Self-improvement is on the rise. To care for others, and to be your best self, you need to put yourself first. Are you ready to make 2019 the year for self-care? We asked local experts how to start feeling healthier, stronger, and happier.
Dr. Christopher J. Cooper
Vice President for clinical affairs and Dean of the College of Medicine and Life Sciences at The University of Toledo
Spotlighted by the Neighborhood Health Association
Related to your practice, what is one symptom that people should look out for?
It is very concerning when people have symptoms of chest pain or shortness of breath with activity, especially if it is new, unexpected or getting progressively worse. These symptoms need medical attention and may need immediate attention.
What do you want your legacy to be?
Making people’s lives better is my hope for a legacy. As a physician-scientist it is the people I have had the privilege of caring for; the students, residents, staff and faculty that I’ve worked with and trained; and the people who have been helped by our research studies that impact the treatment of all people. In my more recent role as Dean of the College of Medicine and Life Sciences, it is improving the health of our community, by training excellent students and residents, and retaining more of them here in Toledo and Northwest Ohio. These doctors, physician assistants, and other healthcare providers will take care of the next generation. That is an awesome legacy, seeing them enter practice in our community and making other people’s lives better.
What’s a good habit for happiness?
A good habit for happiness is being intentional about having a positive attitude and sharing that with others. Good things should be celebrated and problems are often opportunities to make things better. Do both.
Deitra Hickey
Serenity Health & Wellness Center
1685 Lance Pointe Rd., Maumee | 419-891-2181 serenityspamaumee.com
What do you want your legacy to be?
I want my legacy to exemplify what it means to be a true leader. I want to be remembered as a trailblazer and role model who encouraged others to lead in some sort of capacity within their passion.
What’s a good habit for happiness?
To keep life in perspective and learn that you cannot control circumstances, only your reaction to them.
What’s your purpose, and how did you find it?
My purpose is to help people with their overall health, especially their mental health. I found it through my own life journey and eventual transparency.
What’s the best life lesson that you learned last year?
When we had the fire and lost our Serenity Perrysburg location, I learned that life can throw you a curveball at any moment and having an amazing network of people to love and support you is critical.
Olivia Barhorst, Development Coordinator
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Greater Toledo
2753 Central Ave. | 419-243-1119 | namitoledo.org
Do you treat pain (physical, emotional, spiritual)? If so, how do you help clients heal?
At NAMI we are the “What’s Next” step of mental health. We are the place where people reach out for support services such as taking classes, participating in support groups, and using our family navigator to navigate the landscape of where the best places to get mental health treatment in Greater Toledo.
If you could share a message with the world, what would it be?
We at NAMI Greater Toledo hope the world can bust the stigmas against people with mental health conditions. They are not dangerous, sad all the time or crazy. They need support, understanding, extra care, and treated as valued members of society.
What ways do you help your clients practice self-care?
We know that being a caregiver for a loved one with mental health conditions can be tough and a full-time job – but you cannot pour from an empty cup. Our classes teach caregivers of all levels how to take time to regroup and grow themselves through creative expression and relaxation tips.
What’s your purpose, and how did you find it?
My purpose is to help others and I learned that through growing up with a special needs sister. I truly learned that there are so many in the community who need just a listen ear and a helping hand.
Celine Grieselding, owner
The Pilates Studio at Beverly Place
3668 Rugby Dr. | 419-279-7800
How does wellness relate to health?
Health and wellness join together the fact that a sound mind, body and spirit free from illness, pain, and stress are crucial in living an optimal life.
Do you treat pain (physical, emotional, spiritual)? If so, how do you help clients heal?
Pilates alleviates physical pain with proper movement and self care by using specific tools such as the foam roller, spine corrector and reformer.
If you could share a message with the world, what would it be?
Less of everything is more.
What’s your purpose, and how did you find it?
To teach individuals one on one how to work with their own bodies in exercise as well as acknowledging their limitations. I found pilates while being injured from running and weightlifting. Now, I’m ten years injury free.
What’s the best life lesson that you learned last year?
I realized I can trust myself. I’ve survived so much and I will survive whatever is coming next.
Clint Keifer, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology
Great Lakes Audiology
2780 King Rd. #2C | 419-327-2273 | Glaudiology.com
Related to your practice, what is one symptom that people should look out for?
People should really look out for social withdrawal, which can occur over time when communication difficulties gradually arise, often without a conscious realization to the connection with hearing.
What do you wish your clients didn’t do, and what are you proud of them for doing?
Stop using q-tips! Most people don’t realize that usually the ear is self-cleaning (gradual skin growth pushes earwax and debris out) and shoving a q-tip in can work against that mechanism. I am proud of my patients who take a proactive (instead of reactive) approach to their hearing health.
If you could share a message with the world, what would it be?
Hearing wellness goes far beyond the concept of hearing aids, much like vision is more than eyeglasses. If you haven’t had a hearing/ear check-up in the past five years (or since grade school), then it is time!
What are three things you want to do more of in 2019?
Raise awareness about hearing health, improve my own health/wellness, and definitely expand on our family excursions (now that our youngest is moving out of infancy and our twins will be turning four)!
