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P R O F E S S I O N A L S E RV I C E S

The Health & Wellness Issue

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E XPERT H ELP: M OV I NG BE YO N D PAIN, LIVIN G FU LLY AGAI N

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

New Year, New Energy A new year always arrives with a particular kind of energy—the mix of hope, momentum, and possibility that makes January feel like a clean slate. Some of us charge into the year ready to set bold goals. Others simply want to protect the happiness, health, and stability we’ve worked hard to build. Both paths are worth celebrating. In this issue, we’re spotlighting stories and experts who remind us that “health and wellness” isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s deeply personal, constantly evolving, and often shaped by the community around us. You’ll meet people who are improving wellbeing in practical, meaningful ways right here in Northwest Columbus, whether through better sleep, better skin, or better everyday habits. Courtney Shihabuddin shares how reconnecting with her mind and body became a turning point, and how her work now helps others do the same. Sandman Sleep gives us permission to treat rest as a priority, not an afterthought—something many of us lose to the rush of daily life. And Dr. George Skandamis offers a look at what it means to approach care with both expertise and humanity, reminding us that feeling comfortable in our own skin matters more than most of us admit. As we step into 2025, my hope is simple: that you find what supports you, sustains you, and restores you. Maybe this is your year to try something new. Maybe it’s your year to slow down. Maybe you’ve already found your rhythm, and maintaining it will be the real victory. Whatever your goals—big, small, or beautifully uncomplicated—I’m grateful to start another year with you. Thank you for being part of this community, for supporting the small businesses and professionals who make Northwest Columbus stronger, and for continuing to open these pages month after month. Wishing you a year filled with clarity, joy, and good health. Here’s to a strong start and a meaningful journey ahead. Happy New Year, Northwest Columbus.

LISA FEDERICO, PUBLISHER @NORTHWESTCOLUMBUSCITYLIFESTYLE

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Lisa Federico | lisa.federico@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Madison Moroi | madison.moroi@citylifestyle.com C O PY E D I TO R

Brice Bunner | bunnerb@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Brice Bunner, Lisa Federico, Madison Moroi C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Ashley D. Photography, Mariia Chystiakova, Nicole Dixon Photographic, Universal Dermatology & Vein Care

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Northwest Columbus City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Northwest Columbus area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

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 Northwest Columbus City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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

26 28

Featured

12 22

26 28 6

12 On the Cover

Redefining Women’s Health

Modern menopause care that meets women where they are.

Featuring Courtney Shihabuddin DNP, APRN.

Where Better Sleep Begins

Rich and Kim Hanschu redefine how Columbus shops for sleep — with comfort and community.

Dermatology for Every Generation

Where compassionate care meets skin and vein health for anyone.

Moving Beyond Pain, Living Fully Again Inside Dr. Nikhil Verma’s regenerative approach rewiring how we think about pain, recovery, and movement.

Photography: Ashley D. Photography

Departments 4

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Education Corner PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Self Care HEALTH + WELLNESS

Local’s Choice SHOPPING

Eat Right FOOD + BEVERAGE

Skin Care HEALTH + WELLNESS

Expert Help HEALTH + WELLNESS

Realty Report REAL ESTATE

Events

JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

WORTHINGTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LISA FEDERICO

JOEY KLINGBEIL

5 WORTHINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEW HORIZON MEDIA

ASHLEY D. PHOTOGRAPHY

WORTHINGTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

1: Universal Dermatology & Vein Care staff welcome State Representative Hiner to their Mt. Vernon office. 2: The Brain Tune team celebrates with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their Worthington office. 3: PAWS Veterinary Care cuts the ribbon at their N. High St. location. 4: AmSpirit’s Dollars & Sense chapter enjoys a night of pickleball at Paddle Taps in Worthington. 5: Sarah Perez, Kat DePizzo, and Bob Souter discuss the Worthington Inn for Worthington Area Chamber. 6: Courtney Shihabuddin of Empowered Wellness poses for a photo. 7: This new renovation by J.S. Brown & Co. shines at their latest Wine & Design.

