EN 2020 ELECCIÓN GENERALES
LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE BEFORE THE GENERAL ELECTION:
OCTOBER 5
ÚLTIMO DÍA PARA REGISTRARSE PARA VOTAR ANTES DE LAS ELECCIONES GENERALES: 5 DE OCTUBRE EARLY VOTING DATES FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION:
OCTOBER 19 - 31
10 A.M. - 6 P.M.
VOTACIÓN TEMPRANA: 19-31 DE OCTUBRE, DE 10 A.M. A 6 P.M. GENERAL ELECTION DAY:
NOVEMBER 3 You must vote at your assigned precinct on Election Day.
7 A.M. - 7 P.M.
DÍA DE LAS ELECCIONES: 3 DE NOVIEMBRE, DE 7 A.M. A 7 P.M. Debe votar en su recinto asignado el día de las elecciones.
When voting you are required to present photo & signature ID. If your photo ID does not have your signature, an additional form of ID that has your signature will be required. / Al momento de emitir su voto se requiere que presente una identificación con su foto y firma. Si su tarjeta de identificación con foto no contiene firma, se requerirá una forma de identificación adicional que contenga su firma.
ALAN HAYS
Lake County Supervisor of Elections 352-343-9734 • www.LakeVotes.com
Follow us on:
@LakeElections
VOTE BY MAIL VOTAR POR CORREO: Skip the polls and vote in the privacy of your home. / Evite los centros de votación y vote en la privacidad de su hogar. Request a Vote-By-Mail Ballot at www.lakevotes.com/VoterInformation/Vote-By-Mail or call 352-343-9734. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot for the General Election is 5 p.m. on October 24th. All voted, vote-bymail ballots MUST BE RECEIVED in the Elections office before 7 p.m. on Election Day or they will not be counted. Solicite una papeleta para Votar-por-correo a www.lakevotes.com/VoterInformation/Vote-By-Mail o llame al 352-343-9734. La fecha límite para solicitar una boleta de votación por correo para la elección Generales es el 24 de octubre a las 5 p.m. Todas las boletas de votación por correo DEBEN SER RECIBIDAS en la Oficina de Elecciones antes de las 7 p.m. el día de las elecciones o no serán contadas.
For voting locations and more info, visit
LakeVotes.com
Fr h Seafood IS JUST A SHORT
R I D E A W AY !
B R U N C H S E R V E D S AT U R D AY & S U N D AY 1 0 : 0 0 A M - 2 : 3 0 P M CONTACTLESS MENUS AT YOUR TABLE
LUNCH & BRUNCH MENU
DINNER MENU & COCKTAILS
SCAN ME
SCAN ME
LO C AT E D AT B R O W N W O O D ® S Q UA R E
2 7 38 B R OWN WOOD B LVD. TH E VI LLAG ES , FL 3 2163 l (3 52) 57 1-53 44 l WWW.BLUEFI N G R I L L B AR .CO M M O N - TH UR S 1 1 AM - 9P M l FRI 11AM - 10 PM l SAT 10 AM - 10 PM l S U N 10AM - 9 PM
CABIN FEVER? WE’VE GOT THE CURE Set Sail for Savings with a Boat Loan from Insight Credit Union! •
Rates as low as 5.49% APR*
• •
Extended terms available Up to 100% financing
Call us today at 407.426.6000 or Toll-Free 888.843.8328, or visit us online to apply for a boat loan today! INSIGHTCREDITUNION.COM *APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Loan subject to normal underwriting guidelines. Your actual rate will be customized based on your credit characteristics. Receive a 0.25% APR auto draft discount when you auto draft your payment from your existing Insight Credit Union checking account. The auto draft discount will be deducted from your actual rate to determine your final rate. All new checking accounts must be qualified and approved to receive the 0.25% APR auto draft discount. Interest accrues from the date of contract. Offer does not apply to refinancing existing Insight Credit Union boat loans. Offer begins on August 3, 2020 and may be withdrawn at any time. Other restrictions may apply. Federally Insured by NCUA.
