The Softer Side of Yoga Finding Balance with Yin
The Softer Side of Yoga
Finding Balance with Yin
By Lisha Ross Newhall
In the super connected, always on the go world we live in today, one of the many challenges we all face is finding balance, whether it’s work/life, activity/leisure or exercise/rest. Most of us tend to gravitate to the extreme–working long hours, hitting the gym hard, overscheduling, etc.–leaving little or no time to rest and recover our expended energy. Now, perhaps more than ever, is when the ancient Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang can really come in handy.
As the popular black and white symbol illustrates, Yin and Yang posits that all things exist as inseparable opposites. Yin is soft and passive; Yang is hard and active. To achieve harmony and balance, we need to incorporate both aspects into our lives in somewhat equal ratios. For most of us, though, that ratio is largely in yang’s favor. Over time this imbalance puts major stress on both the body and mind, resulting in a grab bag of unsavory side effects like exhaustion, anxiety, depression and lowered immune function, to name a few. One immersive way to balance out the scales, while learning to calm the mind and enjoy the present, is through the practice of Yin yoga.
Love the Yin You’re In
You probably won’t find a studio that offers “Yang Yoga” by name, but the majority of classes offered fall into this category. The sweat generating, pulse pounding styles of Vinyasa Flow, Bikram, Power and Ashtanga are all yang practices. While nearly all yoga practices offer a pathway to relaxation, Yin yoga is unlike other styles in that it seamlessly blends mild to moderate physical challenge through long holds with mindful meditation techniques and elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to achieve a unique set of benefits that include:
- Deeper Flexibility and Range of Motion: Short stretch times only affect superficial muscle fibers; it takes 30-90 seconds for the stretch to reach the connective tissue that weaves throughout the muscles, longer to get into the tendons and ligaments. These deep tissues are denser and less elastic, so they require a period of sustained moderate pressure in order to release.
- Improved Joint Health: Muscles are designed to engage to protect our relatively delicate joints. In Yin yoga, the idea is to disengage as many muscles as possible while simultaneously putting gentle stress on one or more joints in a safe and supported manner. Much like in acupressure, the body responds by sending blood, oxygen and energy to that area in an effort to “heal” it.
- Optimal Organ Function: From a Western perspective, the actions we perform in Yin–twisting, folding, compressing and decompressing–massage and stimulate the internal organs, encouraging detox and the elimination of waste. According to TCM, these actions stimulate the flow of vital energy or “qi” (pronounced CHEE) through the organs and limbs by way of invisible channels called meridians. If qi cannot adequately flow through the meridians, physical and emotional ailments will occur. On the flip side, when qi freely flows, the organs work in harmony and radiant health is achieved.
- Stress Reduction: Pranayama, or breath work, is a key element of Yin yoga. It helps the practitioner take in more oxygen, tolerate potentially unpleasant physical sensations, and slow down a racing mind. Studies have also shown that deep breathing techniques turn off the body’s fight or flight response and put it in rest and digest mode, during which the heart rate slows down and the organs of digestion filter out waste.
To achieve these benefits, Yin poses largely target the body from naval to toes, and with few exceptions, they are passive, seated forward folds and gentle backbends. Fully equipped studios will offer folded blankets, blocks and bolsters for added support and to help students release into the postures.
Putting it All Into Practice
While Yin is a softer, gentler form of yoga, it would be a mistake to equate “relaxing” with “easy”. First-time students are often taken aback to learn they are expected to hold their poses for three to five minutes. Most of us aren’t wired to sit still for very long, and the busier, more chaotic our lives are the harder it is to do so. That alone comes with inherent mental challenges, and can be frustrating for beginner students.
To help guide students through these hard spots, a good teacher will layer the practice with mindful meditation techniques, most of which are fairly attainable for even the most distracted student. A few common methods are focusing on the breath, noticing how the ground feels beneath you, and observing, without fixating on, your physical sensations and thoughts. The latter bit requires time to master, but practicing it regularly can have profound positive results both on and off the mat. Even if all of this seems a bit out of reach, you can still get a great deal out of your practice by simply adhering to the three basic principles, also known as Tattvas, of Yin.
Find Your Soft Edge
Yang classes challenge students to take their postures to a place that requires strength and maximum effort. Yin asks only that you get to where you feel a significant stretch that’s just outside of your comfort zone, then listen carefully to your body’s messaging. Here, you can focus more fully on your breath and either move deeper as the muscles release and open, stay where you are, or back out if it becomes painful. Exerting effort to stay in an extreme version of a pose will actually counter any positive gains.
Come to Stillness
Once you’ve found your soft edge, the next step is committing to be still in body, breath and mind. Resisting the urge to fidget can be a big ask, but over time you’ll learn to tolerate discomfort, whether it’s an intense pull in your outer thigh, a hair on your forehead, or a nagging desire to see what everyone else is doing. Moving the body engages muscles and requires energy, which can disrupt the quality of the breath. Stillness of breath comes when you engage in slow, steady, unlabored breathing. Lastly comes stillness of mind. The body and breath are under our conscientious control; it’s much harder to avoid analytical thinking and rumination, but in stilling the body and breath, we then create the conditions necessary for the mind to become quiet.
Stay for a Time
In a group class, most postures are held for three to five minutes, though advanced practitioners may hold poses for as long as ten minutes. A lot can happen during this time. On a physical level, the muscles are opening, the deep tissues are releasing, joints are being nourished, the heart rate slows down, and energy, blood and oxygen are being distributed to the places that most need them. On a mental level, this time affords practitioners the space to breath, meditate, marinate in the body’s sensations and forget about the world outside.
As you foray into Yin and apply the Tattvas, it’s important to remember that relaxation is a skill that needs to be practiced. It doesn’t come naturally to most of us; yet, it’s a vital component to a balanced lifestyle. If you don’t get it right the first time, don’t give up. Yin, like most other forms of yoga, can teach us a great many things about ourselves and how we interact with the world around us. Above all else, it teaches us to live in the moment and to accept things as they come, for without sour there is no sweet, without dark there is no light, and without challenge there is no growth. Namaste.
Sidebar
Relative to other forms of yoga, Yin is fairly new to the scene, and thankfully growing in popularity in Las Vegas. The following studios offer a variety of classes, each putting their own unique spin on the practice by incorporating elements like candlelight, aromatherapy and yang flows to complement the yin. Happy yinning!
