Wellness Watch

Wellness Collaborative Welcomes Lakewood Community

At 1394 Cranford Avenue you can find an inviting little storefront that is home to five woman-owned small businesses excited to be woven into the Lakewood community. The charming shared space is home to a variety of wellness practioners including a chiropractor, massage therapist, pelvic floor physcial therapist, functional movement yoga instructor, and energy healer/spirtual coach. Together they combine their skills under one roof to serve the community and offer everybody the healing they deserve. 

Dr. Allison Workman owns Posture & Poise Chiropractic which is focused on treating patients of all ages, from children to elderly with a special focus on pregnant, postpartum parents, and children. She offers well-rounded, holistic, and non-invasive chiropractic care. She started the wellness collaborative in September 2020 when consequences of COVID-19 left her searching for a new location for her office. While searching she came across a cozy space that was previsouly home to The Reiki Room. She quickly envisioned herself working side by side with other healthcare professionals in the spirit of wellness and good health. Over the next year Dr. Workman welcomed Michelle Thomas of Ever Mvnt, Alesha Lifka of Mother Nurture Massage, Dr. Nina Palombo of Horizon Physcial Therapy, and Leyla Kuran of Harmony Healing Studios. 

Michelle's mission at Ever Mvmt is to work hand-in-hand to remedy injuries, pain, and daily challenges with mindful movement, a holistic approach to stress, and a plan that fits seamlessly into your daily life. She offers private one-on-one sessions and small group sessions. When Michelle isn't in the office in Lakewood you can find her at Hope Yoga Studio in Fairview Park offering studio classes. 

 

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Volume 17, Issue 22, Posted 2:04 PM, 11.17.2021

Taking A Step Outside Of The Norm Of Healthcare With Self-Care

Everyone has some sort of say in their state of health. Its something people intuitively feel, or at least think. Granted, some situations are more challenging than others to cope with, with some that may even seem outright impossible to change; that shouldnt deter us from beginning or continuing to implement steps to restore wellness in the form of self-care.  

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Volume 17, Issue 4, Posted 3:04 PM, 03.17.2021

Senior PenPal Program

As we start to adapt to this "new normal," our senior community is still experiencing pandemic isolation and loneliness. Almost all senior activities have been put on hold, common gathering areas are closed, and trips have all but ended except to the doctor’s office. While physical distance has been an important precaution to keeping our elder community safe, the lack of social interaction and human connection brings new health risks, especially to one's mental health.

This is where kindness and compassion have to happen. We’re launching a city wide Pen Pal Program in order to bring joy and social connection back to our seniors. Studies show that the simple act of letter writing has many positive benefits. By having a Pen Pal, it will help our elderly stay connected, give them something to look forward to, and provide them with a way to initiate contact if they're feeling isolated. Even more, they can reread the letters at their leisure for ongoing comfort and support.

Letting our seniors know how much they're thought of and that the community cares for their well-being can make all the difference. Here's how you can get involved.

Send a handwritten letter or note of encouragement to a senior and send it to:

Attention: Barton Senior Center

C/O Pen Pal Program

14300 Detroit Ave.

Lakewood, Oh 44107

If you are a senior and would like to be matched with a Pen Pal, you can also send in a letter and we will match you with a member of the community.

Once paired, your new Pen Pal will write a letter back, so keep an eye out in the mail.

 

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Volume 16, Issue 20, Posted 10:13 AM, 10.22.2020

8 Ways To Make Easy, Simple Changes That Impact Your Health

Many of us have goals to live healthier, move more, and eat well. However, busy lives can make it difficult to cook a nutritious meal every night, and it can be confusing to navigate through the many choices at the grocery store or restaurant. These are simple tips that help me get into a health-focused mindset and make smarter food choices.


1. Start small by shifting to healthier foods. Swap out soda for water at lunch, choose an apple with peanut butter instead of chips for a snack, and move from cream based sauces to broth. Shifting allows us to make small modifications without changing our entire eating plan (which is much harder!). These small changes can create big wins, preventing diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

My husband and I know that if we keep junk in the house... we will eat that junk! Instead of having lots of sweets and chips in the house, we try to minimize these. Instead, we snack on fruit, veggies, or homemade desserts (with ingredients we can control). My husband reaches for Zip Fizzes (no sugar, caffeinated mineral drink) instead of Coke during his late work nights. Another trick is taking tempting snacks (such as potato chips) and divvying out all the chips into single servings in sandwich bags. I know people that have been very successful with this!


2. Protein - Go Lean! There's no doubt that protein is an essential nutrient. Go lean by buying skinless meat and choosing lean lunch meat (turkey, chicken, and roast beef instead of salami/bologna). Eat seafood twice a week, such as salmon, cod, or tilapia to get your Omega-3s (some studies have showed this fatty acid actually fights depression!). Meatless Mondays have become popular around the nation. Some people choose to have meat just once a day instead of at every meal. Experiment with plant proteins - use nuts, beans, eggs, soy, and veggie burgers to incorporate protein without meat.

