Healthy Inspiration

Healthy Inspiration: Bill Miller

Being quadriplegic never stopped Bill Miller from accomplishing incredible feats. Photos provided by Jackie Johnson. Sometimes, life and tragedy intersect. You can either wallow in self-pity or accept the hand you’re dealt and emerge stronger than ever. Bill Miller chose…

Healthy Inspiration: A path to kindness

A local woman introduces a fresh spin on raising scholarship money. Photo: Nicole Hamel Eustis resident Tracy Draper knows how to peddle—or, in her case, pedal—goodwill. In 2014, the avid cycling enthusiast completed a 35-day, 3,059-mile bicycle ride from Malibu,…

Healthy Inspiration: For the love of dance

Zumba has brought great joy, health, mental clarity to Leo Ramirez’ life, and he delights in teaching his moves to others. Photo: Nicole Hamel When Leo Ramirez thinks about his native land of Puerto Rico, his mind and heart are…

Healthy Inspiration: Big Tent Talent

Aspiring circus artist McKenna Wilkins now teaches art of aerial acrobatics. Story and photos: Cindy Peterson Ever wanted to run away and join the circus? That’s just where 29-year-old aerial circus artist McKenna Wilkins’ journey led her, and now she’s…

Healthy Inspiration: Handle with care

The Villages doctor helps restore best quality of life. Story and photos: Cindy Peterson Ana Sapijaszko is a doctor of physical therapy aiming to improve the lives of those who suffer from balance and lymphedema issues at her new practice,…

Healthy Inspiration: Dancing for health

David Whittaker: ‘Life is a journey. Do the things that make you feel good, keep you healthy, and active.’ Photos: Volkan Ulgen Teaching social and ballroom dancing has been David Whittaker’s livelihood, but when a Leesburg dance studio was forced…

Healthy Inspiration: Kelly Ann Reagan

‘Yoga changed my life tremendously for the better.’ Photo: Nicole Hamel The practice of yoga is touted for providing health benefits of improved strength, balance, flexibility, relaxation, better sleep, more energy, less stress, and better self-care, and a local certified…

Feeling all the feels

After almost losing it all, a Mount Dora woman is living life true to herself, while helping others along the way. Photo: Nicole Hamel Sharon Simmons is a believer in the old saying regarding what one should do when life…

Healthy Inspiration: “Trance” formation

Titanic victim probes depths of mind to uncover past life experiences and lead those hurting to present-day solutions. Photo: Nicole Hamel Sarah Riley’s fear of deep water caused her to feel moments of severe anxiety, and she didn’t know why. …

Healthy Inspiration: Soarin’, Flyin’

Denise Lloyd reaches new heights practicing aerial skills. Photos: Nicole Hamel Going on her 12th year of practicing aerial arts, Denise Lloyd is grateful to have developed her aerial skills and she’s worked in many different jobs utilizing them. When…