Henderson/Green Valley
Modo Yoga Las Vegas
3638 E. Sunset Rd., Ste. 110 | (702) 331-2030
TruFusion Eastern
8575 S. Eastern Ave. | (702) 982-2930
Evolution Yoga
1225 Warm Springs Rd., Ste. 120 | (702) 383-3001
Lifetime Fitness Green Valley
121 Carnegie St. | (702) 802-7300
www.lifetime.life
Summerlin Area/West Side
TruFusion Summerlin
1870 Festival Plaza Dr. Ste. 200 | (702) 906-2777
RYK Yoga and Meditation
8450 W. Sahara Ave., Ste. 109 | (702) 478-9600
Yoga Sanctuary
7915 W. Sahara Ave., Ste. 101 | (702) 240-7666
Lifetime Fitness Summerlin
10721 W. Charleston Blvd. | (702) 228-2611
www.lifetime.life
Downtown
Blue Sky Yoga (Inside the Arts Factory)
107 E. Charleston | (702) 592-1396
Sin City Yoga
1231 S. Main St. | (702) 900-8244
Finding Fitness on the Wild Side
Finding Fitness on the Wild Side
By Rob Kachelriess
Looking to mix up your fitness routine? It may be time to add a little animal intrigue to your workouts. A few businesses around Las Vegas know how to tap into your wild side and keep your body in top condition.
Stretching out with Goats
Goat yoga comes with a few warnings. If you have anything you don’t want to get chewed on or used as a bathroom, keep it outside of the fenced-in area where the session is taking place. If you see something that looks like a raisin, don’t eat it, although, it’s definitely organic. And—this isn’t ultra-serious. The classes are as much a photo op as a yoga session. Think of it as an interactive petting zoo.
“It got so popular so fast,” says Nicki Taylor, a performer for X Burlesque at the Flamingo who teaches classes for Goat Yoga Las Vegas on the side. “The first year, we were sold out months in advance, no matter the weather. I think since last year, it’s taken off in many other states, but we are the only goat yoga here in Las Vegas.”
The idea originated at a farm in Oregon and spread quickly around the country, thanks to the power of social media. Brandon Nobles and David Lee Brown, who also work at the Flamingo as dancers for Donny & Marie, happened to own about 15 goats at their farm near Lake Las Vegas and fell in love with the concept. They founded Goat Yoga Las Vegas and generally offer three classes a week at parks and other locations throughout the valley.
Participants bring their own mats and follow basic yoga routines while the goats mingle around them. Expect the animals to come around for pets, crawl around you and even hop on your back. “That’s why we keep everyone close together,” says Taylor. “We’re human playgrounds for them.”
Classes, often held in parks around the valley, are limited to 30 participants who must sign up in advance online. No walk-ins allowed, but all ages and experience levels are welcome. “Goat yoga is a little more goats than yoga,” adds Taylor. “If people want to ramp it up, they can. But if you just want to sit and pet goats, it’s more about the experience of being outside with movement, nature and the animals.”
The classes are also a great gateway for those getting familiar with yoga for the first time. Regardless of the intensity level, a goat yoga session is a great way to start the day and boost the endorphin levels in your body. “People really laugh and smile the whole time,” says Taylor. “It’s a mood lifter. And people are always surprised at how good they feel. They don’t realize they’ve been stretching or working so long, because they’ve been distracted by the goats.”
And the animals seem to have nearly as much fun as the humans, especially during feeding time. “These goats are very spoiled,” says Taylor. “We love them very much.”
For information on Goat Yoga Las Vegas, visit www.goatyogalv.com or call 239-265-7459.
Swimming with Mermaids
Marielle Chartier Hénault has made a fascinating career choice by merging her passion for “swimming, Disney princesses and fitness” into a mermaid swimming school. Although the idea was inspired by an online video of a similar concept in Germany, Chartier Hénault saw an opening in the North American market and founded AquaMermaid in Montreal in 2015. Business spread quickly with affiliates now established throughout Canada and the United States, including Las Vegas where weekly classes are held all year long at the indoor Municipal Pool at 431 East Bonanza Road.
“We mix synchronized swimming, monofin swimming and the dolphin kick of the butterfly stroke,” says Chartier Hénault of the program, in which swimmers wear mermaid tails while in the water. “We target the core muscle, mainly the abs. Most people say the class is harder than it looks. Yes, you will be a beautiful and magical creature, but it’s a workout.”
Once the classes took off, AquaMermaid began manufacturing and selling mermaid tails, since regular participants wanted to own their own equipment. “There are two types of customers,” Chartier Hénault points out. “There are ones who want a fitness class and come every week to see progression and learn a lot of techniques. Then we have people who want to come as a one-time activity and check ‘I was a mermaid’ off their list.”
The class is popular for children’s birthday parties, bachelorette parties and team-building sessions. Classes are divided between kids 7-12 and teens-adult. “In Vegas, there are a lot of things to do at night,” says Chartier Hénault . “There are all the clubs, the casinos and eating a lot, but this is a really good afternoon activity to do with your friends.”
Las Vegas has proven to be a great location for recruiting exceptional instructors, including performers with experience in Strip shows like Le Reve and O by Cirque du Soleil. If you’d like to experience AquaMermaid for yourself but don’t want to travel downtown, private sessions can even be booked in backyard pools.
For more information on AquaMermaid, visit www.aquamermaid.com or call 866-279-2767.
Fly through the Air on a Trapeze
If you want to fly like a bird or swing like a monkey, Trapeze Las Vegas has you covered. Founded by Lisa and Stéphan Cote, two former aerial performers at Circus Circus, the school offers classes in both traditional and modern forms of physical circus art.
Almost anything you can imagine in a classic big top or contemporary Cirque du Soleil show is here, including aerial silk, hoops, static trapeze, trampoline walls and vertical Chinese pole climbing, which grew in popularity after it was featured in Oceans 11.
“We’ve also got tumbling, juggling, unicycles, contortions—honestly, you name it,” says Wendy Wallington, who handles marketing and promotions. “We really have a vast range of classes.”
