During my time away, I’ve reflected quite a bit on the power of great storytelling and the vital role our magazines play in amplifying the voices and stories that matter most to South Florida. We have an incredible team of creative minds and passionate professionals, and I couldn’t be more excited to work alongside them once again to bring you fresh, engaging content that resonates with our readers. We also welcome to the team our new Group Editor-in-Chief, Lori Capullo, so stay tuned for her debut issue coming in February.

As we look to the future, our focus at Lifestyle is on revitalizing the connections we’ve built over the years and forging new ones. In 2025, we will be doubling down on our commitment to producing content that speaks to our readers’ passions and interests, while also increasing our engagement with all of you through dynamic events and across more platforms. We believe in the power of face-to-face interactions, and we can’t wait to bring our audience together in new ways that foster deeper connections and meaningful discourse.

As always, we look forward to your continued support and thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we are poised for an exciting ride, filled with fresh ideas, new stories, more than a few surprises, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

I look forward to reconnecting with all of you in the months to come.

Warm regards,

Gary Press

CEO

The post Back at the Helm: Let’s Do This! appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

Pier Sixty-Six has transformed into a world-class luxury destination that beautifully balances its storied legacy with a forward-looking vision for Fort Lauderdale. It’s not just a resort—it’s a vibrant hub for the community, with premier retail, diverse dining and entertainment, and ultra-luxury residences with private club amenities, all anchored by the iconic marina. Pier Sixty-Six is a gateway for locals, visitors and global travelers, combining timeless charm with modern innovation.

Why has Pier 66 endured as a hallmark of Fort Lauderdale after so many decades?

 Since 1966, Pier Sixty-Six has been a landmark in Fort Lauderdale thanks to its unique architecture, an iconic marina and a rich history of hosting celebrities and community events. It’s where generations have come together to celebrate, connect and make lasting memories. We are excited to be building on that legacy with this reimagined vision.

What are some of your favorite innovations that you’ve been able to do exciting things with on the work front? 

 At Pier Sixty-Six, we’ve embraced innovation to honor its legacy while shaping its future. From the public marina promenade that fosters community connection to advanced View Glass that enhances comfort and sustainability, every detail is thoughtfully designed. The Zenova Spa & Wellness sets a new standard with the Southeast’s first ceremonial sauna, a snow room, and a vitality pool. We’re thrilled to introduce Fort Lauderdale’s first private heated plunge pools on select expansive terraces. The restored rotating Pier Top Lounge pays tribute to its iconic past with breathtaking views. And the superyacht marina accommodates vessels up to 400 feet.

What’s your favorite off-hours way to enjoy Fort Lauderdale?

I enjoy an evening walk with my family and our dog along Las Olas Boulevard or the beach—it’s the perfect way to take in the city’s energy and the coastline’s natural beauty. Weekend bike rides down A1A are another favorite.

What’s the one thing you’ve always meant to try or do in the city that you still haven’t gotten around to?

Every day, I pass the International Swimming Hall of Fame and its striking diving platform sculpture. It’s such a unique part of our city’s history, and I look forward to exploring it.

Name your go-to restaurant in the city for an impressive business lunch.

Timpano on Las Olas Boulevard is my top choice. The Italian cuisine is consistently exceptional, and the mussels are a standout. A perfect choice for a business lunch.

What local causes do you champion or strongly support?

Giving back is a priority for us. My wife, Lisa, and I are proud to support Florida Foster Care, Habitat for Humanity in Miami and the Urban Land Institute, dedicating time and resources to creating opportunities for others.

Favorite vacation spot and why?

Telluride, Colorado, is a magical place. Set in a stunning box canyon, it offers world-class skiing and endless summer activities.

What’s the next big project on your agenda?

With the completion of Pier Sixty-Six’s $1 billion first phase, we’re looking ahead to the next chapter of development. We’re focused on building momentum and creating even more spaces that enhance Fort Lauderdale’s global profile.

Share your all-time favorite mottos for business and for life in general.

In business: “Good development is good for both the developer and the community.”

In life: “Good communication is the key to success.”

