Photos courtesy of Noelle Roberts

Best friends and business owners Heather Esposito and Allison Lubert opened Sweet Freedom this past January.

Let freedom ring for local celiacs and vegans as Philadelphia now has a successful bakery that caters to a myriad of food allergies, intolerances and dietary restrictions. This past January, friends Allison Lubert and Heather Esposito opened Sweet Freedom (1424 South Street, 215-545-1899), one of the country’s only vegan and gluten-, soy-, egg-, dairy- and refined sugar-free bakery, the first of its kind in Philadelphia.

Sweet Freedom was conceived as a destination for those struggling with dietary restrictions that typically prevent them from enjoying baked goods, but the bakery’s commitment to top-quality, all-natural ingredients makes it a hit among even those without allergies and intolerances. “Both Heather and I have struggled with our eating habits and with troubling food allergies,” said Lubert, “and we both found ourselves striving to prepare our favorite treats in ways that were both delicious and appropriate for our diets. It’s a challenge to omit animal products, soy, gluten and corn and still create flavorful, crave-able baked goods, but we love to rise to that challenge every day.” Read the full story

By AML Publisher
Photos courtesy of Belle Vie Photography

Dr. Catherine Foote, a Lower Merion high school grad who boasts an undergraduate and medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania, is a third generation dentist.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. So, there is no better time to catch up with one of the Main Line’s most beloved orthodontists—Bryn Mawr’s Dr. Catherine Foote. Foote, an Ardmore native, Lower Merion grad and third generation dentist holds an undergraduate degree from The University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Foote dedicated ten years to higher education at the University of Pennsylvania where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology followed by a DMD degree and Certificate of Orthodontics. In her state of the art, newly renovated office across from Bryn Mawr Hospital, Dr. Foote treats both children and adults, offering traditional braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign, and take-home whitening.

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. NCDHM messages and materials have reached millions of people in communities across the country. According to the ADA, developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
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By AML Publisher
Photos Courtesy of Todd Zimmerman

The area’s top culinary talent will be on hand at the Wachovia Center for Appetite for Awareness on September 30th.

You’ve probably heard the term ‘gluten-free’ by now, or, most likely know someone who is not able to include gluten in their daily diet. Celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that involves intolerance for the protein found in wheat (known as gluten), affects 1 in 133 Americans. And through their annual event, an Ambler-based nonprofit is working to make Philadelphia one of the top cities in America dedicated to raising awareness and education about celiac disease.

Tonight, September 30th, the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness will hold its annual Appetite for Awareness: A Gluten-Free Cooking Spree. Top chefs and doctors will be assembled into teams at the Wachovia Center in a challenge to create the best gluten-free dish. Guests will enjoy sampling gluten-free creations from over twenty-five of the area’s preeminent restaurants, gluten-free beer, wine, and products from over fifty of the nation’s finest gluten-free vendors.
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