Merry Christmas!

'Tis the day after Christmas and with every fiber of our being we are trying to be still. What?!  Be still? Yes, be still.  The quietness of a fresh morning brimming with hope for the newness of the day. I don't know about your household, but in ours it's rare to take a couple of days to simply be quiet. Especially around Christmastime.  I know some of you are already thinking, "who has time for that?!", "must be nice", or "why in the world would you want to be still when there's so much to do?", "what do you do when you sit and do nothing?!"  Hahaha, well... I'm certain the answers to all these are different for each of us. For me, it is my favorite time to think about how Jesus came to be. And, why He came to be. Christmas, after all, is the day we celebrate His birthday.  Talk about a Christmas miracle!  The historical account of this is found throughout the bible, however, the most familiar account is in the second chapter of Luke. Most familiar, believe it or not, is from the Charlie Brown Christmas special from 1965. Charlie Brown was depressed over the commercialism that Christmas had become, and so Linus comforts him and explains to Charlie Brown what Christmas is all about.  Here it is as told by Linus from Luke 2: 

^"8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  ⁹And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  ¹⁰And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. ¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. ¹²And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ¹⁴Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men."   
"...That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

It never fails, reading this always leaves me with a smile on my face, and filled with great hope! 

"Oh! May the God of all hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!" (taken from Romans 15:13, The Message)

Merry Christmas!

Kim and Katy 

Christmas fun in our neighborhood

New Beginnings Part 2

Included below are a few pics from the refreshment phase of the office. This phase is lasting a bit longer than I'd hoped for, however, what joy it is to see it coming together.  

This brings up a most important question for you! 

We are in a unique position to ask you what YOU would like to see come to YOUR wellness center?  That's right; YOUR wellness center.  

If you've been a client or patient for Health Coaching, CRT, Essential Oils, Products, or Therapeutic Massage, it means you've played an important role in the wellness center and in taking care of your health and well being.  Even if your brand new! 

Now is the time to let me know what YOU want to see come to the wellness center!  Comment below,  comment on the Business Facebook page, private message me, or email me with your ideas.  

Remember, we're in this together!

With joy, Coach Katy

p.s. already I've received ideas from some about Essential Oil workshops, CRT introduction and review workshops, Make and Take workshops, Food/beverage recipes for living well, and even more Wellness Walks!  How about Acupuncture? How about Chiropractic? What about a Nutritionist? What are YOUR thoughts?

"old" colors shown in the restroom... I forgot to take "before" pics elsewhere in the office before painting began.

"refreshment color" in the works...

Hmmm... That's interesting!  LOL

ahhh... this big wall was once the red and gold wall with dark brown trim.
 Now very refreshing to lighten things up!

painting the hallway

painting the new CRT room!

This Florida gal is dreaming of a White Christmas!  (it is now 82 degrees and muggy outside) 

Here we are just one week away from Christmas and what began in November is continuing throughout the month of December.  In my November blog, I mentioned the idea of "new beginnings" as not typical thinking for this time of year.  What I've discovered is it's one of the most wonderful seasons for new beginnings and thinking on such.  Especially now.  The temptation is to become distracted by all there is to do.   Or, perhaps distracted by heartbreak.  For many it can be one of the most heartbreaking seasons. Full of memories of losing a loved one, living with chronic illness, or a diagnosis, and more.  Maybe the hustle-n-bustle of our more commercial way of celebrating Christmas has you spinning in circles and feeling exhausted!  Perhaps it's a combo of some of the above.

Dare I encourage you to slow down?!  Yes, take time to recall what newness Christmas can bring.  The historical account of how Christ was born to save us!  That alone brings much hope to this new day. Even if you're not a Christ follower.  The hope of the One who came to bring new life... well, I pray that strikes a chord in your heart to want to know more of the real history and hope for your future!  

I'd love to hear from you.  How is this week before Christmas impacting your life?  How will you celebrate Christmas?  What joys and sorrows come to your heart's mind?

