Here we are at the start of 2026! And with this New Year, I have a few new products and services to recommend, as well as an article about how current healthcare system dynamics cripple the provider/patient connection.
Need a good lactose free (LF) yogurt? Fage Best Self, once limited to a 32 oz tub of plain LF greek yogurt, now offers their plain LF yogurt in a 5.7 oz single serve container and also three 5.7 oz split cup flavors (blueberry, strawberry, and honey). The split cup flavors are available at Sprouts Market and are quite good.
In search of ginger ale when your tummy isn’t right, but not wanting the high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) or sugar (or artificial sweeteners) found in commercial ginger ales? I’ve previously mentioned (Sept 2023) Zevia, which has a ginger ale that is stevia sweetened. Add to this, Reed’s, known for their intensely strong ginger flavor, now offers a zero sugar ginger ale, also stevia sweetened. And as an aside, Zevia has some new soda-pop flavors available as well. Finally, definitely worth noting, if you want a more traditionally sweetened ginger ale and enjoy having your hair stand on end, Vernors is the brand for you. 🙂
Looking for a great manicure locally in Naples? Now at The Beauty District in the Shoppes of Vanderbilt is Manicured Meadows, a micro nail studio within the salon, offering thoughtful, clean, and elevated nail care. Meadows uses Dazzle Dry products, which provide a gel-polish-like finish and durability, without the UV light cure or removal hassle. While she does your manicure, she treats your hands to warm collagen lotion gloves, which leave your skin baby soft when they’re removed. Meadows is as sweet as can be and does great work.
So why do some medical providers refuse to work with insurance? This article explains the burdensome-to-impossible constraints placed on medical professionals by corporate administrators and insurance companies. I went into the medical field to truly and properly care for my patients, something that is near impossible in an insurance-dominated system. Frankly, any system which puts a third party (be it private insurance or socialized medicine) between a provider and their patient, especially when that third party has decision making authority/power, will be fraught with difficulties.
Well, that’s a wrap for this month. While I am no fan of “New Year’s Resolutions” due to their untenable goals and high rates of failure, I am confident that, at any time of the year, I can be of great assistance to you in improving your health and quality of life. Give me a call or send me an email, and I will be happy to get you scheduled for an appointment.
Wishing all of you the best in 2026!