News Archive - Page 39 of 40 - The Wellington Edit

Come As You Are: Connection, Collaboration and Community

Creating connections and communing with contacts is essential for any working professional, regardless of their occupation, and there are thousands of networking opportunities across Palm Beach County.

But the South Florida Women of Influence Circle is a little different and offers a refreshing departure from the traditional networking group.

For one, visionary co-founder Marcelle Burke doesn’t even like to refer to it as a networking group. To her, it is a circle of empowered women empowering women where everyone gets their cup filled.

“I have a love/hate relationship with technology,” she said. “And now, it seems we express our feelings through a series of emojis. Just like plants need water and sunlight, wome

n are nurturers by nature and need to be together in person.”

The genesis of the group was when Marcelle looked inward at her own circle and realized just how inspirational the women in her own life were.

“I know a lot of fabulous, fantastic women who wear many different hats and I would get together in groups of threes or fours and think, ‘Why don’t you know this person?'” she said.

The South Florida Women of Influence Circle was a chance to get these women in the same room to connect, collaborate, laugh together, cry together and be their authentic selves. Unlike other networking organizations, there is no membership fee nor a membership roster.

“It’s a Mary Poppins bag,” Marcelle said with a laugh. “You never know who will be there but it’s humbling because it has struck a nerve. Women drive after work from all over Palm Beach County and come out to Wellington to meet other women and open up on a level I never expected – they share personal needs, grievances, health concerns and brainstorm concepts for their own businesses and the non-profits they serve.”

The group’s strength lies in the fact that it is a safe haven for women and is committed to supporting and celebrating its members.

“I really value female relationships,” Marcelle said. “Don’t understate the words stronger together or female power. In the circle, we give ourselves roses and encourage each other. We acknowledge each other’s accomplishments and we give each other time to be still.”

By fostering trust, compassion and solidarity, the South Florida Women of Influence Circle empowers women in Palm Beach County and allows them to emerge from an increasingly isolated world into a vibrant community where women thrive together.

Dr. Kyle Eldredge: Five Things I Would Never Do As A Colorectal Surgeon

No-one knew.

He was fifty feet tall, portraying icons like Black Panther – a fictional hero made flesh or Jackie Robinson and Thurgood Marshall – flesh and blood heroes who walked among us.

No-one knew that Chadwick Boseman, barely in his 40s, was battling colon cancer and when he succumbed to the disease in 2020, shockwaves of grief ripped through Hollywood and the world at large.

He was so young. He seemed so strong. He was in the prime of his life. He seemed undefeatable and then, he was gone.

According to the National Cancer Institute, new cases of colorectal cancer in people under the age of 50 have been rising over the past several decades.

“Colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed each year in both men and women,” said Wellington-based colorectal surgeon and partner at Advanced Surgical Physicians Kyle Eldredge, D.O. “In people over 50 years old, the overall incidence of colorectal cancer has actually been dropping over the last three decades due to increased screening. However, in people younger than 50, the numbers are increasing by 1-2% per year since the 1990s and by 2030, early-onset colorectal cancer is expected to become the leading cancer related cause of death for people aged 20-to-49.”

He encourages people to be actively engaged in their health and wellness and has created a list of five things he would never do as a colorectal surgeon.

Ignore your family history

While age is the most important risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer with over 90% of colorectal cancers diagnosed in men and women over the age of 45, family history is also important when it comes to diagnosis and prevention.

“Having a single first degree relative with colorectal cancer can increase your risk 2-3 fold,” said Dr. Eldredge.

Skip screenings

Simply put, screenings save lives and Dr. Eldredge says screenings should start at the age of 45 for people without risk factors like a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.

“Most early-stage colorectal cancers do not produce symptoms – they start as noncancerous
Polyps,” he said. “Through screening and removal of polyps, the risk of colorectal cancer can be reduced by as much as 75-85%.”

Underestimate your symptoms

Maintaining good health requires vigilance and knowing your body. Most colon and rectal cancers do not cause symptoms in the early stages but it is vital that people are aware of the warning signs so they can know when to solicit the advice of a medical professional.

“Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloody stool, fatigue, anemia due to blood loss and a change in bowel habits,” said Dr. Eldredge. “Symptoms vary from person to person which can make diagnosis challenging but if you notice you’re experiencing these symptoms, talk to your doctor.”

Refuse to modify your lifestyle

The way you live your life has a huge impact on your health and Dr. Eldredge echoes advice dispensed by former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy – alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States.

“Alcohol use has been linked to several different types of cancer, including colon cancer,” Dr. Eldredge said. “Ethanol, the type of alcohol found in commonly consumed drinks such as beer, wine and hard liquor acts as an irritant to mucosal linings of the GI tract, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestine.”

He recommends that in addition to drinking less and quitting smoking, people should eat less red meat and processed foods, add more fruits, vegetables and whole grains to their diets and get moving – walking, working out or any kind of exercise that gets you off the couch.

Refuse to talk about your bowel movements to your physician

It might be an uncomfortable conversation but ultimately, it could be a conversation that saves your life. People might not like talking about it because they feel awkward or they don’t want to make a fuss – attributing changes in bowel movements to bad shrimp cocktail or indulging in too much spicy food – but it’s worth having the conversation if you have any concerns.

