Bella Nails Is So Much More Than Your Average Nail Salon! 

The friendly, attentive staff at Bella Nail Lounge in The Shoppes at New Tampa plaza is ready to pamper you! (Photos provided by Bella Nails)

If you want to try a brand-new, affordable, upscale place to pamper yourself in Wesley Chapel, Bella Nail Lounge, a full-service nail salon that has had an original location in Lutz for 12 years, expanded to The Shoppes at New Tampa plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., south of S.R. 56, in Wesley Chapel in January. 

Founder Lap “Andy” Nguyen says the new location is, “central to Wesley Chapel, and I was looking at this plaza for years, waiting for the opportunity. Wesley Chapel is a newer area, with a lot of new people moving in.” 

Julie Dang (in red) and Andy Nguyen of Bella Nails.

Julie Dang, Bella Nails’ assistant manager, adds, “We live here in Wesley Chapel, and it is a very high-end, close-knit, family-oriented community, and there weren’t any high-end salons here like in South Tampa. We’re bringing the South Tampa vibe to Wesley Chapel.” 

At Bella Nails, you will experience more than just a nail salon. This isn’t the fast-paced, traditional mom-and-pop nail salon you may be accustomed to or expecting. Instead, you will enter a luxurious nail lounge where you will receive relaxing and rejuvenating spa services. Sip on a glass of champagne or wine as you sit back in Bella’s state-of-the-art, full-body massage pedicure lounge chairs, escape the stress of your everyday life and pamper yourself with the best service and quality. 

The nail technicians at Bella Nails are friendly, skilled, attentive and are trained in all aspects of safety, sanitation and sterilization of all products. They use only non-toxic, toluene-free nail polish, with more than 2,000 color choices, including organic and vegan options, and the right equipment to ensure your safety and satisfaction. 

“People who are pregnant can choose a safe vegan option for a soft gel,” Julie explains. 

Even the youngest clients are treated like royalty at Bella Nails. 

Bella Nails doesn’t forget the youngsters, either. For kids ages 11 and under, Bella Nails provides organic and vegan choices in Princess pedicures and manicures, gel pedicures and manicures, plus polish and gel polish changes. 

So, whether you want a classic French manicure, a trendy nail art design, SNS-dipping powder, gel top coat, polish change, or a spa pedicure — or virtually any other type of nail service, you can enjoy them all at Bella Nails. 

Beyond a regular manicure (or, for the gentlemen, a “manli-cure”), Bella Nails also offers a Voesh Mani-In-A-Box with Collagen Gloves. This individually packaged three-step treatment is regarded as the cleanest and most hygienic spa manicure solution, with sugar scrub, mud mask and massage cream. 

For pedicures, the selections are vast. You may choose from a mint refresh, coffee-infused, mango-infused, charcoal, volcanic-mineral, honey and milk, mojito lime, CBD volcanic gold, CBD volcanic rose gold, Napa Valley champagne elegance anti-aging pedicure, cooling signature bliss pedicure in cucumber-mint, lemon, and mandarin scent, or Voesh Pedi-In- A-Box. Each service will leave your feet feeling refreshed, revitalized and radiantly beautiful — all in a sanitary and luxurious environment. 

Don’t want a mani or a pedi? Have a beer or wine at Bella Nails’ unique bar area.

Bella Nail Lounge also offers less common services, including waxing from eyebrows and lips to back and Brazilians, facials, lash extensions and even IV vitamin injections. 

“We go beyond a nail salon,” Andy says. “We’re like a spa attached to a nail salon. On the weekends, when the wife gets a pedicure, the husband can enjoy a complimentary beer or wine at our bar.” 

But don’t let them fool you — Julie says that men love to be pampered, too. Whether it’s a soothing manicure or a pedicure, men also can’t resist a little self-care. At Bella Nail Lounge, men and women can equally experience the ultimate indulgence: a pedicure in the massage chair. 

“We want to provide an upscale, relaxing spot where moms and daughters, husbands and wives can go,” Andy says. “Many places don’t make it comfortable for the dads or husbands to come along, but with our chairs and pedicure facility, men love it. It’s the Rolls Royce of pedicure chairs. They never want to leave.” 

