Madison, AL January 2026 by City Lifestyle

New Year: Mind Over Matter

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

New Year: Mind Over Matter

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Amy Bailey | amy.bailey@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Casey Creque | casey.creque@citylifestyle.com

"Tomorrow something wonderful is going to happen to me." "Today something wonderful is going to happen to me." These are affirmations that athlete Serena Williams tells herself every night before she goes to bed and every morning when she wakes up. Experts agree that they best way to retrain your brain is to focus on positive experiences. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change and strengthen pathways through repetition. Positive experiences, thoughts, and behaviors reinforce neural connection, while negative ones also create pathways which can lead to a 'negative bias'. All the negative self talk we have engaged in or others have said to us have built pathways throughout our life. By actively engaging in positive habits and affirmations we can consciously build new pathways. Celeste Bradley is a brave young woman who lost both her hands and her feet. The devastation and sadness she has felt over this past year is unimaginable. In the depths of great loss, she knew she had to change her attitude. To manage the mental hurdles, she builds structure into her days: prayer, meditation, staying busy, being intentional about redirecting negative thoughts. Her dad’s words echo in her mind: “An idle mind is the devil’s playground.” Celeste says, “Now I know it’s a mindset. It’s choosing to keep going, even when it feels like you can't.” In this issue you will find Celeste's inspiring story as well as the mental health article EMDR Healing by writer Martha Lynn Coon. You will also find articles on Maria's Morning Routine, staying financially healthy in the new year, and refreshing your home. It's a new year and we invite you to breathe in the positive and breathe out the negative. Every issue our goal is to uplift this community and we are grateful to be a big, healthy dose of positivity in your life. Long. Live. Print.

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Faeh Reese, Hannah Nelson, Maria Faulkner

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Proverbs 3:5-6 Madison City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Madison area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Madison City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

22 16

Featured

16 22 28 32 6

Mind Over Matter

How Celeste Bradley is navigating life after losing her hands and feet

32 On the Cover

Departments

Celeste Bradley navigates life with grace after losing her hands and feet

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Get Active FITNESS

Inspired By WELLNESS

Mental Wellbeing HEALTH + WELLNESS

Trend Setter HOME + DESIGN

Expert Help HEALTH + WELLNESS

Money Matters FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES

Events

EMDR Healing

The Role of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Mental Health

New Year Refresh

Ways to breathe new life into your home in 2026

Starting The New Year Financially Healthy

Expert advice on small things that add up when it comes to peace of mind

Photography: Maria Moore with Makeup by Nancy Finnegan

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JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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1-4: Holiday Market at Midcity 5-6: Beth Medley, Lori Light, Bill Andrews Leadership Greater Huntsville's 'Thanks a Latte' Event 7: Sprocket, Lee Greenwood at Toyota Field

C I T Y SC E N E

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8: Brittany and Bardia Barmaki BMW Brunch benefitting Gynecologic Oncology 9: Remax Today BMW Brunch benefitting Gynecologic Oncology 10: ShopMoss Holiday Open House 11: Vania Morris, Susan Rogers ShopMoss Holiday Open House 12: Madison Collum, Maria Faulkner, oey Frost Advanced Life Clinic Holiday Open House 13: Ashleigh and Sharon Heinz Stars Dancing for HEALS 14: Laura Bess Weekly, Ashleigh Heinz, Sharon Heinz, Casey Creque Stars Dancing for HEALS CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M A D I S O N

city scene CONTINUED

21 19

15: Shateka Montague, Rylee Anderson, Jessica Luther Stars Dancing for HEALS 16: Patrice and Willie Smith Stars Dancing for HEALS 17: Casey Creque, Dr. Sravya Chirumamilla, Kaitlin Duncan Stars Dancing for HEALS 18: Yuji Nabeshima, Mark Brazeal, Norihiro Kishiwaka, Rhonda Gilyard, Dave Finch, Mitsunobu Mukaida, Jessica Luther Stars Dancing For HEALS 19: Bob Pro, Dr. Carl Gessler, Rhonda Pro Allegiant Air Party at The Vesper at Trilogy Hotel. 20: Melvin Hodges, Dr. Rosemary Hodges, Kimmi Scott, Maurice Scott, Dr. Adaira Ford Collins, Cedarric Collin Stars Dancing for HEALS 21: , Zach Mcgovern, Allegiant Air Party at The Vesper at Trilogy Hotel

