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Health & Wellness JA N UA RY 2 02 6

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/P O RTS M O UT H

LIFESTYLE LETTER

This New Year Rings in Great Expectations for All! Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! Our January edition carries the theme of health and wellness, and it heralds the dawn of a new day and a new beginning for the Seacoast and Portsmouth City Lifestyle. As we turn the page from 2025, we are so excited about all of the amazing things that will elevate the print, digital, and social media experience for our valued partners and our readers. It will be a year that will see new collaborations with new partners such as Seacoast Stories led by Troy Farkas, the podcast’s host and executive producer. Be sure to follow us on Instagram to stay abreast of all of the great things that your magazine and Seacoast Stories will do together. When I meet with many of our valued partners and hear from our readers, they freely share their observations about what they love about the magazine and the changes they believe are needed. Moving forward, you’ll get to know more about our partners. You’ll also see increased social media activity, offering insights into local businesses and services on the Seacoast—and highlighting all the things that make life here such a joy. January is certainly a month where many of us want to improve our quality of life so we can enjoy the year ahead. This is why we devoted our January edition to stories that inspire long-term, sustainable improvements in physical health and emotional well being, which are at the center of many new year’s resolutions. Now more than ever, it’s important to share good news about the wonderful people who inhabit our corner of the world. Let’s make the most of this new beginning by keeping the channels of communication open so we learn, grow, and prosper together. There is truly nothing that we cannot accomplish if we stay true to our vision, values, and mantra of community engagement. From all of us at Portsmouth City Lifestyle, we wish all of our readers, our partners, and everyone on the Seacoast a wonderful, happy, and healthy new year!

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Steve Yang | steve.yang@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Robert Cook | robert.cook@citylifestyle.com M AN AG I N G E D I TO R

Andrea Ball | andrea.ball@citylifestyle.com C O PY E D I TO R

Judith Rubenstein | judith.rubenstein@citylifestyle.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

Mia Walston | mia.walston@citylifestyle.com STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R

Kevin Edge | kevin@kephoto.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rebecca Ingalls, Troy Farkas, Susan Gallagher, Peggy Newland, Amber Peacock Buttermore

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

24 10

Featured

20 24 28 6

A Fitness Home

A peaceful haven, FORM offers all clients a space to explore and be themselves

20 On the Cover

Departments

Stephanie Paolini leads yoga classes with a purpose to help others

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Get Active FITNESS

Local Limelight FITNESS

Inspired By FITNESS

Hot Spot ENTERTAINMENT

The Way of Harmony

At Portsmouth Aikido, students learn to resolve conflict through the Art of Peace

Warm Up to Music in Winter

Find your musical getaway right at home in Portsmouth

Where Healing Begins

Innovative services at The Vital Elements bring relief and wellness

Photography: Kevin Edge Photography

Expert Help BEAUTY

Events

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JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

ALYSSA DUNCAN PHOTOGRAPHY

SARA O'REILLY

5 SARA O'REILLY

7 JENN STEVENS

1: Christa Balderacchi, Emily Leach, and Carly Hogue at 3S Artspace for Project Upcycle 2: Anna Greenslade, 3S Artspace Board of Directors, walks the runway during the Project Upcycle event 3: Guests showing enthusiasm at the Project Upcycle event at 3S Artspace 4: More than 60 people attended the Seacoast Stories Dinner Club event at STREET Exeter 5: Troy Farkas and Molly Harrington enjoying a recent Seacoast Stories Dinner Club event 6: Portsmouth Chamber After Hours event hosted by St. Mary’s Bank aboard the historic USS Albacore 7: Troy Farkas, Kate Constantine, Alyssa Pine, and Gabbie Kelly enjoy the Seacoast Stories event

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C I T Y SC E N E

A FITNESS HOME

Class attendees focus on slow and controlled movements during a Pilates Reformer class

A peaceful haven, FORM offers all clients a space to explore and be themselves ARTICLE BY REBECCA INGALLS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN EDGE, KEVIN EDGE PHOTOGRAPHY

G E T ACT IV E | FI TNES S

It’s part of the human condition to crave movement—in our roots we are nomadic, adventurous, fiercely committed to moving forward. But at 6 a.m., when it’s still dark and we’ve promised ourselves a game-changing workout, the pillow tells a different story. Sure, we know the cardio, the strength

