What a month!

by Kellie Kuecha

WOW! That is the only word that comes to mind when I think about this past month. Since our last newsletter we opened the Mizner Park East Boca Chapter on August 28th with a resounding success.  Staci Smith, Joelle Meehan and Krissy Shamel did a wonderful job in kicking off this new chapter with 35 women ready to take charge of their health.  Then we launched our first ever women's retreat on September 9th.  The event began on Friday with networking, chair massages provided by Palm Beach Community College and vendor demonstrations.  We enjoyed a scrumptious dinner overlooking the ocean with our keynotes that evening and  were then treated to 15 minute reflexology sessions given by the Laura Norman School of Reflexology.  The overwhelming sense of energy in the room was immense.  Our senses were emerged in the scents of aromatherapy and our hearts were at peace.  Saturday opened up to another amazing day as our guests enjoyed a private yoga session beachside which was given by Stacey Joiner of Be at Peace Yoga Studio.  Our day was packed with some of the most powerful and influential women I have ever met.  We raffled off over 50 door prizes and raised $750.00 for the Breast Cancer Fund.  We laughed, we cried, we made new friends,  but best of all, we had time to reflex back on our lives and appreciate who we are as women and why we are here.  I will never forget this weekend for as long as I live.  Stay tuned for our next retreat!

Earlier this week we kicked off the Delray Beach chapter at Ellie's Catering which was another huge success.  Stacey Joiner welcomed 45 women through the doors who were anxious to learn more about their health.  The night was beautiful, the room was beautiful and we look forward to lots of growth at this wonderful new chapter.

I am excited that October is almost here as it is my favorite time of year. We look forward to the launch of our New Jersey and our Coral Springs Chapters! Stay tuned for more information on them.

I am so thankful that all of you have become a part of my life.  Starting this organization has been incredibly fulfilling to me to say the least.  The relationships I have made I deeply treasure and I look forward to all of the new friendships in the future.  We all have the innate abilities to be great women.  I feel the Women's Wellness Society not only puts us on the path to better health, but puts us in the presence of amazing women who can share in our passion and walk the path with us!   Enjoy the rest of September, stay dry and don't forget to keep an eye on our community calendar for future upcoming events!  I have added to my column in the middle under the topic Medefile.  Please read on!

Approximately 80% of Americans encounter some type of back pain in their lifetime.  For many the pain is recurring over time.  Most people with “bad backs” are fearful of any type of physical activity.  They think that any movement will cause them further pain.  In most cases, this is not true!

When you experience chronic back pain as compared to an acute onset of pain, choosing rest over activity will ultimately lead to weaker muscles which leave your back prone to more pain.  The back needs to be moved, not rested!

Why do so many people experience back pain?  The spine itself is inherently instable due to its natural curves.  The spine is lined with muscles that are quick to atrophy unless spine-specific activities are performed.  Atrophy leads to poor joint stabilization, pain, loss of function, and greater risk of injury.

Further, in between the vertebrae are discs.  The center of the disc is the nucleus which has a strong affinity for water.  After age 50, the water content of the nucleus usually decreases. Without water the disc will dehydrate, causing the upper and lower vertebrae to compress resulting in pain.  It is very important to drink more water as we age! 

Here are a few things that will start you on the road to feeling better.  Please always check with your Doctor before beginning any type exercise. 

1.  Stand up straight.  Ideally you should stand as straight as possible with your shoulders back and your belly button pulled into your spine. Good posture is paramount to your quality of life as you age.

To practice, stand with your head, shoulders, back, and heels against the wall. 

If any of this feels awkward, you’ll know you need to practice more.  Practicing good posture will help your back feel better and prevent numerous problems as you age. 

2.  Stand up and sit down.  The vertebra receives nutrients through this type of movement.  Several times a day, push back from your desk and stand up and sit down from your chair five to ten times.

3.  Drink more water!!

4.   Stretch.  Lie on your bed or the floor and gently pull one knee into the chest.  Breathe naturally and hold for 20 seconds.  Repeat the other side.  Then pull both knees into the chest.  (Do not perform these stretches if you have a hip replacement.)

5.  While lying on your back, bend your knees and keep feet flat.  Pull your abdominal muscles in and slowly raise your hips up and down, maintaining a straight back (be careful not to arch your back).  Try 5-10 repetitions.

To summarize, if you strengthen your spine, drink enough water, and stand up and sit down more, you will prevent further degeneration of your discs, and assist in alleviating arthritis and back pain!  Start today living your Life…Only Better!