Mercy, Peace, and love be yours in abundance.

November New Beginnings

By now I hope you've been able to visit my friend, Coach Debbie, at her website!
(Remember wayyyy back in September I introduced you to her?) Here's a reminder link to her page: www.fitwithdeb.com just in case.  I recommend you first read the "about me", then "for more of my journey" sections.  Her story is one that is sure to touch your heart.

New Beginnings...  not what one usually thinks of in November, however, that's just what is happening here at the CRT Wellness Center of Sarasota.  I'm excited and nervous... overjoyed and overwhelmed... exhilarated and exhausted... and this is only the beginning!  What am I talking about? As of November 1st, the office space belongs to me.  What?!  Yes, I am pinching myself as this dream is coming true! If you are reading this, you are likely one who helped make this possible. My heart is overflowing with gratitude, as I thank God for each and every one of you.

So, what's next?  PAINT! and then furnish the entire office! hahaha... seriously? seriously! Aaaaack!!! How am I going to do this? When? Who? How? How is someone like me going to be able to afford this? Now?  NOW?! And then, in the wee hours of a cool morning while sipping coffee with Jesus, I was reassured... reminded...  of this... The Lord provides! Yes, Jehovah Jireh, Hebrew for "the Lord WILL provide"! I began to pray and thank God for Who He Is, and about who, what, where, and how... Making my requests/concerns known and trusting the Lord with all my heart, not leaning on my own understanding, acknowledging Him, and trusting Him to make my paths straight. (taken from Proverbs 3:5-6)  There's quite a story throughout this journey with lots of twists and turns. I will save those details for another time and gladly share with anyone who wants to know the rest of the story.

Products of the month 

    

dōTERRA On Guard, a proprietary essential oil blend, provides a natural and effective alternative for immune support. As one of dōTERRA’s best-selling blends, dōTERRA On Guard protects against environmental and seasonal threats with essential oils known for their positive effects on the immune system.

And...

Builds a healthy immune response for long term support*

• Therapeutic potencies of arabinogalactan and astragalus root*
• Reishi and Maitake mushrooms for deep immune support*
• FoodState Nutrient™ vitamin C for enhanced digestibility and nutritional value*
• 500 IU Vitamin D3  

I am grateful you stopped by long enough to read my ramblings. 

Stay tuned... there's much more to come.

God bless you in this day!

Yours for living well,

Coach Katy

September! Oh my! Special Edition, as with joy, I introduce you to my new friend, coach, and mentor, Coach Debbie!

September!  Whaaaaaat?!  

School is back in session, a new semester of Bible study groups have kicked off, business meetings, and continuing education classes, seminars to plan and attend, communities to care for, Christmas brunch to plan and organize, and on and on it goes! ... and although the summer heat is still on (today's high in the 90's... whew!) the hint of Fall approaching is in the early morning air! Oh my!  

If you find yourself breathing shallow, stop for a moment. Close your eyes, breathe in through your nose, deeply. Hold for a count of 8 seconds, and exhale through your mouth for a count of 14 seconds... repeat as often as you will. (try this, too, by placing a drop of doTerra Peppermint and Wild Orange essential oils in the palm of your hand. Cup over nose and mouth... now inhale... and WOW!)

You still with me?

This summer I had the opportunity to get to know Coach Debbie.  I've stumbled around since July trying to figure out a way to introduce her to you... she is an amazing woman, wife, mother of four boys!, friend, coach, and mentor to many, and a precious daughter of The King. 

 

Her story is one I cannot possibly retell and give it it's proper honor, so I will simply invite you... no, urge you to visit her website, at www.fitwithdeb.com  Once there, click on the tab "about me". Then click on, "for more on my journey".   Do this now... you'll be glad you did! You can always come back to this blog for the remainder of your reading pleasure.

Yours for living well,

Coach Katy

Food for Thought. . .Food & You: The Body-Mind Connection

There's no doubt about it: what we eat, and how much we eat, has a direct impact on our physical health. But did you know that those same choices also influence mood, mental alertness, memory, and emotional wellbeing? Food can act as medicine, have a neutral effect, or it can be a poison to the body and mind.

