B Well Magazine June 2015

Sports and Food Issue J U N E 201 5

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES shaped by their sports

DITCH THE MEAT options for a mouthwatering meatless barbecue

MIND-BODY

connection key to athletes’ success United on one wheel

THE UNICREW Find us online

bwellmagazine.com

facebook.com/BWellMagazine

twitter.com/BWellMag

ER

SFIELD CALIF OR

TH

2015 2 201 0115 015 0 15 RE

AD

E R S’

CH O IC E

PO

AN NI

EB

AK

LL

Publisher Ginger Moorhouse

President/CEO Richard Beene

Editor Olivia Garcia

Assistant Editor

VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 2

JUNE 2015

Mark Nessia

Shelby Parker Monique Roger Dr. Milan Shah Tyler Stevens Dr. Asarulislam Syed Rita White

Photographers Henry A. Barrios Casey Christie Nick Ellis Mark Nessia Greg Nichols Jan St. Pierre Carla Rivas

What’s the strangest food you’ve ever eaten and did you enjoy it?

Art Director

Senior Vice President of Revenue and Marketing

“I’ve had sea urchin (uni) but not at a sushi restaurant; it was pulled up in a lobster trap in Massachusetts! The skipper cut it open and asked if anyone wanted to try it, and I said I did. It was 21 years ago but I remember it being somewhat like an oyster.”

Glenn Hammett

John Wells

– Andrea Johnston,

Graphic Designer

Advertising

Niche Publications account executive

Holly Bikakis

Editorial Interns

Lisa Whitten 395-7563 lwhitten@bakersfield.com

Heather Hoelscher Gloria Saldivar

On the cover

“My best friend Lisa’s dad took us to an authentic Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles. After trying unusual types of sushi, he ordered fried shrimp. We’re thinking, ‘Oh good, something we know.’

But out comes fried shrimp heads! It tasted as if the oil was rancid! Disgusting!”

Specialty Publications Coordinator Laura Liera

Writers Bridget Cole Kelly Damian Ellen Ewing Sydney Flippo Diana Greenlee Nina Ha Breana Oliver

Photo by Nick Ellis.

Liberty High School’s Morganne Hill leads the pack during the 100-meter hurdles on page 26.

– Linda Petree, advertising account executive

“I love tacos de lengua, which is beef tongue. You can find them at most Mexican taquerias in town.

They also have great recipe ideas for paleo diet followers.”

– Olivia Garcia, editor

“I tried balut in the Philippines when I was younger.

Never again.”

– Mark Nessia, assistant editor

B Well Magazine is published by The Bakersfield Californian.

The magazine is free with home delivery of The Bakersfield Californian and published quarterly.

To subscribe, please call 392-5777.

4

B Well Magazine · June 2015

“Chocolate-covered grasshopper. I lived to tell about it but won’t seek it out in the future!”

– Lisa Kimble, contributor

“Frog legs. They were okay but nothing special.”

– Tamarra Harms, real estate account executive

• Tracking the Initial Measurement Period.

• Measuring the Standard Measurement Period and Administrative Period.

• Tracking and offering coverage during the Stability Period.

• Tracking full-time employees.

• Tracking variable hour and seasonal employees.

• Transitioning employees from new to ongoing employee status.

• Tracking employee dependent information and offers of coverage to dependents.

• Calculating if employers are providing sufficient coverage and that employee coverage does not exceed 9.5 percent of the employee W-2 earnings.

• Tracking all coverage lapse and rehire employment periods.

• Pulling all data required for the IRS reports under Employer 6055 or 6056 Information Reporting and Employer Shared Responsibility Provisions Reporting under 4980H. Both the information reporting and the Employer Shared Responsibility Provisions will be fully effective for 2015.

• Determine if IRS controlled group rules are applied for any common ownership employers with affiliated companies for which there is 80 percent or greater common ownership. These groups will be generally treated as a single employer for ACA calculations.

Upload a payroll file into the system and manage all the elements of the ACA's provisions in a matter of minutes.

USE TECHNOLOGY TO MANAGE PPACA Call today for a demonstration of PPACAHelper.com Clay Koerner – 661-316-5111 – ckoerner@insurica.com www.ppacahelper.com

Shelby Parker was born and raised in Bakersfield and is a recently graduated from CSUB with a degree in communications with an emphasis in journalism.

Shelby was a writer and features editor for The Runner and loved her time on staff.

As a student, she interned with Bakersfield Life Magazine before becoming a freelance writer.

Shelby plans on moving to Nashville someday to pursue her journalistic career, covering music and entertainment.

Born in St. Louis, Ellen Ewing graduated from the University of Missouri in 2005 with degrees in journalism and geography. She moved to Bakersfield in 2008 with her husband, Zach Ewing, who is the sports editor of The Bakersfield Californian. After working in a variety of jobs, she has recently returned to writing. Ellen and Zach have two children, Hannah, 4, and Thomas, 2, with another arriving in the fall. In her spare time, she loves to cook, cross-stitch, travel, exercise and read with her two cats.

From The Editor’s Desk Diego Garcia, left, competes at a recent track meet at Liberty High School.

Student-athletes strive for their best y teenagers just wrapped up their track season and, already, one has begun his football summer training schedule while the other is continuing his fitness to prepare for his upcoming Marine Corps boot camp.

