A Healthier You: Mind, Body, and Soul

Start exercising. Drink more water. Eat more green foods. Sleep more. Take better care of yourself.

These are some of the most common New Year’s Resolutions, and they’re often easier said than done. Whether you’re vowing to take better care of your mental, physical or spiritual health in 2024, these Aberdeen people and businesses can help support you on your health journey.

Becky Schuldt, LPC-MH, ATR-BC

Mindful Roots Counseling Service LLC

Make your mental health a priority in the new year. Becky Schuldt opened Mindful Roots Counseling Services on 6th Avenue last fall, offering mental health counseling and art therapy counseling for patients ages 14 and older.

As the only practicing board certified art therapist in South Dakota, Schuldt can help patients express themselves and work through challenges that may be hard to verbalize.

“Art therapy is another outlet to develop coping skills and gain insight into whatever an individual is going through, whether it’s related to self-esteem, emotional or relationship issues,” Schuldt said. She’s quick to note that you don’t have to possess any artistic talent to reap the benefits of art therapy; stick figures work just fine.

Schuldt developed an interest in mental health early in her college career, earning dual bachelor’s degrees from NSU in psychology and art. She went on to receive dual master’s degrees in art therapy counseling and mental health counseling from Emporia State University in Kansas.

Mindful Roots offers both in-person and telehealth options, depending on the client’s location and preference.

“It’s an honor to work with clients, no matter how large or small the issue. Almost everyone can benefit from therapy and it’s never a bad thing to talk things through with a professional,” Schuldt said. “We’re lucky to have a lot of great clinicians in Aberdeen, so it’s really a matter of finding someone who is a good fit for you.”

Mindful Roots Counseling LLC is located at 221 6th Ave SE, Suite 2. To schedule an appointment online, visit www.mindfulrootscs.com or call 1.605.846.4087.

Cindy Hartung Suel

Fit & Fire Studios

There’s a reason Cindy Hartung Suel’s classes at Fit & Fire Studios are often packed. Step into one of her high intensity interval training classes or yoga sessions and you’ll find a wide mix of attendees, from college students to retirees, with a variety of levels of fitness experience.

Her mantra for all attendees is to “make your workout your own,” ensuring that everyone feels welcome, no matter where you’re at in your fitness journey.

Hartung Suel has always been active; she holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and has completed half marathons in 16 states. When she first started attending classes and Fit & Fire, she didn’t expect to become a teacher.

“I got tricked into filling in as a teacher for a class, and then I was hooked,” she said. “I love how the hot room helps with my flexibility, balance and strength.”

Hartung Suel’s classes are for people of all skill levels. Photo courtesy of Fit & Fire Studios.

In addition to teaching HIIT, Pilates and yoga, Hartung Suel also trains new teachers interested in starting their own classes. Candace Hart Briscoe, the owner of Fit & Fire, encourages a sense of community for everyone who walks through the doors, something Hartung Suel said she most admires.

“The studio offers a nonjudgmental environment,” Hartung Suel said. “I want people to have fun in my classes, and sing along with the music. I enjoy not only the friendships I have made at the studio, but the friendships students have made with each other.”

Sign up for one of Hartung Suel’s classes at Fit & Fire using the MindBody app, or visit Fit and Fire Studios on Facebook.

Dr. Michael Babcock works with patients of all ages. Photos courtesy of Babcock Family Chiropractic.

Dr. Michael Babcock and Dr. Jesse Babcock

Babcock Family Chiropractic

There’s a new name in chiropractic care in Aberdeen. Dr. Michael Babcock took over Bledsoe Chiropractic in 2016, and with the addition of his brother to the practice last year, the business has officially changed its name to Babcock Family Chiropractic.

Michael became interested in chiropractic care early on, when he was competing in sports and discovered he had spondylolisthesis, a condition where a vertebra slips forward. He credits chiropractic care as an essential part of his rehabilitation, allowing him to continue competing.

As Michael advanced in his practice, he would often treat his younger brother Jesse. Jesse saw and felt the difference it made, and realized he wanted to pursue the same field.

Today, Babcock Family Chiropractic focuses on providing neuromuskuloskeletal care for all ages, with an emphasis in sports and wellness. Acupuncture and dry needling are new to the practice.

“Many people know about the pain management benefits, but don’t realize that regular chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture treatments can help promote optimal functioning of the body’s systems,” said Jesse.

Both doctors encourage preventive care to mitigate flare-ups that occur from doing normal everyday activities. Each patient receives a customized treatment plan based on their own goals.

Dr. Jesse Babcock at the SD Hollistic Health Fair

“I enjoy the opportunity to serve others. By identifying things that are most important to the patient, we are able to critique their care to better serve them. We have a great team and staff to work with,” Michael said. “Our goal is for all to feel welcomed and taken care of as soon as you walk through the door.”

Babcock Family Chiropractic is located at 221 6th Ave SE. Call (605) 229-1212 to schedule an appointment.

Valnes-Jorgenson focuses on services that balance physical, emotional, and spiritual energy.

