Category Archives: Wellington Health

Working Out Has Never Been Easier

Working Out Has Never Been Easier Crunch Fitness Arrives In Wellington With A 30,000-Square-Foot State-Of-The-Art Facility

By Mike May

When you walk through the front doors of Wellington’s newest fitness club, you will be “inspired to perspire.” The club is called Crunch Wellington, and it officially opened its doors on June 3 with a grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 11.

Crunch Wellington is located at the site of the former Ultima Fitness in the Wellington Plaza, but the facility has been completely renovated from top to bottom.

The ambiance and atmosphere inside Crunch Wellington — which features 30,000 square feet filled with state-of-the-art fitness equipment — is refreshing and invigorating. The big messages on the walls will get your attention: “Perspire to Greatness” … “Raise the Barbell” … “Join the Fun” … “We Got This” … and “Do More Today.”

At Crunch Wellington, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding where you should begin your workout. Is it one of the 25 treadmills by Star Trac, one of the 20 Roc Abs machines by Hoist Fitness, one of the 10 steppers by StairMaster, or one of the five multi-tool towers by Nautilus? Perhaps you’re more interested in lifting free weights, enjoying a hot yoga studio session or being a participant in a spin class in the Ride Studio? There’s much, much more, including two hydration stations, where you can get a drink of water when you are thirsty.

Members looking for diversity in their workouts can utilize the HIITZone, a proprietary high-intensity interval group training program that has seven different stations, such as tires, sleds, medicine balls and more.

According to Crunch Wellington General Manager Jake Noble, he and his associates want to help every member take the “work” out of the workout. Everybody should feel welcome, and every member should enjoy the overall experience.

“We want our members to feel that Crunch Wellington is their home away from home,” Noble said. “Anybody, literally anybody, can work out here — and have fun doing it.”

The fitness club’s inaugural members are enjoying the benefits of belonging to Crunch Wellington.

“I’m here to tone-up my muscles and burn calories,” member Kaila Taylor of Wellington said. “I lost four pounds in the first week.”

“We have fun here,” member Jerry Fogel of Lake Worth said. “The people and the employees are great. This place is kept very clean. I come here six to seven days a week.”

While people are lifting, pulling, pushing, walking, running, jumping, cycling, climbing and enjoying fierce, fun workouts, they can also watch any of the 21 television sets that are hanging from the ceiling. Most of the TVs are tuned to some type of competitive game or athletic event, which complements what’s happening at any given time at Crunch Wellington.

One of those TVs plays commercial messages featuring local businesses that provide services which might be of interest to those getting a workout. It’s called the Perks Partner Program and features message therapists, chiropractors, meal preps and other outlets that are often professional services needed by fitness enthusiasts.

Crunch Wellington opens early every day at 5 a.m. from Monday to Saturday and at 7 a.m. on Sundays. The place stays open late, too, closing at 11 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, 10 p.m. on Fridays, and 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The only days when Crunch Wellington will not be open is Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

“We often have a group of members ready to walk in the door at 5 a.m.,” Noble said. “We have a good mix of members — young and old, male and female.”

If you need assistance in what machines to use and how to use them, Crunch Wellington’s staff will be happy to provide help and instruction. One of those instructors is Rachel Braverman, who is a functional fitness instructor. In addition to providing helpful hints on exercise, she also offers guidance on nutrition.

According to Noble, a big goal for Crunch Wellington is to fuse fitness with entertainment, in order to make serious exercise fun and affordable. “We encourage, empower and entertain,” he explained.

Working out to the upbeat music that is always in the air also doesn’t cost an arm and leg. In fact, Crunch Wellington is providing discounts on memberships to people who work with some of Palm Beach County’s biggest employers, such as the School District of Palm Beach County, Costco, Publix and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

Crunch Wellington serves an engaged fitness community that features all kinds of people, with all types of goals, who exercise in different ways, yet enjoy working out at the same place together.

“We are extremely excited about sharing the unique experience of the Crunch brand with the residents surrounding our newest location in Wellington,” Crunch Wellington owner Tony Scrimale said. “We hope our ‘no judgments’ mentality and memberships starting as low as $9.99 a month will bring a new energy to the community.”

The new Crunch Wellington fitness center is located in the Wellington Plaza at the corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace. For more information about membership opportunities, visit www.crunchwellington.com.

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Advancements In Breast Cancer Care

Advancements In Breast Cancer Care Understanding All The Options Can Be Empowering For Patients

GenesisCare’s Dr. Alicia Gittleman completed her internship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, her residency at NYU Medical Center and her fellowship at Weill Cornell Medical College. Practicing in Wellington and Palm Beach County for the past 27 years, Dr. Kishore Dass was chief resident at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and furthered his training at the University of Pennsylvania, NIH.

If you are one of the nearly 287,850 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year, or one of the additional 51,400 diagnosed with non-invasive breast cancer, understanding your options can be empowering. Here, local experts Dr. Kishore Dass and Dr. Alicia Gittleman, board-certified radiation oncologists with GenesisCare, answer common questions about this important topic.