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JANUARY 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Eileen Pilcher: Valuation Online estimates are a starting point - but they don’t tell the full story. Northwest Columbus realtor Eileen Pilcher offers an instant valuation tool plus the option to request a personalized consult for a more accurate, targeted assessment. Her local insight captures the nuances an algorithm can’t. Curious where your home stands today? Start with your estimate and request a consult at: eileenpilcher. kw.com/are-you-curious-about-the-value-of-your-home

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614 Beauty Discounted Classes to Make Beauty Effortless and Affordable Makeup is an easy way to show the world who you are at a glance, and learning to do your makeup is easier than ever with 614 Beauty’s seasoned experts and easy-to-follow beauty classes. This January, you’ll receive 50% off when you book a class at full price and bring a friend. Email info@614beauty.com or call 614-400-9604 to book.

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Chambers Music Studio Preparing for Summer Music Camps If you’re already dreading hearing “I’m bored” all summer, why not check out musical summer camps from Chambers Music Studio? Options are available for younger and older kids, including rock music and world drumming – and there are still a few surprises in store. Can’t wait for summer? Mommy & Me Music Time offers family musical bonding time at all locations. Learn more about all course offerings at chambersmusicstudio.com.

Photography by Julie Chambers

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REDEFINING

Women’s

ARTICLE BY MADISON MOROI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY D. PHOTOGRAPHY

H E A LT H

Modern menopause care that meets women where they are. We spend decades preparing for milestones like careers, families, and retirement — but few women are ever truly prepared for menopause. When the symptoms begin, the search for answers often leads to frustration: dismissive doctors, outdated advice, and treatments that overlook the complexity of women’s health in midlife. That gap is exactly what Courtney Shihabuddin set out to close when she founded Empowered Wellness, a telehealth clinic dedicated to helping women navigate perimenopause, menopause, and the years that follow. For Courtney, this mission is deeply personal. At just 35, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The treatment triggered a sudden medical menopause, bringing on night sweats, depression, weight gain, and declining sexual wellness. When she turned to her oncologist for relief, she was offered antidepressants — off-label, and not a solution. “The straw that broke the camel’s back,” she recalls, “was when my gynecologist offered vaginal estrogen against my oncologist’s advice. It changed everything for me.” That moment not only restored her quality of life — it also exposed a troubling truth. Despite years in medicine, Courtney realized she had never been properly educated on menopause management. “OBGYNs receive, on average, just seven hours of menopause training in eight years of medical school,” she says. “Women are suffering because the system doesn’t prepare providers to help them.” So, she took matters into her own hands.

A PRACTICE BUILT FROM EXPERIENCE

Empowered Wellness was born from both science and empathy. Courtney combines her background as a clinician, her lived

experience as a breast-cancer survivor, and her ongoing training in functional medicine to guide women through one of life’s most misunderstood transitions. Her practice operates completely through telehealth, meeting women where they are — literally. “So many women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond are juggling careers, caregiving, and everything else. Telehealth makes care accessible without adding another obstacle.” The approach is holistic but medically rigorous. For patients who can’t take estrogen due to hormone-sensitive cancers, Empowered Wellness offers evidence-based non-hormonal therapies to manage symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disruption. For others, hormone therapy — when used appropriately — can provide life-changing benefits.

RETHINKING THE HORMONE DEBATE

Much of the fear surrounding hormones stems from the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study — a landmark trial that linked hormone therapy to increased breast cancer risk. The study’s findings led millions of women, and their doctors, to abandon treatment overnight. But the story didn’t end there. Over the years, new analyses have challenged those early conclusions. “The WHI studied women with an average age of 65 using synthetic hormones,” Courtney explains. “That’s not the same as starting bioidentical hormone therapy within ten years of a woman’s last period.” This “timing hypothesis” — now widely recognized — shows that beginning hormone therapy closer to menopause can CONTINUED >

EDU CAT ION COR N E R | PROF E SSION AL SE RVICE S

“Women don’t have to suffer in silence — relief is possible, and the right education can change everything.”

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“I opened Empowered Wellness because I lived actually reduce breast-cancer incidence by up to 60 percent, while also lowering risks of heart disease, dementia, and bone loss. Despite this, fear still dominates mainstream medicine. “The science has evolved, but education hasn’t caught up,” Courtney says. “That’s why so many women are still told to just ‘tough it out.’”