FENCES
WOOD • VINYL ALUMINUM • RANCH RAIL CHAIN LINK • PERGOLA'S ESTATE GATES
MOSSYOAKFENCE.COM 407.900.2940
An Elegant Twist on Chops
IN THE HEART OF THE VILLAGES® COMMUNITY CONTACTLESS MENUS AVAILABLE AT YOUR TABLE
SCAN ME
W E P R O U D LY S E R V E S I N G L E - S O U R C E D , 2 1 D AY A G E D H A L P E R N S ’ U S DA P R I M E ST E A K S F R O M G R A N D I S L A N D, N E B R AS K A
LO C AT E D AT L A K E S U M T E R L A N D I N G ™ 1045 OLD CAMP RD. THE VILLAGES, FL 32162
(352) 750-6000
/
W W W. C H O P H O U S E D I N I N G . C O M
SUN - THURS 11AM - 9PM
/
F R I & S AT 1 1 A M - 1 0 P M
Back to Basics: Get Screened PA I D
S
P R OMO T IO N A L
F E AT U R E
imple. Easy. Lifesaving. Yet, the PSA blood test for prostate cancer has been underutilized in recent years, with severe consequences. How severe? A study in
2016 of over half a million men found significant increases in advanced prostate cancer, including metastases to distant organs. Clearly, something had changed. “We went from where everybody got PSAs to where very few people get them,” says Dr. James W. Young, board certified urologist at the Urology Institute of Central Florida. “All of a sudden we were diagnosing a lot more patients that had advanced prostate cancer at the time of diagnosis.” The PSA, a blood test for prostate-specific
antigen, revolutionized prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. “When I came into practice in 1982 there was no screening test for prostate cancer,” Dr. Young says. “Back in those times, when we diagnosed somebody with prostate cancer, most likely they had cancer that was already advanced and not curable.” The PSA test was introduced in the 1980s. PSA is released into the bloodstream from cells in the prostate, a walnut-sized gland that makes seminal fluid for carrying sperm. Elevated PSA levels can mean cancer is present. Testing ramped up in the 1980s and 1990s, and diagnoses of advanced prostate cancer plummeted. “We were diagnosing everybody before they had cancer that had spread everywhere,” Dr. Young continues. “They were potentially curable.” Why did testing drop off so dramatically? In 2008, the
US Preventive Services Task Force, part of the US Department of Health and Human Services, recommended against PSA screening for men age 75 and older. In 2012 they updated their recommendation to include all age levels, letting doctors discuss the issue with their patients instead. Their reasons included overdiagnosis and overtreatment, but recent research published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests their guidance may be too extreme. “We have the ability to find prostate cancers early,” Dr. Young says. “Why aren’t we taking more steps when it’s easily treatable? It’s completely preventable with annual testing.” Dr. Young recommends that every male get a PSA test once a year, starting at age 50. “Unless you have a close family history of prostate cancer or if you’re an African American. Then it’s age 40.” Dr. Young’s articles about prostate cancer screening and treatment can be found at prostateevaluation.com.
Did You Know? Early-stage prostate cancer usually has no symptoms, but they can show up later. Symptoms include having to pee more often, especially at night, or straining to empty your bladder; blood in your urine or seminal fluid; new onset of erectile dysfunction; discomfort or pain when sitting (caused by an enlarged prostate); or, less commonly, pain or burning during urination. Other symptoms can occur if cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland.
191,930 New cases of prostate cancer in the U.S. estimated in 2020
#2
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in US men
60% higher
What is PSA Velocity? Elevated PSA readings could indicate the presence of cancer, but another important measurement is how fast those readings increase. The speed of increase is called PSA velocity. Studies show that if a PSA velocity is over 0.35 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter) per year, and if the patient has prostate cancer, it is more likely to be an aggressive cancer.
