A retired nurse from Brevard County whose symptoms of coronary heart disease were misdiagnosed as acid reflux, hopes that her experience will help to raise awareness of heart disease and how it may manifest differently in women. Heart disease is one the leading causes of fatalities in Florida and more than 47,000 adults were hospitalized in 2022 because of a heart attack. In response to the county’s health concerns, hospitals and healthcare facilities offer a range of treatments to protect the heart health of Brevard County residents including new and innovative cardiovascular procedures, support for families living with congenital heart defects and a preventive program to test student athletes for undiagnosed heart conditions.

Supporting Families Affected by Congenital Heart Defects

One of the most common heart conditions that can occur alongside other cardiovascular issues is ventricular septal defect, otherwise known as a hole in the heart. VSD repair addresses this structural problem and helps to protect future heart health. Patients are born with VSD but there are a number of statewide programs and services to support patients with this and other congenital heart defects. Little Hearts provides education and other resources concerning heart health while Mended Hearts, a volunteer-led program with chapters in Melbourne and Cocoa Beach, offers a network of peer-to-peer support to families affected by heart conditions.

Screening for Undiagnosed Heart Conditions in Young Athletes

The primary cause of death in student athletes is sudden cardiac arrest and, according to the national organization Parent Heart Watch, one in 300 have a heart condition of which they are unaware. To address this issue and protect their students, Brevard Public Schools (BPS) work in partnership with the organization Who We Play For to implement mandatory screening for heart disease. Although parents can opt out of the scheme, BPS asks all student athletes to undergo electrocardiogram (ECG) testing in order to identify if they are at risk from sudden death from cardiac arrest. An ECG can also pick up a number of different heart conditions that can then be properly diagnosed and treated. To further support this initiative, school coaches in K-12 are required to complete regular CPR and first aid training.

Supporting Dedicated Cardiovascular Treatments and Care

Other local health initiatives are supported by Brevard Heart Foundation in their aim to improve the healthcare of local communities. One of their roles has been to support medical professionals at the Health First Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit where dedicated staff provide exceptional care to their patients. Other services offered by Health First in Brevard County include the management of arrhythmia, non-invasive diagnostic tests to assess the risk of heart disease, and rehabilitation after a heart attack or cardiac surgery.

While heart conditions and congenital defects are common, many remain undiagnosed putting people’s future health at risk. Dedicated staff at healthcare facilities, specialized family networks and extensive testing in schools are all helping to diagnose, treat and manage cardiovascular issues in order to improve the heart health of communities in Brevard County.

In life, our dreams often set the course for our future, but sometimes unexpected turns can lead us to places we never imagined. For Sabeer Nelli, CEO of Tyler Petroleum Inc. and Zil Money, this journey started with a passion for flying. With aspirations of becoming a commercial pilot, Sabeer was dedicated to the structured, disciplined world of aviation. However, an unforeseen medical condition cut his flight path short, forcing him to redefine his ambitions. Instead of letting this setback deter him, Sabeer chose to pivot, channeling his drive into a new goal—entrepreneurship. His journey from aspiring pilot to successful business leader is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to embrace change in the face of life’s challenges.

Sabeer’s fascination with aviation began at a young age. Drawn to the excitement of flying and the rigorous lifestyle of a pilot, he worked tirelessly to make his dream a reality. The prospect of taking to the skies captivated him, and he devoted himself to the path of becoming a commercial pilot. But just as he was on the verge of achieving his goal, a medical issue surfaced, preventing him from continuing with his aviation career. “Learning that I couldn’t pursue my dream of flying was a tough moment,” Sabeer reflects. “It was difficult to accept, but I knew I couldn’t let this setback define me.” Rather than letting disappointment stall his ambitions, Sabeer looked for a new direction, channeling his passion into the business world.

With his future in aviation grounded, Sabeer turned to another interest he’d long held: business. Entrepreneurship had always intrigued him, and he decided to redirect his focus to this field. Recognizing that education and networking would be essential to his success, he enrolled in the University of Texas at Tyler, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business. This decision provided him with the foundational knowledge, skills, and connections he would need to make his mark in the entrepreneurial landscape. Armed with his degree and a renewed sense of purpose, Sabeer set his sights on building a career in business.

