While planning health and wellness events throughout Southwest Florida monthly for the past four years I have found all sorts of interesting places to explore and share with my network. Many are small businesses, or quaint spots off the beaten path. Others have been larger, well known businesses that under normal circumstance might not have thought to host a community health mixer.  I enjoy presenting them to the community on the 4^th Wednesday of each month at the Wellness Wednesday Mixer, which is always free and has grown from our original meeting of 20-25 attendees to a quite considerable event of over 100+ attendees each month.

As we are a community event, we also support a community non-profit, Hope Hospice. Everything connects back to the community.  The #1 question I get asked constantly… “This is a great event Marci, but it’s free and it’s a huge undertaking every single month. WHY do you do it?”

Simple… Because it’s important.

Marci Gower & Angie Patterson

The basic foundation for creating this event four years ago was simple enough. Educate people on the emerging health & wellness scene in Southwest Florida. It has become much greater than that. There is a strong and growing green & organic movement here in Southwest Florida too and it’s important to me to let people know not only about traditional & alternative healthy & holistic options but also to expand their knowledge about organic, earth-friendly & sustainable options that are available locally that will also support the local economy.

My goal is to inform people and have them explore their choices at their own pace. Every person who is currently living a healthier or an organic lifestyle had to start somewhere. If you provide the local tools, they can start taking steps to living healthier or making the changes to go green in their community now. I am not trying to convince anyone that one way of life is “better” than another. As a provider of the information I might propel them into making changes that could modify their life for the better and (hopefully) perhaps in the long term, our planet.

Everyone has a different idea of “healthy” so at Wellness Wednesday we keep it light, introducing different products and practices, at a pace everyone can relate to no matter where you are at in the process of making transitions in your life. Whether you are a novice or a master, you are encouraged to participate and share with someone else.

Our speakers have covered many topics and the traditional and alternative medical professionals especially in the area have been very generous to me over the years, speaking at the event on a broad spectrum of topics, from cancer to menopause to most recently dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. I am very grateful to all of them for keeping an open mind on a myriad of subject matters, and I encourage other professionals who would like to speak at an upcoming event, to please contact me.

Deciding on a monthly venue can be tricky. Most of the time, as I mentioned, I find a great small business tucked away somewhere that I have my little “OMG moment” and simply must find a way to hold an event there. Unfortunately many venues simply do not have the space or parking available to hold a large crowd, so often they opt to become spotlight vendors at our events instead so they can still share their information with the community. Ultimately the goal is to network.

We’ve held some great events in the tightest of places, setting up tents so the venue could hold the event outside, it worked because the EVENT as a concept works. People love to attend the event. It has taken on a heartbeat of its own.

Others venues have been chosen because of the importance to bring people into a Business they might normally feel reticence to visit unless the need arose under stress or unfortunate circumstance. We often make choices under duress in these situations simply because we let our emotions take over. One of my main goals when I created the Wellness Wednesday was to introduce some non-traditional type venues in a comfortable, non-threatening atmosphere. These have included schools for the disabled, retirement communities, and even funeral homes.

A perfect example of this is the location I chose for our June Wellness Wednesday event, hosted by the Calusa Harbour Senior Living Community in Fort Myers. The setting, luxurious as a country club, made one almost forget we were setting up a networking mixer in a retirement & assisted living facility and that all of the residents were seniors, many needing permanent care.

The atmosphere was light and breezy as I arrived. The staff was on top of every detail from the moment we pulled up. “I could get used to this”, I thought to myself. Too bad I have at least 20 some odd years to go… I recalled my older sister reminding me not wish my life away when I was a little girl, but it was tempting as the Gulf breeze lightly blew back a wisp of my hair as I watched the sailboats glide by on this spectacular Southwest Florida afternoon. What an absolutely glorious place to retire!

While approximately 140 attendees were treated to a lovely luncheon buffet and networked with 14 health & wellness spotlight table vendors, the buzz in the room was how accommodating the staff was, the magnificent Gulf views and how many times people had driven past the facility but had never come inside. Why would you if you had no need in elder care or a retirement village? This is precisely why I hold this event. To familiarize people with options BEFORE they need them, and before they are in a state of duress or pressure and decision making is stressful. To read more about our June event – click here.

Now, back to the original question: Why do I put this free event on every month? The purpose of Wellness Wedneday is to educate, to network, to give back to the community and to make a difference.

I hope at some point I will have or already have made a small difference in your life, whether it was for your business or regarding your personal health/lifestyle with the information I’ve provided. If I did, then I’ve accomplished my goal.

I invite everyone to attend the July 27^th Wellness Wednesday from 5:00pm to 7:30 at Gold’s Gym at 8540 Dayton Avenue in Fort Myers. Our speaker this month will be Professor and Martial Arts Grand Master Eddie Rose, who will educate and demonstrate self defense and assault survival training methods that can save your life. Our grand prize this month is a 1-year membership to Gold’s Gym, valid at Cape Coral & Fort Myers locations and valued at $450.00!

Get involved with the Florida Wellness Network. Connect with us ~ Connect with the Community!  Contact us for 20% off advertising through July 15^th.

Come out and be a local hero! Donate blood between 2pm and 7pm on Wednesday July 27th at Gold’s Gym in Fort Myers! No appointment necessary – just bring your photo ID.

The Big Red Bus will be outside Gold’s Gym during the Wellness Wednesday event but you can come by any time during the day between 2pm -7pm or make an appointment if it’s easier for you so we can keep you on your busy networking schedule! – just call Marci: 239-691-6955 if you’d like to schedule ahead. You will receive a free movie voucher just for donating.

