Health & Wellness Issue
M ADISO N FOU RN IER O PERATES TH E M AM A COACH, AN IN N OVATIVE H E ALTH CARE IN ITIATIVE FO R PARENTS
JA N UA RY 2 02 3
From herbal and external medicines, to Tai Chi, Qi Gong, & Acupressure, our clients find
peace, tranquility, and a rewarding road to a healthier life when working with FengYang Taoist ChineseMedicine.
fengyangtcm.com To schedule an appointment with any of our practitioners or to get in touch with Dr. Wu, call/text 860-310-5438. 45 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT 76 Nason Street, Maynard, MA
LIFESTYLE LETTER
Happy New Year!
January 2023 PUBLISHER
Gary Perrelli | gary.perrelli@citylifestyle.com EDITOR
It's January, a time when we make resolutions, many of them about how to improve our overall well-being, in the new year. That's why January is our Health and Wellness Issue. This month we're focusing on a variety of aesthetic and physical health issues. We have a new med spa here in town, Greenwich Medical Spa. The business opened a few months ago in Blue Back Square. We spoke with the owner/founder of this hugely successful spa, Marria Pooya, about the company's services and its expansion plans for the future. Looking for an alternative to traditional health care? We visited with Dr. Ming Wu, owner and founder of Wu Healing Center, about his practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine and his holistic approach to health care. We also visited with Dr. Hanbing Zhou, of Orthopedic Associates of Hartford. Dr. Zhou is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in spines and he shares with us his unique story of success. Are you a new mom or the parent of an infant or toddler? There's a unique service in our area specifically intended to help you navigate the myriad of new parent issues that arise in the first few years of a child's life. The Mama Coach helps people with everything from breastfeeding to potty training. Looking to improve your fitness in 2023? West Hartford has a new pilates studio, Club Pilates, at Corbins Corner. The franchise is owned and operated by Paige Harban, a longtime pilates enthusiast, and her three daughters. We hope you find something to inspire you in this issue. Have a happy and healthy 2023! GARY PERRELLI, PUBLISHER @WESTHARTFORD_LIFESTYLE
Eileen McNamara eileen.mcnamara@citylifestyle.com ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jill Barry | jill.barry@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S
Lucinda Jamison, Jacqueline Ford, Rachel Balzano CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S
Vivien Stembridge, Melanie Lust, Kate Kobs, Ira Nozik Photographers, Bob Newbold, Graham Kobs, Kate Smith
Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
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Proverbs 3:5-6 West Hartford Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Hartford 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 West Hartford Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
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JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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J A N UA RY 2 0 2 3
inside the issue The Health & Wellness Issue
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F E ATU R E D
D E PA RTM E NTS
14 Club Pilates
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Lifestyle Letter
8
City Scene
10
Business Monthly
14
Local Limelight
18
Healthy Lifestyle
22
Now Open
26
Inspired By
30
Must See
32
Events
33
Realty Report
34
Get Active
The New West Hartford Fitness Center is a Family Affair
18 Wu Healing Center
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a Growing Trend
22 Greenwich Med Spa
The Medical Aesthetics Company is Expanding Into the Hartford Region
34 New Season in Life
Assuring The Living Needs For You or a Loved One
O N T H E C OV E R
Photography: Vivien Stembridge Madison Fournier with one of her two children at her home in Manchester. Madison operates The Mama Coach, a service that helps new parents and their families with newborn and toddler care. Story, page 30
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FI T NES S HEA LT H + W E L L N E SS
B EAU T Y HEA LT H + WELLNE SS
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city scene
Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1
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1-7: The West Hartford Chamber’s Spooky Soiree Halloween Party was held at the Noah Webster House. Photography by Ira Nozik Photographers
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C I T Y SC E N E
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GRAHAM KOBS
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IRA NOZIK PHOTOGRAPHERS
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BOB NEWBOLD
8: Float Forty-One in Bishops Corner recently held a ribbon-cutting for the locally-owned flotation therapy center. 9: The G-Monkey vegan food restaurant recently celebrated its opening at 625 New Park Ave. 10: The Mexican eatery Rosa Mexicano recently opened a new location in Blue Back Square.