BEYOND HORMONES

For patients like Courtney, who can’t use estrogen or progesterone due to past cancer, Empowered Wellness focuses on individualized, non-hormonal solutions — from testosterone therapy for energy and mood, to newer FDA-approved medications targeting vasomotor symptoms like night sweats. She also educates patients on what’s now known as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) — a less stigmatizing term for vaginal dryness, discomfort, and urinary symptoms. “These are real medical conditions, not just side effects of aging,” she stresses. “And we have ways to treat them safely.” With dietitian Claire Roche on her care team and an increasing focus on functional medicine, Empowered Wellness integrates nutrition, movement, and lifestyle into every plan. “Longevity isn’t just about adding years,” Courtney says. “It’s about improving the quality of those years.”

A LIFELINE FOR WOMEN EVERYWHERE

Through telehealth, Courtney sees patients across the state, helping women who once believed relief was out of reach. Whether they’re navigating early perimenopause, recovering from cancer treatment, or simply searching for a provider who listens, Empowered Wellness offers both expertise and empathy. “Science changes every day,” Courtney says. “The problem is that too many clinicians stopped learning 20 years ago. Women deserve better.” Her words resonate with countless women who have felt dismissed or minimized when voicing their symptoms — told they were “too young,” “too stressed,” or “within normal range.” Empowered Wellness is rewriting that narrative, one patient at a time. A fairly new term, telehealth is when a medical appointment is taken over a video call. Learn more or schedule a telehealth consultation with Courtney at Empowered-Wellness.com.

EDU CAT ION COR N E R | PROF E SSION AL SE RVICE S

this. I know what it’s like to beg for answers and be told there are none. There are answers — and women deserve access to them.”

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ARTICLE BY APRIL SCHULTE-BARCLAY

Values Is the most important key to living a full and healthy life hiding from you? There are many factors to consider when thinking about what constitutes health. The food we eat, exercise, environmental influences, our emotions, and our spiritual awareness are all pillars of health. However, there is one factor that tops the list which often goes unspoken; living in alignment with your value system. Defining values helps a person to structure their life based on personal belief systems by determining what is most meaningful and important to them. From there, a sense of purpose is derived and defined values become tenets from which to live. There are plentiful examples of values, and they vary from person to person. Some examples of values include family, humility, benevolence, leadership, kindness, independence, creativity, and adventure. Our emotions serve to guide us to understanding whether our actions are in alignment with our values. When we live incongruently with our value system, we are betraying ourselves and delivering a subconscious message that we do not matter. Emotions that can come from not living in accordance with our values are based in fear and include anxiety, depression, anger, resentment,

S ELF CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

Health

and jealousy. Living from a place of fear tends to foster bad habits such as addictive behavior, poor dietary choices, negative sleep habits, and unhealthy relationships. Physiologically, the natural flow of energy in the body becomes stuck, wreaking havoc in the body physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. From there, symptoms and illness ensue. However, when we love and respect ourselves enough, we will spend our time and energy according to our values and emotions where love becomes more prevalent. Those emotions include gratitude, joy, peace, comfort, connection, trust, and happiness. Living from love leads to a desire, willingness and commitment to engage in activities that fulfill our sense of purpose. By doing so, our body’s energy moves with ease. When our energy flows freely, we feel vital, healthy, purposeful, and joyful. Identifying our values becomes easier when we create space in our lives to understand what brings us meaning in life. Here are five steps to create space to aid in identifying your values:

5. Speak your values out loud

1. Grounding/Earthing I have experienced it myself and I hear so many others share a similar experience, that being in nature is healing. Getting our hands into the earth with gardening, walking along the beach, taking a hike, or even lying in the grass brings an almost indescribable sense of well-being. Connecting with the earth’s electrical charge is thought to aid in pain reduction, modulate the immune system, and reduce inflammation. It also can lead to feeling more centered, allowing us to focus on what is most important to us.

There are many benefits to literally speaking our truths and discussing our values out loud with a trusted confidant. Bouncing ideas and having meaningful discussions can help us determine our framework and organize our thinking. Sometimes friends and family may not provide the most objective perspectives and professional counseling or life coaching may be more appropriate, while at other times a friend or family member is the most perfect fit! When we live in alignment with our values, we are honoring ourselves in the most self-loving way. From there, our vibrancy shines to our loved ones, our neighbors and even strangers we see out and about. It becomes not only the best gift you can give yourself, but that of our community. So cheers to 2026, let’s make this the best year yet!