Health & Wellness Networking

FREE After Hours Networking Mixer 

 Wednesday, July 27th 5:00pm – 7:30pm

 Admission is Always FREE

Complimentary Chair Massage

Light Refreshments Served

Quality Give-Aways – No Purchase Ever Required!

 Meet Local Health and Wellness Professionals in a comfortable, inviting
environment. Wellness Wednesday is always open to the
community. The public are encouraged to attend and meet local people with similar
interests in health and wellness.

8540 Dayton Avenue, Fort Myers, FL

(Entrance at Crystal Drive) 

Venue Directions: 239-278-7777  More Event Info: 239-691-6955
Venue Directions – click here

STRESS FREE NETWORKING!

You work out, you’re fit and you’re even fast… But can you REALLY defend yourself? Guest speaker, Professor, Grand Master Eddie Rose will educate & demonstrate self defense &
assault survival training methods that can save your life.

Professor Rose has 40 years of Martial Arts experience, 30 years of combined Law Enforcement & Security/Protection experience, is a Former Law Enforcement Officer/Detective, World Class Martial Arts Grandmaster Instructor & Innovator, Protection Specialist, Former Private Investigator & Detective Agency Owner, and is a dynamic International Lecturer. He is the President and
Founder of Integrated Dreams Enterprises LLC and Tora Hana Training Company.

You do not want to miss his exciting demonstration!

 Planet Smoothie & Jersey Mike’s will be providing healthy light refreshments & International Massage will be offering free chair massage to our guests. [ma42975]

 About our Host Venue: Gold’s Gym are the original, the place where it all began more than 45 years ago when, Joe Gold opened a modest fitness center in Venice Beach, California and began a tradition of commitment, passion and dedication that is now practiced at more than 600 locations across the globe.  They help people realize their goals and find their inner strength. They combine the most diverse amenities in the industry with the best personal training to deliver the ultimate fitness experience.

Come out and be a local hero! Donate blood between 2pm and 7pm on Wednesday July 27th at Gold’s Gym in Fort Myers! No appointment necessary – just bring your photo ID.  The Big Red Bus will be outside Gold’s Gym during the Wellness Wednesday event but you can come by any time during the day between 2pm -7pm or make an appointment if it’s easier for you so we can keep you on your busy networking schedule! – make your appointment online at www.fbcdonor.org and use account # M8HO. You will receive a free movie voucher just for donating.

No purchase is necessary to win any of our give-aways.

This Month’s Grand Prize is a One Year Gym Membership to Gold’s Gym Valued at $450.00 – valid at the Fort Myers and Cape Coral locations.

Wellness Wednesday has a reputation of having quality give-aways from our generous vendors every month. Why? Because our vendors CARE about the community so much they sincerely want to have their Health & Wellness products sampled by local attendees.

Plus, you don’t have to buy tickets to win. What could be better?

 Join Us For a Chance to Win Great Give Aways

Every Month From Our Generous Vendors

Wellness Wednesday is a unique mixture of businesses and consumers

sharing and caring together within the local community.

 The event is always FREE thanks to the generous contribution from our primary sponsor,

 Anderson Patterson Cremation & Funeral Services.

  Anderson ~ Patterson Cremation and

Funeral Services.

 Family owned with 2 locations in Fort Myers & Lehigh Acres, Florida

 2701 Lee Blvd.
Lehigh Acres, Florida   33971
239.368.7080

3654 Palm Beach Blvd.
Fort Myers, Florida   33916
239.694.4121

UPCOMING EVENT SCHEDULE

 Wednesday August 24th

Mini Expo & Seminar

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium

Wednesday September 28th

10:00am – 3:00pm Expo & Trade Show

Cape Coral Yacht Club

 Wednesday October 26th

4th Annual “Fun at the Funeral Home” Healthy Halloween Party

Anderson Patterson Cremation & Funeral Services, Fort Myers

Wellness Wednesday has a passion for supporting the community and we always

offer an opportunity for you to support a local non-profit organization.

Please join us in supporting Hope Hospice of Cape Coral.

  The Hope Hospice Mission
Our mission is to provide exceptional care and

support to every individual and their loved ones

as they fulfill life’s journey.

The Hope Hospice Vision  Our vision is to create an environment in

which life’s journey is cherished. http://www.hopehcs.org/

 Wellness Wednesday is brought to you by The Florida Wellness Network.

The Florida Wellness Network

What we’ve created is a unique mixture of businesses and consumers sharing and caring together within the local community. Click here to view pictures from our past events!

Our June Wellness Wednesday event, was hosted by the Calusa Harbour Senior Living Community in Fort Myers. The setting, luxurious as a country club, made one almost forget we were setting up a networking mixer in a retirement & assisted living facility and that all of the residents were seniors, many needing permanent care.

The atmosphere was light and breezy as I arrived. The staff was on top of every detail from the moment we pulled up. “I could get used to this”, I thought to myself. Too bad I have at least 20 some odd years to go… I recalled my older sister reminding me not wish my life away when I was a little girl, but it was tempting as the Gulf breeze lightly blew back a wisp of my hair as I watched the sailboats glide by on this spectacularSouthwest Floridaafternoon. What an absolutely glorious place to retire!

While approximately 140 attendees were treated to a lovely luncheon buffet and networked with 14 health & wellness spotlight table vendors, the buzz in the room was how accommodating the staff was, the magnificent Gulf views and how many times people had driven past the facility but had never come inside. Why would you if you had no need in elder care or a retirement village? This is precisely why I hold this event. To familiarize people with options BEFORE they need them, and before they are in a state of duress or pressure and decision making is stressful.