The FORM Fitness team of instructors

“We know people need to be listened to, and our whole narrative is to take what’s good for you and feel it the way you want to feel it, whatever your age, injury history, or body type, and whatever workout you enjoy.” training, and the flexibility will be good for our health, but the chasm between knowing what we need and actually getting there is seemingly impossible to cross. Anna Andrade, owner of FORM Fitness in the West End of Portsmouth, understands. FORM opened two years ago with an intention similar to that of so many independent businesses on the Seacoast: to fill a critical gap. Andrade, who has been a dedicated Pilates practitioner for years, was managing a fitness studio in the area and working one-on-one with clients as a personal trainer when she realized that there was a paucity of Pilates options in Portsmouth. As she put her ear to

the ground, she learned that other clients agreed. Motivated to address this need, and drawing from her background in studio management and work at the YMCA in East Boston, Andrade took the encouragement of a mentor and jumped into the journey that would become FORM. Building on a foundation of Reformer Pilates, Andrade has taken a holistic, client-centered approach to the development of her business. “The goal at FORM is to create community,” she says. “For us, fitness has always been about finding your people, finding your fitness home.” The space, she attests, is meant to be a “blank slate,” but its intentionality is evident. Take one step into the studio, CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/P O RTS M O UT H

Focused on proper form during a deadlift setup

Bella Kuhn uses the magic circle during an exercise

G E T ACT IV E | FI TNES S

and you will be embraced by a clean, warm, elegant environment, gently decorated with accents of green and natural elements. Pristine Reformer machines seem to sit obediently in the spacious practice room, a private weights room is just beyond, and the windows are so expansive that natural light finds its way in, even on a gloomy day. If you are a traditional Pilates practitioner, you can certainly find your practice at FORM. But Andrade leads with the intention of meeting people where they are as unique bodies with personal goals, and encourages clients to embrace variety. Classes are built with “layering” in mind, which helps to foster both safety and belonging, as individuals listen to their bodies and find the appropriate “layer” of challenge for them that day. “On the staff level,” explains Andrade, “we are all passionate about people feeling comfortable, and we are all empathetic and sensitive. We know people need to be listened to, and our whole narrative is to take what’s good for you and feel it the way you want to feel it, whatever your age, injury history, or body type, and whatever workout you enjoy.” With this sense of belonging in mind, FORM offers large-format classes as well as private sessions and adaptive practices. For clients seeking to cultivate community, FORM offers social events and a walking club. Those who desire a more natural environment can take their workouts onto the turf space outdoors. Client ages span decades and people with all levels of experience are welcome. Andrade explains, “Age is one of those things people talk about strictly, but people within all age groups need different things. One 55-year-old is not the same as the next. One 25-year-old is not the same as the next.” This keen understanding is why the team at FORM prioritizes getting to know the needs of each new client. To those who might be wary, Andrade says, “Don’t be afraid. No one will judge you. This is a place where you can find out what movement you like and explore your body. It’s okay to have injuries. We will respect what you don’t want to do.” As we enter together into the deep winter, FORM will soon be turning on another light: Their group fitness space is set to open in February, just next door. Andrade reflects cheerfully, “I knew when

“In my own life, fitness does so much for me: It builds confidence, builds resilience, creates flowstate moments.”

Top: Brie Surawski helps Olivia Robbins with her form Bottom: Anna Andrade, the owner of FORM fitness, greets clients as they file into the studio

we opened that we would one day include mat and yoga. They create another entry point for people, a way to offer other formats so people don’t have to choose.” The space will offer both heated and unheated classes, and the “mat” part refers to Pilates done on a mat, without a machine, for those who prefer that option or want to vary their practice. The yoga offerings will include FORM’s distinctive take on the practice, similar to those in the Reformer studio, with options from the more rigorous to the more restorative. Andrade’s positivity is palpable, as reflected by the space she has built for her growing community of clients. “Portsmouth is full of amazing

people,” she exclaims. “Come here, be amazing!” When asked what keeps her so unceasingly motivated, she takes a beat, then says, “I think there is no other option. In my own life, fitness does so much for me: It builds confidence, builds resilience, creates flow-state moments. I want to provide an environment where people can come find that for themselves. Here, you don’t have to try. You can be yourself. Everyone wants and needs that.” FORM Fitness 1001 Islington St Unit C-2, Portsmouth, N.H. 603.803.3447 formfitnh.com

