Tag: Wellness

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma

How’s Your Mental Health Today

Brandi C

circle of hope counseling services (1)

How’s Your Mental Health Today?

Life moves fast. Responsibilities pile up, schedules fill, and before we know it, we’ve gone days—or even weeks—without checking in on ourselves. So, let’s pause for a moment: How’s your mental health today?

Take a Deep Breath and Check-In

When was the last time you truly checked in with yourself? Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, content, or maybe a little numb? Acknowledging where you’re at is the first step in taking care of yourself.

Signs You Might Need a Mental Health Reset

  • You feel emotionally drained, even after rest.
  • Small tasks feel overwhelming.
  • You’re more irritable or sensitive than usual.
  • You find yourself withdrawing from others.
  • Your thoughts are racing, or you feel disconnected.

If any of these resonate, it’s okay. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and sometimes, we need to hit the reset button.

Ways to Care for Your Mental Health Today

✔ Acknowledge Your Feelings – Give yourself permission to feel whatever is coming up without judgment. ✔ Take a Break – Even five minutes of deep breathing, stretching, or stepping outside can help. ✔ Stay Hydrated & Nourished – Your brain and body need fuel to function well. ✔ Reach Out – Whether it’s a friend, therapist, or support group, connection matters. ✔ Limit Negativity – Take a break from social media or the news if it feels heavy. ✔ Engage in Something Joyful – Listen to music, read, create, or do anything that lifts your spirit.

You Are Not Alone

No matter what today looks like for you, please know that you’re not alone. Your feelings are valid, and your struggles are seen. If your mental health feels like it’s weighing you down, reach out for help—whether to a loved one or a professional. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary.

So, let’s check in—how’s your mental health today? And what’s one small thing you can do to take care of yourself right now?

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Medical, Reuben Schwartz & Jake Shirk Amish Iridologist

2022 Update on Jake Shirk Amish Iridologist

Brandi C

2022 Update on Jake Shirk Amish Iridologist

2022 Update on Jake Shirk Amish Iridologist

**Please note: I DO NOT work for Jake Shirk (formerly Reuben Schwartz). I CANNOT make appointments for him as I am a client, not an office worker.

The Amish DO NOT have phones, so they only correspond through “snail mail.” If you have questions, I’m always open to answering.

However, if you want to schedule an appointment to see Jake Shirk, you MUST write him a letter. Jake Shirk’s office will respond in about 7-10 business days. They will give you a day and time. You can let the office know what days/times are good for you. The office will try and make that happen.

If you choose NOT to write a letter, you can always just “walk-in.” If you decide to do that, please understand that those with appointments take priority. If the Iridology office is packed with those with appointments, you may or may not be seen that day. When it is time to go home, they go home. There is no staying later.**

Calling Mountain Air Herbs

Today, during H’s three-hour-long therapy session, I decided it was a good time to call Mountain Air Herbs. The sweet people that run this company are English; therefore, they have phones.

Today, I spoke with Carrie. She and her husband work at Mountain Air Herbs. As always, she is so kind in answering all my questions and filling me in on the happenings in Amish Country.

Just as I can’t make appointments for Jake, neither can Carrie or her husband at Mountain Air Herbs. They can answer some questions, but not all questions. You can call during business hours if you have questions about herbs or supplements.

Changes to Note

Mountain Air Herbs is in Amish country where Jake Shirk, Iridologist, is located. They work in tandem with Jake. The business has changed its office hours, so please note the change.

Mountain Air Herbs
1945 Radure Rd.
Hestand, KY 42151
270.487.1334

Office Hours: Monday and Friday 8-4, CST and Saturday 8-12, CST

Another change they have made since Co-Vid19 is they now do business through their window service. Mountain Air Herbs is a small business. With the number of people that came through, this decision was made for the well-being of everyone.

I have personally been in this establishment multiple times. Also, I call every year for an update. It has a tiny little lobby because its place is full of herbs and supplements. Window service is beneficial considering the size of the business.

Carrie and her husband can help you decipher what is on Jake’s list of items you need. They can’t always tell you which is more important and which you don’t need. However, they will tell you what is similar and if something can be bought cheaper elsewhere.

Mountain Air Herbs takes cash, credit cards, debit cards, and checks. This business does not refill empty bottles. You can bring your empty bottle, and they can take it back up to the Amish, where they can reuse it.