Trapeze Las Vegas started in a backyard about six years ago and quickly expanded. It now has a large indoor facility near Sunset and Valley View that offers more than a hundred classes a week. About a mile away, the school operates a large outdoor flying trapeze rig at the Las Vegas Sports Park. That’s where you’ll see a mix of local regulars and visitors “swinging through town.”
“One of our best trapeze students is in his 70s,” says Wallington. “He’s amazing—and not from a circus family. He’s a chiropractor in town and found this as a great fitness outlet.”
Many of the instructors are current performers on the Strip, and their work with Trapeze Las Vegas serves two purposes: It’s for fun and fitness, but it also trains the entertainers of tomorrow. Prospective students of all ages can sample a lit bit of everything with discounted trial classes and camps on holidays and throughout the summer.
Wallington puts it best: “There’s a place for everyone at the circus.”
For more information on Trapeze Las Vegas, visit www.trapezelasvegas.com or call 702-551-4858.
Farm Fit
FARM FIT
by
Amanda M. Quinn
You’re half way through 2019 and sticking to your resolution to get in shape. Perhaps you’ve bought a gym membership, hired a personal trainer or embarked on a new diet. But what if I were to tell you to abandon those mainstream options to go live on a farm instead?
That’s exactly what I did. For two years I was a certified personal trainer. I hoped acquiring that knowledge would motivate me to get in shape. It didn’t. I just became a hobbyist personal trainer who didn’t exercise.
Exasperated with myself and my failed enterprise, I threw my hands up in despair. Feeling the need for a jarring change, I dropped everything to go live and work at Quail Hollow Farm in Overton, NV for 10 weeks.
There on the farm, I learned the true meaning of humility, and my fitness knowledge was put to the test. By the end, I was in the best shape I’d been in since I was a teenager. It’s incredible what fresh food, sunshine, clean air and manual labor can do for your body.
I understand not everyone has the luxury to leave behind their lives to be a farm trainee. Luckily, infusing your life with Farm Fit principles has never been easier. I did all the dirty work for you. By following these principles, you can enjoy the benefits without accidentally sitting in fresh cow poop like I did.
The Farm Fit Program for City Folk
Principle #1: Farm Nutrition
My favorite perk of the farm internship was being included in their weekly Full-Farm CSA (community supported agriculture). This meant I was able to pick my groceries from a list of available items on the farm every week, ranging from meats, eggs, dairy products, grains, herbs and produce. I learned to eat what was in season and to make well-rounded farm fresh meals. Within days of eating this way, all of my chronic digestive problems disappeared.
Minimize your intake of processed foods and start eating fresh foods instead. If you can afford it, the Full-Farm CSA is offered to residents of Las Vegas and Henderson and is delivered straight to your home. Alternatively, you can join their regular CSA for a bag of produce each week delivered to a drop off location.
If a commitment to a CSA sounds too daunting, you can still obtain fresh food from farmer’s markets around town almost every day of the week. Or, shop directly at a farm in town. (See website links in sidebar.) Learn to eat what is in season, prepare farm fresh produce at home and try new foods!
Principle #2: Plenty of Sunshine
I spent about 8 hours a day outside in the sun. Aside from initial sunburns, remedied by wearing a hat and buying sunscreen, I was amazed at the healing powers I experienced from the sunshine. My skin took on a healthy glow and my mental health was suddenly pristine.
Fast forward to the present, where I’m back to my routine of staying up late and spending most of my waking hours peering at a computer screen. I’m definitely feeling the consequences. If you have a job that requires you to stay indoors during daylight hours, you may be feeling these subtle effects, too. Insomnia, anxiety, depression and fatigue are the most common.
Luckily, there’s still a way to get the sunlight you so desperately need. Purchase a UV lamp for your home or office to give you a boost when going outside isn’t an option. Even just 10-20 minutes near the sun lamp each day can bring dramatic improvements to your sense of well-being.
Principle #3: Fresh Air
Only an hour outside of Las Vegas, the air quality in Overton is drastically cleaner. At night, you can see the Milky Way and count shooting stars. I noticed my allergies were virtually eliminated.
Fresh air can be hard to come by in the city. Opening a window can help a little, but the haze of pollution seen from the outskirts of Las Vegas is concerning. On days off, escape the smog and breathe fresh air from places like Mt. Charleston, Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire.
During your workweek, however, you may want to invest in some equipment to help you breathe easier. Utilizing humidifiers and air purifiers can help with allergies, dry skin, dermatitis and more. They also help combat the unavoidable pollution you are exposed to in the city. With these inexpensive tools, making a refuge of clean air in your space is available at the touch of a button.
Principle #4: Manual Labor
By far, the most physique-changing experience on the farm was the manual labor. Instead of lifting weights, I hauled 5-gallon buckets of compost. Rather than using a treadmill, I walked up and down a steep hill between the greenhouses. Farm animals had to be wrangled, weeds had to be pulled and fields had to be harvested.
Don’t limit physical activity to times and places you set aside for exercise. On the farm I wasn’t counting sets and reps, tracking steps or making sure my right side got the same amount of exertion as my left side. I was just working and living.
Find areas in your own daily routine where you can exert more physical energy than usual. Take the stairs instead of an elevator. Park farther away from building entrances. Carry heavier loads of groceries instead of multiple light loads. Be creative. The more active you can be in your daily life, the better. Small additions to the frequency of daily activity will make more of an impact than sporadic diets and short-term bouts of spin classes.
Also, the more you can integrate the principles, the more likely Farm Fit will stick. For example, get sunshine, fresh air and manual labor all at once when you go hiking. You don’t need to abandon city life like I did to put this Farm Fit program to work for you. By following these principles you can enjoy the health benefits of a farmer while retaining your city roots.
Helpful Links for Farm Fit Living:
In Pursuit of Patience
In Pursuit of Patience:
Cultivating Composure in a Right-Now World
By Michelle Vessel
Instant downloads. Online streaming. Paying with a wave of your phone. Getting groceries or takeout delivered with the click of an app. Communicating by way of emoji-laden texts, often in as few actual words as possible. In the hyper-paced, technology-centric world we’re living in, the concept of waiting has pretty much gone by the wayside, taking the need to be patient right along with it.
