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  • Tara Crutchfield

Best of Haven 2022 - Health & Wellness



BEST GYM

JUST MOVE WINTER HAVEN

5636 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven

(863) 291-4653

FB @JustMoveWH

IG @justmovewh

Just Move Havendale 1164 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven (863) 294-4653 FB @JustMoveHD IG @justmovehd justmovehavendale.com Don’t know where to start in your fitness journey? Don’t sweat it – Just Move! With its premier facilities and programming, Just Move can help you achieve your individual health and wellness goals. According to the gym, “The beauty of Just Move is that it embraces the idea that every person can get one step closer to feeling fit by just moving forward.” Just Move has curated a space that offers custom fitness experiences to its members, from weight machines, cross training, a women’s only area, group classes, and circuit training to boxing, racquetball, basketball, and cable training.

2nd: Laws of Fitness Downtown

3rd: Habitat Health and Fitness


BEST YOGA STUDIO

INSIDE OUT YOGA

219 5th St SW, Winter Haven

(863) 224-2311

FB @ioyogastudio

IG @insideoutyogawh

Reclaim some balance in your life (while working on your actual balance) at Inside Out Yoga. “Bending, Breathing, and Balancing since 2013,” the yoga studio moved to a new home on 5th Street this year, and it’s just as comfortable and clean with all the same friendly instructors. Inside Out says, “We cultivate a non-competitive and joyous learning environment for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Our targets are strength, ease, balance, and increased range of motion, but you do not need to be “in shape,” “flexible,” or have any prior experience to start.” Move your body and focus your mind at their daily group yoga classes, private instruction, corporate yoga and mindfulness, workshops, specialty classes, or yoga teacher training and CEUs.

2nd: Yoga Bliss Studio

3rd: Buffy’s Boutique


BEST MEDICAL CANNABIS DISPENSARY

TRULIEVE WINTER HAVEN

749 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

(407) 606-6109

FB @Trulieve

IG @trulieve_

Way to smoke the competition! Best Of Haven voters “highly” recommend Trulieve in Winter Haven for medical cannabis needs. “At Trulieve, we believe in the power of cannabis for all. We take great pride in building community, offering innovative products, and advocating for our industry.” This medical cannabis dispensary offers a curated collection of products, including flower, concentrates, vape carts, edibles, oral, topicals and nebulizers, and accessories. One five-star Winter Haven Trulieve review reads in part, “Winter Haven is my home dispensary. The staff is extraordinary! Polite, helpful, knowledgeable, and always willing to go the extra mile.”

2nd: Surterra Wellness

3rd: Liberty Health Sciences


BEST MEDICAL SUPPLY

GARRETT’S MEDICAL SUPPLY

485 1st St N, Winter Haven

(863) 293-9747

FB @garrettsmedical

Garrett’s Medical Supply has been family-owned and operated since 1986, and owner Jeannine Russell has over 30 years of experience in the medical supply industry. The store carries medical supplies, uniforms, and miscellaneous items for medical care at home or in the field, and if they don’t currently have what you’re looking for, they can order it or inform you where to find it. One satisfied customer wrote of Garrett’s Medical Supply, “So thankful we chose to go through Garrett’s for our son’s supplies! Jeannine (owner) let me know all of the steps of the process and answered all of my questions. Quick and helpful!”

2nd: Meg’s Medical Scrubs & Boutique

3rd: QualiMed


BEST WELLNESS STORE

HEALTHY HABITS

362 3rd St NW, Winter Haven

(863) 875-4826

FB @healthyhabitsforyou

IG @healthyhabitswinterhaven

509 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven

(863) 875-6551

FB @healthyhabitsblvd

IG @healthyhabitsontheboulevard

(Third location in Lakeland)

“Change your habits, change your life,” that’s Healthy Habits’ motto. “It is our belief that implementing positive changes in our daily routines can have a profound effect on our future health and well-being.” Whether you have special dietary needs or are looking to gain a few ‘healthy habits,’ this store has you covered with two locations in Winter Haven and a third in Lakeland. Healthy Habits carries antioxidants, anti-aging products, blood pressure products, digestive enzymes, gluten-free foods, immune support, vitamins, organic hair, skin, and beauty products, and much more!

2nd: Calypso’s on Central (formerly Home Remedy)

3rd: Open Door Wellness


BEST FAMILY DOCTOR

ELIZABETH GRIFFIN, M.D. GESSLER CLINIC

635 1st St N, Winter Haven

(863) 294-0670

FB @GesslerClinic

IG @gesslerclinic

Patients laud Dr. Elizabeth Griffin for her bedside manner and willingness to attentively listen to and discuss health concerns. Dr. Griffin obtained her Medical Degree from the University of South Alabama, did an Internship in Internal Medicine at North Carolina Baptist Hospital, and her Residency in Internal Medicine at Ruby Memorial Hospital. This Gessler Clinic doctor leads with compassionate care and over 28 years of experience.

