Mary Light
ND MH LMT
Traditional Naturopath and Clinical Herbalist
Ann Arbor School Of Massage, Herbal Natural Medicine Wellness Clinic and Gaia Center for Herbal Studies
6276 Jackson Rd.
734-769-7794
Naturopathicschoolofannarbor.net | gaiaherbalstudies.net
A commonly-held, but incorrect, belief: I encounter the belief that only allopathic (“conventional” medicine) is “primary care.” Unfortunately, unless there is trauma or an emergency, those of us practicing natural medicine likely have better solutions to healing maladies, as we work holistically with supports aimed at strengthening and supporting the actual healing forces. Thus is it incorrect to “wait” until the 11th hour when disease has progressed to finally pursue the opinion of a naturopath or clinical herbalist.
What’s a great first step that readers can take to be healthier in the new year? To accept that they may need to change what they do in terms of getting quality sleep, moderate movement (exercise), and to shift their dietary focus to a moderate whole foods diet with increased simple vegetables in each meal on a daily basis. This alone would reap great rewards. But some people need insight and perspective, and we can help provide that.
What is one fact that people would be interested to know? We really take time to listen to how they are feeling , what their goals are, and to connect that information to a truly workable plan- and that we are not out to exploit suffering by manipulating clients/patients into buying unnecessary and expensive products.
What’s one thing that will immediately make someone feel better? Well, in any setting, stopping to center yourself so you can close your eyes and breathe more deeply for a few minutes. At home, an interesting thermotherapy trick, based on the laws of physics, is an alternate “hot and cold” shower. Rinse off with a nice hot shower and follow with a gradual cold rinse all over. No need to shock your system either way. Do two cycles if you are game. This is a real energy changer; it affects the nervous system, mental processes, and circulation— many holistic processes at once.
My best advice for starting a new health or wellness routine: I would really recommend seeking someone out for advisory— a trained holistic practitioner who will at least take a basic intake. Even a brief consult can make a world of difference and is affordable. This suggestion helps avoid trends, bad internet advice, “Dr. Facebook”, exploiters, and other time wasting choices.
A sentence, or piece of advice, that stopped me in my tracks and changed my outlook: “ If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten”
My favorite fitness routine: Stretching and walking each day, and taking the time to prepare wholesome meals.
My health goal for 2019: Getting back on a bike and out walking- I am healing from a broken leg , and about done with that!
Doctor Bodo Schneider
Pied Pfeifer Compassionate Care Clinic LLC
2500 Packard St.
734-929-4230 | mmmpdoctor.com
A commonly-held, but incorrect, belief: That cannabis makes one want heavier drugs.
What’s a great first step that readers can take to be healthier in the new year? Decrease your prescription medicine usage.
My best advice for starting a new health or wellness routine: Just start it! Hardest part is the first step.
My health goal for 2019: Resume a regular 3-4 mile per day running schedule.
My favorite method of self-care: Sleep— make sure you get at least 6-7 hours every night.
Nicholas A. Stanko
Co-owner
Ann Arbor Running Company
AARC Colonnade: 901 West Eisenhower Pkwy. | 734-662-2400
AARC Kerrytown: 200 N, Fourth | 734-997-5223.
Annarborrunningcompany.com
10am-7pm, Monday-Friday | 10am-6pm, Saturday | Noon-5pm, Sunday.
A commonly-held, but incorrect, belief: That running stores only help runners. We help anyone and everyone who is moving forward one step at a time on their feet. The correct shoes for your feet can make a world of a difference.
What’s a great first step that readers can take to be healthier in the new year? Be consistent. Carve out “x” minutes a day to be active. If that means getting it in at 5am or 5pm, find a time that works for your lifestyle and be consistent.
What is one fact that would people be interested to know? We help people with selecting the right gear for being active and provide training programs to keep people motivated all year long.
What’s one thing that will immediately make someone feel better? Move a lot and stay hydrated.
A sentence, or piece of advice, that stopped me in my tracks and changed my outlook: “You will continue to suffer if you have an emotional reaction to everything that is said to you. True power is sitting back and observing things with logic. True power is restraint. If words control you that means everyone else can control you. Breathe and allow things to pass.” – Warren Buffett
Three points of wisdom: Consistency, baby steps, and community.
My best advice for starting a new health or wellness routine: There is never the perfect time to start something new. Just get started, figure things out as you go along and work on getting a little better each week.
My favorite fitness routine: A long run or bike ride.
My health goal for 2019: To cut back a little on the sweets.
The quality that I most admire in others: Toughness.
My favorite method of self-care: Foam rolling.
Lori Anderson
Member Services Manager
The Health & Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community College
4833 E. Huron River Dr.
734-975-9950 | wccfitness.org
5am-10pm Monday-Thursday | 5am-9pm Friday | 7am-8p Saturday-Sunday
A commonly-held, but incorrect, belief: You have to exercise every day for it to be “effective”. Research has proven that going from a sedentary lifestyle to even a moderate amount of exercise has a profound effect on overall health. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends a goal of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity, or 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity, per week.
What’s a great first step that readers can take to be healthier in the new year? Boost your physical activity! Physical activity helps keep your heart and lungs working efficiently, reduces the risk of a variety of illness, improves balance and may even reduce pain.
What is one fact that would people be interested to know? The Health & Fitness Center at WCC is a medically integrated fitness center. Our fitness staff is not only certified in a variety of specialties but also have degrees in exercise science or a related field. Our facility is certified by the Medical Fitness Association.