The number of new prostate cancer diagnoses in black men compared to white men
Patient-centered radiation oncology close to home
66
Average age of prostate cancer diagnosis
The Villages 352.259.2200 Ocala 352.732.0277 Timber Ridge 352.861.2400 Inverness 352.726.3400 Lecanto 352.527.0106 RBOI.com
Like us on Facebook
S E P ' 2 0 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
/ 133
AdventHealth Waterman Foundation
LADIES LEGACY
Inspire and be Inspired CANCER DOESN’T PAUSE
September 14 - October 31, 2020 www.BuildingAHealthierLakeCounty.com 1500 Waterman Way • Tavares, FL 32778 352.253.3270 • fhw.foundation@adventhealth.com WRITE TO US IF YOU WISH TO HAVE YOUR NAME REMOVED FROM THE LIST TO RECEIVE FUTURE FUNDRAISING REQUESTS TO SUPPORT ADVENTHEALTH WATERMAN FOUNDATION. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES AT WWW.800HELPFLA.COM OR BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. THE REGISTRATION NUMBER FOR THE ADVENTHEALTH WATERMAN FOUNDATION, INC. IS CH2225. 100% OF CONTRIBUTIONS SOLICITED BY THE ADVENTHEALTH WATERMAN FOUNDATION BENEFIT ADVENTHEALTH WATERMAN AND THE ADVENTHEALTH WATERMAN FOUNDATION, INC.
CENTRAL FLORIDA PLASTIC SURGERY
A PLASTIC SURGERY SPECIALTY BOUTIQUE Refresh YourFLORIDA Image PLASTIC SURGERY CENTRAL A PLASTIC SURGERY SPECIALTY BOUTIQUE
Dr. Fernando Serra of Central Florida Plastic Surgery is a board certified plastic surgeon and specializes in all types of cosmetic surgery including breast, body and face enhancements. He is especially skilled at creating aesthetically beautiful, natural results some theheart-shape most In a younger face, we using typically seeofthe exciting and innovative surgical techniques.
drserra.com
or V-shape look of youth. With age, gravity, and loss of With over 20-years in can The observe Villages, the stigmata of old age: skin elasticity, we Dr. Serra personally discusses nasolabial and marionette lines, jowl formation, and a and attends to your needs with one-on-one turkey gobbler appointments andneck. procedures directly
with him. Dr. Serra strives to provide can reestablish that heart-shaped look of youth with theWe unique, natural-looking compliments you desire to Smartlipo. This procedure Face and Neck Lift with help you feel more attractive, combines and a face and neck lift with laser liposuction comfortable confident.
along the jawline and neck using Smartlipo technology.
With today’s modern technology, you can truly look on the outside the way you feel on the inside. Call for your free consultation with Dr. Serra to find out if Face and Neck Lift with Smartlipo is right for A New You!
M.D. FACS
American Board of Plastic Surgery AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS
American Society of Plastic Surgeons AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery AMERICAN BOARD OF PLASTIC SURGERY
drserra.com | 325-259-0722
American College of Surgeons
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS
drserra.com | 352-259-0722
Lake Sumter Landing Professional Plaza | 910 Old Camp Rd. Suite 142 | The Villages
LAKE SUMTER LANDING PROFESSIONAL PLAZA | 910 OLD CAMP RD., SUITE 142 | THE VILLAGES, FL 32162
FINAL THOUGHT
CO MMENTARY
Falling into Fall ‘Leaf’ me alone if you see me with a rake running to a field. STORY: ROXANNE BROWN
hen people think of fall or autumn, they likely imagine bright yellow, red and orange hues on lines of trees that have overtaken the greens and browns of summer months. That’s not to mention brisker early mornings and evenings weather-wise, and sometimes snow on the ground in some areas later in the season. Well, that’s certainly not the case for anyone in Central Florida where I’ve lived for the last 22 years, nor in southern Arizona where I grew up. When I see pictures of the clear change of seasons, in particular cities around the country, especially going into the fall, I can’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy for those who get to experience it. I remember one year, when a friend of mine in Arizona gifted me with a figurine I still have of a little girl lying on a pile of colorful leaves she’d jumped into. She bought it for me because I’d mentioned that jumping into a pile of leaves was on my bucket list simply because it seems so free and fun.