During their pedicure or manicure, guests also can conveniently receive vitamin IV injections. “We do IV injections for better health,” Julie says. “For people who take medication, and can’t absorb vitamins, we provide our clients with vitamin treatments through an IV as a spa treatment.” 

Julie also says that manicures and pedicures aren’t just for cosmetic reasons anymore. 

The wall of color options at Bella. 

“People are always going to want to get manicures and pedicures,” she says, “with pedicures, it’s not even just about pampering but maintaining your health because reflexology is in your feet. For instance, with ingrown toenails, people must maintain their feet to walk comfortably and wear comfortable shoes.” 

Julie also explains how the nail salon business has evolved and will continue to do so. 

“Before, you only had two options for your nails — paint your natural nails or put on fake nails,” she says. “But now, you have many more natural enhancements that aren’t necessarily acrylic, like natural and gel-powder dips that strengthen your nails. Bella Nails offers all of those options.” 

One of Julie’s favorite stories is about a husband and wife. “The husband would never come into the salon,” she says. “He finally came in, and we offered him a Mimosa. Once he sat down in the chair, that was it. He said, ‘I’m coming back without my wife.’ This is our goal. We want to provide a place where you can have an enjoyable and relaxing experience. Our workers can read the clients and know if they do or don’t want to have a conversation. It’s a no-pressure salon.” 

Bella Nails is located at 1700 Bruce B Downs Blvd. To book your appointment, visit BellaNails.com, call (813) 578-7878.

Life Guard Imaging — Saving Lives While Honoring Founder’s Father 

The 3D imaging scanner at Life Guard Imaging in the Rocky Point area of Tampa allows those concerned about their overall health to have a full-body scan that can help save their lives by detecting a number of diseases early. (Photos by Charmaine George) 

Imagine being a medical professional, feeling a little off and undergoing a hospital CT (computed tomography) scan of your stomach because, with your background, you know when something is wrong in your body. You receive a clean bill of health despite not feeling well, only to receive a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer 10 months later and tragically lose your battle in six short weeks. 

Due to gaps in the standard scan you, as a doctor, trusted, it failed to detect cancer on the backside tail of your pancreas, and it went untreated. While healthcare in the US is better than in many places, the downside is that it still is more reactive than proactive. 

After losing his father, surgeon Benjamin J. Maldonado, Jr., 25 years ago to this usually deadly form of cancer, Frank Maldonado was inspired to establish Life Guard Imaging with his wife Amy. 

The company opened in Tampa on Rocky Point Dr., off the Courtney Campbell Cswy. in Tampa in August 2021 to be easily accessible to the (predominantly) older demographic that has had their medical needs unchecked but who want to be proactive about their health. A second location of Life Guard Imaging opened in October 2023 in Phoenix, AZ, and a third location is coming to Sarasota in the summer. 

Unlike traditional scanners, Life Guard Imaging’s low-radiation, high-resolution 3D imaging scanners are programmed with slices that are so thin that they can capture something as small as a 2 mm ball-bearing-sized shadow. 

“At that detectable size, we can monitor it to make sure it doesn’t become something dangerous or if it is something dangerous, have it eradicated early enough,” says Maldonado, who is Life Guard Imaging’s director of operations. “With these thin slices, we see things so small that we can often capture them before they become metastatic, hitting the lymph nodes and spreading throughout the body. Our patients are surviving diseases that are taking millions of lives a year. Our motto is saving lives through early detection.” 

Your full-body scan at Life Guard Imaging can help detect deadly diseases before they become deadly. 

Life Guard Imaging’s detailed scans reveal insights well beyond what basic bloodwork can show. Much like a mammogram, your first scan acts as a baseline for all future scans. If anything changes, your doctor can plan a course of action. The CT scan radiation dosage is so low that it is safe to do annually or, if necessary, even multiple times a year 

“From the shoulders to the base of the pelvis, we are trying to find things at the earliest possible moment,” Maldonado says. “Even a deadly disease like cancer, if it’s found early enough, can be survivable.” 

