Health Wellness and Guide
Your Whole Family Deserves Whole-Person Care
Most of us manage our health in separate boxes—different providers, different locations, and little connection between them. But there is a better way.
Garden Health Group, located in River Forest, was built on a simple but powerful idea: when care is connected, people heal more fully—and families function better. Mental and physical health are not separate, and treating them that way often means something important gets missed.
At Garden Health Group, mental health therapists and bodywork specialists work side by side in one shared setting. Services include a range of massage therapies, acupuncture, Rolfing, meditation, and yoga—all thoughtfully integrated to support the whole person. The result is something genuinely rare in the western suburbs: coordinated, whole-person care for every member of the family.
That integration is more than a convenience—it’s foundational to how healing works. Stress, trauma, and emotional strain don’t just stay in the mind; they show up in the body. Chronic tension, disrupted sleep, and physical discomfort are often deeply connected to what we carry emotionally. In the same way, anxiety and depression can be meaningfully
improved through movement, breathwork, and body-based therapies alongside traditional talk therapy.
When practitioners share both a philosophy and a space, care becomes more consistent, collaborative, and effective.
At Garden Health Group, it’s not unusual for different family members
to be cared for at the same time—a teenager working through anxiety with a therapist while a parent receives acupuncture, or a couple in session while their child participates in a group. For families stretched by the pace of daily life, having a shared wellness home can create a quiet but powerful sense of connection—a way of saying that health is something this family values and tends to together.
The practice is also deeply rooted in the community it serves. Garden Health Group is a women-owned, locally-owned, OPRF Chamber member practice. Its therapists accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield Endeavor HMO, Aetna, Aetna Advantage Medicare, and Medicare, with superbills available for other carriers.
Spring is a natural time to take stock of how your family is really doing—and to choose a more connected way to care for your health.
Body & Mind Wellness
Your Hearing Journey Starts with Us
In a world filled with vibrant sounds –the laughter of loved ones, the melody of music, the gentle rustle of leaves – experiencing hearing loss can feel isolating and disheartening. However, it doesn't have to be that way. At our clinic, we understand the profound impact that hearing loss can have on your life, which is why we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective treatment to help you rediscover the joy of sound.
Here are just a few reasons why you should choose us for your hearing loss treatment journey:
▪ Expertise and Experience: Our team consists of highly trained audiologists and hearing healthcare professionals who have years of experience in diagnosing and treating various types of hearing loss. Whether your hearing loss is due to aging, noise exposure, or other factors, rest assured that you are in capable hands.
▪ Comprehensive Evaluation: We believe in taking a personalized
approach to hearing healthcare. When you visit our clinic, we will conduct a thorough evaluation of your hearing abilities, taking into account your lifestyle, communication needs, and any specific concerns you may have. This allows us to tailor our treatment recommendations to suit your unique circumstances.
▪ State-of-the-Art Technology: We are committed to staying at the forefront of advancements in hearing healthcare technology. From cutting-edge diagnostic equipment to the latest hearing aid technologies, we offer a range of solutions designed to improve your hearing clarity and quality of life.
▪ Individualized Treatment Plans: We understand that hearing loss is not a one-size-fits-all condition. That's why we take the time to listen to your concerns and preferences before developing a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. Whether you require hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or auditory
rehabilitation therapy, we will work closely with you to find the best solution.
▪ Ongoing Support and Care: Our commitment to your hearing health doesn't end after your initial treatment. We believe in building long-term relationships with our patients and providing ongoing support and care to ensure that you continue to enjoy optimal hearing health for years to come. From regular follow-up appointments to adjustments and maintenance services, we are here for you every step of the way.
▪ Improved Quality of Life: The ability to hear and communicate effectively is essential for maintaining social connections, staying engaged in activities you love, and preserving your overall well-being. By seeking treatment for your hearing loss, you can experience a significant improvement in your quality of life, allowing you to fully participate in conversations, enjoy your favorite hobbies, and reconnect with the world around you.
Don't let hearing loss hold you back from living life to the fullest. Take the first step towards better hearing health today by scheduling a consultation with us. Together, we can help you rediscover the joy of sound and embrace a brighter, more vibrant future.
Dr. Cynthia Chow
Beyond Prescriptions: 25 Years of Personalized, Integrative Medicine in Oak Park
July 2026 marks the 25th Anniversary of Integrative Therapies, Ltd.—a milestone that reflects Dr. Carlos Reynes’ longstanding commitment to doing medicine differently and doing it right.
