Starting in January, Wellington’s popular Thursday night Food Truck & Music Series returns to Wellington’s Town Center. The events will be hosted on the Town Center Promenade (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard) while the Wellington Amphitheater remains closed due to ongoing construction for the Town Center Phase 2 project.
The Thursday night series will feature approximately 10-12 food trucks each week, accompanied by live music tributes and performances by local bands. Saturday and Sunday concerts will remain at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) and are scheduled on select dates each month.
For additional information on the Town Center Phase 2 construction, visit the “Capital Improvement Projects” page at www.wellingtonfl.gov.
Stay up to date on events and activities coming up in Wellington by signing up for the monthly Play Wellington Newsletter at www.wellingtonfl.gov/PlayWellington.
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/Newsletter.
January is the time of year that we reset ourselves with thoughts of doing or being better. I am no different than anyone else. I’m setting goals and reflecting on my health and fitness. Caring for an aging mom who obviously deposited her genetic code on me is making me more reflective. “Move it or lose it” is my statement for 2023! Join me if you will, by making lifestyle changes that make us stronger as a community.
Fireworks at Village Park in Wellington. Photo by Elien Boes.
Events coming up in the Village are exciting too. Casino Night on the Promenade is happening on Saturday January 14th. Tickets are available on the website and it’s a new use of the Promenade (casting it as a boardwalk as in Atlantic City). You may have noticed that more 21 and up events are being planned. This is by request and response to the residents. Our popular Amphitheater events have been moved while we continue to expand that venue, and the Promenade is a great way for us to continue to Gather at the Town Center Complex.
Also the Father/Daughter dance returns at Village Park (instead of the community center) on January 28th. Tickets sold out in record time this year, but because its at Village Park gym we may be able to accommodate more. The Theme this year is Boogie at the Bayou. Check back with the website in case there are additional tickets available. This has become a very popular way to celebrate the Father Daughter relationship in a time where that has never been more important.
Lakeside Market continues on Friday evenings on the Promenade too with local vendors that offer unique items. Food and beverages are available too so come out and make an evening of it.
The Equestrian Events are really the star of the January Show in Wellington! Polo at the Nation Polo Center (formerly International Polo Club) Show Jumping at the Wellington Equestrian Center and Dressage at Global Dressage are what makes us the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World. (krista: can you add the links to these venues??) There is no place like our Great Home Town to enjoy the best of these international events. If you haven’t been to all of these, make it a New Year’s Resolution! There are affordable ways to attend all of them and it is exciting to watch each one.
Just In Time for the Holidays, U.S. Army Veteran Honored With a Brand New, Mortgage-Free Home in South Florida Agrihood
South Palm Beach County, Fla. (December 16, 2022) – On December 16th, former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Jose Jimenez and his family received the holiday gift of a lifetime: a brand-new, mortgage-free home at Arden, South Florida’s first agrihood community. In a dedication ceremony on their front lawn, representatives from Lennar and nonprofit Operation Finally Home presented the Jimenez family with the keys to their new house.
“This is surreal,” said Jimenez. “I still can’t find the words to express how grateful and appreciative we are to Lennar and Operation Finally Home for giving us a place to plant our roots and raise our son. This is life-changing for our family, and I cannot thank them enough.”
Sergeant Jimenez enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 2005. While serving in Afghanistan in 2010, Jimenez suffered a traumatic brain injury, temporarily losing his sight and the use of his legs. Nonetheless, he remained dedicated to his platoon and returned to duty one month after the incident.
Jose met his wife, Alex, also a veteran, while they were both serving in Afghanistan. They married in 2012 and have a young son.
Jose was honorably discharged in 2013 after having served for almost eight years, including two combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. For his service, he received countless military awards including a Purple Heart, two Army Good Conduct Medals, an Army Achievement Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, and a Combat Action Medal.
In July 2022, Jose and his family were surprised by Lennar Palm Atlantic Division and Operation Finally Home with the news that they would be receiving a new home. Five months later, escorted by a motorcade of the local patriotic motorcycle group Freedom Riders, they were welcomed into their newly furnished house that will provide a stable future for their family.