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @westhartford_lifestyle
WE SAID ”I DO” TO A NEW RENOVATION See our new look January 2023 Call for a tour 860.677.7341 FARMINGTONPOLOCLUB.COM JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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J A N UA RY 2 0 2 3
business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses. Ben Fuchs Earns New Credential Certified Financial Planner Ben Fuchs, of Fuchs Financial, has earned the Certified Private Wealth Advisor professional credential, designed for advisors serving high-net-worth investors. The credential is for seasoned professionals who seek the most advanced knowledge and techniques to address the sophisticated needs of clients, especially those with a minimum net worth of $5 million. Ben has more than 15 years of investment experience and has created thousands of client retirement plans. Visit Fuchsfinancial.com for information.
Photography Kate Smith
Scan to read more.
Watkinson’s Class of 2022 The 52 members for Watkinson’s Class of 2022 received 121 merit scholarships offering $2.5 million for their freshman years. At Watkinson, College Counseling enables our students to find the right match with a school that truly fits. The College Counselor works with each student in junior and senior year to assist with every aspect of the college admissions process. Each student’s profile is reviewed and edited by a team of faculty to ensure accuracy. Visit Watkinson.org or call 860-236-5618 for more information.
West Hartford Resident Working on New Pet Food Nutrients Research underway by ZipZyme and Phytosmart, co-founded by Deena Sisitsky of West Hartford, has earned the support of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The company's ZipZyme Omega technology is a pioneer in the world of pet health and nutritional therapeutics. ZipZyme is a wholesome, all-natural, fresh food nutrient developed by a team of dedicated scientists and pet lovers. The transformative product is sourced and produced in the United States. Visit ZipZymeOmega.com for information.
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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY
Local Youth Advocates for Autistic Drivers West Hartford's Andrew Arboe, founder of Driving with Autism, recently spoke at the Hudson Valley Autism Conference on his group and the importance of finding ways to help those with autism learn to drive. "As an autistic individual and the founder of this organization alongside my mostly autistic team, we know what it means to thrive and succeed as autistic individuals. Visit Autismdriving.com for information.
Photography Driving With Autism
Meet & Mingle For a A Cause Join us Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the North House in Avon for a Meet & Mingle, a charitable event to raise funds for local charities. Our charitable partner is Friends of Feeney. Our mission has become to inspire, support, and impact communities through our vast networks! This is going to be a wonderful event with fantastic connections and exposure for you and your organization. For more information email Deirdre@Tind-AllCreativeMarketing.com.
Want to be featured?
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/WestHartford
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“THE STRENGTH OF THE TEAM IS EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER. THE STRENGTH OF EACH MEMBER IS THE TEAM.” - PHIL JACKSON
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860.634.8167 moonchildthaispabypiya.business.blog 61 Raymond Rd West Hartford, CT
Watch for Certified Financial Planner Ben Fuchs Financial Tips on WTNH Channel 8
HOW TO CREATE YOUR RETIREMENT PAYCHECK Together, weʼll assess your sources of income, what youʼll need to maintain your lifestyle, and how best to fill the gap. COMPLIMENTARY NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION
FuchsFinancial.com • 860.461.1709 Offices in West Hartford & Middletown Investment advisory services offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser.
New Year, New Hair VA LE NTI N E ’ S DAY G I F T C A R DS AVA I L A B LE I N S TO R E O R O N LI N E
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• Comprehensive spine care: neck & back • Minimally-invasive outpatient surgery • Non-fusion motion preservation techniques • Latest robotic surgery technology • Telemedicine consultation available for patient convenience
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Club
Pilates
The New West Hartford Fitness Center is a Family Affair ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | FITNE S S
For Paige Karban and her three daughters, fitness is a family affair. A longtime pilates enthusiast who introduced her three daughters to the whole body strengthening workout. Paige, and her husband Ed, along with her daughters, recently opened a Club Pilates studio here in Corbins Corner. The independently-owned franchise, a 1,700-square-foot studio at 1445 New Britain Ave., is operated by Paige, Ed and their daughters, Taylor, Brooke and Nikki Strobino. Paige said she chose the Club Pilates franchise after joining a studio in Boca Raton, Florida during the pandemic when most private studios were closed. “I loved it. I loved everything about it! I liked the uniformity of the clubs and the brand itself is very well organized.” Founded in 2007, Club Pilates operates franchises across the world. The business focuses on the original concept of
pilates, which focuses on strengthening the body and its core while addressing previous injuries. Similar to yoga, pilates concentrates on posture, balance and flexibility. In pilates, the chance of injury is much lower than with other fitness regimens and it also focuses on the mind-body connection. “It’s a great workout because it takes the stretching from yoga and the strength from weight-lifting and high-intensity workouts, but it keeps the pressure off your joints so that you don’t get injured,” Paige says. “It also brings a lot of mental awareness to your body and your posture.” “Pilates is good for preventing injuries and improving balance and flexibility,” Brooke adds. The franchise also focuses on a type of Pilates known as Reformer, which uses a specialized Reformer workout machine to help develop a strong core.