2nd: Celestino Vega, MD Lakeland Regional Health Auburndale Clinic

3rd: Christopher Lopez, MD | Bond Clinic, P.A.


BEST PEDIATRICIAN

JOSEF S. KLEINE, MD KLEINE PEDIATRICS

375 E Central Ave, Winter Haven

(863) 656-1111

Many families in Winter Haven and surrounding areas have received generational care from Dr. Josef Kleine. His board-certified care comes highly recommended, with patient parents often describing him as attentive and professional. Dr. Kleine sees patients from birth through adolescence. One parent wrote, “Dr. Kleine is a dedicated, compassionate, experienced professional that I feel goes above and beyond with his services. Both of my kids really enjoy his calming personality, and so do I. Thank you Dr. Kleine and thanks to all your supporting staff.”

2nd: Raul Alvarez, MD Lakeland Regional Health Winter Haven

3rd: Eric LaRue, MD LaRue & LaRue Pediatrics, P.A.


BEST EYE SPECIALIST/ OPTOMETRIST

FAMILY EYE CARE

410 E Central Ave, Winter Haven

(863) 293-0276

FB @DrHenne

IG @familyeyecarewh

Am I seeing stars, or is that just you, Dr. Henne? Family Eye Care states, “Whether it’s a general eye exam or treating a condition that requires an in-depth diagnosis, our team provides undivided attention to each patient so we can evaluate a plan based on your needs and our professional opinion.” One patient writes, “Dr. Henne saw me right away for a medical emergency. His calm, professional manner, detailed explanation of my condition, and follow-up care directions alleviated my fears and concerns. Highly recommend!”

2nd: Eye Specialists of Mid Florida

3rd: Salomon Eye Care


BEST ORTHOPEDIC DOCTOR

LARRY R. PADGETT, MD ADVANCED ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY AND SPORTS MEDICINE

250 3rd St NW #201, Winter Haven

(863) 318-9696

Dr. Larry Padgett is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon practicing in the areas of Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine. This repeat Best Of Haven winner and his team at Advanced Orthopedic Surgery treat athletes playing at the high school, college, and professional levels, as well as recreational athletes from every age group. Dr. Padgett was a Team Physician for the Cleveland Indians from 1998 through 2008 and is currently the Florida Team physician for the Atlanta Braves and Team Physician for Florida Southern College, Webber International University, and Warner University. He previously worked as the physician for the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team, Assistant Team Physician for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Event Physician for the Women’s World Pro Ski Tour, and was the Major League Physician for the World Baseball Classic in 2006.

2nd: Samuel Messieh, MD Messieh Orthopedic Clinic

3rd: Paul Morin, MD Bond Clinic, P.A.


BEST DENTIST/ ORTHODONTIST

JAMES A. TRUITT, DMD, PA

144 Avenue B NW, Winter Haven

(863) 294-2128

Best Of Haven voters are all smiles for Dr. Truitt again this year! Providing dental care for the whole family since 1989, Dr. Truitt and his staff focus on patient relationships and compassionate care. “I never looked forward to seeing a dentist until Dr. Truitt. He truly is the very best of Polk County. He has the most friendly staff you could ever encounter. I really enjoy my visits! It is always pain-free. Thank you for caring and making my visits such enjoyable experiences. You always go the extra mile!” writes Candi from Winter Haven in a patient testimonial.

2nd: Jamie W. Odom, DMD Polk Dentistry

3rd: Gerald Cerdan, DMD Winter Haven Family & Cosmetic Dentistry


BEST CHIROPRACTOR

NEWBERRY CLINIC

1619 6th St SE, Winter Haven

(863) 293-3893

FB @TheNewberryClinic

“You’ve only got one spine. Take great care of it with supportive chiropractic care.” The Newberry Clinic has your back! Whether you’re suffering from headaches, back pain, neck pain, work or auto injury, the Newberry Clinic can help with services and techniques, including chiropractic and spinal decompression, physical therapy modalities, and therapeutic massage. “Unlike conventional medicine, which focuses on attempting to treat disease once it occurs, Newberry Clinic emphasizes improving your health in an effort to reduce the risk of pain and illness in the first place.”

2nd: Smith Chiropractic

3rd: Trueheart Chiropractic


BEST HOSPITAL

WINTER HAVEN HOSPITAL

200 Ave F NE, Winter Haven

(863) 293-1121

FB @WinterHavenHospital

IG @baycare

Founded in 1926, Winter Haven Hospital has an outstanding reputation for superior, patientcentered care. Its mission statement is “to improve the health of the people we serve by providing the highest quality and most effective care and services – and to return value to the people in our communities.” By upholding this standard of excellence in all they do, they are able to provide patients throughout Central Florida with customized, state-of-the-art treatments in a comfortable environment.