C I T Y SC E N E

22: Blake Williams, Airelle Harley, Talyn Walton, Michelle Joy, Jessica Aguirre-Cantrell, Angie Perrin Allegiant Air Party at The Vesper at Trilogy Hotel 23: Shan McMillian, Pammie Jimmar, Brian Naugher, Ashley Ryals, Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon; Katiyah McKinney Allegiant Air Party at The Vesper at Trilogy Hotel. 24: Butch Roberts, Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon; Barbie Peek, Susan Kittle, Mayor Tommy Battle Allegiant Air Party at The Vesper at Trilogy Hotel.

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ARTICLE BY CASEY CREQUE

Fit at 50 B O D Y R O K O W N E R M A R I A F A U L K N E R ' S D A I LY R O U T I N E Maria Faulkner, owner of BODYROK Pilates Studio, at 50 years old is a picture of health. She believes that a consistent routine is key to her success, and with a daughter and granddaughter, it is important for her to have the energy to enjoy life with them. She has given us an inside look at what her day consists of to keep her mind, body, and spirit strong and nourished.

Maria’s Daily Routine 1. I start my day by setting a goal to do 3 things- 1) learn something 2) move my body 3) do something to connect to another person. If I can say I have done all 3, even my toughest days are a win. 2. I think fueling your body properly is an important component that cannot be overlooked. I found that reducing my sugar intake and keeping my protein levels high, which takes some planning and forethought when I travel, helps me avoid big energy swings. I eat almost the exact same breakfast every morning- Greek yogurt with organic berries and Purely Elizabeth nut granola. 3. Pilates is my love, which i what lead me to open BODYROK, but I believe it is important to mix up my exercise routine. My routine consists of: • 3-5 days of Pilates/reformer training • 2-3 days of strength training • Walking 10,000 steps per day. I don’t obsess over my steps but I know I feel better on days I move more. 4. I journal at night to reflect on lessons learned or goals met that day, and then meditate right before bed to let go of stress and give my mind the rest it needs. I prioritize sleep and usually get 7-9 hours depending upon my work schedule. madison@bodyrok.com

B O DY RO K P I L AT ES S T U D I O

Maria Faulkner I’m so grateful for the opportunity Pilates has given me to meet so many amazing women who also want to find movement and connection to make their days a little brighter. BODYROK helped me stay consistent longer than I have at any other gym or fitness routine because I love the supportive community.

G E T ACT IV E | FI TNES S

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M A D I S O N

How Celeste Bradley is navigating life after losing her hands and feet

ARTICLE BY CASEY CREQUE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA MOORE MAKEUP BY NANCY FINNEGAN

Mind Over Matter 16

I NSP IR E D BY | WEL L NESS

Imagine waking up from a routine surgery to find out your health took a major turn for the worst. This was the reality for twenty-four year old Celeste Bradley when she was rushed back to the hospital shortly after a deviated septum surgery only to be diagnosed with sepsis. Celeste fought for her life, and the cost was the unthinkable. She had her whole life ahead of her but would now have to face a reality with no hands or feet. “I found out about my hands and feet about a month apart,” Celeste recalls. “The hands came first. At the time I knew it was necessary because I couldn’t move my fingers. They were extremely cold,” she continues. The memories of the nurses bringing heating pads to put on her hands are engrained in her mind, but more so the fact that nothing could touch the cold sensation. “I knew it was necessary. I was almost relieved,” says Celeste. After surgery, she even managed to joke with her brother about potential Halloween costumes. Despite the enormity of what she was facing, she found a way to laugh. The news about her feet was different. She had been reassured over and over that they could likely be revascularized, and she held onto that hope tightly. A woman of deep faith, she prayed relentlessly, leaned on her pastor’s visits, and believed wholeheartedly in the possibility of a miracle. “I’ve seen God work in the lives of my family and community,” she says. “I truly believed He could save my feet.” In the end, the miracle looked different than she had imagined. Her feet were not healing. Keeping them meant risking her life, and choosing survival meant losing all four limbs. CONTINUED >

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I NSP IR E D BY | WEL L NESS