Dr. Reddy

The highlight of the June mixer was our speaker, Dr Nallu Reddy of the Hospitalist Group of Southwest Florida. Our focus of the event was “The Life Cycle and How We Age” and Dr Reddy discussed the many types of dementia and Alzheimer ’s disease. Dr Reddy explained the many different types of dementia and how each one affects a person differently.

There are several things that could cause dementia:

• Diseases that cause degeneration or loss of nerve cells in the brain such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s.
• Diseases that affect blood vessels, such as stroke, which can cause a disorder known as multi-infarct dementia.
• Toxic reactions, like excessive alcohol or drug use.
• Nutritional deficiencies, like vitamin B12 and folate deficiency.
• Infections that affect the brain and spinal cord
• Certain types of hydrocephalus, an accumulation of fluid in the brain that can result from developmental abnormalities, infections, injury, or brain tumors.
• Head injury — either a single severe head injury or longer term smaller injuries, like in boxers or soccer players.
• Illnesses other than in the brain, such as kidney, liver, and lung diseases, can all lead to dementia.

Marci Gower & Angie Patterson

An audience member asked about the use of natural supplements to prevent or cure dementia. Dr Reddy explained sadly that the many studies of natural supplements that have been ongoing simply have not shown any proof of results of these claims. He mentioned Vitamin E and Ginkgo Biloba as examples.  He stressed he would be very happy as a medical doctor to be behind any natural supplement that would help this insidious horrible disease, but there is simply no medical proof to support it. He did mention the herb tumeric, which is a natural antiseptic and has for centuries had many medicinal qualities, specifically as an anti-inflammatory as being one natural supplement that has shown some benefits with dementia patients, but again, there are no proven medical studies to actually support it as a preventative or cure.

He did say that drugs that have come out in the mid-90’s, such as Aricept, which are used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer’s are having the most benefit with patients,  as they keep the disease from progressing at a slower rate.

Dr Reddy was very gracious and answered numerous questions from our audience and was extremely personable with our guests. I had a number of people call me after the event to ask for his information. He made quite an impression.

Winner - Nayda Figeuroa of Aflac

I lost my father 2 years ago to Alzheimer’s and I found it fascinating to learn about all the different types of dementia and how they manifest. My father took Aricept for 5 years and his quality of life was certainly helped by taking the drug, and he was cognizant until he passed away. This of course was a godsend to my Mother, as his primary caregiver.  I also found it particularly interesting to find out that certain athletes (specifically Boxers and soccer players) may develop a certain type of dementia as early as 40 years of age due to the repetitive knocks they take to the front of their heads.

I also wish to congratulate Nayda Figeuroa of Aflac on winning our grand prize this month. A $100.00 gift certificate to The Morgan House restaurant.

I invite everyone to attend the July 27^th Wellness Wednesday from 5:00pm to 7:30 at Gold’s Gym at 8540 Dayton Avenue in Fort Myers. Our speaker this month will be Professor and Martial Arts Grand Master Eddie Rose, who will educate and demonstrate self defense and assault survival training methods that can save your life. Our grand prize this month is a 1-year membership to Gold’s Gym, valid at Cape Coral & Fort Myers locations and valued at $450.00!

Get involved with the Florida Wellness Network. Connect with us ~ Connect with the Community!  Contact us for 20% off advertising through July 15^th.

Come out and be a local hero! Donate blood between 2pm and 7pm on Wednesday July 27th at Gold’s Gym inFort Myers! No appointment necessary – just bring your photo ID.

The Big Red Bus will be outside Gold’s Gym during the Wellness Wednesday event but you can come by any time during the day between 2pm -7pm or make an appointment if it’s easier for you so we can keep you on your busy networking schedule! – just call Marci: 239-691-6955 if you’d like to schedule ahead. You will receive a free movie voucher just for donating.

About our June Venue: Calusa Harbour is a Full Service Rental Senior Living Community on the waterfront. They offer Independent Living, Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitative Care.CalusaHarbour is ideal if you’re an active senior who wants to focus on the things you enjoy most in life, yet have the assistance should you need it.

A local venue is selected each month to host the event in order to showcase a variety of businesses in the Southwest Florida community. Venues are often chosen to take the “mystery” out of a certain industry and highlight a local business owner who provides that service to the community.

If you’d like to host a Wellness Wednesday event, please contact us.

Wellness Wednesday is ALWAYS FREE thanks to the generosity of our event sponsor Anderson Patterson Funeral & Cremation Services. Family owned with 2 locations in Fort Myers & Lehigh Acres, Florida.  http://www.andersonpatterson.com/

Click here to host a future event or for showcase vendor information contact Marci Gower at marci@floridawellnessnetwork.com. Find us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter now!

Can We Save 190 Acres of Pine Island
on Matlacha Pass?

An Extraordinary and Fleeting Opportunity

Raising $229,000 before July 18, 2011 will permanently protect 190 acres of land on Pine Island  and create a public preserve to protect what we value most in Southwest Florida. Unspoiled  coastal habitat like this is essential for young tarpon, bald eagles, gopher tortoise and wading birds. By protecting upland and shoreline habitat for wildlife and native plants, we will also enhance the Greater Charlotte Harbor Ecological Corridor including Boca Grande, Pine Island, Cabbage Key, Useppa Island, Cayo Costa State Park, Palm Island and the Sannibel-Captiva barrier islands.