Fitness is a constant in my household, especially with my active football and track teenagers, an 8-year-old who has started his first year of youth tackle football, and my 6-year-old who regularly hikes with me and my husband and our two German shepherds.

I’d like to think my schedule is similar to many other active families who are constantly moving from one practice or workout session to the next game and so on.

As a parent of student-athletes, I am

M

Olivia Garcia Editor 395-7487 ogarcia@bakersfield.com

6

B Well Magazine · June 2015

happy that this issue focuses on themes catered to this fine cadre of youth.

Being a student-athlete requires not only being physically fit but having the mental state to tackle stress, achieve results, and successfully juggle academics and sports.

In this issue, you will get to know some of our local youth athletic talent as well as from experts on how to help your athlete.

Aside from these themes, we have some summer tips in store as well.

Among them: how to protect your skin during the summer, great “Fab Finds” for the warm weather and options for meatless barbecue. Yes, meatless. You can plan a summer barbecue gathering on the healthier side. Read inside for further details.

Enjoy.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OLIVIA GARCIA

Contributors

Now Hiring Exceptional Medical Providers

Voted National Migrant Health Center of the Year www.OmniFamilyHealth.org | 1-800-300-OMNI

Sports, Athletes and Food Issue

Inside June 2015

24

Vanessa Ghilarducci’s Veggie burger

Features

8

Mind-body connection key to athletes success

Ditch the meat this summer; you won’t miss it

Sports: more than a game for local athletes

Local experts weigh in

Options for a mouthwatering meatless barbecue

Page 22

Page 24

How sports have transformed athletes off the field

B Well Magazine · June 2015

Page 26

Unicrew Teens seek to spread unicycling across Kern County

Page 28

Departments Out & About 10 16 17

B Connected

Get outside and involved in the community this summer

Smart Health Stats on recreational activites in Kern County

18 20

Quiz

Entertainment, runs and more

48

Your Body

50

What Happens When...

52

athlete gives up one sport, finds success in another

36

Health Watch

37

Holistic Health

38

Mental Health

Sports nutrition and exercise questions answered by the experts

Essential oils help with physical, mental wellness

Recess, sports are key for children and teens to manage stress

Fab Finds Summer items

Healthy Bites Foodie 40 Fit Discipline, commitment, sacrifice keys to competitive bodybuilding

Healthy Indulgence How carrot farmers are changing the way kids see healthy

What you didn't know about donating blood

You don't treat sports injuries

17

Life’s Questions Answered How to enjoy the sun with caution

Eating healthy during the sizzling summer

Your Health the Odds 32 Defying Plagued by injury, local

42

Bakersfield the Nashville of the West Coast

Get to Know A local freestyle motorcross rider

Save the Date

39

Wellness & Wonder Success Stories 46 Real Up-an-coming artist calls

54

Living Green

56

Workout Moves

60

Gardening

Benefits of recycled content

Yoga moves to create flexibility

Spend time in your garden this summer

Creating Awareness 61 62

B the Cause

Lemonade Locks helps women feel beautiful

32

Some Kind of Wonderful The gift of remembrance

Last Look 64

B Seen

70

Balancing Life

71

Life & Happiness

Happenings around town

Multitasking to a better health

Treats that aren't 'bad' for you

40 June 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

9

OUT & ABOUT / b connected

Summer day camp at The Boys and Girls Club Compiled by B Well Magazine

he Boys and Girls Club of Kern County will be holding summer day camps for the kids in the community from June 1 through Aug. 15 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Registration fees are $35 per child.

Prices vary for full days and half days. Full days are $150 per week, per child. Half days are $100 per week, per child. There is also a pay-by-day option available. Summer day camp weekly themes include activities in the learning garden, art room, game room, dance room, computer lab, gym, recording studio, as well as field trips. For more information about summer day camp visit bgclubsofkerncounty.org.

T

Camp Information June 1 through Aug. 15 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Skill development sessions teach basketball fundamentals Compiled by B Well Magazine

oach Labell Hill Jr., a former junior college coach of nine years, will be offering basketball skill development sessions at Windsor Park throughout the summer. Sessions start on an individual basis.

The sessions range from one hour to one hour and 15 minutes.

Prices vary – individual sessions are $50 and group sessions are $25. There are also monthly plans available upon request. More than one session per week is also available. Hill will be teaching the fundamentals of basketball, which include ball handling, dribbling, shooting, one-on-one moves and conditioning for the sport. All ages are welcomed to join.

For more information contact Hill at 909-260-3542.

C

10

B Well Magazine ¡ June 2015

OUT & ABOUT / b connected

Bodybuilding competitors flaunt toned, sculpted bodies Compiled by B Well Magazine

he second annual amateur National Gym Association Mr. and Ms. Western America Championships is being held at the Bakersfield School District Auditorium, 1300 Baker St., on Saturday, July 25.

The event will include bodybuilding, physique, figure and bikini competitions.

There will also be a King of Kings

T

and Queen of Queens showdown.

Winners will receive a cash award.

Prejudging kicks off at 10 a.m. and tickets are $15. The main event is at 6 p.m. and tickets are $25.

Those interested in competing can download an application at musclesunlimited.com.

For tickets and sponsorship, contact Mark at 327-2582.

Special Pre-Grand Opening Rates Can it really be different?

A new option in senior living opens July 11th in Bakersfield, where every service is designed to support your independence and well being. Bringing extraordinary life enrichment programming, innovative supportive health services, and a refreshing concept for Assisted Living and Memory Care to you.