“It’s grieving and still celebrating what you’ve gained. It’s moving forward even on the days that feel impossible.” “Living without hands was one thing,” she admits. “But living without all of my limbs felt like a nightmare. In the beginning, I couldn’t see how I could ever be independent or happy again.” But even in that moment, one of the darkest of her life, she made a decision that would shape her healing. “I knew my attitude had to change,” she says. “I was devastated but determined to get back to the life that I was living before I got sick. I’ve continued to be hopeful, even on the hard days, that I will be able to do all of the things that I want to do, including living independently again.” she explains. The road from the hospital bed to rebuilding her daily life has been anything but linear. “Slow,” she says with a laugh. “Very, very slow. And I’m not a patient person.” Insurance approvals, outside funding, fabrication of prosthetics, learning to use her body in new ways...each step required weeks or months of waiting. But the journey also opened her eyes to an entirely new world. “Before this, I didn’t know anything about prosthetics,” she says. “Now I’m amazed. It’s incredible what these devices can do.” She uses her prosthetic legs every day, while her upperlimb devices are still in development. As she waits, she leans on others for help, which has been a humbling, vulnerable experience that has taught her that strength isn’t only physical. “Strength is asking for help,” she says. “It’s grieving and

still celebrating what you’ve gained. It’s moving forward even on the days that feel impossible.” Celeste is honest about the emotional toll this has taken. “It’s impossible to avoid sadness,” she says. “Every day, I remember how easy life used to be.” To manage the mental hurdles, she builds structure into her days: prayer, meditation, staying busy, being intentional about redirecting negative thoughts. Her dad’s words echo in her mind: “An idle mind is the devil’s playground.” Her favorite distraction and source of joy is her dog, Duke. She smiles, “Playing with him, training him, just bing around him… it brings me so much happiness.” She also works closely with mental-health professionals, reminding herself that trauma changes the brain and that needing help is not weakness. “There is absolutely no shame in getting help,” she says. “We aren’t meant to do this alone.” Small victories have become major milestones. Walking again. Laughing again. And even picking up new hobbies, like pickleball. Her brother had played for years, and she always intended to join him but could never fit it into her packed schedule. “I regret not playing with him before I got sick,” she says. “But now I’ve played several times, and it feels incredible. I was once worried I’d never walk again. Playing a sport feels like a gift.” CONTINUED >

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She’s also slowly returning to her favorite pre-illness passion: baking. Adaptive equipment has helped, but it’s still a work in progress. “I’m not fully independent with it yet,” she says. “But one day I will be. I believe that.” If there’s one thing Celeste is adamant about, it’s that she hasn’t walked this road alone. Her support system has wrapped around her from the moment she fell ill: family, friends, coworkers, church members, hospital staff, therapists, parents of her former patients, and countless people from the community. “I am incredibly blessed,” says Celeste. “Not everyone has what I have. My support system has carried me.” At 24 years old, this is not the life that Celeste saw herself living, but after what she’s been through, she remains grateful for another chance at life and the lessons she is learning from her new normal. This has been a process of waiting, and healing, and learning. But since her illness, she has discovered a strength she never knew she had. “I used to think strength was physical,” she states. “Now I know it’s a mindset. It’s choosing to keep going, even when it feels like you can’t.” The greatest lesson she wants to share with anyone facing unimaginable hardship? “Don’t compare your progress to anyone else’s. Everyone’s journey is different. The only comparison that matters is whether you’re doing better than you were yesterday, nd whether you’re doing your best. That’s what counts.” @celestescourage

I NSP IR E D BY | WEL L NESS

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M A D I S O N

EMDR Healing ARTICLE BY

MARTHA LYNN COON

The Role of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Mental Health When the New Year arrives at our doorstep, it often brings a rush of intention and energy along with it. But for many people, this wave of good intention sometimes peters out quickly. By February, we wonder what happened to all those good intentions, and whether the Chinese New Year (celebrated February 1st) might be our second chance to get out of the gate. When Spring Break hits, and there’s still little progress to show, a tendency to throw up one’s hands and let habits hang out for just one more year can quickly settle in. But what if change weren’t all about sheer willpower? What if there was a way to work with our brain, to speed healing and transformation, and remove obstacles to growth? This is one of the many possibilities of EMDR therapy. EMDR, an abbreviation for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a well-researched and road-tested approach to helping individuals process past hurt and trauma with the assistance of a trained therapist and their own neural connections. In short, EMDR is a practice of guided re-framing and re-programming of challenging or traumatic memories from our past, the traces of which still inform not only how we feel, but at times, how we behave or react to particular stimuli. EMDR therapy proceeds through eight distinct phases, which include (among others) history taking, preparation, reprocessing, and re-sensitization. The eight phases do not always equate to eight sessions;