Fishing, especially for tarpon, is essential to the region’s cultural identity and economic well being. Tarpon typically do not mature sexually for ten years and the sub-adults need marsh and mangrove habitat in order to grow. After reaching critical size, young tarpon will leave the mangroves to become the open-water fish we love.  This property provides habitat suitable for young tarpon and many other fish.

Click to view full size image

The shoreline of mangrove habitat is home to 3 species of seagrasses, 3 species of mangroves, more than 100 species of invertebrates, 200 species of fish and 150 species of shore and wading birds.  The wetland portion of the site contains a salt flat and mangrove swamp. Nesting and foraging habitat for many species of upland animals will be improved through ecologically responsible management of the property. Currently, gopher tortoises, eastern indigo snakes and bald eagles are found at the project site.

Located on Stringfellow Road on Pine Island, Florida, the 190 acres is contiguous or in close proximity to other protected lands, including Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve, Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge, Charlotte  Harbor Buffer State Park and Little Pine Island Wildlife Refuge. This site is also located on the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail and is adjacent to the Pine Island-Hendry Trail on Lee  County’s Greenway Master Plan. Finally, this property borders 230 acres purchased by Conservation Foundation of the Gulf  Coast in 2009 with a grant from the Florida Communities Trust.

The compelling conservation values of the land and the rare opportunity to protect such  substantial acreage have earned broad support from a diverse coalition of the area’s opinion leaders and decision makers. It would not be possible without the powerful partnership between Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, Lee  County 20/20 and a private landowner. Lee  County 20/20 Conservation Lands Program has the property under contract to purchase at less than half of the property’s appraised value as of Dec. 2010, according to an independent real estate appraisal obtained by Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast.Now the only obstacle to closing on the 190 acres is $229,000. Won’t you help save this special place?

The Florida Wellness Network would like to help you bring awareness on your project or organiztion in need. We would like to help you promote your business and connect you to the community. For more information on our advertising, events and blogging please contact Marci Gower at (239) 691-6955 or email her at Marci@FloridaWellnessNetwork.com.

Health & Wellness Networking

Special MID-DAY Mixer 

 Wednesday, June 22nd 11am – 1:00pm

 Admission is Always FREE

Complimentary Chair Massage

Light Refreshments Served

Quality Give-Aways – No Purchase Ever Required!

 Meet Local Health and Wellness Professionals in a comfortable, inviting
environment. Wellness Wednesday is always open to the
community. The public are encouraged to attend and meet local people with similar
interests in health and wellness.

 2525 First Street Fort Myers, FL 33901
Venue Directions: 239-332-3333
More Event Info: 239-691-6955
Visit Website

STRESS FREE NETWORKING!

Our  June event will focus on “The Life Cycle and How We Age”.  How much influence does our lifestyle impact our lifespan?  Can certain health products or  lifestyles really slow or accelerate the aging process? Dr. Nallu Reddy, MD, who is affiliated with the Hospitalist  Group of Southwest Florida, will also be speaking about how to identify the early  signs of dementia and  Alzheimer’s Disease, and will discuss  some of the latest medical breakthroughs.

Our attendees are invited to enjoy an afternoon lunch buffet, a complimentary chair  massage and all guests are eligible to WIN A $100.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE to  The Morgan House in Downtown Fort Myers, courtesy of our hosts with no purchase necessary! And of course you will meet many vendors with great products to share with the  community. Don’t miss this exciting event, and all of the great give-aways we  have planned this month in the welcoming office space of this month’s host  venue, Calusa Harbour, A Sunrise Senior Living Community.

ABOUT OUR JUNE VENUE: Calusa  Harbour is a Full Service Rental Senior Living Community on the  waterfront. They offer Independent Living, Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing  and Rehabilitative Care. Calusa Harbour is ideal if you’re an active senior who  wants to focus on the things you enjoy most in life, but yet have the assistance should you need it.

Wellness Wednesday has a reputation of
having quality give-aways from our generous vendors every month.

Why? Because our vendors CARE about the community so much they sincerely want
to have their Health & Wellness products sampled by local attendees.

Plus, you don’t have to buy tickets to win. What could be better?

Join Us For a Chance to Win 

A  $100.00 Gift Certificate to

The Morgan House Restaurant

From Our June Host Venue

Calusa Harbour

A Sunrise Senior Living Community On The  Waterfront

And many, many more gifts from our generous  vendors.

In May we gave away over 30 gifts.

On average Wellness Wednesday distributes a
minimum of 30 give-aways at each event. Total prizes typically total more than
$1000 on a monthly basis and are donated by both the vendors and other
attendees. They flood this event each month by businesses that enjoy the extra
exposure this niche event provides.

Wellness Wednesday is a unique mixture of businesses and consumers

sharing and caring together within the local community.

 The event is always FREE thanks to the generous contribution from our primary sponsor,

 Anderson Patterson Cremation & Funeral Services.

  Anderson ~ Patterson Cremation and

Funeral Services.

 Family owned with 2 locations in Fort Myers & Lehigh Acres, Florida

 2701 Lee Blvd.
Lehigh Acres, Florida   33971
239.368.7080

3654 Palm Beach Blvd.
Fort Myers, Florida   33916
239.694.4121

UPCOMING EVENT SCHEDULE

 Wednesday June 22nd

Calusa Harbour Sunrise Senior Living Community, Fort Myers

Wednesday July 27th

Gold’s Gym, Fort Myers

Wednesday August 24th

Mini Expo & Seminar

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium

Wednesday September 28th

10:00am – 3:00pm Expo & Trade Show

Cape Coral Yacht Club

 Wednesday October 26th

4th Annual “Fun at the Funeral Home” Healthy Halloween Party

Anderson Patterson Cremation & Funeral Services, Fort Myers

Wellness Wednesday has a passion for supporting the community and we always

offer an opportunity for you to support a local non-profit organization.