Jake Shirk Amish Iridologist

Jake worked for Reuben Schwartz for years before taking over the business. Carrie said he has been learning under Reuben for at least 14 years.

Reuben had an eye injury a couple of years ago. Recently, he received surgery to correct and restore vision in his eye. They were not wholly successful. Reuben is healthy and doing well.

Also, his wife recently passed away, so retiring was the best thing for him to do for himself. Jake is busy and doing well at the business. He has several clerks that help out. Also, they bring their homegrown or homemade goods to the store, so they get extra money!

For Jake, take cash. My suggestion would be around $200. That is all they handle. Jake’s services are free, but he does accept donations. They DO refill their amber bottles. If you choose to make a follow-up appointment, then be sure and bring those back so you can reuse them.

Amish Iridologist Jake Shirk (formerly run by Reuben Schwartz, retired)

1205 Radure Rd.
Hestand, KY 42151
No phone number because they are Amish and do not have access to phones or computers.

Office Hours: Monday and Friday 7:30-3, CST and Saturday 7:30-11 CST

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Answering the Most Asked Questions about Reuben Schwartz

Medical, Reuben Schwartz & Jake Shirk Amish Iridologist

Clearing Things Up Amish Iridologist Reuben Schwartz

Brandi C

Clearing Things Up - Amish Iridology

Clearing Things Up Amish Iridologist Reuben Schwartz

Clearing Things Up Amish Iridologist Reuben Schwartz.  I DO NOT WORK FOR REUBEN.  I (and my family) are clients of his. We live almost 5 hours from him.

I wish I could make appointments and intercede for those who reach out to me, but I simply can’t. My goal is to share our experience to help others possibly. Reuben may not work for you, but he did for us. Everyone is different. He should NEVER replace your regular doctor!

Reuben is retired. Ironically, he had an eye injury that he took time off to allow for healing. While Reuben was healing, sadly, his wife passed away. That is when he decided to retire.

He has trained Jake Shirk for many years. We met him the last time we were there. He is young (young to me) and very kind. He has a passion for what he does. Realize they (Reuben and now Jake) are NOT medical doctors. This practice was passed down through the family.

The visit is free unless you want to donate to Jake.

The herbs/supplements are NOT FREE. I would bring anywhere from $100-$200, depending on what you want to buy. Bring cash only! Credit cards (no electronics) and checks (they do not use banks) are not accepted.

Keep your bottles because they will refill those for you if you choose to go back. Some people do, and some people do not. It is up to you.

Address and Information

1205 Radure Rd

Hestand, KY 42151

Remember, they ARE AMISH.

They have no access to computers, emails, phones, or electricity, for that matter.

You will need to WRITE A LETTER to get an appointment.

A reply letter can take anywhere from 7-10 days. You can request a better day/time for you. Otherwise, they give you the first available.

You can walk in. The office will always give preference to those with appointments over walk-ins. They do stay busy, so keep that in mind.

Hours and Days of Operation Have Changed

NEW HOURS

Monday and Friday 7:30-3:00

Saturday 7:30-11:00

I will be calling Mountain Air Herbs at least once a year to update the days/times of Jake Shirk, Amish Iridologist. They are subject to change at any given time.

Mountain Air Herb

Reuben’s (now Jake’s) office does NOT have all that may be recommended for you. That is where Mountain Air Herbs comes into play. They are phenomenal humans from Reuben (now Jake) down the hill.

Mountain Air Herbs DOES take cash, credit cards, and possibly checks. That may have changed over the years. They will have the remainder of what you need. They will also tell you what might do the same thing and what is completely necessary and what isn’t. The people here are NOT medical doctors.

This time, I spoke to the long-time manager Carrie Beason. She, and the owners, are a wealth of information. They have the supplements/oils that Reuben (now Jake Shirk) does not carry. If you would like to contact them, you can click here, which will lead you to their website.

They are ENGLISH and not AMISH. Mountain Air Herbs has a phone number and a website you can see through the link I posted above.

They work closely with the Amish because of their deep love for their Vernon community. They CAN NOT make appointments for Jake (formerly Reuben).

Hours of Operation for Mountain Air Herbs

Monday and Friday from 8-4 pm

Saturday from 8-12

I will be calling Mountain Air Herbs at least once a year to update the days/times of Jake Shirk, Amish Iridologist. They are subject to change at any given time.

For Me

I welcome any questions, but I do not make appointments for the Amish Iridologist in Kentucky. If you have any stories to share, positive or negative, you can leave them on any post. It is good to have a well-rounded view of holistic care, which this is.