Reseserve your apartment today and take advantage of special Pre-Grand Opening rates available for a limited time.

It can be different...we can show you how!

RCFE License Pending

(661) 837-1337

villageatsevenoaks.com • 4301 Buena Vista Road, Bakersfield, CA June 2015 ¡ bwellmagazine.com

11

OUT & ABOUT / b connected

Tehachapi Fourth of July Warrior 5k Run Compiled by B Well Magazine

he Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Park District will host its second annual Fourth of July Warrior 5K Run presented by T-Fitness starting at 7:30 a.m. Saturday July 4 at Philip Marx Central Park in Tehachapi.

Day-of-race registration and preregistration packet pick-up will be at 6 a.m. Race starts at 7:30 a.m.

Those who register receive a technical race shirt, pancake breakfast, finisher’s medal and a swag bag.

Prizes will be given to the top overall male and female, as well as the top three in each category.

T

Early registration is $40 and $45 the day of the race. For more information and to register, go to active.com.

Order of the Dragon offers free self-defense classes Compiled by B Well Magazine

rder of the Dragon Master Earl Absher, an eighth-degree black belt, will be offering free self-defense classes for kids ages 4 to 14 at Central Church of Christ, located on 425 S. H St. Students will be taught safety awareness, stranger dangers, respect and discipline. They will also build confidence and self-esteem.

Classes are from 5:30 to 6:10 p.m. every Monday.

Parents may also enroll. Arrive at least 20 minutes before class to sign up.

This is an ongoing year-round program that will end Dec. 31. For more information, visit orderofthedragon.com or call 588-3217.

Students of Order of the Dragon martial arts school practice their kicks at the Greenacres Community Center.

12

B Well Magazine · June 2015

PHOTO BY NICK ELLIS

O

• Personal Care • Bathing Services • Homemakers Service • Care Management • Meal Preparation • Transportation • Alzheimer’s & Hospice Care • Emergency Monitoring • Hospital Attendant • Bonded & Insured

We personally match our caregivers to each client and their needs.

Visit Bakersfield Pet Food Pantry’s new location

Our dependable caregivers are experienced, drug-alcohol screened, background checked, bonded and insured.

24 -Hour Service Call today for your FREE In-Home consultation!

Compiled by B Well Magazine

he Bakersfield Pet Food Pantry has packed its bags and moved to a new location at 4500 Shepard St., Suite B1.

The pantry provides pet food to families and individuals going through financial hardships.

When available, the pantry also gives out flea medication, bowls, blankets, beds, sweaters, toys, harnesses, leashes, collars and cat boxes.

Hours of operation are the second and fourth Saturday of every month, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Staff is available to discuss spay and neuter options with information regarding vouchers.

For those looking to volunteer, the pantry hosts monthly pet food bagging events.

For more information, call 369-1222.

T

(661) 631-2036 2029 21st Street • Bakersfield, CA 93301

Established by Jeanne Schamblin in 1990 • Serving Bakersfield for over 21 years.

June 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

13

OUT & ABOUT / b connected

Summer camp teaches kids proper animal care Compiled by B Well Magazine

he Bakersfield SPCA will once again teach kids the importance of pet responsibility at its Kids & Critters Summer Camps.

For one week, kids ages 8 to 12 will be paired with a shelter pet and taught proper animal care by local veterinarians, groomers and trainers. The camp will also feature animal crafts, animal movies and a trip to Pump It Up. Camp start dates are July 6, 13, 20, 27 and Aug. 4. Classes run

T

14

B Well Magazine 路 June 2015

Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The camp fee of $210 includes the cost of all craft materials.

Snacks will be provided in the mornings and afternoons, but kids must bring their own lunches. Kids may also adopt their shelter pets at the conclusion of the camp.

For more information or to sign up, call 323-8353, ext. 2, or go to the Bakersfield SPCA office at 3000 Gibson St.

OUT & ABOUT / b connected

BMOA inspires students through summer art camps

7 to 12 13 to 17 JUNE 8 - JULY 31

AUG 3 - AUG 14

Compiled by B Well Magazine

rt camp starts on June 8 and runs through to July 31, with individual weeks available, and Teen Camp from Aug. 3 to Aug 14.

Each club will be for different ages and at different times.

The Art Camp students, ages 7 to 12, can take a tour through art history, with each week devoted to a different art movement.

Teen Camp, ages 13 to 17, will provide a week of science and art and a week of popular culture in art.

For more information about ticket prices, class times and to register, go to bmoa.org/summer-camp or call 323-7219.