In the mid-2000s, Sabeer founded Tyler Petroleum Inc., marking his official entry into the oil and gas industry. His goal was to create a fuel and convenience store brand that prioritized quality and customer service, setting it apart from the competition. Sabeer envisioned Tyler Petroleum as more than just a fueling station; he wanted it to be a reliable destination where travelers could find fuel, food, and other essentials. His focus on customer satisfaction and high standards helped Tyler Petroleum stand out in a crowded market, and the business quickly gained a reputation for its dependable service and quality offerings.

Sabeer’s transition from aspiring pilot to CEO required a shift not only in career but in mindset as well. Moving from the structured responsibilities of a pilot to the multifaceted role of a CEO was challenging. “Being a pilot would have meant following specific procedures, but as a CEO, I had to learn to manage different aspects of the business,” Sabeer explains. “From overseeing a team of nearly 200 employees to managing finances and developing marketing strategies, I was stepping into unknown territory.” Initially, the responsibilities were overwhelming, but Sabeer’s determination to succeed kept him moving forward.

To navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, Sabeer committed himself to continuous learning and self-improvement. He sought guidance from mentors, invested in professional development, and developed a strategic approach to decision-making. His adaptability and willingness to learn were crucial to the growth of Tyler Petroleum, helping the company become one of the fastest-growing private businesses in the United States. Sabeer’s dedication to quality and his focus on customer experience allowed him to build a strong foundation for the company, establishing Tyler Petroleum as a trusted name in the industry.

As Tyler Petroleum grew, Sabeer’s entrepreneurial spirit pushed him to explore new opportunities outside the oil and gas sector. In 2018, he ventured into fintech with the launch of Zil Money, a B2B payment platform designed to simplify business transactions. This move represented a significant shift from his previous experience, but Sabeer was ready to take on the challenge. Drawing on the skills he had developed at Tyler Petroleum, he approached fintech with the same commitment to customer satisfaction, focusing on creating a reliable and efficient solution for businesses. Zil Money quickly gained traction, becoming a valuable tool for companies seeking secure and convenient payment options.

Reflecting on his journey, Sabeer attributes his success to his adaptability and his willingness to embrace new challenges. His transition from aspiring pilot to business leader may not have been part of his original plan, but it allowed him to discover new passions and achieve remarkable success. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that setbacks can be opportunities in disguise,” he says. “Losing my dream of flying was hard, but it ultimately led me to a career that has been incredibly fulfilling.”

Sabeer’s story is an inspiring example for anyone facing unexpected changes in their career path. His journey highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the ability to pivot when necessary. While his original career in aviation may have been grounded, his determination to succeed enabled him to achieve success in the business world. His experience serves as a reminder that the path to fulfillment often lies just beyond the challenges we face, and that by embracing change, we can find new and meaningful opportunities.

Today, Sabeer’s businesses continue to thrive, with Tyler Petroleum and Zil Money each playing a vital role in their respective industries. Tyler Petroleum remains a trusted brand in the fuel and convenience store market, while Zil Money has established itself as a leading solution in B2B payments. Together, these ventures reflect Sabeer’s commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. For aspiring entrepreneurs, his journey is a powerful reminder that success often comes from embracing change, taking risks, and remaining committed to growth.

Looking toward the future, Sabeer envisions continued expansion and new possibilities for both Tyler Petroleum and Zil Money. His dedication to providing value to his customers and his focus on innovative solutions position him well to navigate the evolving business landscape. From his early dreams of flying to his current role as a successful entrepreneur, Sabeer’s journey exemplifies the spirit of resilience and the power of embracing life’s unexpected turns.

Sabeer’s pivot from aviation to business showcases the importance of adaptability and perseverance. His story is a powerful testament to the fact that setbacks can lead to new paths, and that true success lies in the ability to embrace change. For those facing unexpected challenges or career shifts, Sabeer’s journey offers hope and inspiration, proving that with a clear vision, a willingness to learn, and an open mind, it’s possible to turn obstacles into opportunities.

Much like flying, entrepreneurship requires a steady hand, a clear vision, and the ability to adapt when circumstances change. Sabeer Nelli embodies these qualities, and his journey from aspiring pilot to business leader serves as an example of how resilience can lead to remarkable achievements. His experience is a reminder that while we may start our journey with one destination in mind, life has a way of guiding us to unexpected places. For Sabeer, his decision to redefine his career path has allowed him to reach new heights, inspiring others to remain open to change and explore the limitless possibilities ahead.

Everything You need to know?

These days, bamboo flooring is made in a very cool way.

You may have seen bamboo growing in your own neighborhood, or seen it used as upholstery for a variety of tiki-style furniture, or you may even own a pot of lucky bamboo. But you may still be wondering, “How does bamboo go from plant form to flooring?”