Please join us in supporting Hope Hospice of Cape Coral.

  The Hope Hospice Mission
Our mission is to provide exceptional care and

support to every individual and their loved ones

as they fulfill life’s journey.

The Hope Hospice Vision  Our vision is to create an environment in

which life’s journey is cherished. http://www.hopehcs.org/

 Wellness Wednesday is brought to you by The Florida Wellness Network.

The Florida Wellness Network is all about creating healthy connections that will bring you closer to a healthier, happier life! We strongly believe that each and every one of us needs to educate ourselves and find out what works best for us. Below is an article from one of our advertisers and we hope it will bring you more insight into what Health Coaching is all about – find out if it’s just what you’re been looking for!

Is a Health Coach for YOU?

I’d like to start this blog by saying congratulations on taking your health seriously. With the condition of today’s healthcare system, you may be saying enough is enough; I am taking control of my health.  I say good for you!! Let’s jump into the idea of working with a health coach. We see the term “coaching” fairly often today.  It is a term that is used in reference to sports, life, finances, health, business, fitness, transitions,  etc… but what does it really mean?

Simply stated, a coach is one who facilitates growth and change.  One who makes an action easier.  Wow you say, I can have a health coach by my side and my goal for optimal health can be made easier….I say yes!

Your opportunity is to understand where you are with your health.  Where would you like to see changes?

• Exercise
• Diet
• Weight management
• Stress management
• Recreation and fun
• Meditation and pray

Now, before you get overwhelmed, understand that success begins with a single action.  Where do you want to start?

It is your choice.  The relationship between the coach and coachee is an accountability partnership focused on the overall health outcome goals as defined by coachee.  Yeah…finally it is all about YOU!!! We guide you to stay focused on your goal especially in the face of “speed bumps”; for example, what life circumstances are pulling you off the path of your goal (parties, travel, vacation, work, social pressure, yummy food).

Your health coach guides YOU to talk about what is most troubling to YOU about YOUR conditions, what YOU most want to change, what support YOU have to foster change, and what obstacles or difficulties should be removed to accomplish success.

So, before you toy with the idea of working with a health coach, ask yourself what area of my health am I most interested in improving?

Let’s explore the health coaching company, Take Shape for Life (TSFL).  As a TSFL Health Coach, I coach in the area of weight loss and weight management while guiding clients to adopt new habits of health.  Take Shape for Life is a health program, with product and a network of support.  You can view my website at http://jerimatera.tsfl.com/  If weight loss is your first step, then TSFL may be a good choice for YOU.  Here is the best news… with TSFL, the health coach is FREE. Yes, FREE.  This is not the case with other health coaches.

If however, you want to improve your health through more physical training, and weight loss is not an issue for YOU than a fitness coach may be your best place to start. It’s about getting clear on where you are so that you can begin your journey to more optimal health with the best health coach for you. So, let’s say that weight loss is your first step, let’s get started.

Our current reality is a world full of stress, a sedentary lifestyle, larger food portions and low-nutritional quality foods that are readily available.  It is not our fault  we got into this situation, just look around at the number of fast food restaurants.

Establishing new patterns of eating that last the rest of your life, starting one step at a time!

By now we recognize that if we take in more calories than we need we get tired, fatter and less productive.  That road leads to diabetes and heart disease. Because you are now taking responsibility for your health, you are choosing a different road.  I call this road “Partnership on the road to health”. As your health coach, I would start with some general questions and then discuss with you if Take Shape for Life is the right health program for you.

A good coach always starts with finding out about you.

1. What’s bothering you about your weight?
2. How do you feel the extra weight is affecting you?
3. What one step would you be willing to take this week towards losing weight?
4. Would you be willing to journal about what you eat this week?
5. Who is supporting you?

I hope you learned something new about health coaching.  As with any area of your life, the relationship you have with the one you work with will contribute to your success.  There are many health coaches with different areas of focus.  You may want to start to find the right health coach through your doctor, a friend, a co-worker or another health coach.

To YOUR success.

Next……new patterns of eating!!

Take Shape for Life

Jeri Matera, Registered Pharmacist

Health Coach

Bookkeeping Tips by Bean Counters of Florida

# 1 Keep an audit trail
An audit trail is nothing more than a record of all your invoices and checks in numeric order. The thing to remember is never skip numbers. Record voided check and invoice numbers in numeric order with all other checks and invoices, only denote each one that is “voided.” This assures there will be no gaps in your numerical sequence and leaves a proper audit trail.

# 2 Due Date Reminders
It’s a good idea to follow a payroll tax due date reminder. Whether you have a payroll service preparing your payroll tax returns or you’re preparing them yourself, you should follow a check-off list of all the required payroll tax reports. A good due date reminder would be customized to your business’ specific payroll liabilities and include the follow information:

• Due date
• Type of tax
• Report number
• Government agency
• Time period covered
• Submit money, a report or both

# 3 Remember to Be Consistent
Consistency is essential to successful business bookkeeping. If you use a paper bookkeeping system, always be sure to head your columns the same way each month throughout the year. This small matter of consistency will save you and your accountant time and aggravation.

# 4 Keep Good Records
Many business owners don’t keep good records. Some don’t understand bookkeeping; others understand it, but may be afraid of what the numbers might tell them. Think of it this way–bookkeeping is the glue that keeps your business together. If your records aren’t in good shape, the business could fall apart. A healthy business is monitored through its records on a regular basis so you can find problems and correct them before it’s too late.