More Than a Virtue
While that old adage about patience still applies, what you might not know is that its flipside, impatience, has been linked in recent research with a truly staggering array of negative health conditions and life outcomes. Having a short fuse can quite literally kill you, whether by exacerbating health problems like hypertension, cardiovascular disease, premature aging and decline, substance abuse, stroke risk and obesity, or by prompting you to make dangerous decisions, such as veering into oncoming traffic in a no-passing zone to get around a slow-moving car. Impatience is also correlated with fewer friendships, financial problems and chronic procrastination.
So what can you do if you happen to be the high-strung type? Patience (or lack thereof) is an inborn personality trait, right? Either you’re blessed with it at birth or you’re out of luck. Actually, there are decades’ worth of research indicating that this is a widespread misconception. Although it is true that some people are naturally calmer and more even-tempered than others, patience can also be seen as a skill that can be developed and enhanced over time using a number of different techniques and practices.
Practice Makes Patience
In one recent research project conducted by Dr. Sarah Schnitker, a neuroscientist at Baylor University, the study participants took part in a training program designed to increase patience. The results? At the end of the program, the participants displayed increased patience, decreased depression, and overall increased levels of happiness. What’s more, other studies have shown that those who successfully improve their patience levels also show heightened levels of other positive emotions, such as empathy and compassion.
Sounds great! Where do I sign up? According to Dr. Schnitker, the most important thing to remember is that you can’t just suddenly decide to be a more patient person and instantly see results. Instead, the way she and her colleagues were able to help people become more patient was to frame the process as a kind of structured training regimen, like one you might undertake if you decided to build up your stamina to run a 5K race.
Culled from the work of Dr. Schnitker and other experts working on similar research, here’s a five-step plan for becoming a more patient person and reaping all of the mental and physical benefits that come with calmness and composure.
- Pinpoint your impatience triggers.
Even the most tolerant and stoic among us have pet peeves that set us off. The first step in cultivating patience is to take an inventory of the situations, people, places and things that are most likely to push you into a simmering state of annoyance. It’s impossible to rearrange your life to eliminate every inconvenient thing imaginable, but sometimes we plunge ourselves into irritating scenarios unnecessarily. Once you’ve decided to try to develop more patience, look at your lifestyle through a different lens and try to remove as many stressors as possible, even if that just entails minor changes like taking a different route to work or waking the kids up 15 minutes earlier to ease the before-school craziness. For those unavoidable situations that are impatience triggers, identifying them in advance can help you prepare yourself mentally beforehand so you can face them down with a calmer mindset.
- Learn to sit comfortably with impatience.
Think about a time recently when you were overcome with impatience. What were the physical sensations you experienced? How did you feel emotionally? How did you react? What could you have done differently to defuse the situation? The next time you find yourself in an annoying situation and you start to experience the physical sensations of impatience, force yourself to focus on the symptoms and think about why you’re feeling this way. What specifically is leading you to feel stressed out? Then take a few deep breaths and think about something pleasant or a future event you’re looking forward to. According to Daniel Goleman, the author of Emotional Intelligence, this shift to analytical thinking short-circuits your inner caveman’s often wildly disproportionate “fight-or-flight” response to something like being stuck in a slow-moving checkout line.
- Tell yourself a different story.
Baylor neuroscientist Dr. Schnitker is a proponent of the technique known as cognitive reappraisal, which essentially just means looking at the stressful situation in a different light. Once you’ve identified the physical and emotional symptoms of impatience and interrupted them, you can boost your calmness even further by adding some much-needed perspective to the situation. How does being more patient connect to your overall values? Do you want to be the type of person who snaps at a teenage store clerk who made a simple mistake, or the type of person who reacts to adversity with poise and grace? The key is that impatience is all about focusing solely on the moment, whereas patience depends on your ability to mentally extract yourself from fleeting annoyances.
- Celebrate your progress.
In keeping with the metaphor of training for a 5K, it’s important to track your development as you steadily improve your patience. If you exhibit patience in a situation that typically would have set you off, congratulate yourself! Consider keeping a “patience journal” akin to a gratitude journal, in which you track your progress each day and list a few calm responses that you’re proud of. Pick a few small treats, like a bubble bath or a self-care spa blitz, that you reserve for particularly proud moments on your patience journey. This can be a particularly powerful tool in helping your brain to lock in the patience habit.
- Zoom out and take steps to help yourself be more patient.
In addition to minor changes to your daily schedule and habits to help you be more patient, consider making some larger-scale lifestyle swaps as well. Factors such as eating well, getting enough rest, keeping alcohol and caffeine use moderate, and exercising regularly are all part of the big picture when it comes to cultivating patience. One of the most helpful lifestyle changes researchers associate with improved patience is having a regular yoga or meditation practice, both of which promote the type of mindfulness that is really at the heart of the concept of patience. Finally, try not to bite off more than you can chew. If you try to cram more than you can reasonably accomplish into your daily schedule, you’re setting yourself up for inevitable defeat.
There’s no way to totally eradicate petty annoyances from your life. But with just a little practice and perseverance, you can completely alter the way your brain processes and reacts to these inevitable frustrations– and reap the physical and emotional benefits of more patience at the same time.
New Year, New Pet: 5 Steps for a Happy Transition
New Year, New Pet: 5 Steps for a Happy Transition
By Ashlee Verba
With Christmas behind us and 2018 coming to a close, you may have recently welcomed (or been thinking of welcoming) a new pet to your household, which is a very exciting way to start the new year. But if you think bringing a new animal home is as easy as adopting it and bringing it through the door, you’re unfortunately mistaken. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or welcoming a new addition to your existing brood, here are five necessary steps toward preparing yourself and your household for a new year with a new pet.
Step 1: Research
Thank goodness for the internet! If you’re considering a new pet, hop online and research the best breed for your lifestyle. It’s important to consider things like how big they’ll get, their temperament and energy levels, food intake, grooming needs, and common health issues. If you’ve already gotten the new addition, conduct the same research specific to their respective breed (or breeds, if they’re mixed) so you know how best to prepare for a life together. Be realistic in what you’re able to provide for the animal and know that it’s ok to take your time in finding what you want.