When food acts as poison, it creates inflammation, which alters the body's balance of nutrients, hormones, and neurotransmitters. This directly affects your body's ability to manage and heal from stress or illness.

While some body-mind effects are due to naturally occurring nutrient content in food, much is due to hidden additives. Below, are four common culprits. If you're experiencing symptoms that interfere with your quality of living, talk with your Integrative Nutritional Health Coach, (that's me), about the role these or other foods may play in your health.

Foods that Impact Body-Mind Wellbeing

Caffeine: The most socially accepted psychoactive substance in the world, caffeine is used to boost alertness, enhance performance, and even treat apnea in premature infants. Caffeine is frequently added to other foods, so be mindful of total consumption. Too much caffeine (500-600 mg daily) interferes with sleep quality, which affects energy, concentration, and memory. Caffeine can aggravate other health conditions, cause digestive disturbances, and worsen menstrual symptoms and anxiety. The best coffee is Organic whole bean... grind your own.

Food Dye: Those brightly colored, processed and packaged foods come with a rainbow of health risks. Listed on ingredient labels as "Blue 2," or "Citrus Red," food dye has been documented to contain cancer-causing agents (e.g., benzidine). They're also associated with allergic reactions and hyperactivity in children. Dyes are sometimes used to enhance skin color of fruits and veggies. A number of dyes have been banned from use in foods and cosmetics around the world.

Sugars: Increased sugar consumption (as much as 30% over the last three decades for American adults), is linked to decreased intake of essential nutrients and associated with obesity, diabetes, inflammatory disease, joint pain and even schizophrenia. Too much dietary sugar can result in blood sugar fluctuations, causing mood swings, anxiety, irritability, headaches, and increased depression. Sugars that can act as poison include High Fructose Corn Syrup, table sugar, artificial and "natural" sweeteners.

MSG: Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer common in packaged and prepared foods. Although the FDA considers MSG "generally safe," some individuals experience a complex of physical and mental symptoms after eating MSG-containing foods. Symptoms vary but can include headache, sweating, nausea, chest pain, heart palpitations, and overstimulation of the central nervous system which can lead to alterations in sleep, mood, and immunity. Some hidden names of MSG are, cornstarch, corn syrup, most anything labeled "low fat", or "no fat", 1% and 2% skim milk, anything labeled "enriched", anything labeled "vitamin enriched", modified food starch, lipolyzed butter fat, dextrose, rice syrup, brown rice syrup, milk powder, and many more... there are literally hundreds!

Becoming aware of your food choices, why you make them, and how you feel mentally and physically is an important first step in understanding your personal body-mind food connection. Your Health Coach, (that's me), may ask you to keep a mind-body food journal to provide a clear picture of how your food choices affect your health.

References

"Food for the body is not enough. There must be food for the soul." - Dorothy Day

Eggplant: Versatile and Good For You

A favorite in vegan and omnivore cuisine, eggplant can be baked, roasted, grilled, used as a pizza topping or in stir-fry recipes. It has a pleasantly bitter taste and spongy texture that may vary depending on the color/variety of eggplant selected. Dress your cooked eggplant with herbs, sauces, and condiments and you'll be sure to please even the pickiest guest at your dinner table.

Eggplant contains a phytonutrient (plant chemical with nutritional benefits) called nasunin. Nasunin acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage. In addition, eggplant contains a wealth of other antioxidants that support brain and heart health. In research studies, one variety of eggplant - called Black Magic - was found to have three times the antioxidant properties compared to several other types of eggplant. It's also a terrific source of dietary fiber, copper, potassium and B vitamins.

It's best to buy eggplant in-season during the months August through October. It comes in all sorts of shapes (baseball size to a thick crescent) and a cornucopia of colors such as lavender, jade green, and yellow-white. Choose eggplants that are firm, vivid in color, and heavy for their size. The skin should be smooth, shiny and without damage.