It’s not something I’m even sure people really do or if it’s just something I’ve seen in the movies. But it goes along with building an honest-to-God snowman from freshly fallen snow. That would be unlike the one-and-only sorry, mud-infused snowman my sister and I excitedly built as children in Nogales, when barely enough snow fell to cover the ground. Anyway, my husband Keith, who I just celebrated 21 years of marriage with in July, said in Traverse City, Michigan, where he lived many years ago, the fall season foliage was indeed a stunningly beautiful sight. Keith said he’ll take me there one day and I hope we get to go, though with this ongoing pandemic it won’t be in 2020, that’s for sure. Either way, one year, when fall rolls around, I WILL end up somewhere famous for its fall season and the first thing I’m going to do is unload the rake I’ll have with me, run to a field, build me that huge pile of leaves, fall backwards into the glorious colors of fall and lay there for a few minutes with my arms out, eyes closed and a big smile on my face… that is, until panicked thoughts of possible bugs all over me kick in. I can’t wait.
Hey, readers! Is there a particular subject that you would like me to write a commentary about? Tell me, via email, at roxanne@akersmediagroup.com.
136 /
L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • S E P ' 2 0
ROXANNE BROWN
AMERICAN FAMILY HOMES CUSTOM CHANGES BENEFIT YOU
CHANGE IS GOOD
At American Family Homes we believe you deserve your new home, your way. This includes custom changes that make your home personal and special to you. That’s always been part of the American Family Homes experience. Bring us your ideas. Let’s collaborate on style, color and design features to create an energy efficient custom home, within budget, just the way you want it.
KNOW YOUR BUILDER
“Designing and building a custom home is a long process. A thousand decisions need to be made, one just as important as the next. The first decision you need to make is to hire the right builder with the right experience. Don’t underestimate the importance of the relationship with your builder. American Family Homes is Committed to Quality and 100% Satisfaction. We invite your inquiry today.” - Mike Neace CUSTOM HOMES “ON YOUR LOT” FROM THE $200s OFFICE/DESIGN STUDIO 312 South Bay St., Eustis FL 32726
HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF LAKE-SUMTER
BUILDER OF THE YEAR Let’s get started. Call me today.
Mike Neace: 352-589-6004 Award Winning Home Designer, Builder, Licensed Contractor
“Committed to Quality & Satisfaction” AmericanFamilyHomesInc.com State License Number - CBC058306
2020 TACOMA Play harder.
Tacoma Tacoma's available V6 engine, 6-speed transmission and 6800-lb. towing capacity have the power to help you rule any adventure.
DELUCA TOYOTA SR 200 • Ocala, FL 352-732-0770 DELUCATOYOTA.COM A bundle of active safety features standard on every new Highlander at no additional cost ©2019 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
FRANK DELUCA PRESIDENT/OWNER
T H E E R C A R E YO U N E E D F R O M A H O S P I TA L YO U T R U S T.
U F H e a l t h T h e Vi l l a g e s ® H o s p i t a l Freestanding ER. L O C AT E D A C R O S S F R O M B R O W N W O O D S Q U A R E The first full-service emergency department in the Wildwood area is now open. The freestanding ER offers quality care from seasoned health care experts, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Learn more at thevillagesregionalhospital.org/er
We’ve nevER been more ready. Central Florida’s #1 ER
Now, more than ever, we’re taking extra precautions to keep you safe in our ER. Seek help immediately if you’ve been injured or are experiencing symptoms like: - Chest pain - Shortness of breath - Severe stomach discomfort
Emergency experts always close by at 21 easy-to-find emergency locations.
20-SYSTEM-06097
AdventHealthCentralFloridaER.com