Step 2: Prepare
Once you’ve found the perfect new addition for your household, it’s time to prep the space and buy what’s needed. Of course, there are the usual things like bowls, a bed and a leash or litter box, but you’ll likely need a few more things. You don’t need to go overboard, but a few chew or scratch toys should be there upon arrival to help your pet learn what’s theirs and avoid nuisance destruction. If you’ll be crate training, have the appropriate-sized crate waiting for them and begin training their first night home, for consistency. You may also need to prepare a meeting space for existing animals, be it a separate room or outdoor space (see step 3 for more introduction tips). And, of course, prep your new buddy with the necessary vaccines before exposing them to your existing brood.
Step 3: Introducing New Pets
If you already have a pet and are brining a new little friend into its world, it can be nerve-wracking. As long as your current animals don’t have a history of serious aggression, it’s totally doable. The most important thing to do is remain calm.
There are a few ways you can accomplish the meet and greet. One option is to bring your existing animal(s) to the shelter prior to adoption to see how they get along, which avoids the heartbreak of bringing the new pet home only to learn it won’t work. This option can be stressful for your current pet(s), as they are out of their element and surrounded by new smells and unknown barking dogs, so you may not get the same results you would if they were in a less taxing environment.
The second, and most commonly recommended way, is to introduce the new buddies on neutral territory, like a park, and let them get to know each other the best way dogs know how: sniffing and chasing. Keep the leashes handy in case you need to intervene but, so long as the space is enclosed, it’s best to allow an off-leash introduction, as leashes can sometimes amplify pets’ anxiety. As an added bonus, this also burns excess energy so that everyone’s not wound up upon arriving home where the real coexisting starts.
The third way, which is likely best for introducing a new cat, is to designate a space for your existing animal and allow the new pet to roam the home and get acquainted. Once that happens, switch the pets’ spaces so that they can essentially sniff each other out. It’s recommended to let the animals see one another prior to meeting, either through the back door or a baby gate, but it’s up to you, as that will depend a lot on your current pet’s temperament and excitability. The most important thing with this method is to be present and proactive; don’t allow any aggression or bullying from either side and let your pets know you’re there for them by soothing them as best you can.
Step 4: Training
Just like parenting children, training your pet educates them and helps them to be more confident and amicable companions while also enhancing your bond. For cats, training may only go as far as establishing boundaries of where they are allowed and where they’re not, such as kitchen counters and tabletops, but if you’ve got an apt kitty on your hands, train away! (You can even toilet train a cat, for those who loathe the litter box.) For dogs, common commands such as sit, stay, wait and come should be practiced regularly; not only will it reiterate your role as pack leader but it makes your life easier to have a well-behaved pet. It could even save their life in certain situations. Training, of course, can go much further than sit and stay, but it’s certainly recommended to practice the fundamentals regularly. Always remember: the trick to effective training is treats!
Step 5: Managing Expectations
Bringing a new pet home can be hard. If things don’t go exactly as you imagined (and, let’s be honest, they likely won’t), it’s hard to stay positive and think things will change for the better. Sometimes it can take months for the sand to settle and pets to peacefully coexist, so be patient with yourself and your animals, as everyone is acclimating to the new presence. The best thing to do is to be present and diligent in establishing acceptable behaviors.
It’s also important to know that, while utterly adorable, young animals pose their own set of challenges. If you’ve never raised a puppy or kitten before, be prepared for biting, chewing, scratching, peeing and endless energy at seemingly inconvenient times (here’s looking at you, sunrise.) It can be especially hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel with young pets. It’s easy to think they’ll never grow out of these horrible habits, but with the right combination of love, training, and consistency, your young animal will turn into a tailor-made companion who only has eyes for you.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to bringing a new pet home, especially with existing animals, so modify these steps to fit your situation and do what’s best for your household. Remember to be patient and present, and that things will likely change with consistency and time. Here’s to a wonderful 2019 filled with a whole lot of four-legged love!
“Alexa: Find Rover!” The App for Lost Pets
“Alexa: Find Rover!”
The App for Lost Pets
By Ashlee Verba
Technology these days is truly incredible. With just the sound of your voice, Alexa can provide the perfect playlist, Siri will give turn-by-turn directions from here to New York City, and the mere shape of your face can unlock your phone and authorize online purchases. Imagine if a small fraction of that technology was dedicated to finding lost animals instantly. Well, the app Finding Rover did just that, and the Animal Foundation is bringing it to the valley to aide in their life-saving mission.
Finding Rover is the first and only facial recognition technology developed to find lost pets in real time. As an owner, all you have to do is create a free profile for your pet and save it to their database of over two million animals. In the event your pet gets lost, whoever finds them can upload an image to the app or website and the facial recognition software immediately brings up the contact information saved to your pet’s profile—getting them back home where they belong. With over 15,000 success stories and a live demonstration on Good Morning America, Finding Rover’s technology is unprecedented, and will inevitably help Las Vegas’s high-volume shelter.
According to Kelly Leahy, Communications Manager of the Animal Foundation, the shelter receives an average of 80 animals a day, with the majority of them being lost pets. She says their hope with the technology is to bring the community together to get lost animals home faster; this is one of many improvements the shelter is making for their Mission Possible 2020 campaign—an initiative to save and rehome every viable animal they can by the year 2020. Leahy also mentioned that the biggest hang-up with the technology is simply getting the word out so people actually use and trust it. So, how does it work? What can owners do to optimize their pet’s chances of being brought home? How can other shelters get involved? What’s the catch? Not to worry, we sniffed out all the need-to-know details on this amazing software so that you can get your paws on it without worry.
How It Works
Mark Marrello, Chief Operating Officer of Finding Rover, recognizes people’s wariness of the technology, which is constantly being updated and improved. When the first app-only version launched in 2014, the pet’s image needed to meet certain requirements, such as a blank background and front angle to ensure optimal results. The company quickly realized it was difficult for shelters and individuals who found lost pets to provide such images, so the software was updated to filter only the necessary parts of the image, such as the geometry of the face and any respective markings.
Just like human facial recognition, the software uses the shape of the face, eyes and ears, as well as any distinct markings of the fur, to find your pet in their database. The app will also use your location to find lost pets (or their owners) in real-time within a 200-mile radius. The best part is that as long as your pet has a profile, and whoever intercepts them knows about Finding Rover, their chances of coming home just got a whole lot higher.