Club Pilates West Hartford will have four certified pilates instructors - including Brooke and her sister Taylor - and will offer numerous classes at different levels, from beginners to advanced. Each will have a maximum of 12 students and there will be 12 workout stations in each class. Club Pilates specialized classes include; Flow (the most well-known), cardio sculpting (uses a jump board attachment to the reformer), a center balance class (good for stretching and strength), and a control class, which utilizes TRX and an individual springboard wall. Club Pilates will also offer one-on-one training in the private training room with a Reformer machine known as the “Cadillac.”
Club Pilates West Hartford 1445 New Britain Ave. (Corbins Corner) westhartford@clubpilates.com 860-214-7055
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WU HEALING CENTER TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE IS A GROWING TREND HERE
Tucked away in a building near downtown West Hartford, the Wu Healing Center provides Chinese wellness options that date back thousands of years but are uniquely adaptable for many of our modern health problems. Wu Healing Center, Operated by Dr. Ming Wu, offers traditional Taoist Chinese Medicine (TCM). Also known as Fengyang Taoist Chinese Medicine and Fengyang Qi Gong Medicine, TCM is a holistic regimen that addresses a variety of illnesses. Dr. Wu is a 20th-generation practitioner of Fengyang and also has practiced Fengyang Qi Gong all his life. He was the first person to bring Fengyang Qi Gong to the United States in 1989. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has evolved since it was invented nearly 2,000 years ago in China. Today, TCM practitioners use various approaches to treat maladies. These include acupressure, herbal medicine and tai chi. Wu Healing Center also practices External Medicine (powders, creams, etc.), Fengyang Tai Chi and Qi Gong, Long Distance Healing, Tui Na Acupressure and offers high-end healing teas and herbal infusions.
ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA
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H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | HE ALTH + W E LLNE S S
On a recent afternoon, Dr. Wu met with Evelyn Benoit after treatment and explains how to make tea from fresh ginseng. Ginseng, Dr. Wu explains, has been used by the Chinese for centuries because it is rich in antioxidants. Evelyn says she initially went to Dr. Wu for treatment of a chronic respiratory problem. “I started coming here several years ago because I had a terrible cough. He totally cleared up the cough and now I’ve been coming here regularly” for acupressure and herbal medicines, she says.
THE THREE MAJOR CATEGORIES OF TCM ARE: AC U P R E S S U R E Used for thousands of years in China, acupressure is similar to acupuncture and is thought of as
simply acupuncture without needles. It’s used to promote relaxation and wellness and to treat disease. Some conditions that benefit from acupressure include back pain, headache, fatigue, anxiety, stress and tension, feelings of melancholy, and immune system deficiencies. TA I C H I Tai chi is a Chinese martial art and system of calisthenics, consisting of sequences of very slow controlled movements. Used medicinally, it combines certain postures, gentle movements, mental focus, breathing, and relaxation to treat illness. Research suggests tai chi may improve balance and stability in older people and those with Parkinson’s disease, reduce pain from knee osteoarthritis, help people cope with fibromyalgia and back pain, and promote wellness and a better quality of life. CONTINUED >
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CHINESE HERBAL PRODUCTS Chinese herbal products have been studied for their effectiveness in treating many medical problems, including stroke, heart disease, mental disorders, and respiratory diseases (such as bronchitis and the common cold), and a national survey showed that about one in five Americans use them. Wu Healing Center 45 South Main St., Suite 100 860-310-5438 Wuhealing.com
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H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | HE ALTH + W E LLNE S S
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GREENWICH MEDICAL SPA
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELANIE LUST
ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA
THE MEDICAL AESTHETICS COMPANY IS EXPANDING INTO THE HARTFORD REGION
NOW OP E N | BEAU TY
Greenwich Medical Spa, West Hartford’s newest aesthetic medical center, is one of the nation’s most successful and leading medical spas with seven locations across the tri-state metro area. Its business is built on a solid foundation of six core values that its founder attributes to its success: integrity, people-focused, respect, excellence, growth and passionately-driven. “Our business culture and mission are based on a deep belief in and execution of these values,” says Marria Pooya, Greenwich Med Spa’s visionary CEO. “We base our business operations on these core values and they are the pillars on which we create our inimitable standard of patient-focused care. Every single one of our team members- from our practitioners, medical directors, spa coordinators, finance team and HR - all staff, understand, believe in and practice these core values.” “Another thing that others have noted that sets us apart is our Three Uniques,” Marria adds. “We’re an industry leader, we provide a personalized service experience that is based on our 18 service standards, and our team goes through an unparalleled, uncompromising education and continued training.”