A

June 2015 ¡ bwellmagazine.com

15

OUT & ABOUT / smart health

Base: Kern County adults (615,626)

Local numbers on recreational activities in Kern County

16

Source: Scarborough Research R2 2014

Activities in the past 12 months

Attended in the past 12 months

Jog or run: ....................................................186,771

Bakersfield Condors game: ..................62,645

Swimming: ..................................................183,829

Dodgers game: ..........................................43,559

Camping: ......................................................155,610

Bakersfield Blaze game: ........................32,960

Bicycling: ......................................................153,216

Bakersfield Speedway race: ................32,342

Fishing: ..........................................................107,621

Famoso Raceway race: ..........................24,543

Bowling: ........................................................99,882

Bakersfield College football game: ......22,121

Hike or backpack: ......................................87,375

CSUB Roadrunners game: ....................18,636

Basketball: ....................................................54,311

NASCAR race: ............................................18,559

Soccer: ............................................................51,382

Pro Bull Riding event: ..............................14,703

Football: ......................................................48,834

Lakers game: ................................................10,127

Baseball/softball: ......................................48,796

Buttonwillow Raceway Park race: ........6,253

Boating: ........................................................43,627

Bakersfield Jam game: ................................758

B Well Magazine 路 June 2015

OUT & ABOUT / get to know

Garrett Ahlf

By Tyler Stevens Photos courtesy of Garrett Ahlf

arrett Ahlf, a 28-year-old Bakersfield local, has become a successful freestyle motocross rider, a small-business owner and an inventor all while maintaining a family with his wife and 2-year-old son.

Ahlf, a graduate of Garces Memorial High School, started his career at the age of 6 when he hopped on a dirt bike for the first time. He fell in love with the sport and received his very own dirt bike at the age of 12 and proudly states it was “one of the best gifts of his life.”

He would push the limits through his riding and earn the respect through the risk and danger that comes with freestyle

G

motocross. “FMX” as it’s known, is the act of using stylish tricks and extreme stunts, like backflips, to express yourself on a dirt bike. It has progressed over the years and is now one of the biggest action sports in the world and probably the most dangerous.

Ahlf has traveled the world with the USA Nitro Circus Live tour – a show that allows fans to watch their favorite FMX riders do extreme stunts.

“Traveling and doing shows with my idols growing up has been the best and most memorable experience of my riding career,” said Ahlf.

When Ahlf isn’t on his dirt bike, he is the owner and operator of a small rental company called ARC, which rents out safety cool stations, light towers and water trailers.

He is also the inventor of a product called the “Jug Snug,” which is a fuel jug restraint system that keeps your gas jug from tipping over in the back of your truck.

Ahlf’s hard work, dedication and the courage to never give up has made him the person he is today.

“My best advice is to never give up and always chase your dreams,” Ahlf said.

“I almost gave up on mine and would have missed out on traveling the world and making amazing friends on the way. Set goals and always push to achieve them no matter what.”

June 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

17

OUT & ABOUT / save the date

Can’t-miss events from

June to August

Find more community events at bwellmagazine.com or submit yours via our Facebook page, BWell Magazine.

JUNE

13

Black Out Night Hike

Wind Wolves Preserve 16019 Maricopa Highway, 8 p.m.

Free/registration required. 858-1115.

Rattlesnake 5K-10K Run Benefits the Volunteer Center and ADAKC. 7 a.m. Hart Park, off Alfred Harrell Highway. Preregistration $30, $35 day of. Sign up at Volunteer Center. 395-9787.

Summer Kick-Off Luau Benefits Be Finally Free. 6 p.m.

Tom Xavier’s Whirlwind Productions, 14602 Redwood Pass Drive. $50 before June 1, $70 after. facebook.com/ befinallyfree.

JULY

14th Annual Taft Chamber Golf Classic

17 24 25 29

6:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Nehesi Dance & Drum, 4700 Easton Drive. $5. 330-3724.

Bill Burr

7 p.m. Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Ticket prices to be determined. 324-1369.

Florist for a Day

Job shadow a florist, 9 a.m. Log Cabin Florist, 800 19th St. $85. 327-8646.

15

Anjelah Johnson presents Bon Qui Qui Live

8 p.m. Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $45.80-$87.85 at ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

Cash prizes, drinks, dinner, raffles. 7 a.m.

Buena Vista Golf Course, 10256 Golf Course Road, Taft. $500 team of four. 831-1125.

Tai Chi

14

Dancing with the Stars: LIVE!

8 p.m. Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $35.50-$48 at vallitix.com.

3

Taft Fireworks Show

Food and craft vendors, beer garden, bounce houses, live entertainment. 6 p.m., fireworks show at 9 p.m. Taft Rails to Trails, 6th and Main streets. Free.

765-2165.

4

Health for All

Free health screenings for adults. 4 p.m. Mercado Latino Tianguis, 2105 Edison Highway. Free. 633-9526.

18

Tehachapi Mountain Beer and Wine Fest

4 p.m. Benz Visco Youth Sports & Cultural Park, 20537 Tehachapi Willow Springs Road. $45 per person; $100 VIP; $75 RV parking. tehachapibrew.com.

Twilight at CALM Summer Saturdays, 5 p.m. CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrel Highway. $9 adult, $7 seniors, $5 children age 3 to 12. 872-2256.

Bakersfield WINDS Patriotic Concert

7:30 p.m. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4500 Buena Vista Road. $5. 665-7815.

25 28

Kid’s Design Clay Pot 10 a.m, Log Cabin

2nd Annual Fourth of July Warrior 5K Run Pancake breakfast, food, drink, live entertainment. 6 a.m. registration, 7:30 a.m. race start at Philip Marx Central Park, Mojave and E streets in Tehachapi. $40 through July 2, $45 day of race. 822-3228.

11

Intocable

8 p.m. Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $25-$85 at ticketmaster.com.

18

B Well Magazine · June 20152014

Florist, 800 19th St. $40. 327-8646.

Juanes 7:30 p.m. Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $28-$73.50 at ticketmaster.com.

AUGUST

27

Florida Georgia Line 7:30 p.m. Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $47.10-$68.65 at ticketmaster.com.