depending on the complexity of the issue and the client’s needs, the phases can be addressed in less or more than eight sessions. It always involves bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds, to help the client’s brain reprocess memories that it brings up intentionally or through association. If this sounds intriguing or helpful, you are in luck. A quick search via Psychology Today’s website indicates that there are over 100 practitioners available to Huntsvillians either in person or online that have training in EMDR therapy. One local practitioner, Stephanie Cashin of Huntsville Integrative Therapy, uses EMDR as a powerful and effective tool to help clients move through their healing process as efficiently and comfortably as possible. Cashin stresses that her model of successful practice is not retaining clients indefinitely but finding the most effective practices to empower clients toward more joy, freedom, and autonomy in their healing journey. If you are considering the use of EMDR as a therapeutic practice, Cashin suggests inquiring about a mental health provider’s training with EMDR while discerning how and with whom you’d like to engage. Practitioners can use an EMDR-informed approach, which might use some aspects of the EMDR method but present a more informal or hybrid approach in practice. Other practitioners are trained in aspects of EMDR but have not gone through a certification process. And some professionals are CONTINUED >

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

“What if there was a way to work with our brain, to speed healing and transformation, and remove obstacles to growth?” JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M A D I S O N

“I remember it as though it was a real memory, but it was more discertified in EMDR by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), a professional body that offers connectivity, education and certification through training to mental health providers around the world. Cashin also points out that as Huntsville expands, people who look to improve or fine tune their emotional health might consider approaching therapy providers in a similar fashion to medical providers when it comes to specialization. As the city grows, it’s becoming possible for a therapist to refer a client out to another practitioner who is certified or specialized in a modality that could benefit the client while working on a particular issue. Similar to the relationship between a General Practitioner and a Specialist, a client might return to their therapeutic home base once that specific course of treatment draws to a close. EMDR is just one of the many healing modalities available through the devoted and informed care available in the Tennessee Valley. Cashin is certified through EMDRIA and began offering EMDR to her clients about four years ago. Since then, she’s watched clients utilize EMDR to aid in the re-processing and healing of trauma in multiple forms, from critical incidents to negative and detrimental feedback loops at play in a client’s conscious or subconscious over years and decades. While EMDR might be most recognized as a treatment to help those struggling with PTSD, a certified EMDR therapist has access to specific protocols used to support the treatment of challenges ranging from specific phobias- Cashin says fear of flying is a referral she sees often- to addiction, OCD, eating disorders, severe stress, and anxiety. Kelli, a local writer and mother of two teenagers, sought out an EMDR therapist in the area to work on a particular and persistent issue that had not been resolved after years in traditional “talk” therapy. Kelli described her desire to get past what felt like a “block” when it came to her relationship with food, which in turn affected her experience of connection, or a lack thereof, to her own body. She hoped working

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

tant. Typically, I drowned in it, but this time I was floating on top. I had the feeling that I was in control.”

with an EMDR trained therapist could improve her emotional connection to food and eating, and support steps toward better long-term outcomes in her own wellness journey. She describes the first few EMDR sessions as “tough,” requiring her to re-visit some difficult memories of the past as she made the first series of associative memories to begin her healing journey. After these challenging first steps, Kelli described immersing herself in the process, allowing the associative memories to present as needed and working with her therapist to stay with the memory and re-program as needed. After the initial memories were integrated, she commented that it felt like a block was removed, and the rest of the process moved forward “like a waterfall.” Kelli’s experience of EMDR allowed her to release old memories and well-worn patterns in order to grow and respond differently in her relationship to triggers, obstacles, and frustrations that previously short-circuited her wellness goals. Laurie, an outdoor enthusiast and recent Huntsville transplant in her early 50s, looked CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M A D I S O N

for an EMDR trained therapist when navigating challenging emotions and triggers around family relationships and transitions. Her practitioner focused heavily on the bilateral stimulation of the brain through auditory processing, in which stimulation occurs through a clicking mechanism delivered through ear buds. The Huntsvillebased therapist she worked with introduced tactile stimulation as well, administered through the palms of the hands using little devices known as tappers or pulsators. These devices vibrate or pulse in an alternating left-right pattern, stimulating both sides of the brain and inviting the person holding them to slip into a state of almost wakeful dreaming that mimics the REM phase of sleep. Laurie’s experience, similar to Kelli’s, was extremely positive. Both women pointed to a sense of empowerment through the process; the therapist’s use of EMDR taught each woman how to access past hurt or trauma and re-process these experiences from the standpoint of their competent, adult self. Laurie commented that with EMDR, you begin to understand how to allow your higher self to help heal trauma or challenges in the past, both with the therapist and beyond. Bessel van der Kolk, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and well-known author,