The post Pier Sixty-Six Hits New Heights appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

1.Twilight Ember

Courtesy of UNA Vodka

INGREDIENTS
1.5 oz. UNA Vodka

3 oz. fresh apple cider

½ oz. fresh lemon juice
½ oz. cinnamon syrup

Shake vodka, apple cider, lemon juice and cinnamon syrup with ice. Strain into a chilled rocks glass. Garnish with elegantly arranged thin apple slices.

2. Sweata Weatha 

Courtesy of Palm & Pine, Shayna Freeman

INGREDIENTS
1 oz. Principe De Los Apostles Gin (or your preferred gin)
1/2 oz. Fino Sherry
3/4 oz. apple cinnamon syrup (recipe below)
1/2 ounce lemon juice
2 drops Allspice Dram

Shake with Ice and strain into a coupe. Garnish with a dehydrated lemon wheel.

3. Apple Cinnamon Syrup

INGREDIENTS

1 cup juice of freshly juiced apples (

1 cup raw Louisiana cane sugar 

2 cinnamon sticks

Simmer lightly on low heat for 20 minutes. Chill before adding to cocktail.

The post 3 Cocktails for 2025 appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

According to the New York Times, a study on contestants who lost weight on The Biggest Loser show found that they had quickly regained all their weight back and slowed their metabolism. Years later, researchers discovered that the contestants must now burn more calories than other people their exact weight and are worse off.

Here’s how your body fights back against weight loss:

• Increases appetite and cravings
• Slows metabolism
• Holds onto fat and lets go of muscle
• Stores toxins in fat cells, increasing inflammation
• Becomes insulin resistant
• Decreases in leptin causing 
• incessant hunger

So, how do you overcome your body‘s natural caveman response?

1.  Detox Your Liver – Scientific research shows that Almased unclogs your liver, enabling your body’s metabolism to run more efficiently.

2. Maintain Key Hunger Hormones –  Almased helps balance leptin and ghrelin levels, giving you better control over appetite and cravings.  

3.  Keep Muscle – Almased supports the maintenance of lean muscle, which increases your resting metabolic rate (RMR) and allows your body to burn more calories at rest.

4. Consume Amino Acids – Almased is formulated with high quality protein and the right amino acid ratios to keep your metabolism from slowing as you lose weight. 

5.  Support Blood Sugar Levels – Reducing calories isn‘t enough to lose weight, you must also maintain healthy blood sugar levels to avoid insulin resistance. Almased helps maintain healthy blood sugar so you can keep weight off for good. 

Almased is the only protein health and weight loss shake that has been shown in over 30 studies to combat the obstacles your body puts up against weight loss. 

The post Why Keeping Weight Off Seems Impossible appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

t’s been a while since we first started being bombarded by those ads blaring “O..O..O..Ozempic!” into our living rooms. Now, there’s a range of weight loss injectables that work on the GLP-1 receptor to help battle excess weight (and elevated blood sugar) and the use of them for weight reduction is no longer a privilege reserved only for those with outsized budgets — although insurance still does not cover them for weight loss. As the new year kicks off, the influence of such drugs is expected to evolve significantly, driven by new developments, broader accessibility (there is an app — actually, there are many apps — for that) and an increased understanding of their benefits and risks. 

As research continues, semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (you may know it as Mounjaro or Zepbound) may see expanded indications beyond their current uses, leading to new groups of patients benefiting from them. Both are injectable, but there is strong potential for oral versions of both drugs to emerge, making them more convenient and less intimidating for patients with an aversion to needles. Research into extended-release versions both could reduce the injection frequency from once a week to once a month or even less, further improving patient compliance and convenience.

But while many patients find the ever-increasing availability of the drugs to be appealing, medical experts we spoke to emphasize the importance of using them as part of a holistic program overseen and managed by experts who can address any issues that might occur during a patient’s weight loss journey. 

“We do a comprehensive consultation with our nurse practitioner or with me and ask all the right questions,” says Kevin Harrilal, chief operations officer at Medical Anti-Aging in Fort Lauderdale. “We start all of our patients on tirzepatide, so it is our No. 1 seller. We have introduced other products that have come out as well, so if someone plateaus, we might introduce them to a different product.” 

Harrilal emphasizes that theirs is a concierge service and medically supervised, an important distinction from many new services that allow patients to purchase compounded GLP-1s simply by filling out a form online or in an app. “We are not a med spa or just a pharmacy where you get the medication, go home and use it. Our approach includes 30-day, six-week and 90-day check-ins to make sure you’re good to continue or to see if we need to make adjustments. If people lose weight too quickly, we lower the dose and back them up under medical supervision.”