What is the general outlook on breast cancer today?
Being diagnosed with breast cancer today is not what it once was. Thanks to advancements in treatment, patients are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer death rates have decreased between 2013 to 2018, likely due to treatment advancements and diseases caught earlier.

What are today’s treatment options?
In general, today’s breast cancer treatment typically includes a combination of therapies, such as breast surgery, medical oncology (chemotherapy or hormonal therapy) and radiation oncology. If the tumor is related to one of the known gene mutations that cause breast cancer, such as BRCA, doctors may recommend full removal of the breast (mastectomy) and possibly other surgeries to decrease the risk of developing future cancers.

Why does technology matter?
Innovation in treatment techniques and technology advancements may not only provide better care outcomes with improvements in accuracy and efficiency, but also enhance the way patients experience that treatment, for example with reduced side effects, a shorter recovery period or increased comfort.
Are clinical trials only for advanced breast cancer?
Clinical trials help to develop new treatments, interventions and tests at any point in the treatment journey. Patients who participate in clinical trials play an important role in advancing care for future patients and may be among the first to benefit from some of the latest treatments. GenesisCare offers 150-plus clinical trials worldwide. Ask your physician what clinical trials are available for your specific cancer type.

What about genomic testing and precision medicine?
Advancements in precision medicine allow clinicians to understand what makes a person’s individual cancer behave the way it does at a genomic level. This allows patients to feel fully informed in treatment options that may work best for their unique diagnosis. Understanding a patient’s genomic makeup utilizing technologies, such as DCISionRT (or DCIS) for patients with early-stage breast cancer, helps physicians deliver precise treatment plans that balance benefits with risk of side effects.

The GenesisCare Approach
Physicians and care teams at GenesisCare work together to offer personalized breast cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes through evidence-based care plans. Key features of the program include:
• Quick access: Immediate appointments, with a 24-hour turnaround goal from referral to plan of care.
• A personalized, team approach: GenesisCare providers, including radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, surgeons, psychologists and nutritionists, collaborate on a personalized care plan that focuses on each patient’s personal needs and goals.
• Advanced treatment options: GenesisCare invests in modern techniques and clinical trials to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
• Exceptional care, close to home: Clinicians and centers with high patient satisfaction ratings and are conveniently located throughout Palm Beach County.
GenesisCare is located at 3343 State Road 7 in Wellington. To learn more about GenesisCare, call (833) FOR-MYGC or visit www.genesiscare.com/us.

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Providing The Best Possible Fit

Providing The Best Possible Fit  
Nettecha Rheingold Began Achette’n To Give Women Access To Top Quality Mastectomy Bras And Prostheses

By Deborah Welky

If you or someone you love needs a specialty mastectomy bra or prostheses, Achette’n offers clients the best possible fit. The firm features a wide range of medical-grade breast forms, mastectomy bras, compression garments and lingerie, measured exactly to fit the client’s body.

The company, founded in 2020, is the brainchild of Nettecha Rheingold.

For 15 years, Rheingold owned assisted living facilities, providing support and encouragement, together with housing, for those needing help with their day-to-day activities. In that role, she was attending a medical equipment trade show when it hit her — there were very few products for women.

“It jolted me,” Rheingold recalled. “I had been dealing with women for a long time, many of whom had had breast cancer, and there was nothing for their needs.”

Still, Rheingold remained focused on the job at hand — walkers, canes, things to help seniors in their everyday lives — but when she went back the following year and experienced the same dearth of women’s products, she opened her mind and began considering possibilities.

Rheingold did some research and found that, in Palm Beach County, there were very few places that post-surgical women could go to be fitted for — and buy — a specialty bra. There were also very few specialty bras and protheses to be had. “I was surprised,” she said.

So, in 2020, she sold her assisted living business and began work on Achette’n (a take on a backward spelling of her name).

“There are a lot of regulations — a lot of insurance requirements and so on, but I found a location and opened a store,” she said. “I wanted to provide services and products. I wanted to fit these women and make them feel confident and good about themselves. They have needs like everyone else, and many do not even realize what is available to them for post-surgical issues, much of it paid for by Medicare or private insurers.”

Located on Ocean Avenue in Lantana, Achette’n carries a wide assortment of bras culled from the top vendors in the country in different styles, colors and sizes, as well as a variety of protheses.

“Everyone is different,” Rheingold said. “I fit my clients based on the shape, size and form of their breasts, but the first thing for me is treating them with care and compassion. Many women are depressed after a mastectomy, and feel they’ll never be the same again. But their life is not defined by having had breast surgery. They can get back to looking like they were before. They still can be beautiful. They can be their best.”

With Rheingold’s help, a recovering mastectomy patient’s life can be made a lot more comfortable. She can even help identify their concerns before the surgery takes place.