The Baker Family

When it matters most, count on us!

Personal care or nursing care at home

H E A LT H C A R E

When Mom or Dad can no longer live alone, call BAKERSFIELD SENIOR PLACEMENT Darlyn Baker RN & family owned

Darlyn Baker, RN Bryon Baker and Chuck Baker (Date of Rest: 3/12/15)

4801 Truxtun Ave.

395-1700 (661)395-1700

www.MyBakersfieldHealthcare.com June 2015 路 bwellmagazine.com

19

OUT & ABOUT / quiz

Eating healthy during sizzling summer

By Sydney Flippo, Registered Dietician at San Joaquin Community Hospital

ith the temperatures rising in Bakersfield going into the summer months, many of us look for a sweet cool relief, often in the form of a tasty frozen treat. But it’s important to remember to eat well even during the sizzling days of summer.

From backyard parties to family barbecues, many people tend to take a “vacation” from counting calories, but you don’t have to skimp on taste to eat healthy.

When barbecuing, try grilling up turkey burgers instead of hamburger. Turkey burgers have less fat and are usually 99 percent lean. Also, try veggie burgers,

W

20

B Well Magazine · June 2015

which aren’t low in carbs, but have very little fat.

When building your burgers you can also use thin bread or lettuce to reduce carbs.

Often, people ask me about whether they should eat hot dogs. My advice: “Just don’t do it.” Hot dogs are high in fat, but if you really must eat a hot dog, try a lean turkey dog or a 100 percent beef dog, which is a little “healthier.”

The other big summer healthy eating buster is what I call “mayonnaise” salads. You know the salads I’m talking about – your mom’s delicious potato salad and your neighbor’s macaroni salad. While eating or making these types of salads, it’s best to remember to only eat half a cup in one serving. You can also look online for

Summer Foods Smarts Compiled by B Well Magazine

healthier versions of the salads. I often tell my patients to head to cookinglight.com to find healthier recipes.

Summer is also the best time to eat fruit. Watermelon, grapefruit, grapes and berries are all excellent to eat. Fruit takes up extra room in your stomach and another bonus: It’s mostly made up of water.

Ice cream may be a yummy summertime treat, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, then eat frozen yogurt. Just keep in mind, a regular healthy serving size is 1 cup and don’t pile on toppings like candy and cookies – stick to fruit.

So whatever treat you decide to indulge in this summer, just remember to choose the healthier and more often than not, tastier options.

1.

What can you replace croutons with to make your summer salad healthier?

a. chopped walnuts, almonds or sunflower seeds b. bacon c. corn d. tortilla chips

6. The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake of water for men

2. How many of your calories should come from protein?

a. b. c. d.

NOT-SO-GOOD OPTIONS

5 to 10% 10 to 35% 25 to 50% 45 to 65%

before a meal to curb your hunger or after a meal if you are still feeling hungry?

TURKEY BURGERS

HAMBURGERS

VEGGIE BURGERS

HOT DOGS

LEAN TURKEY DOG

POTATO SALAD

WATERMELON

ICE CREAM

a. b. c. d.

dessert snacks a glass of water crackers

GRAPEFRUIT GRAPES BERRIES FROZEN YOGURT

4. A 32-fluid ounce Gatorade Thirst Quencher has how many calories?

a. b. c. d.

26 80 85 95

________ for women.

a. b. c. d.

3. What should you have

GOOD OPTIONS

is _________ and

3 liters and 2.2 liters 4 liters and 3 liters 5 liters and 4 liters 5 liters and 5 liters

7. Foodborne illnesses increase during the summer.

a. True b. False 8. Which U.S. president hosted the first barbecue at the White House?

a. b. c. d.

Lyndon B. Johnson George W. Bush John Adams George Washington

9. The popsicle was invented by an 11-year-old boy who left out a cup of homemade soda with a stirring stick overnight.

a. True b. False 5. A banana contains how many grams of

10. Lemon juice contains approximately

sugar?

how much citric acid?

a. b. c. d.

a. b. c. d.

8 9.5 11 14

1% 3% 5% 10%

Answers: 1. A; 2. D; 3. C; 4. B; 5. D; 6. A; 7. A; 8. A; 9. A; 10. C

June 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

21

MIND-BODY connection key to athletes’ success Local experts suggest mental preparedness as part of training

22

B Well Magazine ¡ June 2015

“The goal is for athletes to manage stress so it doesn’t interfere with their best game and performance becomes ‘automatic.’”

— Crystal Johnson

By Diana Greenlee

f athletes are made and not born, then preparation is the difference between success and failure. Top trainers know the most important equipment lies between both ears.

Tim Terrio, a physical therapist and certified athletic trainer, says it’s vital to prepare the body to handle the physical demands of specific sports, but mental mistakes can be an athlete’s downfall.

Terrio suggested athletes train for physical preparedness in sequential periods or “blocks,” changing routines every four to six weeks, adapting to develop sport-specific skill sets.

Being physically fit and having the talent is only half the battle. The trainer said athletes also need to be mentally prepared and capable of dealing with the stress inherent in competition.

“There are a wide variety of mental exercises that can be done,” he said. “All athletes can benefit from learning relaxation techniques and visualization.”

I

CSUB lecturer and PEAK (physical education and kinesiology) performance consultant Crystal Johnson says athletes should practice deep breathing and visualizing their success; employing positive self-talk will also improve execution and lower stress during competition.