Harrilal points out that while many med spas and even chiropractors and acupuncturists can prescribe weight loss medications because their license allows it, they don’t necessarily have the background or knowledge base to assist clients with side effects or issues that may occur. “Depending on where these professionals are getting the drug compounded, patients can end up with nausea, vomiting, welts at the injection site, various immune system responses and reactions,” he points out. “It’s significantly cheaper per vial to use synthetic products, but they don’t work. We work with two of the most reputable compounding pharmacies in the country. They’re a little more expensive because they aren’t generic or synthetic; they’re using a higher-grade chemical to compound. That’s something else many people aren’t aware of. 

If your injections are costing less than $100 per shot, Harrilal advises, you should question where the product is coming from. “Our program costs $1,200 for three months, which is very fairly priced,” he says of Medical Anti-Aging Spa, “but we don’t sell it monthly. You can’t start this program for a month and then get off. It affects your entire body composition. In the first month, we’re getting you used to it. We start at a low dosage, then go up, and determine after that if you have lost what you want.”

Alternative methods: No needles necessary

If, regardless of the wave of success stories we’re bombarded with daily, you just can’t reconcile the idea of a needle-based regimen, there are other alternatives that can result in excellent outcomes. 

Jamie Luu, RDN, LDN, is the nutrition and strategy manager for Almased USA, a natural, science-backed alternative to today’s most popular weight loss methods. Made from clean, high-quality ingredients, including 80 potent anti-aging bioactive peptides, Almased is scientifically proven to reduce weight after four weeks, optimize metabolism, detox the liver and support healthy blood sugar, allowing your body to function at its best. 

“Whether used on its own or alongside weight loss injections, Almased addresses key challenges like hunger control and muscle preservation,” says Luu. “Many individuals using injections experience muscle loss, which slows metabolism, and struggle with intense hunger once they stop [the shots]. Almased’s complete protein provides all essential amino acids in the right ratios. This increases fat burning while preserving muscle, helping you lose weight and optimize your metabolism.”

The product is designed to be part of a structured, scientifically researched three-phase meal replacement plan that includes a combination of shakes and solid healthy meals. In the detox phase, all three of your daily meals are replaced with Almased shakes for three days to jumpstart your liver detox and set the stage for optimizing metabolic health. Then comes the weight reduction phase, which entails replacing two meals a day with Almased shakes and eating one healthy, balanced meal. This phase is where the core benefits of Almased take effect, supported by over 30 peer-reviewed studies showing that it helps unclog fat from the liver, optimizes metabolism, enhances calorie and fat burning, improves hunger control and satiety, supports healthy blood sugar levels and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. And finally, the health, youth and performance phase is when you’ll transition to a sustainable lifestyle, so your daily intake changes to include two solid meals and one Almased shake. This phase helps maintain weight loss and delivers additional health benefits, such as stronger hair and nails, glowing skin, improved mood and sustained energy.

So, with so many shake-based weight loss programs on the market, what makes Almased stand out as a sustainable option? “Most other meal replacements and dietary supplements contain an inferior source of protein, which can lead to muscle loss and a slower metabolism-—an all-too-common frustration with other programs,” Luu says. “Almased uses a superior protein source, which is easy to digest and absorb.” 

The product’s clean and natural ingredients prevent it from causing unpleasant side effects, and its high-quality protein helps preserve muscle and increase fat burning, keeping your metabolism running efficiently.

THE SEXES ARE NOT ALWAYS EQUAL (WHEN IT COMES TO WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMS, THAT IS)

With 20 years in private practice South Florida as a gynecologist and for about 13 years specializing in the arena of anti-aging and esthetic medicine, Fort Lauderdale-based physician Dr. Jabal Uffelman’s primary focus is treating hormone imbalances with natural hormone pellet therapy. “Weight loss is a natural byproduct of hormone imbalance — especially in women, who make up the biggest part of our practice,” he says. “For the past two years since the GLP-1 medications hit the scene, we have had great successes and outcomes by combining the two therapies and using a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach with our patients on their weight loss journey.”

