CTW Magazine January-February 2015

Fitness & Your Heart YOGA EVERYONE IN AGOURA HILLS

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 www.ctwmag.com

NATURAL APPROACH TO CHOLESTEROL KNOWING THE SYMPTOMS OF STROKE GMOS: OUR HEALTH & OUR PLANET MANAGING HYPERTENSION

THE # HEALTHY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE IN SO CAL!

Contents

FITNESS AND YOUR HEART JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

DEPARTMENTS

14/

06/ PUBLISHER’S LETTER

The Keys to Well-being

28/ NATURAL APPROACH

Cholesterol Is Your Friend, Not Your Enemy

by Dr. Sharon Norling

28/

18/ 22/ 36/ FYI

Wear Your Awareness Colors!

38/ BEYOND GREEN LIVING

Steve Jobs’ Final Advice — “Actualize Yourself”

by Jan Tucker, MBA

38/

FEATURES 40/ DIRECTORY LISTING 46/ RECIPE

Quinoa Granola

10/ CONNECTION

Yoga Everyone— Choosing a Path of Service in Our Community

by Alicia Doyle

14/ SPECIAL HEALTH BULLETIN

GMO and Its Long-Term Implications

Want a Better Body? It’s Not as Hard as You Think!

22/ HEALTH VIEW 2

High Blood Pressure and New Guidelines

CTW MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

Knowing the Signs of Stroke Could Save Your Life

by Sarah Doss

32/ MIND & SPIRIT

Opening Your Heart to Life

by Wayne M. Levine

by Esta McIntyre

by Susan Stewart, Stacey Hall and Zen Honeycutt

18/ HEALTH VIEW 1

24/ HEALTH VIEW 3

by Skylar Steinberg and Alon Steinberg, MD, FACC

37/ PHYSICIAN PROFILE

Dr. Anthony Virella

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SINUS INSTITUTE Alen Cohen M.D., F.A.C.S.

Board-Certiﬁed Nose and Sinus Surgeon

2013 Los Angeles Magazine Super Doctor Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery, UCLA

BREATHE FREE AGAIN

TREATMENT OPTIONS INCLUDE: • • • • • SPECIALIZING IN THE FOLLOWING NASAL & SINUS CONDITIONS: • Nasal Obstruction / Deviated Septum • Acute & Chronic Sinusitis • Nasal Polyps • Sinus Headaches • Environmental Allergies Unresponsive to Medical Therapy

In-Ofﬁce Laser Coblation of Turbinates In-Ofﬁce Balloon SinuplastyTM Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Sinus Surgery (MIGSS)TM Minimally Invasive Septoplasty Minimally Invasive Turbinate Reduction

ADVANTAGES OF OUR IN-OFFICE MINI-SINUS CT SCAN • 20 Seconds to perform • 1/5th the Radiation Dose of a Regular CT Scan of the Sinuses

Call Dr. Cohen, he can help! 818.888.7878

www.SoCalSinus.com 7345 Medical Center Drive, Suite 510 West Hills, CA 91307 WE ACCEPT ALL PPO INSURANCES

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

THE KEYS TO WELL-BEING

THE KEYS TO WELL-BEING From my heart to yours… With heartfelt regret…. You are in my heart always…. My heart aches for you… All these sentiments and so many that we use to express our deepest sincerity usually make reference to the heart. Why is that?

ANN K. CASTLE FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & PUBLISHER

Our heart center is where we carry our inner-most emotions. It is the most important muscle in our bodies that reacts when joyful, stressed, sad, frightened or even angry. We feel a flutter, palpitations, an anxious tightness or that feeling expressed with the phrase, “my heart was in my throat.” We place our right hand over our hearts when reacting to a heartfelt story or when we pledge allegiance to our nation’s flag. All the emotional reactions within our heart center can also be warning signs calling for attention and medical assessment. Keeping a hearthealthy diet and fitness regimen and including the elements for a spiritual connection are the keys to maintaining overall well-being. Just one key doesn’t open the door to a healthy lifestyle. Add fresh nutrients to your body, movement to maintain core strength and for cardiovascular health and range of motion, and connect with your spiritual self in a sacred space—whether it’s at church, temple or by the ocean. In this issue, we explore the important facts about your cholesterol levels, staying on the path to actively aging; understanding the negative impact of GMOs on our bodies and our planet, hypertension, introducing Samantha Kinkaid of Yoga Everyone and much more. From my heart to yours, I do hope you enjoy this new bimonthly issue and start the New Year with the resolution to maintain your state of total wellbeing by honoring all aspects of you. With Peace, Love, Blessings and Gratitude,

Ann

CTW MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

MARCH/ APRIL ISSUE In the next issue, we cover the importance of effective pain management and critical sleep time for overall health. This second issue of the year will be available online and in stands near you during the months of March and April. www.ctwmag.com

FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, PUBLISHER

ANN K. CASTLE

MARKETING DIRECTOR AND WEBMASTER DUSTIN SOEKER CREATIVE DIRECTOR JODY L. LEVITAN COPY EDITING JAN TUCKER, MBA ACCOUNTING DONNA BRYANT PHOTOGRAPHY SHANI BAREL CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SARAH DOSS ALICIA DOYLE STACEY HALL ZEN HONEYCUTT WAYNE M. LEVINE, MA ESTA MCINTYRE SHARON NORLING, MD, MBA ALON STEINBERG, MD, FACC SKYLAR STEINBERG SUSAN STEWART JAN TUCKER, MBA CURRENT COVERAGE AREAS MONTHLY TO VENTURA COUNTY, WEST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, MALIBU AND THE CONEJO VALLEY; AGOURA HILLS, CALABASAS, CAMARILO, MOORPARK, NEWBURY PARK, NORTHRIDGE, OAK PARK, OXNARD, SIMI VALLEY, THOUSAND OAKS, VENTURA, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, WEST HILLS, WOODLAND HILLS

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES MARIAN GREEN marian@ctwmag.com 818.943.0751 EDITORIAL INQUIRIES ANN K. CASTLE ann@ctwmag.com or 805.341.2972 ALL OTHER INQUIRIES info@ctwmag.com

Private therapeutic yoga and meditation practices for children, adults & seniors.

AUTISM ANXIETY PAIN MANAGEMENT INSOMNIA TRAUMA Samantha Kinkaid 818 620 2335 samantha@yogaeveryone.com

CTW MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

ADVISORY BOARD

ANDREA DOCTOR, LCSW, DCSW Home Health Administrator for Buena Vista Palliative Care and Home Health STEVEN GREENMAN, DDS Specializing in Advanced Cosmetic, Implant & Sedation Dentistry, Snoring & Sleep Apnea HILDA MALDONADO, MD Specializing in Functional Medicine, Anti-Aging Medicine & Hormone Therapy SHARON NORLING, MD Board Certified OB/GYN, Holistic/Integrative Medicine, Medical Acupuncture, Nutrition & Functional Medicine DENISE NOYER-EREZ, LAC, FABORM Licensed Acupuncturist Specializing in Women’s Health ADITYA SHARMA, PHD Founder of Geeta Ayurvedic Specializing in ayurvedic and herbal medicine ALON STEINBERG, MD, FACC Board Certified Cardiologist JAN TUCKER, MBA Founder of Whitelotusliving.com Specializing in green living, environmental awareness & spiritual yoga DAVID VILLARREAL, DDS Centers for Healing Specializing in Holistic Dentistry

WWW.CTWMAG.COM The opinions expressed here are those of the individual writer and not necessarily those of the publishers or management of YHC Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Publication of the name or photo of any person or organization in YHC Magazine should not be construed as an indication of that person’s expressed opinion. Advertisers and their agencies assume responsibility and liability for the content of their advertisement in YHC Magazine. Photographers whose work is published in any advertising or editorial content within YHC Magazine agree to indemnify and save harmless the publishers from all liability, loss and expense due to a photographer’s failure to gain a model release. YHC Magazine is not responsible for loss of or damage to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork, or any other unsolicited material. Unsolicited material will not be returned. YHC Magazine’s liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction. YHC Magazine does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein.