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YOGA ARTICLE BY TROY FARKAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN EDGE, KEVIN EDGE PHOTOGRAPHY

COMMUNITY 3 Bridges Yoga brings people together in a distracted world

Stephanie Paolini never wanted to become a yoga teacher. When she signed up for yoga teacher training in San Francisco in 2015, she did so mainly to learn more about the practice she’d come to love from taking five classes each week at several Boston yoga studios, and then at studios in the Seacoast, where she moved in 2014. Every morning of her 30-day immersive training out west, Paolini began her journal entry, “I will never become a yoga teacher.” Looking back now, the 45-year-old owner of 3 Bridges Yoga (3BY) in downtown Portsmouth says her defiance served as a protective shield. “It was more to have that safeguard up,” Paolini told Portsmouth City Lifestyle in an interview while vacationing on a sandy beach in Mexico. “I didn’t think I was as good as the rest of the people there.” But when she returned to her home in Berwick, Maine, after training, word started spreading in the tight-knit Seacoast yoga community that Paolini had completed her yoga-teacher course. Bjorn Turnquist, then the co-owner of 3BY, quickly approached Paolini to ask her to teach. Paolini declined the request, but then, a week later, agreed to demoa class for him. A middle-school math educator at the time, Paolini had come to love teaching and making an impact on people’s lives, an enormous change from her high-flying past life working in real estate, first in Massachusetts and then in southern California. But after an ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2009 landed her in the hospital at age 29, Paolini realized she wanted more for her life.

“I’d done these other things that made me money. But they didn’t fill me up in the way that I was told money would make me feel.” Paolini reflected, “I felt like my own personal true north was guiding me to show me it's not about money. It's about asking: What are you doing in this world?” She won her battle against cancer, and went back to school to earn her master’s degree in teaching, completing her degree in 2011. She taught middle-school math in Southboro, Massachusetts, for four years before taking a sabbatical for yoga teacher training. In her initial demo class at 3BY, Turnquist didn’t like what he saw. Disgusted, Paolini returned to her Berwick farm to “fix” her teaching flaws, and then repeated the demo class again a week later. “Yeah,” Paolini recalled Turnquist saying, “I guess you can teach.” Paolini then threw herself into teaching yoga, often leading 15 classes per week at the 3BY studios in Portsmouth and Durham, and in York, Maine. She quickly found that teaching yoga provided her with the sense of purpose that nothing had before. She never went back to teaching school. “For me to feel successful, I need to feel like I'm contributing something that's gonna change even one person in a positive way,” Paolini remembered feeling in her early teaching days. “And how could making hundreds of thousands of dollars ever feel better than doing something that's helping somebody else?” CONTINUED >

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | FI TNE SS

Whatever you're doing right now is the most important thing you can be doing.

Stephanie Paolini sets the intention for Sunday's class JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/P O RTS M O UT H

“I feel like we've created a container Finding stillness and breath during meditation at 3 Bridges Yoga Studio

where people feel comfortable to be

When Turnquist and his wife, Jody, decided to move to Florida in 2019, they approached Paolini and a business partner about their interest in potentially acquiring the studios. They agreed, with Paolini soon becoming sole owner—six months before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the fitness world. The Durham studio was shuttered before the pandemic. Because of losses incurred due to COVID-19, Paolini made the difficult decision to close the York location, focusing her energy on the Portsmouth studio on High Street. With 15 experienced instructors on staff and more than 120 classes per month, 3BY is often cited as one of the top yoga studios on the Seacoast. For her weekly Sunday morning yoga class, Paolini regularly packs in 50 to 60 yogis of all ages, genders, and athletic abilities. Like many other beloved businesses on the Seacoast, 3BY exudes a sense of community, lauded by Paolini. “I feel like we've created a container where people feel comfortable to be themselves,” Paolini says of the studio, which also leads worldwide yoga retreats and hosts an annual yoga teacher training. “And a place to truly and authentically connect with other people. As human beings, we yearn for that.” It’s a comfort to 24-year-old 3BY student Jane Spear. “It’s a space where you can show up just as you are,” Spear said. “It’s a place of acceptance and understanding. There is no judgment or exclusion, and that’s why people come back week after week.” Now more than ever, Paolini said she feels it’s important to bring people together in settings like this. In the age of constant connectivity, artificial intelligence, and “little computers” in our pockets, she said she’s seen a shift in behavior through the years, mostly in Savasana, the final pose where yogis are asked to lay flat on their backs for five to eight minutes. People used to be able to lay still for that long, but now, they start getting fidgety three or four minutes in, she says.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | FI TNE SS

themselves. And a place to truly and authentically connect with other people. As human beings, we yearn for that.”