The company’s vision is to bring this technology and capability to as many cities, states and potentially even other countries as possible. Maldonado and his team want to allow people to detect these once-silent killers before the first symptoms are felt. 

“Because, generally, that’s when it’s too late,” he explains. 

Life Guard Imaging offers a comprehensive scan of your vital organs. Among the services available are: 

‱ Coronary artery calcium scans that can detect and quantify calcium in the arteries of your heart, allowing you to know your risk for blockage and a potentially life-threatening heart attack. 

‱ Lung scans that can visualize nodules as small as 2 mm, detect diseases, particularly lung cancer, early, while it is early and more treatable. 

‱ Comprehensive and gentle colon examinations with Life Guard’s “virtual colonoscopy” scan that does not require any anesthesia, dyes or long probes. 

‱ CT bone density scans that use X-rays via computed tomography to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone and calculate your risk of breaking a bone. This scan can be added to a lung or full body scan. 

‱ The most comprehensive scan is the full body scan. It can uncover abnormalities and changes that occur in the vital organs of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. 

New Technology 

The team is excited about upcoming additions to the facility. Life Guard Imaging just got a new scanner that is significantly faster and allows for half the radiation dose of prior machines. 

“We also have ultrasound equipment coming and will be able to do carotid artery screenings,” says director of imaging Stephanie Martin. And, upcoming is totally AI (artificial intelligence) calcium scoring software that’s not out on the market yet, but it’s going to be coming. It’s always good to have an extra set of computer eyes. All scans are performed by registered CT techs and read by Board-certified radiology doctors. We’re really confident about the results that we’re putting out.” 

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers placekicker Martin Gramatica was so impressed by the service he received he became part of the team. Gramatica, who is now Life Guard’s VP of Business Development, says, “We tell our patients we want you to come in before your first symptom. We want people to know they can come in and do a preventive scan. Our goal is to open one to three new locations per year and keep the family atmosphere. Our patients are the priority, from the front desk to the patient advocate to when they get their scans.” 

Life Guard’s VP of Business Development (and former Tampa Bay Bucs placekicker) Martin Gramatica joined the team because he was so impressed with the services.

He adds, “When our patients come in, they will meet with a patient advocate who will explain other scans. The patient will be in the scanner for 5-6 minutes. It’s very fast. It’s an 18-inch donut; patients’ heads never go through the donut, so there are no issues with claustrophobia. It will probably take them longer to walk to the scanner than the actual scan.” 

Though preventive scans, like those at Life Guard Imaging, are not covered by insurance, the company offers individual scan pricing, a comprehensive, affordable Legacy Imaging program, and also accepts Care Credit. 

“Our Legacy Imaging program is a few dollars a day, less than a Starbucks coffee,” Gramatica says. “The first full body scan is the baseline, and everything is compared year to year. If anything changes, we’re going to catch it early. The sooner cancer or heart disease is caught, the higher the percentage of survival, avoiding chemotherapy and radiation, and having a good quality of life. We find many things before they become deadly, and that’s the goal. We’re literally saving one to three lives per day.” 

Life Guard Imaging also honors current and veteran military, firefighters and police officers with discounted programs on its diagnostic imaging services. 

Maldonado adds, “This technology has existed for over 25 years. Tell me how it’s possible that it is not readily available all around the country, let alone all around the world? Our goal is to help as many people as possible. The fact that people don’t know this is available in the medical world is a tragedy. For every life we save, hundreds of thousands are lost. We’re giving people more time on earth, more memories with their families, and more good to be done in the world. More people need to have access to this.” 

Despite being open less than three years, Life Guard Imaging has hundreds of testimonials from people who say their lives were saved with early detection. One of those is Tuyen Tran, who says she only got scanned herself in June 2023 because her husband Vihn went for one. To their surprise, it was Tuyen who ended up being diagnosed with Stage 1B lung cancer, despite having never been a smoker, as well as with fibroid masses in her uterus, all of which have been removed. 

“My pulmonologist said that it was very unusual for a lung malignancy to be found so early,” Tuyen says. “He said that most people don’t get checked until they have symptoms, which is usually Stage 3 or 4, or too late to be helped. Instead, now we’re just watching it every six months with my oncologist. I just want everyone to know that it works.” 