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Volume 16, Issue 10, Posted 3:23 PM, 06.17.2020

Pink Lotus Yoga, LakewoodAlive Partnering To Bring Free Yoga To Kauffman Park

The “Dog Days” of summer are poised to become the “Downward Dog Days,” thanks to a unique collaboration that will soon enable residents and visitors to enjoy the benefits of yoga in the heart of our city’s downtown greenspace.

Pink Lotus Yoga, a West End Lakewood studio, is partnering with LakewoodAlive to showcase the beauty and central location of Kauffman Park in Downtown Lakewood through a series of free Sunday morning yoga classes this summer. 

Sunday Morning Yoga in Kauffman Park, taking place on Sundays from 8:15-9:30 a.m. during the month of August, is open to yoga enthusiasts ages 15 and older at all ability levels. The yoga classes will congregate in the grass near the playground at the western edge of Kauffman Park (15450 Detroit Avenue).

Advance enrollment is recommended. Visit LakewoodAlive.org/parkyoga to reserve your free spot at any or all of the four dates (August 4, 11, 18 and 25).

 

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Volume 15, Issue 14, Posted 7:18 PM, 07.17.2019

20 Minutes After Quitting

In partnership with WYLN (Westshore Young Leaders) we are promoting “My Community, My Health” to help people quit tobacco.

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Volume 14, Issue 23, Posted 2:28 PM, 12.04.2018

Opioids: Winners And Losers In The Crackdown On Prescribing

“First do no harm.” Those are the first four words of the Hippocratic Oath. So, what is the role of physicians in providing vs. withholding opioid medications for patients with chronic pain? And what about the burgeoning opioid epidemic?

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Volume 14, Issue 22, Posted 4:01 PM, 11.20.2018

Holistic Wellness: Your Balanced Life

If anyone reading this has never felt anxious or tired or sore or tense or overwhelmed, or out of whack in any way, PLEASE TELL ME YOUR SECRET! And for the rest of you, know that you are not alone! And know that you do not have to settle for living with these imbalances day in and day out. I practice Holistic Wellness because I have seen, felt and known dramatic & very real positive changes in my life and the lives of others through the implementation of various healing practices & techniques.

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Volume 13, Issue 21, Posted 5:02 PM, 11.08.2017

Halloween Monsters With A Message

Halloween can be scary and so can life, particularly when you are not aware of the risks you are being exposed to. This is why Gail Montani and Mark Schulte of 13897 Edgewater Dr. decided to deliver an important medical alert with their treats for the past couple of years. 'Advocate for Awareness' Gail Montani said, “My mission is to educate the public about the risks of gadolinium-based contrast agents (dye) used to enhance MRI scans. On the top of the list of my concerns are babies, children and teens. This include kids who play sports, mothers in their first trimester ofpregnancy and the rise in painkiller/heroin use.” Current statistics show 30 million children and teens participate in sports. 3.5 million are injured each year. There is a concern for professional sports figures as well. Current statistics show the rise in painkiller/heroin use and report about 6 deaths per day in Cuyahoga County alone.

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Volume 12, Issue 25, Posted 8:36 PM, 12.20.2016

Achieve Peace And Simplicity By Decluttering And Organizing

Organizing. Decluttering. For some people these words can be motivating and lead to a sense of peace and better functioning day to day, due to things being easy to find and use. But these words may also bring a feeling of being overwhelmed, not knowing where to start, not having time to do it, and not having the motivation to do it for various reasons.

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Volume 12, Issue 23, Posted 3:38 PM, 11.09.2016

Beat The Pack: Living Happy and Healthy

Have you been giving some serious thought to leaving cigarettes behind, once and for all? North Coast Health and the City of Lakewood, Division of Aging are combining forces to offer an exciting new option for smokers: "Beat The Pack."  This free smoking cessation program promotes numerous obvious benefits:  Better tasting food, a greatly improved sense of smell, increased energy levels, better smelling hair, clothes, breath and living space, as well as the obvious benefit of having more money in the pocket. 

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Volume 12, Issue 18, Posted 4:10 PM, 08.30.2016

Rocky River Training Studio Expanding

Achieve Fitness Studio located on Detroit road in Rocky River is excited to announce that is will be moving to a larger space over the bridge in Lakewood at the end of this year.

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Volume 11, Issue 22, Posted 2:57 PM, 10.27.2015

Nature’s Bin Presents “An Introduction To Tea” On April 22

Are you curious about the differences between various kinds of tea? Not sure how to prepare loose tea or the tools you need? Join Nature's Bin when they host "An Introduction to Tea" with Sarah Hurt on Wednesday, April 22 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at University of Akron/Lakewood (1415 Warren Road in Lakewood). Ms. Hurt will walk us through the differences and benefits of black, green, white and herbal teas. She will also answer your questions about how to prepare teas and the tools you can use in the process.

Ms. Hurt is an Herbalist, Tea Designer and Product Formulator at "t by Sarah," a local company that produces artisan, hand blended, all natural and organic herbal products. "We are so excited to provide this opportunity for our customers to learn about tea," commented Nicki Schneider, Vitamin, Supplement and Tea Manager at Nature's Bin. "Our customers have a high interest in the different kinds of teas available on the market and I know they will learn a tremendous amount from Sarah who is a master in the field."