“I may be able to anticipate their concerns,” she said. “And then I can share as much knowledge and education as I can give.”

Rheingold emphasizes that having had a mastectomy is not a requirement for getting a fitting or access to the perfect bra.

“Many women have their favorite bra, and that’s the one they wear,” she said. “I am able to communicate with them. Sometimes I have to tell them that their bra’s band doesn’t fit, or the straps are making a dent in their shoulders.”

Whatever the issue, Rheingold addresses it honestly, fits the customer for the perfect bra, then offers a selection of styles and colors. When they’re happy, she’s happy.

Patients planning for or recovering from surgery or reconstruction are invited to call and schedule an appointment with one of the certified mastectomy fitters at Achette’n.

Achette’n Specialty Mastectomy Bras and Prostheses is located at 114 E. Ocean Avenue in Lantana. For more information, call (561) 557-7978.

 

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Expert Veterinary Care

Expert Veterinary Care Your Pets Are The Priority At ACCESS Specialty Hospitals Palm Beach County On Southern Blvd.

By Mike May

If you live in the western communities and your pet needs specialty veterinary care or emergency services, you can find what you need close to home. At the northeast corner of Southern Blvd. and State Road 7, you’ll find ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals Palm Beach County.

ACCESS stands for Advanced Critical Care, Emergency, and Specialty Services. And just like a human hospital, this animal hospital never closes. It’s open for emergency services 24/7.

Just as people, from time to time, need access to an MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, radiology treatment, cardiology care, the ICU or surgery, so do dogs and cats, which comprise the vast majority of the patients at ACCESS. If your pet needs a specialist in the area of veterinary oncology, neurology, ophthalmology, cardiology or internal medicine, ACCESS also has experts who can provide that kind of professional expertise.

The ophthalmology services at ACCESS allow it to provide unique vision assistance to dogs.

“Dogs don’t read or drive cars, but we can provide some assistance with their vision,” said Mark Garrison, technician manager at the Animal Eye Specialty Clinic, which provides outside ophthalmology services for ACCESS.

“We can equip a dog with ‘doggles.’ We call it goggles for dogs. And we have the expertise to treat cataracts, too,” Garrison added.

ACCESS is owned by veterinarians and the staff shares a deep love for animals. Pets are an integral part of any family’s life, which is why the business is guided by four principles: quality, integrity, compassion and service.

ACCESS is driven to exceed not just what patients expect but exceed the standards that the four owners have established for themselves. The practice is committed to finding ways to provide better care and treatment for every pet patient.

When it comes to integrity, ACCESS will always provide the best possible care and do what is right for you and your pet. Meanwhile, the commitment to compassion is not driven by a marketing slogan. You can see it on the faces and hear it in the voices of those who work there. The entire staff — from the receptionists to the most experienced, board-certified veterinarian — takes great pride in the role of helping animals heal so they can return home and lead a normal life.

Services available at ACCESS are broad and far-reaching. It starts with a friendly greeting as soon as you walk through the front door. This includes accurate and timely reporting, spending time with you, explaining the proposed medical treatment, and rising before dawn to check on your pet.

“We are the Mayo Clinic of veterinary medicine,” explained Co-Medical Director Marcos Unis, DVM, MS, DACVS-SA, a board-certified veterinary surgeon. “There’s a big need for specialty medicine for animals, and we provide it. We give clients all the information and let them make the final decision on treatment for their pet.”

According to Hospital Liaison Kami Kreaps, the majority of pets treated at ACCESS arrive based on a referral from a local veterinarian, but, again, the doors are always open if your primary veterinarian is closed or unavailable for emergency services.

ACCESS has been open for just over a year, having opened its doors in April 2021. In the last 12 months, the practice has established relationships with more than 400 veterinarians from across South Florida.

Capacity-wise, ACCESS can deal with many pets at the same time. It has room to house 120 pets in its more than 20,000-square-foot facility. There is a large staff of qualified professionals to take care of these companion animals: 75 surgery assistants/technicians, 16 veterinarians/specialists on staff, 15 exam rooms and four surgery suites.

ACCESS also has its own triage area, pharmacy, lab and laundry room on site. It even has generators on standby, ready to provide power in case of a storm or anything else that might knock out the power. ACCESS also has the ability to produce its own oxygen on site.

Personal service is important to the staff at ACCESS. As soon as a pet enters an exam room, a sign is put on the outside of the door with that pet’s name, so the attending veterinarian can provide personal service for the animal by name.

In addition to being a hospital for sick or injured pets, ACCESS also serves as a place for area veterinarians and veterinary technicians to get educated about changes in the veterinary profession.

“We have the room to host continuing education sessions for those who work in the veterinarian field,” Kreaps said.

While ACCESS is committed to helping your pet get well so it can go home, there are times when pets are not well enough to recover, and compassionate services are available for that as well.

“We also provide end-of-life services for those sad and tragic moments in any pet’s life,” Kreaps said.

ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals Palm Beach County is located at 10465 Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 774-8855 or e-mail info@accessvet.com. Visit www.accessvetsflorida.com to learn more.

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New Branding, Same Hospital

New Branding, Same Hospital Palms West Hospital Among 12 Hospitals In Southeast Florida To Adopt The HCA Florida Healthcare Name

HCA Florida Palms West Hospital recently announced its new name and new look. It is one of 12 hospitals in Southeast Florida officially adopting a new name that incorporates HCA Florida Healthcare.

HCA Florida Palms West Hospital signals the hospital’s connection to one of the nation’s largest collaborative healthcare networks.

The name was announced at a special celebration held on the hospital’s Southern Blvd. campus on Thursday, March 3.

“This is an exciting time for our community. After providing healthcare services to the citizens of Palm Beach County for more than 36 years under a singular Palms West Hospital brand, we will now unite as one network, one brand, joining nearly 50 other HCA Healthcare hospitals across Florida,” said Jason Kimbrell, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Palms West Hospital. “The community can take comfort in knowing that the network was built to make access to services seamless with a patient-centered approach that connects the patients to the care they need close to home.”

HCA Florida Healthcare connects more than 11,000 staff physicians, 77,000 colleagues, 49 hospitals, and more than 350 physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and other sites of care across the state.

As a comprehensive and connected network, HCA Florida Healthcare has a unique ability to continually improve quality, expand patient access to care, address the ongoing nursing shortage, respond during times of disaster, advance diversity in healthcare, and fund and collaborate with nonprofit organizations to address high-priority community needs.

The announcement was made simultaneously with holding a blood drive at 14 locations throughout South Florida — a partnership between HCA Florida Healthcare and OneBlood.

“Our 14 hospitals in South Florida were fortunate not to be adversely affected by the drastic drop in blood donations that is happening in other parts of the nation,” said Charles Gressle, president of HCA East Florida Division. “It is important a sustained donor response continues. We’re confident this unique blood drive event will bring our colleagues and the community together to donate blood and further ensure our blood provider, OneBlood, has a ready supply for patients in need of lifesaving transfusions.”

Susan Forbes of OneBlood noted that the pandemic has up-ended the traditional venues for blood drives.

“Remote work impacts participation at corporate blood drives, many high schools and colleges have not resumed blood drives, and the lack of large community events limits where we can take the Big Red Bus for blood drives,” Forbes said. “We are grateful to HCA Florida Healthcare for their partnership and for shinning a spotlight on the ongoing need for blood donations.”

HCA Florida Healthcare chose March 3 as the day to host the blood drive because it aligned with the introduction of its new statewide brand. Each donor received a $20 e-gift card and superhero themed t-shirt, courtesy of OneBlood.

Serving Palm Beach County for more than 36 years, HCA Florida Palms West Hospital is a 200-bed full-service acute care hospital. Specializing in emergency services, dedicated pediatric emergency services, pediatric services, concussion testing and treatment, pediatric oncology services, pediatric intensive care services, orthopedic and spine care services, maternity services, Level II neonatal services, and minimally invasive and robotic surgery, the hospital provides high quality, exceptional patient care to residents of the western communities and beyond.

The hospital has been recognized by Healthgrades in the top 10 percent in the nation for general surgery and named among its 100 best hospitals for prostate surgery. The hospital’s 24-hour emergency room, pediatric emergency room and the Children’s Hospital at Palms West provide specialized hospital services for adults and children of all ages.

HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 450 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices and freestanding emergency rooms, offering the state’s leading network of personalized care.

United as a statewide network in 2021, HCA Florida Healthcare includes 11,000 experienced doctors and 77,000 colleagues working together to deliver advanced, collaborative care to more than 6.4 million patients each year.

HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. The network provided nearly $836.6 million in uncompensated care and invested significantly in innovative technologies and facilities across Florida, including the new $360 million state-of-the-art, multi-specialty HCA Florida University Hospital in Davie.

A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is also a major supporter of university-based healthcare programs and residencies and fellowships throughout the Sunshine State. For additional information, visit www.hcafloridahealthcare.com.

HCA Florida Palms West Hospital is located at 13001 Southern Blvd. For more info., call (561) 798-3300 or visit www.palmswesthospital.com.

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Quality Care In A Positive Atmosphere

Quality Care In A Positive Atmosphere
The Wellness Experience Is A One-Stop Shop For All Things Health And Wellness

Story and Photos by Sydney Jones

No one lives a 100 percent healthy life. Regardless of how well you take care of yourself, injuries and illness will eventually find you. Every profession and lifestyle present their own effects on your overall health and wellness. Therefore, it is important that you know where to go when problems arise.

With a vision that started more than 20 years ago, Dr. Randall Laurich has fostered the development of a healthcare facility that doesn’t just appeal to one kind of client. He understood that overall health and wellness is the key to living a quality life. The Wellness Experience was born with the intention of combining traditional chiropractic principles with up-to-date technology to give his patients the best overall results.

