How happy I was to have found someone in SWFL (and close to me) who actually doesn't do surgeries and only works with people who are choosing NOT to have surgery.   I didn't even know regenerative therapy existed as a specialty but it's actually been around for quite awhile as you will hear.  Dr. Podesta  injected PRP (platelet rich plasma) and hyaluronic acid into my knees in November of 2021 for preventative purposes.  I've had 2 previous injections of hyaluronic acid only over the last several years (back in AZ) for lack of cartilage under my kneecaps giving me discomfort and swelling. 

Dr. Podesta is a nationally recognized regenerative orthopedic and sports medicine physician specializing in the non-surgical treatment of orthopedic, musculoskeletal and sports-related injuries to the shoulder, elbow, knee, and spine, and brings with him over 3 decades of experience on and off the field. Dr. Podesta continues to be selected by his peers as a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly since 2017. He is a pioneer in the field of Regenerative Medicine and Orthopedics, a growing medical subspecialty with treatments designed to stimulate the body’s innate ability to naturally repair damaged tissue and heal itself, offering hope for individuals who are unable to or do not choose to undergo surgery.

Dr. Podesta serves as a team physician for Southwest Florida’s and the ECHL’s  Florida Everblades Hockey Team, and as a consultant to the Major League Baseball Umpires and World Baseball Classic. In 2008 Dr. Podesta established Podesta Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute in Thousand Oaks, California where he practiced for over 24 years. In 2015, he returned to Long Island as the director of sports medicine and regenerative orthopedics at St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson, NY. There he served as the head team physician for Suffolk College athletics and team physician and consultant to a number of Suffolk County, New York, high school athletic programs and elite sport clubs prior to relocating to Naples, Florida, as a partner and as the director of regenerative orthopedics sports medicine at Bluetail Medical Group-Naples in 2017.

To contact Dr. Podesta:
https://lugapodestamd.com/

Dr. Luga Podesta on FB:
https://www.facebook.com/LugaPodestaMD/

To See if Bluetail Medical Group for Regenerative Medicine Serves Your Area:
https://www.bluetailmedicalgroup.com/

Bluetail Medical Group on FB:
https://www.facebook.com/bluetailmedical/

Troy Jacobson shares his story about how he became a professional triathlete and later transitioned to executive coach.  Troy finished in under 9 hours at the Ironman HI World Championships in 1993 and finished top 20 and third American at the Ironman HI World Championships in 1998.  He has been extremely successful in triathlon at all levels, from amateur to pro. His athletic success came as he coached others and grew a business. 

 Troy  helped pioneer online coaching of multisport and single sport athletes, while he also created and branded his own line of indoor cycling training videos -Spinervals- as well as Runervals workout videos.   

 Troy Jacobson has invested over 30 years as a coach, helping IRONMAN athletes and business leaders focus and improve. He now works with CEO's and Executives to help them, and their organizations, perform at a higher level.

Jacobson Coaching Group, LLC - Website:  (schedule a free consultation!)
https://www.troyjacobson.com/

Spinervals Cycling Workouts (FREE 30-Day Trial!)
https://www.spinervals.com/public/main.cfm

The Jacobson Coaching Group on FB:
https://www.facebook.com/Tjacobsoncoaching/

Coach Troy Jacobson on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/troykjacobson/?trk=public-profile-badge-profile-badge-view-profile-cta

Joe Hutto is a marathon swimmer who started swimming in his 40's  when he noticed a group of "older folks" swimming while he was taking his daughter to swim practice.  Joe started with his local Masters Swim group  -Masters Swimming is for anyone over 18 who can swim at least the basics of freestyle and wants to swim with an organized group.

Joe started competing after he got into shape and then went on to marathon swimming.  In 1998 he swam The English Channel from England to France, 33Km, in 12 hours and 37 minutes.  More recently, Joe swam a 10  mile event along with several others totaling over 21 miles in 2019 and in October of 2020, Joe swam the 19.3Km Swim Around Charleston in 5:43:13 at the age of 68!

Joe is inspiring at any age and I was interested in learning how his swimming has helped him in various ways.  Being part of a community, having goals to attain, taking  care of ourselves and having a positive outlook on life are things that can help all of us age well.

Joe Hutto Long Distance Swims Database:
https://longswims.com/p/joe-hutto/

About USMS and finding a Local Club
https://www.usms.org/join-usms/try-masters-swimming/try-masters-swimming-club-info

***If you do not know how to swim find your local YMCA or local aquatics center for lessons.  Once you can complete several lengths of the pool you will be welcome at most masters swim clubs.