Health + Wellness

The Hidden Impact of Stress on Your Health

Stress is often framed as the enemy, something to be avoided at all costs. But the reality is more nuanced—stress itself isn’t inherently bad. In fact, short bursts of stress, known as hormetic stress, can actually strengthen our body’s resilience. The real problem arises when stress becomes chronic, overwhelming our ability to recover and leading to long-term health consequences.Acute vs. Chronic Stress: What’s the Difference?• Acute Stress is short-term and can be beneficial. Think of it as...

Health + Wellness

Not Your Typical Diet Clinic:

In the journey towards sustainable weight loss and improved health, a comprehensive lifestyle intervention emerges as a critical strategy. This approach goes beyond traditional dieting or exercise regimens, addressing the multifaceted nature of weight management. For individuals seeking a lasting solution to weight loss, understanding the necessity and guidelines of comprehensive lifestyle intervention is paramount.Why You Want Comprehensive Lifestyle Intervention to be a part of your Weight...

Health + Wellness

Mark Pentecost

From Coach to CEO, and the Dream Cycle That Changed Everything Article by Brooke Bezet Before he became the founder of a multimillion-dollar business and an author inspiring people to chase their dreams, Mark Pentecost was a high school basketball coach with a big vision and a bigger leap of faith ahead of him. “I believe dreaming is like a muscle—the more you use it, the bigger it gets. I think risk is the same way,” Mark says. And if that’s true, he’s been training both his entire life. At...

Life + Culture

2025 Men of Influence

Recognizing local men who lead with integrity and purpose Article by Michelle Parnell | Photography by Kristen Jensen Productions We are proud to shine a spotlight on the men of Lakewood Ranch who exemplify true leadership and a deep commitment to the community. Nominated by you, fellow citizens and neighbors, these individuals are making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.     Chris Collins, Executive Director Ability to Include, Inc. A native of Manatee County, Chris not...

Auto + Marine

Captain Jason Stock Fishing Charters

Adventure, Expertise, and Heart Article by Brooke Bezet | Photography by Captain Jason Stock Fishing Charters Captain Jason Stock has spent a lifetime on the water. With over 15 years of full-time professional experience, he’s become a standout in Florida’s fishing scene — placing in the FLW Redfish Tour, winning local kayak and billfishing tournaments, and appearing on the covers of top publications like Florida Sportsman , Saltwater Sportsman , Kayak Angler , and Louisiana Sportsman . ...

Food + Beverage

Hard Truth, Straight Up

How a Bold Indiana Whiskey Found Its Way to Lakewood Ranch Article by Brooke Bezet | Photography by Photo Guru SRQ Tucked away on 325 wooded acres in Brown County, Indiana sits one of America’s most buzzed-about new whiskey destinations:  Hard Truth Distilling Co. Founded in 2015 and named the  No. 1 Destination Distillery in the U.S. , Hard Truth has quickly become a mecca for whiskey lovers and adventure seekers alike. What began in the cozy upstairs of a pizza joint is now a sprawling...

Home + Design

Doberman Roofing

Loyal Protection, Expert Precision Article by Brooke Bezet | Photography by Kristen Jensen Productions When it comes to protecting your home, trust the loyalty and precision of Doberman Roofing — a company known for expert craftsmanship, honest pricing, and unbeatable service. Fully licensed and insured, Doberman Roofing brings peace of mind and superior protection to homeowners across Florida. Their slogan, “We build good woofs,” says it all — combining a sense of humor with serious...

Sports + Recreation

Tour Caddy

Ready for Every Shot Article by Brooke Bezet | Photography by Tour Caddy For Chase Maasdorp, the idea for Tour Caddy didn’t come from a high-tech lab or boardroom brainstorming session—it came from the driving range. Watching golfers scoop balls from flimsy plastic buckets, he was struck by how outdated the experience felt. That moment sparked a question: What if we could merge the sleek appeal of a golf den caddy with the interactive fun of Topgolf? From that thought, the concept for Tour...

Health + Wellness

What you don't know about Sleep, could be slowing your weight loss.

The Science Behind Sleep and WeightIf you’re working hard but not seeing results, poor sleep could be sabotaging your efforts. Here’s how:Inadequate sleep disrupts hunger hormones, increasing ghrelin (your hunger signal) and decreasing leptin (your fullness cue).Elevated cortisol from poor sleep can lead to fat storage, especially around the belly.Insulin sensitivity declines after just one bad night, increasing the risk of weight gain, even if your calories haven’t changed.In short: less sleep...

Health + Wellness

Let's Talk About Cholesterol

If you are looking for ways to lower your cholesterol through lifestyle, this is what the research says:First look at your risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The higher your risks, the more aggressive you will want to be.I am providing a link to the American College of cardiology cardiovascular risk calculator. If you know your cholesterol levels and your blood pressure numbers, you can enter the information and come up with an interpretation of your current risk. If you have questions...