Los Feliz Ledger [ family matters ]
A Holiday Wish: Take Care of Yourself & Take Time for Others By Kathy A. McDonald / Ledger Columnist My dad had an emergency, quadruple by-pass operation the week before Christmas last year. Our worries were whether he would “convert,� not to another religion, but in medical jargon whether his heart would return to a normal rhythm. It did and he was able to leave the hospital just before the holiday. We exchanged gifts in his room at an extended care facility. Although stressful, the best gift of all last year was that my dad was OK. This year one of my dear friends is in the midst of treatment for breast cancer. I’m sure most who read this know someone who’s had to face this disease, which comes with a terrible learning curve for each patient. Today’s healthcare system demands that patients must educate and advocate for themselves. Finding a pain medication for my dad postsurgery, one that would help him sleep most of the night, was way more difficult than it should have been. My friend has to decide which kind of chemotherapy, or not, makes sense for her. So I’m reminding all par-
ents, of every age, to make sure they are up-to-date on their check-ups and for women, mammograms. I know sometimes it’s easier to avoid the annual visit but there’s no denying how essential it can be. My dad discovered his heart condition through a stress test
I’m reminding all parents, of every age, to make sure they are up-to-date on their check-ups and for women, mammograms. I know sometimes it’s easier to avoid the annual visit but there’s no denying how essential it can be. he almost put off. Two friends have detected malignant lumps via self-breast exams; two others were diagnosed after annual mammograms. Fighting and recovering from a life threatening illness takes both strength of character and support from family and friends. My friend’s blog movingly confirms this: “No talisman, no amount of flowers, cookies, chicken soup can possibly touch the wealth I feel from all the care of friends and family. I am blessed so many times over that I’ve lost count,�
Bikram Yoga Silverlake Hosts 2nd Annual Toy Drive SILVER LAKE—Bikram Yoga SilverLake is hosting it’s 2nd annual toy drive, through Dec. 18th. Those dropping off a new toy—unwrapped and in original packaging—will receive 10% off a monthly unlimited program or 15% off a three-month unlimited or annual class package. Toys will be donated to seriously injured children at
she writes. Her daughter returned home from college to be with her. “Just having a momentary cuddle with her, she said, watching “The Lady From Shanghai�—was spectacularly healing. Should make us all realize that we
Rancho Los Amigos Hospital. Toys such as board games, puzzles, dolls and stuffed animals are preferred as many of the children receiving the gifts have limited mobility. According to Birkam Yoga Silver Lake owner, Nicole Gogolak, no purchase is necessary and all in the community is encouraged to donate.
shouldn’t wait for sickness or crisis to take those moments in our lives.� My holiday wishes to all this year: make time, even if it’s just a few minutes, to enjoy your children and see what wonderful people they’ve become. And, please take care of yourself because children, even adult ones, want you home for the holidays.
Love, Desire & Attachment Workshop, Dec. 1st The topic of creating stable, loving and fulfilling relationships by understanding why relationships fail, will be discussed Dec. 1st, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Philosophical Research Society, 3910 Los Feliz Blvd. The workshop will be led by British-born Buddhist nun Gen Kelsang Dao, resident teacher of Khandakapala Buddhist Center. $60. Information: (323) 223-0610 or www.meditateinla.org
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HEALTH & FAMILY
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