Stephanie Paolini finding length and ease in the flow

Flowing through Warrior II as a class moves in harmony

3 Bridges Yoga Studio in downtown Portsmouth

In life on and off the mat, it’s vital to put distractions aside and live in the present moment. “Whatever you're doing right now is the most important thing you can be doing,” says Paolini. She frequently reminds herself of just that, and will carry that message with her through 2026 and beyond to keep herself grounded. All in all, that’s a wise philosophy from someone who never wanted to teach yoga. 3 Bridges Yoga 185 High St, Portsmouth, N.H. 603.766.3332 3bridgesyoga.com

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Photography by Memories Studio

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Ring in 2026

49 Market St. Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) 436-9188 summerwindjewelers.com JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/P O RTS M O UT H

T h e Way o f H a r m o ny AT PORTSMOUTH AIKIDO, STUDENTS LEARN TO RESOLVE CONFLICT THROUGH THE ART OF PEACE

ARTICLE BY SUSAN GALLAGHER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN EDGE, KEVIN EDGE PHOTOGRAPHY

Focused training at the Portsmouth Aikido Dojo, with students moving in unified rhythm

Wednesday evening's class at the dojo

I NSP IR E D BY | FI TNES S

Seventeen-year-old Aaron Cass was adrift, floundering in a sea of adolescent pressures. His dad’s gift of the book “Zen Flesh, Zen Bones,” a collection of Zen Buddhist parables, would be the surprising lifeline that rescued the troubled youth and set him on the path to a new way of life. While reading the thought-provoking book, Cass’s problems seemed to melt away. “It was transformative for me,” he says. But the book of Zen parables was only the first step in Cass’s journey. The philosophies he soaked up so eagerly urged him to find a practice to complement his newfound reflective attitude. The teen had no idea where to look, but fate soon intervened by way of a poster promoting classes in something called aikido. This unique martial art would change his life, beginning with his training at Portsmouth Aikido. Thirty years later, the now 47-year-old Cass has been the chief instructor since 2009 at the very dojo where he discovered the art he loves. Cass exudes a rare kind of calmness—a quiet confidence that puts those around him instantly at ease. But never underestimate the formidable physical and mental power of this fifth-degree black belt. “You can’t really be confident in the world without knowing you can deal with whatever comes at you,” he says. Cass’s comfortable-in-his-own-skin demeanor is in part a result of the three years he spent living in Japan, where he taught English and further pursued his aikido study. While in this exotic and beautiful Asian country, Cass immersed himself in the culture, learning to speak Japanese fluently and even meeting the woman he would marry. Unlike other martial arts, aikido teaches practitioners to blend with an opponent’s energy, redirect it, and disarm the opponent without causing harm. While this distinctive martial art is sometimes called “The Art

of Peace,” Cass stresses that it is “still a martial art.” The aikidoka, or practitioner, needs to be effective. “That’s how you build confidence and find true calmness,” he says. The health benefits go beyond physical fitness. O-Sensei said that “Aikido is medicine for a sick world,” and that it is “a path to refining the body and the spirit.” Of course, the sick world he refers to is rife with social maladies as well as physical ones, and this “peaceful” martial art provides salve for these wounds also. Aikido’s mindset is not about winning or competing. While it does involve physical confrontation, it presents a means of resolving conflict by neutralizing an attack. In addition, aikido is a fun physical art. The classes combine tumbling and aerobics with flexibility and balance training, all enhanced with a spiritual quality of Zen mindfulness. Portsmouth Aikido is a nonprofit that offers classes for adults and children. Cass has witnessed firsthand the profound benefits of aikido for young people, including his own two kids. This discipline has taught them to respond to difficulties with a positive attitude, centeredness, and awareness. The classes are fundamentally social, putting socially isolated kids into an arena of personal interaction. Learning to stay safe in threatening situations builds valuable confidence. One mother, Enna, writes, “Since joining aikido, our son’s self-confidence has blossomed.” Adults reap significant benefits as well. Allison, an adult student, embraces the “joyful spirit” in the classes and writes, “Aikido has given me something more than a hobby. I have a practice.” Judy Ringer founded Portsmouth Aikido in 1995. This martial art has transformed her life—and mindset. “Aikido has become the lens through which I see the CONTINUED >

“Aikido has become the lens through which I see the world. It has centered me.”