To test for ripeness, press your thumb into the eggplant. If the skin doesn't "spring back," it's not ripe. Eggplant is highly perishable so don't cut it before storing. Keep it stored in a food crisper or on the shelf in the fridge for a few days.

References

Eggplant Caponata

Satisfying and versatile, eggplant can handle a variety of flavorful accompaniments, several of which give a kick to this Sicilian favorite. The tomato base is spiked with anchovies, garlic, and capers, creating a mouth-watering aroma and a burst of flavor in every bite. Serve as an appetizer, a main dish or as a side with your favorite fish.

Makes 4-6 Servings

Ingredients 

• 2 large Italian eggplants, peeled and cut into medium dice
• Himalayan Pink salt (to taste)
• 5 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 4 celery stalks, thinly sliced on an angle
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup organic apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup capers, in brine

Preparation:

1. Peel and dice the eggplants, peel and slice the onion, peel and slice the garlic, slice the celery.
2. In a large bowl, toss the eggplant with the salt. Transfer the eggplant to a colander to drain for 2 hours. In order to facilitate the draining, top the eggplant with a heavy weight, such as a dinner plate topped with full cans.
3. Heat 3 Tbs of the olive oil over medium heat in a large sauté pan. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and celery and sauté for 5 minutes more, or until the garlic softens but does not brown. 
4. Add the tomato paste and stir to thoroughly combine. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the paste turns a deep red, almost brown, and starts to stick to the pan. Add the vinegar and stir until the mixture thickens, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn off the heat.
5. In another large sauté pan, heat the remaining 2 Tbs olive oil over high heat until smoking. Add the eggplant and carefully toss it in the oil, letting it sear before stirring. Turn the heat down to medium and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the eggplant is translucent and soft.
6. Transfer the eggplant to the caponata mixture and cook over low heat for 3 minutes, until the flavors combine. Add the capers and their brine and stir to incorporate.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature accompanied by toast points or crostini.
8. The original recipe called for sugar and anchovies (bleh!) I took them out. You're welcome!

Watch video

Oat, My Goodness! Organic and Gluten Free Steel Oat, that is!

Avena sativa, also called the common oat, is a grain full of healthy goodness. Oats are often used for breakfast cereal, oatmeal, granola and as a flour for baking breads and cookies. A dietary source to fuel the body, a 3.5 ounce serving of oats provides over 60 grams of carbohydrates, 16 grams of protein, and about 7 grams of fat.

Oats contain beta-glucans, which are known to decrease saturated fat in the blood and may reduce the risk of heart disease. Most people are familiar with oat as a medicinal food for its ability to regulate cholesterol.

Other important effects of having a serving of oats in your daily diet include: support for digestion, sexual health, and bone health, as well as enhancing energy and maintaining a positive mood. Oat is a fantastic source of dietary fiber, which helps maintain a healthy gut. Oat has been studied in the management of male sexual dysfunction as well as managing menstrual symptoms and regulating blood sugar levels. It's also an excellent source for B vitamins and the mineral manganese, which play important roles in physiological processes that support the health of mind and body. Go for the Organic Gluten Free Steel Oats!

References

Soothe Emotional Angst with Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

A plant in the mint family, Motherwort gets its name from its ancient use: helping women who had a tendency to "over-mother" and thus experienced more stress, and less joy, in their maternal role. Today, throughout Europe and in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it's used as a medicinal herb to treat emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression. It also helps ease symptoms of menstrual distress, as well as physical and emotional exhaustion.

Motherwort can be prepared as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form. Depending on the the type of preparation, it can have a rather bitter taste and an odor some may find unpleasant. However, for many users, it becomes an "acquired taste" and the benefits outweigh any bitterness.

Motherwort has the ability to calm without causing drowsiness, and it has medicinal effects on circulation and heart rate. Because it can thin the blood, this herb should be used carefully and under the guidance of a qualified herbalist, Integrative Nutritional Health Coach, or Holistic Practitioner.