“If you want your body to move well, your mind has to direct it,” she said. “Practice the mental skill; see yourself in peak performance.”

Johnson said negative self-talk can cause athletes to falter. She said people have between 300 and 1,000 negative thoughts about themselves each day. It’s important to reframe undesirable messages, turning them into confident statements.

“It’s really a wonder we get anything done,” she said chuckling. “You need three positive for every negative thought to recreate the thinking process.”

Johnson said the goal is for athletes to manage stress so it doesn’t interfere with their best game and performance becomes “automatic.”

“It has to be the mind and the body together,” she said.

“So when the pressure’s on, performance will emerge.”

It’s important to reframe undesirable messages, turning them into confident statements.

June 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

23

Ditch the meat this summer; you won’t miss it Options for a mouthwatering meatless barbecue

By Ellen Ewing Photos by Mark Nessia

t’s that time of year to dust off the grill and fire up the coals. You can almost smell the veggie kebabs, tofu, tempeh, watermelon and beets. Wait, what? That doesn’t sound like your typical barbecue.

Perhaps not for most, but for vegetarians and vegans, these unusual grilling options are popular and just as tasty as the same old meat standbys.

“We grill a lot of veggie kebabs and marinated tofu,” said Vanessa Ghilarducci, a stay-at-home mom who posts many ideas and tips about vegetarian cooking and grilling on Facebook. “One tip about grilling veggies and tofu is because those don’t have a lot of fat, you have to use a lot of oil. You can use olive oil, but sunflower seed oil is really good because it has a higher burn temperature than olive oil.”

For meat eaters, grilled veggies and even tofu aren’t that strange, but tempeh (pronounced TEM-pay) might be an oddity. It’s derived from soybeans, just like tofu, but it’s not as processed. According to popsugar.com, tempeh “is healthier in general

I

For meat eaters, grilled veggies and even tofu aren’t that strange, but tempeh (pronounced TEM-pay) might be an oddity.

It’s derived from soybeans, just like tofu, but it’s not as processed.

24

B Well Magazine · June 2015

Vanessa Ghilarducci

because it contains more protein and fiber than tofu.” Tofu has a consistent quality. It’s pressed, congealed, and honestly, quite tasteless, but takes on flavor really well.

With tempeh, you can actually see the whole soybeans and it has a “slightly sweet, earthy taste.” It comes packaged in thinner, longer blocks compared to tofu. You can purchase it at stores like Lassen’s Natural Food and Vitamins, Trader Joe’s and Sprouts. Other soy-based products can be found under brands such as Field Roast, Tofurkey, Yves and Gardein.

Precooking tempeh is key to getting the most flavor and palatable texture.

At organicauthority.com, they tell you a

quick soak in boiling water opens the pores, which allows your marinade to penetrate and makes grilling time faster. Cook tempeh just like you would a steak on each side and brush with extra sauce between flips.

Now that you’ve been introduced to tempeh, what about grilling watermelon? “Watermelon is a very good thing to grill,” said Jay Escover, store manager at Lassens. “You’re adding flavor because it’s ready to eat raw.

It still maintains its sweetness, but it has charred flavor and it’s warm.”

Escover advises to slice watermelon thickly in a triangle and cook it just like a steak. “Get the cook marks and flip it,” he said.

“Peaches are another very good fruit

RECIPE

Tofu and Vegetable Kebabs

By Vanessa Ghilarducci Kebab wooden skewers 1 large orange bell pepper 1 large zucchini 1 large yellow summer squash 2 large sweet yellow onions quartered 1 package of cherry tomatoes 1 package of Trader Joe’s super-firm organic tofu

Tofu and vegetable kebabs made with bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, zucchini, yellow squash and tofu.

to grill,” said Ghilarducci.

Ghilarducci includes pineapples in her veggie kebobs. Other grilled fruit ideas include apples, strawberries, bananas and coconuts.

It’s important to note that if you have vegan or vegetarian guests at your barbecue, you should keep their food and meat separate during the cooking process.

A veggie burger made with grilled portobello mushroom, onions, pineapple and sprouts topped with Vegenaise, a hearthealthy vegan mayonnaise.

“For vegans, they’d appreciate grilling in a separate place from the meat,” Escover said.

“Be very aware of their sensitivity to contamination. I recommend cooking the vegan or vegetarian food first and then cook the meat.”

With these suggestions and tips, you’re sure to have a very tasty vegetarian barbecue.

Happy grilling!

Vanessa Ghilarducci prepares her vegetable kebabs prior to grilling.

Vegetable Marinade Ingredients 2 tablespoons of olive oil juice from 1 large lemon 11⁄2 teaspoons of dried oregano 2 cloves of minced garlic 1 teaspoon of garlic powder 1 teaspoon of salt Tofu Marinade Ingredients 21⁄2 tablespoons of olive oil 3 teaspoons of garlic powder 11⁄2 teaspoons of sea salt 1 teaspoon of dried oregano Soak skewers in water before assembling vegetables and tofu to help slow charring of sticks. Chop vegetables into large chunks and place in a large bowl. Add all the ingredients for the vegetable marinade and toss with hands.

Marinate for 30 minutes.