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/P O RTS M O UT H

“Aikido’s mindset is not about winning or competing. While it does involve physical confrontation, it presents a means of resolving conflict by neutralizing an attack.” Stretching and centering before practice at the Portsmouth Aikido Dojo

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Portsmouth Aikido 620 Peverly Hill Rd, Portsmouth, N.H. 603.275.1262 portsmouthaikido.org

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world,” she says. “It has centered me.” Her perspective has shifted from being right to being curious, something that opens wide the window of communication with people of differing viewpoints. She has now practiced this meaningful discipline physically and spiritually for 25 years and is a third-degree black belt. Ringer came to aikido through what she calls “the doorway of conflict.” Dealing with endless discord in the workplace, she was searching for a way to diffuse it. She discovered the perfect solution in aikido. “Conflict happens,” she says. “It’s what we do with it that makes the difference.” The determined Ringer vowed to help people apply the philosophy of aikido to daily life by appreciating other viewpoints and turning enemies into allies. She has given numerous interactive presentations and written two books on the subject. Aikido teaches that you can choose how you respond to people and actions in life. You don’t have to fight—you can be powerful in a peaceful way. Aikido shows us a different kind of power. Ringer likes to quote the Great Teacher by saying, “The true martial art is love.”

L E A R N M O R E : Morihei Ueshiba, known as O-Sensei (Great Teacher), founded the traditional Japanese art of aikido in the early 20th century. Translated as “The Way of Harmony,” aikido is based on the principle of aiki, the balance of dual opposing forces.

A collection of Aikido training weapons waiting for practice at Portsmouth Aikido

Students practicing their form during class JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/P O RTS M O UT H

WARM UP TO MUSIC in Winter

The Grammy-award winning group, Old Crow Medicine Show, plays a show at The Music Hall Photo courtesy of The Music Hall

FIND YOUR MUSICAL GETAWAY RIGHT AT HOME IN PORTSMOUTH ARTICLE BY PEGGY NEWLAND

H OT SP OT | ENTERTAI NME N T

Guests enjoy a show at the Music Hall Lounge Photo courtesy of The Music Hall Photo courtesy of Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club

Portsmouth is home for local musicians, community symphony, world-renowned jazz artists, up and coming ensembles— blues, bebop, bluegrass, classical—you name it, we have it. There’s a quote around Portsmouth among musicians: “Open a door in town and find a tune.” Our summer is full of street concerts, park festivals, and sidewalk jams all in the easy zone of our sunny season. But did you know that winter is the secret time for discovering new artists in intimate settings? Among others, three Portsmouth locales offer authentic vibes on the seacoast, all with a community spirit of bringing music to the dark days of winter. Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club—housed in a restored YMCA—sports crushed velour seating and offers bespoke cocktails, and feels like a place where all the cool kids hang out. Downtown and swinging, the swanky listening room is known for perfect acoustics. Throw in dinner, and you have a night out. Don’t want to make breakfast on a Sunday? Go to the Sunday Jazz Brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a full-on smorgasbord of delectables like smoked salmon, carved meats, Benedicts of the week, and fruit towers. Be entertained by a rotating array of jazz musicians ready to soothe the winter blues away or rev you up for the snow. Stay for the sweets table and dance along to the jazz. You can also choose to go to the Gallery downstairs for the Jazz Parlour and Salsa Nights, and snuggle or sway, while enjoying the signature winter cocktail: New England Manhattan. The Music Hall is a 1920s historical gem with opera seats, crystal chandeliers, red velvet curtains, and a magical wonderland bathroom you have to see to believe. Its “younger sister,” the Music Hall Lounge, is across the street and gets you intimate and up close to singer-songwriters and local musicians on the cusp of making it big. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/P O RTS M O UT H