Christine King, MES, Director of The Get Fit! Studio, Florida’s First Functional Training Studio can be reached at Christine@LifeOnlyBetter.com or  (561) 272-6618 for questions and information on fitness related issues.  You can also visit our studio at 1060 S. Federal Hwy., Ste. 100, Delray Beach.

When I think of the most meaningful events I have had in my lifetime, only a few really come to mind. There have been many times that I have had fun or enjoyed the moment, but I have to say, that I never felt such a deep energy connection as I did September 9^th-10^th at The Soulful Journey by the Sea.

The months of planning, conversations late at night, frantic last minute details, all seemed to flow effortlessly as the day unfolded and I had the pleasure of living in the moment with a room full of incredible women and a few good men. I watched friendships evolving, business transacting, hearts opening, and joy and laughter. All of the hopes and dreams of that weekend exceeded my expectations as I listened and learned so many life lessons that I will take with me and incorporate into my being.

I truly felt blessed to be in such an incredible space, the perfect setting, the perfect size, delicious food, the ocean as a backdrop and beautiful faces filling the Windrift Room. As I rejoiced, I felt that this was only the beginning of such incredible moments I would share with The Women’s Wellness Society.  For those of you who attended and gave so much of yourself that weekend, I extend my deepest thanks, and for those of you who missed this weekend, I only hope you can join us at our next event to be announced shortly.

New Chapter Launches

October 18th will be the debut of the Vineland, New Jersey Chapter.  The meeting will be held at the Maplewood 3 and will go from 6:30-9:00.  Welcome to our new chapter leader Monica Flannery.  Please visit our website for more information on this meeting or contact Monica at serenity1rst@comcast.net.

October 20^th will be the debut of our Coral Springs Chapter at the Primrose Tea Room.  The meeting will be held from 6:30-9:00.  Welcome to our new chapter leader Adele Alexandre.  Make your reservations now for this exciting meeting as our guest speaker will be announced next week.  For more info please contact Adele at mzmirtha@aol.com.

On November 1st Ft Lauderdale will kick off  their first dinner and tea talk at Buca de Beppe.  Please contact Debbie Wysocki for more info on that chapter at debwysocki@aol.com.

Change in Schedule

The Central Boca Chapter meeting will be hosting Medefile for it's October meeting.   Brian Clement will be rescheduled for the first of the year.  In light of hurricane season we felt this topic would be critical for our members to hear about.

Referral gift if you locate a new Chapter Leader

As we set our mission into motion of “Bridging the gap between Women and Wellness,” new chapters will be opening across the county.  If you know someone who may be interested in becoming a Chapter Leader, please email Kellie at kellie@womenswellnesssociety.com.  We are offering a referral gift of $100 for your recommendation, which will be paid when the new chapter reaches a membership of twenty.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Meeting Sponsors are a great way for our members to learn about you and your business. The cost is $200 for the meeting which includes a five minute presentation, a business profile on the Meeting Program and your logo/link on our site for one month. We also offer table sponsorships for $50 where you can network with our members, display products and materials and stand out among the others.

Our Charity of Choice

This year we will focus on fundraising for The Breast Cancer Fund.  We have done lots of research in locating a charity that was in line with our beliefs.  This organization was recommended to us by some of our members and we are happy to be able to raise money to benefit their cause.  The Breast Cancer Fund focuses on research that protects us and our children from environmental toxins in our products.  You may find out more information on this charity by going to their site at www.breastcancerfund.org.

Attention all home based business owners!  We are looking to fill our Wellness Home Based Business portion of the site with buttons and short company descriptions.  If you have a home based business and would like to post your company on a button no bigger than 100 x 100, please submit the button and  link and a short description of your business  to support@womenswellnesssociety.com.  We will running this promotion for the next few months for all of our new members.

Submit your Business listing today!

All Professional and Corporate business members are entitled to a business listing on our site.  We want to begin filling up our listings and we need your help.  If you would like to be listed in this section we will need the following information:  Name, email, phone, web address, profession.  You will need to submit this information to our web support department at support@womenswellnesssociety.com.

Let's Barter!

Many of our members have expressed an interest in bartering with other members.  We think this is a great idea and we would love to start a formal WWS barter club!  Please email us if you would like to belong to this elite group of women and men!

In the News...again!

We have once again been written up in the Boca News dated September 10th. 