“The homebuilding industry gives back in a meaningful way and provides homes to people every day across the country,” said Operation Finally Home President Rusty Carroll. “But today, they provided hope and a stable future to this incredible family. Beyond their military service, they have done everything they can to provide a sense of home to their son. Home is where the heart is, and now that heart has an address.”
Lennar Palm Atlantic Division President Michael Meyers added: “I have had the privilege of getting to know the Jimenez family over the past few months. This dedication is a genuine thank you for what they have done for our country; to protect us and our freedoms and to allow us to live the lives that we live.”
ABOUT LENNAR Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up, and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title, and closing services primarily for buyers of Lennar’s homes and, through LMF Commercial, originates mortgage loans secured primarily by commercial real estate properties throughout the United States. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. LENX drives Lennar’s technology, innovation and strategic investments. For more information about Lennar, please visit http://www.lennar.com.
ABOUT OPERATION FINALLY HOME Based in New Braunfels, Texas, Operation Finally Home is a nonpartisan/nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to provide custom-built, mortgage-free homes, transitional housing and home modifications to veterans, first responders and their families. Established in 2005, the organization has completed or is in planning on more than 430 home projects in over 30 states since 2005. OperationFinally Home partners with corporate sponsors, builder associations, builders, remodelers, developers, individual contributors and volunteers to help these heroes and their families by addressing one of their most pressing needs–a place to call home. For more information about Operation Finally Home, visit OperationFinallyHome.org, follow @OpFinallyHome on Twitter, and find us on Facebook.
ABOUT ARDEN Arden’s scenic landscape includes 175 acres of magnificent lakes, including a mile-long central lake, 20 miles of trails, and 500 acres of parks, playgrounds, and green space. Arden is also home to one of the first agrihoods in Florida. Arden’s 5-acre farm and event barn are central components of community life here, offering fruits, vegetables, and herbs shared among the residents. Wellington’s world-famous equestrian centers are just 12 minutes from Arden. Arden is also close to major employment centers. A-rated Wellington schools, top-rated medical centers, white sand beaches, shopping, dining destinations, and world-class golf, and direct access to sophisticated Palm Beach, Palm Beach International Airport, and South Florida’s major cities makes Arden’s location second to none.
WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (December 2, 2022) – The West Palm Beach Library Foundation, a nonprofit that raises funds for Mandel Public Library’s programs, has added four new board members to continue building the organization and fulfil its mission. The newest members include Assistant Provost of Florida Atlantic University Dr. James Capp, philanthropist Nancy Marshall, Editor-in-Chief of Palm Beach Illustrated Daphne Nikolopoulos, and Senior Vice President with Related Companies Jordan Rathlev. The new board members are committed to ensuring the Library Foundation can continue to support the downtown city library as it adapts and expands services to fulfill community needs.
“We have a remarkable group of individuals who care deeply about our community and are just as passionate as I am about the role of public libraries in providing access, removing barriers, and providing opportunities for all,” shared Dianne Bernstein, Chair of the West Palm Beach Library Foundation Board of Directors.
West Palm Beach Library Foundation Executive Director Dean Dimke remarked, “The Mandel Public Library is a vital resource fulfilling the needs of thousands of children, teens, and adults every day with programs like our literacy programs, Homework Centers, Get That Job, Art and Culture, and the new Technology and Innovation Center. Our new Board members will draw upon their collective skills and leadership to ensure the Foundation can continue to support these critical programs, services, and resources.”
Dr. James Capp is the Assistant Provost for Academic Operations and Planning at Florida Atlantic University. He leads the student success analytics team that has helped to more than double the university’s graduation rates, resulting in Florida Atlantic becoming a nationally ranked institution according to U.S. News & World Report and Washington Monthly. The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities recently honored his team with the prestigious Degree Completion Award. In addition to his work in the Provost’s Office, he also teaches policy, budgeting, and strategic planning. Dr. Capp earned his bachelor’s degree from FAU’s Wilkes Honors College, and his graduate degrees are from FAU’s School of Public Administration.
Nancy Marshall serves on the board of directors of Florida’s Everglades Foundation, as well as the National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) based in Washington DC. The retired Marriott marketing executive, and marketing consultant to the Pine Jog Environmental Education Center/ Florida Atlantic University, is a past president of the Fine Arts Association, Belfair Artists Association, and honorary member Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority. She is a co-recipient of the 2001 “Conservationist of the Year” award from Audubon Society of the Everglades; and co-author of Everglades Restoration, Cypress Tree Planting, McGraw Hill.