2. Meditation/prayer Setting your intentions in quiet solitude using meditation or prayer provides clarity. Meditation may seem overwhelming, but you can make it simple by not expecting perfection in the process. I suggest finding guided meditations online that grab your attention. Try various guided meditations until you find one that feels right.

3. Exercise In addition to the more obvious benefits of exercise, it temporarily unblocks stagnation thereby creating space for objectivity.

4. Journaling Getting thoughts on paper helps clarify intentions.

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ARTICLE BY BRICE BUNNER

Where Better Sleep Begins

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE DIXON PHOTOGRAPHIC

Rich and Kim Hanschu are redefining the way Columbus shops for sleep — with comfort, care, and community. We spend nearly a third of our lives sleeping — or trying to. And yet, few things feel as uncertain as buying a new mattress. You lie down for a few minutes in a bright store, hoping it feels the same at 2 a.m., or you scroll through endless online reviews, crossing your fingers that what arrives in a box will actually deliver on its promises. That’s the problem Kim and Rich Hanschu wanted to solve when they opened Sandman Sleep — a Northeast Columbus-area showroom built on one simple idea: buying a mattress shouldn’t feel like guesswork. Inside their calm, thoughtfully designed showroom, guests can experience the best online mattress brands side by side — the same ones that dominate internet searches but difficult to try in person. Sleep seekers can book a private, no-pressure appointment or stop by during regular showroom hours. It’s quiet, comfortable, and unhurried — a refreshing change from the high-pressure sales floors most people associate with mattress-shopping. “People just want to know what they’re getting before they spend a few thousand dollars,” says Rich. “We’ve built a place where they can take their time, ask questions, and make a confident choice.” Unlike traditional stores, Sandman Sleep’s affiliate model means the Hanschus

LOCA L‘S CH OICE | SHO PPIN G

earn the same regardless of which bed a customer chooses. That transparency allows them to focus entirely on service — helping shoppers navigate comfort, warranty, and trial-period questions long after delivery. “Buying online can feel isolating,” Kim explains. “If something goes wrong, you’re usually on your own. We make sure that never happens.” That hands-on approach has earned the store loyal fans who appreciate having a real advocate through what’s often a confusing process. Whether managing a return, handling delivery logistics, or troubleshooting comfort issues, the Hanschus are there — start to finish. But Sandman Sleep isn’t just about selling mattresses. It’s about helping people rest well in every sense. Each month, their showroom transforms into a wellness sanctuary for events — immersive experiences that blend meditation, live sound therapy, and sometimes acupuncture. The gatherings draw attendees from across Ohio, creating community around calm and reminding guests that true rest begins long before bedtime. “Sleep isn’t just a product,” Rich says. “It’s part of your overall wellbeing. Rest is something you nurture, not just something you buy.”

“Sleep isn’t just a product — it’s part of your overall wellbeing. Rest is something you nurture, not just something you buy.”

Kim and Rich Hanschu

Every brand Sandman carries is American-made and selected for quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Each offers generous 90-day to 1-year home trials, and optional white-glove delivery includes setup and old-mattress removal — ensuring customers can literally rest easy.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Visit Sandman Sleep on Morse Road, book a private appointment, walk in during showroom hours, or attend an event for an evening of relaxation and renewal. You’ll discover firsthand why this small, family-owned showroom is redefining how our community sleeps — one peaceful night at a time.

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ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE HASBROUCK PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED

CHEERS cherries TO CELEBRATE HEALTH, WELLNESS & DRY JANUARY WITH THIS SUPERFOOD MOCKTAIL It’s been said that “life is just a bowl of cherries,” and it just so happens that cherries might improve your life. This nutrient-dense, heart-healthy fruit may lower blood pressure and cholesterol, combat inflammation, help the body manage stress, speed recovery after exercise, balance your mood and help you sleep. To say it is a superfood may be an understatement. So it’s only fitting that we include a mocktail recipe with cherries as the star ingredient this month. Let’s drink to health, wellness and a wonderful year ahead! Cheers!