As an example, she says every clinician at GMS undergoes intensive education, including 300 hours of training annually to consistently provide the best possible non-surgical face and body aesthetics treatments. “When you come into any of our locations you know you’re coming into a great center of care and that care will be in any of our locations and with any of our providers,” Marria says. Some of the services GMS offers for women and men include non-surgical facial treatments, medical grade facials, injectables, body contouring treatments, laser hair removal, and an acne clinic that can provide visible results within as little as three months. A former Wall Street analyst, Marria started Greenwich Med Spa in 2005. She says she’d always been fascinated by the beauty industry (she previously launched her family’s global business line of branded cosmetics that were sold in a national chain and recognized retail and other stores) and was also looking for a way to make an impact in her community by helping women become more confident in how they look and feel. “Some people say looks don’t matter, but that ignores the idea that how we perceive ourselves, including our looks, can influence how we feel about ourselves and thus our confidence. There’s always been a connection there for many people.” She bought her first med spa in Greenwich in 2005 and renamed it Greenwich Med Spa. In 2017 she established a second location in Westport. That Westport center, Marria says, so exceeded her expectations that she opened a third location in Scarsdale, N.Y., and then a fourth in Ridgefield. Eventually, the company set its sights on Hartford County for its next expansions, partly because the clientele and needs of
the area matched well with those of the other areas where GMS operates. In June, Greenwich Medical Spa acquired MedSpa 1064 in Glastonbury. MedSpa 1064 was owned by Dr. Michael Janiszewski, who remains on staff as the medical director. Marria said her hunch was right because the transition and integration has been relatively seamless and the client base is growing. “This acquisition not only provides GMS with instant scale, it allows us to make a greater impact on the entire State of Connecticut,” Marria says. “Joining forces with best-in-class med spas, such as 1064, allows GMS to grow our business and our brand equity, which encompasses our 5-star premium service, advanced clinicians, state-of-art technology and high-quality treatments.” “We are thrilled to join the GMS family,” Dr. Janiszewski adds. “GMS not only offers our team advanced training and education to create a premium patient experience, they provide our patients with new cutting-edge treatments, products, and patient-focused technology which transform the customer experience. We could not have found a better partner to continue our legacy.” Shortly after, GMS opened a sixth location in West Hartford when it acquired The MedSpa in Blue Back Square. “We are excited to deepen our relationships in the Hartford area and to expand into West Hartford,” Marria says. “We are grateful to identify successful businesses like The MedSpa that aligns seamlessly with our 5-star premium services, high caliber clinicians and team members.” CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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Marria Pooya, Greenwich Medical Spa's visionary founder and CEO.
Roni Rodman and Dr. Glen Brooks, partners of The MedSpa, developed their luxurious Blue Black Square Medical Spa with multiple spa-like treatment rooms and caring staff four years earlier. “We are honored to hand over our baton to the award-winning Greenwich Medical Spa, which was voted Best MedSpa by Connecticut Magazine readers in 2022, and a business with 16-plus years of success,” Roni says. The company’s goal for 2025 is to own and operate 16 locations and to become the go-to medspa throughout the Northeast. High demand for GMS’s services has spurred its growth, Marria says, and GMS next June is set to open a seventh location in Closter, N.J. “The more med spas we own, the more women and men we may impact- from our talented staff to our clients to the community at large,” Marria says. “Our vision is to align our business with the communities we serve and to support local organizations that empower women and families.” Greenwich Medical Spa Glastonbury: Somerset Square 140 Glastonbury Blvd., Suite 24 860-281-1972 GreenwichMedicalSpa.com On Facebook: @GMSGlastonbury West Hartford: Blue Back Square 65 Raymond Road 860-426-6368 GreenwichMedicalSpa.com On Facebook: @GMSWestHartford
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NOW OP E N | BEAU TY
Ameriprise Financial is proud to recognize Camille Gagliardi for being named to Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors for 2022. Thank you, Camille Gagliardi, for your dedication and commitment to helping your clients feel more confident, connected and in control of their financial lives. Client Satisfaction Rating Camille Gagliardi, MBA, CFP®, BFATM, CIMA® Private Wealth Advisor
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JOIN US FOR A VIRTUAL VISIT! Not FDIC or NCUA Insured | No Financial Institution Guarantee | May Lose Value CA Insurance #0I26086 5 out of 5 Client Satisfaction Rating based on 48 of reviews as of 8/29/22: Each client has the opportunity to rate a practice based on the client’s overall satisfaction with the practice, on a scale of 1 to 5. The practice’s Client Satisfaction Rating is an average of all client responses for that practice within a rolling 24-month period, and is updated daily. There is no minimum number of responses required for a practice to receive a rating. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP (with plaque design) in the U.S. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
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"Happy Life, Happy Practice" Dr. Zhou confers with his Physician Assistant Jason DaCruz.