Making a Profile
Whether you download the app or go to FindingRover.com on your computer, making your pet a profile is completely free and takes less than 20 minutes. According to Marrello, young dogs’ pictures should be updated at least annually, as their face changes so much in the first few years. Owners should also update their pet’s profile picture if the geometry of their face changes, such as a fluffy Chow Chow being shaved down, making it significantly smaller. As far as weight gain or signs of aging, Marrello says as long as their markings and face shape remain similar, the technology is advanced enough to recognize them. That being said, it certainly doesn’t hurt to keep the picture, and your contact information as recent as possible for your peace of mind.
Local Shelters: You’ll Want to Hear This
Technology aside, the most incredible part of Finding Rover is that it is completely free for both pet owners and shelters. Shelters interested in integrating facial recognition technology into their mission can simply contact the company and consent to a one-time setup for the software to be installed (also free of charge). There’s no contract, and most importantly, it does not duplicate any efforts on behalf of the shelter staff. By uploading pets’ images to the shelter’s website, they automatically get uploaded to Finding Rover’s, too. Marrello says that any shelters who remain skeptical of the price can reach out to him or one of the shelters using the technology and ask how much they’ve spent on their partnership with Finding Rover: Nothing. Seriously, it’s completely free.
Individuals with an affinity for helping animals can also integrate a Finding Rover widget on their social media or blog pages, because the more people creating profiles for their pets means both the database and the number of successful matches increases, too.
What’s the Catch?
There is no catch. For owners, it’s truly as simple as creating a free profile, uploading a picture, and keeping the information current. For shelters or individuals who find a lost pet, it’s as simple as downloading the app (or going to the website) and uploading a picture under the “Lost” or “Found” section of the website. The results are immediate, meaning there’s no lag time in providing the pet’s profile; as long as the information exists on both ends, that sweet fur baby’s going to sleep at home after a long and worrisome day.
Thanks to the Animal Foundation (655 N. Mojave Rd. 89101), Las Vegas pet owners will be reunited with their lost pets faster, which is a win for both parties. But you have to help them help you! Hop online, go to FindingRover.com (or download the app), and create your pet’s profile today and don’t forget the website if you come across a wandering pet while out and about. It may just find their owner and save you both a trip to the shelter.
To learn more about the Animal Foundation and their Mission Possible 2020 initiative, go to animalfoundation.com. To integrate Finding Rover on your shelter or personal website, go to www.findingrover.com/partners.
Recipes From February
Instant Pot Indian Butter Chicken
Serves 4-6
- 1/4 cup butter flavored coconut oil (Whole Foods)
- 1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small red bell pepper
- diced 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp. freshly grated ginger
- 2 tsp. garam masala
- 1 tsp. ground turmeric
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp. ground cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 tsp. salt, more to taste 1/2 tsp. pepper, more to taste
- 1 can diced hot/spicy Rotel tomatoes
- 1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup coconut cream (not milk)
- 2 Tbsp. almond flour
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, divided
- Cauliflower rice for serving
– Combine garam masala, turmeric, paprika, cumin and cayenne in a small bowl; set aside. In another small bowl, whisk together coconut cream and almond flour; set aside.
– Set Instant Pot to sauté setting. Add coconut oil, onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until tender. Stir in garlic, ginger and spice mix, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute; season with salt and pepper. Turn off sauté setting and add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken stock and chicken. Select manual pressure cook setting to high and set for 10 minutes. When finished cooking, quickrelease pressure according to manufacturer’s directions.
– Remove lid and select high sauté setting. Stir in coconut cream mixture and cook, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened, about 35 minutes. Stir in cilantro; season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately with cauliflower rice.
Paleo One-Pot Turkey Bolognese with Spaghetti Squash
Serves 4
- 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 2 spicy Italian sausage links, cut into bite sized pieces
- Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (28 oz.) can Cento crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 Tbsp. aged balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp. pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried basil 1 (3 lb.) spaghetti squash
- 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk (optional)
– Press sauté and add the olive oil, onion, garlic, turkey, sausage and 1 tsp. salt to the Instant Pot. Sauté until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you stir, about 8 minutes. Press Cancel to change cooking cycles. Add in the tomatoes, celery, carrots, vinegar, maple syrup, oregano, basil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir well.
-Wash the spaghetti squash and carefully pierce the skin with a sharp knife to vent. Place the whole squash directly into the sauce, making sure that the area where you pierced the skin is facing up, out of the sauce, to vent. Secure the lid and move the steam release valve to Sealing. Select Manual/Pressure Cook to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. When the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. Using oven mitts, lift the spaghetti squash out of the pot. Transfer it to a cutting board to cool slightly. Stir the coconut milk into the sauce and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
-Cut the cooked spaghetti squash in half crosswise and use a spoon to remove the seeds from the center. Use a fork to scrape out “noodles” from the squash and place them on plates. Spoon the Bolognese sauce on top of the noodles and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Adapted from a recipe by Megan Gilmore from The Fresh and Healthy Instant Pot Cookboo
Copy Cat Sous Vide Egg Bites Makes
7 Bites
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 roasted red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 tsp. salt, optional
Put 1 cup of water in the bottom of your Instant Pot followed by the trivet that came with your pot. In a blender, add eggs and cheese, blending until smooth, about 1530 seconds. Stir in vegetables and salt. Divide evenly between the cups of a silicone egg bite tray (available at Amazon.com), or use 4 small mason jars that have been sprayed with cooking spray. Cover tightly with foil and lower onto the trivet in the pot. Set the Instant Pot to the steam setting and cook for 10 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes then open the vent to release any remaining pressure. Remove from the pot and let cool for a few minutes before eating. May also be reheated in the microwave for 3045 seconds.
Keto Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake
Serves 6
- 16 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cup + 3 Tbsp. erythritol powdered sugar, like Swerve, divided
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup butter flavored coconut oil
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries
- Zest of one lemon
-For the crust, combine almond flour and 1 Tbsp. of erythritol in a small bowl. Cut in coconut oil and work with a fork until crumbly. Press into a lightly greased 7inch springform pan. Set aside.