EAT R IGH T | FO O D + BEVE RAGE

S O CHERRY

fizz :

INGREDIENTS: • • • • • •

¼ cup Frozen cherries ¼ cup Tart cherry juice 1 tsp Honey, optional 1 Lime wedge Sparkling water Mint leaves

DIRECTIONS: 1. Place cherries and honey in glass and muddle together. 2. Add cherry juice and top with sparkling water or ginger ale. (If adding ginger ale, do not add honey.) 3. Squeeze lime juice and add lime wedge. 4. Garnish with mint leaf.

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DERMATOLOGY FOR E VERY GENER ATION WHERE COMPASSIONATE CARE MEETS SKIN AND VEIN HEALTH FOR ANYONE From newborns with sensitive skin to adults managing sun damage or circulation issues, Dr. George Skandamis has built a practice that treats the full lifecycle of skin and vein health. As founder of Universal Dermatology & Vein Care, he leads one of the few practices in Central Ohio integrating both dermatologic and vein care under one roof—a combination that offers patients a more complete path to wellness, vitality, and lasting comfort.

A CARING APPROACH SPANNING GENERATIONS ARTICLE BY MADISON MOROI

S KIN CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

Dr. Skandamis’s reputation rests on much more than just his clinical expertise. He believes in long-term relationships with patients and families through

every stage of life. “We’re here for patients from the time they’re kids dealing with acne all the way through their senior years,” he says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to care for a family over decades—helping them stay healthy and confident.” That continuum of care reflects his philosophy that healthy skin is more than cosmetic—it’s a mirror of internal well-being. In his words, dermatology offers “a window into what’s happening inside.” Conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes often first present on the skin, making regular dermatologic checkups both preventative and lifesaving.

SKIN HEALTH AT ANY AGE

Acne remains one of the most common reasons for younger person to visit. Dr. Skandamis emphasizes that outdated advice—like “you’ll outgrow it”—can lead to unnecessary scarring and emotional distress. Today’s treatments, he explains, are more sophisticated than ever: lower-dose Accutane protocols, light therapies, hormonal creams, and refined retinoids that deliver results without harsh side effects. For middle-aged patients, sun protection and early skin-cancer detection become essential. His team performs thorough head-to-toe screenings— something family physicians rarely have time to do—and he notes that many cancers are discovered during appointments for unrelated concerns. For seniors, Universal Dermatology’s Mount Vernon office recently introduced superficial radiation guided by ultrasound, offering a non-surgical alternative for skin-cancer treatment.

THE OVERLOOKED LINK: SKIN AND VEIN CARE

One of the most distinctive aspects of Dr. Skandamis’s practice is its integrated vein-care program. Because leg veins and skin health are closely

connected, his team is often the first to perceive signs of circulatory issues—swelling, discoloration, or visible veins. At Universal Dermatology, patients benefit from in-office ultrasound screening and advanced treatments that restore mobility and comfort. Many discover their leg pain or fatigue wasn’t “just aging”—it was a correctable vein issue.

PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST

Dr. Skandamis is proud that Universal Dermatology & Vein Care remains privately owned—something increasingly rare today. That independence, he says, allows him to spend the time necessary with each patient, make individualized decisions, and avoid the pressure of corporate quotas. With multiple providers and specialists, including a Mohs surgeon for complex skin-cancer removals, his practice offers both depth and personal connection; ensuring that every person who walks through his doors feels seen, heard, and cared for. Outside the office, Dr. Skandamis enjoys life on a few acres in Galena with his wife and their two young sons—just down the road from his parents. For anyone ready to take charge of their skin and vein health, Universal Dermatology & Vein Care in Lewis Center offers compassionate, lifelong care—one patient, one family, one generation at a time.