Practicing and studying herbalism since 2007, Ms. Hurt has a Master Herbalist Diploma from American College of Healthcare Sciences, and other Herbal Certifications. She is a Certified Tea Master, a Certified Reiki Practitioner and is currently working towards Certification in aroma-therapy. Ms. Hurt is a member of the American Tea Masters Association, The American Herbalist Guild, United Plant Savers, and Ohio Proud.

This program is FREE but registration is required. Please visit www.naturesbin.com or the Nature's Bin Facebook page to register.

Nature's Bin, Lakewood's own independent natural health store, is operated by the nonprofit, Cornucopia, Inc. This natural foods market serves as a training site for a unique and successful program that provides vocational training leading to employment for people with disabilities. Programs hosted at Nature's Bin serve people with a wide range of disabilities including developmental disabilities, autism, mental illness, visual, speech and hearing impairments, and injuries resulting from accident or illness. Nature's Bin has been serving the greater Cleveland community since 1975.

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Volume 11, Issue 8, Posted 6:10 PM, 04.14.2015

Cleveland West Road Runners Starting A New Tradition

Cleveland West Road Runners Club (CWRRC), one of Cleveland's oldest running clubs, is sponsoring the inaugural running of the "Spring in the Park Women's only 10K" on Sunday April 19th at 8 a.m. starting at South Mastick Picnic Area in Rocky River Reservation. The event celebrates the active woman, with a fast course on the newly paved road.

Race director Joanna Brell enthusiastically stated, “The CWRRC Spring in the Park Women’s 10K means spring is here, so let’s go for a run”. While that may seem hard to fathom with this winter, the snow will be gone before you know it. Joanna went on to say, “The new Spring in the Park 10K creates a middle-distance race for women who love to run in the MetroParks, and brings together women runners of all ages and speeds who enjoy those early spring days in our Parks. A run in the park with girlfriends is one of the best ways I know of to welcome a new season.”

In addition to the race, there will be a happy hour at Second Sole (19341 Detroit Ave., Rocky River, OH 44116) with packet pick-up and registration on Friday April 17th from 5-8 p.m. featuring wine and finger foods from Grady's Fine Wines of Rocky River. Entrants will also get a 20% discount on shoes and apparel at Second Sole, a chance to meet up with fellow runners, and tips from yoga and fitness instructors.

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Volume 11, Issue 6, Posted 4:41 PM, 03.17.2015

Winter Weary

Winter is not a season; it's an occupation - Sinclair Lewis

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Volume 11, Issue 5, Posted 6:07 PM, 03.03.2015

"Yoga Basics" Followed By “Drum Circle: Healing With The Power Of Music and Drums” With Tommy Melarago & Friends

The Lakewood Council of PTAs is hosting a wellness series focused on taking care of yourself first. The series will feature workshops specifically designed for busy people looking to create balance and wellness in their lives. Participants will leave each workshop with the know-how to incorporate techniques into their day to day routine to help reduce stress and better manage a hectic schedule. Each instructor is a highly knowledgeable experienced professional certified in their field of expertise.

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Volume 11, Issue 2, Posted 1:08 PM, 01.20.2015

Stress Management For The Holidays

No, it wasn't your imagination. Christmas candy treats and decorations were already crammed on store shelves the day after Halloween! The big box retailers pushed up Black Friday to 6:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day. The television commercials bombard us with images of luxury cars wrapped in giant red ribbons and children playing with the latest electronic gadgets. Don't forget the news coverage of anxious, stressed out people standing in line for those retail 'doorbusters' on Thanksgiving Day.

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Volume 10, Issue 25, Posted 5:13 PM, 12.09.2014

Enhance Your Thanksgiving Season With These Two Free Wellness Workshops

The holiday season is supposed to be full of joy, giving, and merry attitudes. Instead, the stress levels are reaching an all-time high!  With all the shopping, cooking, baking, traveling, decorating, and shoveling through tons of stores (and snow!), it can be very easy to forget to stay healthy and take care of yourself. As a result, many are left with decreased immune systems, increased stress levels, and a few overcooked cookies! Don't lose your sanity this season! 

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Volume 10, Issue 23, Posted 12:41 PM, 11.11.2014

Mature Massage

Among the many unique business offerings in downtown Lakewood is a studio that specializes in massage for senior citizens.

The therapists at Gold-In-Touch are licensed by the State Medical Board of Ohio and specially certified in geriatric massage by the renowned Daybreak Geriatric Institute. Massage therapy is especially beneficial for seniors because more than 80 percent of persons beyond the age of 65 are experiencing some type of health issue related to aging.

Included among the more common health challenges are diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, osteoporosis, edema, coronary artery disease, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, along with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Special considerations and techniques are used by the therapists when working with clients exhibiting any of these concerns and conditions.