“If you have constipation or new-onset diarrhea, changes in the frequency, size or caliber of your bowel movements, your bowel doesn’t seem to empty completely or you have narrow stools – as thin as a pen, for example – and it lasts for several days, you should talk to your doctor,” said Dr. Eldredge. “If you’re experiencing abdominal pain which you think could be due to a bowel blockage, contact your doctor. If you have blood in your stool, talk to your doctor.”

Open and honest communication between yourself and your medical professional can make all the difference in an early diagnosis

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit Advanced Surgical Physicians website at: https://www.toplinemd.com/advanced-surgical-physicians/ or contact them via phone at (561) 333-1335

Post-Polo Season Athlete Recovery Tips from an Orthopedic Surgeon

With expert insights from Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. John Hinson

Polo season may have ended, but here in Wellington, Florida—known as the Equestrian Capital of the World— it’s a year-round commitment for dedicated athletes. Polo is an intense, physically demanding sport that involves powerful swings and quick maneuvers on horseback, placing significant strain on the shoulder and elbow joints. This high-stakes sport requires stamina, bursts of speed and impact, balance, flexibility, and strength. Dr. John Hinson, a local orthopedic surgeon at Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute specializing in shoulder and elbow care, shares tips on how athletes can optimize their recovery while training ahead for the next season.

Have your shoulder health assessed– If lingering pain persists!

Polo places a high-load demand on your dominant arm. Microtrauma from repeated swinging motions can build up with or without symptoms, and you won’t even know until it becomes a problem. Sometimes microtrauma presents as stiffness, limited range of motion, catching, or a locking sensation. “Athletes should check in with their nearby orthopedic specialist for any pain that lingers,” said Dr. Hinson. An ultrasound or other diagnostic tests may be necessary for further evaluation. The goal is to catch minor injuries before a full-blown impingement, labral tear, or more serious injury.

Address imbalances between arms

The shoulder and elbow joints rely on the surrounding muscles for strength and stability, helping to support the bones and reduce the risk of sprains and injuries. That’s why it’s essential to keep these muscles strong and well-balanced. Polo’s one-sided nature puts the non-dominant arm and shoulder at risk of underdevelopment and joint injury. “Polo players should engage in strength training like dumbbell or band work with their non-dominant arm to maintain symmetry in the shoulder girdle, strength, and posture,” said Dr. Hinson. Beneficial exercises include reverse flys, rows, and rotator cuff stabilization. “As always, you’ll want to see your physician if you discover any pain or discomfort while exercising.”

Reduce inflammation the correct way

Inflammation is a natural response to the physical stress polo places on the body, especially after a demanding season. Addressing it properly is key to recovery and long-term joint health. “Players should take time to actively deload the shoulder and elbow,” said Dr. Hinson. “This includes 1-2 weeks of light mobility work, icing sore areas to reduce swelling, and avoiding overuse unless medically advised. Anti-inflammatory medications are an option to help reduce inflammation and joint symptoms. However, if symptoms persist after more than 1-2 weeks of use, a physician should be consulted for further evaluation.” Inflammation isn’t always a sign of damage, as it can be part of the repair process. Rest, ice, and controlled movement are often more effective than total immobility unless a confirmed injury occurs. When in doubt, consult with your orthopedic specialist.

Evaluate elbow strain or grip fatigue

The elbow joint often takes on more stress than expected, particularly in polo, where grip tension and repetitive mallet swings are constant. Over time, this can lead to fatigue or strain that originates not from the elbow but from improper grip mechanics or wrist overuse. Players should check for tenderness along the inside and outside of the elbow to properly monitor joint health. Light sensitivity in these areas may indicate an early sign of strain. Addressing it early can prevent potential chronic issues like tendinopathy from developing. Strengthening the wrist and forearm, while practicing a looser, more efficient grip, can ease the load on the elbow over time. “Overlooking minor aches or tenderness can lead to more serious injuries that may affect an athlete’s performance down the line.”

Consider a prehab plan, not just rehab

Injury prevention starts long before the first match of the season. Building shoulder stability, core strength, and balanced posture during the off-season can help polo players stay ahead of potential injuries. “Athletes who actively maintain shoulder function during the off-season tend to experience fewer issues when the season starts,” said Dr. Hinson. A consistent prehab routine–just 10 to 15 minutes, two to three times a week– can reinforce key areas like scapular control, rotator cuff strength, and core engagement. Rest days are just as important and should be built into the athlete’s schedule to allow the body time to recover and adapt. “Proper conditioning, recovery, and injury prevention are all part of being a year-round athlete.”

Strengthen smarter, not just harder

Building strength is essential for polo performance, but how you train matters just as much as how hard you train. Overloading the shoulder with traditional heavy lifts can sometimes do more harm than good. “Heavy overhead presses or dips aren’t always the best choice for shoulder health, particularly in the post-season,” said Dr. Hinson. “It’s athlete-specific, but heavier weights could prove harmful in some instances.” A smarter approach focuses on strengthening the smaller stabilizing muscles that support shoulder mechanics and mallet control. Targeted exercises such as incline push-ups, resistance band external rotations, and eccentric loading work can improve endurance and joint integrity. “Athletes should prioritize movements that build durability, not just power,” Dr. Hinson added. Developing strength with intention–through control, balance, and correct technique–helps reduce the risk of injury and supports long-term performance in the athlete.