-Blend cream cheese, sour cream and 1 1/4 cup erythritol in a stand mixer until smooth. Add lemon juice and mix. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition. Fold in one cup blueberries with a rubber spatula. Pour over prepared crust in springform pan. Place a paper towel loosely over the top of the pan then cover it tightly with foil. Tear a sheet of foil long enough to go under the pan and up to the top of your Instant pot. Fold into thirds lengthwise. Place the pan in the middle of the foil and bring the sides up to create a “sling handle” on each side. This will allow for easy removal from the pot.
-Add 1 cup of water in the bottom of your Instant Pot followed by the trivet that came with your pot. Place springform pan (with foil handles placed upwards towards the lid and on both sides of the pan) into the Instant Pot. Set for high pressure cooking and cook for 3035 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally, about 20 minutes more. Remove from pot and take off foil and paper towel. Center can be wiggly but shouldn’t be liquid. If it is, cook for 510 minutes more. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight.
-In a small sauce pan, cook remaining ½ cup blueberries, 2 Tbsp. erythritol and the zest of one lemon over low heat. Stir constantly until sweetener is dissolved and sauce has thickened. Cool, then pour onto chilled cheesecake. Remove sides of pan and serve.
Prestige Nails : Making your Nails Look Great! Which Service is Right for Me?
Getting a manicure has certainly changed over the years. Our nails have become a canvas for a variety of styles and trends. Still, not every salon is the same when it comes to providing polishes and products that are durable while keeping us safe. Knowing what to look for and the questions to ask at your next visit can make all the difference. Tsu and Nataliia, owners of Prestige Nail Boutique have done extensive research on various nail related products and offer these tips for helping you to make an informed decision on what’s right for you and your nails.
All Polishes are Not Created Equal
You might think all polishes are created equal but in reality, some of the best products to use on your nails aren’t called polish at all. When choosing colors at your next manicure, ask your nail technician what products and brands they offer. Look at the bottle to be sure you’re getting what you pay for and be wary of bottles without labels. Choose the product that’s best for your lifestyle, budget and the health of your nails.
Polish
Many salons use a simple polish to paint your nails. Nail polish is quite thin, its primary use is for decorating and drawing and it will chip off easily. Most budget nail salons use these polishes to paint nails, as their life expectancy is as little as 2 days, making it easier to upsell Gel Polish that lasts longer.
Nail Lacquers
Nail lacquers are a step above regular polish and provide superior wear. Known for their thickness, lacquers are more durable and chip resistant than polish. They offer some protection to the nail and last about 5 to 7 days. At Prestige Nail Boutique, we also apply a middle coat vs. the tradition base and top coat, extending the life of the product.
Gel Polish (aka soft Gel Polish)
Gel polish (the kind that requires a lamp to cure) is by far the most durable choice of polishes. It’s the thickest and most chip resistant of the three. It requires no drying time as the product cures under a UV/LED lamp. The product lasts 10 to 14 days, and removal should be done by a professional to prevent damage to the nail bed. At Prestige Nail Boutique we use LED lamps, cutting the UV exposure from 2 minutes to 30 seconds.
The Difference Between Acrylic, Hard Gel, PolyGel and Dipping Powder
For those that enhance their nails, there’s a variety of choices. It’s important to note that none of these products should damage the nail. An experienced nail technician should know how to properly apply and remove these products, so if you’re experiencing damage to the nail it’s most likely from over filing and improper removal of product by your nail tech.
Acrylic
Acrylic is powder and liquid Monomer mixed together, applied over the nail and/or tip. This product is a good choice for the budget conscious consumer that don’t mind a thicker, heavy looking nail that’s prone to staining. Since the surface is porous, we recommend paring it with Gel Polish to minimize staining.
Be aware of suspiciously cheap acrylics and salons that smell. This could mean they’re using products that contain MMA. MMA has been banned from Nevada, yet is still secretly used by many salons. It doesn’t bond to the nail well, and requires excessive filing that severely damages the natural nail, especially if the tip is knocked off. At Prestige Nail Boutique, our Acrylic is odorless and never contains MMA. It also allows the nail to safely pop off should it be hit hard.
Hard Gel & PolyGel
Hard Gels come in gel form, usually in a jar, never as a powder or liquid. Most often people get confused between Hard Gel and Acrylics. Hard Gels are non-porous, they cure only under the lamp and are lighter and stronger than acrylic. They usually feel thinner and look more natural.
PolyGel is the newest and most technologically advanced of the three. It is a hybrid of Acrylic and a Hard Gel. It is more flexible than Acrylic, stronger than Hard Gel, and lighter than both. PolyGel and Hard Gel both cure under the lamp.
Dipping Powder
Perhaps the most natural looking product of the four, dipping powders are formulated to improve the health of the nail while providing a finish that’s flexible, lightweight and strong. Its odorless, doesn’t stain and requires no UV light.
A base coat is applied to the nail and then it’s dipped or poured into a colored powder and sealed with a special top coat. We use SNS powders made in the USA and feature over 400 colors to choose from. Our dips nourish the natural nail with Vitamin E & Calcium.
When considering any of these products, it’s important to steer clear of the harsh chemicals found in cheaper brands used at most discount salons. These usually contain toxic ingredients known as the “Big 5” that are suspected of causing health issues from cancer and dermatitis to reproductive and neurological disorders. Unlike most salons, Prestige Nail Boutique only uses Cruelty Free, Vegan, Big 5-Free, Organic products. For added protection, we also use one-time disposable nail files, buffers, cuticle sticks, manicure bowls, pedicure liners, toe separators and slippers. Our metal tools are sanitized, disinfected and sterilized with equipment that’s made in the USA and is FDA registered. We do it because we care about your health
Las Vegas Coin Company Wanted: A Fair Price for Coins, Collectibles, and Jewelry
Perhaps you’re downsizing and want to clean out some clutter or unwanted items from closets, garages, or other nooks and crannies in your home. Maybe your tastes in jewelry have changed, or possibly it’s time to part with that model train set you had as a kid. Or then again, are you curious as to what some of those things are worth? Surprisingly, your unwanted “stuff” just might sink some cash into your pocket, helping with finances, buying new items you do want, or paying for that bucket list vacation you’ve been thinking about.
Unfortunately, finding a company that you are comfortable with to help you with this task can feel like getting a tooth pulled. Las Vegas Coin Company knew the feeling. With years of experience in the business they have made the process painless in a very low key and low-pressure environment.