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Volume 10, Issue 23, Posted 12:39 PM, 11.11.2014

New Study Finds Probiotics Reduced Cholesterol

Nature's Bin, Lakewood’s own independent natural food store, reports a large new review of more than two dozen clinical studies that found a particular strain of probiotics, L. reuteri, lowered total and bad cholesterol most. Probiotics, known for digestive health, also play an important role in managing cholesterol, doctors in the study said.

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Volume 10, Issue 22, Posted 5:40 PM, 10.28.2014

Makeover Your Medicine Cabinet With Natural Remedies

It's getting to be that time of the year again where the sniffles, colds, and fevers are in high gear. Modern medicine may treat your symptoms, but most are synthetically made, carry many side effects, come with an expiration date, and can become quite costly. Interested in learning how you can find natural, efficient, and simple ways to remedy your seasonal sickness this year before the Polar Vortex strikes again?

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Volume 10, Issue 22, Posted 5:40 PM, 10.28.2014

Reiki And Its Benefits

What Is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese word which means Universal life force energy; Rei - meaning life force or universal and Ki-meaning energy. Reiki is considered to be a complementary therapy that goes hand-in-hand with Western medicine. It is a safe, holistic and non-invasive approach to wellness. It is a practice used in many hospitals, clinics and wellness centers. Reiki is recognized by the Cleveland Clinic.

What Happens In a Reiki Session?

Each Reiki session is done in a calm, serene, private setting. Soft music, low lighting and aroma therapy enhances the session. Clients will be fully clothed, and asked to lie down on a comfortable massage table. During a typical session, the Reiki practitioner's hands are placed on or hover over, a specific area of the body. These areas correspond to the 7 Major Chakras. The Reiki practitioner allows the Reiki energy to channel out through their hands and onto the client. There is no physical manipulation during a Reiki session. Hand placement is usually 3 to 5 minutes per area or longer depending on the client's concerns. After each session the effects of the Reiki will continue 3-4 days.

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Volume 10, Issue 20, Posted 2:16 PM, 09.30.2014

Growth Lessons

When I moved back to Lakewood last summer, after living as an 'expatriate' in San Francisco for 35 years, people were incredulous. As I set about putting down new roots and contributing to Lakewood's economy during my first month back, I procured my Ohio drivers license, Lakewood Public Library card, bank, hairstylist, veterinarian, dentist, optometrist, farmers market, tree trimmer, and car mechanic. Each time I was greeted by the same question: "Whatever made you move back HERE?!"

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Volume 10, Issue 20, Posted 2:16 PM, 09.30.2014

New Schweitzer Fellows To Expand Blood Pressure Management Services to the Underserved

The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy’s Abbey Strazar (Brunswick) and Mary Vincent (Lakewood) have been named 2014-15 Columbus-Athens Schweitzer Fellows. The rising third-year pharmacy students will focus their project on blood pressure management and education for underserved and underinsured people of Greater Columbus.
 
Schweitzer Fellows choose a year-long project that focuses on social factors that impact health, while developing lifelong leadership skills. Strazar and Vincent’s project will expand upon outgoing Schweitzer Fellow Kriss Petrovskis’ project. During the 2013-14 year, Petrovskis worked with the Helping Hands Free Clinic to address blood pressure management. The two women worked the past year with Petrovskis, and have chosen to expand his project to an additional clinic, Grace in the City - Hardin Clinic.
 
“We’ve had a great experience at Helping Hands helping with Kriss’ project,” said Vincent. “We wanted to expand to another clinic and help more people.”
 
High blood pressure is a common, yet deadly condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in every 3 adults has high blood pressure, with only about half of those affected having their condition under control. Additionally, more than 348,000 American deaths in 2009 included high blood pressure as a primary or contributing cause.
 
“As I learned about blood pressure in school, I was surprised how much it can impact other diseases like heart attack and stroke, said Strazar. “Working at the clinics, it is very rewarding to educate patients and be able to see a difference in their health.”
 
In addition to the expansion, Strazar and Vincent will work on improving work flow and record management to provide a consistent patient experience.
 
The 18 Columbus-Athens Fellows will join approximately 230 other 2014-15 Schweitzer Fellows across the United States. Upon completion of their Fellowship year, the fellows will become Schweitzer Fellows for Life.
 
Strazar hails from Brunswick, OH and Vincent is from Lakewood, OH. Both attended Magnificat High School in Cleveland, OH.

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Volume 10, Issue 10, Posted 4:57 PM, 05.13.2014

Wellness Demo Fair At Nature’s Bin On May 17th

Do you have questions about vitamins or digestive supplements? Have you always wanted to try that green beverage you’ve seen but weren’t sure you’d like? Nature’s Bin is hosting a wellness demo fair so that you can talk with vendors and try their products. The Demo Fair will be held at the Cornucopia Vocational training Center on Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. That’s at 18228 Sloane Avenue, just across the parking lot from Nature’s Bin.

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Volume 10, Issue 10, Posted 4:57 PM, 05.13.2014

Lakewood Hospital Offering Valet Parking

Lakewood Hospital is pleased to announce the addition of valet parking services for patients and visitors at the hospital's Belle Avenue entrance which began Monday, November 18, 2013.

