Newark, OH Health and Fitness

After leaving Cincinnati to study at Harvard Medical School and participate in internships and fellowships at Brown University and New York University, Dr. Shalini Gupta has returned to the place where she grew up, and now offers general and cosmetic dermatology and plastic-surgery services to the community. The goal of her practice, Dermatology Laser and Vein Center, is a simple one: restoring natural beauty. She does this with both surgical and nonsurgical procedures that tighten and restore the skin, contour the body's trouble spots, and rid limbs of unwanted tattoos or popped bubble-gum bubbles.

As a certified colon hydrotherapist, natural health consultant, and educator, Debi Boyle is passionate about helping her patients to achieve wellness in their lives through colon purification and a wholesome diet. Within the confines of Debi's beach-themed treatment room—complete with soft music, an oil diffuser, and a novelty-size ocean—a slim plastic conduit delivers cleansing currents to her patient's lower bowels. The docile tube rids bodies of toxins and malevolent microorganisms that can be the cause of digestive problems, fatigue, acne, or even anxiety. Debi also helms weight-loss and nutrition classes, teaching students to whittle waists in a healthy way, maximize their metabolism, and maintain long-term health.

Amid exposed brick and the warm, sunny walls of a converted coffee shop is Kimberly Jo Hite, the eponymous owner and creator of Hite Wellness. The self-described "Jill of all trades" welcomes her patrons to step beneath her large umbrella of services, which encompasses everything from facials and massages to energy work and intuitive guidance. As a holistic health practitioner, aesthetician, ordained minister, and reiki master, Hite has all the tools necessary to boost total-body wellness and make clients feel happier than an unsupervised kid at a fireworks store.

Physicians Weight Loss Centers peppers the nation, doling out slim-down tips honed during the course of three decades in business. Each center staffs a physician who, in tandem with a team of skilled counselors, selects one of six weight-loss and lifestyle programs to guide each client toward his or her desired results. The center’s sextet of plans are tailored to those who prefer not to exercise, those who travel often, those who cook at home, and those who cook in nonfunctional stage kitchens. Patients chat with their counselors often, soaking up the tips the staffers have learned from continual training programs. Clients are encouraged to build a bond with their counselor, as camaraderie not only eases the process but also improves one’s chances of finding a lifelong three-legged-race partner.

At Walker Dermatology Center, Dr. Earl A. Walker works with a licensed aesthetician to address skin concerns with clinical expertise. He provides injections of wrinkle-smoothing substances such as Botox, Juvederm, and Restylane as well as laser treatments to remove tattoos of yesterday's grocery list. A nurse practitioner provides laser treatments for the removal of unwanted hair.

In addition, their aesthetician uses medical-grade skin-care products to clarify and tone complexions during facials and chemical peels. Her services don’t end with application of products, however: she also takes the time to talk to her clients about healthy skincare habits, prioritizing simple strategies for clear skin over training a flock of bluebirds to apply your morning moisturizer.

Drs. Robert Brooks and Matt Sutton have treated the likes of Justin Timberlake, Kiss, Stevie Nicks, and Guns N' Roses, in addition to the Columbus Crew soccer team and the AFL’s Columbus Destroyers. Their expertise and time spent adjusting heavy hitters have made the pair adept at knowing how the body can break down during physical trauma. They combine their skills to treat common spinal injuries such as whiplash, soreness caused by poor posture, and residual stiffness from that planking photobombing fad. With their gentle ministrations, including hands-on, drug-free chiropractic care as well as nutrition counseling, the doctors aim to restore the body’s functionality. For their office-working clients, the doctors can dole out advice on how to improve the ergonomics of the workplace.