Vihn adds, “I believe that Life Guard Imaging has, essentially, saved my wife’s life. It was well worth it (the cost). Even if they find nothing, that’s OK, too. It’s good to have that peace of mind.” 

Life Guard Imaging is located at 3001 N. Rocky Point Dr., Suite 185. For more information, visit LifeGuardImaging.com, call (813) 524-1010. You will receive a heart scan at no cost if you mention this story. This reporter made an appointment for a scan after conducting this interview. 

Meet Award-Winning RealtorŸ Dee Strom Of Florida Executive Realty 

Let Realtor¼ Dee Strom (left) of Florida Executive Realty in Tampa Palms, who lives in New Tampa and specializes in homes in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Land O’Lakes and Odessa, help you buy or sell a home. (Photos provided by Dee Strom) 

Dee Strom, a multi-award-winning RealtorÂź at Florida Executive Realty (FER) in Tampa Palms since 2014, says she transitioned from hospitality management at the suggestion of her husband, Michael. She sought guidance and turned to Debbie Pearson, a friend and seasoned realtor at FER with 25 years of experience, who became her invaluable mentor. 

Dee expresses gratitude to Debbie, stating, “I have yet to work with an agent as wonderful and knowledgeable as she is. I am blessed to have learned from the best mentor and company.” 

In a unique move, Dee interviewed with FER Broker (Doug Loyd) before obtaining her real estate license and became the first agent he brought on who didn’t yet have a license. A USF business graduate, she initially entered the real estate field as, “a driven individual who saw nothing but success.” Marriage and motherhood followed, transforming Dee into one of the busiest working moms at the company. Dee commends Florida Executive Realty for its family-friendly environment, allowing children in the workplace and enabling moms like her to run successful businesses. 

Highlighting her experience and commitment, Dee asserts, “I have been a Realtor for over a decade, selling more than $20 million of real estate annually, placing me in the top 1% of the nation. My real estate business knowledge and experience put me far above most other agents.” 

In fact, Dee has been named FER’s “Agent of the year” each of the last three years. She says that building a solid relationship and chemistry with your Realtor is key in the real estate business. Both buyers and sellers should collaborate with a Realtor they genuinely connect with, like and trust. Dee’s work schedule is based on her client’s availability, not the other way around. 

“With me, you get me, and it’s a one-stop shop. As a Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LRE) member, I market my listings locally and globally and receive relocation clients who move to our local area. I also assist my clients who move out of state and refer them to a Realtor they can trust in all parts of the world.” 

What To Expect… 
Let Realtor¼ Dee Strom help you find the home — and the living room — of your dreams, too. 

As for what she expects the local real estate market to be like in 2024, Dee notes that recent interest rate decreases, have improved affordability for prospective buyers. She predicts an uptick in local real estate sales later in the year and a return to more moderate growth in pricing compared with the post-Covid period. Although she covers all of Hillsborough and Pasco counties, Dee says her primary focus is on New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and Odessa. 

Here is one recent trend Dee has noticed: As new construction continues to grow, younger Millennial buyers are seeking homes featuring wellness amenities like lap pools and gyms, with proximity to healthy restaurants. 

She takes pride in offering clients a substantial referral network for lenders, insurance providers and vendors. 

“I always say my clients are in good hands, not only with the real estate transaction but everything in preparation before selling or purchasing their home,” Dee says. “For example, packing and moving aren’t easy, so I have them focus on that, and I take care of the rest, literally.” 

Devoted to her clients, Dee shares her husband’s favorite anecdote about her: 

“Pregnant with my first daughter, Sloane (4), I had my computer in my lap negotiating in the hospital bed. After she was born, as soon as I was released from the hospital, I asked him if it was OK to go show a property, and off I went. As you can see, I am dedicated to my clients
.” 

Dee uses a restaurant analogy to describe why someone should work with an experienced, well-rounded Realtor for buying and selling. She explains that selecting the right Realtor is like choosing a steakhouse. Going to an average chain restaurant, there’s only about a 50/50 chance your steak will be cooked correctly. One time may be good, while another is an awful experience — both the meal and the customer service. 