Before founding his practice in 2001, Dr. Reynes spent 10 years practicing traditional Internal Medicine at Gottlieb Hospital. During that time, he gained invaluable clinical experience, but also saw firsthand the limitations of conventional care. Too often, medicine focused on managing numbers, suppressing symptoms, and moving patients quickly through the system. That approach never sat well with him. He knew patients deserved more. So in 2001, he stepped away from the traditional model and built Integrative Therapies, Ltd. from the ground up with a clear purpose: to offer care that actually makes sense. His vision was simple but powerful—identify and treat the root cause of illness rather than
just covering it up. Instead of handing out prescriptions to chase lab values or silence symptoms, he wanted to understand why those symptoms were happening in the first place.
That philosophy continues to define his work today.
With over 34 years of experience, Dr. Reynes along with Cris Ortiz his medical assistant have helped thousands of patients prevent and reverse chronic conditions through a personalized, integrative approach. Dr. Reynes blends the best of conventional medicine with evidencebased natural therapies, always tailoring care to the individual. No shortcuts. No cookie-cutter protocols. Just thoughtful, patient-centered medicine.
At the core of his approach is a focus on lifestyle as the first prescription. Nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress are not side conversations— they are foundational. From there,
he builds customized care plans that may include advanced testing, targeted supplementation, hormone optimization, and when appropriate, prescription medications used with precision and purpose.
What also sets Dr. Reynes apart is his independence. As a self-employed physician, he is not constrained by insurance companies, corporate systems, or government mandates. That freedom allows him to spend real time with patients, think critically, and deliver care based solely on what is best for the individual—not what fits into a system.
Over the past 25 years, Integrative Therapies, Ltd. has become a trusted destination for patients seeking answers—especially in areas like thyroid health and bioidentical hormone optimization for both women and men. Many come after feeling frustrated elsewhere, and finally experience what it means to be heard,
understood, and treated as a whole person.
Dr. Reynes is more than a physician— he is a partner, educator, collaborator, and coach. He keeps his practice intentionally small so he can be available when patients need him, delivering the kind of care he would expect for his own family.
Twenty-five years in, the mission hasn’t changed—help people take control of their health by addressing the root cause and building a strong foundation for long-term wellness.
If you’re ready for a smarter, more personalized approach to your health, visit www. integrativetherapieswellness.com to learn more.
our
• Authentic Programming Designed, Created and Led by GrandMaster Yu
• Emphasis on the Discipline, Wellness and Safety Bene ts of Martial Arts Training; creating Community Wellness and Responsible Citizenship
• All Instructors and Masters are Local, trained from within by GrandMaster Yu: consistent, high standards
• Safe, Accessible Facility with on-site parking and a caring, Asian-inspired environment in North Oak Park
“GrandMaster Yu is an important part of our community, and personally, part of our family.” – Oak Park Dad
“We were referred to you by our son’s OT; we stayed because he feels welcome and we like how you incorporate character building into your instruction and the sense of responsibility.” – Another Oak Park Dad
“GrandMaster Yu has a unique ability to instill self-love and self-discipline in children in a purposeful way with structure and humor.” – River Forest Mom
“GrandMaster Yu and the Instructors are all amazing: they have had such a positive impact on our daughters!” – Oak Park Mom
FFC Oak Park: How Chicago’s Best Gym Delivers Real Results
At Fitness Formula Clubs, we believe that fitness is not just about results. It is about building a lifestyle that feels sustainable, empowering, and uniquely your own. Monica Bondoc’s journey at FFC Oak Park reflects exactly what sets our community apart and why FFC has been voted Chicago’s Best Gym three years in a row.
When Monica joined FFC Oak Park in April 2025, she was searching for consistency. She had explored different gyms, worked with private trainers, and tried classes like yoga, but nothing quite clicked. “Fitness felt more like something I had to do rather than something I truly enjoyed,” she shares. From the moment she became part of FFC, that began to change.
What began as something that felt more like a chore turned into a routine she truly appreciated. Monica now visits three to four times a week, creating a balanced approach that includes strength training, group fitness classes, and intentional recovery. Whether she is challenging herself in a high-energy bootcamp, finding focus in Pilates, or taking time to recharge in our recovery spaces, each visit serves a purpose. “What started as a simple gym membership quickly became a routine I look forward to,” she says.