Overall, polo athletes can keep their shoulders and elbows healthy in the off-season and perform at their best by following these expert tips from Dr. Hinson. Remember, maintaining joint health is an ongoing commitment. Beyond polo season, athletes should continue to focus on injury prevention, strengthening, and recovery when engaging in sports training and in the sport itself. Dr. Hinson advises all athletes to be mindful of their bodies, and if engaging in the sport or athletic training exercises causes pain, stop immediately and consult with a provider.

To learn more about Dr. Hinson and the Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, visit https://www.pboi.com/john-hinson.

Takis® Snacks Celebrates Local Teen’s Snack Drive Efforts at Children’s Harbor

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South Florida – Children’s Harbor, a nationally accredited child welfare organization with a mission to help strengthen families in our community and provide safe shelter and support to teens in foster care, recently learned that a tradition created by a young supporter will continue beyond graduation and be supported by a snack industry giant.

Every Tuesday is affectionately known as ” Takis® Tuesday” at Children’s Harbor, thanks to a teenager named Gabriel Auais. Gabriel started this program in 7th grade to increase awareness about food insecurity among youth in our community. He organizes, fundraises, and manages multiple snack drives throughout the year to keep the program going and then delivers them to eager teens at Children’s Harbor. Among all the snacks he garnered, Takis® are everyone’s favorite; hence, ” Takis® Tuesday” was coined – a highlight of the week that everyone at Children’s Harbor looks forward to.

“We could hardly wait to see Gabriel’s reaction when he heard the news,” exclaimed Tiffani Dhooge, President and CEO of Children’s Harbor. “It was extraordinary to encounter a young person with such remarkable dedication and drive. We were thrilled to see Takis® recognize him in such a meaningful way. Gabriel’s story was not only inspiring—it was a powerful testament to how one individual can make a big difference.”

In recognition of Gabriel’s great work and motivated entrepreneurial spirit, Takis® personally delivered a pallet of Takis® snacks to Children’s Harbor, along with a character letter that he can use as a letter of recommendation when he graduates from high school this spring.

“At Takis®, we believe that every child deserves the joy of delicious snacks, and we’re so proud to celebrate trailblazers like Gabriel, who find new ways to brighten the lives of others,” said Sandra Kirkpatrick, Senior Marketing Director for Takis®. “It was an easy decision for us to recognize his efforts, and we hope this gesture inspires him to keep up the great work and inspire others to spread positivity in their communities.”

Gabriel Auais began the program at Children’s Harbor in September 2019 and is now a senior at Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School. Gabriel has spent three years participating in varsity weightlifting while taking honors courses such as the Excelsior Scholars Program, National Athletic Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society in Math. Gabriel has won many academic awards including the Academic Award for Algebra I Honors, the High Point Book Award for Academic Success and Community Service, and the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Award. By 2024, he became an AP Scholar with the Distinction Award.

Gabriel also has a heart for volunteering to help make a difference. With graduation this year, Gabriel has already identified a successor to take over the program when he leaves, ensuring the tradition lives on. What initially started as a desire to address food insecurity and support Children’s Harbor evolved into a valuable opportunity to pave the way for Gabriel’s career success and the future of the people he’s impacted. To learn more about Takis® Tuesdays or Children’s Harbor, please visit childrensharbor.org.

About Children’s Harbor:
Established in 1996, Children’s Harbor is a nationally accredited child welfare organization with a mission to help strengthen families who are struggling in our community, while providing safe shelter and support to teens in foster care so that they may grow into healthy, educated and productive adults. With the belief that children should feel safe, that family is worth fighting for and that cycles can be broken, Children’s Harbor provides a harbor of hope and healing for children who have been impacted by the trauma of child abuse. The main campus in Pembroke Pines provides a supportive family environment for teenagers in foster care and their younger siblings. The family support services program prevents kids from coming into foster care by providing free in-home counseling and support to families who are struggling in the community. Additionally, Brown’s Harbor is a supportive housing community dedicated to serving young adults, aged 18-23, who have aged out of the foster care system. These young adults are provided with affordable housing and the wrap-around support and independent living programs necessary to help them overcome their trauma and navigate through the early stages of adulthood. To learn more about Children’s Harbor and the difference we are making in the lives of children affected by trauma and abuse, please visit childrensharbor.org.

About Takis®
Takis® is the most well-known brand of Barcel USA, the U.S. snack division of Grupo Bimbo, the world’s largest baking company with operations in more than 30 countries. Barcel USA is an exciting, young and fast-growing consumer packaged goods company headquartered in Coppell, Texas, with a strong presence in the largest markets nationwide. Takis® snacks are not ordinary; they are the most intense snacks in the world. With different varieties such as Takis® Rolled Tortilla Chips, Takis® Stix, Takis® Waves, Takis® Pop! And Takis® Hot Nuts. Takis® snacks are for the strong, brave and daring. Visit us at www.Takis.us

Photo Credit: Children’s Harbor

Photo 1: Gabriel Auais, in the 7th grade, and Children’s Harbor CEO & President, Tiffani Dhooge with Takis® box

Photo 2: Gabriel Auais, now in the 12th Grade, with Takis® box in front of Takis® delivery

Hope is Never Silent

The world’s only LGBTQ polo league returns to Wellington annually and when it arrives, it ushers in LGBTQ polo players from around the world and an inimitable atmosphere of riotous color, vibrant celebration and inclusion for all individuals regardless of race, sex, gender, or sexual identity or orientation.