“But, when you dine at a high-end steakhouse, like Ruth’s Chris,” she says, “the steak is perfect every single time and the customer service is always excellent. We frequent Ruth’s Chris; we have had the same server for over 10 years. Real estate, like dining out, is about developing relationships.” 

She adds, “My clients are like family! Without the proper knowledge, experience and resources, many agents out there do not know what should be known. We are working for buyers and sellers completing the largest purchase or sale of their lives.” 

Dee is proud that the majority of her business comes from repeat clients and referrals. She highlights a recent review she received out of the blue from a repeat client. 

The review said, “You will always be part of our family in the Tampa area, as everyone loves ‘Dee,’ the person and mom. I truly admire your work ethic and professionalism in handling your real estate business while juggling a growing family. You set high standards for others to emulate and follow, but only a select few can accomplish. By now, it should be paying off for you. In the business world, you are very rare… I now call it ‘The Dee Factor’ — a balanced combination of real-estate knowledge, professionalism, elegance, poise, perseverance, hard work, sales techniques, great attitude, well-spoken and charming. And, on top of that, someone who is more interested in the well-being of a satisfied customer than a simple commission check. That’s a major key to success. Well done.” 

“This is why my job is so fulfilling,” Dee says. “and I will do it a thousand times over.” 

Dee values the connections she makes with her clients, emphasizing her commitment to their lives well beyond the closing. Her overarching goal is to redefine and elevate the real estate profession and eliminate some of the horror stories of low-level representation. 

“We, Realtors, can change the public’s perception and reality of what real estate agents and brokers do for their clients to match other highly respected professions,” she says. “One client at a time.” 

Dee lives in New Tampa with her husband Michael, a Tampa Police Officer for 20 years, and daughters Sloane and Stella. When not surpassing client expectations, she and her family enjoy swimming and cooking out. 

Realtor¼ Dee Strom is based at Florida Executive Realty’s Tampa Palms office (15802 Amberly Dr.) For more information, visit DStrom.floridaexecutiverealty.com, search “DeeStromRealty” on Facebook, call (813) 525-7851.

Jeffrey Allen Inc. — Where Golf Cars Are A 50-Year Family Tradition! 

(l.-r.) Ben, Craig & Jeff Sverdlow. (All photos provided by Jeffrey Allen Inc.) 

Established in 1970 by Alan B. Sverdlow, Jeffrey Allen Inc. has evolved into a prominent third-generation, family-owned golf car dealership and service provider. Initially focused on distributing deep-cycle batteries to the golf course industry, the company underwent a transformative phase under second-generation CEO Jeff Sverdlow, who, driven by his love of golf, helped Jeffrey Allen Inc. become one of the largest and most successful factory-authorized commercial dealers of Club Car Inc. in Florida. 

Alan Sverdlow (far left) founded Jeffrey Allen Inc. in 1970. 

In the 1990s, the third-generation brothers, Ben and Craig Sverdlow, assumed key roles in the business. Recognizing untapped opportunities in the commercial marketplace, they strategically expanded the company’s offerings beyond the golf industry. 

With locations in Tampa, Orlando, and Ft. Lauderdale, Jeffrey Allen Inc. also rents HuntVe electric UTVs, Westward utility vehicles, Madjax electric vehicles, and Garia luxury golf cars and owns one of the largest fleets of rental vehicles in Florida, in addition to its golf car sales. The company also just entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Bolt Energy USA. 

Ben Sverdlow, Owner and President, explains, “Over the last 10 years, the focus shifted once again to selling consumer golf cars (Note — although most people still call them golf carts, Sverdlow and his employees call them golf cars because of the years of dramatic improvements in the performance of the vehicles) used for recreation and aftermarket lithium battery development and sales. Most recently, we’ve launched a new division selling aftermarket lithium batteries. Bolt Battery USA has been launched and is gaining a lot of traction. Bolt products were designed for the harsh workload required to power high-performance golf cars.” 

Jeffrey Allen Inc. allows clients to customize their dream golf cars in person or conveniently online. When a customer “builds” a golf car online, they have to select a dealer. Jeffrey Allen Inc. then works with them on building, customizing, financing and delivering their new vehicle. Customers also have the option to pick up their golf cars with their own trailers. 

