Lakewood Ranch Medical Center combines with other partners to present a health expo at the mall.
By
Pam Eubanks
| 12:49 p.m. January 4, 2020
East County
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It was hard to do, but healthy.
Lakewood Ranch's Alana Turner worked up a sweat at the Mall at University Town Center, and was happy to do it. She was taking part in Niki Dalsing's Barre 3 class, one of the many featured during the health expo "New Year, New You," Jan. 4.
"My friend Betsy (Laureno) signed us up for everything," Turner said. "It's something different to do."
The event was presented by Lakewood Ranch Medical Center in partnership with the Mall at UTC, Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. It featured health-focused speakers, free exercise classes and screenings and booths showcasing health-related services and products. There were even healthy food and drinks available for sampling.
Dr. David Buck Jr., of Bradenton Cardiology Center, speaks about the cardiovascular benefits of a whole food, plant-based diet.
Rebekka Mars leads an exercise in meditation. She asks participants to think about what they enjoy most and what relaxes them. She says she could sit drinking coffee all day.
Dr. Anna Soendker, Tracy Gratchwohl, Kate Marinucci and Lori Hill manned a booth for Lakewood Ranch OB/GYN.
University Park's Nancy Ernst visits all the vendor booths with her husband, John Ernst.
From her booth promoting the Brain Health Initiative, BHI Program Director Kim Miele learns about the Tampa-based brain health company, Procesa Health, from its CEO Scott Eibel.
Barre 3 instructor Niki Dalsing leads a free class in front of the playground area.
Lakewood Ranch's Alana Turner likes trying new classes and benefited from a Barre 3 class at the mall.
Three-year-old Addalyse Kuck, pictured with her mother, Brittany Kuck, gets a balloon unicorn and heart from balloon artist Mike Jones.
Patty Gallagher moved to Lakewood Ranch two weeks earlier and enjoyed learning about the various providers.
Four Pillars massage therapist Agusta Raffo works on East County resident Beverly Cattanach.
Four Pillars acupuncturist Josh Zimmerman, founder Cheri Christiansen and hypnotist Shana Rosenthal were eager to answer questions about how their services could benefit various health concerns.
Sarasota's Marcy Kennelly tests her hearing at a booth by Connect Hearing. "I've never done it before," she says.
Veronica Johnson and Chef Judi Gallagher prepare salad for guests to sample. Gallagher was selling her cookbook and assorted treats.
Visitors could sample a variety of products and foods, such as this vegan chia pudding.
Grand Living's Carisa Campanella demonstrates th "dynamic drumming" class for seniors at the facility. "We call our exercise classes parties with movement," she said. "We want them to be fun."
Lakewood Ranch's Anita Pope tries a yoga class led by Studio K2G Yoga & Fitness.
International keynote speaker and entrepreneur Luke Wren talks about "stepping into your greatness." He said people should avoid "trying" and simply decide to accomplish something.