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Volume 9, Issue 24, Posted 5:56 PM, 11.28.2013

A Healing Journey With Acupressure

Acupressure is the practice of applying hand or finger pressure to specific energetic or conductive points on the body. It is based upon the same ancient principles as the art of acupuncture, except that it uses the softer form of curved finger pressure on the points.  

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Volume 9, Issue 24, Posted 2:01 PM, 11.12.2013

Nourishing Your Body For The Fall Season

As the weather starts to cool off we may feel inclined to gravitate to those richer, heartier, stick to your ribs kind of foods and that’s not a mistake. That’s not a sudden lack of control that over takes us. It is our nature and our biology to crave these foods because they are the foods that will keep us warm during the winter months.

So how do we take care of our health and eat in a way that is both nourishing and supportive without falling into those rich heavy fattening food traps as the weather cools off? Here are 3 easy tips for you to eat in balance with nature this fall:

Tip Number 1: Eat foods that are in season

There are no mistakes in nature & the best time to eat foods is when they are ripe and in season where you live.  These seasonal foods will taste best and be the most nutrient rich this time of year. Some of my favorite foods to work with in the fall are the ABCs - apples, beets & carrots. Super high in antioxidants and minerals and very versatile. All three can be used as sweet or savory touches.  

Brussels sprouts are fantastic this time of year. Try mashed cauliflower in stead of mashed potatoes. Delicious! Celery root and fennel are 2 of my favorite fall foods. Kale is not just great in green juice it’s a hearty cooking green you can use through fall and winter. All varieties of squash - try roasted spaghetti squash topped with fresh basil and tomatoes. And my absolute favorite fall superfood - pomegranates! Check out your local farmers markets and really take advantage of what’s in season this time of year.

Tip Number 2: Lightly cook your foods to give them a little warmth.  

While eating raw is a great way to nourish your body and in the summer months it feels natural to eat those fresh fruits and veggies, it can be challenging to maintain body heat and metabolism in the winter months without adding in some warmer foods.

The key here it to saute or stir-fry your veggies so that they are warmed but still crunchy, and you want to make sure that they maintain their bright, vibrant color. Once they’re cooked to the point that they start to discolor or get mushy they’ve also lost a lot of their nutrients and enzyme activity. And you don’t have to go overboard.  Keep your fresh juices and salads, but maybe add a cup of soup or top that salad with some sauteed onions zucchini.
 
Tip Number 3: Use spices to create heat.  

Fall is a time off cooling down and slowing down, a time of shorter days and more hours of darkness. In order to stay in balance this time of year it can be helpful to add a little spice into your cooking. Some warming spices include black pepper, cardamom, tumeric, cumin, clove and cinnamon. Mustard & horesraddish are great to use as well. Of course any kind of hot pepper such as cayanne or chipotle will add some heat. You can even heat up your juice by adding fresh ginger. Or make fresh hot tea using ginger juice and lemon. Sipping it throughout the day supports digestion, it’s detoxifying, and it will keep you warm. And of course we can’t Garlic! Garlic is warming, it’s at it’s most plump and sweetest in the fall and is great for boosting the immune system as we go into cold & flu season.

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Volume 9, Issue 20, Posted 8:12 PM, 10.03.2013

Meditation- It's Not Really That Hard To Do- Or Is It?

As I sit at the end of a dock on a sweet little lake in Michigan I am reminded that I feel grateful this morning. Grateful that I can get away to this place- this piece of serenity. I am mindful of the soft waves slapping against the shore and I watch the new ducklings follow their mother along the edge of the sand. I watch the birds fly by on their way over to Lake Michigan and a couple of young teenagers out for an early morning canoe ride pass by.  There is a soft breeze touching the skin on my arms and the sun is starting to glisten on the water. The setting, I decide, is perfect to begin my morning  meditation. It is easy for me to feel more in the moment while I am here, but so often I miss the moment- what is right there in front of me because I am to busy with everything else. Too preoccupied to be in the present moment to be aware of what is really going on.

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Volume 9, Issue 18, Posted 1:50 PM, 09.10.2013

What's All The Buzz About Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is a traditional oil that has been consumed for thousands of years in tropical cultures. Recently it has gotten a lot of attention in the US and has become a staple for the health conscious crowd. Once seen as detrimental to overall health, the medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil are now considered a heart-healthy food. It may also support metabolism and hormone health as well supply many benefits when used topically.

Coconut oil is nature’s richest source of lauric acid, a saturated fat which has been shown to increase the “good” HDL cholesterol in the blood to help improve cholesterol ratio levels. Lauric acid is a medium chain triglyceride (MCT). The digestion of MCTs in the liver has been shown to lead to efficient burning of energy and weight loss.

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Volume 9, Issue 18, Posted 1:37 PM, 09.05.2013

Get Fit For Fall!

Feeling good about the time you spent being active outdoors this summer, but worried about slacking off now that days are getting shorter? Extend your walking season with Live Well Lakewood’s Fit In Five Fall Walking Challenge, which begins on Wednesday, September 11th and continues for four additional weeks, through October 9th.

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Volume 9, Issue 18, Posted 1:37 PM, 09.05.2013

How's Your Posture Doing?

