Readers’ picks: Health & Wellness

Local health-care provider

1ST PLACE: Argyll Medical Group

Started by local physician Dr. Roy Bishop 15 years ago, Argyll Medical Group encompasses several medical practices and offers services ranging from primary care and internal medicine to skin care and addiction services. The medical group also offers patients a range of services typically not covered by insurance—such as after-hours urgent calls with a physician—through its retainer program called Argyll Advantage. No wonder they keep coming back.

2ND PLACE: Mission Ranch Primary Care

3RD PLACE: Archer & Alonso MDs

General practitioner

1ST PLACE: Julie Archer

“Skilled, attentive and dependable care” is how one patient of 25 years describes Dr. Julie Archer’s practice. Archer specializes in internal medicine, and is affiliated with Enloe Medical Center. Satisfied patients go to her seeking relief from conditions such as acute sinusitis, diabetes mellitus, and osteoarthritis, among other ailments.

2ND PLACE: Stuart Mishelof

3RD PLACE: Herbert Lim

Dental care

1ST PLACE: Nelsen Family Dentistry

For eight years running, Nelsen Family Dentistry has topped Chicoans’ list when it comes to dental care. Owned by husband-wife duo Drs. John and Missy Nelsen, the longtime Chico practice is beloved for its personable staff, caring technicians and knowledgeable dentists who work hard to keep patients smiling bright.

2ND PLACE: Willow Creek Dentistry

3RD PLACE: William Moon, DDS

Eye-care specialist

1ST PLACE: Chico Eye Center

When Chicoans need to get their vision checked or a new pair of fashionable frames, they know where to look: Chico Eye Center. With full-service eye care, from basic vision correction to LASIK surgery and glaucoma treatment, Chico Eye Center is a one-stop shop with a caring staff that makes patients feel right at home.

2ND PLACE (TIE): North Valley Eye Care

2ND PLACE (TIE): Family Eye Care

Pediatrician

1ST PLACE: Patrick Tedford

A repeat winner for Best Pediatrician, Dr. Patrick Tedford is beloved by generations of Chicoans. He’s respected by his peers as well, and last year was honored with the Enloe Physician Legacy Award for having changed the community for the better. He’s known for his comforting bedside manner and extensive medical knowledge.

2ND PLACE: John Asarian

3RD PLACE: Daniela Morcos-Gannon

Alternative health-care provider

1ST PLACE: Simply Pilates

Simply Pilates offers free consultations to allow the skeptical to learn first-hand how pilates instruction can make a difference in their lives and their overall health. Many students stick around for further workouts and they praise the quality of instruction owner Beth Koch provides. At Simply Pilates, classes focus on everything from osteoporosis to chronic pain to basic core strength.

2ND PLACE: Chico Community Acupuncture

3RD PLACE: American Chi Center for Health

Acupuncture clinic

1ST PLACE: Chico Community Acupuncture

Acupuncture is known to treat a variety of ailments through redirecting the body’s qi—or energy—using strategically placed pins. At Chico Community Acupuncture, they embrace this philosophy and ensure it’s available to all by offering treatments in a group setting for an affordable fee.

2ND PLACE: The Pinwheel Community Acupuncture Project

3RD PLACE: American Chi Center for Health

Yoga studio

1ST PLACE: Yoga Center of Chico

Those who frequent the Yoga Center of Chico do so because it’s more than just a yoga studio—it’s a community. With group sessions that range from beginner to advanced in addition to one-on-one work with instructors, the center offers a variety of yoga options. What’s more, yogis Rex Stromness and Tom Hess open the place up for concerts, retreats and other community events.

2ND PLACE: In Motion Fitness

3RD PLACE: Chico Sports Club

Chiropractor

1ST PLACE: Tenenbaum Chiropractic

Mark Tenenbaum, aka Dr. Mark, and his staff are popular among many area residents for their professionalism, overall knowledge, friendliness and for making chiropractic care affordable. Tenenbaum Chiropractic specializes in chiropractic adjustments and massage and is regularly in the running for Best Chiropractor. “Top-notch, professional service with the best price in town” is how one client sums it up.

2ND PLACE: Preference Chiropractic

3RD PLACE: Spine Chiropractic

Massage therapist

1ST PLACE: Jenni Miller

Visitors to Prana Endura Therapeutic Massage and Yoga swear by certified massage therapist Jenni Miller’s expertise. Miller offers personalized massage therapies and has studied many areas of specialization within her field. Need a lymphatic massage? Sure thing. How about prenatal therapy or a deep-tissue session? She’s got you covered. One client describes her time on the table as “Amazing! I felt like I was walking on clouds for an hour after she was done.”

2ND PLACE: Babette Maiss

3RD PLACE: Kristen Bobertz

Gym

1ST PLACE: In Motion Fitness

Do you even lift, bro? If you do pump iron—or like to swim or take yoga, spin and crossfit classes—chances are we’ll see you at In Motion Fitness. At Chico’s biggest gym, it seems like everyone you know has a membership. It’s so poppin’ in the evenings on weekdays, members sometimes have to head to the overflow parking lot. And with a sweeping $2 million expansion currently underway, In Mo is only getting bigger and better.

2ND PLACE: Chico Sports Club

3RD PLACE: NorCal Strength & Conditioning

Martial arts studio

1ST PLACE: Azad’s Martial Arts Family Center

No matter what your skill level or age, Azad’s Martial Arts Family Center has a class for you. Run by Grandmaster Farshad Azad, a black belt several times over and founder of two different forms of martial arts, this training center is no-nonsense all the way. In addition to athletic advancement, students can learn agility, self-defense and to truly master the martial arts.

2ND PLACE: Americana Brazilian Jui-Jitsu

3RD PLACE: Haley’s Martial Arts Center

Place for kids to play

1ST PLACE: Caper Acres

Humpty Dumpty, a giant sea serpent, humongous blocks of Swiss cheese with holes to explore. These are just a few of the fun features at Lower Bidwell Park’s iconic fairytale-themed playground. Generations of Chicoans have enjoyed this kids’ play space at One-Mile Recreation Area, and due to its popularity, future generations will, too.

2ND PLACE: Bidwell Park

3RD PLACE: In Motion Fitness

Veterinarian

1ST PLACE: VCA Valley Oak Veterinary Center

Chicoans love their pets and when it comes to keeping them healthy, they repeatedly turn to Valley Oak Veterinary Center. Walk-in hours go till 8 p.m. on weekdays, while emergency service is available 24/7, making Valley Oak a go-to spot for impromptu and after-hours pet care. With boarding options and a vaccine clinic every Sunday, it’s easy to see why Chicoans keep bringing their furry friends back to Valley Oak.

2ND PLACE: Evers Veterinary Clinic

3RD PLACE: Chico Animal Hospital