What’s one thing that will immediately make someone feel better? Studies show that regular exercise can reduce stress, ease anxiety, increase your energy level, boost your self-confidence and help you sleep better.
Our best advice for starting a new health or wellness routine: To take that first step. Go for a walk, take the stairs instead of the elevator, take a tour of the fitness center close to your work or home and see what they have to offer.
Our health goal for 2019: To keep MOVING!
Amir Rad
Owner
Thrive Fitness
5060 Jackson Rd., Ste. G.
734-929-4106 | Thrivemaf.com
6am-9:30pm Monday-Thursday | 6am-6:30pm Friday | Noon-5pm Saturday-Sunday
A commonly-held, but incorrect, belief: A common myth in the fitness industry is that strength training is good for your overall health. I always emphasize that a PROPER strength training regimen is good for your health and wellness instead. Don’t just go through the motions. Seek the proper coaching needed to reach your fitness goals in the safest and most efficient ways possible.
What’s a great first step that readers can take to be healthier in the new year? Be sure to live your life to the fullest. Focus all of your energy on living a happy and healthy life, and that is the best way to ensure that you’re living and have lived a truly rich life. Eat healthy foods, exercise frequently, and get enough rest. Be confident in yourself and your abilities and spend time with your loved ones doing the things that you love. Life can be short, move on and learn from your past experiences, and live each day to the fullest like it’s your last. Love your family and love your friends. Live to Thrive!
What is one fact that people would be interested to know? Thrive Fitness is one of the only gyms in town that specializes in corrective exercise. We help fix problems throughout the body, help get rid of aches and pains, help relieve stiff muscles, and strengthen the muscles throughout the body that need it the most.
What’s one thing that will immediately make someone feel better? Stretching, without a doubt. Getting older doesn’t make you stiff, getting stiff makes you old.
My best advice for starting a new health or wellness routine: Always start your program with a fitness evaluation or an assessment. This way you can track progress through your measurements to make sure that you start your exercise program off correctly, and at the right phase and pace that’s right for you.
The quality that I most admire in others: The ability to set goals, and create a plan to achieve it. I admire people that follow through with their goals, versus just talking about them.
A sentence, or piece of advice, that stopped me in my tracks and changed my outlook: The Thrive mantra: “Every individual, regardless of their athletic ability, age, or skill level, deserves to obtain the highest quality of life.” In other words, they deserve to thrive.
Three words of wisdom: Live to Thrive!
My favorite fitness routine: Variety makes exercise fun for me. Running, strength training, boxing, stretching, rowing, sprinting, wrestling, and more!
My health goal for 2019: To attain my pro-card in the bodybuilding division for men’s physique.
My favorite method of self-care: Exercise, strength training, stretching, eating healthy, cardiovascular workouts, reading, writing, sunshine.
Vic Andrade
Manager
Jim and Sue Cox
Owners
Anytime Fitness Ann Arbor
3393 Plymouth Rd., Ste. D.
734-418-3338 | anytimefitness.com
Open 24/7 to members
A commonly-held, but incorrect, belief: One has to spend hours in the gym every day to make progress. Also, just get moving! Don’t be a couch potato.
What’s a great first step that readers can take to be healthier in the new year? Set measurable fitness goals with a solid plan of action in place.
What is one fact that would people be interested to know? We have personal trainers to motivate and coach you to help meet your fitness goals. This month we offer a free one on one as well as group training for new members
Three words of wisdom: Fun. Discipline. Perseverance.
Our best advice for starting a new health or wellness routine: Do not over think it… JUST DO IT!!
Our favorite fitness routine: Military Presses followed by weighted chin ups and some type of cardio.
Our health goal for 2019: Set new personal records.
The quality that we most admire in others: Their ambition.
Our favorite method of self-care: Exercise.
Andrea Gruber
Owner, Massage Therapist
Massage Mechanics
7 S. Washington St., Ypsilanti
734-408-1648 | ypsimassagemechanics.com
Noon-8pm, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday-Sunday
1pm-8pm, Tuesday
10am-8pm, Thursday-Friday
A commonly-held, but incorrect, belief: That Massage Therapy is a luxury item, for relaxation only, or an expensive day at the spa. At Massage Mechanics we promote therapeutic massage as a form of preventative maintenance for one’s health. Massage can be very effective at helping chronic pain or injuries and when received regularly can make a consistent positive effect on a person’s health.
What’s a great first step that readers can take to be healthier in the new year? Remember the 80/20 rule. What you do 80% of the time is what sets the tone for your health, and because we are all human, be forgiving of what you do the last 20% of the time.
What’s one thing that will immediately make someone feel better? Drink more water! Chronic dehydration can have the same symptoms as depression. I personally try to drink 1/3 of my body weight in ounces of water a day, and when I do that I feel really great both physically and mentally.
My best advice for starting a new health or wellness routine: Pick something small but achievable, consistency has the most impact. Set a small goal you know you can keep up, like taking a long walk with a friend or loved one once a week, going to the gym but only 2-3 times per week to start instead of 5, or drink a big glass of water in the morning before you have your coffee.
A sentence, or piece of advice, that stopped me in my tracks and changed my outlook: “It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life.” Realizing this inspired me to take action, try new things, and explore more ideas. I used to stop myself before I even started because I was afraid of failing, now I’m worrying less about the possibility of failure and actually doing the things I always wanted to do.