Take a second to observe your posture. How are you sitting or standing right now? Wait a second…don't try to fix anything - at least not yet! Are your shoulders slumped forward? Is your head jutting ahead? Is your back overly rounded or arched? Are you slouched down in your chair or standing much shorter than your actual height? The way we carry our body while we sit and stand is important to our spine’s health and is a reflection of and a contributor to our overall health. Joseph Pilates, the creator of the Pilates method, focused on whole body health, commitment, and breath. He said, "If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old. If it is completely flexible at 60, you are young." Through Pilates, we can have a flexible young spine at any age, gain total body alignment, and have great posture!

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Volume 9, Issue 15, Posted 10:38 PM, 07.24.2013

The History And Healing Benefits Of Traditional Thai Yoga Massage

Traditional Thai Yoga Massage is a therapeutic technique of bodywork that was developed over 2,500 years ago by Jivaka Komarabhacca, a friend and physician to the Buddha and renowned as a healer in Buddhist tradition. When Buddhist monks and nuns migrated from India to Sri Lanka, Laos, Cambodia, Burma, and Thailand, they brought the knowledge of Thai Massage and medicine with them.

Traditional Thai medicine is a natural, holistic approach to health and well-being, developed over thousands of years, which includes proper nutrition, physical exercise, the use of medicinal herbs and therapeutic massage. Traditional Thai medicine is concerned with curing diseases and ailments, and maintaining health and well-being. The medical knowledge developed by Thai people through many generations has come to be known as the ancient wisdom of Thailand.

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Volume 9, Issue 14, Posted 8:59 AM, 07.10.2013

Outdoor Yoga!

Sometimes, as Clevelanders, we really earn our summers. We love being outside as much as we can during summer.

For those of us who also like yoga, or are interested in trying this ancient and proven system of wellness, consider joining Lakewood's Pink Lotus Yoga for Outdoor Yoga this summer. While our schedule is not completely set yet, we do have our Saturday morning class in place, and we're kicking off earlier this year because the weather has recently been so nice.

So Join Pink Lotus Yoga on the boardwalk at Rocky River Park on Saturdays, May 11th-August 31st from 9-10 a.m.

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Volume 9, Issue 13, Posted 11:03 PM, 06.26.2013

A Natural Approach To Allergies

Coughing, sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, hives, eczema, swelling, redness... These are the symptoms of an allergy attack! There are lots of over the counter medications to address these symptoms, but have you ever asked yourself what causes the symptoms to begin with?

Symptoms are your body’s way of letting you know that something is wrong. There are no new processes in the body. When we experience symptoms it is an indication that there is something out of balance, out of sync, or that some bodily function is either overworking or underworking. The question is, “Why?”

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Volume 9, Issue 12, Posted 11:51 AM, 06.13.2013

Benefits Of Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils

As a rule, essential oils bring balance to the human body.

The sense of smell is the only one of the five senses directly linked to the limbic lobe of the brain, the emotional control center. Many emotions emanate from this region such as fear, anger, joy, depression and anxiety. Because the limbic system is directly connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels and hormone balance, essential oils can have some very profound physiological and psychological effects.

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Volume 9, Issue 12, Posted 11:51 AM, 06.13.2013

Buffalo Chicken Burgers

Summer's here! Let's fire up the grill and cook up something tasty.

Buffalo Chicken Burgers

1 lb. ground chicken breast

1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1/4 cup finely chopped celery (about 1 stalk)

1 Tbs. hot sauce

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. freshly ground pepper

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Volume 9, Issue 12, Posted 11:51 AM, 06.13.2013

Holy Basil!

For the last few weeks I’ve been itching to get my hands in the dirt. Now that the weather has settled into a comfortable spring groove (no more 35 degree nights... we hope!) it’s finally time to get some planting under way. I’m planning a mix of flowers, veggies and herbs this year and while I consider all the options one plant stays front and center in my plans - Basil.   

Basil is a cooking staple that can take just about any dish up a notch. From pasta and pizza to thai food to sandwiches to salads. Basil goes with everything. Have you ever tried a basil strawberry martini? Delicious! Homemade pesto?  Yum!

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Volume 9, Issue 9, Posted 10:39 PM, 04.30.2013

Walk into Spring with Live Well Lakewood

We have been waiting a long time for spring to arrive and now it may finally be here. Most of us are making up our "to-do" list; vacuuming out the car, changing out our cold weather clothes for t-shirts and shorts, cleaning up the yard and perhaps even thinking of planting a garden. Did you leave room on your list for your own well -being? Have a plan for sprucing up yourself? No? Not to worry, Live Well Lakewood can get you started. Our FIT IN FIVE Walking Challenge  begins Wednesday, May 8th at the Women's Pavilion in Lakewood Park. The Challenge is FREE, our only requests are  that you dress for the weather and wear appropriate athletic footwear. This spring's Challenge will run for 5 consecutive Wednesdays. It will be followed with a celebration pot-luck dinner on Wednesday, June 12th for participants who walk at least 3 out of 5 sessions.