DR. HANBING "STEVE" ZHOU IS A SPINE SPECIALIST WITH ORTHOPEDIC ASSOCIATES OF HARTFORD ARTICLE BY JACQUELINE FORD PHOTOGRAPHY BY EILEEN MCNAMARA
Inspired by the gentle hands and medical expertise of a doctor, a young Hanbing Zhou was inspired to become a doctor himself. A Chinese immigrant who knew little English, at 14 Dr. Zhou broke his ankle and was treated by an orthopedist whose kind, patient demeanor so impressed young Dr. Zhou that he decided to pursue a medical degree. With an undergraduate degree from the University of California and a medical degree from Boston University, Dr. Zhou completed his six-year orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Massachusetts. Today, as a spine surgeon with Orthopedic Associates of Hartford, which has patient care offices and surgery centers throughout the Hartford region, Dr. Zhou practices in a medical field that is constantly evolving with advanced technology. That constant flux, Dr. Zhou says, requires a high level of collaboration with his peers to develop the exchange of ideas, learning about the latest advances, and sharing knowledge and experiences. “Cross-collaboration brings better outcomes for my patients,” he says. “As a surgeon, I must always remember that I am not alone, this can never be underemphasized.” He’s grateful to work in a collaborative environment with a strong support team with his Orthopedic Associates colleagues, he adds.
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I NSP IR E D BY | HEA LTH + W E LLNE S S
Dr. Hanbing Zhou,
Orthopedic Associates of Hartford
“Cross-collaboration brings better outcomes for my patients. As a surgeon, I must always remember that I am not alone." —Dr. Hanbing Zhou.
That collaboration, together with a strong social media presence, helps him to stay at the forefront of medical learning. Through social media he engages with the medical community. It allows him to problem-solve and share knowledge with his peers. He speaks fondly of his Physician Assistant (PA) Jason DaCruz, whose wealth of experience in orthopedics, especially the spine, makes a big difference in Dr. Zhou’s practice. A self-proclaimed “preacher” of doing no harm and ensuring that his patients come through in the safest environment, Dr. Zhou specializes in advanced, minimally invasive, open surgical techniques. He believes in a comprehensive approach to patient care, including the utilization of physical therapy, water therapy, yoga, and conservative management to explore all alternatives of treatment before surgery is considered. He lives in Glastonbury with his wife, Tegan, and their 11-month old son. The couple is expecting a second child. An avid runner and hiker, Dr. Zhou says he cherishes the time he spends with his family. “I love being a dad,” he says. In practice for four years, he’s well aware of the demands of being a spine surgeon and physician burnout. Self-care and an appropriate work-life balance, he says, are critical for doctors. His wife, who is a nurse, is understanding and supportive of the demands of being a doctor, he adds. He says everyone needs to exert a level of control over their work and personal lives to make sure they have enough time for themselves and safeguard their health and wellness. “Happy Life, Happy Practice,” he says. “It’s all about work-life balance for longevity. I make a set schedule that includes work and clinic hours, and time with my wife and family.” Being a doctor, he adds, is one of the biggest privileges of his life. “Patients have made a fairly big impression on me. To be able to offer, as a surgeon, the opportunity to make someone’s quality of life better, meeting them at the most vulnerable spot in their life is a true privilege.” Dr. Hanbing Zhou, Orthopedic Associates of Hartford In Glastonbury: 345 Western Blvd. In Farmington: 499 Farmington Ave. On Instagram, Facebook @CtSpine360 Email: zhouspinemd@gmail.com JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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ARTICLE BY LUCINDA JAMISON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VIVIEN STEMBRIDGE
THE MAMA COACH Madison Fournier with her daughter.