2nd: Lakeland Regional Health

3rd: AdventHealth Heart of Florida


BEST URGENT CARE

BOND CLINIC URGENT CARE

325 1st St N, Winter Haven

(863) 293-1191 ext. 3693

FB @BondClinic

IG @bondclinic_fl

There’s no need for the drama and cost of the emergency room when you’ve got a non-life threatening injury or illness. You can visit Bond Clinic Urgent Care with no appointment necessary! “According to the Urgent Care Association of America, the average Urgent Care visitor waits 30 minutes or less to be seen by their provider while a patient could potentially wait more than a couple hours. The cost can also vary greatly where patients could spend seven times as much in the ER versus the Urgent.” Bond Clinic Urgent Care is open to established patients and the general public. They have a team of experienced providers able to treat ailments like cold and flu, minor cuts, ear pain, fever, and mild burns (it’s also a good option if your primary doctor is all booked up).

2nd: Owl Now Urgent Care

3rd: AdventHealth Centra Care


BEST REHABILITATION SERVICES

SPRING LAKE REHABILITATION CENTER

1540 6th St NW, Winter Haven

(863) 294-3055

FB @SpringLakeRehab

Offering both inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient therapy, Spring Lake Rehabilitation boasts over 10,000 square feet of therapy gym space with state-of-the-art equipment and therapists with over fifteen different specializations. They offer physical, speech, and occupational therapies and have accreditations, including the Nursing Home Gold Seal Award, The Joint Commission Standards Award, and a CMS Five-Star Rating. Spring Lake Rehabilitation says, “We rely on an interdisciplinary approach with our team of physical, occupational, and speech therapists to help you get back to you.”

2nd: Bond Clinic Physical Therapy

3rd: Polk Therapy


BEST MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

HEARTLAND COUNSELING CENTER

301 3rd St NW suite 212, Winter Haven

(863) 299-7787

FB: Heartland Counseling Center

Established in September 2017, the Heartland Counseling Center is a counseling ministry extension of Heartland Church of Winter Haven. With a team made up of a licensed psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, and licensed mental health counselors, Heartland Counseling Center offers psychological services, counseling, and coaching. Its mission aims to “provide professional Christian counseling in an atmosphere of hope, healing, and restoration.”

2nd: BayCare Behavioral Health

3rd: Peace River Center


BEST DOGGY DAYCARE

LITTLE WOLFE’S PET RESORT

555 6th St NW, Winter Haven

(863) 293-7327

FB: Little Wolfe’s Pet Resort

IG @littlewolfespetresort

Pets and their parents pawsitively love Little Wolfe’s! “Our husky Fenris loves going here for daycare as we call it, they groom her whenever it is requested, and she never has had a problem. When we pick her up, she is so happy, and the staff is absolutely amazing!!!” reads a portion of one Little Wolfe’s Pet Resort review. Camp Little Wolfe’s is a supervised doggy daycare where groups are established by size and disposition, and pups can play and pant to their hearts’ content. Pet parents can rest assured their dogs are in good company at daycare as Camp Little Wolfe’s requires attendees to be spayed/ neutered, clean, well groomed, and free of parasites.

2nd: Paw Printz

3rd: Orchid Springs Animal Hospital


BEST DOG GROOMER

LITTLE WOLFE’S PET RESORT

555 6th St NW, Winter Haven

(863) 293-7327

FB: Little Wolfe’s Pet Resort

IG @littlewolfespetresort

Washing your dog, clipping their nails, and giving them a trim sounds ruff – let Little Wolfe’s handle it! Opened in 1986 by Anne E. Wolfe, this Winter Haven pet resort is a repeat Best Of Haven winner in the Doggy Daycare and Dog Groomer categories. Little Wolfe’s Pet Resort is a full-service groomer offering haircuts, nail trimming, baths, and even show-quality trims by appointment. One happy dog mom raved, “Very friendly staff & great customer service! They took such good care grooming our doodle! We’ll be back!” Oh, and they groom cats too!

2nd: Paw Printz

3rd: Grooming Deals Pet Spa & Salon


BEST VETERINARIAN

ORCHID SPRINGS ANIMAL HOSPITAL

615 Overlook Dr, Winter Haven

(863) 324-6964

FB @OrchidSpringsAnimalHospital

IG @orchidspringsanimalhospital

Dr. Vargas? We’ve heard she’s the best dogtor around! Orchid Springs Animal Hospital was established as a small clinic in 1996 by Dr. Mitsie Vargas. Caring for one pet at a time, OSAH grew into a five-thousand-square-foot building with a bone-shaped pool (used for exercise, rehabilitation therapy, and entertainment). In 2008, Dr. Vargas made room for a more extensive treatment area, and luxury boarding rooms called The World Suites. Dr. Vargas and her team offer medical services to many kinds of animals as well as provide acupuncture therapy, boarding, daycare, grooming, training, dental services, veterinary medical manipulation, canine massage, canine rehabilitation, and Chinese herbal medicine.

2nd: Garden Grove Animal Hospital

3rd: Cypress Animal Hospital

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