Amish Iridologist Reuben Schwartz is a good man, as is Jake. I got the pleasure of meeting him the last time I brought my children. Reuben looked at half of us, and Jake looked at the other half. Both men are very kind. Also, remember that they sell fantastic bread, fruits, produce, popcorn, quilts, and other things. You can get some stuff at the store. Otherwise, you will see them outside, ready and willing to sell you their beautiful bounty of goodies.

Medical, Reuben Schwartz & Jake Shirk Amish Iridologist

2021 Update on Amish Iridologist Reuben Schwartz

Brandi C

2021 Update on Amish Iridologist Reuben Schwartz

2021 Update on Amish Iridologist Reuben Schwartz

I recently called Mountain Air Herbs to get updated info on my favorite Idirodolgist. So, here is the newest 2021 Update on Amish Iridologist Reuben Schwartz.

First of all, I DO NOT WORK FOR REUBEN. I was his client (well, my family and I). It has such an impact on me that I have chosen to share my experience in hopes of helping others.

I cannot speak for anyone else’s experience; this is my opinion only. I CAN NOT MAKE YOU AN APPOINTMENT. Sadly, I live about 5 hrs from Hestand. I have been able to keep up with my friends at Mountain Air Herbs to help keep everyone updated.

Mountain Air Herbs

This time, I spoke to the long-time manager Carrie Beason. She, and the owners, are a wealth of information. They have the supplements/oils that Reuben (now Jake Shirk) does not carry. If you would like to contact them, you can click here, which will lead you to their website.

They are ENGLISH and not AMISH. They work closely with the Amish because of their deep love for their Vernon community. They CAN NOT make appointments for Jake (formerly Reuben). Their hours of operation are Monday and Friday from 8-4 pm and on Saturday from 8-12, so their hours are slightly different from Jake’s (formerly Reuben Schwartz).

They take cash, checks, and credit cards. They are very good at telling you what you need from the list that Jake (formerly Reuben) provided. Also, what are duplicates, and what can you do not need.

Again, they are a wealth of information. The staff there can answer some questions, but not all the questions. They do have access to a phone because they are NOT Amish. You can get all the information by heading to their website at Mountain Air Herbs.

A HUGE thank you to Carrie Beason for answering all our burning questions 🙂

Amish Iridologist Reuben Schwartz Info

Reuben has RETIRED. Due to an eye injury (ironic, huh) and the death of his sweet wife, Reuben has officially retired. Jake Shirk has formally taken over. He has worked under Reuben for about 15 yrs (according to Carrie Beason from Mountain Air Herbs). Jake is competent and prepared to take care of all the needs you may have.

Jake’s services are still free (though donations are accepted). Also, the supplements/oils cost money, and you can buy them using several options. You can buy what you need for the moment. You can also wait and buy it until your next appointment, should you make one. Also, you can do it once a year.

Please bring your bottles back, as they can be recycled and refilled to save on the environment. Remember the paper they give you because they will reference back to that and add to it, delete from it, as needed.

Amish Iridologist from Hestand, Kentucky Address and Information

1205 Radure Rd

Hestand, KY 42151

Remember, they ARE AMISH. They have no access to computers, emails, phones, or electricity, for that matter. You will need to WRITE A LETTER to get an appointment. A reply letter can take anywhere from 7-10 days. You can request a better day/time for you. Otherwise, they give you the first available.

You can walk in. The staff will always give preference to those with appointments over walk-ins. They do stay busy, so keep that in mind.

There is no PHONE NUMBER for you to call. Amish. They ONLY TAKE CASH. I would, just for security, take about $300 though you may not spend anywhere near that amount. It is better to be safe than sorry.

I did spend that much because I bought a 3-month supply. Again, better safe than sorry.

Hours and Days of Operation for Amish Iridologist Jake Shirk

The NEW HOURS are

Monday and Friday 7:30-3:00

Saturday 7:30-11:00

Meeting Amish Iridologist Reuben Schwartz and Jake Shirk

I welcome any questions, but again, I do not make appointments. If you have any stories to share, positive or negative, you can leave them on any post. It is good to have a well-rounded view of holistic care, which this is.