Photo provided by Universal Dermatology & Vein Care JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/N ORTH WE STC O LUM BUS

MOVING Beyond Pain, LIVING FULLY Again Inside Dr. Nikhil Verma’s regenerative approach rewiring how we think about pain, recovery, and movement. ARTICLE BY LISA FEDERICO

When you’ve lived with back, neck, or joint pain long enough, it can start to feel like surgery is the only way forward. But for Dr. Nikhil Verma, founder of Essential Sports & Spine, there’s almost always another path — one that restores function and movement by treating the body as a whole. A former high school football player turned board-certified physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Dr. Verma knows firsthand what it’s like to face chronic pain with few good answers. “I had a back injury as a teenager,” he recalls. “At the time, the options were basically rest, injections, or surgery. None of them really addressed the root of the problem.” That experience set him on a career-long mission to change how people recover from pain. After witnessing the inefficiencies and procedural pressures of traditional healthcare during residency, Dr. Verma found a new model through his late mentor, Dr. Gerald Malanga — a pioneer in regenerative medicine. “His practice showed me that when you spend more time with each patient and focus on restoring function, the results can be life-changing,” Verma explains. That philosophy became the cornerstone of Essential Sports & Spine, which he founded to deliver personalized, science-driven care that bridges the gap between physical therapy and surgery. At his Dublin office, patients find more than a pain clinic. They discover a place where anatomy meets innovation — where advanced diagnostics, ultrasound-guided injections, and regenerative therapies are used to treat the full picture of what’s happening in the body. “We don’t just target where it hurts,” Verma says. “We look at all the surrounding tissues that contribute to that pain. It’s a more complete approach.”

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

Photo by Mariia Chystiakova

That approach often involves platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell-based procedures — treatments designed to help the body heal itself by using concentrated cells from a patient’s own blood, bone marrow, or fat. “These are exciting times for regenerative medicine,” Verma notes. “We’re seeing incredible advances, from PRP formulations that target specific tissues to the use of internal laser therapy for discs and cartilage repair. Even shockwave therapy is evolving to improve circulation and accelerate recovery.” But his work extends beyond cutting-edge technology. A major part of Verma’s mission is public education — especially when it comes CONTINUED >

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Photo by Mariia Chystiakova

to challenging misconceptions. “Too many people go straight from physical therapy to a surgeon because they don’t know this field exists,” he says. “Physical medicine specialists can offer non-surgical solutions that restore strength and motion without the risks or recovery time of an operation.” Equally important, Dr. Verma believes that lasting recovery doesn’t happen on a table — it happens in movement. “The best exercise you’re doing is the one you’re doing,” he says with a smile, “and the second best is the one you’re not.” For him, that means daily stretching, yoga, and finding balance between flexibility and strength. He encourages patients to do the same, reminding them that the musculoskeletal system thrives on consistency, not intensity. For those exploring regenerative options, he’s quick to set realistic expectations — including financial ones. “Most of these treatments aren’t covered by insurance yet,” he explains, “but when you compare them to the cost of a knee replacement — which can run $70,000 or more — they’re an investment in long-term wellness.” With rising deductibles, many patients are paying large out-of-pocket costs for traditional care anyway. “The real difference,” Verma adds, “is that here, the care is proactive, not reactive.” Ultimately, Essential Sports & Spine is about giving people back the freedom to move — and the knowledge that they have options beyond painkillers and operating rooms. “We help patients understand that pain isn’t a life sentence,” Verma says. “With the right treatment and movement, the body is capable of remarkable repair.”

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

What Is Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R)? Often called “the hidden specialty,” Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) focuses on restoring function to people affected by injury, illness, or pain. PM&R physicians — also known as physiatrists — are trained to diagnose and treat conditions involving the brain, nerves, muscles, bones, and joints. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, they look at how the entire body works together. At Essential Sports & Spine, Dr. Verma combines this holistic approach with regenerative medicine to create customized treatment plans that support healing from the inside out. The result: less pain, better movement, and a renewed sense of control over your health. Learn more at www.essentialsportsspine.com

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realty report A S A M P L E O F R E C E N T LY S O L D P R O P E R T I E S I N N O R T H W E S T C O L U M B U S