“I wanted to build a home for both practitioners and patients that provided quality care, a positive atmosphere and a place to feel comfortable,” Laurich explained.

After graduating from the Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic in 1998, Laurich dove headfirst into his chiropractic career, opening his first Wellness Experience location in Boca Raton in 2001. It was there that he grew his business from the ground up, acquiring new clients and offering a variety of services to appeal to a wide variety of patients.

After five years of sustained success, he opened his second office in Wellington. After operating between both offices for two years, Laurich decided to close the Boca Raton office and make Wellington his primary location to dedicate his services entirely to the local community.

“I knew back in the seventh grade that I wanted to be a chiropractor,” Laurich recalled. “I saw the benefits early on with my own health, by recovering from sports injuries faster under chiropractic care. It’s through these personal experiences throughout my youth, coupled with 24 years of professional experience, that has given me the ability to help people reach their healthcare goals and help improve their quality of life.”

Taking his expertise and education a step further, Laurich structured the Wellness Experience franchise model and formulated a chiropractic coaching program called “Chiropractic Adventures.” With a heart for giving and helping people achieve their healthiest selves, he helped to create the Medical, Health and Wellness Committee of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. He currently serves as a trustee on the chamber’s President’s Circle, after previously serving on the board of directors for five years, as well as the president for the 2014-15 term. In 2021, he was nominated as “Man of the Year” by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society after raising more than $100,000 from 2012-18 as an administrative volunteer for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

Starting off 2022 with a new and improved office space, Laurich is accompanied by chiropractor Dr. Hart Collier and Physician of Acupuncture Sabine Clarke. Together, they offer chiropractic services, therapy services, acupuncture services and even fitness recommendations through their partnerships with various local gyms throughout the area.

The Wellness Experience wants to offer as much as possible to promote their clients’ overall well-being.

“Our hope is that each patient receives the best outcome in regard to their health, experience true care by compassionate providers, and truly have a Wellness Experience,” Laurich said.

Whether you’re a current or former athlete, have those pesky aches and pains from a lifetime’s worth of work, or just need routine adjustments to feel your best, Dr. Randall Laurich and his team at the Wellness Experience can provide you with everything you need to live life to the fullest.

The Wellness Experience is located at 1400 Corporate Center Way, Suite 120, in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 333-5351 or visit www.wellness-experience.com.

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Many Options To Improve Your Quality Of Life

4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions Is Focused On Keeping Clients Looking And Feeling Their Best

By Mike May

If one of your resolutions for 2022 is to “live your best life,” it may be time for a visit to the Wellington location of 4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions, which opened last spring in front of the Mall at Wellington Green and has already developed a loyal and devoted following.

The daily foot traffic and stream of clients confirm that many residents of the western communities value what 4Ever Young has to offer.

“There has been a slow and steady growth of patients, but really nice to observe the patients that we have acquired have been repeat patients,” said Polina Tolstunov, co-owner of Wellington’s 4Ever Young franchise with her husband Stan. “They’ve shared that they’re very happy with the modern feel and cleanliness of our med spa. They are having a quality and elevating experience. They have also reported achieving great results with our skilled cosmetic injectors, as well as having wonderfully welcoming and informative experiences with the rest of our staff.”

It’s fair to say that 4Ever Young is in business to help people improve the quality of their lives — and a growing number of Wellington residents appreciate having access to 4Ever Young’s list of products and services.

If you are suffering from fatigue, loss of energy, loss of muscle mass, mood changes, loss of productivity, disrupted sleep, difficulty losing weight, anxiety, depression and/or reduced bone density, then 4Ever Young has a solution to your predicament.

The services provided by 4Ever Young include IV therapy, hormone replacement therapy, growth hormone peptide therapy, microneedling, platelet rich plasma, dermal fillers, Botox and Dysport injections, sclerotherapy, chemical peels, testosterone therapy, and facial and skin care.

According to Polina, the Botox injections and fillers have been the most popular services that they provide.

Both Stan and Polina truly feel that when clients spend money at 4Ever Young, it’s not a short-term expense. Instead, it’s a long-term investment in their health and well-being.

“The body does magical things when treated well,” Stan said. “Also, we want our clients to enjoy our unique atmosphere and benefit from the social experience at 4Ever Young.”

“By using our services, you will improve your inner world and your outer appearance,” added Polina, who is a big proponent of 4Ever Young’s hormone replacement therapy. “HRT has been transformational for me. I feel more energetic, and my body looks great.”

Before anyone starts ordering from the menu of services, 4Ever Young analyzes each client’s bloodwork. That analysis will provide a guide for what services each patient will specifically need to improve their overall health and, more importantly, their overall quality of life.

The professionally trained staff at 4Ever Young in Wellington will be able to provide each patient with those necessary procedures, treatments and nutritional supplements.