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

CONNECTION

YOGA EVERYONE

YOGA EVERYO CHOOSING A PATH OF SERV story by Alicia Doyle photography by Shani Barel

CTW MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

If each of us could look inward and then extend outward the best of ourselves, we would affect positive change in our relationships and our world

WITH VAST MEDITATION AND YOGA EXPERIENCE, SAMANTHA KINKAID’S PASSION IS WORKING WITH CHILDREN—THOSE WHO ARE GIFTED OR TYPICALLY DEVELOPING, AS WELL AS THOSE WITH AUTISM, SENSORY AND SOCIAL LEARNING CHALLENGES, ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION.

“I also work with individuals of all ages with trauma and related challenges, such as chronic and high stress, insomnia, anger and chronic pain,” said Kinkaid, whose experience with meditation and yoga spans more than three decades. “Professionally, I have been a meditation instructor and therapeutic yoga teacher for over 10 years,” said Kinkaid, who hails originally from the United Kingdom and resides in Oak Park with her husband and two young daughters. Her private practice specializes in Social Flexibility Yoga for youth with autism and sensory and social learning challenges as well as Yoga Care Therapeutics for adults seeking therapeutic support for their body and mind. “These unique programs were designed to serve the need I saw in my community,” she said. “I also teach iRest Yoga Nidra [iRest stands for integrative restoration], a deeply relaxing practice especially effective

for individuals with PTSD, chronic pain and sleep issues.” Kinkaid is also the director of youth programs for the Integrative Restoration Institute, a non-profit in the Bay Area, which works to prevent and alleviate suffering through their iRest trainings. She works with clients as young as six to those at the end of life in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, Conejo Valley, Simi Valley and Malibu, in addition to working with clients from outside the state through Skype or Google Chat. Clients are seen one-on-one and in small groups, depending on the need. She often works in tandem with psychotherapists and physical therapists. Additionally, Kinkaid leads meditation workshops and retreats.

I N S P I R AT I O N AT A YO U N G A G E Kinkaid’s current vocation was inspired at age 12 when her mother

ONE VICE IN OUR COMMUNITY JANUARY/FEBRUARY CTWMAG.COM

| 11

Re-Balance Don't know what’s WRONG?

Get Yourself Tested To accurately diagnose and help guide treatment of ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Insomnia, and Mood Dysregulation, we are now offering

NEUROTRANSMITTER TESTING Entails testing for abnormalities in Brain chemistry. By correcting Brain chemistry with medications and natural supplements we can bring the balance back, thereby ensuring optimum emotional and physical well being.

Get Your life in balance. Get tested today.

FAMILY PSYCHIATRY A Division of Westlake Wellness Center

Sabira Saifuddin MD Medical Director

805-341-3416 www.cuttingedgepsychiatry.com 5655 Lindero Canyon Road, Suite 405 Westlake Village, CA 91362 12

CTW MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

CONNECTION

YOGA EVERYONE

introduced her to volunteering. “I started going with her to a local home for children with special healthcare needs outside of Chicago,” Kinkaid recalled. “This sparked a curiosity in me about service work and a heartfelt connection to those without a voice.” Corporate burnout came in all its glory in her 30s and she returned to service work, choosing specifically to work with youth and with individuals in hospice. “My grandmother, a nurse during World War II in England, was the one who indirectly led me to hospice work,” Kinkaid remembered. “Two strong and compassionate female figures in my life inspired me in this path of service.” Deeply touched by clients’ needs, she sought to raise more public awareness of the benefits of what she calls wisdom practices, and looked for collaborative opportunities to enrich her community. For instance, in the fall of 2010, she sponsored Street Yoga from Portland, Oregon, which serves at-risk youth by offering the first Street Yoga teacher training in the greater Los Angeles area. Two years later, she sponsored Mindful Schools based in the Bay Area, which brings mindfulness practices into elementary schools by presenting the first mindfulness curriculum training program in Los Angeles. She is currently writing the curriculum for a national training program that supports youth K through 12. “If today’s youth had greater access to the resources found within meditation and yoga practices, it would transform their lives,” Kinkaid said. “We are a global community now. If each of us could look inward and then extend outward the best of ourselves, we would affect positive change in our relationships and our world.”

INCLUSIVITY “In my private practice, I help individuals and families reconnect to

their physical and emotional health, their vitality and joy,” Kinkaid said. “I am blessed to also have the ability to work with like-minded professionals and organizations around the world.” One of her biggest goals is inclusivity. “I want to positively influence perception so more people will consider a meditation practice a retreat or therapeutic yoga as part of their daily or weekly routine—for themselves and their families. The research has been done. The science now proves without a doubt the benefit to our health and well-being.” Kinkaid also teaches that yoga isn’t about the posture on the mat. “Yoga is truly about authentic and compassionate connection with each moment, regardless of what we

are doing or who we are with,” she said. “There is a clarity and ease that springs forth when we touch on this.” “Without exception I have seen the true value of these practices with children with autism and anxiety, adults with chronic pain and severe trauma, and clients at the end of life. It is my sincere hope that those who may feel intimidated or overwhelmed will accept an open invitation to see for themselves.” For more information call 818.620.2335 or visit www.yogaeveryone.com.

Paint Ventura County Red! Friday, February 13, 2015 Hyatt Westlake Plaza 880 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village 10:30am - 1:30pm Nationally Sponsored By:

Media Sponsor:

Reserve Your Seat Today! Table of Ten—$2,000 Individual Ticket—$150* *On Sale January 1, 2015 goredvc.heart.org | (805) 445-7050 | vcevents@heart.org

Locally Sponsored By:

JANUARY/FEBRUARY CTWMAG.COM

| 13

SPECIAL HEALTH BULLETIN

GMO—ITS LONG TERM IMPLICATIONS

IN 1996 THE FIRST GENETICALLY ENGINEERED (GE) CROPS WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE MARKET PLACE, LURING THE PUBLIC AND FARMERS IN WITH GRAND PROMISES OF DECREASED USE OF HERBICIDES/ PESTICIDES, INCREASED YIELDS AND PROFITS, NO CROSS-CONTAMINATION OF NON-GMO AND ORGANIC FIELDS, NO DEVELOPMENT OF RESISTANCE BY WEEDS AND PESTS. AND, OF COURSE, THEY WERE PERFECTLY SAFE.

GMO ITS LONG-TERM IMPLICATIONS FOR OUR HEALTH & THAT OF THE PLANET by Susan Stewart, Stacey Hall and Zen Honeycutt

CTW MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

There are many things each of us can do now to protect our health and that of our environment.

So how are these promises and claims of safety working out? Turns out, dismally. After nearly 20 years this radical technology has resulted in vastly increased use of herbicides and pesticides, decreased yields – no better than and often worse than non-GMO and organic methods, contamination of non-GMO and organic fields, the development of resistant superweeds and superpests - leading to larger quantities of toxic chemicals. Other impacts: reliance on monocultures (single crops) with lack of diversity/loss of seeds, destruction of habitat and poisoning of pollinators (bees, butterflies, birds and bats) and wildlife, destruction of beneficial soil organisms/insects, soil/ water contamination, along with toxic residues on food.

WHAT ARE GMOS (GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS) AND WHERE ARE THEY? GMOs/GE products have the genetic material of completely unrelated species (viral, bacterial, plant, human, animal) combined in a laboratory. This cannot/does not occur in nature. Two of the primary traits engineered are tolerant to the massive spraying of herbicide (primarily Monsanto’s RoundUp/ glyphosate) and the imbedding of the Bt (bacillus thuringiensis) toxin gene in the seed itself which produces its own pesticide.

The main products that are GE currently are: corn, soy, cottonseed, zucchini, Hawaiian papaya, alfalfa, sugar beets with many more crops AND GE animals planned.