Keeping
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A key part of Monica’s transformation has been the guidance of our expert trainers. At FFC, our trainers go beyond leading workouts. They educate, support, and empower members to understand their bodies and build confidence. For Monica, this meant gaining the knowledge to eventually create her own routines and feel fully independent in her fitness journey. Her growth has extended far beyond the physical. Monica has developed a stronger sense of confidence and a new mindset around movement. What once felt intimidating now feels exciting. She has embraced new challenges, discovered what works for her, and found genuine joy in showing up for herself.
Equally important is the sense of community she found at FFC Oak Park. Our clubs are designed to be welcoming and inclusive, creating an environment where members support one another at every stage. Monica has built meaningful connections and even inspired those around her to begin their own journeys. Her experience is a reflection of what defines FFC. We combine best-in-class amenities, diverse programming, and a supportive community to create more than just a place to work out. For Monica, and for so many others, FFC has become a second home.
1114 N Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301
• (708) 383-1114
• FFC.COM/OAK-PARK
Minds Sharp: How Lifestyle Habits — and the Right Community — Can Protect Your Brain
or many Oak Park-area families, the question of how to protect brain health as we age is deeply personal. The good news is science is delivering increasingly clear answers for seniors and families — and they point to the power of everyday habits.
The Alzheimer's Association's landmark U.S. POINTER study found that multidomain lifestyle interventions improved cognition in older adults at elevated risk for cognitive decline. When physical activity, improved nutrition, cognitive engagement, and social connection are combined into a structured program, the impact on brain health becomes even more powerful. Research has shown these habits can also have a measurable impact later in life, too.
Belmont Village Senior Living Oak Park’s personalized programming — and it's one that resident Dan E. knows firsthand.
When Dan moved in about a year ago, he was quiet, his mobility was limited, and participating in group activities was a struggle. Today, staff and fellow residents know him as "Dan the Man" — one of the most beloved figures in the building. A career in sales had made Dan competitive and driven. At Belmont Village, that spirit found a new outlet. "The ability to work with others," he says, has made all the difference.
fresh energy to his daily life. Nancy, an Enrichment Leader who assists in running programs at Belmont Village, says it best: "I think if Belmont Village had a prom, Dan would be King."
Dan also thrives in the cognitive and social programming at the heart of Belmont Village's approach. Belmont’s Whole Brain Fitness philosophy engages residents through physical and mental exercise, proper nutrition, lifelong learning, social connection, and a sense of purpose. For Dan, that means enthusiasm for math, art, and music activities — and a growing circle of friends throughout the community.
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time engaged in purposeful activities and exhibit far less apathy than those directing their own time.
Dan's journey captures all of this in one compelling story. His warmth has drawn people to him. His drive has fueled real progress. And for families across Oak Park thinking about brain health, for a loved one or for themselves, his experience offers an encouraging reminder: it is never too late, and the right community makes all the difference.
That is the philosophy behind
Working with the therapy team, Dan has improved his posture, balance, and strength in both his arms and legs — gains that have made everyday routines safer and more manageable and recently earned him a new wheelchair that brought
Belmont Village's Circle of Friends® program supports residents, including Dan, with mild cognitive impairment through small group activities seven days a week, designed to create the "just right challenge" for each participant. Research has shown that residents in structured programming spend significantly more
To learn more about Whole Brain Fitness and Circle of Friends® at Belmont Village Senior Living Oak Park, visit belmontvillage.com/oakpark or call 708848-7200 to schedule a tour.
Way Back Inn’s Young Adult Recovery Home Program
The Way Back Inn Young Adult Recovery Home Program, in a partnership with Family Guidance Centers, focuses specifically on the needs of youth ages 18-24 seeking recovery support from opioid use disorder and/or stimulant use disorder. We help to provide a holistic, culturally responsive recovery experience to help youth rebuild their lives and increase their recovery capital:
Betting, gaming, wagering – gambling can take many forms. And for some people, gambling can lead to financial problems, relationship problems, and depression and anxiety.
But you don’t have to feel out of control. Problem gambling can be managed and treated. You have options, and the Helpline offers support and referrals to the programs that work best for you.
The first step is understanding that some people experience gambling as an addiction, and that there is help.