References

At my office, I carry and highly recommend Innate Response brand, "Calm Response".  I prefer it over the above, as is an adaptogenic blend consisting of Ashwagandha Root extract, Holy Basil extract, Bacopa monnieri Leaf extract, Skullcap extract, L-Theanine, and Passionflower extract. Many sing it's praises, as is a supplement that doesn't need to be taken every day. When you know you're heading into a stressful time, or catch yourself in the midst of such, Calm Response benefits are noticed within 10 minutes. It works with your bodies own natural capacity to heal and is a good staple to keep handy... especially in today's demanding lifestyles. For more on this product, please visit my website, www.crtwellnesscenter.com, or contact me, Coach Katy, at 941-780-1654, text/call, or email: crtwellnesscenter@gmail.com.  

Keep a Mind-Body Food Journal for Health and Healing

How would you like to understand, once and for all, the relationship between what you're eating and how you feel? Keep a mind-body food journal. It's a powerful way to gain insight into eating habits and the impact of food choices on your mental and physical wellbeing. A mind-body food journal is different from a "diet diary" because the intention is different: it's not just about the fit of your jeans, it's about how food fits your life and your lifestyle.

Too often we eat mindlessly - on the run, watching television, behind the computer. A mind-body food journal helps create clarity between what we choose and how we feel. It leads the way to improved choices and - because food is medicine - supports total mind-body health and healing.

Start your journal today. Track your eating habits for a few weekdays and at least one weekend day. Do this for at least two weeks.

What to Track in a Mind-Body Food Journal

Food Factors

• When did you eat?
• What did you eat?
• How much did you eat?
• Why did you eat?
• How did you feel after eating?

Mind Factors

• What was your overall mood before and after eating?
• Did you have headaches, or mental/emotional fatigue?

Body Factors

• What did you notice about your body before and after eating?

Social & Environmental Factors

• Who were you with for the meal?
• Did you eat hurriedly or calmly?
• Were you doing another activity while eating?

Review your journal at the end of each day and summarize your habits. Note the key factors for why you chose to eat the way you did, what was going on, how you felt and if there were any physical symptoms. You and your Health Coach, (that's me!), can use this information to help make healthier food choices.

References

Snacks; Healthy and Delicious! (just in time for end of Summer/Back to school)

Awesome Avocado

There are so many reasons - and so many ways - to love avocado. A culinary superfood, avocados provide up to 20 nutrients including vitamins K, C and E, as well as folate, magnesium, zinc, and potassium. In fact, they actually have more potassium than bananas.

Unlike most fruits, avocado is low in carbohydrates and high in a healthy fat called oleic acid. Like olive oil, oleic acid has been linked to health benefits such as reducing inflammation, protecting cells against cancer, and reducing cholesterol. This amazing fruit also improves digestive health and helps your body absorb other nutrients.

There are limitless ways to add avocado to snacks or meals: Use avocado as a healthy spread on toast; blend it into scrambled eggs; add it to dips, salsa, or soup; slice for a salad topping.

Avocado is optimally ripe when the fruit is mildly soft to touch. Its flesh should be creamy and green-gold in color. If you don't use the whole fruit at one time, keep leftover avocado fresh by leaving the pit in the unused portion and allow it to sit, uncovered, on a counter for a few hours before placing it in the fridge (still uncovered) for up to two days. When you want to use the other half, simply peel off the brown crust to reveal a soft and deliciously ripe avocado beneath.

References

Vegan Avocado Chocolate Mousse

Want to satisfy your sweet tooth without adding inches to your waistline? This rich, creamy avocado mousse is about as close as you'll get to a truly healthy chocolate treat. Serves 1.