SUPPORTING FAMILIES IN THEIR PARENTING JOURNEY
New moms have a novel service they can tap into to help them in their parenting journey: The Mama Coach, a global team of registered nurses who use “empathy + science” to educate and support new parents. Madison Fournier of Manchester learned about this network and the innovative in-home care model after her son’s birth in 2019. As a new mother, there were large gaps in care and an overall lack of support for new moms that surprised her. She founded her Mama Coach practice to bridge those gaps. Madison has partnered with multiple pediatricians, obstetricians, dentists and physical therapists to support parents. “I’m asking pediatricians, ‘what are you seeing and what do you need more of?’” Madison offers individualized in-home care, as well as group seminars, to educate parents and support specific concerns from lactation to understanding newborn sleeping schedules to the most-popular topic - potty training.
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M UST SE E | HEA LTH + WELLNE S S
In-home support starts with an initial call and assessment. From there, Madison works with families to create a customized plan of care considering where the child is at developmentally and emotionally, what the parent’s goals are, and what progress needs to be made. Once the plan is started, Madison provides support virtually through email, Google docs, and phone calls. Most care plans start at two weeks and can be extended for as long as the family feels necessary. Madison provides support to families of all types. “I am happy to work with any type of family, regardless of where that family is coming from: birth, adoptive, foster care and surrogate, families. It’s all about supporting that family unit, whatever that family unit looks like. I love the challenges that come from each of those scenarios.” Book a call with Madison at 860-327-5731 or email her, madison.fournier@themamacoach.com
Madison Fournier and her daughters.
JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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J A N UA RY 2 0 2 3
events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
JA N UA RY 5T H
Building Connections Book Club
FA XON LIBR ARY BR AN CH, 107 3 NE W B R I TA I N AV E ., V I RT UA L | 2:30 P M Building Connections: A Book Club for Immigrants is for advanced English learners who live in West Hartford and would like to practice reading and communicating in a fun, supportive group. This free event is virtual. For more information email eemhanlon@gmail.com. JA N UA RY 5T H
Disney on Ice Presents Let's Celebrate
X L CEN TER, 1 CIVIC CEN TER P L A ZA , H A RT F O R D | 7 :0 0 P M Grab your Mickey ears and get ready for the ultimate party with Disney On Ice, a celebration of all things Disney with more than 50 unforgettable Disney characters. Hosted by Mickey and Minnie, go on an adventure through 14 of the greatest Disney stories ever told. The show runs Jan 5-8. Tickets are $19. For information or tickets visit xlcenter.evenue.net. JAN UA RY 7 T H
The 37th annual Connecticut Wedding & Bridal Expo
CON N ECTICUT CON VEN TION C E NT E R , 1 0 0 C O LUMB US B LV D., H A RT F O R D | 1 0 :0 0 A M The Connecticut Wedding & Bridal Expo is the largest bridal expo on the East Coast. With a proven format of combining wedding and bridal fashion shows with a huge vendor presence comprised of every conceivable wedding product and service, our Hartford bridal show offers couples the opportunity to shop every facet of their wedding needs. Visit Ctconventions.com for information. JAN UA RY 7 T H
Capital Classics: "Water by the Spoonful"
U NIVERS ITY OF SAIN T J OS EPH , 1 6 7 8 ASYLUM AV E . | 7 :0 0 P M Presented by the Capital Classics Theatre Company, "Water by the Spoonful," the story of a combat veteran who cares for his dying mom and leans on his cousin Yaz as he tries to acclimate to civilian life. The play runs from Jan. 25-29. Tickets are $11-$17. For more information or to purchase tickets capitalclassics.org or brownpapertickets.com. JANUA RY 1 0 T H
Talking With Your Doctor:
E L MWOOD S EN IOR CEN TER , 11 0 6 NE W B R I TA I N AV E . | 2:0 0 P M In this presentation we'll discuss the patient/doctor relationship, choosing a doctor, and preparing for your doctor appointment. We'll also discuss what to ask and how you can be involved in your care, as well as practical matters and future planning items you should discuss with your doctor. This presentation is free and open to the public. Visit Newseasoninlife.com for information. JA NUA RY 2 0 T H
Watkinson School Hosts Information Session
WATKIN S ON S CHOOL, 18 0 BLO O MF I E L D AV E ., H A RT F O R D | 9 :0 0 A M Watkinson School will host an information session for the parents of prospective students. You’ll have the opportunity to meet faculty and school leaders, tour our 40-acre campus, see classes in session and hear from a panel of current students. If that date doesn’t work for your schedule, please visit our admissions page for additional dates at Watkinson.org .