Founder Chip McKenney established the event almost two decades ago as a way to expand his LGBTQ social network in Los Angeles, California.

“It started informally with just a few friends and friends of friends attending monthly polo clinics at the Santa Barbara Polo Club,” said McKenney. “The next year, we gained more participants in terms of both members of the LGBTQ community and allies and then, it really took off.”

Over 3000 players, attendees and revelers join the festivities throughout the year all around the world, from Argentina (home to the world’s first formal match in 1875) to London to Saint-Tropez to the sun splashed shores of South Florida.

“I began to strategically elevate awareness of the Gay Polo League throughout the sport of polo and LGBTQ communities and developed a narrative that reflected the core values of the league: supportive, safe, encouraging and always fun,” McKenney said.

In recent years, more and more athletes have come out as members of the LGBT+ community – NFL defensive end Carl Nassib, former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher, golfer Tadd Fujikawa, hockey player Luke Prokop and Olympic gold medalist soccer player Megan Rapinoe – but this wasn’t a historically common occurrence.

“Growing up, I did not see openly gay athletes identified on television. I assumed I was the only gay person who loved sports. In my adulthood, I witnessed how even the idea of being out could potentially ruin an athlete’s career,” McKenney said. “The Gay Polo League provides a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ athletes to train and compete, openly and authentically.”

“The Gay Polo League has become an instrument of change and oftentimes introduces gay people into the lives and consciousness of people who have not known gay people first hand,” he added.

“While Gay Polo events are fun and competitive, it is really the desire for equality that pushes us to do more and evolve every year,” McKenney said. “In addition to elevating LGBTQ athletes and creating awareness, we want to engage more people about the issues the LGBTQ community faces which, we hope, will lead to understanding, respect and empathy. Understanding is the cornerstone for equity and inclusion.”

To echo the words of Harvey Milk – hope is never silent – and the Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament is a boisterous and hopeful event shouting out inclusivity, diversity and above all, pride.

Navigating The Digital Age: Advances In Senior Care Technology

We have the technology.

We can make it better than it was.

Better, stronger, faster.

With the rapid development of home and wearable technology, our society has become more efficient, faster and better.

We adjust home temperature using apps to ensure energy efficiency, we check on our pets while away from home and we can ensure safety through lighting, cameras and other security measures.

Independent living, assisted living and memory care facilities are utilizing more home and wearable technology to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for their residents.

“There are thousands of data points collected through records, assessments, screenings and profiles and much of that just sits,” said David Burke, CEO of NxtGen Care. “We activate that data, time-stamp, geolocate and attach it to a person, measuring over 20 key data points and creating a profile not only for residents but also for team members.”

NxtGen Care is a healthcare and business intelligence technology company seeking to revolutionize the senior care industry and they are unrolling a pilot program at Wellington Bay/Lisbet Health Center, a luxury senior rental community and the only independent living/assisted living/memory care facility in Florida to utilizes NxtGen Care’s healthcare and business intelligence technology.

“Currently, all staff and almost all residents wear the NxtGen Care Resident M Factor Tech,” said Selina Huong Tran, R.N, Administrator of Lisbet Health Center at Wellington Bay. “We can locate all residents and staff in the building at all times and this system improves response times to resident calls as well as it documents how long we take to respond to any given call.”

This current technology is designed based on the shared, foundational belief that better relationships create better care and foster better outcomes.

“By using tech to manage workflow, we free up time for staff to engage with residents,” said Burke. “If staff are spending more time with residents, they’re more likely to capture more information about care needs.”

“We capture exactly how many minutes care staff is with each resident every day and also document how physically close we were to each resident during the day, how much time the resident spends in activities and many other key factors,” said Tran. “It is an amazing program.”

Both Wellington Bay/Lisbet Health Center and NxtGen Care are committed to the concept of dignity in aging.

“It takes a community to care for us as we age,” said Burke. “So, we have to be deliberate in how we engage our technology. It has to foster better human interaction and better care. We are creating a culture of dignity.”

The new pilot program NxtGen Care is launching at Wellington Bay/Lisbet centers the concept of aging with dignity while also focusing on increasing staff resiliency.

Approximately 28 staff members – mostly in managerial roles such as executive directors and directors of nursing are participating in this eight-week pilot program which pushes resiliency and skill-building.

“Staff turnover rates in the senior care space are tied with the retail industry and the burnout rates are higher than most other industries,” Burke said. “Part of our solution puts care intelligence on an app.”

Being able to see workflow and efficiency is a huge advantage not only to staff but to the overall operations of the organization.

“People are always saying I had to wait 30 minutes for anyone to respond,” said Tran. “This has always been the biggest complaint in assisted living – it takes forever for anyone to respond. But we don’t have that issue.”

Burke hopes that data analysis will not only increase organizational efficiency but also delve deeper into learning more about staff and residents as people.