Daphne Nikolopoulos is the editor in chief of Palm Beach Illustrated, the most respected monthly magazine in Palm Beach, and editorial director of Palm Beach Media Group. A native of Athens, Greece, Daphne has traveled widely on both a professional and personal level, and her journeys have inspired her writing. Under the pseudonym D.J. Niko, she has penned award-winning, internationally published historical novels and thrillers. She teaches writing, literature, and cultural studies courses at Florida Atlantic University’s Lifelong Learning Society and has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of California, Riverside.
Jordan Rathlev is a Senior Vice President with the Related Companies. In addition to leading the financing efforts in West Palm Beach, he manages all aspects of Related’s West Palm Beach office initiatives, overseeing the property development, operations, leasing, and management teams. Jordan holds a master’s degree in Real Estate Development and Corporate Finance from the University of North Carolina’s Kenan Flagler School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University.
Dianne Bernstein, Board Chair
About the West Palm Beach Library Foundation
The West Palm Beach Library Foundation raises funds for the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach to provide free quality programs, services, and resources that enrich and strengthen its diverse community. The Foundation hopes to create an inspired community where children excel, and adults thrive. Gifts to the Foundation support popular library programs including afterschool homework centers, summer learning programs, reading programs, teen college prep, job readiness, and adult programs in art, technology, education, culture, and entertainment.
WELLINGTON, FL – Three new retail and culinary destinations are joining the more than 160 stores at The Mall at Wellington Green. BoxLunch, Wonder Sweets Bakery, and Trendzadd to the robust offerings in apparel, health and beauty, and more, at this lifestyle destination in Wellington.
BoxLunch
Altruistic gift and novelty retailer, BoxLunch, opened on October 22. Known for providing complimentary meals to people in need for every $10 customers spend, the expansive, 2,373-square-foot store showcases curated collections of pop culture-themed merchandise, ranging from t-shirts and accessories to collectibles and home goods. For more information, call (561) 437-6106 or visit boxlunch.com.
Wonder Sweets Bakery
Wonder Sweets Bakery’s owner Careli Bello has a knack for creating works of edible art that look almost too lovely to swallow. Launched on November 5, Bello swathed the 688-square-foot shop in bright hues of white and pink and keeps it stocked with sweet offerings like cupcakes, cookies, and celebration cakes. For more information, call (941) 421-2958 or visit wondersweetbakery.com.
Trendz
As its name implies, Trendz is a small business operation specializing in trendy, de rigueur accouterments for kids and teens. The 1,148-square-foot store, which features clothing, carryalls, jewelry, headwear, and footwear, unlocked its doors on November 3. Merchandise is updated weekly, so guests are encouraged to visit often. For more information, call (561) 333-8000.
Mall hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit shopwellingtongreen.com.
About The Mall at Wellington Green
The Mall at Wellington Green in Wellington, FL is a 1.2 million square foot, two-level regional shopping destination, and it features over 160 stores. Retail and restaurant favorites include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Brighton, Chico’s, Forever 21, H&M, Helzberg Diamonds, Zales, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture, Lemongrass, The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History, CMX Cinemas Wellington and more. For more information, visit shopwellingtongreen.com.
About Spinoso Real Estate Group
The Mall at Wellington Green is managed by Spinoso Real Estate Group. Since 2009, Spinoso has taken a creative, entrepreneurial approach to real estate development and management, delivering and sustaining successful projects across a wide range of property types and across the country. Spinoso’s robust portfolio includes work on hundreds of enclosed shopping malls, lifestyle centers, and large-scale retail projects from coast to coast. For more information, visit spinosoreg.com.
Riviera Beach, Fla. (December 15, 2022) – The Honda Classic returns in February, attracting the world’s best PGA TOUR players to Palm Beach County. Golf fans can enjoy premium accommodations and exclusive access to The Honda Classic with the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa’s “A Day at the Honda Classic with Skysuite Access” package.
The package includes:
Two, one-day passes to The Honda Classic
Access to the Nicklaus Village Skysuite at the 18th hole, with unlimited food and beverage service
One preferred daily parking pass
Two welcome to The Honda Classic signature cocktails at the resort
To receive this offer, guests must book by February 9, 2023, for a minimum of two nights during February 21, 2023, to February 26, 2023.