ARE THERE HEALTH CONCERNS AND WHY DON’T WE KNOW MORE? To ensure the public stays passive, the biotech/chemical companies tightly controls the release of information on their products, including restricting the availability of their seeds for independent research. To make matters worse, this industry has a revolving door with our government regulatory agencies. Although difficult to make a direct cause and effect link between GMOs and our chemically dependent agricultural system due to the above mentioned obstacles as well as the accumulative, and long term nature of the exposure, more and more independent experts show strong correlation (humans and animals) with damage to immune, endocrine, reproductive, nervous systems; allergies, Parkinson’s, and cancer.

DO WE HAVE ANY OTHER WAY TO INFER THE IMPACT ON OUR HEALTH? YES – THROUGH THE EXPERIENCES OF REAL PEOPLE! The following people have agreed to share their stories in hopes of inspiring and helping others: KIM AND DON At the age of 5 our daughter, Jessica, began having Tourette-like symptoms such as rolling her neck, slapping herself, screaming, blinking excessively, vocal ticks and other uncontrolled behaviors. In spite of consulting with a number of doctors and specialists, no one was able to diagnose her condition, nor suggest any help in treating it. After years of searching for answers, including trying a number of diets without success, we decided to remove Genetically Modified (GM) foods from her diet. Jessica’s

JANUARY/FEBRUARY CTWMAG.COM

| 15

SPECIAL HEALTH BULLETIN

GMO—ITS LONG TERM IMPLICATIONS

condition drastically improved within three weeks of eliminating GMOs. She is now 12 years old and continues to do well on a GMO-free diet. (www. SafePlate.net) The 5 testimonials below were originally given to MomsAcrossAmerica.com. CINDY My son has had severe autism. As a single mom who makes a limited income, it’s tough but we only eat organic because I found out about GMOs about 2 years ago. When we went organic, after about 2 weeks, my father thought I was giving my son a new drug because he saw such improvements, but I said, “Nope, just went organic.” This year he entered high school and not one of his teachers could tell he used to have severe autism symptoms. He is with the regular classes and is doing well. JENNIFER At 14 months my oldest son was diagnosed with renal tubular acidosis. It is a kidney condition in which the kidney does not properly dispose of the acid in the blood. This stunts growth and, in turn, he is pretty small. In 2008 I asked his nephrologist if diet mattered and she simply said no. Luckily my gut was screaming something else. After having 3 more kids and losing my Dad to cancer, once the fog lifted, I realized we needed to make a change. All that time my son wasn’t really growing. Last year I switched my entire house to an organic (and when not available at least a NON-GMO) diet, and guess what - he is growing!!! He is being weaned off his meds as we speak! So I don’t need Monsanto to try to convince me their “food” is safe. We have our own little experiment here that tells me otherwise! Actually, ALL of my kids (including one who was asthmatic) thrive on an organic diet! MARTINA I have/had Crohn’s and it is terrible. I got it in 1999 at age 18 and went on numerous medications. I ate GMOs back then and I am certain that is why I got it. At one point I just wanted to die, the pain was so great. 16

CTW MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

I understand this misery. I now eat only organic and I am not on any medications – it’s been about 7 years since my last med. MORGAN I had an auto immune disease for 8 years. I was on different medications for it and actually had surgery for it. It was a living nightmare. I took GMOs almost completely out of my diet 8 months ago and the symptoms are gone! I know, first hand, how devastating the effects are. Doctors said there is no cure for my disease. I found the cure…stop eating GMOs!!! KAREN My 7 year old son was diagnosed with asthma and also needed glasses. I started learning about asthma and natural ways to control it. Then I found out about GMOs. I removed my family from GMO foods/drinks. My 7 year old went from needing a nebulizer three times a day to not at all. His asthma disappeared. He also no longer had the stigmatism that required glasses. The eye doctor said he must have had “some sort of inflammation” that is now gone for whatever reason. The reason was removing GMOs from our diets. He was recommended for retention (?) last year. This year, he is at the top of his class.

WE GET HEALTHIER WHEN WE GET OFF GMOS! What Are the Solutions? We do need to continue to pressure our government representatives (local and federal) to require labeling

of GMOs, as well as support the rights of individual municipalities and states to ban GMOs. Farmers should also be allowed legal recourse to protect their non-GMO and organic crops from the irresponsible contamination by GMOs and toxic pesticides/herbicides. There are many things each of us can do now to protect our health and that of our environment: 1. Stop using toxic pesticides/herbicides around and in your home and ask your HOA and city to do the same. 2. Plant bee and pollinator friendly gardens. 3. Grow some of your own food. 4. Most importantly – vote with your pocketbook by supporting organic products and farmers. REMEMBER THAT WHATEVER YOU SPEND YOUR MONEY ON YOU CAN EXPECT MORE OF, SO CHOOSE WISELY – FOR YOURSELF AS WELL AS FUTURE GENERATIONS. Websites: MomsAcrossAmerica.com, LabelGMOs.org, allergykids.com, organicconsumers.org, responsibletechnology.org. Documentaries: Bought, Unacceptable Levels, GMO OMG – can be obtained through MomsAcrossAmerica.com Genetic Roulette – responsibletechnology.org

Complete Body tightening & FaCial aesthetiC Sherry Thomas MD, MPH, FACOG Board Certified Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery Board Certified American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology Certified Thermi Aesthetic SPECIALTY Complete Body Tightening & Facial Aesthetic Using the Novel Thermi Technology

thermi smooth Is a noninvasive procedure for improving skin laxity. It is ideal for treating the problem areas around eyes, mouth, cheeks and neck. thermi tight is a technique that enables temperature controlled radio frequency directly underneath the skin with a tiny probe removing local fat and laxity on the face and body resulting in lifting, contouring and tightening.

Holistic Dentistry

Biological Dentistry

Estrella Natural

IV Therapy

Massage Therapy

Dental Fillings

Amalgam Removal

Approaching dentistry with the overall health of the mind, body, and spirit.

Recognizes the impact of toxic materials and relates it to dental and physiological health.

Oral Care Products developed by Dr. David himself, provides a natural approach to your oral home care.

Intravenous therapy is the infusion of liquid substances directly into a vein.

Healing the disharmonies between internal organs and blockages to the circulation of Chi, or energy, through meridians.

Live without the added physical burden of unsafe metals.

Safe metal filling removal is imperative for preserving your health.

Dr. David Villarreal

Owner and Formulator of Estrella Natural Oral Care Products

805-375-2233

1000 Newbury Rd., Suite 225 â&#x20AC;˘ Newbury Park, CA 91320 www.CentersForHealing.net JANUARY/FEBRUARY CTWMAG.COM

| 17

HEALTH VIEW 1

WANT A BETTER BODY?

CTW MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

WANT A BETTER BODY? IT’S NOT AS HARD AS YOU THINK! by Esta McIntyre

JANUARY IS HERE. RIGHT ABOUT NOW, YOU’RE DRAWING IN A DEEP BREATH AND EMBARKING UPON YOUR CHOSEN PATH TO BETTER HEALTH BASED ON THE FLOOD OF FITNESS FORECASTS AND FIXES SUPPLIED BY THOUGHTFUL ADVERTISERS THROUGHOUT DECEMBER, FOLLOWING WHAT WAS LIKELY A FRENETIC FOOD FEST THAT BEGAN ON HALLOWEEN AND ENDED NEW YEAR’S DAY! But don’t worry—you’re guaranteed to succeed, as pledged by the plethora of media hype touting the latest and greatest products and services. In fact, Americans will spend more than $60 billion annually in an attempt to lose weight and look younger. No matter what methods you embrace, one thing is for sure— ongoing change is imminent.

exercise program is your sense of humor! How is it possible to attain improved health without employing extreme fitness programs? As long as you’re not looking for a quick fix, it may be easier than you think.

Most of us hate change and I am no exception. American inventor Charles Kettering declared, “People are very open-minded about new things as long as they’re exactly like the old ones.”