Both are community spaces that host a full schedule of events: Writers on a New England Stage, monthly book clubs, film festivals, seasonal productions with the Ogunquit Playhouse Theater, comedy, Community Conversations, opera, the annual Lit Fest, and benefits for local nonprofits. January is prime time for world films, so take in a movie mid-week with friends. Plus, of course, there’s the roster of world-renowned musicians that fill the hall with dancing. Music is the real deal here and it’s always the place to be for award-winning jazz, blues, and symphony. With bars on two floors, and speakeasy-styled McKeon’s Bar next door for members, you can find cozy nooks for specialty cold weather cocktails like Ember Glow or Cinnamon Symphony. The Press Room is a classic New Hampshire hangout where musicians go for a night off or just to see which of their friends is playing the stage on a given night. Exposed beams, brick walls, pub fare—this is the musical heartbeat of Portsmouth, and it’s been in business for more than four decades. Think Tuesday night jams, Friday night jazz parties, fabulous Sunday brunches, Celtic sessions, birthday

bashes, new folk, old folk, bluegrass, poetry slams, ensembles, singalongs, tributes, techno. Whatever you fancy, the Press Room pulls in the local talent from the Seacoast and nearby. Toast to the winter with a classic rye on the rocks. There’s no need to fret when we’re stuck in the freeze feeling isolated, because music is the common language that connects us. Portsmouth offers havens from the winter doldrums, places where everyone is welcome to have a good time out on the town.

“There’s no need to fret when you're stuck in the freeze feeling isolated, because music is the common language that connects us.”

H OT SP OT | ENTERTAI NME N T

Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club 135 Congress St, Portsmouth, N.H. 888.603.5299 jim mys oncon g re s s . com The Music Hall 28 Chestnut St, Portsmouth, N.H.

603.436.2400 themusichall.org The Press Room 77 Daniel St, Portsmouth, N.H. 603.431.5186 pressroomnh.com

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40 Pleasant Street, Portsmouth, NH | 22 Stiles Rd, Salem, NH harmony@harmonypsychiatric.com | (603) 475-8322

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Portsmouth City LifestyLe™

There Are Only So Many Hours in the Day Life has a way of coming full circle—caring for children, then for aging parents... and one day, needing care ourselves. Without a plan, those responsibilities can fall on loved ones, creating emotional & financial strain. Long-term care planning helps you stay in control—of your lifestyle, your independence, & your legacy. Let’s build a strategy that gives you peace of mind for every stage of life. Safeguard your family. Start planning today.

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Portsmouth, NH

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/P O RTS M O UT H

Anna Goodkin and Jessica Clough, co-founders of Vital Elements

ARTICLE BY AMBER PEACOCK BUTTERMORE PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN EDGE, KEVIN EDGE PHOTOGRAPHY

Innovative services at The Vital Elements bring relief and wellness

Where Healing Begins Winter has a way of slowing us down. The holiday rush fades, the noise settles, and we start listening to what our bodies may be saying once the exhilarating celebrations all come to an end. It’s the time of year when many of us feel depleted and begin searching for a reset. For many on the Seacoast, that reset begins with reassurance and relaxation the moment they step into The Vital Elements in North Hampton. The lights are soft, the chairs are plush, and the clinicians seem to relax along with you. Co-founders Anna Goodkin and Jessica Clough, both APRNs (advanced practice registered nurses) and CRNAs (certified registered nurse anesthetists), provide a welcoming

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Goodkin consulting with a patient about their treatment plan

Her message for her and Clough’s patients? “You’re not flawed. You’re not failing. There’s a reason.” Goodkin and Clough are both fascinated with the “why” for their clients’ complaints. Asking “why” led them straight into advanced IV therapy, nutrigenomics, gut testing, and wellness modalities that address the frustration and symptoms traditional medicine often overlooks. Sometimes people are doing everything right but are missing key biological pieces. Goodkin and Clough recommend starting with lab testing to find the root causes of fatigue, weight gain, and mood issues. They offer testing in micronutrients, gut health, inflammation and underlying infections; along with hormone panels, thyroid deep dives, insulin and fasting tests, and many other tests that traditional clinicians don’t run. The menu of mood-boosting and energy-restoring services is vast: intravenous nutrient infusions; NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) therapy, which promotes cellular regeneration and longevity; Glutathione, which is a master antioxidant; and Vitamin D optimization, CONTINUED >