For the tofu, drain water from package and cut into 12 large cubes and place in bowl. Allow tofu to sit in bowl for five minutes to collect excess water at the bottom of the bowl and discard the water. Add tofu marinade ingredients and toss with hands. Marinate for 30 minutes.

Assemble kebabs with vegetables and tofu onto skewers.

Preheat grill on medium heat and the keep temperature at 300 degrees. Place kebabs on grill. Cook for 10 minutes or until tofu is lightly browned and vegetables are lightly charred.

June 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

25

SPORTS: More than a game for local athletes

ison onte Dem High's Nav ld ie sf er Bak

PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS

S NICK ELLI PHOTO BY

By Ellen Ewing

Liberty High's Morganne Hill

Garces Hig h's C.J. Wes t

26

B Well Magazine 路 June 2015

PHOTO BY CA SEY CHRISTIE

How sports have transformed athletes off the field

63(&,$/6 “I Love For three local athletes at the top of their game, sports are about more than just competition in the arena.

B Well Magazine sat down with these up-and-coming stars to talk about how sports have shaped their lives.

Morganne Hill

C.J. West

Navonte Demison

Hill is a track and field hurdler at Liberty High School. She currently holds the eighth-best time in the nation with a time of 41.76 seconds in the 300-meter hurdles. Hill said: “Sports have taught me to be an individual. You learn to be a leader, to be confident in yourself and stand on your own. That’s the most important thing I’ve learned.�

She has four CIF State medals in the 100- and 300meter hurdles. She has signed with the University of Washington on an athletic scholarship. “It’s taught me to be tough mentally and physically, not just as an athlete.

The same amount of drive I’ve learned can be applied anywhere. It’s made me a better student and a better speaker. Being out there on the track by yourself forces you to show who you really are,� Hill said.

West plays basketball for Garces Memorial High School as a center. She’s a two-time BVarsity Player of the Year. In her career, West has met with a variety of players, coaches and mentors. West said: “I’ve made a lot more friendships as a player. I travel a lot so I’ve made those connections with so many people. It’s made me a better person.�

West averaged 18.8 points and 14.3 rebounds per game this past season and led Garces to a 27-3 record. She attributes her success to diversity. “I’ve learned to work with different people and be a team player no matter the situation. It’s helped me stay positive. Even if I’m negative with myself, it’s taught me to turn those thoughts around and stay positive,� West said.

Demison wrestles for Bakersfield High School. He was third at the CIF State Championship as a freshman at 106 pounds and second at state as a sophomore at 120 pounds. He said: “Wrestling is such an intense sport that doesn’t get enough recognition for how hard it is. Once you do this, everything else is easy.

It has a big impact on your life in a positive way.�

With two older brothers who also wrestled, Demison has had plenty of inspiration and encouragement. He won a folkstyle national championship this spring at 126 pounds. “I’ve had to know where I wanted to go because of wrestling. I’ve been to lots of tournaments with my brothers. I look up to them and that’s made me a better person, a better wrestler,�

Demison said.

“Sports have taught me to be an individual.

You learn to be a leader.�

“I’ve learned to work with different people and be a team player no matter the situation.� — C.J. West

my new look!â&#x20AC;? $;<!ÂŁ !ধ'2; 8'!9; <+1'2;!ধ32

Our Best 391'ধ$ <8+'8@ 6'$-!£9 RRR 8'!9; <+1'2;!ধ32V $2,000 OFF <11@ <$0V $2,000 OFF 1!8; -63V $1,500 OFF -6 <+1'2;!ধ32 2/'$ধ32V Only $499 -2&'8'££! 8'!9; <+WV $500 OFF ;3>!8&9 @3<8 (<;<8' #8'!9; !<+1'2;!ধ32 9<8+'8@W

Urinary Incontinence

f9,3; (38 8-2!8@ 2$32ধ2'2$' 2ÂŁ@ Â&#x201A;Â&#x2C6;TÂ&#x2030;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; Specials Expire:

Long Lasting Dermal Filler

06/30/2015

8;')ÂŁÂŁ 6'$-!ÂŁ f Â&#x152;Â&#x2021;ÂŚ

'' -11'&-!;' 8'9<ÂŁ;9R Silk Peel

Â&#x201A;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021; '99-32 lÂ&#x160; (38 Â&#x201A;Â&#x2030;Â?Â&#x152;m Fillers & Injections j '31-2 Â&#x201A;Â&#x17D;c<2-; j '8('$; ''ÂŁ Â&#x201A;Â&#x2C6;Â?Â&#x152; j 3;3? Â&#x201A;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2021;c<2-; j -ÂŁÂŁ'89 Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2021;ÂŚ 3ø j @9638; Â&#x201A;Â&#x160;c<2-;

Call Today For A FREE 391'ধ$ <8+'8@ 329<£;!ধ32R

(661) 410-5476

Dr. Siniva Kaneen Board Certified OB/GYN

Dr. Jason P. Helliwell Diplomat of the American board of Cosmetic Surgery in breast, body, extremities.