When I start working with a new client, I never prescribe a fitness plan I think they can’t (or won’t) stick to. The first step on the road to improved health for all of us is to take an inventory of what changes we will or won’t implement. This includes making a list of foods we loathe and movements we’re either afraid of and/or intensely dislike.

I am a personal trainer and a proponent of getting and staying in shape, yet I abhor diets and deprivation. It has been said, “We’re the country that has more food to eat than any other country in the world, and with more diets to keep us from eating it.” As a fitness professional, many of my clients are surprised that I don’t believe in diets or austere food or movement plans. As a matter of fact, I’ve tried most of these fitness regimens. It’s my sincere belief that the first thing you lose on a diet and crazy

I’m aware that this is a counterintuitive approach, but I’ve learned that it’s nearly impossible to make someone do what they hate, especially for the long term. Once we’ve established what we absolutely will not do, everything else is fair game. Then and only then can we create an individuallytailored program we can adhere to for a lifetime.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY CTWMAG.COM

| 19

HEALTH VIEW 1

WANT A BETTER BODY?

Our input drives our thoughts and beliefs and what we believe drives our actions. It’s critical to control your input!

MINDSET IS KEY I would be remiss if I did not address the most significant component of achieving physical health—the thought process. Mindset is a critical piece of the good health puzzle. Our input drives our thoughts and beliefs and what we believe drives our actions. It’s critical to control your input! New York Times best-selling author Dave Barry asserts, “My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far I’ve finished two bags of M&Ms and a chocolate cake. I feel better already.” Once we receive positive input, it’s essential to weave it into a fabric of fitness rather than a fabric of failure.

FOUR EASY STEPS TO SUCCESS Rather than providing another New Year’s resolution extreme solution, let me offer some small changes that can yield big results: 1. The benefits of a dose of gratitude are undeniable.

what in the universe you have to be grateful about, know that your world is full of blessings whether you recognize them or not. The truth is that ingratitude is a habit and any habit can be changed. 2. You don’t keep habits, they keep you! Replace the bad habits by developing better ones. Evaluate current bad habits and decide which you can eliminate or replace. The most important step is being honest when assessing where shortcomings exist. Being willing to implement change is essential. As the brilliant writer and cartoonist Charles Shultz said, “I never made a mistake in my life. I thought I did once, but I was wrong.” If you’re unsure about which of your adopted patterns are detrimental, meet with a qualified fitness professional who can provide guidance. 3. Make simple daily modifications. As mentioned above, attaining good health habits is not an all-or-nothing proposition. Here are some suggestions that can assist in heightening good health:

As we embark upon a journey of attaining better health, we don’t usually include gratitude as part of our plan of action. As irrational as it may seem, investing a few minutes each day indulging in earnest feelings of thankfulness can be tremendously beneficial. Being grateful instills confidence. Indeed, when we focus on the amazements of our lives, it’s extremely difficult to feel down.

• Add five more grams of fiber to your daily meal plan.

American poet James Oppenheim wrote, “The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet.” Don’t wait to be thankful. If you’re wondering

• Add 10 minutes of walking to your daily exercise regimen.

CTW MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

• Minimize refined carbohydrates such as white bread, white rice and excessive sweets. • Avoid foods with trans fats. • Add two more servings of vegetables at lunch and dinner. • Drink three more glasses of water each day.

• Take a break every hour at work and walk 500 steps in place (2,000 steps burns 100 calories).

• Wake up 15 minutes earlier and walk before work. 4. Planning provides peace, not punishment. Most of my clients have every moment of their lives accounted for. They know exactly where they will be at 4:00 p.m. tomorrow. They know what time to pick up the kids from soccer practice but cannot identify what they will have for dinner. Take some time over the weekend to plan meals for the coming week so you won’t be standing in front of the open refrigerator at dinner time waiting for the appropriate fare to leap out. Strategizing ahead of time eliminates the panic that arises out of lastminute meal-concocting chaos. Keep in mind that willpower is finite, and eliminating the arduous task of making choices, especially when you’re fatigued, diminishes the possibility of decision disappointments. As you press the reset button on your road to a healthier lifestyle in this New Year, remember to keep your smile and sense of humor. Hold on to the fact that failure is never fatal as long as you never give up. If adopting a healthy lifestyle has been an ongoing struggle, don’t be discouraged; keep hitting the reset button. It’s often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock! Esta McIntyre is a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer with advanced certifications in corrective exercise and weight loss specialties. For additional background information about Esta’s experience and studio offerings, visit www.myhealthstudio.com.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY CTWMAG.COM

| 21

HEALTH VIEW 2

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE NEW HYPERTENSION GUIDELINES

by Skylar Steinberg and Alon Steinberg, MD, FACC

BLOOD PRESSURE, ONE OF THE PRINCIPLE VITAL SIGNS, IS A MEASURE OF THE FORCE OF THE BLOOD PUSHING AGAINST THE WALL OF THE ARTERY WHEN HEART BEATS.

CTW MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

When the heart contracts it exerts a higher pressure on the walls. This is called systolic pressure (top and higher number). When the heart relaxes the pressure drops. This is called diastolic pressure (bottom and lower number). Blood pressure is provided as two numbers—the systolic over the diastolic (e.g., 120/80). Each number is expressed in terms of millimeters of mercury (mmHg). When taking your blood pressure, it should be done in a quiet room after a short period of rest. No matter how your blood pressure is measured, it will always be variable with moment-to-moment changes influenced by many factors. Blood pressure can be influenced by respiration, emotions, diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol, pain and time of day.

BLOOD PRESSURE C O N S I D E R AT I O N S It is impossible to modify all the factors that influence blood pressure, but they need to be considered.

Blood pressure cuffs should cover about two thirds of the upper arm. A small cuff can overestimate your blood pressure and a large cuff can underestimate it. Rest at least a few minutes before proceeding with taking your blood pressure. When taking a measurement it is important that your wrist is at the level of the heart. One can stretch your arm on a desk or counter to level it with your heart. Leaving your wrist/forearm below the heart level can overestimate your blood pressure. Hypertension means high blood pressure. This is a common condition that can lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and death if not detected early and treated. Evidence from randomized clinical trials has shown the effectiveness of treating high blood pressure in reducing one’s risks. About 80 percent of U.S. patients with high blood pressure are aware they have it and only about 70 percent of patients with hypertension are on treatment with medications. About 50 percent of people with hypertension are treated to the appropriate goal reduction.

O P T I M I Z I N G T R E AT M E N T It is important for you to self-monitor and know your blood pressure and goal blood pressure in order to optimize treatment. Hypertension guidelines were revised just over a year ago and blood pressure treatment goals were actually relaxed. Following are the current evidence-based guidelines for management of high blood pressure in adults, recommended by the Eighth Joint National Committee, appointed by the American Medical Association:

Anxiety can increase blood pressure by 30 to 60 mmHg. Anxiety is regarded as a body defense alarm.

PATIENT PATIENT SUBGROUP SUBGROUP

Anxiety that occurs in the doctor’s office without additional stress is called “white coat hypertension.” This type of hypertension should not be treated if the person has normal blood pressures at home. It is important to purchase your own blood pressure monitor and check your blood pressure regularly outside of the doctor’s office.

60 years old or older

under 150

under 90

Under 60 years old

under 140

under 90

Over 18 years old with chronic kidney disease

under 140

under 90

Over 18 years old with diabetes

under 140

under 90

Quality automated monitors are usually accurate, but it is important to calibrate your blood pressure machine by checking it against your clinician’s monitor. Pharmacy blood pressure monitors are also fairly accurate if you are average in size (it is one size fits all).