In addition to The Honda Classic, enjoy a timeless escape at Marriott Singer Island’s private beach, resort pools, and intimate spa, and the award-winning 3800 Ocean Restaurant & Lounge.
Have a ball on the golf course and on the beach!
About Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa
Rising 21 stories above a beautiful stretch of palm-fringed sand, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa is the only all-suite beachfront property in Palm Beach County. Each of its 190 suites offers spacious and stylish condo-style living in surroundings that are equally ideal for family vacations, romantic getaways, and business travel. The décor is sleek and contemporary, with modern furnishings and a palette that evokes the sand, sea, and sky. Dining choices range from exceptional American regional cuisine to casual Caribbean fare. The resort’s award-winning SiSpa offers sea-inspired pampering and wellness therapies, while its boutique-style meeting space beautifully accommodates high-powered conferences, exquisite beach weddings, and sophisticated social events. Comfortably furnished outdoor spaces make the most of the Florida sun and sea breezes, inviting guests to relax poolside or gather for an evening of drinks and conversation by a fire pit. Operated by Urgo Hotels and Resorts under license from Marriott International, Inc. or one of its affiliates. For more information, visit palmbeachmarriottresort.com or connect online via Facebook and Instagram.
Tickets on sale now for Wellington Classic Brew Fest
Sample a wide variety of craft beers and hard ciders at the 4th Annual Wellington Classic Brew Fest, hosted by the Village of Wellington in conjunction with BrewFest Partners, on Saturday, February 11, 2023. The event is set to occur from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. along the Wellington Town Center Promenade (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard), with early access VIP ticket-holder entry at 2:00 p.m.
Guests, 21 and over only, will enjoy an impressive array of craft brews and hard ciders. Over 40 breweries from Florida and beyond are expected, accompanied by an assortment of food trucks, and craft beer-centric games.
Ticket Information Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased in advance, or on the day of the event, through Eventbrite at bit.ly/WellingtonClassicBrewFest2023 (a service fee applies). Prices will go up on the day of event and ticket quantities are limited. All ticket purchases, including day of sales, are subject to availability.
VIP Pass Admission — $90 in advance, $95 day of event Advance purchase sales end February 10th, at midnight, or when sold out.
Early admission at 2:00 p.m.
Includes exclusive sampling of limited release VIP beers, exclusive access to the VIP room with direct access to the promenade, food (available during early entry while supplies last), snacks, give-a-ways, and a commemorative pint glass upon exit from the event
General Admission — $60 in advance, $65 day of event Gates open at 3:00 p.m.
Includes unlimited sampling, commemorative pint glass upon exit from the event
Non-Drinker Admission, $15
Unlimited soda and water, commemorative pint glass upon exit from the event
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/Newsletter.
EXECUTIVE WOMEN OF THE PALM BEACHES FOUNDATION HONORS PAST LEADERS, AWARDS ANNUAL 2022 KWASMAN GRANT TO HOLY GROUND
Jupiter, Fla. – (December 17, 2022) – Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation, Inc. (EWPBF) rang in the holiday season with gifts of grants, recognition and scholarships at its 2022 Holiday Event.
Selected from among three finalists, Holy Ground (https://holygroundpbc.org/) was named the winner of the 2022 Lois Kwasman Program for Community Impact grant. Holy Ground President Jan Kranich accepted the $5,000 check on behalf of the nonprofit, which is dedicated to sheltering and mentoring homeless, pregnant or parenting young women, and their children, living in Palm Beach County.
Danielle Hanson, Jan Cairnes, Lindsey White. Tracey Benson Photography
Held Dec. 9 at The Club at Admirals Cove in Jupiter, the Holiday Event also honored EWPBF’s past presidents and 2022 scholarship winners.
The Kwasman Program was established in 2004, in memory of EWPBF Board Member Lois Cohn Kwasman. The program enables EWPBF to make an impact in Palm Beach County through grants that support programs designed to assist under-served women and girls.