Natasha Valnes-Jorgenson

Vibrant Life

If you’re looking to start your new year with better energy, Natasha Valnes-Jorgenson may be able to help. Vibrant Life offers a variety of services to balance physical, emotional and spiritual energy, including Reiki, Vedic Thai Bodywork, polychromatic light therapy and more.

Reiki is a practice that allows clients to release trapped energy and emotions that can contribute to physical pain and discomfort. The treatment involves gentle hand placements to release unwanted energy and help clients find balance.

“To see and feel the change in people after a session is such a beautiful thing,” Valnes-Jorgenson said. “I am so grateful for all of the clients that have come to me in times of stress, grief and pain and are able to be vulnerable. My favorite part of each session is when I’m given a hug and told how grateful people are and that they feel so much better.”

Valnes-Jorgenson was introduced to energy work by a friend, and was initially skeptical. But when she started seeing changes and felt herself growing and evolving as a person, she fully embraced the benefits. Today she has clients of all ages, and loves when a client recommends her services to others, even if you’re not exactly sure what services you’d like to try.

“One thing I wish more people knew about my work is that even if they don’t fully understand it, it can be so beneficial and freeing physically, emotionally and spiritually,” Valnes-Jorgenson said. “I’m excited for people to be brave and willing to step outside of what we think of as ‘normal’ services. Just give it a try!”

To learn more about Vibrant Life’s services or schedule an appointment, visit www.facebook.com/vibrantlifereikispa or call (605) 742-4183.

After moving to a bigger space in 2020, Derek and Ali Miller have been able to offer more for the patrons of Erosion Fitness.

Derek and Ali Miller

Erosion Fitness

For Derek and Ali Miller, owners of Erosion Fitness, the gym isn’t just a place to work out. It’s a place to educate and empower members while fostering growth and community.

Derek oversees the programming, offering options for strength and conditioning workouts each day so members can choose which workout to complete. Erosion coaches help guide members through the workouts, offering encouragement and modifications if needed.

“We know how intimidating it can be to come to Erosion or any new gym,” Derek said. “We hear from so many people how nervous they were to jump in and try their first workout at Erosion, and how glad they are that they tried it out. Everyone starts somewhere!”

The Erosion community has seen growth since moving into a new 6,000-square-foot gym in 2020, complete with cardio and strength training machines, sandbags and sleds, a cold plunge tub and Karisma Koffee.

“We owe our members a huge thanks for trusting us and supporting us. A large number of our members have been with us since we opened, through COVID, and through the move to the new location. They’re the reason we’re able to continue doing what we do,” Derek said. “There is something to be said for completing a hard workout alongside others. It brings you closer because you share that sense of accomplishment.”

Erosion offers both group classes and personal training options, to help clients meet their personal fitness goals. Derek and Ali both enjoy helping members achieve the results they want, which can have benefits beyond physical health.

“We truly love what we do. We have worked hard to create a space where people feel safe to express themselves during a workout. A place where they can come and sweat out their problems from the day. A place where you can come to get stronger and learn more about yourself by pushing through hard workouts. And a place where you can find a community of like-minded individuals who are all on their own fitness journey,” Derek said.

Erosion Fitness is located at 628 Enterprise Street. Learn more or find a class at erosionfitness.com.

Dr. Schwab has been serving her hometown of Aberdeen since 2015.

Dr. Elizabeth Falk Schwab

Schwab Audiology

As an Aberdeen native, Dr. Elizabeth Falk Schwab knew her hometown was the perfect place to open her audiology practice. Since 2015, Schwab Audiology has been helping patients with hearing testing, hearing loss prevention, and hearing loss treatment.

“Audiology is a combination of science, technology, problem solving, building relationships with patients, and best of all, improving their quality of life,” Schwab said.

Schwab notes some of the early signs of hearing loss can include difficulty hearing in group settings, needing others to repeat themselves frequently, ringing in your ears, or needing the TV set to a higher volume than others around you do. If you have concerns about your hearing, or just want a baseline reading, an appointment can help determine next steps.

Hearing loss treatment varies from person to person, and isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. The degree of hearing loss, the type of hearing aid technology used, and how it’s programmed are all considerations in treating hearing loss.

“Over the past eight years, I’ve met some really wonderful people in our community,” Schwab said. “I enjoy observing the improvements in someone’s processing speed or reaction time in conversations in our clinic, and hearing about the positive benefits hearing technology has in their lives.”

Schwab Audiology is located at 3001 6th Ave SE, #2. To schedule an appointment, call (605) 725-4455.

Simple steps you can take today for a healthier 2024:

• • • • Schedule a wellness visit with your doctor. This yearly visit is covered by most insurance plans, and it’s a good opportunity to make sure you’re caught up on vaccinations and any screenings you might need, like mammograms or blood work.
      • Schedule a dental cleaning. Twice a year cleanings and exams help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Exams also allow your dentist to catch any issues early, before they become larger (and potentially more painful) problems.
      • Check your vision. A yearly eye exam by an optometrist is recommended to check your eye health and vision, ensuring you’re getting the most out of your glasses or contact lenses, and checking for signs of eye conditions or other diseases. //