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Volume 9, Issue 9, Posted 10:39 PM, 04.30.2013

Baked Fish en Papillotte

It’s spring finally! That always makes me want to eat fresher, lighter, healthier. So here’s a recipe for a no fail fish dish. Tilapia is a very mild white fish, but you can use any fish you like. Cod, grouper, walleye, and even salmon work well. I would skip the tuna and swordfish. They are better on the grill.

Tilapia en Papillotte

4 fillets of tilapia, 5-6 oz.

1 med. tomato, sliced

1 shallot or small onion, sliced thin

1 fennel bulb, sliced thin, save the leaves

¼ cup parsley

Salt and pepper

½ cup white wine, good enough to drink with the dish later

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Volume 9, Issue 9, Posted 10:39 PM, 04.30.2013

Can Living in Lakewood Help You Lose Weight & Save Money?

Every year more than 100 million people in the United States go on a diet. We buy diet books, take diet pills, eat only one type of food (vinegar diet, cabbage soup diet, ice cream diet, ?, etc.). And we join fitness centers trying to lose weight – 50 million people sign up for gyms each year.

But these strategies may not be working – more than 65% of adults in the US are obese or overweight, and the number goes up each year. This is much more than just a dating issue – obesity contributes directly to other severe chronic health conditions – including diabetes, cancer, stroke, heart disease, asthma, arthritis, liver disease, and many others. This greatly reduces the quality (and length) of our lives – and directly contributes to the increases we all pay in healthcare costs each year. These costs are not only in our health insurance premium, but in our out of pocket of co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles.

In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), preventable chronic illness is responsible for 75% of all healthcare spending in the United States. And all spending for healthcare is approaching 20% of GDP in the United States. That is twice as large as other western countries, and not sustainable for any economy. The main reason we spend so much more is because we have more chronic and preventable disease.

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Volume 9, Issue 7, Posted 9:25 PM, 04.02.2013

Live Well In Lakewood

Spring is finally here! It’s prime time to take advantage of all the wonderful wellness resources Lakewood has to offer.  As one of Ohio’s most walkable cities Lakewood is a great place to be if you want to live a healthy, active lifestyle.

Did you know that Lakewood is home to 15 parks and over 75 acres of green space? Not to mention 6 yoga and Pilates studios, 4 martial arts centers and 6 gyms. 

Between road races like the Lakewood Hospital Ambulance Chase, group bike rides organized out of Spin Bike Shop on Madison Avenue, and community festivals like the Summer Melt Down, there’s always something to do in Lakewood that will help keep you healthy. And the best part is that many of these activities are FREE!  

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Volume 9, Issue 7, Posted 9:25 PM, 04.02.2013

Spring Pea Salad

Here's a refreshing salad that uses those early spring vegetables. Hang on to this for a couple of weeks because, as of this writing, there is still snow on the ground!

Spring Pea Salad

1 bag (16Oz.) baby peas, frozen or 2 cups shelled and blanched fresh peas

1 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas or a combination of both

1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions

1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes

1/3 cup lemon juice

2 Tbs. vegetable oil

salt and pepper

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Volume 9, Issue 7, Posted 9:25 PM, 04.02.2013

Jazz Up Your Winter

While northeast Ohio winters keep us inside and less active than is ideal, there are options. Thanks to the Lakewood Schools, you can still walk indoors at Garfield and Harding Middle Schools, Monday through Thursday, 6-9 p.m.

Or, you can take part in one of the many fitness programs available in the community. There are several offered through the Lakewood Rec Department, and one of the most popular is Jazzercize. Live Well Lakewood’s March program is targeted to get you out of the house and moving. Join us at City Hall Auditorium on Wednesday, March 13th at 7 p.m. for a session of Jazzercise with Karen Kilbane, and sample some healthy snacks provided by Nature’s Bin.

Karen is a dynamic leader who started Jazzercising in 1983 when looking for a workout that felt right for her.  She found the hour flew by, and best of all, it was fun!

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Volume 9, Issue 5, Posted 9:45 PM, 03.05.2013

Natural Remedies For Aching Joints

Ahhh spring! It’s finally on its way. Mother nature is teasing us with snippets of sunshine and warm(ish) breezes. For me, the first sign of spring is the returning itch to get outside and run. This is likely the result of years of junior high and high school spring track seasons. The smell of the earth thawing means it’s time to start training. And I know I’m not the only one who feels this way!

Look out your windows and you’ll see that it’s no longer just the diehard runners out there who have braved even the nastiest of snow storms in the ultimate display of commitment. Regular folks (like me) are returning to the streets after a long winter to walk, jog and bike.

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Volume 9, Issue 5, Posted 9:44 PM, 03.05.2013

Vegan Chocolate Cake

Everybody needs a treat now and then or a special occasion cake for someone allergic to eggs. This chocolate cake is moist and fudgy and easy to make in one bowl and one pan. Use the best quality cocoa powder you can find. It will make a difference. I'm including a simple white frosting recipe, but feel free to use your favorite frosting or glaze or just dust the cake with powdered sugar.