“We started our program helping one 17-year-old pregnant mother, who was sharing a room with her mother. When both became homeless, we stepped in to find them housing and resources for the baby,” said Kranich. “We’ve since grown to two campuses and have countless stories of young women who have graduated college, earned certificates and are able to live their lives with pride and dignity.”
The luncheon was a festive addition to a year in which EWPBF commemorates 40 years of changing the lives of women in Palm Beach County. The nonprofit organization was founded in 1982 to provide a place and voice to the professional women who make up the local business community. Leaders who shepherded EWPBF through its growth were given a rousing round of applause and orchids. Past presidents in attendance were Minx Boren, Amy Brand, Trudy Crowetz, Joyce Elden, Michele Gurto, Dorothy Jacks, Cynthia Jackson, Pamela Payne, Virginia Spencer, Denise Valz, and Trixy Walker, along with current President Katie Klause-Newitt.
The 2023 EWPBF scholarship recipients were presented with their academic awards. This year, scholarships, in the following amounts, were earned by:
– Emmonnie Lahai, $2,000, Florida Atlantic University
– Ashley Perry, $2,000, Florida Atlantic University
– Anjali Talwar, $2,000, Palm Beach Atlantic University
– Ruby Warner, $2,500, Palm Beach Atlantic University
– Ivelis Hernandez, $2,000, Keiser University
– Laurell Smith, $2,000, Keiser University
– Bycherlie Fieurand, $2,000, Palm Beach State College
– Dounia Cambas, $2,000, Palm Beach State College
– Trystin Schmick, $2,000, Keiser University
“A scholarship changed my life, so I know how important these programs are,” said Lindsey White, Chief Development Officer for luncheon sponsor Hanley Foundation. “I attended school out-of-state, and without the scholarship, my path would have been very different.”
Mark your calendar for these upcoming EWPBF events:
First week of January 2023 Nominations Open for 2023 Annual Women in Leadership Awards The highly distinguished Women in Leadership Awards are presented annually by Executive Women of the Palm Beaches in recognition of local women who have sustained outstanding accomplishments and displayed generosity of spirit, commitment to integrity and diversity, and genuine connectedness with others in the community. Women will be honored for their outstanding accomplishments within the realms of volunteer, private, non-profit and public sector service, and an Emerging Leader will also be recognized.
January 24, 2023 5:30 p.m. University of Florida Dean of Arts and Letters Onye P. Ozuzu Mounts Botanical Gardens
April 19, 2023 10:30 a.m. VIP reception; 12 p.m. Lunch Annual Women in Leadership Awards Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
Empowering women to succeed and lead, the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit professional association that inspires integrity, equality and leadership in the workplace and community. To learn more, visit www.ewpb.org.
An Interview with Northwood Hills Neighborhood President Elizabeth Bridges
By Krista Martinelli
AW: How many homes will people visit on the tour and how old are some of those homes?
EB: We have 10 homes on the tour, and an 11th home opening their garden space. Some 1920s, 30s, 40s and 50s. My house was built in 1939. Actually, one house was built in 1926, but was completely re-built in 2020. Some of these homes are almost 100 years old. So, it’s like you’re stepping back in time.
AW: What are some of the participating restaurants / drink sponsors on the tour?
EB: We have several restaurants: from Northwood – Café Centro, Mestizo, Cornucopia (brand-new), and from downtown West Palm Beach – Lynora’s, Humble Abbey Brewery (providing craft beer). More restaurants to come. It’s a work in progress.
AW: Tell us about the live entertainment in the garden.
EB: We will have a jazz singer and an accompaniment, expect something sultry and swanky. Along the lines of the great Etta James.
AW: What should people expect from the tour? Is it good for all ages?
EB: Guests will start by getting a wrist band at our check-in tent on February 4th. Golf carts will take you to a starting house. We really want to stagger people, so they don’t all start at the same place and crowd the houses. It’s a self-guided tour where you’ll walk through each of the ten historic houses. And then step out to their backyard to sample appetizers from our local restaurants and accompany that with wine or beer. The whole experience will take about 2.5 hours, but you’re welcome to stay as long as we’re open. Personally, I think kids might be bored silly, so it’s probably best to leave the kids at home.
Because we have golf carts, we can help people who might have trouble with walking with getting around. We have 10 houses that span 6 blocks. And the host of each house will be there on hand (in their own home).
AW: How many people are you expecting this year?