“Have you seen the movie Moneyball?” he asks with a chuckle. “By looking at data, we can discover talent that isn’t recognizable to the naked eye. For staff, we use that data to provide coaching and remuneration based on performance.”

Which is all part of the larger picture for both Wellington Bay/Lisbet Health Center and NexGen Care – improving the quality of both health and life for seniors and ensuring the fundamentals of strong mental health and dignity of work for staff, thereby improving outcomes for all.

For more information about Wellington Bay/Lisbet Health Care, please visit: https://www.wellingtonbayfl.com/

For more information about NexGen Care, please visit: https://www.nxtgencare.com/

Pace Center for Girls Student Shines in Countywide Playwriting Contest Hosted by Palm Beach Dramaworks

Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach Student Selected as Winner in Palm Beach Dramaworks’ Third Annual Young Playwrights 1-Minute Play Contest

Only 20 Youth Selected Countywide for On-Stage Play Reading at The Don & Ann Brown Theatre

West Palm Beach, FL (May 27, 2025) – On Wednesday, April 30, Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach proudly celebrated student Dary G, who was one of just 20 students selected from seven middle schools across the county as winners for Palm Beach Dramaworks’ third annual Young Playwrights 1-Minute Play Contest. Dary’s play, Spaghetti Wars, was brought to life by actors during the on-stage reading at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre in West Palm Beach. This remarkable collaboration not only celebrates creative achievements but also serves as a powerful testament to the confidence and voice that Pace inspires in young women.

Hosted by Palm Beach Dramaworks, middle schoolers across Palm Beach County were challenged to craft a complete story in just 60 seconds. Each season, Palm Beach Dramaworks produces five shows and offers a wide variety of programs for students at the theatre and in schools. The winners were selected by a group of theatre professionals, and the student playwrights were each awarded a $100 prize, receiving a keepsake anthology of the winning plays. This was an opportunity that Dary embraced with her imagination and passion, with given support from Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach.

“We are incredibly proud of our Pace girl, and the creativity, courage, and confidence she demonstrated through her play,” said Mindy Hanken, Executive Director of Pace Palm Beach. “Opportunities like this empower our girls to find and use their voice, and we are deeply grateful to Palm Beach Dramaworks for creating such a meaningful platform and for recognizing one of our own.”

Pace believes that ‘Every Girl Deserves’ a future filled with opportunities, respect, and agency to pursue her dreams. By providing academic and behavioral support to middle and high school girls ages 11-17 across Palm Beach County School Districts, the girls at Pace receive year-round academic instruction in small class sizes for individualized attention. The girls at Pace work closely with counselors and therapists trained in girl-centered and trauma-based therapy. They are provided with leadership and community service opportunities, life skill development, career readiness, and individual goal planning, including high school diploma tracks, credit recovery tracks, and GED graduation tracks. These resources are made available to girls at no cost to them.
This showstopping opportunity highlights the endless potential of young women when provided with encouragement and opportunities to shine. Through initiatives like this partnership, creative talents are nurtured and celebrated, building brighter futures for students like Dary G. Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach and Palm Beach Dramaworks share the commitment to empowering students to find their voices and chase their dreams.

To learn more about how to support Pace, or open enrollment, visit www.pacecenter.org. To learn more about Palm Beach Dramaworks, please visit https://www.palmbeachdramaworks.org/.

About Pace Center for Girls
Pace provides free year-round middle and high school academics, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and deals with past trauma and builds upon girls’ individual strengths. Dedicated to meeting the social, emotional, and education needs of girls, Pace has a successful and proven program model that has changed the life trajectory of more than 40,000 girls and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading advocates for girls in need. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, visit www.pacecenter.org.

About Palm Beach Dramaworks
Palm Beach Dramaworks is a professional, nonprofit theatre company founded in 2000 and located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. Each season, the award-winning company produces five shows and offers a wide variety of programs for students at the theatre and in schools. Committed to fostering the future of theatre, PBD has become a hub for playwrights in Florida and around the country to nurture their work through the Perlberg Festival of New Plays. PBD is a member of Theatre Communications Group, Florida Professional Theatres Association, the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, and NNPN. In 2024, PBD was honored as Non-Profit of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches.

Photo Credits: Tim Stepien, Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach

Photo 1: 20 Students Selected by Palm Beach Dramaworks Countywide for On-Stage Play Reading

Photo 2: Mindy Hanken, Executive Director, Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach, Dary G., Pace Girl, Mrs. Nancy Wilson, College & Career Coordinator, Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach, and Mr. Tom Christopher, Dary’s English Teacher, Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach

Self-Exams and Self-Care: A Key to Breast Cancer Prevention

Featuring Dr. Andrew J. Shapiro, MD, FACS of Advanced Physical Physicians

One in eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime and this year, an estimated 310,720 women will be diagnosed with the disease. That being the case, it’s a safe assumption that everyone knows someone who has been personally affected by breast cancer.

Andrew J. Shapiro, MD, FACS of Advanced Surgical Physicians is the Medical Director of the Advanced Breast Center at Wellington Regional Medical Center which hosts a free breast cancer support group. The support group is open to anyone who has walked through a breast cancer diagnosis or supported a loved one on their journey, regardless of when or where they received care.