Ashley J. Hirzel, LMT
Open Arms Wellness Center
300 Navarre Ave #204, Oregon | 419-720-8604 openarmsmassagestudio.com
Related to your practice, what is one symptom that people should look out for?
Back and shoulder pain due to stress or everyday pain.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I want people to recognize me for the person who never stopped trying to find them relief. Who never stopped believing in them and always passionately cared about their well being.
If you could share a message with the world, what would it be?
Take time for yourself and enjoy the little things. Put down the phone, stop texting and start calling!
What are three things you want to do more of in 2019?
Take more me time, yoga and meditation time!
What’s a good habit for happiness?
Practice what you preach!
Angie Scott, Medical Aesthetician, Permanent Cosmetics Professional, Laser Technician
Angie Scott Skin Health
3409 Sterns Rd., Lambertville, MI 48144
734-569-6066 | Angiescottskinhealth.com
Related to your practice, what is one symptom that people should look out for?
Skin cancer. With people living longer, indoor tanning prevalence, the ozone layer thinning, and sunscreen companies giving a false sense of protection with products that claim to have an SPF of 100+, people are developing skin cancer at very high rates.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I would love my legacy to be that I was an honest, fair businesswoman with integrity and that I always put the needs of my patients first.
If you could share a message with the world, what would it be?
Find yourself an aesthetician! Everyone needs one! Our skin is the largest organ of our body and we need proper direction to care for it optimally.
What ways do you help your clients practice self-care?
I try to set up a program that best fits their needs, their budget and their lifestyle. It has to be realistic and doable for them or they won’t keep it up and therefore won’t see the results.
Claudia David-Roscoe
Health Foods by Claudia
3904 Secor Rd. | 419-474-2400 | Healthfoodsbyclaudia.com
How does wellness relate to health?
Wellness is a mindful daily approach for good health and positive living. It is a philosophy that has to come from a heartfelt commitment because it’s a daily journey of baby steps learning to become more mindful about our personal choices and understanding they have a collective impact on everyone. Health can be just a word but when it is taken to the next level and embraced as a lifestyle, it becomes the very vehicle that can create positive change for us all.
Related to your practice, what is one symptom that people should look out for?
Our body creates symptoms to tell us when it’s in distress so when your body is talking to you, honor it because it’s asking for your attention. All disease begins with inflammation and the first inflammation begins in the gut from poor quality, refined food. Our greatest power to address inflammatory misery will always begin with our food choices so make positive choices and your body will thank you.
Do you treat pain (physical, emotional, spiritual)? If so, how do you help clients heal?
I have great respect for people that come to us willing to learn about natural healing and willing to make a commitment from their heart to regain their health in a positive safe way and I take pride in knowing we were there to help guide them. Witnessing individuals embrace their own healing journey from a place of love and self-empowerment, rather than fear and feeling helpless is a true blessing. What I pray for every day is that every one take the sugar they’re eating seriously and get rid of it before the crisis hits.
What’s a good habit for happiness?
I believe a good habit for happiness is to always stay focused on the blessings before us, keep the faith each day and always follow our heart ’cause doing things from a place of love is the greatest gift we give ourselves.
Dr. Christy Lorton
Dermatology Associates/ADA Aesthetics
Perrysburg: 12780 Roachton Rd.
Sylvania: 7640 W. Sylvania Ave., Suite E.
ADA Aesthetics: 419-873-6961, adaaesthetics.com
Dermatology Associates: 419-872-0777, daohio.com
What do you wish your clients didn’t do, and what are you proud of them for doing?
We educate our patients to avoid excess direct sun on their skin, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing. We are so proud of them when they adopt these preventative measures and we are are disappointed when we see tan lines.
What do you want your legacy to be?
As a doctor, I would like my legacy to be that I was always thorough, attentive and kind to my patients.
What are three things you want to do more of in 2019?
Work hard, walk more and sleep more!
What’s the best life lesson that you learned last year?
I learned the acronym NOURISH: N – notice nature, O – Observe your breathing – slow/deep breathing, U – unite/connect with others, R – Replenish with protein, I – Initiate movement, S – stay silent/meditate, H – Harness your creativity.
Tamara D. Willingham-Rapp, L.Ac., MSAOM, Dipl. O.M., LMT
Tamara TCM Acupuncture & Herbs Wellness Clinic
120 W. Dudley St., Maumee | 419-345-4996 | TamaraTCM.com
What’s one question everyone should ask themselves?
“How would my highest self react and view this situation?”
What’s your purpose, and how did you find it?
To practice TCM and help others reach their greatest potential! I followed my heart.
If you could share a message with the world, what would it be?
You either can or you can’t, It’s up to you to decide and commit. Take responsibility for your thoughts, behavior and life.
Do you treat pain (physical, emotional, spiritual)? If so, how do you help clients heal?
YES! We are pain specialist! We address all aspect of pain using; Acupuncture, Herbal medicine, Massage, Fire Cupping, Gua Sha, CCT, Reki & more. Check out our website for patient testimonials.
