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For more than 33 years, I lived with a fractured wrist bone from a mountain biking injury in 1991. Due to the longevity of this time span, my wrist pain evolved over the decades, bringing a series of unexpected challenges along the way.

Two years after the initial injury, I underwent surgery at a Maine orthopedic center where a bone graft was used, and the bones were pinned together in an effort to heal the fracture. After eight months in a cast, it never healed. The cast was removed, and I lived with a limited range of motion and moderate wrist pain ever since.

Right wrist x-ray of scaphoid bone fracture.

Fast forward 31 years from my first surgical attempt. In the fall of 2025, I returned to the same orthopedic center for updated imaging and to re-evaluate my options. The X-ray revealed moderate arthritic changes and a large defect in the adjacent wrist bone that compromised its structural integrity for future surgical options.

Given the instability in my wrist, the provider determined that the only surgical option they could offer was a total wrist fusion. I was advised that if the pain was manageable, I should live with it as long as possible before pursuing that route, as total wrist fusion is a final option that permanently and significantly limits the range of motion.

Second opinions matter.

Not fully comfortable with that path, I sought a second opinion at MaineHealth Orthopedics and Sports Medicine with Dr. Ann Golden.

Although my case presented clear challenges, Dr. Golden approached it with optimism and an open mind from the very beginning. She brought extensive experience and outlined several potential options that could be explored pending more detailed CT imaging. I genuinely felt she was energized by the complexity of the case, and it was refreshing to work with a provider who saw possibilities rather than limitations.

Because my condition is unusual and not widely documented in medical literature, Dr. Golden asked for my permission to share my case with select specialists around the country for additional input. I was fully supportive of this and deeply impressed by her initiative. Her willingness to collaborate and gather expert perspectives reinforced my confidence that every avenue was being explored thoughtfully and thoroughly.

From that process, we developed a thoughtful two-phase surgical plan. The first procedure addressed the instability of my capitate, with a second procedure to be evaluated after healing and rehabilitation from phase one. I understood the risks and felt confident moving forward.

I’m pleased to report that the first surgical phase proceeded as planned. The compromised bone is now structurally sound, and my wrist symptoms have already shown substantial improvement. I’m now focused on therapy and preparing for the second phase according to the timeline we established.

From the initial consultation, I felt heard. My goals were understood. I was equally impressed by the warm welcome I received at surgical check-in and the thoughtful follow-up calls after my procedure to ensure I was recovering well.

I am grateful for the exceptional care I received before, during, and after surgery. My recovery is progressing well, and as I said to my wife afterward, “MaineHealth takes the extra steps to make a patient feel welcome and truly well cared for.”

Learn more about MaineHealth Orthopedics and Sports Medicine by visiting MaineHealth.org/Ortho

When mobility suddenly disappears, life becomes limited quickly. That’s what happened to Mariann Powell after her hip collapsed, an unexpected turn that left her unable to enjoy the activities she loved. She recalls feeling as though her world had “shrunk overnight,” unsure whether she would ever return to a painfree, active lifestyle.

Everything changed when she met her MaineHealth orthopedic care team, including surgeon Adam Rana, MD. Mariann describes her care team as “the first people who truly listened” and that they took the time to understand her goals and reassure her that recovery was possible. Their patientfirst approach shaped every step, from initial consultation and diagnosis to a tailored treatment plan that led to her successful hip replacement.

At MaineHealth, orthopedic care is about much more than the operating room, and Mariann’s journey reflects this philosophy. Her team used advanced imaging, minimally invasive techniques, and a coordinated care model that prioritized both safety and efficiency. She says it felt like “having an entire team committed to getting me back to myself.” A blend of medical expertise, technology, and compassion, working seamlessly together.

Today, Mariann is painfree and walking again – an outcome she once feared might be out of reach. She credits her recovery to the expertise and unwavering support of her orthopedic team. “They didn’t just give me a new hip,” she shares. “They gave me back the life I was missing.”

In the months ahead, MaineHealth will expand its capacity to care for patients like Mariann with the creation of an orthopedic hub in South Portland. This new orthopedic surgery center will unite the compassionate care teams you know, with state-of-the-art technology in one, centralized location.

Lately, the journey to better health is about following your gut in every sense. As an ACE-certified nutrition specialty health coach, I consume the latest research like a healthy breakfast. But there is more disinformation out there than brands of mushroom coffee, especially about restoring “gut health.” 

Greek Yogurt (Photo: iStock)

Since humans are 90% microbes and most live in your gut, who is in charge – you or your intestines? Scientists and professors like Nick Spencer from Flinders University posit that our gastrointestinal tract might be our “first brain” or a “super” organ. This is because it has its own enteric nervous system, which affects most physiological systems, and plays a role in various diseases. 