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

refers to this specific aspect among EMDR recipients in his book The Body Keeps the Score: One man reported: “I remember it as though it was a real memory, but it was more distant. Typically, I drowned in it, but this time I was floating on top. I had the feeling that I was in control.” A woman told us: “Before, I felt each and every step of it. Now it is like a whole, instead of fragments, so it is more manageable.” The trauma had lost its immediacy and become a story about something that happened a long time ago. As we ease into a New Year, it’s a wonderful time to take inventory of the tools and support available to achieve our goals and speed our own healing and wellness. EMDR is one of the treatments sanctioned by the Department of Veteran Affairs for PTSD, and many practitioners are integrating the use of EMDR into their practice to support the healing and integration of past hurt while also helping to minimize reaction to current triggers in the process. If you think you or someone you love could benefit from EMDR, reach out to one of the many available practitioners in the Tennessee Valley, some of whom offer services both in-person and on-line, to learn more and expedite bringing your best, most whole self forward this new year.

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M A D I S O N

Ways to breathe new life into your home in 2026 With the new year comes a fresh start, and what better place to begin than your home? Small changes can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your home, and Design Theory Interiors has all the tips on a home refresh that will give you a newfound place of serenity as you head into the new year. From the addition of new bedding to statement art that speaks to your soul and your home, find ways to update your space without breaking the bank. Refresh with soft textures by introducing new throw pillows and blankets; add color with a rich paint hue on cabinets or an accent wall; or change a space with a gorgeous rug that brings in new colors and textures.

ARTICLE BY FAEH REESE AND HANNAH NELSON

New Year Refresh

Fresh textures, fuller inserts,

and updated colors instantly lift the whole space, adding

comfort and polish without a big renovation.

T R E N D SE T T E R | HO ME + D E SIGN

Upgrade Soft Furnishings Upgrading your pillows and bedding is one of the easiest ways to make a bedroom feel brand-new. Fresh textures, fuller inserts, and updated colors instantly lift the whole space, adding comfort and polish without a big renovation. Even a simple swap to crisp sheets or a new duvet can make the room feel cleaner, calmer, and more intentionally styled. Even simple additions like throw pillows and blankets can breathe new life into a room.

Statement Art

Add a Pop of Color

New Rugs

Adding statement art refreshes your home by instantly creating a new focal point and setting the tone for the entire room. A bold piece introduces color, personality, and scale in a way that can make existing furniture feel re-styled, not replaced. It’s an easy, high-impact update that tells a fresh story about your space with zero remodeling while giving new personality to your room. Find local artists you love and your sense of home becomes even more meaningful.

Incorporating a pop of color on your kitchen cabinets refreshes your home by giving the most-used room an instant shot of energy and personality. Even a single color moment—like a painted island or lower cabinets—can modernize the space and make neutral countertops and finishes feel newly curated. It’s a high-impact change that transforms the kitchen’s mood. Colors like Transformative Teal, Hidden Gem (a smoky jade), Warm Eucalyptus (a muted sage), and Universal Khaki are all on trend for 2026.

Whether you like colors or neutrals, an accent rug can instantly change the look and feel of your room by adding in texture and dimension. Rugs can add color to a neutral room or give a soft texture to a previously hard floor. A small rug in an entryway gives personality to your home when guests enter while a large area rug can bring the whole room together. Our design experts can help you pick one that is perfect for your space.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M A D I S O N

AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. KYLE GILLETT

The New Frontier of Health

Why do so many people feel exhausted, foggy, or unwell, even when their medical tests insist everything is “fine”? Why are we prescribed quick fixes instead of being given real answers? Across modern medicine, a shift is happening. More patients are demanding real explanations, and more clinicians are rethinking what “healthcare” should actually mean. Leading that shift is Dr. Kyle Gillett, a dual board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine and an expert in metabolic, hormonal, and preventive health. Through his clinic, research, and The Gillett Health Podcast, he’s become a trusted voice for people seeking science-based, root-cause solutions rather than symptom-based band-aids. “Functional medicine is really ‘root cause medicine,’” Dr. Gillett often says. “It’s about asking why the problem exists and not just quieting the noise.” In this Q&A, Dr. Gillett breaks down the most common questions he hears from patients and offers simple, actionable guidance anyone can begin using today.