The Tolstunovs invite anyone who hasn’t considered anti-aging procedures before to visit and give them a try.

“They’re missing out on an opportunity to look and feel their best, inside and out, at any age,” said Polina, who noted that while she is in her early 40s, she feels like she’s in her mid-20s.

Both Stan and Polina practice what they preach at 4Ever Young. The Tolstunovs exercise daily, take supplements, and use the same services and products at 4Ever Young as they offer to their clients.

In fact, the Tolstunovs were 4Ever Young clients before opening the Wellington location last year. After moving to South Florida from New Jersey in 2019, they became regulars at the 4Ever Young location in Boca Raton. They loved the experience so much that they decided to open their own franchise location.

One of the strongest endorsements for any business or service always comes from people who have sampled and tried what there is to offer. At 4Ever Young, the testimonials from current clients are powerful and convincing.

“From the moment you walk in, you are welcomed by the friendliest and freshest faces. The facility is clean, welcoming and serene,” said Kristy, one of their clients.

“The staff members were beyond helpful,” added Angel, another client. “They were so nice and made sure we were 100 percent comfortable.”

So, if you’re ready to “live your best life” in 2022, make plans to visit 4Ever Young. Stan and Polina Tolstunov, along with their staff, await your arrival. Walk-ins are always welcome.

4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions is located in Wellington Green Square at 10620 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 50, near the Fresh Market. For more info., e-mail info@4everyoungwellington.com, call (561) 220-3771 or visit www.fyinstitute.com. Find the Wellington location of 4Ever Young on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4everyoungwellington.

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Latest Treatments For Cataracts And Eye Disease Ophthalmologist Dr. Steven Naids Has Joined The Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute Team

Latest Treatments For Cataracts And Eye Disease Ophthalmologist Dr. Steven Naids Has Joined The Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute Team

Story by Deborah Welky | Photos by Abner Pedraza

Dr. Steven M. Naids, a highly skilled ophthalmologist with sub-specialty training in cataract surgery and eye disease, has joined the team at the Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, which has offices in Wellington, Boynton Beach and Boca Raton.

Inspired by his father, Dr. Richard Naids, an ophthalmologist still practicing in New Jersey, Naids was drawn into the medical field. “Growing up, I saw how he would interact with his patients and the joy he brought to their lives, and I found myself wanting to do the same thing. He is my biggest influence,” Naids said.

A diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, Naids received his medical degree from the Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha national honor medical society.

He completed his residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City and trained at the renowned Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, where his research interest included visual outcomes after cataract and corneal transplantation surgery.

Upon relocating to Beverly Hills, California, Naids was named an “LA Top Doctor” and national “Super Doctor.” He is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, where he has received awards for outstanding research.

Yet the pull of South Florida was strong, as much of Naids’ family had already made the move.

“My family has been in Florida for the past decade,” he said. “I finished my training, went to LA and practiced alongside the top ophthalmologists in world. But with two young kids — and the pandemic — my wife and I realized it was so important to be with our family. So, I brought my family here, and I brought what I’ve learned over the last 10 years of training.”

While continuing to focus on comprehensive care of the entire eye, Naids practices the newest modalities of cataract and refractive surgery, as well as corneal transplantation.

“Cataract surgery has evolved tremendously over the last decade,” he said. “There are a number of amazing technologies to make surgery easier for patients, as well as to provide outcomes that we weren’t capable of obtaining even five years ago.”

Using a laser at the time of surgery is one such evolution, allowing patients with astigmatism to obtain some correction during the cataract surgery itself. Improved lenses for implantation is another scientific advance.

“When you have cataract surgery, we remove the natural part of the eye that has become cloudy and put in a lens that focuses light,” Naids explained. “But lenses have evolved to the point where we can provide an extended range of vision and tailor a patient’s vision to their needs. Assuming that the rest of your eye is healthy, with no glaucoma or macular degeneration, you should come out of cataract surgery with the best possible vision you’ve ever had. In the old days, we’d put in a lens, but you would probably still have to wear glasses every day. Today, cataract surgery has evolved into a refractive procedure, like Lasik. Many patients will enjoy a fuller range of vision after the surgery and may only have to wear reading glasses.”

In the case of a corneal transplant, the organ must be replaced with donor tissue.

“The cornea is the clear, front covering of the eye that protects the eye from the outside world,” Naids said. “But it is also one of the most important organs of the eye in terms of getting light to where it needs to go. A patient may have a disease of the cornea, or an infection, or have experienced trauma to the cornea that has left it swollen, scarred or irregular. In order to get them better vision, we have to replace tissue in full or in part.”

However, doctors have found that only one layer — the innermost — may have to be replaced. “The cornea was the first organ ever transplanted, and the art has definitely evolved over time,” Naids said. “Within the last 15 years, we’ve been able to do these selective layer corneal transplants, and patient recovery is much faster.”

Naids urged patients with frequent dry eye to seek help from an ophthalmologist. It is often much more than an irritating nuisance.