Carlos Roque, Jeffrey Allen’s VP of Sales, describes what separates the company from its competitors. 

“As one of the largest dealers in the nation,” Roque says, “our brand and reputation are very important to us. With all the new golf cars entering the market, selling the product is secondary to quality service after the sale.” 

He adds that today’s customers seek top-notch service when shopping for their golf car brands. “Parts availability, serviceability and support from the manufacturer are important features we hone in on when selecting new products to represent,” Roque says. “Our customers have supported us for over 50 years because of our commitment to them. ‘The customer comes first’ is not just a catch phrase at Jeffrey Allen Inc.; it is part of our core values and our decision-making process. Simply, if it’s not good for our customers, it is not good for our company.” 

Jeffrey Allen Inc.’s West Coast showroom on U.S. Hwy. 301 in Tampa. 

Sverdlow and his team work hard to keep up to date with the latest trends and technological advancements in the industry. 

“Fortunately, our primary brands of vehicles we represent are all ‘tip of the spear’ when it comes to innovation,” Sverdlow says. “We also participate in best practice groups, read every trade publication available and are quick to test and vet new products as they become available. We are very cautious about what brands we sell. All products we represent must be of the highest quality for our clients.” 

As an industry expert, Sverdlow offers new golf car customers some advice. 

“Golf cars are equipment, and all equipment eventually breaks,” he says. “We highly recommend you purchase an American-made vehicle where parts availability is good and there are many servicing dealers who can support you down the road.” 

Promising fair and transparent pricing, the company services most makes and models and offers mobile repair field technicians in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Hardee, Hernando, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota counties. If the repair can’t be completed at your location, the golf car will be transported to the shop at no additional cost. 

Satisfied customer Christian de Paulsen left one of the hundreds of five-star Google reviews you’ll find of his experience with Jeffrey Allen Inc. 

“I just took delivery of my brand new 2024 Club Car Onward golf car, and I have to say it was well worth the wait!!! The team at Jeffrey Allen Inc. Tampa went above and beyond, ensuring an outstanding buying experience
Of course, I can’t forget the team that built our car to exactly our customizations. The entire team did an amazing job! I would highly recommend to anyone looking to buy a golf car to go by and check out Jeffrey Allen Inc. You won’t be disappointed.” 

Not only does the company sell golf cars and batteries, it also offers rental golf cars for commercial and special event purposes. 

Commercial golf cars are built to withstand heavy-duty usage for most commercial applications. They are used in many industries, such as resorts, hotels, building and lawn maintenance, municipalities and educational institutions. 

“Golf cars have become very important tools at commercial facilities,” Sverdlow says. “These operations simply don’t function without their utility vehicles. Our commercial golf and utility rental team provides services for many types of events. Our golf cars are used for things like event set-up, material handling, transporting personnel, security, refuse removal, engineering and administrative purposes.” 

For special events, 2-, 4- and 6-passenger rental golf cars have become popular for weddings, church events, corporate and nonprofit events, parades, fairs, festivals, concerts, sporting events and golf tournaments. 

“Especially in Florida, golf cars have become part of the lifestyle,” Sverdlow says. “Many communities have embraced them as excellent modes of transportation and have reduced the need for parking. We believe that more communities and municipalities will continue this trend, drafting rules and laws that are favorable to this small wheel-powered vehicle market.” 

He adds, “Consumers have embraced the golf car to ‘have fun’; it’s become part of our culture here in Florida. Our consumer golf cars are custom-outfitted by the customer. Whether it’s a paint job, reupholstered seats, or speed modifications, the options are endless.” 

The company also takes accessibility into consideration with each car. 

“We work closely with our manufacturer to design ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance and other specialty vehicles, such as accessibility for wheelchairs and emergency vehicles used by first responders,” explains Roque. 

Jeffrey Allen Inc.’s success is measured in business milestones and the stories of families creating enduring memories through shared experiences with their golf cars. The company actively engages in philanthropic initiatives, supporting local activities for veterans, children and food drives, underscoring a commitment to community impact. 