Dr. Uffelman points out that it is fundamental to understand how women and men differ when it comes to weight control — primarily hormonally. “Men, of course, have much higher levels of testosterone than women, and it’s common sense that testosterone is a hormone involved in the production of energy, formation of muscle mass and reduction in body fat,” he explains. “Women, on the other hand, have higher levels of estrogen than men, and, of course, estrogen is associated with fat deposition, primarily in the belly and hips — hence the difference in the typical masculine versus feminine body types.”

Add to this, the “hormonal rollercoaster” that can affect women because of their menstrual cycles, perimenopause and menopause, and you have a recipe for anxiety-inspired cravings. “It’s a vicious cycle, because where in the body is the majority of estrogen produced? In the body fat,” he continues. “Therefore, simple calorie restriction in women isn’t usually enough. We have to address the underlying hormone imbalance. A combination of subcutaneous testosterone therapy with select botanical supplementation has been giving remarkable results.”

His process with patients begins with a review of their history and a comprehensive physical exam, including labs, to evaluate any risk factors and deficiencies. All patients are advised to see a nutritionist for meal plans and consult with Dr. Uffelman’s colleague, Dr. Ronald Moore, a bariatric surgeon. Only after risks are assessed and/or ruled out will patients be put on a plan that is appropriate for them.

The initial process is similar at Total Weight and Wellness Solutions in Plantation. There, board-certified anesthesiologist Dr. Faisal Huda and nurse anesthetist Jeremy Mendez, CRNA, APRN, work together to create a personalized and comprehensive plan tailored to each patient.

“Each patient begins their journey with us by completing a comprehensive intake form, which gathers information about their medical history and personal experiences with weight management,” Dr. Huda says. “Following this, we conduct a thorough physical examination, including an advanced body composition analysis using our state-of-the-art InBody scale. This technology provides detailed metrics such as body weight, body fat percentage, muscle mass, and visceral fat levels.”

After reviewing the results with the patient, a collaborative discussion about weight loss goals follows, along with an exploration of various treatment options and identifying the approach that best aligns with a given patient’s needs and preferences. “We emphasize patient participation in developing their treatment plan, as research shows that active involvement significantly improves success in achieving and maintaining weight loss,” Dr. Huda says.

Ongoing, personalized support is a major part of the weight loss journey here. “We conduct weekly check-ins via our innovative telehealth app to monitor progress, ensuring patients are consistently achieving their weight loss goals,” Dr. Huda points out. “These check-ins also help us verify adherence to the customized nutrition plan, as our ultimate aim is not just weight loss but fostering overall health and well-being.

Additionally, our patients have direct access to our team whenever they encounter challenges or require guidance. We are committed to being readily available, equipping them with the tools, resources, and encouragement they need for long-term success.”

As we enter 2025, Total Weight and Wellness is expanding its telehealth services to make them accessible throughout the entire state of Florida, allowing them to provide high-quality support to more patients than ever before.

“Additionally,” Dr. Huda adds, “we are eagerly anticipating the outcomes of clinical trials for new weight loss medications currently in development, which are expected to become available in the near future. These advancements represent exciting opportunities to further support our patients in achieving their health and wellness goals.”

The post Worth the Weight  appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

As the president and CEO of Broward Health and interim CEO of Memorial Healthcare System (MHS), Strum is spearheading efforts to bring transformational change to South Florida’s healthcare landscape.

A family legacy and early inspirations

You might say Strum’s career path was inevitable. Growing up in his native South Florida in a family where both parents worked in the healthcare field—his father was a physician and his mother a nurse—Strum was immersed in medical discussions from an early age. “Our dinner table conversations were often about new techniques, the growth of hospitals, and the changing face of healthcare,” he recalls. “I saw firsthand how critical hospitals are to a community. They’re often invisible until you need them, but when you do, they are a vital resource.”

He was particularly influenced by the nonprofit model of Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare, both of which were established by the Florida legislature to serve the community’s healthcare needs. “Both organizations are integral to the community,” Strum says. “Memorial has been serving the region since the early ’50s, and Broward Health has a long history of being a trusted provider. We are not just healthcare systems; we are a community asset, and that is something I’ve always been passionate about.”