space in which they offer tailored treatment plans for optimal health and wellness, supporting their patients in all seasons. The Vital Elements does not promote aesthetics or trends but focuses on human beings seeking relief. People may come in asking about weight loss or immune support and, although Goodkin and Clough can support their patients in those exact areas, the real story starts to emerge once patients enter their space. “I’m exhausted.” “I feel guilty for not having more energy.” “I’m doing everything right, so why am I still struggling?” People feel safe opening up at The Vital Elements because it doesn’t feel clinical. Goodkin says, “I treat every person like I’m welcoming a friend into my living room.” She listens, validates feelings people have questioned for years, and reassures them. Simply hearing that you can put away the guilt you carry about your health can be life changing. Goodkin is clear about how she wants her patients to feel. “We help people define realistic, measurable goals. We celebrate small wins. Perfection is exhausting—but knowledge is power.”

Clients relax as they receive their treatment

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Vital Elements’ welcoming space

which has a huge impact on mood and hormones. (Most people are Vitamin D deficient.) The Vital Elements provides IV plans and micronutrient infusions and injections, based on lab results and personalized for each client. The practice also provides GLP-1 therapy (glucagon-like peptide, medication for weight loss and diabetes control), which Goodkin describes as another tool, not a cure-all. Different modalities offered by The Vital Elements provide a wealth of emotional release alongside the physical benefits. Patients often cry with relief when energy returns after IV therapy, and with gut testing they feel validated after years-long struggles. Hormone therapy also boosts physical health and immunity—improvement is gradual but can have a major impact on mood. NAD+ therapy can bring massive clarity and energy. According to Goodkin and Clough, everything begins with just listening. They offer free 15-minute phone consultations, with zero pressure to commit to anything. Additionally, they offer some testing that may be new to those thinking about their health goals. The Vital Elements can dive into your health by using a test called Nutrigenomic DNA testing, which is genetic testing for personalized nutrition and fertility, and can even perform cancer screening using the Galleri Test. Goodkin and Clough received their functional medicine training through The University of South Florida Medical School, mentored by Pamela Smith. Their training spurred a deep passion for treating the underlying causes of their patients’ woes. They’re confident of the effectiveness of their work; they use all the treatments they offer on themselves and their families. Goodkin has a personal connection that underlies her commitment. She had a transformational gut discovery that changed her life. She explains that the conventional wisdom of “eat less, exercise more”

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is not the full story. Hormones, inflammation, gut health, and vitamin depletion have a huge impact. A culture of wellness is growing at The Vital Elements. Busy, driven folks are coming to the practice and telling their friends to come, too. Groups schedule IV therapy together and enjoy their time socially while taking time to rejuvenate and replenish. There is also ample space for individuals to enjoy solitude, take in music, rest, or read. Goodkin and Clough encourage people to give themselves 30–60 minutes to care for their bodies and minds. Once you’ve felt truly heard, you realize that healing isn’t about looking better. It’s about feeling whole again. Maybe that’s why people keep coming back and why they bring their friends, their spouses, and even visitors from other countries. It’s clear that Goodkin and Clough’s medical foundations make them trusted, their functional training makes them transformational, and their compassion makes them exceptional. The Vital Elements 86 Lafayette Rd Unit 7, North Hampton, N.H. 603.310.0946 thevitalelements.com

YOUR NEXT CHAPTER

YOUR PERFECT SETTING At Silverstone Living, your next chapter begins with choice, connection, and confidence. Whether you're looking for the walkable charm of Downtown Nashua at Hunt Community or the refined comfort of The Huntington at Nashua, both LifePlan Communities offering long-term security and peace of mind—you’ll find a setting that supports the lifestyle you want today and the care you may need tomorrow. Prefer to stay in your own home? At Home By Hunt brings the benefits of a LifePlan model to you. And for skilled rehabilitation, memory care, assisted living, and nursing, Webster at Rye offers compassionate support in a serene coastal setting. Call 603-821-1200 to learn more and explore the right path for you.