Sverdlow says the favorite stories the company hears are how often their golf cars have brought families together, allowing them to enjoy outdoor activities. 

“The simple trip to the grocery store becomes an adventure for young kids and teens when they ride in the golf car with their parents,” he explains. “An evening ride around the neighborhood, a ride to the community pool and social events are just a few ways our customers enjoy their golf cars. (They spend) quality time talking, laughing and making memories on our products.” 

The West Coast division of Jeffrey Allen Inc. is located at 4401 U.S. Hwy. 301, Tampa, and is open Mon.- Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and on Sat. by appointment. For more info, call (800) 282-6256, visit JeffreyAllenInc.com/west-coast-greater-tampa.

IV Harmony Clinic & Medical Wellness — More Than Just Another Med Spa! 

(L.-r.) RN Sara Wallace, Esthetician Alexys Goff, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Jessica Rosado & CEO Gabriel Vargas of IV Harmony Clinic, located in the new Publix shopping center at Livingston Ave. & County Line Rd. in Lutz. (Photos on these pages by Charmaine George)

Led by the husband-and-wife team of Gabriel Vargas and Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) Jessica Rosado, IV Harmony Clinic & Medical Wellness offers preventive and primary care, diagnostics, wellness programs and holistic therapies — all conveniently located under one roof on County Line Rd. (in the new Publix plaza at Livingston Ave.) in Lutz. This inclusive approach to wellness distinguishes IV Harmony Clinic from traditional medical offices that focus primarily on treating illnesses. 

Twenty-three years ago, Vargas, the company’s president and CEO, transitioned from what he admits was an unhealthy lifestyle to advocating for a proactive focus on wellness. “I’m living proof prevention is the best way to go.” 

Prevention is what became the catalyst for creating a medical clinic dedicated to helping others choose the same type of path. 

IV Harmony Clinic’s Medical Director Dr. Victor Feliz. 

Rosado, IV Harmony’s chief operating officer, completed her nursing degree at Antillean University in Puerto Rico and earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and FNP-C certification from AGM University in Florida. She also has Gerontology Nursing (Gero-BC) and FMCSA (DOT) certifications. Rosado draws from 16 years of experience in cardiac emergencies and seven years at the Moffitt Cancer Center working with cancer patients. Motivated by the stories of her patients, Rosado pursued her MSN to help her patients shift their focus from trying to cure illnesses to promoting overall health. Registered Nurses JosĂ© Del Valle and Sara Wallace and Licensed Esthetician Alexys Goff also assist Rosado. 

“As a Family Nurse Practitioner, I can care for children to seniors,” Rosado says. “We have treated children from 7 years old — with the consent of their parents — up to 100 years old. We give you the tools your body needs to feel better.” 

She adds, “I have spent the last 24 years in a healthcare setting — and the last three years in the role of FNP-C. We started IV Harmony in 2022 as a mobile service and opened our doors to the public in our first (brick & mortar) clinic in May 2023.” 

In 2022, IV Harmony’s Medical Director Dr. Victor Feliz, a cardiologist who is a Fellow of both the American College of Cardiology (FACC) and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (FSCAI) with 22 years of experience, joined the team. Dr. Feliz finished his Internal Medicine residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in Manhattan, NY. He later had a Cardiology fellowship at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, following a Geriatric Medicine fellowship. 

Weight-Loss Programs 

IV Harmony Clinic employs a comprehensive approach to help you achieve your weight-loss goals. The Clinic’s physician-supervised programs include semaglutide (like the brand names Ozempic or Wegovy), tirzepatide (like the brand Mounjaro), peptides for weight loss, as well as a protocol that combines a low dose of Naltrexone, plus Sermorelin, Lipo-Trim SL, and low-calorie intake to achieve optimum weight-loss results. 

IV Harmony Clinic weight-loss patients weigh in each week on the clinic’s InBody 570 Body Composition Analyzer. 

Rosado says that lately, “Semaglutide is the most requested weight-loss medication” at IV Harmony Clinic. “And we only use high-quality semaglutide from the best labs. This treatment isn’t for everyone, so we also offer several other medical weight-loss options. But, our patients who qualify for semaglutide treatment do very well with it.” 