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Volume 9, Issue 5, Posted 9:45 PM, 03.05.2013

Enzymes: The Key To Healthy Digestion

If a tree falls in the woods and there is no one around to hear it, does it make a sound? That question I can’t answer, but what I can tell you is that if an apple falls from a tree in those woods, it will most definitely bruise. The remaining question is: Why?

When an apple hits the ground, the impact damages cell walls within the fruit, releasing active enzymes that begin to digest the cellular material, resulting in what we call a bruise. This is a necessary process in nature, as the apple must break down in order for the seeds inside to be released into the earth in hopes of becoming another tree. The actions of enzymes are also necessary within our bodies for us to properly digest our foods and utilize the nutrients inside.

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Volume 9, Issue 3, Posted 9:58 PM, 02.05.2013

Prepare Mind, Body And Spirit With Prenatal Yoga

Yoga as exercise is unique in its commitment to every stage of life. The ancient discipline of uniting mind, body and spirit is particularly suited to supporting the rapid changes in a woman’s body and emotions that occur during pregnancy and the months postpartum. Although many forms of exercise increase blood circulation and strengthen muscles, prenatal yoga’s focus on balance, alignment and intentional breathing provides more comprehensive benefits to the mom-to-be.

Prenatal yoga can prevent and relieve many common discomforts of pregnancy, including backache, water retention, digestive discomfort, fatigue, and sciatic pain. In addition, the practice builds strength in all parts of the body, which is increasingly important as a woman’s weight shifts, putting added pressure on the lower back. Prenatal yoga also improves flexibility, stretches sore muscles and helps improve alignment and balance as the baby weight changes a woman’s center of gravity.

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Volume 9, Issue 3, Posted 9:58 PM, 02.05.2013

Hearty Vegetable Chili

Here's a family favorite that you can tailor to your family's tolerance for heat. Make up a batch of your favorite cornbread and you've got a warming, filling dinner.

1 cup T.V.P. (dry soy protein) available in bulk at Nature's Bin

1 cup warm water

1 Tbs. soy sauce 

1 can diced tomatoes (try Muir Glen roasted)

1/4 cup ketchup

1 med. onion, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

1 clove garlic

3 dried Ancho chiles (produce dept. Nature's Bin)

1 dried Chipotle chile (Nature's Bin)

1 Tbs. ground cumin

2 Tbs. ground chili powder

1 Tbs. smoked paprika (if you can't find smoked paprika, use sweet and add a little liquid smoke)

1 can kidney beans, drained

1 can chick peas

 
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Volume 9, Issue 1, Posted 9:24 PM, 01.08.2013

Yin Is In: A Yoga System On The Rise

Last May, I received a teaching certificate in Yin Yoga and have been teaching it steadily since. So, as founder and director of the first of very few studios in the Cleveland area to offer weekly Yin Yoga classes, I was thrilled that a recent issue of O: The Oprah Magazine featured an article on Yin Yoga. Yin Yoga is an incredibly beneficial system of yoga that is just now coming into its own in the vast world of yoga styles and practices.

What is Yin Yoga? O:The Oprah Magazine quotes my teacher and Yin master Paul Grilley, who describes the rising system of yoga like this: “[Yin] work(s) your joints in a way similar to how other types of exercise work your heart.”  In a nutshell, Grilley states, “Yin Yoga is joint rehabilitation.”

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Volume 8, Issue 23, Posted 10:37 AM, 11.14.2012

Magnesium: The Other Mineral

We hear so much about Calcium: How it’s necessary for strong bones and teeth. How deficiencies result in Osteoporosis.  How it’s necessary for healthy gums and a regular heartbeat. How it helps in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. 

What we don’t hear a lot about is another necessary mineral, a deficiency of which can dramatically affect the body’s ability to regulate that vital nutrient Calcium. Magnesium assists in the uptake and regulation of both Calcium and Potassium. That’s right. Without proper levels of Magnesium, the body simply won’t utilize the necessary levels of Calcium. Besides regulating Calcium uptake, Magnesium has an affect on all sorts of body processes.

 
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Volume 8, Issue 21, Posted 8:58 PM, 10.02.2012

Pumpkin Black Bean Soup

Now that the nights are chilly and the autumn harvest is coming in, we thought we'd give you a heartier, warming soup to try. As with all soups, the quantities shown for ingredients are not written in stone. You can adjust them based on what's in your (or you neighbor's) garden, or what you like. Feel free to substitute other peppers of your choice for ours. Use any hard squash. Butternut is one of the sweetest and most easily found. Have fun with your food and use this as a guide line for a tasty combination of flavors.

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Volume 8, Issue 20, Posted 8:58 PM, 10.02.2012

Who Am I?

Most of us might respond to this simple yet profound question without knowing our true self. Without being aware of it, you may take many things as your identity and find yourself saying “I am a man” or “I am a woman” or “I am a father,” “I am a nurse,” “ I am a teacher.”  

However, you may not know much about your own personality and why your job  is or is not a good fit for you. More importantly, you may want to know how better to create and maintain relationships in every area of your life.

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Volume 8, Issue 20, Posted 8:58 PM, 10.02.2012