Hosted by Sheila Palacios, MSN-Ed, RN, OCN. Oncology Nurse Navigator, the group meets on the third Sunday of every month between 2:00pm-4:00pm in the Wellington Regional Medical Center Community Room.

Dr. Shapiro strongly advocates for regular mammograms every year starting at age 40 and regular breast self-exams.

“Home self-exams can help you maintain good breast health and be mindful of any changes so you can discuss them with your doctor,” Dr. Shapiro said.

Self-exams should be done on a monthly basis on a day that is easy to remember, like the first of the month. Keeping a record of your findings in a journal or on your phone is a good way to track changes.

“A self-exam only takes a few minutes and you can do it when you’re getting dressed for the day, lying in bed or taking a shower,” Dr. Shapiro said.

In order to perform a self-exam, stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your side and visually inspect for any changes like dimpling of skin, swelling or changes in shape or skin color. Then, put your hands on your hips to flex your chest muscles and observe the same.

Use your right hand to examine your left breast and vice-versa.

With the pads of your three middle fingers, start with applying light pressure, then medium pressure and finally firm pressure to check for any lumps, thick spots or changes. Use a circular motion when checking and be sure to check both the flesh nearest your armpit and your areola.

“Lumps in breast tissue are normal and shouldn’t be a reason to panic,” Dr. Shapiro said. “Some people have more dense breast tissue than others. Mammograms are the best detection tool but a home self-exam is a good way of recognizing what is normal for you.”

That being the case, you should consider making an appointment if you experience the following:

Inverted nipples or nipples that stop sticking out.
Redness, soreness, a rash or swelling.
Dimpling or puckering of the skin.
Irregular discharge from nipples.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to connect with Advanced Surgical Physicians by calling (561) 333-1335 or via their website: https://www.toplinemd.com/advanced-surgical-physicians/

Wellington Foodie Guide: Gourmet Shopping at Meat N’ Bone Wellington

Chef, traveler and raconteur Anthony Bourdain once claimed that without veal stock, pork fat, sausage, organ meat, demi-glace, or even stinky cheese, life was simply not worth living.

This is a philosophy that Gabriel Llauradó has taken to heart with Meat N’ Bone, a discerning purveyor of quality meats, poultry and caviar based in South Florida.

Llauradó is passionate about steak and sees himself as a docent of sorts, working with customers to create not just a memorable meal but an unforgettable dining event.

“Back when we were kids, my mom would take me to the butcher and she would have a relationship with the butcher,” Llauradó said. “She knew what she wanted and she asked questions.”

He is looking to replicate that experience with Meat N’ Bone and encourages customers to come in, spend some time and learn about the vast array of fine meats the store carries.

“We want to show you our offerings and talk about it. You start asking questions and we put the beef on the table,” Llauradó said. “We want you to touch the steaks, it’s fresh meat. Anything with a bone has a different shelf life so some of the cuts are frozen but we strive for freshness.”

With four locations in Miami, Parkland, Pinecrest and Wellington with a fifth opening in Hallandale Beach later this year, Meat N’ Bone delivers to all of Miami-Dade, Broward and most of Palm Beach County and will deliver for free if customers schedule deliveries ahead of time. Meat N’ Bone also offers a Grill Master service for private events.

“Let’s say you want to host an event at your house but you don’t feel like standing at the grill all night. For $200 plus the cost of the meat, we can bring a guy who cooks to order,” Llauradó said. “Each one of our guys has hundreds of hours of grill experience and knows our products so it’s much more unique than going out to a steakhouse.”

Creating exclusive gastronomic affairs is at the heart of Meat N’ Bone’s culture and one of the ways they cultivate this is through their dry aging and alcohol-infusion process.

“Nobody does this, it’s unique to Meat N’ Bone and I only make 80 steaks a month. They sell out in minutes,” Llauradó said.

Dry-aging is the difference between the steak you grill in the backyard and the steaks you get when eating out. A process which both helps tenderness and intensifies flavor, large cuts of beef are aged between one month to several months before being cut into steaks.

“The Capital Grille ages for about 28 days and we do 60 in our dry-aged steaks. We have one of the best dry age programs in the nation; we dry age in Chicago,” Llauradó said. “The thing about dry aged is not for everybody. When you cook it, it has a little bit of a nutty flavor. It’s not that commonly found and it’s not that simple to source. Our 45-day dry aged Tomahawk is incredibly flavorful and definitely the ‘manliest’ cut of beef out there.”

The concept of alcohol-infused steak came about during the 2020 pandemic. While the rest of the country was in lockdown making sourdough bread, Llauradó was conceptualizing how to combine the classic combination of steaks and spirits.

“I’m an avid drinker,” Llauradó said with a warm chuckle. “When dry-aging, we infused the muscles with liquor. We did single malt whiskey and it was delicious but my favorite is the rum. We partnered up with Diplomatico, a Venezuelan rum brand, and it was amazing. The sugars from the rum stay there and when you cook it, you get an incredible crust.”

In addition to dry-aged steak, Meat N’ Bone prides itself on sourcing rare cuts of meat only found in the most exclusive of retailers.

Referred to as the “Showstopper of the Backyard BBQ,” Picanha Steak Wagyu is highly sought-after, much beloved in Brazil and almost impossible to find in the United States…unless you’re Gabriel Llauradó.