Want to be featured?
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/WestHartford
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EVE N TS
JANUARY 2023
realty report A sample of recently sold properties by local agents in West Hartford N E I GH BO RH O O D
ORIGIN AL PRICE
SO L D P RIC E
%SO L D/ O RIG
DO M
B DRM S
B AT H S
111 Steele Road
$829,900
$875,000
105
13
6
3.1
29 Soby Drive
$729,900
$788,000
108
3
5
4.1
58 Waterside Lane
$679,900
$720,000
106
3
3
3
37 Emily Way
$695,000
$710,000
102
1
3
3.1
63 Arnoldale Road
$469,900
$601,000
128
1
5
2.1
57 West Ridge Drive
$495,000
$560,000
113
11
4
3.1
36 Lexington Road
$459,900
$476,500
104
2
4
2.1
92 Lyman Road
$425,000
$475,278
112
6
3
2.1
52 Lemay Street
$448,888
$465,000
104
7
3
1.1
16 Winterset Lane
$389,900
$415,000
106
2
3
1.1
31 Calvin Road
$335,000
$401,000
120
3
3
1.1
25 Farnham Road
$339,900
$365,000
107
3
3
1.1
29 Cassilis Road
$324,900
$352,000
108
4
3
2
34 Grenhart Street
$309,900
$350,000
113
5
3
1.1
10 Regency Drive
$300,000
$325,000
108
3
3
2
32 West Maxwell Drive
$300,000
$322,000
107
5
3
1.1
360 South Main Street
$279,900
$304,000
109
3
2
1.1
38 Elmfield Street
$229,900
$265,000
115
4
2
1
438 Park Road
$249,900
$249,900
100
4
3
2
94 Thomas Street
$239,900
$250,000
104
2
2
1
442 Trout Brook Drive
$239,000
$245,000
102
5
2
1
15 Highland St Unit 111
$220,000
$220,000
100
9
2
2
860 Flatbush Avenue
$175,000
$175,000
100
6
3
1
This data is a sampling of sold properties from November 2022. Source: MLS system.
Exceed Your EXPECTATIONS
Happy New Year! Best Wishes for a Safe & Healthy 2023!
SHERRI KAGAN SCHWARTZ
REALTOR O: 860-231-2600 | C: 860-883-0178 Sherri.Schwartz@cbmoves.com www.coldwellbankerhomes.com 992 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06107
JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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NEW SEASON IN LIFE ASSURING THE LIVING NEEDS FOR YOU OR A LOVED ONE ARTICLE BY RACHEL BALZANO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA
Liz Cornish
Liz Cornish meets with a client, Ben Nichols, in his apartment in Middlewoods of Farmington.
One of the biggest questions seniors and their families face is where they should live when they’re no longer able to live at home or need some kind of daily care. The question that families always must ask is: What’s the best choice for my loved one? That’s where New Season in Life comes in. Founded by Liz Cornish in 2019, New Season in Life is devoted to helping seniors and their families find the best living communities that meet their specific needs. Liz, a physical therapist for the past 35 years and Certified Dementia Practitioner, spent the majority of her time in-home care and treated many patients in assisted living and memory care. She realized that there was an unmet common need among many of them: Finding the right place to age in place. “I wanted to give people the full picture; look at each place’s strengths and weaknesses and share them with families looking to make a decision. Nowhere is perfect, including home. But if you go into a community that you want to be in knowing where their challenges may lie and what their strengths are, you have a greater chance for success.” New Season In Life’s senior living services are complimentary. Their primary goal is to help you and your loved one find the best living community for your individual needs. They are compensated by their referral partners with whom they work. New Season In Life will always present you with the most appropriate care options whether they have a relationship with that provider or not. When a family is considering their options, they can reach out to Liz at New Season In Life, to share some information about the senior looking into care and discuss different options. New Season In Life Newseasoninlife.com 860-841-9504 Liz.cornish@newseasoninlife.com
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