“Dry eye is a multi-factorial disease that results from either diminished tear production or problems with the oil glands in the eyelids. In virtually everybody, it’s a combination of both,” said Naids, who has a specialized interest in the management of dry eye disease. “Millions of people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with it, and we are probably underdiagnosing. We’ve seen it in people from teens on up. One of the biggest problems with it is that it affects both the patient’s eyesight and quality of life. One could blame it on body and hormonal changes, or on working with computers at home, but, again, in order for you to have your best quality of sight, your eyes can’t be dry. Your vision is affected, and it’s not just uncomfortable. As the day goes on, your vision becomes less clear, and you find yourself blinking to get a good quality image.”

Dry eye syndrome is something Naids takes into consideration when a patient comes in to discuss cataract surgery.

“The cornea is responsible for focusing light,” he noted. “If your cornea is dry, we won’t be able to accurately hit our targets as far as cataract surgery. We’ve got to get the dry eye under control first, even if it means delaying surgery for a few months. We suggest intense treatment in the beginning, and then decide on the best maintenance for each patient… There are a few excellent prescription eye drops out there that increase tear production, as well as some other anti-inflammatory medications. We treat oil glands with thermal pulsation — like a massage treatment for the eyelids — wait a few months, then proceed with the cataract surgery after we make sure the patient feels better. But dry eye is a chronic issue. If you let up, it will come back.”

When he’s not working, Naids enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children, playing golf and tennis, and watching his hometown Philadelphia sports teams.

The Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute is located at 2575 S. State Road 7 in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 792-1205 or visit www.fleyedocs.com.

 

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Loving Care For Your Pets All Paws Animal Clinic Is A State-Of-The Art Veterinary Practice Located On State Road 7

Loving Care For Your Pets All Paws Animal Clinic Is A State-Of-The Art  Veterinary Practice Located On State Road 7

Story by M. Dennis Taylor  |  Photos by Abner Pedraza

At an age where many children’s idea of a future career involves tiaras or a cape, Dr. Patricia Forsythe of All Paws Animal Clinic knew she wanted to be a veterinarian.

Planning on a career helping animals from the tender age of 5, she later graduated from the University of Delaware in 1981 and went on to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, where she earned her veterinary degree in 1985. More than three decades later, “Dr. Patty” — as her staff and clients call her — still loves her chosen career path.

“I love people and their pets, and after 36 years, being a veterinarian is the greatest profession for me,” said Forsythe, who ran a clinic in Broward County before opening All Paws Animal Clinic in Royal Palm Beach in 2002.

With her successful practice, Forsythe loves the community she is a resident of and a business owner in. She appreciates that it is a pet-loving community with plenty of space devoted to dog parks for exercise.

Forsythe also enjoys getaways to the Keys and days out on the water with her high school sweetheart, to whom she reestablished a relationship with and is now engaged. “We reconnected after all these years,” she said. “He has grown children, and my family is my pets. I have three dogs and a cat. The dogs are a Shih Tzu and mixes by the names of Sully, Gypsie and Tootsie, along with Pirate, the cat.”

As a complete, state-of-the-art facility, Forsythe said that her practice has great follow through and is interested in the health and well-being of pets for a lifetime. Believing the adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, All Paws strives to avoid many future problems with proper care.

“We are interested in dogs’ dentistry and problems that are below the gumlines,” Forsythe said. “We have digital x-ray and ultrasound, and an in-house lab, and we do diagnostics in house.”

Forsythe explained that on average, pets age about seven years for every one year that people age, so early detection of health problems is very important. She said that it’s crucial to have thorough health examinations once a year. This way, gradual onset of disease in seemingly healthy pets won’t go unnoticed. By the time symptoms do appear, it may be difficult and costly to diagnose and treat the ailment, so annual physicals are a necessity.

The diagnostic testing provided in-house at All Paws is the most sensitive and accurate method of early detection of any type of underlying health problems. The laboratory tests can detect blood disorders, kidney and liver disease, diabetes, infection, thyroid disorders and other hormonal problems. Many of these conditions can be prevented, controlled or completely reversed if diagnosed early.

The facility is among a growing list of veterinarians utilizing cold laser therapy as a means to help patients with acute and chronic medical problems. Commonly known as low-level laser therapy or LLLT, cold or soft laser is a form of photo therapy that involves the application of specific types of light to injuries and lesions to stimulate healing. The effects of LLLT are photochemical, not thermal, often making a pet’s healing process shorter and less painful. The therapy is done at the clinic as an outpatient procedure. There is no sedation required, and it takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes and is very affordable. Cold laser therapy has been shown to be effective with the treatment of a range of medical conditions.

The clinic’s vaccination recommendation is consistent with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). There are guidelines for canines and felines that are required by law. Other vaccinations may be recommended based on the pet’s lifestyle. Parasites, flea and tick prevention and heartworms can also be combated with medication.