TARGET TARGET TARGET SYSTOLIC SYSTOLIC TARGET DIASTOLIC DIASTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE BLOOD BLOOD PRESSURE BLOOD PRESSURE PRESSURE (MMHG) (MMHG) (MMHG) (MMHG)

Dr. Alon Steinberg is a board certified cardiologist practicing with Cardiology Associates Medical Group. He is currently the chief of the Division of Cardiology at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura. For more information visit www.cardiacadvantage.com or call 805.278.4020. Skylar Steinberg is a current sophomore at University of Southern California studying and majoring in health promotion and disease prevention.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY CTWMAG.COM

| 23

HEALTH VIEW 3

SIGNS OF STROKE

SIGNS OF

KNOWING THEM COULD by Sarah Doss

MOST PEOPLE WOULD NEVER PREDICT THEY COULD SUFFER FROM A STROKE, BUT STROKE IS THE NUMBER THREE KILLER OF BOTH MEN AND WOMEN IN AMERICA, RIGHT BEHIND HEART DISEASE AND CANCER. STROKE IS OFTEN AN UNNOTICED, YET FATAL DISEASE AND IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF LONG-TERM DISABILITY, CLAIMING THOUSANDS OF AMERICANS A YEAR.

CTW MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

STROKE

SAVE YOUR LIFE W H AT I S S T R O K E ?

SIGNS OF STROKE

According to the American Stroke Association (ASA), a division of the American Heart Association (AHA), the brain is to a stroke as the heart is to a heart attack. A stroke occurs when blood vessels carrying oxygen to the brain are clogged by a blood clot or some other particle. A stroke can also occur when a blood vessel leading to the brain bursts, which can prevent oxygen from getting to part of the brain. Nerve cells in the brain, which often control other parts of the body as well, can die within minutes of not receiving oxygen.

Early detection of a stroke can save lives. In some cases, a stroke is preceded by warning signs or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). The ASA website says that TIAs are often labeled as a “ministroke” but should be more accurately characterized as a “warning stroke” that should be taken very seriously. The only difference between a stroke and a TIA is that the blockage related to a TIA is temporary (transient).

Recent studies by the Centers for Disease Control have found that almost 800,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year, which means, on average, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds in the United States. About one in 17 deaths is caused by a stroke, averaging a death every three to four minutes. Some risk factors of stroke include: • Smoking • Obesity • High blood pressure • Lack of physical activity • Eating foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol • Some birth control methods

According to the ASA, TIAs include one or more of the following symptoms: • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding • Loss of sight in one or both eyes • Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination • Sudden, severe headache with no known reason Once a stroke has occurred, the symptoms are nearly identical to those of a TIA. Diane Gonneau, a former fitness trainer for Countrywide, had a serious stroke 12 years ago while she was instructing an aerobics class. “I started to feel dizzy and realized right then that something was wrong,” said Gonneau. After sitting down, Gonneau tried to speak but all she could utter was mumbling and babble. “My right arm went numb and I passed out,” said Gonneau. When her symptoms presented, a student in her class called 9-1-1 and Gonneau was soon on her way to Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks. For the next 24 hours, she had complete loss of control on her right side and could not speak. For eight months Gonneau went to a speech therapist and was eventually able to go back to work. “I still have aphasia which is when I forget words or thoughts,”

JANUARY/FEBRUARY CTWMAG.COM

| 25

HEALTH VIEW 3

SIGNS OF STROKE

TIA is a warning stroke and gives a patient time to act and keep a permanent stroke from occurring.

said Gonneau, “but I am lucky to have mostly recovered — some are not as fortunate.” Dr. Emil Matarese, director of a primary stroke center at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Pennsylvania says, “While the vast majority of strokes are not preceded by TIA, about a third of people who experience TIA go on to have a stroke within a year.” He says TIA is a warning stroke and gives a patient time to act and keep a permanent stroke from occurring. According to Dr. Matarese, there is no difference in response to a TIA or a stroke. “By recognizing TIA symptoms and getting to the hospital, the patient can get help in identifying why the TIA occurred and get treatment — either through medication or surgery.”

IS STROKE P R E V E N TA B L E ? According to the AHA, healthy habits and appropriate treatments can help prevent stroke. The AHA website states that not smoking, controlling high blood pressure, maintaining healthy blood cholesterol levels, being physically active, and getting regular medical check-ups can largely prevent the risk of both heart disease and stroke. However, Diane Gonneau believes that if it can happen to her, it can happen to anybody. “Good health is never guaranteed,” said Gonneau. She says that her lifestyle and health were optimum before suffering a stroke. “My blood pressure was always normal and I exercised often, I mean, I was a fitness trainer,” exclaimed Gonneau. Gonneau saw a counselor for two years after her stroke to come to terms with such a traumatic event. “I felt like my body had betrayed me,” she said. “When something like that 26

CTW MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

happens, you are never the same — you are constantly on watch for a warning sign,” she said. Gonneau says she is still thankful that she maintained a healthy lifestyle before her sudden and unexpected tragedy. “Because I am healthy, I was able to recover quickly,” she said. “Healthy people cannot prevent bad things, but they can heal faster.” The ASA website says we cannot predict some strokes because everyone has some amount of plaque buildup in our blood vessels. When this plaque breaks apart and gets stuck in our vessels, our risk for stroke increases. Blood clots can occur and go unnoticed for years before causing any obvious damage to the body.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE The AHA has built a campaign called “Know the Warning Signs of Stroke —Call 9-1-1” to make sure that symptoms of a stroke are not misjudged or ignored. Their slogan, “Time lost is brain lost” has been used to support the act of seeking medical attention as soon as you or someone you know experiences the signs of a TIA or stroke. Eric Thompson, director of communications for the American Heart Association, says, “People need to understand the importance of calling 9-1-1 if they experience the symptoms of a stroke.” Stroke symptoms are not necessarily painful; the warning signs often go unrecognized, and people frequently do not seek emergency treatment, says Thompson. “Immediate medical attention can make the difference between life and death and in the quality of life for a stroke survivor.” Research by the AHA has shown that patients with acute stroke who call 9-1-1 and arrive at the ER by ambu-

lance are more likely to be evaluated by an ER physician sooner, get the necessary testing for stroke, and be admitted to the hospital or intensive care unit than patients who arrive any other way. “Plus, medical attention begins as soon as the ambulance arrives, not as soon as you can see a doctor,” said Thompson.

T R E AT M E N T S O F STROKE Routing stroke patients directly to designated stroke centers instead of taking them to the nearest hospital dramatically increased access to a key clot-busting drug that can reduce stroke disability if given within the first few hours of symptoms, researchers reported in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association. The drug, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), is available in some hospitals, but in all primary stroke centers. If provided within three hours of a stroke, tPA has been shown to significantly reduce the effects of permanent disability. For some, tPA is not the prescribed treatment. Diane Gonneau is on a daily dosage of aspirin to ensure that her blood vessels stay clear. But for every case of stroke, immediate attention is highly advised. Local primary stroke centers include Northridge Hospital and the UCLA Stroke Center.

LIFE AFTER STROKE For Gonneau, life after stroke has been about spreading the word of its likelihood and volunteering for the AHA and Los Robles Hospital. She led the Simi Valley Heart Walk in 2009 and is still looking to be a corporate fitness trainer.

For more information on stroke and resources in your area, visit the American Stroke Association website at www.strokeassociation.org.

YHC_HERA_Halfpage 12-4-14_Layout 1 12/5/14 9:50 AM Page 1

HE R A H E A LTHcAR E m ED IcAL PRAcTI cE

mIRELA cERNAIANU mD, fAcOg

H E HOLISTIc

E ST HETI c

R A RESTORATIvE

ANTI-AgINg

THYROID ADRENAL SEXUAL HEALTH SOTTOPELLE ■

■

A convenient and science based Hormone Replacement Therapy cALL US TODAY fOR AN APPOINTmENT ■

BOARD cERTIfIED OBSTETRIcS AND gYNEcOLOgY (ABOg)

805-379-9110

cONvENIENTLY OPEN EvENINgS AND SATURDAYS We accept all major insurance PPO plans and medicare.