Fermented Fruit (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Did you know that a stressful or highly processed meal can totally reconfigure the “bugs in your belly” (gut microbiota) for better or worse within 24 hours? So, imagine having a map outlining what steps will get you closer to your destination (eubiosis) and which might lead you further away toward imbalance (dysbiosis). Even with this guide, the adventure might not be easy, because the bugs in our bellies like being there and do not want to move out.

Step One: Putting “Fun” in Functional Foods

Functional foods have beneficial effects on your physiological systems, on your health overall, and help prevent diseases. One example is the Lion’s mane mushroom. The Cleveland Clinic states these yummy fungi, nicknamed “Pom Pom,” positively impact the brain, heart, and gut. “People are looking for alternatives for things before they go on medications,” said Beth Czerwony, a registered and licensed dietitian. This might be why everyone, me included, is sipping faux coffees like Ryze containing mushrooms, including Lion’s mane. 

Tomatoes (Photo: iStock)

So, en route to better gut health, visit your favorite grocery store for a variety of nutrient-dense foods to use in weekly recipes. To find these functional foods, look up the U.S. Food & Drug Administration website page for printable posters that easily identify healthy, nutrient-packed foods with fewer calories. Just be aware not every vegetable is healthy for us. Some foods can be pro-inflammatory, such as potatoes, eggplant, and other nightshades, especially if you have a chronic autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis. “Both diet and the gut microbiome are linked to circulating metabolites that may modulate inflammation,” said Bustamante.

Another example of functional foods is called  “superfoods” or “nutraceuticals.” They refer to healthy ingredients with beneficial qualities to use in meal preparation. For instance, try making naan bread using Greek yogurt, which contains Bifidobacterium to suppress tumor formation in colorectal cancer and reduce the risk of developing diabetes and inflammatory bowel diseases. 

Beer. (Photo: iStock)

Step Two: The Basics of “Biotics”

Speaking of yogurt, let’s chat about “biotics” as the pre, pro, post, and anti “biotics” can give a boost or a punch to your gut. “Prebiotics” means fiber. The indigestible types like nuts, beans, and oat bran “selectively nourish beneficial gut bacteria, promoting their proliferation and metabolic activity,” according to Sandipan Dasgupta from the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology at Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology. For health, adults need between 25 and 34 grams per day, with men needing more than women. “Through fermentation (in the colon), prebiotics yield short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, pivotal in supporting intestinal health and function.”  

Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Photo: Adobe Stock)

We can also partake in cider, wine, beer, yogurt, kimchi, tempeh (fermented soy), and pickled vegetables, all of which are probiotic foods that contain live microorganisms. It’s like a lively block party for your body! According to the book, Gut Microbiota and their Impact on Disease Pathways, “Probiotics—live microorganisms administered in sufficient quantities, confer health benefits through producing metabolites such as vitamins, enzymes, and SCFAs during fermentation. These bioactive compounds contribute to immune modulation, nutrient absorption, and the preservation of gut epithelial integrity.” 

Tofu (Photo: iStock)

Look online to find simple recipes to make kimchi or pickled vegetables to get you started.

If you eat prebiotic and probiotic foods together, you consume postbiotics (the breakdown components of the fermentation). Or you may find supplements online at Vitacost. As far as antibiotics go, they can exacerbate poor gut health unless the benefit outweighs the risk, as might be the case in a life-threatening bacterial infection. If you are prescribed antibiotics, the current recommendation is to follow them up with a quality probiotic.

Step Three: The Gut/Brain Axis

The gut and the brain are in a symbiotic relationship, and they bicker like family members. In fact, the vagus nerve is the quickest way to get the gut’s attention. By stimulating it with different frequencies, anxiety and depression can decrease. “Stress is thought to be among the most important stimuli discussed by the brain and gut… [The brain] is kind enough to save energy on digestion, producing less mucus and reducing the blood supply,” said Dr. Giulia Enders, author of Gut, a down-to-earth book that discusses stress and poop, both productively. 

Mindful eating and stress reduction tools and behaviors may be the most important part of the journey. Removing distractions, such as  television, while eating is also key. The “Serenity” app on Google Play is a practical way to de-stress. Also, try using meditations on your journey and take time to smell the oven-roasted spiced squash baking along the way!

If you follow your gut, you may feel good enough to climb Mt. Katahdin, or explore your own kitchen spice rack with increased enthusiasm (ginger and cinnamon are two gut-healthy favorites). You can even buy a gut-health cookbook like Eat Yourself Healthy by Dr. Megan Rossi or consult experts in medical nutrition and nutrigenomics testing to determine how your specific genes influence your gut health. Ultimately, you will need to listen to your gut instincts and “go with your gut” on your own gut microbiome journey. 