Rosado will identify your underlying health issues impacting weight loss through a detailed medical evaluation, including history, an examination and potential tests. IV Harmony Clinic weight-loss patients also weigh in each week on the clinic’s high-tech InBody 570 Body Composition Analyzer, which measures not just your weight, but also your body fat, muscle and water levels. 

“Our weight-loss programs are personalized plans tailored to each patient’s age, gender, medical conditions, activity level and objectives,” Rosado says, adding that some patients are referred to Registered Dietitians and nutritionists. “The patients who get the best results combine calorie control with increased physical activity, and behavior modification. We provide ongoing monitoring, medication, supplements and, if needed, referrals for psychological support.” 

She also explains that, “When I know the patient’s background, I can give them options and guide them. Then, we work together to get each patient to their goal.” 

Esthetic Services, Too! 

Rosado and Vargas did their due diligence when looking for the right esthetic services for their clients. They chose SkinPen microneedling from Crown Aesthetic for IV Harmony because they knew the safety and research behind the product. SkinPen employs sterile needles to stimulate collagen and elastin production, promoting skin rejuvenation. Patients also can experience revitalization with BotoxÂź and Dysport treatments. The Clinic also offers peptide hormone therapy, which targets muscle restoration and stimulates human growth hormone (HGH) production. 

“When you look in the mirror, and you look younger and better, it helps you feel better,” says Vargas. 

Rosado adds, “At this time of year, we definitely see a lot more patients looking for BotoxÂź and filler treatments. Everyone wants to look better for the new year.” 

PEMF, PRP & More 

IV Harmony patients also can explore the benefits of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF), a non-invasive approach that utilizes electromagnetic fields to enhance cellular health and promote healing processes. 

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the blood’s platelets and injecting this platelet-rich plasma into the body. Rosado says PRP therapies can help patients with everything from injuries and musculoskeletal pain to cosmetic procedures. It also can be used in conjunction with microneedling. 

Hydrodermabrasion combines water and exfoliation to effortlessly exfoliate and reveal healthier, more radiant skin texture. 

HRT & Low Testosterone 

Tailored to each individual’s needs and addressing hormonal imbalances in women, IV Harmony Clinic’s Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) tackles symptoms like fatigue, hot flashes, low libido, memory and sleep issues and mood swings. 

And, for men with low testosterone, the clinic’s Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) provides effective solutions. Vargas explains that IV Harmony has many success stories, especially referencing a patient with “Low-T” complaining of all-over body pain. 

“For a man, a good number is around 600, and insurance doesn’t want to cover you if you are at 200, which is extremely low. We started treating this patient with testosterone, which increased his levels, and the pain in his body disappeared.” 

Available IV Nutritional Therapies 

IV Harmony Clinic also offers a wide variety of intravenous (IV) nutritional therapies, which rapidly and efficiently deliver essential vitamins and nutrients to the body through the patient’s veins. These therapies — which provide your choice of a variety of B vitamins, Vitamin C, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Zinc, are designed to contribute to the patient’s overall health and wellness. 

Rosado says IV therapy delivers essential nutrients directly to the system, making it beneficial for deficiencies, immune support and for providing energy boosts. Bypassing the digestive system enhances absorption of these nutrients, aiding individuals with digestive issues. The therapy supports detoxification, boosts immune function, improves athletic performance, aids hangover relief and promotes skin health through nutrient and antioxidant support for collagen production. 

Monthly Memberships 

IV Harmony Clinic & Medical Wellness offers a convenient membership program for monthly infusions. Members receive discounts on any service at the Clinic and also are allowed to share their IV treatment services with their family members. While IV Harmony does not accept health insurance, it does accept HSA and FSA and patients also can use their Care Credits. IV Harmony also offers a rewards program for referrals. 

When not at their clinic, Vargas and Rosado are cycling fans who assemble at church on the weekend. They have a 12-year-old daughter and a pet guinea pig. 

IV Harmony Clinic & Medical Wellness is located at 2749 E. County Line Rd. in Lutz. The office is open Mon.- Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday,. For more information, visit IVHarmonyClinic.com, call (813) 325- 3870.Â