■

BOARD cERTIfIED INTEgRATIvE AND HOLISTIc mEDIcINE

910 HAmPSHIRE ROAD, SUITE A, WESTLAkE vILLAgE, cA 91361

www.herahealthcare.com

SEEK YOUR INNER GODDESS!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY CTWMAG.COM

| 27

NATURAL APPROACH

CHOLESTEROL IS YOUR FRIEND, NOT YOUR ENEMY

CHOLESTER YOUR FRIEND, NOT YOUR by Sharon Norling, MD

CTW MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

ROL ENEMY

Acute inflammation is a protective immune response that helps our body fight off infections and repair injuries.

DO YOU EVER WONDER WHY SOMEONE YOU KNEW HAD A STROKE OR A HEART ATTACK? THEY SEEMED HEALTHY AND WERE NOT OVERWEIGHT. PREVENTING HEART DISEASE REQUIRES MUCH MORE THAN SIMPLY SCREENING FOR HIGH CHOLESTEROL. FIFTY PERCENT OF ALL PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCE A HEART ATTACK HAVE NORMAL CHOLESTEROL. Cholesterol is essential for: • Formation and maintenance of cell membranes (essential for life). • Making hormones (progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, cortisol). • Production of bile salts, which help to digest food. • Conversion of sunlight into vitamin D in the skin. Remember, every single one of your cells needs cholesterol to thrive— including those in your brain. Mood disorders can be seen when the cholesterol is too low. We get approximately one-third of our cholesterol from what we eat. Two-thirds of cholesterol is made by the liver. Very low cholesterol may mean your body is shutting down and not able to make its own cholesterol. Are you confused about cholesterol and the need for statins? If so you are not alone. Not only is cholesterol most likely not going to destroy your health (as you have been led to believe), but it is also not the cause of heart disease.

Inflammation is a Main Culprit Cholesterol is not the problem. It is inflammation which creates the

plaques that causes atherosclerosis and heart disease. Heart disease, like so many other diseases, is caused primarily by inflammation. Diabetics have a higher risk of heart disease. Increased blood sugar and diabetes increase insulin levels. Insulin promotes inflammation which promotes cardiovascular disease (CVD), strokes and death. CVD is an inflammatory condition such as arthritis. A recent article published in “Arthritis & Rheumatology” noted, “Overall, there was a 50 percent increased risk of death in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). When looking at causes of specific deaths, patients with RA had a 59 percent increased risk of dying from ischemic heart disease (heart attack) compared with the general population and a 52 percent increased risk of death due to strokes.” Could a hidden food allergy or an infection in your mouth or intestines be causing your heart disease? We know food allergies, gluten sensitivity, celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome are all inflammatory diseases; therefore it should not come as a surprise that they, too, increase the risk of cardiac disease. Gastrointestinal infections can also

JANUARY/FEBRUARY CTWMAG.COM

| 29

NATURAL APPROACH

CHOLESTEROL IS YOUR FRIEND, NOT YOUR ENEMY

increase the risk of heart disease. If you have risks for heart disease or have CVD, have your stool tested. Find the root cause of your inflammation. The right test will help determine the cause.

Metal Toxins in the Blood Evidence-based medicine has clearly shown that clinicians must begin to pay more attention to some of the less obvious factors that play a significant role in the development of obesity, diabetes and CVD. High levels of lead have been known to cause kidney and neurological impairment. But blood levels of lead as low as 5 to 9 ug/dL are associated with an increased risk for all causes of death, cardiovascular disease and cancer. These results, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey’s (NHANES) study, showed that low levels of lead have significant health consequences. According to Andy Menke, PhD, lead exposure even as low as 2 mcg/dl is associated with a 55 percent increase in CVD, an 89 percent increase in heart attacks and a 151 percent increase risk in strokes. It is estimated that 39 percent of the U.S. population has serum levels in that range. Dr. Mark Houston, a cardiologist and associate clinical professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical School and director of the Hypertension Institute at Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville, TN, presents the role of mercury toxicity in hypertension, cardiovascular disease and stroke. The clinical problems associated with mercury toxicity also include heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmias, atherosclerosis and kidney problems. Dr. Houston has been named by “USA Today” as one of the Most 30

CTW MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

Influential Doctors in the U.S., as well as one of the Consumer Research Council’s top physicians in hypertension. He has published more than 200 scientific articles and has also authored five books including “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Heart Disease,” and “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Hypertension.” He has also given lectures around the globe on hypertension and sits on the editorial boards for more than 20 U.S. medical journals. The bottom line is, metal toxins can cause CVD and increased mortality. Toxicity can be minimized. Toxins can be removed by specific IV therapies, detoxifying foods and supplements. Lifestyle changes can reverse CVD. Researchers have linked BPA (bisphenol A) to increased risk of CVD, diabetes and liver problems. BPA is the chemical commonly found in plastics which has been banned from baby products by many states and a few cities. It is still ubiquitous in many other products we use every day. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorinated pesticides have been associated with increased risk of diabetes and cardiac problems. Yet, in spite of the fact that toxins can increase CVD, the pharmaceutical companies and physicians focus on

cholesterol as if it were the only game in town! Does your cardiologist test for lead or mercury?

The New Cholesterol Guidelines can be Dangerous On November 12, 2013 new cholesterol guidelines were announced in the American Heart Journal’s “Circulation” journal. The past guidelines recommended statins for the next 10 years for people of high risk. Now they are recommended for people who are healthy and have a low risk of heart disease. For those who have had a cardiac arrest such as a heart attack or stroke, statins have been shown to reduce the chance of another recurrence by 5 percent. But even in that class of patients, the drugs fail to help people live longer. Most physicians reach for the prescription pad and write an order for a statin. Statins lower LDL, considered the bad cholesterol. Yet a study published in “Circulation”— “Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes” (January, 2009), found that nearly two-thirds of patients admitted to hospitals for heart attacks and cardiovascular events had low LDL cholesterol levels, indicating they were not at high risk for heart problems.

The new guidelines do finally acknowledge that there is no good data to justify lowering LDL except maybe in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. LDL has important roles in cell formation, digestion and hormone production. Clearly it makes no sense to lower LDL to dangerously low levels. Statins lower CoQ10 levels and inhibit a very important mevalonate pathway. Simply stated, this pathway is responsible for normal metabolism. It is responsible for how our body works. It functions to make corticosteroids, sex steroids, bile acids and vitamin D. When this pathway is disrupted we are at risk for hormonal imbalance; muscle pain and problems; and memory, mental and emotional changes. Statins have other issues: “The bottom line is that there appears to be an increased risk among people taking statins as far as getting cataracts,” said study lead author, Elizabeth Irving, PhD, research chairwoman in the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. And research has consistently shown people on statins increase their risk of getting diabetes by 9 percent. Low cholesterol can be dangerous. In 1990, an NIH conference concluded from a meta-analysis of 19 studies that men and, to a lesser extent, women with a total serum cholesterol level below 160 mg (6th percentile) exhibited about a 10 to 20 percent excess total mortality compared with those with a cholesterol level between 160 to 199 mg. Low cholesterol has been shown to increase the risk of dying from gastrointestinal and respiratory disease. Cholesterol below 160 has also been shown to double the risk of cancer and shorten life expectancy. So why would you give statins to

a healthy person with a low risk of heart disease? Abnormally low levels of cholesterol may indicate: • Hyperthyroidism—an overactive thyroid gland. • Liver disease. • Inadequate absorption of nutrients in the intestines. • Malnutrition. • Poor metabolism. Compromised health. Cholesterol is not bad. Cholesterol makes up one-third of our cell membranes. It makes all our hormones. And fats is not a four-letter word. Our brain is 60 percent fat. Like fats, our life and our health need balance. Good fats are one of the keys to optimal health. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends if you are diagnosed with high cholesterol you should follow a list of lifestyle changes for 12 weeks. Yes, that is their recommendation. Why? Because it is safe, effective and without side effects. If your cholesterol has not lowered after three months, then consider using a medication. The bottom line is, heart disease is caused by many factors, all of them related to inflammation. Heart disease does not develop due to a statin deficiency. Find the root cause of your inflammation and live a hearthealthy life. Traditional cholesterol testing is very limited, narrow and out of date according to Dr. Mark Houston. The test usually used to determine if you have chronic inflammation is a C-reactive protein (CRP) blood test. CRP level is used as a marker of inflammation in your arteries. If you only test for total and LDL cholesterol, you may miss the actual