“Our clients are our family, and we have a wonderful, caring staff we are blessed with,” Forsythe said. “We have great follow-through to get back to them with the answers for their pet.”

Forsythe added that the clinic treats common skin conditions so prevalent in South Florida dogs.

“We follow your pet throughout their life providing dental care and extractions, if needed. We do the wellness blood panels and follow their health from year to year,” Forsythe said.

Vicki Deitz, the practice manager at All Paws, added that the clinic carries Hill’s pet food, which is specifically formulated to the needs of the dog, as well as the flea, tick and heartworm medications that can help with the many pests common to the South Florida climate.

Deitz explained that the facility has a complete pharmacy, stocking the majority of all pets’ pharmaceutical needs. She also pointed out that the practice has been voted “Best in the West,” three times in recent years.

All Paws Animal Clinic is located at 1011 N. State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 790-9225 or visit www.allpawsanimal.com.

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Living Calla Genics Focuses On Med Spa, Rejuvenation And Sexual Wellness Therapies Your Best Life

Living Calla Genics Focuses On Med Spa, Rejuvenation And Sexual Wellness Therapies Your Best Life 

by M. Dennis Taylor

Calla Genics, which opened earlier this year in the original Wellington Mall, specializes in non-surgical aesthetic medicine. The practice provides clients with the latest in med spa, rejuvenation and sexual wellness treatments.

The practice is the brainchild of Dr. Tiffany McCalla, a board-certified emergency physician with two decades of experience. In recent years, she has become interested in addressing wellness on multiple levels, which led her to establish Calla Genics. “Calla Genics has been my passion project for years,” Dr. McCalla said. “I’ve been a physician for 20 years, and I am the proud owner of this new, state-of-the-art wellness center. We opened our doors on July 1.”

The practice offers aesthetic medical procedures, such as nonsurgical facelifts, breast lifts and acne/scar minimizing. They also focus on rejuvenation treatments, such as hair regrowth/enhancement, IV therapy, vitamin therapy, light therapy, hyperbaric therapy and medical weight loss.

The facility has a concentration in platelet-rich plasma procedures, which helps patients feel and look like a younger version of themselves — regardless of their age.

“Our mantra around here is ‘living your best life.’ We strive to add value to seeing the doctor,” she explained.

Included in the list of services are a number of treatments for sexual wellness, such as hormone insertion therapy, wave therapy, PRP shots, PDE5 inhibitors and peptide therapy.

“It’s not only therapies for sexual wellness and balance,” Dr. McCalla explained. “It’s a place of wellness with a holistic approach to that wellness. We offer a 360-degree approach with partners in other specialties and wellness areas — all with a focus on customer experience and results.”

Dr. McCalla, who grew up in Broward County, has been living in Wellington with her family for nearly a decade. She moved to the community with her husband Alan and her older son Karsten, then an infant. Karsten has since been joined by four-year-old Kaleb. They are being raised in their hometown of Wellington. “We live here and plan to be here,” she said. “Wellington is a place for kids to grow into great adults.”

Known as “Dr. Tiffany” to staff and patients alike, Dr. McCalla was recognized as one of Legacy’s South Florida’s 50 Most Powerful & Influential Woman Leaders of 2020 and as one of the Top 25 Frontline Healthcare Workers in 2021. In addition to practicing medicine, she is president of a nonprofit organization comprised of dedicated healthcare professionals working together to improve health and wellness, access to quality care, and academic and career opportunities for underserved populations in Palm Beach County. “‘Saving the world one patient at a time,’ is an often-repeated motto,” Dr. McCalla said.

Dr. McCalla is active in the Palm Beach chapter of Jack & Jill of America. She is also active in the Alpha Alpha Upsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, the oldest Greek letter organization for women of color, established in 1908. Previously known as the Crowned Pearls of Wellington, this group of more than 50 professional women is also the first panhellenic group to focus on service to underserved people in Wellington and the surrounding western communities.

Through Calla Genics, Dr. McCalla provides patients with the most powerful and proven procedures that eliminate the common signs of aging.

“Calla Genics is a true physician-led facility featuring wave therapy, revitalizing sexual health treatments and laser rejuvenation. Our therapies and products provide benefits for all skin types,” she explained.

The practice features the newest technology in plasma skin resurfacing, gentle laser skin rejuvenation, tightening and hair removal, and cryo-slimming technology, which presents a nice gradual process, with no sharp contours, no scars and no downtime.

The practice opened during the uncertain times of the pandemic, and that was included in the services offered. “The pandemic hit the pivoting point, so we addressed the challenge of the needs of COVID-19 patients on a concierge-based medical service,” Dr. McCalla said. “We even provide COVID-19 testing in people’s homes if needed. It’s all a part of service.”

Calla Genics is located at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suites 9-10, in the original Wellington Mall. For more information, call (561) 252-5398 or e-mail dr.tiffany@callagenics.com. Learn more at www.callagenics.com.

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