One of the things I most love about the human spirit is our ability to grow and our yearning to constantly strive to be better. I’m reminded of one of the world’s greatest athletes, Serena Williams, who said, “Everyone’s dream can come true if you stick to it and work hard.”
While I adjust to writing “2022” on my correspondence, I’m hopeful and excited for what’s ahead. A keen focus on betterment begins with returning to the basics, digging deep and taking time to improve oneself. That may mean setting aside five minutes to meditate at the end of a stressful day or scheduling exercise first thing in the morning to lose extra holiday and pandemic pounds.
There are a multitude of opportunities to improve oneself and with that in mind, I’m thrilled to present our dynamic January 2022 Health & Fitness issue.
We start by turning to the pros for inspiration: their diligence, discipline, skill and teamwork is pivotal to success. Our cover story “Ice Kings” (page 70) features not one, not two, but three of our beloved Florida Panther hockey players: Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad and Jonathan Huberdeau offering their insight on the sport and themselves, on and off the rink. As a longtime Panthers’ season ticketholder, this was a special treat because my son and part-time sports editor, Andrew, conducted the interview with Jonathan Huberdeau. The last time we featured three Panthers on our cover was in March 2004 when we profiled Roberto Luongo, Jay Bouwmeester and Mike Van Ryn. In our special 18th anniversary year, we decided to revisit our hockey trifecta.
In “A Year of Self-Care” (page 84) Dr. Jennifer Ashton shares how she coped through an unthinkable tragedy — the suicide of her ex-husband and father of her two children. And while I struggle to grasp the pain her loss must bring, I’m inspired by how her personal tragedy has served as a driving force in spotlighting the importance of mental health wellness. With so many Americans suffering in silence, Ashton knows first-hand the pain this unseen enemy can bring on individuals and their families and offers helpful insight and hope.
“Mushrooms And Microdosing” (page 78) takes a deep dive into the world of psychedelics and its potential for those suffering from a myriad of ailments like PTSD and severe depression. As we struggle as a community to find optimal relief for those battling these afflictions, this once very controversial approach — regularly shunned or dismissed as crazy — is gaining new traction as scientists find promising results often unavailable in other treatments.
January is also a time to thank Mother Nature! With Hurricane Season officially behind us and many glorious (and thankfully, humidity-free) days ahead, “Happy Trails” (page 90) is an ideal guide for those wanting to get out for a brisk walk or bike ride in glorious parks and trails right in our own backyard.
Many of us sigh at the idea of exercise (I honestly cry!), but let’s not lose sight of the fun we’ve had through the years in our quest to get healthy. “Let’s Get Physical” (page 98) recounts the top winners that captivated our hearts and hopefully improved our well-being.
We also check in with South Florida’s beloved chef and restaurateur, Michael Schwartz, in our Chef Profile (page 134) to learn about what he’s been up to. You’ll leave hungry afterwards!
I hope this month is full of good health and happiness. I, for one, will take time to explore the possibilities that lie ahead, focus on self-care and engage in the work to get there.
Be Well,
Linda L. Behmoiras
linda@bocaratonobserver.com