risk related to components of these measurements. There are actually 300 to 400 different risk factors associated with cardiovascular health. Since blood sugar is inflammatory, testing specific markers is important to determine CVD risk. Cholesterol is much more complex than simple LDL, HDL and total cholesterol testing. In order to get an accurate picture of an individual’s cholesterol profile, particle number and particle size of HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol) is needed. Also clotting factors should be tested. Very specific blood tests such as Boston Heart Health or the VAP labs are necessary to determine cardiovascular health. Our heart beats more than 100,000 times a day and 38 million times a year! Although it only weighs 10 ounces, it pumps blood through 60,000 miles of blood vessels. Every pound we gain equates to an additional 250 miles of blood vessels that the blood must traverse. In fact, according to NIH, heart disease will claim nearly 500,000 people this year alone. If more Americans took control of their health, this statistic could be reduced by as much as 87 percent, which means 435,000 people would literally save their own lives each year. Keep your heart happy and healthy.

Dr. Mark Houston endorsed Dr. Norling’s new book, “Your Doctor is Wrong.” Dr. Norling brings a lifetime of education, training and passion in both conventional and natural medicine. Using specialized testing, she finds the root cause of symptoms, hormone imbalances and toxins. Get the personalized care you deserve. Contact Dr. Sharon Norling in Westlake Village at 818.707.9355, www.drsharonnorling.com. JANUARY/FEBRUARY CTWMAG.COM

| 31

MIND & SPIRIT

OPENING YOUR HEART TO LIFE

Your Heart

OPENING IT TO LIFE by Wayne M. Levine

TO HAVE SUCH A HEART, WE NEED TO EXAMINE WHAT AN OPEN HEART IS, WHAT CAUSES YOU TO CLOSE YOUR HEART, AND, IF CLOSED, WHAT CAN BE DONE TO OPEN IT AGAIN SO YOU CAN LIVE YOUR LIFE FULLY.

CTW MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

With an open heart you take life as it comes and you embrace each moment as an opportunity to express who you are, your values and your purpose.

Heart Wide Open

Your Wounded Heart

When your heart is open you feel any number of sensations—expansiveness, generosity, trust, love, acceptance, open-mindedness, creativity, spiritual connection and curiosity.

For most of us, addressing what feels like a permanent part of our character can seem like a daunting task—even overwhelming. How does one go about changing their worldview? How do you suddenly wake up and start trusting when your entire life experience has proven to you that no one can be trusted? How can someone begin to see joy when all he or she has managed to witness to date is pain and disappointment?

With an open heart you take life as it comes and you embrace each moment as an opportunity to express who you are, your values and your purpose.

Wow, even writing this paragraph has caused me to feel the old feelings that once plagued me when my heart was closed. It’s really a terrible place to be. And you needn’t stay there.

Heart Closed Down

The Healing Process

Unfortunately, life experiences have a tendency to cause us to close our hearts. Traumatic events, abuse, violence, disappointment, betrayal and loss can make us want to protect ourselves from future hurt. In so doing, we avoid (to the best of our ability) all potential for additional pain.

Obvious first places to start include reading, getting counseling and going to energetic healers. In addition, I have a few suggestions designed to immediately put you into action and open your heart to those close to you.

Just like that—we become emotionally unavailable to our partners, kids, parents and friends. We lose our capacity for compassion and harden our interactions with family, friends, co-workers and employees. We live our lives lost in our egos, lead with arrogance, or cease to see the humanity in others. We stop finding joy and, in its place, we experience only sadness, depression, suspicion, cynicism, threat or numbness. Doesn’t an open heart sound and feel so much better? Wouldn’t you prefer to live your life with your heart wide open?

Listen More Having a closed heart tends to close our ears. Our wounded self is so judgmental. It makes hearing about others so difficult because all we can do is think about ourselves and our self-limiting internal conversations. Practicing listening and committing to real change will allow you to begin opening your heart to the needs and feelings of others. If you have kids, starting with them is a perfect place to begin.

Wipe the Slate Clean Imagine forgetting everything you know about your spouse, your brother or a good friend. Then consider what you would need to do to get to know them if you had just met. To rebuild relationships that have been damaged or neglected over time, try treating these loved ones as new acquaintances. Ask them questions to get to know them—about everything—as if you were on a first date. They’ll feel special as a result of your curiosity, and you’ll probably hear things you never knew. Taking a new perspective can

JANUARY/FEBRUARY CTWMAG.COM

| 33

MIND & SPIRIT

OPENING YOUR HEART TO LIFE

trick your heart into opening long enough to have a brand new experience.

Shake Things Up at Work At work, just as in your personal life, you continue to recreate the experiences of your past. If you want to open your heart, connect more with those around you. It’s up to you to try something new. If you’re the boss, delegate more. Take more risks and show your staff you trust them. Ask for suggestions and implement them. It may be uncomfortable, but the results can be extraordinary for you, for them and maybe even for your bottom line. If you’re on staff, make greater efforts to care for your colleagues. Be willing to go out with them for a drink (even if it’s a Pellegrino) to build or strengthen your relationships. Be interested in them and give them a chance to really see who you are. You know, you’re really much more interesting and fun to be with than you’ve given yourself credit for.

Volunteer When your heart is closed your world becomes way too much about you. Change that by making your hour, your day or your weekend about others. There are many ways to give of yourself that will be just the medicine you need to soften the outer shell of your heart. Whether it’s at a food bank, a shelter for the abused, Habitat for Humanity, a fun run for a life-threatening disease, reading to the blind or to children, or visiting the infirm at a hospital or senior facility, your giving will give you just what you need.

Stop Being So Tight with Your Money Really, are you planning on taking it with you? How much do you really need? Your closed heart is connected to your poor relationship with money. Learn the universal truth that the more you give, the 34

CTW MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

Infrared Sauna Ceragem Massage Beds Sonic Life Vibration $39 1-1/2 hrs of BLISS Burn calories! Lower stress! 3625 E.Thousand Oaks Blvd #221 Westlake Village, CA 91362 (805) 777-8122

HIGHER BRAIN LIVING ® more you get. Pick up the tab at lunch. Amaze your friends! Offer a scholarship to help someone better his or her life. Give to local charities (like the cancer patient support group UCANN.org in Thousand Oaks) that are doing amazing work despite having to compete with the big boys for your charitable dollars. Reach into your pocket and open that big old heart of yours. Be generous with your money and in all areas of your life.

Follow a Spiritual Path Part of your problem is that you tend to be the center of your own universe. You’re not! The universe is vast and there’s a very specific place in it just for you. Whatever you may believe, if you have the courage to explore and ask questions, you may find yourself connecting with others who have similar beliefs. Those connections can be the key to opening your closed heart.

Wayne M. Levine, MA, is a men’s life coach and director of BetterMen Coaching in Agoura Hills. He teaches men to be the best men, fathers, husbands and leaders they can be through individual, couples and group coaching, both in-office and via the phone. Wayne is author of the bestselling book, “Hold On to Your N.U.T.s—The Relationship Manual for Men.” Find out more, get a copy of Wayne’s book, and register for the BetterMen Weekend Retreat at www.bettermencoaching.com.

GET TRAINED IN THIS BREAKTHROUGH TECHNIQUE See a LIVE mind-blowing demonstration of this exclusive technique that sends a surge of energy to the higher brain and learn to activate your higher brain for expansive living!!