NEIGHBORHOOD

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

B AT H S

Medick Estates

$1,600,000

100

Rush Creek Village

$900,000

100

Worthington Estates

$949,900

$898,000

Perry Highlands

$774,900

$850,000

110

Old Worthington

$775,000

$850,000

110

Old Worthington

$760,000

$810,000

107

Mt. Air

$849,900

$765,000

Worthiington Hills

$829,000

$762,000

Worthiington Hills

$696,000

$760,000

109

Oldstone Crossing

$725,000

$755,000

104

Oldstone Crossing

$650,000

$675,000

Kensington Place

$674,900

$670,000

Ravens Glen

$620,000

$655,000

106

Oldstone Crossing

$720,000

$650,000

148

Camden Yard

$650,000

100

Penney's

$625,000

$624,900

100

Briarbank

$629,000

$645,000

102

This data is a sampling of sold properties in Northwest Columbus. Source: Columbus and Central Ohio Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. (MLS)

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(614) 505-0195 | braintunecolumbus.com Colonial Building | 6649 N. High St., LL1 | Worthington JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/N ORTH WE STC O LUM BUS

JANUARY 2026

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JA NUA RY 5T H

ESwing Golf Leagues 535 Lakeview Plaza Blvd, Worthington OH 43085 | 4:00 PM Are you an avid golfer who wishes they could play year-round? ESwing has you covered with their indoor golf simulator experience, complete with leagues full of fun and camraderie! Women's Leagues meet Mondays or Tuesdays at 4:00 PM, Men's Leagues meet Wednesdays - Sundays at 6:30 PM, and Mixed Leagues meet Mondays - Sundays at 1 PM. Register at ewswing.golf. JA NUA RY 9 T H

Caravaggio (Exhibitions on Screen) McConnell Arts Center | 7:00 PM Perhaps no artist has captured the drama of intense shading better than Caravaggio, but this mysterious master had an even more dramatic personal life, full of intrigue, scandal, and erratic behavior. In this stunning film, you’ll see his works up close and learn what they can tell us about the man himself. Tickets $12 at mcconnelarts.org. JA NUA RY 1 0 T H

The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show Plaza Hotel Columbus at Capitol Square 75 E State Street | 6:00 PM This interactive murder mystery dinner show features a fantastic meal and opportunities to show off your sleuthing skills. Just don’t let your guard down too much, or you may find yourself the main suspect. Only adults for this one – the criminal could be anywhere! Shows on January 10 and 24. Tickets begin at $75 at www.thedinnerdetective.com/columbus. JA NUA RY 1 7 T H

Family Karaoke Northwest Library | 10:30 AM Does your little one have a song in their heart? Then you’ll love this free family karaoke event at Northwest Library! Just pick your favorite family-friendly tune and put on a show. JA NUA RY 2 7 T H

Worthington Bourbon Tasting Worthington Tavern | 5:00 PM Warm up those winter blues with a whiskey or two – it’s time for Worthington Bourbon Tasting! Featuring an all-new selection of bourbons to share and enjoy, you’re sure to find one you love. Join session one at 5:00 PM or session two at 7:00 PM. Tickets start at $23 on Eventbrite. JA NUA RY 3 1 ST

UCelli McConnell Arts Center | 7:00 PM A vibrant quartet of cellists, UCelli is bringing a one-of-a-kind concert experience to The McConnell Arts Center this winter. Experience their shared artistry and chemistry on full display as they perform unique original art pieces and stunning new arrangements – sure to excite any music-lover. Tickets $25 at mcconnelarts.org.

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Even on a frigid Ohio morning, this kitchen feels like a gentle exhale. The golden walls carry warmth across the room, the rich wood tones add comfort, and the long island invites everything from homecooked meals to quiet winter starts. With the snowfall framed just outside the windows, the space becomes a daily retreat that lifts your energy and brightens the season. Throughout the remodel, clear steps and steady guidance kept the process calm and uncomplicated, allowing the finished room to support healthier routines and a more grounded way of living all winter long.

JSBROWNCOMPANY.COM | 614.324.0695 Since 1978, J.S. Brown & Co. has been delivering excellence in remodeling, improving both homes & the lives of our clients. Let us do the same for you.

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Terms and Conditions: 40% off any order of $980 or more, 30% off any order of $680 or more, on any Closets, Garages, Home offices, or other products with any complete unit purchase. Take an additional 15% off any order of $980 or more. Free installation with any complete unit order of $850 or more. Not valid with any other offer. Offers and prices are subject to change without notice. With incoming order, at time of purchase only. Offer Expires on 1/25/26. Offer not valid in all regions.

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