# 5 Deposit Ticket Books
How do you handle your bank deposits? One easy way is to record your daily deposit in a deposit ticket book. Generally, these books come with a white (original) copy and yellow (duplicate) copy in books of 50. For a small business, an order of 200 duplicate deposit tickets could last 2 years unless you make deposits every day. As you write each deposit ticket, it is a good idea to remove the white
copy to give to the bank and leave the duplicate (yellow) in the book. That way nothing gets lost.

Why would I have to hire a bookkeeping service? I can just go out and buy QuickBooks and do it myself.

Yes, you can, and then again you can’t. Why do we say this? Clients come to us after they’ve attempted to do their own books with QuickBooks.  They usually fall into two categories:  those that have made a complete mess of things and those who find they don’t have the time to get to it what with running their businesses, managing their employees, handling sales and marketing, family and so on. Eventually they find themselves so far behind that they know they’ll never catch up.

Hiring a professional bookkeeping service gives you a professional individual who doesn’t need to be trained, doesn’t want health insurance, workers compensation or vacation pay. Bookkeepers do the work of accountants for an affordable price.  Can you go to your CPA?  Sure you can.  But think about this.  They charge their normal fee, pay their bookkeeper a wage or a fee and pocket the difference. Wouldn’t you rather have that money in your pocket?

We bring to your business over 35 years of accounting  and bookkeeping experience.  We’ve worked  with a number of different companies and know what you need and what needs to  be done to get your books in order and keep them that way. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed out about  your bookkeeping, then give us a call.  We will be glad to help. Bean  Counters of Florida is a full service bookkeeping company that serves small  and start up businesses.  What do we mean by full service?  Well, everything from  reconciling your accounts all the way to paying your bills and doing your  payroll.  We do it all!!

Judith McMahon

239-313-6322  Office

239-288-2546  Fax

Judith@beancountersfl.com

www.BeanCountersFL.com

The Florida Wellness Network

What we’ve created is a unique mixture of businesses and consumers sharing and caring together within the local community. Click here to view pictures from our past events!

At first glance, a law office might seem like the last place you’d expect to find a Health & Wellness event, but LUSK, DRASITES, TOLISANO & SMITH, P.A.  might object! At the May 25^th Wellness Wednesday a substantial and energetic crowd gathered at their Cape Coral law offices ready to enjoy an evening of Stress Free Networking!

Our nation’s economy is on everyone’s mind. A family in financial crisis may not know all of their options and make some rash or poor decisions. Just the idea of losing your home can cause an immeasurable amount of stress on you and your family. Attorney Matthew Toll was our guest speaker, focusing on Foreclosure Fitness, sharing insightful information and answering questions from the audience. This is a topic people WANT or NEED to know about but don’t always know where to go for answers, or they believe an attorney is going to be an option that is cost prohibitive, which may not be true. After hearing Matthew’s presentation, many in the audience realized that if you’re concerned about losing your home, you don’t have to go it alone!

If you attended (or missed) the event and didn’t get to ask Matthew your questions, you can call the office at: 1-800-991-9620 or contact him directly at mtoll@attorneyscapecoral.com. You can also follow the Firm’s blog. Here is an interesting recent entry about foreclosure and why you really should consider hiring an attorney to save yourself an incredible amount of stress… and possibly even your HOME!

Wellness Wednesday always features a variety of local vendors eager to share information about their products and services with the community. Overcoming Stress was the theme of the May event, and our guest vendors were eager to share tips and more information about their businesses. More than 85 attendees mingled with this month’s vendor’s, and featured a variety of professionals across a broad spectrum of the health, wellness, eco-friendly and body, mind & spirit categories.

EnergyLady Petra Gerstenberger prepared a handout for all attendees on the benefits of aromatherapy for stress relief along with free, easy exercises to release anxiety and stress, while Kathy Baas from JUL Spa in Cape Coral was busy giving complimentary chair massages throughout the entire event!

Kathy did an amazing job all evening. If you enjoyed your massage, or didn’t get a chance to receive one, you’re in luck! Through the month of June, JUL Spa is offering a wide variety of massages at 10% off, every Wednesday including Swedish, Hot Stone, Deep Tissue, and Pre-natal massages. Call now for your appointment 239-540-3178.

Rob Saviste of All In One Painters & Cleaners, showcased his line of environmentally safe products. These environmentally friendly products don’t just include the paint made with natural binders, but the recycled plastic and paper container it comes in. The can is even printed in soy ink.

Wellness Wednesday has a reputation of having quality give-aways from our generous vendors every month. Why? Because our vendors CARE about the community so much they sincerely want to have their Health & Wellness products sampled by local attendees. Plus, you don’t have to buy tickets to win. What could be better?

On average Wellness Wednesday distributes a minimum of 30 give-aways at each event. Total prizes typically total more than $1000 on a monthly basis and are donated by both the vendors and other attendees. They flood this event each month by businesses that enjoy the extra exposure this niche event provides.

This month our hosts donated a grand prize of a $100 gas card ~ a great stress reliever when gas is almost $4.00 a gallon!  Joan Henry, Mark P. Smith & Domenic J. Valentine, Matthew Toll, as well as Associates Adam Stevens, Eve McClurg and Mellany Marquez-Kelly of LUSK, DRASITES, TOLISANO & SMITH, P.A., who were all at the event on May 25^th and enjoyed meeting everyone, wish to congratulate Sandra Whetsell, of Wellen 2000USA on winning the Grand Prize!