He is hopeful that the broader healthcare landscape will continue to evolve in more ways that benefit patients. “Broward Health and Memorial are both safety-net systems, which means we care for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay,” he says. “That’s a core part of our mission, and it’s something our employees take very seriously.”

Dual role: Leading two major health systems

In September 2023, Strum took on the unprecedented challenge of becoming the interim CEO of Memorial Healthcare System while continuing to serve as president of Broward Health. Managing both roles is no small feat, but then Strum is no stranger to juggling multiple responsibilities. “It’s about managing time and staying organized,” he says. “Both systems have strong teams and boards, and that makes a big difference. It’s a challenge, but I’m fortunate to have incredible support at both organizations.”

His approach is systematic: a structured daily schedule, clear priorities, and a focus on listening and gathering feedback from both teams. “I make lists every day and roll over tasks if I can’t get to them,” Strum explains. “The key is staying in constant communication with both organizations and being responsive to the needs of the community.”

Under his guidance, both systems are investing heavily in expanding access to care, especially in underserved areas. His leadership is focused on long-term growth and improving patient outcomes. “Our goal is to create a stronger healthcare experience in South Florida by fostering collaboration between the two systems, sharing best practices, and finding ways to enhance the patient journey,” he says.

Addressing challenges and seizing opportunities

As healthcare constantly evolves, Strum views the changes not as challenges but as opportunities. “The biggest task is prioritizing which growth opportunities to fast-track,” he says. “We have ambitious plans to build new facilities and introduce innovative solutions that will benefit our community for years to come.”

He is particularly focused on addressing healthcare disparities in South Florida, particularly in maternal care. “In some parts of our community, there’s a real shortage of access to OB-GYN services,” he says. “The areas of Lauderhill, Lauderdale Lakes and Oakland Park are actually considered a ‘maternity desert.’ That’s why we opened a new 5,000-square-foot facility in Lauderhill to offer prenatal care and maternity services. By bringing in three OB-GYNs from Broward Health, we are giving women in that area the care they need, when they need it.

“Our goal is to be proactive, to provide services that prevent problems before they start,” he explains. “If we can intervene early with things like prenatal care, we can avoid complications down the road, which helps both mothers and babies stay healthy and avoid expensive treatments in the NICU.”

Exciting projects also on the horizon include the construction of five new freestanding emergency rooms across Broward County. Memorial Healthcare recently announced two new ERs in Pembroke Pines and Miramar, while Broward Health is moving forward with additional facilities in Holiday Park, Sunrise, and Lighthouse Point. These additions are part of a broader strategy to increase access to emergency care and make healthcare more accessible “by bringing services closer to where people live,” Strum notes.

Strum is also focused on harnessing the power of technology to improve patient care. Both Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare are implementing electronic medical records systems that will allow for more seamless communication between hospitals and emergency services. “If a patient comes into our ER that’s been in an accident, for instance, we want to have their medical history at our fingertips, especially in critical situations,” Strum explains. “We no longer have to wait for records to be faxed to us or call other facilities. Now, through MyChart, we can see patient information in real-time.”

Memorial Healthcare System has been using this technology for over 14 years, and now Broward Health is investing $250 million to implement similar systems. “This kind of innovation is going to save lives,” Strum says. “In an emergency, knowing whether a patient is allergic to a medication can make all the difference.”

Building collaborative partnerships

Strum believes that collaboration between Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare is key to strengthening the region’s healthcare ecosystem. “Both systems have incredible strengths, but there are areas where we can learn from each other,” he says. “We’re looking at ways to reduce redundancies, streamline processes, and share resources.”

One initiative Strum is particularly excited about is the potential for cross-credentialing physicians between the two systems. “Why not have doctors who are credentialed at both Memorial and Broward Health?” he proposes. “This will allow us to provide more comprehensive care, especially in specialties where we both have strengths.” 

Joint board meetings are also being held to help both organizations align their objectives and prioritize projects. “This collaborative approach is going to help us move faster and be more effective in achieving our shared mission: ensuring a healthier Broward County,” Strum says.

“Many people would ask, Why do we need two systems?” he says. “But think of the brain power of two organizations like this. Working together makes us stronger, gives us great energy, there’s wonderful research being done — it’s a lot of good stuff.

“At the end of the day,” he concludes, “it’s all about improving the health of our community.”

The post A Man With a Plan appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.