1. “WHY DO I FEEL AWFUL EVEN THOUGH MY LABS ARE ‘NORMAL’?”

Dr. Gillett: I like to say, “There is no such thing as ‘we’ve done everything.’” We can always dig deeper. Often, the labs ordered are the wrong type of assay, or important markers like ferritin or SHBG—which binds testosterone and estrogen—are completely missed. Beyond lab work, there are other factors: mitochondrial health, sleep quality, mental health, and even how sensitive your dopamine and serotonin receptors are. “Normal” labs do not always equal normal physiology for you.

2. “HOW DO I FIX MY ENERGY, BRAIN FOG, OR SLEEP WITHOUT 20 MEDICATIONS?”

Dr. Gillett: Start with a good, comprehensive lab panel to assess nutrients and hormones. Then build the foundation with sleep. My favorite tool is the 10/3/2/1/0 rule: • 10 hours before bed: No caffeine • 3 hours: Avoid large meals and alcohol • 2 hours: No vigorous exercise • 1 hour: No bright blue or white light • 0: No snoozing and no inconsistent sleep/wake times

EXP E RT H E LP | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

U N D E R S TA N D I N G T H E “WHY” BEHIND WELLNESS ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES AND PROVIDED

Aim for 7+ hours of high-quality sleep. When sleep improves, energy almost always follows.

3. “IS MY GUT ACTUALLY CAUSING ALL THESE OTHER PROBLEMS?”

Dr. Gillett: Gut health influences most major health issues, but it’s rarely the only problem. Diet is my second pillar of health for a reason. Exercise, sleep, and stress reduction all improve gut function too. Even simple tools like self-hypnotherapy apps can reduce gut-related symptoms.

4. “WHAT CAN I DO RIGHT NOW, TODAY, TO START FEELING BETTER?”

Dr. Gillett: Focus on the pillars of health: diet, exercise, sleep, stress, sunlight, social connection, and spiritual health. Treat them like habits and find ways to make them enjoyable or easy to start. Supplements and medications are supportive tools, not substitutes. Think of them like turbo chargers: they enhance a system that’s already functioning.

A FINAL WORD FROM DR. GILLETT

“The goal isn’t to tell people what to do, rather it’s to give them the information they need to decide what’s best for themselves.” By understanding the why behind your symptoms, labs, and lifestyle choices, you become the driver, not the passenger, of your health journey.

To hear the extended conversation with Dr. Kyle Gillett, scan the QR code for an exclusive podcast episode.

CALL TODAY TO TOUR!

256.870.7207 INDEPENDENT LIVING & MEMORY CARE 11260 County Line Rd, Madison, AL 35756 MonarkGroveMadison.com

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M A D I S O N

Starting The New Year

Financially Healthy Financial wellness is an important part of the wholistic wellbeing of your family. Making small changes and being more intentional with your finances can set you up for success in the coming years. We got with some financial experts in town to give us tips on how to have financial peace of mind going into the new year.

MARK ROLLER- STATE FARM (256) 533-4730

Term Life Policy - This is a great affordable policy that gives you the coverage you need through the early years and then money back

at the end. The Return of Premium (ROP) term life insurance product offers a level death benefit equal to the face amount of the policy and guaranteed premiums for either 20 or 30 years. If the insured survives until the end of the term, the premiums paid into the policy are returned. Personal Article Policy - This is a great idea because it can cover anything from jewelry to pets, giving you peace of mind that your valuables are covered. Even things like Fine Arts, baseball or sports cards, or wine collections can be covered.