LUSK, DRASITES, TOLISANO & SMITH, P.A., practice in Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Family Law, Probates & Wills, Estate Planning, Contracts & Real Estate, and Foreclosures. Visit them on the web at www. attorneyscapecoral.com.

As the premier established Health and Wellness event in Southwest Florida, this monthly event has proven to be a popular, anticipated event month after month, with a waiting list for showcase vendor tables at a premium and a high demand to be a featured venue location.

A local venue is selected each month to host the event in order to showcase a variety of businesses in the Southwest Florida community. Venues are often chosen to take the “mystery” out of a certain industry and highlight a local business owner who provides that service to the community.

If you’d like to host a Wellness Wednesday event, please contact us.

Wellness Wednesday is ALWAYS FREE thanks to the generosity of our event sponsor Anderson Patterson Funeral & Cremation Services. Family owned with 2 locations in Fort Myers & Lehigh Acres, Florida.  http://www.andersonpatterson.com/

The crowd this month was exceptional. The feedback received was positive and great connections were made overall. We would like to extend an invitation to all to attend our next Wellness Wednesday on Wednesday,  June 22nd at Calusa Harbour Sunrise Senior Living in Fort Myers from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Click here to host a future event or for showcase vendor information contact Marci Gower at marci@floridawellnessnetwork.com. Find us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter now!

Do you ever wonder why certain people never get past the “I’m gonna” stage in whatever new and fascinating idea they happen to conjure up in their minds on any given week or year for that matter? Now I’m not talking about the reoccurring New Year’s resolution to lose ten pounds that never, ever comes to pass or the inevitable battle with the never-ending laundry pile or forever growing number of emails in your inbox.  We all have an ever-present TO DO list that starts to get done but doesn’t because life gets in the way. Those are the ongoing everyday life challenges that we humans must endure on a regular basis that just keep us, well human for crying out loud!

Today, I’m actually talking about a yearning from within or what can be described as deep-rooted desires or much-needed life changes. These yearnings seem to sometimes grow on us like the weeds in our yard… slowly but surely and one day we just notice they really are there and we should do something about them! Sometimes they hit us upside the head like a coconut falling from a palm tree or overcome us unexpectedly like a wave of hot wind on a mid summers day. But once you open your eyes and really notice them there’s no going back because you can’t shut out awareness. You can’t just magically close your eyes again or pretend you don’t hear your heart calling you to something greater than what you have in front of you. In that moment you know you “should” take action and follow that path into the unknown and see what’s on the other side… if for nothing else other than for shit’s and giggles.

Yes, I’m talking about an “aha” moment that inspires you to walk in the direction of greatness with only hope at your side and faith to guide you.  I’m talking about that yearning deep within you to change your career, learn a new trade, move to a different state, learn a new language, end a relationship, meet someone new, move on with your life, start your own business, publish your book or just adopt a new lifestyle change. The key word here being “change”… nothing more feared or more needed by the human race!

Sometimes these “aha” moments of inspiration come to us unexpectedly from the strangest of places or sometimes they reach us from exactly when and where they need to reach us and at the precise moment in which we needed to hear it. That life defining moment could be from a book or blog we just read, a comment on Facebook, a tweet on twitter, a heart wrenching moment on Oprah, a song on the radio, a memory from long ago or an honest friend gently holding up a mirror in front of us saying “Hey, when are you going to realize you have egg on your face!” This, my friends, is the fork in the road that defines our future because we make the choice to grab inspiration by the hand and embrace change bravely or we close the door of our hearts in denial and fear and let the voice of spirit disappear in the evening wind.

Now let me ask you this… Have you ever met someone and ten years later you run into them again and they are in the exact same miserable spot they were in back when you both hung out to complain about life over a cold beer or a cheap glass of wine… just wishing you could magically change the people, places or things in your life that you just didn’t like but you didn’t know where to begin? And here they are all these years later only now with ten more pounds and even more wrinkles still saying they’re “gonna” do this or “wanna” do that. Everyone knows at least one and sadly some have to admit being that person, stuck in their own reality, a victim of their own doing or actually their own NOT doing.

If you really think about it we all have 24 hours in a day, we all pretty much go to bed and get up the next day in just about the same way, slight variances I’m sure but with the same basic concept. We all put our pants on one foot first and then the other… we all intake food and output waste, we all breathe in air and drink water and if you’re reading this you too have a computer, just like me. If you really stop to think about it a little longer you just might realize that if you take it all into consideration: blood type, religion, race, color, creed, nationality and belief systems most of us are more alike than we are different. Like my friend Barb’s dad used to say, ”If you put five men into a room and strip them off all their belongings, name, social status, bank accounts, etc… What do you have?” Well, you have just five men in their birthday suits, nothing more and nothing less.

So what makes one person different from the other? What makes one man get up one day and realize his dreams while the other finds himself ten years later still wishing they had another man’s life or wife for that matter? Why is it easier for some of us to embrace and accept change while other’s hold on to the familiar for dear life, however unsatisfying and distasteful that reality may be?

I’m sure everyone has their very personal and intimate reasons for not following their dreams but my first instinct is to respond with this: FEAR. I say this because fear seems to be the strongest, most powerful emotion out there next to Love, of course. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of success, fear of not being good enough, fear of ridicule, fear of falling down, fear of pain and then there’s just plain, old, boring fear. The irony is that there is nothing REAL about fear, it’s all in our heads and 99.9% of what we fear never really comes to pass. As Dr. Wayne Dyers says; “Fear is nothing more than False Evidence Appearing Real” and I believe that the only purpose of fear in our lives is for us to learn to overcome it and become better people for having done so.