Tues, Feb 10, 2015 6:30PM - 8:30PM

Hilton – LA Airport, 5711 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA Free if pre-registered, $97 at the door

higherbrainlivingevents.com/la

DID YOU KNOW...

AVOCADO A PERFECT SUPER FOOD

The avocado is a perfect super food containing poly and monounsaturated fats and provide nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Eating a few slices of avocado in the morning before your workout helps blood sugar levels to normalize while giving the right balance of energy. JANUARY/FEBRUARY CTWMAG.COM

| 35

FYI

AWARENESS COLORS

Wear Your Awareness Colors! EVERY MONTH PROVIDES AN ARRAY OF COLORED RIBBONS TO BRING AWARENESS TO US ALL OF THE VARIOUS HEALTH RELATED ISSUES. SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND BRING AWARENESS TO YOUR COMMUNITY TODAY! HERE ARE A FEW TO PONDER…

January Cervical Health Awareness Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TEAL National Birth Defects Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PINK & BLUE National Glaucoma Awareness Month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREEN Thyroid Awareness Month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TEAL, PINK & BLUE National Blood Donor Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RED

February American Heart Month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RED National Cancer Prevention Month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LAVENDER National Children’s Dental Health Month. . . . NO COLOR RIBBON International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PINK & BLUE

CTW MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

Physician’s Profile

Dr. Anthony Virella VIRELLA NEUROSURGERY

Board-Certified, Fellowship trained Neurological Spine Surgeon with advanced training in the management of complex spinal disorders. Description of Practice Specializing in the treatment of complex spine and brain disorders with an emphasis on Minimally Invasive Surgery. Dr. Virella is a nationally recognized specialist in the field who has authored numerous articles and lectured nationally and internationally in the field of complex and minimally invasive spine surgery. He is also considered a specialist with extensive training in the management of cerebrovascular disease, including cerebral aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVM’s).

Educational Background Medical School: Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 1996 Internship: (General Surgery) Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 1997 Fellowship: (Resident-Infolding) (Complex Spine Surgery) Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 2003 Residency: (Neurological Surgery) University of California, Los Angeles, CA 2004 Fellowship: (Complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery) University of California, Los Angeles, CA 2004

Personal & Professional Perspective Website & Locations

Why did you choose this career path?

www.dr-virella.com

I chose neurosurgery and spine surgery while at Columbia University as a medical student. I had the honor of a mentorship program under Dr. Bennett Stein, one of the world’s most prominent and influential neurosurgeons. He took me under his wing and the rest is history.

WESTLAKE VILLAGE Spine and Brain Center

32144 Agoura Rd., Suite 220 Westlake Village, CA 91361 Office: 805-449-0088

SIMI VALLEY Spine and Brain Center

1687 Erringer Road , Suite 206 Simi Valley, CA 93065 Office: 805-955-8898

VALENCIA Spine and Brain Center

24510 Town Center Drive, Suite 180 Valencia, CA 91355 Office: 661-388-5281

What sets you apart from other physicians/specialists in your field? I am a perfectionist. My patients mean the world to me and I am often up at night thinking about how to solve a particular patient’s problem. I don’t sleep until the problem is fixed and my patients feel better. Unlike many of my colleagues, I use mostly minimally invasive techniques which means that my patients often get home the same day after surgery and back to work within one or two days.

What do you think the future holds for your practice? I think the future is full of bright, new technologies which center around minimally invasive spine techniques. Long hospital stays and big incisions are a thing of the past. Virella Neurosurgery is strategically positioned to lead the way in these new and exciting minimally invasive spine techniques!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY CTWMAG.COM

| 37

BEYOND GREEN LIVING

ACTUALIZE YOURSELF

“ACTUALIZE YOURSELF” Steve Jobs’ Final Advice by Jan Tucker

STEVE JOBS GAVE ENTREPRENEURS AND BUSINESSPEOPLE EVERYWHERE A FINAL, IMPACTFUL MESSAGE VIA HIS SELF-PLANNED MEMORIAL SERVICE AT STANFORD. THAT MESSAGE WAS, “ACTUALIZE YOURSELF.” THE MESSAGE WAS DELIVERED BY WAY OF A SMALL BROWN BOX GIVEN TO EVERYONE AT HIS SERVICE, CONTAINING A COPY OF PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA’S “AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A YOGI.”

CTW MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

If you look back at the history of Steve—he went to India to…the ashram of his maharishi and he had this incredible realization— that…his intuition was his greatest gift and…he needed to look at the world from the inside out. Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce. com, attended the memorial and explained his view of Jobs’ message. He had always consulted with Jobs, as did many others, whenever he had a really hard problem with his own business. He viewed Jobs as a guru of the business and technology world. Benioff explained his thoughts after receiving Jobs’ brown box gift on the way out of the service: “I said, ‘This is gonna be good,’ because I knew that…whatever this was, it was the last thing [Jobs] wanted us to all think about. So I waited until I got to my car and I opened the box and…it was a copy of Yoganda’s book. …Yogananda was a Hindu guru who had this…book on selfrealization. And that was the message—‘Actualize yourself.’ That was Yogananda’s message.”

Introspection is the Key Benioff further explained that the secret to Jobs’ success was the way he functioned on a daily basis. He put into practice a key principle he learned from yoga. “If you look back at the history of Steve—he went to India to…the ashram of his maharishi and he had this incredible realization—that…his intuition was his greatest gift and…he needed to look at the world from the inside out.” Jobs’ message, learned through his practice of spiritual yoga, was that in order to achieve success, we need to introspect—we need to learn to go within to tap into our inner soul—and that this is the place where we can connect with all knowledge and truth. Once we’ve achieved that union of soul, we have access to intuition— the intuition that arises from universal knowledge.

Many Great Masters Use Intuitive Knowledge If you study the lives of the great masters like Einstein, Mark Twain, Tolstoy, and many others, you won’t have to look far to find that they recognized this connection within themselves to the source of all knowledge. Concepts and answers often came to them in flashes of insight followed by systematic work to construct their products and theories based on the insight. They had to find the words to describe their intuitions. Einstein wrote, in answer to questions from Jacques Hadamard, a French mathematician who was attempting to understand the mental processes used by mathematicians: “The words or the language, as they are written or spoken, do not seem to play any role in my mechanism of thought. The psychical entities which seem to serve as elements in thought are certain signs and more or less clear images which can be ‘voluntarily’ reproduced and combined. There is, of course, a certain connection between those elements and relevant logical concepts. It is also clear that the desire to arrive finally at logically connected concepts is the emotional basis of this rather vague play with the abovementioned elements. But taken from a psychological viewpoint, this combinatory play seems to be the essential feature in productive thought—before there is any connection with logical construction in words or other kinds of signs which can be communicated to others. The above-mentioned elements are, in my case, of visual

and some of muscular type. Conventional words or other signs have to be sought for laboriously only in a secondary stage, when the mentioned associative play is sufficiently established and can be reproduced at will.”

(from “A Mathematician’s Mind, Testimonial for ‘An Essay on the Psychology of Invention in the Mathematical Field’ by Jacques S. Hadamard, Princeton University Press, 1945.” in Ideas and Opinions.) Benioff’s memory of Jobs is, “I look at Steve as a very spiritual person…. I remember his thought that we need to all be working on actualizing [ourselves]. …If you want to understand Steve Jobs, it’s a good idea to [read “Autobiography of a Yogi”] because…it gives a tremendous insight into who he was, but also why he was successful—which is he was not afraid to take that key journey.” The key journey is to go within to connect with your inner being— with the universe—the source of all knowledge. What a heartfelt message. Jan Tucker is founder of White Lotus Way magazine (www. whitelotusway.com), whose vision is all about positive thinking, returning to basics, tuning in with nature, unifying the world with compassion, and through all these principles—ultimately—world transformation. It’s about truth. www.whitelotusliving.com is also a place for consumers to learn about and gain access to truly green, natural products. JANUARY/FEBRUARY CTWMAG.COM

| 39