(603) 821-1200 | SILVERSTONELIVING.ORG

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kephoto.com JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/P O RTS M O UT H

JANUARY 2026

SAFE, HAPPY, PREDICTABLE HOME REMODELING

events A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S

JANUARY 2ND

Art ’Round Town Gallery Walk Various galleries around Portsmouth | 5:00 PM ThefirstFridayofeverymonth,year-round, downtown Portsmouth celebrates its inspired art community with big-city style by presenting its Art ’Round Town gallery walk. Learn about all participating galleries at www.facebook.com/ARTportsmouth. JANUARY 3 R D

Gingerbread Smash Portsmouth Historical Society, 10 Middle Street | 1:00 PM

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WOMAN OWNED GENERAL CONTRACTOR

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Come release the last of that pent-up holiday stress and send the gingerbread contest houses out in style at the Gingerbread Smash! Take a sledgehammer or good old-fashioned Godzilla stomp to the gingerbread houses before the Portsmouth Historical Society composts all the bits and pieces. JANUARY 4 TH

Jimmy’s Jazz Sunday Jazz Brunch Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club, 123 Congress Street | 10:00 AM Every Sunday at Jimmy’s, step into a Sunday wonderland where brunch becomes a delightful feast for the senses! With seatings from 10am–1pm, you can join the team at Jimmy’s for a buffet brimming with mouthwatering dishes that satisfy every craving—from sweet to savory and everything in between.

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SEASCAPE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC Engaged ~ Proactive ~ Wholehearted

Financial Planning • Investment Management • Retirement Planning Family Wealth Stewardship • Tax & Legacy Planning • Business Owner Strategies Seascape Capital Management is an independent, boutique wealth management firm that specializes in working with high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses to understand their priorities and achieve their financial goals. Deeply engaged and with genuine compassion, our team partners with clients, their loved ones, and additional expert legal and tax professionals to enable a better “return on life”. 99 Bow Street, Suite 300 East, Portsmouth, New Hampshire | info@seascape-capital.com www.seascape-capital.com | 603-964-4480

Cryotherapy

Hydrafacial Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Red Light Therapy IV Drip Therapy Infrared Sauna Cryoskin NAD+

The consistent and passionate pursuit of maximizing one‘s wellness and energy levels.

RESTORE HYPER WELLNESS Portsmouth, NH - Portsmouth Green 2454 Lafayette Rd, Suite 19 Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) - 696-4388

Monday-Friday: 10AM-7PM Saturday: 9AM-5PM Sunday: 11AM-5PM portsmouth@restore.com

RESTORE HYPER WELLNESS Portsmouth, NH - Durgin Square 1600 Woodbury Ave, Suite 27 Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) 696-6141

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/P O RTS M O UT H

LOVE YOUR HOME AGAIN

events

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JANUARY 25TH

Grand Kyiv Ballet Presents: Swan Lake The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut Street | 4:00 PM Swan Lake is renowned for its stunning choreography, intricate set design, and Tchaikovsky’s captivating music. Its themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption continue to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, making it a timeless classic. The graceful movements of the world’s best dancers from Ukraine, Italy, Spain, the U.S., and Japan will give you an unforgettable performance. JANUARY 3 1ST

Seacoast Skating with the Stars Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock Street | 2:00 PM Strawbery Banke Museum, in partnership with Ice Dance International, presents Seacoast Skating with the Stars professional skating show. Watch skating routines by local “stars” paired with professional skaters from Ice Dance International.

Our goal is to help you fall in love with your home all over again, transforming it into a sanctuary that embodies your personal style, your values, your memories. Let's work together to create spaces that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.

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sheri@reinandco.com | 630-619-9872 @reinandcodesign | Sheri Rein Gibson 34

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CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ PORTSMOUTH

Now Open! Black Rock Social Club is now open and ready to welcome you in. This is the place where great food, crafted drinks, and unforgettable nights come together under one roof. Whether you’re here for dinner, catching a show, or exploring our lineup of interactive entertainment, you’ll feel right at home from the moment you walk in. Enjoy chef-driven dishes, specialty cocktails, and a space designed for connecting with the people you love most.

Membership Club • Low Monthly Cost • Bring Friends for Free From golf, racing, and sports simulators to axe throwing, darts, shuffleboard, ping-pong, and billiards, the fun never stops. Our stage hosts live bands, DJs, and special events all year long. Looking for a space to celebrate? We offer rentals for private parties, corporate gatherings, and community events, including partnerships with local nonprofits. At Black Rock Social Club, every night brings something new. This is where good food, good people, and great energy come together. Black Rock Social Club where your friends call home.