EB: Other neighborhoods nearby get about 1,500 guests. This is our first tour in 14 years so I don’t know if we will have that many people attend, but we’re estimating at least 1,000. I would say get your tickets early.
AW: Tell us about what makes Northwood Hills a special place.
EB: Northwood Hills is such a magical neighborhood! The land was first developed in 1884 as the first mango orchard in the States and we still have many of the original trees here.
For Elizabeth’s full response, see the video.
AW: What does Northwood Hills have to offer, in terms of being a different sort of community? It’s not like your typical gated Florida community.
We’re not an HOA, we are a voluntary neighborhood association. We don’t have all the rules of an HOA, but we do adhere to the city’s codes. You have the benefit of being in a beautiful neighborhood without the pressure that an HOA puts on people.
AW: Who are the families (and individuals) showing their homes on February 4th?
The tour is divided almost in half with new homeowners and homeowners who have been here about 20 years. Some seasoned veterans and some fresh faces who get to experience how much fun we have.
AW: How do you sign up for the tour?
EB: It’s really easy. Visit HistoricNorthwoodHills.org – click the option for “home tour” on the home page. $50 right now. Take advantage of our early bird pricing. See you on February 4th!
Did you know that spinal health greatly impacts your overall physical and mental well-being? Poor spinal health can lead to an array of symptoms, including joint pain, headaches, fatigue, sore muscles, and even numbness. Luckily, we can take several steps towards securing our spinal and central nervous system health by taking better care of the spine. Let’s explore what these preventive or restorative measures entail to identify those potential trouble spots early before they cause more serious issues in the future.
The Initial Impact
It was a rough start to 2021 after Adam’s life-altering car accident that left him with a herniated disc along the C5-C6 portion of his spine, protruding onto the cord itself. In a moment, everything changed. After receiving treatment and advice from four different doctors, Adam received discouraging advice against surgery for at least twelve months. The effects of the pain were reducing his quality of life. Thinking surgery was the only option, he began learning about and prioritizing spinal health during the waiting period in an attempt for even slight relief. Made especially difficult due to chronic pain – he managed consistent physical therapy and began supplemental activities such as yoga, workouts, swimming sessions, and more. Fifteen months later, much of the disc material protruding on his spinal cord had worked its way back between the vertebrae. “I still feel a little sore from time to time; however, I’m in nowhere near as much pain as I was in a year ago,” says Adam.
Making a Positive Impact
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Dr. Marc Matarazzo did not treat Adam directly but concurs that physical therapy and self-treatment can benefit patients suffering from spinal trauma or poor spinal health.
“It is possible to be proactive and corrective with spinal health. Remaining active, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, maintaining healthy body weight, and getting screened for psychological stressors are all things you can do to help promote a healthy spine,” says Dr. Matarazzo, who extols screenings for depression or anxiety related to an injury. “Chronic pain from trauma to the spine can increase psychological stressors such as depression or anxiety.”
Specific exercises proven to strengthen and increase back and supportive muscles are a powerful way to protect the spine. “Core stabilization exercises, deep trunk muscle training, transverse abdominal muscle exercises, and strengthening the lumbar multifidus can preserve spinal health,” states Dr. Matarazzo. “You also want to focus on increasing trunk flexibility and pelvic tilt range and increase hip hinges with lumbopelvic dissociation– meaning keep the back straight while flexing and extending at the hips.”
Some Next Steps
Consult your healthcare provider before beginning new exercise routines. While there, you can also ask to see if detailed screenings like scoliosis or osteoporosis screenings, leg length discrepancies, and back pain questionnaires are appropriate for identifying your risk of developing chronic back conditions.
Whether you’re already experiencing back pain, living with a preexisting condition, or staying ahead of one, there are things you can do to improve. We should all be paying attention to spinal health, regardless of age. Investing in your spinal health today can have significant positive effects on how you feel tomorrow and for years to come. ####
Marc Matarazzo, MD is a Board Certified and Fellowship Trained Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in sports medicine and related injuries. He performs minimally invasive and complex reconstructions, as well as joint replacements, of the shoulder and knee. He is certified in the MAKO robotic-assisted knee replacement system and has more than 20 years of orthopedic experience. He has a special interest in cartilage restoration and preservation.