“It has a fat cap that crisps up beautifully when cooked and a delicious buttery flavor that’s almost addictive,” he said. “Our Picanhas come from a family owned company and we have compared this program to others from major chains, finding that it consistently tastes better and eats better.”

Meat N’ Bone also has the distinction of carrying the rarest steak in the world, the heralded New York Olive Sanuki Wagyu, a Japanese A5 Wagyu from Shodoshima Island where cattle breeding goes back over a millennium.

“Olive-Fed Wagyu comes from steers raised on a special feed of olive mulch and has become famous for its higher levels of oleic acid and nutty taste,” Llauradó said. “The texture is soft and buttery, the fat is sweet and very digestible.”

For those with a discerning palate who prefer seafood or pork to beef, Meat N’ Bone offers wild caught African tiger prawns and Jamon Iberico directly from Spain.

“Our pork chops come from Farm Vera Vieja in Badajoz, Spain from black Iberian pigs who roam freely and are fed a diet of grass and grain,” Llauradó said. “We call it the Wagyu of pork.”
Located in the Wellington Marketplace, a trip to Meat N’ Bone is less a trip to the butcher and more the start of a culinary journey. Gabriel Llauradó is passionate about great food and bringing people together for inimitable experiences.

“We have a team that curates everything, sourcing from the top 3% of USDA produce and working with farmers to bring best-in-class food to South Floridians,” he said. “Most people will learn more about beef on one visit to Meat N’ Bone than in a lifetime of buying from the supermarket.”

The Skinny on Tirzepatide

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When patients come into Advanced Surgical Physicians, they run the gamut of the emotional spectrum. Anxiety and fear when first diagnosed, cautious optimism during treatment and wild hope and joy when realizing they were in remission.
Andrew Shapiro, MD also noticed that when his breast cancer patients would come in, they would struggle with weight gain due to hormonal therapy and more often than not, this would have an adverse effect on their mental health.

As the Medical Director of the Comprehensive Breast Center and leader of the Breast Cancer Support Group at Wellington Regional Medical Center, Dr. Shapiro wanted to do more for his patients and he started researching deeper into the advancements in GLP-1 receptor agonists.
This research eventually led to establishing a weight-loss program at Advanced Surgical Physicians which quickly opened to the entire community and not just breast cancer patients.

The program uses Tirzepatide, a medication that has shown promising results for weight loss and blood sugar control and can be found in GLP-1 medications such as Zepbound and Mounjaro.

It is a once-weekly injectable medication that works by mimicking two natural hormones in the body: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). These hormones help regulate appetite, blood sugar levels, and metabolism and works in several ways to promote weight loss:

Decreased appetite: It helps you feel full longer after eating, so you’re less likely to overeat.
Slower digestion: It slows down the movement of food through your stomach and intestines, which also helps you feel full for longer.
Improved blood sugar control: It increases insulin production and lowers blood sugar levels, which can help with weight loss and reduce the risk of complications from diabetes.

In addition to significant weight loss – studies have shown that people taking Tirzepatide can lose an average of 15-20% of their body weight in 72 weeks – the drug can also improve blood sugar control by lowering A1C (measure of average blood sugar) levels over time and also reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke as a result of both of these outcomes.

As with any medication, there are side effects and the most common ones for Tirzepatide include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Patients may also experience fatigue, dizziness, injection site reactions, and, if nutritional intake isn’t maintained during significant weight loss, hair loss. Mild allergic reactions are also possible. Dr. Shapiro emphasizes that these side effects are often mild and temporary and can often be managed with over-the-counter remedies, proper hydration, and a balanced diet.

Initially, the Advanced Surgical Physicians weight loss program was for patients of the practice but now, the program is open to adults who are overweight or obese and have a BMI of 27 or higher and eligibility depending on medical history such as type 1 diabetes, a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer.

A proud veteran and strong supporter of the community, Dr. Shapiro is offering a special discount for first responders, teachers and military members, both active and retired.
To learn more about the Tirzepatide, the weight-loss program and the discount for community heroes, contact Advanced Surgical Physicians directly at: 561-333-1335.

The Way of the Warrior

With age comes wisdom and the Wisdom Warrior Challenge.

An opportunity for seniors aged 50 to 105 years old to showcase their vibrancy and energy, the Wisdom Warrior Challenge is also a chance for seniors to get active and socialize while dispelling the myth that aging means settling into a sentient lifestyle.

The Wisdom Warrior Challenge began with humble roots in 2019 – a group of 19 seniors training together for a local 5k race – and five years later, the initiative has over 1000 participants across the country and is supported by major sponsors such as AARP.

“I created WWC in 2019 to dispel myths about aging and the limitations that follow this narrative,” said founder Linda Borgmeyer. “We have much more control over how we age, and making better choices for our physical and emotional health enhances the golden years.”

Last year’s event featured ten times as many participants and observers as the inaugural event and the 2024 Challenge is up to over 20 communities across the nation and is looking to expand to as many as 500-600 participants.

Inclusivity is foundational to the Challenge and seniors of all capabilities are encouraged to participate with divisions for those using canes, walkers and wheelchairs for mobility and the qualification requires nothing more than being 50 or older and being able to repeat the statement, “Age is just a number, and I am so much more than a number!”