If you would like to contribute to our newsletter, please email kellie@womenswellnesssociety.com

Please be sure to use the following email address for correspondence:

Kellie Kuecha - kellie@womenswellnesssociety.com

Jill Evans VP Sales and Marketing - jill@womenswellnesssociety.com

Marilyn Mullen VP Business Development - marilyn@womenswellnesssociety.com

Web Support - support@womenswellnesssociety.com

Speakers Bureau - speakers@womenswellnesssociety.com

Medefile

by: Kellie Kuecha

It is not often that I endorse a particular product or service in the newsletter but I feel there is a critical need to get the following information into your hands.  We are all very aware of the past month's events with the hurricanes and hardships that many have faced as a result.  I have discovered a company that can make handling these types of crises and many others, much easier.  After opting for a home birth at my 5th month of pregnancy, I found myself in a dilemma in an effort to transfer my records from my doctor to my midwife.  This entire process was frustrating to say the least.  After almost a month of trying relentlessly to obtain my records, we got them.  Seeing the millions of people losing their medical records as a result of the hurricanes prompted me to help raise your awareness.  I strongly believe Medefile has the answers.

Using the latest in data management technology, MedeFile puts you in control of your medical records and health history. The MedeFile system collects, organizes, and archives your complete medical profile. MedeFile’s handles the entire process efficiently and safely.

With your authorization and on your behalf, MedeFile contacts all present and previous healthcare providers, and gathers copies of your actual medical records – like hospitalization charts, doctor notes, treatment plans, medications, and test results. We do the work for you, so you can tend to the business of living healthy. Using a secure process, MedeFile consolidates, digitizes, and stores your records in the MedeVault, a highly protected, controlled access computerized records facility.

Your MedeFile – a centralized, confidential electronic portfolio of your health history – provides immediate, secure access to your entire medical record, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from virtually anywhere in the world. MedeFile enables you and your doctors to focus on current concerns with confidence.

Every MedeFile membership includes a MedeDrive so that you are able to carry current, accurate information with you at all times. The MedeDrive is a special USB hard drive, attractively designed and slender enough to attach to a key chain. This powerful computer storage device contains your Emergency Medical Information, which can be viewed on a PC without connecting to the Internet. MedeDrive self loads its own viewer, so no special program or software is required. Your MedeDrive can be inserted into the USB port of any PC, providing life-saving information quickly and accurately. Your MedeDrive can also store files containing Advanced Directives, Living Wills, DNR Orders, or Health Care Powers of Attorney, as well as your complete MedeFile. However, only Emergency Information can be accessed without proper authentication and pass codes.

Women's Wellness Society Members will receive a 50% discount on a MedeFile membership.  Please visit their site today to take advantage of this special offer or call 305-466-4466.

www.MedeFile.com

September Healthy Recipe

Cape Cod Wrap

From The Whole Foods Market Cookbook

This recipe isn't originally from Cape Cod, but it is well known in our mid-Atlantic stores. We think Cape Codders would embrace this sandwich as their own. There is something about the combination of cranberry relish, smoked turkey, and grilled red onions that speaks to all of us, and the addition of the citrus cream cheese makes this a winner. This sandwich relies on simple contrast of flavors and textures. You should also try this with apple or pear chutney or preserves instead of cranberries.

Serves 2

• 1 medium red onion, sliced 1/2 inch thick
• olive oil for brushing the onion
• sea salt, to taste
• ground pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
  
• 1 tsp grated orange zest
• 1 TB cream cheese
  
• 1 (12-inch) flour tortilla (whole wheat or your favorite flavor
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
• 6 oz sliced smoked turkey
• 2 oz whole berry cranberry relish

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Brush the onion slices lightly with the olive oil, and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Spread them out on a sheet pan and bake for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown. You may sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar over the onion for a little extra sweetness and browning. You may also grill the onion on a gas grill or barbecue for 4 minutes per side, until browned. This will give them a smoky flavor.

In a small bowl, combine orange zest and cream cheese.

Spread the citrus cream cheese on the tortilla. Place the spinach leaves over the cream cheese. Scatter the onion over the spinach. Arrange the smoked turkey over the onion, covering the entire surface of the tortilla. Place the berry relish over the turkey in a 1-inch-thick line along the bottom edge of the tortilla. Roll up tightly, and slice diagonally in half.

Nutrition Info

Per Serving: calories 370; calories from fat 120; calories from saturated fat 30; protein 20g; carbohydrates 43g; total fat 14g; saturated fat 3g; cholesterol 40 mg; sodium 1030 mg; 32% calories from fat

This newsletter is sponsored by: 

The Healthy Home Coach

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