Story by Vanessa Newman. Vanessa is an American Council on Exercise Nutrition Specialty Health Coach, Husson University professor, and public health consultant. She has published multiple health and wellness articles and writes children’s and women’s fiction books.

Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has gained popularity across all generations due to its accessibility, social nature, and health benefits. The sport’s inclusive, vibrant, community-focused atmosphere, is ideal for all ages, genders, and abilities, and is a key factor behind its growing popularity.

Pickleball fosters a welcoming environment and is as much a social event as it is a physical activity, with post-game gatherings, such as BBQs, and even “dink-and-drink” events becoming cherished traditions. For many, weekly games serve as a pivotal social outlet, offering a sense of belonging and camaraderie that enriches people’s day-to-day lives.

Pickleball is increasingly capturing the interest of youth and middle-aged populations and goes beyond its initial popularity amongst seniors. For younger players, it’s the perfect combination of sport and fun, with its fast-paced, yet manageable gameplay encouraging widespread participation at schools and clubs. Middle-aged adults also find pickleball appealing as a less intense alternative to sports like tennis, providing a way to stay fit without the physical demands of high-impact activities.

The positive impact of pickleball is particularly evident among older adults. Research, which reviewed multiple studies on pickleball participation, highlights the profound psychological and emotional benefits for people aged 50 and over. Those studied from this age group, showed improvements in areas such personal well-being, life satisfaction, happiness, and reduced stress and depression. These outcomes have proved that the sport is not just a fun way to stay active, but also serves as a meaningful tool for enhancing mental and emotional health. Its low-impact nature and smaller court allow older players to stay active without undue strain.

This lifelong sport offers a shared space for physical activity, social bonding, and emotional well-being; Pickleball has become the standout sport of our time.

Whether played for camaraderie, fitness, or fun, check out The Wicked Pickle (thewickedpickle.me). This local, family owned, newly-constructed 25,500 sq. ft. building is the premier indoor pickleball destination in Southern Maine. Located at 2401 Broadway Street in South Portland, you’ll find eight indoor courts (four professional courts with seating for tournament play) a pro shop, and other amenities including the The Pickle Jar Cafe. Enjoy the smoothie bar and lounge area where you can sample paninis, sandwiches and salads, or grab a microbrew or signature cocktail. During the summer, they will be hosting BBQs, live music, and a variety of other events to create a community of all ages to have fun in a welcoming environment, and make new friends.

Photos courtesy of The Wicked Pickle

Rolfing^® is a distinctive form of bodywork designed to reorganize and restore balance to the body’s connective tissue, also known as fascia, or “the organ of posture.” By working through the fascial lines that organize and support us, Rolfing works to bring balance and order to our fascial system promoting greater health, comfort, and ease of movement.

Developed by Dr. Ida P. Rolf, a biochemist and Columbia University graduate in the 1920s, Rolfing has grown to become a transformative technique used by many to alleviate chronic pain, improve posture, and enhance overall mobility. Different from Chiropractic work and more than Massage Therapy, Rolfing focuses on this web-like complex of connective tissue to release tension, realign the body, and restore balance, potentially resolving discomfort and improving one’s sense of wellbeing.

Rolfing Techniques: Restoring Alignment and Balance

Clients are clothed, in a sports bra and shorts for women and shorts or boxer briefs for men, and are an active participant throughout the session. You may be receiving work lying down on a massage table or seated on a Rolfing bench. A Rolfer will use their hands, knuckles, fists or elbows as instruments to manipulate the fascia that surrounds and supports the muscles, bones and joints. These techniques range from gentle pressure to deeper, more focused work that targets specific areas of restriction. The bodywork may involve slow, deliberate movements to encourage the release of tension, allowing the connective tissue to release, reorganize and realign.

The approach is highly individualized, with each session tailored to meet the specific needs of the client. Each session will begin and end with a walking assessment to see how gravity may or may not be supporting or moving through your body. Rolfing practitioners work along the body’s fascial lines and major joints of the body like the feet, ankles, hips, spine, shoulders and neck to name a few, in order to restore balance and facilitate easier movement. This idea of reorganization is aimed to help the body adapt to gravity in a more natural, efficient way, contributing to a long-lasting sense of comfort and well-being.

The Benefits of Rolfing: A Holistic Approach to Wellness

The benefits of Rolfing are profound and can be life-changing for those who experience chronic pain, tension, or poor posture. By restoring body awareness and balance to the body’s structure, Rolfing can help reduce discomfort and improve flexibility, energy levels, and overall quality of life. It can be particularly effective for people with conditions such as back pain, neck and shoulder tension, sciatica, and even headaches.