Ingredients 

• 1 ripe avocado, skin and pit removed, mash slightly with a fork
• 3 1/2 Tbs unsweetened dark chocolate cocoa powder
• 3 1/2 Tbs RAW honey
• Unsweetened almond, coconut or hemp milk

Preparation:

1. Place avocado and cocoa powder in food processor. Add honey.
2. Process avocado, cocoa powder and honey for approximately 1 min, pausing to scrape the sides, or until a thick, smooth mousse forms.
3. Add milk as needed to bring to desired consistency.
4. Spoon mousse into a small bowl; top with almonds or fresh fruit.

Watch video

References

Beta-Carotene

Beta-carotene has two important functions in the body: It functions as an antioxidant, protecting cells against damage, and it can be converted to Vitamin A (retinol), critical to maintaining skin and eye health.

Without beta-carotene, our bodies are unable to manufacture Vitamin A. And without sufficient Vitamin A, nearly all of our systems are at risk, including lungs, kidneys and immune function. Research shows that people who consume the necessary levels of beta-carotene are able to lower their risk for coronary artery disease, stroke, macular degeneration, and other age-related diseases.

You can get beta-carotene from a variety of foods:

• Apricots
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Chinese cabbage
• Yam/Sweet Potato
• Spinach
• Kale

The National Institutes of Health recommends a daily intake of 3,000 IU for adult men and 2,310 IU for adult women. For children, amounts vary according to age. While beta-carotene deficiency is rare in most industrialized countries, it can be difficult getting the recommended levels simply from food. That's where supplements come in. In consult with your healthcare practitioner, design a plan that meets your individual needs. You may want to consider a supplement with a mixture of carotenoids, including beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lycopene, astaxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin.

It's possible to take too much beta-carotene. This is usually indicated by a yellowing of the skin, palms or soles and is known as carotenemia. Once consumption of beta carotene is reduced, this yellowing fades over time. As always, your best outcomes are achieved when working closely with your healthcare practitioner.

References

Rose Hips for Wellness

There's nothing like a rose to stimulate feelings of wellbeing. And nothing quite like rose hip - the actual fruit of a rose - to enhance health and promote wellness.

Of all the roses, the beautiful Wild Dog Rose is the type most often cultivated for their hips. Once the flower has bloomed, and all the petals have fallen off, the hip is picked and used in a range of herbal preparations. Rose hips contain a variety of antioxidants (especially Vitamin C), Vitamin A, carotenoids, and other plant compounds that are recognized for their role in preventing degenerative disease, including heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Many natural health practitioners use rose hip to treat wounds and inflammation. Rose hip oil is commonly used in cosmetics as it has the ability to revitalize skin cells. It has been used to treat scars, acne and burns. In Germany, rose hip powder (capsule) has been used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Herbalists have long used rose hip tea to ease constipation and as a supplement to treat a cold.

Rose hip pulp can be incorporated into sauces or made into a jelly. Standardized extracts are also available in capsules. Always check with your wellness practitioner before using any herbal remedy.

References

Guiding Principles

The information offered by this newsletter is presented for educational purposes. Nothing contained within should be construed as nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. This information should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet or fitness program. You should never disregardmedical advice or delay in seeking it because of any information contained within this newsletter.

Interview Spotlight

Hi Friends,

I hope you enjoy reading this interview, as much as I enjoyed being interviewed. I am honored that someone wanted to sit down with me and ask these questions. (I find myself giggling aloud at the thought) ...

Your name: Kathleen “Katy” Lashua

Your Position: Owner, CRT Practitioner, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach

Company Name: CRT Wellness Center of Sarasota, LLC

Website: www.crtwellnesscenter.com

Phone Number: 941-780-1654

Business Address: 7131 Curtiss Avenue, Suite #3, Sarasota, FL 34231 (across the street from the Gulf Gate Library)

Industry: Alternative/Holistic Health and Wellness

How many people does the company employ?

Self Employed. I’m excited that the wellness center is growing and looking forward to offering more alternatives under one roof to provide an array of wellness care options for all ages; newborn to grandparents. Follow me on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Alignable.com, and more. Stay tuned...

How long has it been in business? 11 years

What prompted you to start your own business?