ALEX POLS- SENIOR WEALTH MANAGER MORGAN STANLEY

Plan Today For Tomorrow - What you do or buy today will impact when and if you can have the retirement lifestyle you really want. Planning can help model out these decisions by illustrating how spending and saving today will impact your ability to achieve your goals. We live in a YOLO world today and unfortunately, what I see is many people walking down a path that will lead them to disappointment later in life. As a whole people need to moderate expectations of what they can have whether it be the house we in live, the car we drive, the college we send our kids to, or the vacations we take.

CHRIS ALLEN- STORY FINANCIAL PARTNERS (256) 503-5013

Pay yourself first - When you get that direct deposit in your account. Make sure that you set some funds aside for your future self. Doing this can be done automatically via online banking transfer or auto debit so you won’t be tempted to skip a month or two. Review Automated Subscriptions - After signing up for a free trial, it can be easy to forget to cancel once it’s over and the monthly charges begin. Take time to review your bank statement and make sure you aren’t wasting your hard-earned money on unused services. Set up Online Banking Alerts - Some banks offer an exceptional digital banking platform that allows you to add spending alerts and monitor your daily transactions with the click of a button. Make sure you utilize these tools regularly to avoid unwanted transactions.

Expert advice on small things that add up when it comes to peace of mind ARTICLE BY CASEY CREQUE

M ON E Y M AT T E R S | FI NAN CE + LE GAL SE RVICE S

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M A D I S O N

JANUARY 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

EVE RY W E D N E S DAY

Midweek at Asbury Asbury Church 980 Hughes Rd, Alabama 35758 | 6:00 PM Midweek opens the door for adults to step into community and creates intentional space for kids K-5 to grow deeper in their faith! Free Registration for event or $7 for Dinner JA NUA RY 2 N D

Huntsville Havoc vs. Birmingham Bulls VBC Propst Arena | 7:00 PM Bring the whole family to kick off the new year with an exciting night of rival hockey! Tickets available at eventticketcenter.com or VBC Box Office JA NUA RY 9 T H - 1 1 T H

Festival Of The Cranes Wheeler Wildlife Refuge in Decatur, Alabama | 11:00 AM This event will feature guided birding tours, educational programs, photography opportunities, and activities for all ages. Highlights include special guest speakers like Paul Bannick and the International Crane Foundation, as well as a special “Wild About Whoopers” day at the Cook Museum of Natural Science on January 10 with free admission. JA NUA RY 1 5T H

Crafts & Laughs- Movie: Sweet Home Alabama Madison Public Library | 6:30 PM Community movie night at the library! Bring the family and enjoy crafts and fun as you watch Sweet Home Alabama. JA NUA RY 2 7 T H - 2 9 T H

AI Symposium US Space and Rocket Center | 5:00 PM This 3-day symposium combines the exploration of the continually evolving topic of Artificial Intelligence with our unique location where you can participate in immersive Space Camp and museum activities during the symposium. Register at rocketcenter. com/2026-AI-symposium JA NUA RY 2 7 T H - F E BRUARY 1ST

BTL Presents:nThe Sound Of Music Mark C. Smith Concert Hall | 7:00 PM With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic isn’t just meant to be enjoyed – it’s meant to be shared. Now, a critically acclaimed North American tour brings the cherished musical to stages across the country to teach a new generation to sing. @broadwaytheatreleague. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or VBC Box Office

Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / M A D I S O N

EVE N TS

F U L L S E RV I C E D E S I G N | H O M E D E C O R | G I F S

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Congratulations to our 2026 Directors RECOGNIZING ADVISORS WHO EXEMPLIFY OUR CORE VALUES, LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT TO EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE. Each year, Engel & Völkers recognizes advisors whose performance, leadership and dedication reflect the very best of our global brand. Our 2026 Directors are trusted experts who enrich the Engel & Völkers' experience across North Alabama guiding clients with professionalism, local insight and mastery within their specialty fields. Their continued contributions strengthen our shops, elevate our service offering and uphold our reputation for luxury service throughout the region.

BRIAN MAY • MRP

SHALU HOLMAN • CLHMS

Advisor

Associate Broker

Director of Regional Sales

Director of Luxury Sales

Director of Luxury Historic Properties

brian.may@evrealestate.com

shalu.holman@evrealestate.com

charlie.wells@evrealestate.com

MIKE FLEMING • SRES

CHARLIE WELLS

CONNOR BROOKMAN

Associate Broker

Qualifying Broker

Director of Commercial Services

Director of Development Services

mike.fleming@evrealestate.com

connor.brookman@evrealestate.com

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