But fear is very real for some and very paralyzing in the lives of many and it is for the most part this unseen fear that keeps people stuck in the “I’m gonna” and never allows them to reach the goals they have set before them.  I myself happen to be one of those people who you’ll never hear say “I’m gonna” do this or “I’m gonna” do that, other than laundry, of course! I’m one of those people who once I make up my mind I jump in head first, shoes on and don’t think twice about it. You’ll probably look up one day and find that I already did it because once I set my mind to something Nothing and I mean No THING stops me from accomplishing it.

Now this isn’t to say that I recommend this technique to everyone… some of my biggest life disasters have been due to my impulsive nature to jump in without thinking, asking questions or looking both ways before crossing. But no one can take away the learning that came from these choices or the woman I have become because of the experience that came with it so in the end I look back with no regrets and am at peace with my past or most of it anyway. I also believe that some of the greatest challenges I have accomplished in my life are due in part because I didn’t stop to ponder what it would take or how long it would take me to get it done. I just had this crazy blind faith that I could do it and so I did.

And this is by no means a proclamation to perfection because I am still very human and I do battle with my very ”real” fears on a regular basis, I just don’t let them dominate my life. Some of my fears I have made more progress with than others but I can easily say I see progress every time I say NO to fear and YES to faith. Now, having said that, I have to admit I have more than ten pounds I currently need to shed and I have yet to publish my book that’s still in the “making”. But these things haven’t come to pass because they haven’t been my focus and not because fear has stopped me from realizing them.

I look over the last ten years and I see myself climbing those stairs in life, setting one goal after another and walking in the direction of my dreams. I listened to the voice of spirit and I embraced faith, I’ve pushed away fear and asked God to guide me into a better tomorrow. Every time I have fallen wasn’t a failure but rather a lesson in life on how to get back up again, reinvent myself and just keep on going. I chose persistence over procrastination and even to this day, as I set new goals before me, I continue to choose change over the familiar every time I get that sour taste in my mouth or that wave of inspiration showing me what could come to pass if I only wanted it bad enough.

Today I’d like to challenge you to take just one of your dreams and start turning it into reality. Don’t think about all the many reasons why you can’t do it and just decide that no matter what, you’re going to find a way to get it done. How? Simple! Take a piece of paper, YES right now, and write down your goal. Now take ten minutes and write a plan, it doesn’t matter if you have to revise it tomorrow, put it down in black and white. Now take positive action today and walk in the direction of your goal. All you have to do is stick to it for 28 days until it becomes a habit and don’t give up. And finally, a week from now, a month from now or a year from now, it doesn’t matter when – celebrate your accomplishment!

Monica Garcia Saenz was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. Her parents migrated from Chihuahua, Mexico in the late sixties. She is 100% bi-lingual and bi-cultural. She lived in Mexico City, MX for several years and has traveled all over Latin America for business. She is published author, an experienced translator, a creative graphic designer and a talented marketing consultant. Monica has years of experience in the marketing field and brings her expertise into every job opporutnity with MGS Designz & More. She has many great ideas to help you improve your company image and boost your marketing campaign. Her focus is to get your products and services noticed by your potential clients and help you grow your business.

She is a very dedicated and motivated business professional who is passionate about helping others. She always strives to give 100% of herself to every project she commits to. She has teamed up with a great group of very talented business people that are all ready to give their best and get your job done right the first time! For more information email: mgsdesignz@gmail.com or call (239) 282-2869 or (954) 326-5366.

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The “Help Ron Give Cancer the Boot” Fundraiser is June 2nd and there are great ways you can participate!

Purchase Your Romantic Get-a-Way Package Ticket for Only $10

(Value over $500 for the ENTIRE Package!)

Drawing is June 2nd at A Night in the Cape and you DO NOT have to be present to win.

INCLUDES:

WIN A ROMANTIC GET-A-WAY PACKAGE

2 Night stay at The Carousel Inn on Fort Myers Beach

$100 Shopping Spree at Belk Department Store Cape Coral

“A Day to Catch up on Me” pampering spa package from Faithfully Yours Day Spa

$50 Gift Cert Mona Lisa’s Italian Restaurant (Courtesy of Margie Tann)

Bottle of Wine & a Romantic CD

Get CASH for GOLD:

Bring your unwanted Gold to the Fort Myers Bridge Lunch on Friday May 20th at Famous Daves 11:30 -1:30 AND to Wellness Wednesday on May 25th 5:30 -7:30 at Lusk, Drasites, Tolisano & Smith, P.A., 202 Del Prado Blvd. S, in Cape Coral.

(http://WellnessWednesday.net/)

You get the Cash and a donation will be made to Ron’s fund from Pat Faitel from National Gold Party.

The donation is being made by National Gold Party from THEIR profit, not from the value of your gold!

Raffle: Buy raffle tickets to win prizes at A Night in the Cape on June 2nd.

You can bring items to donate to the raffle too or contact Michele at 239-225-5019 or Marci at 239-691-6955

Auction: Bid on items in our auction! Check out the current list of goodies.

http://thebridgenetworking.com/cape.aspx

And it keeps on growing!

Have a great item to donate for our auction? We want it!! Contact Michele at 239-225-5019 or michele@thebridgenetworking.com

“Give Cancer The Boot” is Sponsored by:

The Bridge Networking Group

Woman’s Life #701

The Florida Wellness Network

All U Need Pest Control

MGS Designz & More… 

Checks payable to Woman’s Life.  Thank you to Woman’s Life for matching the first $500 we raise !!