Economic inclusivity is also vital to the initiative. The average sign-up fee for a 5k runs anywhere between $35-$50 and special event races like the Disney 5k can cost up to $100 just to sign up.

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors like AARP, The Wisdom Warrior Challenge is completely free and accessible to all – especially seniors on a fixed income. In addition to the chance to compete and train in a year-long program to get them prepared for the big event, seniors also receive swag bags stuffed with apparel, water bottles and a medal in recognition for their efforts. A livestreamed recognition ceremony hosted after the event gives participants a chance to share their victory with loved ones across the world.

Sharing the accolades and the stories behind the participants is one of Borgmeyer’s favorite things about the Challenge.

I look forward to sharing the stories of unlimited potential and empowerment,” she said.

One such story is that of Louis “Louie” Ricci.

Ninety-year-old Louie competed in the 2023 and came in first in his age group.

“He had dementia but remembered this moment and it was all he talked about. He said he got a medal and everyone was treating him like a celebrity,” his daughter Brenda Ricci Terlizzi shared. “He literally talked about it for days and wore the medal everyday.”

Louie passed away in October 2023 and the memory of his accomplishments serves as both a blessing and a balm to his loved ones.

“The athletes added a new dimension to their version of aging,” Borgmeyer said. “It was inspirational and the effect was lasting.”

The 2024 Wisdom Warrior Challenge starts in March and goes through April. There is still time to sign up and interested seniors can do so at the Wisdom Warrior Challenge website here: https://www.wisdomwarriorchallenge.org/

For more information, please contact Wisdom Warrior Challenge via their website (listed above) via email at: WisdomWarriorChallenge@gmail.com or by calling 561-202-7650.

When Safety and Care Matter Most: The Best Time to Transition to Assisted Living

A person’s home is their castle, their kingdom, a sanctuary.

Whether it’s a place where they planted roots and raised a family or a place they moved to in the second stage of their life to find peace and contentment, the concept of home should evoke a sense of serenity, calm and well-being.

However, as we age, our home may become more than we can handle and we might need to make the difficult decision to move into an environment better suited to our comfort, health and safety.

Wellington Bay not only provides a luxurious living environment for retirees seeking independent living but also offers expert assisted living and memory care services through their on-site memory care facility, Lisbet Health Center.

“Making the transition into Assisted Living or Memory Care can be a very stressful decision for individuals and their loved ones,” said Jay Mikosch, Campus Executive Director at Wellington Bay. “Once safety and activities of daily living are compromised, it is necessary to find options to ensure basic needs are being met. It’s important to remember that assisted living and memory care facilities are designed to prioritize autonomy, safety and care.”

The decision for a loved one to move into assisted living can be a difficult one with many factors to consider but feeling supported and heard during this transitional period as well as being equipped with knowledge can help make the transition easier.

In honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Jay is sharing some information about signs to look out for when considering the decision to move into a residential assisted living community.

Maintaining physical safety is one of the biggest indicators.

As we get older, we lose both muscle mass and strength and the lenses in our eyes become less flexible, leading to worsening vision. This can increase the likelihood of falls and other accidents – a frightening prospect for both seniors and the people who love them.

Each resident at Wellington Bay is given a wearable devices upon check-in which alerts staff in case of an emergency and ensures they will receive the medical care they need.

The ability to locate residents is crucial, especially if they experience issues like memory loss or other cognitive difficulties which could indicate a neurological condition like Alzheimer’s disease.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 60% of people with Alzheimer’s wander at least once and many do so repeatedly which can be dangerous at best and life-threatening at worst. Alzheimer’s patients may attempt to “go home” despite being at home, forget how to get to familiar places, get lost and wander into traffic.

“At Lisbet Memory Care, we offer specialized services for people with Alzheimer’s. We have a staff trained to work with people with cognitive impairments and our facility is a secure environment, equipped with secured doors, alarms and enclosed outdoor areas,” Jay said. “We offer structured routines such as scheduled meals and activities which are designed to promote cognitive stimulation as well as social interaction and we make sure we personalize every single care plan to the individual.”

As we get older, our medical needs also increase. We might start taking medication more often and might need more intensive medical care.

Care is viewed through a holistic lens with assisted living communities like Wellington Bay offering three balanced meals daily, ensuring proper hydration and offering life engagement activities to keep residents cognitively and physically engaged.

They also offer medication management implemented by a licensed professional. This includes not only administering medications but also watching for side effects and coordinating with pharmacies to ensure refills are received in a timely manner. They also offer preventative health monitoring services like regular blood pressure, temperature and oxygen saturation checks as well as blood sugar monitoring and cholesterol screenings for those who might need the additional medical support.

“Forgetting to take medication can have serious consequences,” Jay said. “The more doses you miss, the greater the chance of developing life-threatening health complications. Having a trained staff member meticulously monitor medication relieves stress for both the resident and their loved ones.”

There are many factors to consider when moving into an assisted living facility – health, safety, socialization and personalized care by a trained professional – and finding the right fit between community and person takes dedicated research and time.

“Take a tour of the community to get a feel for what it’s really like,” Jay said. “People should also review online reviews and social media posts in order to make the most informed decision.”

However, the effort put in is worth it as you know that your loved one will receive the attention and care they need to improve their quality of life as they grow older.