I've always been intrigued with natural and holistic ways to improve health and maintain wellness; this due in part to my own health challenges from birth through childhood.  At age 40, I decided to pursue my License in Therapeutic Massage and graduated from the Sarasota School of Massage Therapy.  Katy's Therapeutic Massage and Aromatherapy was established in 2005.  As a lifetime student, I have enjoyed

educational opportunities such as earning my certifications in Aromatherapy, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Medical Massage, as well as the Full Body Human Dissection course with Kent Health Systems and Dr. Julian J. Dwornik at USF, Tampa, FL. 2010.  This, together with my husband’s health challenges, led me to my training as a CRT Practitioner with Dr. William Doreste, DC, of the Cranial Release Technique, Institute.  The (first) CRT Wellness Center of Sarasota, LLC established in 2013.  In November 2014, at the annual CRT Summit Conference, I was awarded CRT Practitioner of The Year; both humbling and an honor!

Describe what your company does:  By relieving stress and tension, CRT immediately addresses the leading cause of illness; STRESS and INFLAMMATION!

Our bodies process stress all the time.  Cranial Release Technique® is a therapeutic, hands-on application that works to restore proper function to the nervous system and proper balance to body structure, thereby creating an internal environment within the body to heal itself from the inside out.  The effects on conditions ranging from aches and pains to overall health and wellness are profound! CRT sets in motion a release of anything connected to or associated with the cranium… which is a lot.  We’re talking spine, pelvis, shoulders, hips, knees, the fascia tissue that runs throughout the body, and the cerebrospinal fluid flow. The procedure releases the entire cranium and surrounding Dura mater, the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord. The technique restores the 22 bones of the cranium to proper balance and movement, resulting in dramatic benefits to the rest of the body. Wouldn’t it be great if you could just push a button to release your body’s natural capacity to heal?  CRT may be the closest thing.

Given your business expertise and the nature of what you do, what advice can you offer?  No matter your background, we all need ways to maintain wellness in our stressful world today.  Whether you are an athlete looking to enhance performance, a student preparing for exams, one who is healthy, or one who is working through chronic illness, a corporate professional, parents, newborn, grandparents… you get the idea;  CRT is for YOU!

Where did you grow up?  I am a native Floridian… born in Miami, FL.  My teenage years were in Leesburg, Fl.  

Tell us about your family:   My mother, who now suffers with dementia, was/is a great influence in my life… she is an amazing woman of faith who instilled in me that with God all things are possible.  I am a wife and daughter...a sister, cousin, friend,

worshiper, and a child of God by His grace alone through Jesus Christ.  My husband and I have lived  in Sarasota since 1988.  We married in 1990… I can hardly believe that was a little over 26 years ago!   No children, however, we have a wonderful cat, Jade.

What are your hobbies/interests?

I love to sing at the top of my lungs, and I love to laugh!  I love to spend time with my husband, enjoy good food, good wine, and good friends. Good books, good music, good movies, horseback-riding, walking, camping, fishing, roller coaster rides, dancing, and the beach..(not necessarily in that order)  We are blessed to live in such a beautiful town as Sarasota.  The long walks on Siesta Key are some of my favorite times. I've participated in several half marathons, and love walking the St. Armand's bridge, too.  Who knows, you may catch me training for another half marathon out there!  Enjoying our Downtown Market on a Saturday morning is another favorite... winding the morning up with breakfast and lingering with friends over coffee at a favorite place makes it even better! I love spending time with the Lord... reading His Word... and getting to know Him more, and more. Life, this side of Heaven, is short. I want to "live out loud" and thank God for each day He enables me to do so.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A quick note: For more info about CRT and to find a Practitioner in your area, please visit Dr. William Doreste's site www.cranialrelease.com

As always, I'm delighted for you to visit my website at www.crtwellnesscenter.com

Yours for living well,

Coach Katy

Catching a little R & R with my love, Kim Lashua

Dr. William Doreste and me

CRT Walk-In Wednesday