Celebrating their one year anniversary this March 31st, Las Vegas Coin Company, on Eastern Avenue just south of the 215, has a combined experience of over 100 years in the coin, collectibles and jewelry business. They have brought several professionals in various disciplines together in a great location so you can get the right information to make the right decision.
We asked John Jankowski, the owner of Las Vegas Coin Company, to tell us about the business, the unusual items they buy, and how they can help provide the information you need to get a fair price for the items you want to sell (or purchase!).
Congrats on your one year anniversary. What’s your background and what is the goal of Las Vegas Coin Company?
I started collecting coins when I was five. I’m sixty now. As an adult I have helped to start what is now four other shops here in town. I am also a certified PCGS and NGC dealer qualified to do appraisals for Probate Court, Trusts, and the IRS. Not getting any younger, I was trying to decide what to do for the remaining years I have left. So I decided to roll the dice and open a brick and mortar store to follow my passion. That brick and mortar store is Las Vegas Coin Company. Our goal is to provide extraordinary service in a no-pressure environment. We spend time educating our customers so they can make an informed decision as to whether they wish to sell their items, be it coins, collectibles, or jewelry. And of course, we also sell all of the above. Our customers have been pleasantly surprised to find us selling gold and silver bullion, collectibles, and now jewelry, at prices competitive with the internet.
Besides buying coins and jewelry, what other items do you specialize in?
We deal in a variety of merchandise that includes a substantial interest in collectibles. Within our store lies LV Collectibles, owned by Scott DeLorge. Scott managed Antiquities International in the Forum Shops and has 20 years experience in the internet sale of these items. From autographed items like the signed photo of the LA Lakers holding Jack Nicholson, to art, collections of figurines which include Lladro’s and Hummels, and sports memorabilia, we want to take a look at all of it. Nothing is too obscure for us to evaluate. We also never charge for verbal appraisals on the items you bring in. Additionally, we have a Gemological Institute of America (GIA) graduate on staff with years of experience to help identify your rare gemstones, watches, and other valuables.
I’m sure you’ve had some interesting things come through the doors. Any favorites?
Las Vegas Coin Company has a reputation for buying almost anything. We acquired a 52 pound meteor that we named Fulton, purchased a Grammy Award Nominee Medal from the band Slipknot, and a chair that was made in the late 1400’s. Before Columbus came to the new world, that chair was sitting in a church in Flanders. Sure, the majority of what we see is coins, jewelry, diamonds, and collectibles. But you’ll find our gallery also buys and sells Coca Cola memorabilia, Disney items, die-cast cars, train sets, vintage toys, designer purses, and any other interesting things we can find. Really, nothing is off the charts for us to take a look at, and we’ll do our best to give you the information you need to obtain a fair price for your goods. Please visit our website at LasVegasCoinCompany.com, or call 702.766.1776. Better yet, come in to meet us at 9555 South Eastern Ave.
HealologyHealth – Life Begins with Healthy
We all want a good life. One that’s free from stress or medical conditions that keep us from enjoying the world around us. That’s why most of us are constantly searching for answers regarding our health and the ways we can improve it. Many of us rely on the internet to find our fountain of youth, and let’s face it, it’s full of instant fads and inaccurate information right at our fingertips. But plugging a laundry list of symptoms into a computer that doesn’t know YOU and can’t possibly listen and diagnose what you’re feeling rarely reaps long-term success. This is why Kelly Slaughter APRN NP-C has opened HealologyHealth, 10785 W Twain Ave Ste. 240, a clinic dedicated to the principals of Functional Medicine, a healing philosophy that addresses the whole person and not just isolated symptoms. Specializing in bio-identical hormone replacement for men’s and women’s specific health related issues, HealologyHealth believes strongly that “Life Begins with Healthy” through strength, focus and vitality. We asked Kelly about Functional Medicine, why it’s necessary for proactive healthcare and how HealologyHealth can help us live a longer, healthier life.
What Makes Functional Medicine So Different?
Traditional physicians are generally trained to care for acute illnesses like appendicitis or a broken leg. Unfortunately, the acute-care approach to medicine lacks the proper methodology and tools for preventing and treating complex, chronic disease; the kind that can sneak up on you, robbing you of general wellbeing as you age. Functional Medicine practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. With the goal of balancing the entire body, we are specifically trained to assess the underlying causes of chronic disease and apply strategies such as nutrition, diet, and exercise to both treat and prevent these illnesses in our patients.
Why Do We Need Functional Medicine?
Our society is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of people who suffer from complex, chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, because it can take as long as 50 years for emerging research to translate into changes in the way traditional physicians care for their patients, this time could determine if you’ll live your future life sick or healthy. Functional Medicine practitioners look “upstream” to consider the complex web of interactions in the patient’s history, physiology, and lifestyle that can lead to illness. Combining traditional western medical practices with what are sometimes considered “alternative” or “integrative” medicine, we focus on prevention through nutrition, diet, and exercise; use of the latest laboratory testing and other diagnostic techniques; and prescribed combinations of drugs and/or botanical medicines, supplements, therapeutic diets, detoxification programs, or stress-management techniques. We utilize the best research in a timely fashion, promoting health as a positive vitality, beyond just the absence of disease.
How Can HealologyHealth Help?
I opened HealologyHealth because I have a significant personal and professional interest and experience in anti-aging, functional medicine and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. I initially launched into this adventure when I myself began following complementary healthcare for hormone replacement. As a seasoned professional with both a Masters in Nursing and a Nurse Practitioner degree in Adult Geriatric Primary Care, I was rooted in what’s best described as “western medicine”, and suspect of “alternative” care. After experiencing positive results in my own health, thanks to the forward-thinking of Functional Medicine, I knew I needed to learn more. This led me towards rigorous training in Anti-Aging, Metabolic and Functional Medicine through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, Metabolic Medical Institute. HealologyHealth is the culmination of experience, training and care that I provide for my patients. We focus on a holistic, personalized plan to improve overall health and wellness. We spend time with you delivering valid information for understanding your body, health, and treatment options. It’s our calling to help you find the healthy life you want to lead, both now and in the future.
For more information, email Kelly at KellyAPRN@HealologyHealth.com, visit their website at www.healologyhealth.com, or call 702-530-9966.