The brilliance of Rolfing lies in Dr. Rolf’s fundamental insight: the body functions most effectively when its structure is balanced in gravity. When this balance is restored, the body moves more freely, heals more quickly, and operates with greater ease. As Dr. Rolf herself said, “When the body gets working appropriately, the force of gravity can flow through, then spontaneously, the body heals itself.”

This holistic approach to well-being is what makes Rolfing a unique and valuable modality in the world of bodywork.

Michelle Hahn, owner of Full Embodiment Rolfing

Michelle Hahn: Bringing Rolfing  to Life in Portland, Maine

As a Certified Rolfer with over 4 years of experience, Michelle Hahn integrates Rolfing into her broader practice of holistic healing, located at Full Embodiment Rolfing in Portland, Maine. Michelle’s work in Rolfing is complemented by her experience as a licensed Massage Therapist, Yoga Instructor, and Reiki 1 practitioner. This diverse skill set allows her to offer a truly integrative approach to healing, combining the benefits of Rolfing with other therapeutic modalities to create a comprehensive healing experience.

“My extended background provides a felt educational touch to the physical and energetic body, offering a unique healing experience,” Michelle says. “I believe my passion for physical health, and innate understanding of the human body, helps ensure each session is customized to fit the individual client and their body’s needs.”

Discover the 10-Series Journey

At Full Embodiment Rolfing, clients can embark on the renowned 10-Series program, a structured series of sessions designed to progressively release tension throughout, align the body, and optimize overall function. Each session builds on the previous one, creating lasting improvements in posture, body awareness, movement, and comfort. A fantastic form of bodywork and physical therapy for those willing to slow down and tune into sensation, building a richer mind body connection.

To learn more about Rolfing or to schedule your introductory session, visit Full Embodiment Rolfing at 535 Ocean Ave, Unit 2, in Portland, Maine. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or simply want to feel more comfortable in your body, Rolfing offers a transformative path to wellness.

Embrace your healing journey with Michelle Hahn and experience the powerful benefits of Rolfing today.

Multiple new studies are validating that stem cell-derived exosomes are the future of regenerative medicine. Increased awareness of the key role exosomes play in cellular healing is an important driver in this emerging market. There are proven beneficial effects for a broad spectrum of diseases and conditions ranging from skin care to immune disorder to tissue regeneration.

WHAT ARE EXOSOMES AND HOW DO THEY WORK?

Exosomes are like tiny messengers that carry important information between cells, helping them communicate and do their jobs effectively. When exosomes are administered to a target area, such as an injured or damaged tissue, MSC exosomes are taken up by neighboring cells. These cells now receive important messages to repair and replicate into healthier, younger cells.

WHAT ARE THE APPLICATIONS?

Studies have explored the potential applications of stem cell-derived exosomes in various areas, including peripheral nerve damage, traumatic brain injury, wound healing, bone fusion, tissue repair, inflammation modulation, skin health, cartilage health, ligament/tendon injuries, osteoarthritis, bone health, cosmetics and women’s health. It is important to note that, as of now, there are no FDA-approved exosome products available in the United States.

Skin tissue repair by microneedling with exosomes.

WHERE DO EXOSOMES COME FROM?

Intricate nano-packages secreted by specialized cells are known as mesenchyml stem cells (MSCs). These extraordinary MSC stem cells are sourced from the resilient Wharton’s jelly found in the human umbilical cord. Wharton’s jelly plays a vital role in safeguarding the umbilical vessels from torsional and compressive stresses during fetal development. One of the key advantages of these cells is their youthfulness and protection against damages caused by aging, environmental toxins, and diseases. All of Exogenix exosomes are sourced from a woman’s clinic in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The umbilical cords are donated by patients who have had healthy full-term pregnancies.

EXOSOMES VS PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

Before and after exosome treatment.

A standard PRP injection typically provides a maximum of 12 growth factors to the treatment area. In contrast, exosome injections may deliver a significantly higher number, with approximately 700 growth factors. Exosome therapy is potentially about 60 times more powerful and effective than PRP treatment.

EXOSOMES VS STEM CELLS?

Unlike stem cells, exosomes do not carry live DNA. Remarkably, a significant portion of the therapeutic benefits attributed to stem cells actually originate from the actions of the exosomes they release. This feature sets exosomes apart, offering a lower risk and a highly effective approach to tissue repair and rejuvenation.

DELIVERY APPLICATIONS:

• Direct injection
• Intravenous injection
• Nebulization
• Topical application

Content provided by BelleSoul Aesthetics.
Disclaimer: This presentation contains no medical advice, and does not claim that any applications, or potential applications, using mesenchymal stem cell exosomes to prevent, treat, or cure any condition, disease, or injury for any listed or unlisted condition, intended or implied. No statements or references to implied treatments in this article have been evaluated or approved by the FDA.  It’s important for potential patients to do their own research based on the options that we present and in consultation with their physician.