Reuben is a good man, as is Jake. I got the pleasure of meeting him the last time I brought my children. Reuben looked at half of us, and Jake looked at the other half. Both men are very kind. Also, remember that they sell fantastic bread, fruits, produce, popcorn, quilts, and other things. You can get some stuff at the store. Otherwise, you will see them outside, ready and willing to sell you their beautiful bounty of goodies.

Medical, Reuben Schwartz & Jake Shirk Amish Iridologist

2020 Update on Reuben Schwartz Amish Iridologist

Brandi C

 

2020 Update on Reuben Schwartz Amish Iridologist

2020 Update on Reuben Schwartz Amish Iridologist

Well, today is a 2020 Update on Reuben Schwartz, Amish Iridologist. Since he is Amish, he has no access to the outside world. By that statement, I mean no cellphones, no landlines, no television, computers, ipads, or running water. Communication is done by mail, word of mouth, and horse/buggy.

So, I decided to call my friends at Mountain Air Herbs. I wanted to get the skinny on my Amish friend and the updates on their business. Can I say these are the friendliest humans ever? So kind and so willing to help in any matter. They are not Amish, so they do have access to a telephone.

Get the Details Out for the Amish Iridologist

Number 1: I DO NOT WORK FOR REUBEN! There is no way I can make you an appointment. I can only share with you what we learned while we saw him. Honestly, I get several emails requesting that I get someone an appointment, and I read their stories. I reply with this same statement. Also, have the opportunity to encourage and pray for those people.

Number 2 on Amish Iridologist Reuben Schwartz:

For an appointment, you MUST WRITE a letter to Reuben requesting a day/time. They will give you the next day/time available if you do not request it. This process takes about 7-10 days. There is no need to go into the details of your condition. They may not know the details of your situation. They look in your eye. I mean, my son has Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome. Most doctors have never seen that in their lifetime. I am pretty sure Mr. Reuben had never heard of it.

Side note, Mountain Air Herbs cannot make appointments for Reuben either. They cannot relay messages or give any advice or consultation regarding what Reuben says.

Number 3:

He sees walk-ins. Yet, he always gives priority to those with appointments. He does try his best to see everyone. Remember, he also needs to eat and take breaks occasionally! Please be kind and respectful. Take the time you are waiting, sit on the beautiful porch, and enjoy the silence and peace. Seriously, go pet a horse, look around his shop and buy some popcorn or bread!

EDITED TO ADD: I saw Jake about two weeks ago as Mr. Reuben has had eye surgery and is not working. I was blown away by the things he told me. Please, make an appointment. I did not have one the day I went and waited for 5 hours to see Jake. ~ From Michelle Shoemake(r)

Number 4:

Money. Reuben does not charge for his assessment, though he does take donations. He has a box on his desk where you can place cash or change. His herbs/pills/supplements do cost money. That amount varies based on what you buy and how much of it you buy. You do not have to get everything he recommends. Ask. He will tell you which is the most important. Also, he will tell you what you can hold off on until the next visit.

Mountain Air Herbs is down the hill from Reuben. What he does not have, they will have. There are some limited supplies due to their suppliers and Co-vid19. They take cash, card, and checks. They also have a phone and a restroom if you need it.

Addresses

Amish Iridologist Jake Shirk **Reuben Schwartz (NOW RETIRED), Amish Iridologist

1205 Radure Rd.

Hestand, KY 42151

No Phone Number because of being Amish and all.

 

Mountain Air Herbs

1945 Radure Rd.

Hestand, KY 42151

270.487.1334

Days/Hours of Operation **THIS HAS CHANGED**

Reuben Schwartz

Monday and Friday from 7:30-3

Saturday 7:30-11

 

Mountain Air Herbs

Monday and Friday from 8-4

Saturday 8-12

BREAKING NEWS!

Mr. Reuben is RETIRING at the end of 2020. It is time for him to hang up his crucible and flashlight and enjoy his porch. I am very excited for him. He has given up a lot of himself, and it is time for him to relax. Rest assured, his business will stay open. His replacement will be Jake Shirk. He has been helping Reuben for about 16 years or so. He knows what he is doing and was trained by the best.

New Update *12.18.20*

This message is from a follower, Doris R. Today, I went to Reuben Schwartz’s place. Today was supposed to be his last day. In October, he got metal in his eye while working at home. He went to the hospital at that time. It is my understanding that he has not returned to his office since. So now, they said he was officially retired. Reuben’s replacement is Jake Shirk. His hours will be the same. He is already back up until March of 2021. That is the update as of 12-18-2020.