It may seem like a crazy idea, but bamboo is no joke when it comes to flooring. In the direct competition between bamboo flooring and hardwood, bamboo wins out for its toughness, reliability, and sophisticated look! (Editor’s note: We may have a slight preference). Grown in the pristine forests of China, bamboo’s journey from the wild to becoming flooring in your home is full of fascination. Here’s a closer look at this stunning product and how bamboo flooring is made.

Once everything is understood, you will no longer be confused about the process of making bamboo flooring. This comprehensive guide provides tons of useful information, but don’t even think about trying to make it yourself at home!

First, harvest the best raw materials

It’s like mom always said: to make a blue-ribbon apple pie, you have to start with blue-ribbon apples. Our carefully cared for moso bamboo (or nan bamboo) is grown for 5 to 7 years in managed forests that are free of pesticides, herbicides and other toxic chemicals. Individual markers detailing age and quality ensure that only the highest quality bamboo stems (called culms) are selected for use in each harvest. Each culm is taken from the middle of the bamboo (the trunk-like main stem) and after rigorous inspection is transformed into beautiful, durable bamboo flooring. The weaker culms are then recycled and used in other parts of the manufacturing process to provide electricity or to make non-durable goods.

1. Harvesting Bamboo

Harvesting bamboo is a difficult task. When bamboo is cut, the sugar content in the sap must be at its lowest level so that the bamboo is in optimal condition. This means that work cannot be done during the day when the light is at its highest. It is also important to allow the culms to age for 5 years and to use the middle part of the culm. The traditional method calculates the best phase of the moon to harvest the bamboo, usually working during the waning moon, dusk or dawn.

Those of us who have bamboo in our gardens know that it regenerates very quickly. If conditions are right and the roots are intact, it can quickly grow to 4 feet in as little as 24 hours. No need to worry about the pandas losing their favorite delicacy: large bamboo culms for wooden floors are not on the panda’s menu.

III. Splicing and Sorting, from Stem to Strip

You can’t stuff square pegs into round holes, and likewise you can’t make a flat floor out of round bamboo culms. That’s why our skilled workers run the hollow bamboo stalks through a specially designed slicer, splicing them into thin strips of equal size and then peeling off the green outer layer. After splicing, the nodes (or joints between sections) are sanded to a smooth surface, similar to traditional hardwood. Unlike traditional lumber panel processing, which requires large, energy-intensive machinery, bamboo splitting uses simpler, more efficient tools to transport raw materials from the field to the factory.

Fourth, when is wood not wood?

Bamboo flooring has the look of hardwood flooring and is often chosen over other types of natural flooring due to its beauty, environmental friendliness, durability and affordability.

However, bamboo is not technically a hardwood. In fact, it’s not wood at all …… It’s a grass. So what about that gorgeous bamboo floor you’ve been eyeing? It is actually a grass.

However, before you rush for the hills, you should know that bamboo is one of the toughest natural materials that can be found, and has been proven in tests to be superior to steel alloys, concrete and graphite.

Despite its unrivaled strength, bamboo is also extremely flexible. Because of this, if you had to choose a shelter in the event of an earthquake, a bamboo forest would be one of the safest places on earth! Homes made of bamboo have withstood some of the strongest earthquakes on record, with magnitudes as high as 9.0.

So, now you know that even if it’s not wood …… it’s something better. Just trust nature.

1. The Crazy Manufacturing Process

While we understand which part of the bamboo plant and how it is harvested, that doesn’t tell us how bamboo flooring is made! Harvested bamboo goes through many different stages to become the smooth, hard, and elegant flooring you expect to see.

First, the culms are cut into strips and then boiled to remove any insects, pests or dirt. Once this step is complete, heat and carbonize the strips.

But don’t sit back and relax just yet, because you haven’t finished the process of making stranded bamboo flooring!

Next, the weaving begins and the strips are tightly woven together before being stacked and dried as needed. These stacks are then subjected to extreme pressurization at high temperatures, fusing all of the strong raw materials together to form ultra-dense bamboo planks with super galactic longevity and durability.

At this point, bamboo now resembles hardwood and you’d be hard pressed to recognize it as grass.

Finally, the tongue and groove is milled before applying UV protection, surface treatment and moisture sealing.

The finished bamboo is then boxed and shipped to our warehouse where it may eventually be laid on your home’s flooring.