Board Certified OB/GYN

Husband & Wife Approach c !2& 391'ধ$ <8+'8@

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once you do this (wrestling), everything else is easy. It has a big impact on your life in a positive way.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Navonte Demison

8501 Brimhall Road, Bldg 300 %DNHUVÄ&#x2020;HOG &D &RVPHWLF6XUJHU\%DNHUVÄ&#x2020;HOG FRP

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Morganne Hill 6XUJHU\ UHVXOWV DUH QRW JXDUDQWHHG

June 2015 ¡ bwellmagazine.com

27

The UniCrew, from left: Justin Rappleye, Anthony Limiero, Jason Colaw, Cody Wren, Matthew Glascow and Connor Schamblin

UN1TED on one wheel 28

B Well Magazine 路 June 2015

UniCrew seeks to spread unicycling across Kern County, beyond

Place a 5-line Yard Sale ad for only $19.95* and receive a certificate for one FREE large 1-topping pizza from Rusty’s Pizza Parlor.

Limited time offer. *Offer expires 09/07/2015

50% OFF $ 50 only 2 YARD SALE KITS

By Gloria Saldivar

Photos by Mark Nessia

While supplies last

he formation of UniCrew was very spontaneous.

It all began when Anthony Limiero and his friend Jason Colaw bought two cheap unicycles off of Amazon.com.

“I had always wanted to ride, but I never thought it would take us this far,” said Limiero.

It took the boys about three days to learn how to ride the unicycles.

UniCrew officially started when Jason Rappleye joined in on the one-wheeled adventures. Soon after that, others

T

To advertise

Call 322-7355 or visit us at bakersfieldbuyandsell.com

Continued on PAGE 30

June 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

29

UniCrew to UniCon 2016 The UniCrew would like to represent Bakersfield and Kern County on an international level in professional competition. UniCon is a global scale competitive unicycling event in which unicyclists from all around the world gather, compete and learn from one another. In 2016, UniCon XVIII will be held in the Basque region of Spain.

FOLLOW

US ON INSTAGRAM

THEUNICREW

To help out, go to: gofundme.com/theunicrew

Continued from PAGE 29

Not only does UniCrew perform, but they also advocate hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

30

started to notice how much fun it looked and joined too. UniCrew consists of members from Stockdale High School, Bakersfield Christian High School, Independence High School, East High School and Valley Oaks Charter School. UniCrew has a total of 15 members, but only seven ride regularly.

The boys held competitions within the group while the new members were learning how to ride the unicycles.

During spring break in 2014, Limiero’s grandfather made the trip from Tennessee to California to help the boys build a unicycle skate park in the backyard of Limiero’s home.

UniCrew calls the skate park “The Universe.” The skate park features

B Well Magazine · June 2015

stairs, ramps, platforms, balance rails and skating rails. These elements allow the boys to practice and improve their skills on the unicycle.

The social media world opened up a whole new set of doors for UniCrew.

The boys gained more than 400 followers on Instagram and connected with other unicyclists from different parts of the world, such as Palestine, South Korea, South Africa, Norway, Germany and other countries.

Soon enough, the boys started to perform in front of the public. Their first performance was for a rally at Stockdale High School in front of more than 2,000 people. Soon after, they performed for Bakersfield Christian High School, Fellowship of Christian Athletes United, a Boy Scouts summer program, second- and third-graders at

Shirley Elementary and at the one-year anniversary for Boards and Bikes Co. Boards and Bikes Co. is currently the sponsor of UniCrew.

Not only does UniCrew perform, but they also advocate hard work, dedication and perseverance. It’s ultimate goal is to attend UniCon XVIII, an international unicycling competition that will be held in Spain during the summer of 2016.

“We would like to represent Bakersfield on an international level,” said Limiero.

Meanwhile, they are raising funds for the trip by selling UniCrew T-shirts.

They also have a donation page set up at gofundme.com/theunicrew.

They have plans to hopefully set up unicycling classes over the summer to help raise money for their trip, but that information remains unknown.

June 2015 路 bwellmagazine.com

31

Y O U R H E A LT H / d e f y i n g t h e o d d s

TRIUMPH in the midst of defeat Plagued by injury, local athlete gives up one sport, finds success in another

CSUB’s Mariah Alvidrez found success on the volleyball court after injuries forced her to give up soccer.

By Shelby Parker

Photos by Mark Nessia

enry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t — you’re right.”

These are also the words CSUB redshirt senior volleyball player Mariah Alvidrez lives by.

Alvidrez is a true athlete through and through, playing three sports in high school — softball, soccer and volleyball.

“My main focus was soccer, because it was my first love and had been since I was a little girl,” she said. “But when I started playing club volleyball in sixth grade, volleyball won its way into my heart.”

Alvidrez has suffered several injuries for the love of the game, tearing her left ACL in 2009 and her right ACL in 2007 and 2011.

“When the last one occurred, I knew that it was probably time that I ended my (soccer) career,” said Alvidrez, who

H

32

B Well Magazine · June 2015

played collegiate soccer at Fresno Pacific.

At that point, she knew what it was going to take to gain strength in her knee, but it broke her heart because she had loved and been passionate about soccer for 15 years. So much of her identity had been wrapped up in soccer, but after the last ACL incident, she felt that God had something different in store for her.

“He was testing me to see if I could persevere through this. He tested my faith,” said Alvidrez.

Tim Terrio, who helped Mariah get back on her feet, said they started with basic rehab exercises. Eric Mahanke was able to train with Alvidrez after her physical therapy. He said that she had complete focus while getting back into the game.

“She is all about dominating her goals. She had goals on the court and it didn’t change in the weight room,” he said. “She didn’t let anything deter her from getting the proper work in.”

Now located at

Office of Dr. Edmund Fisher • 661-323-6200 Board Certified ENT and Facial Plastic Surgeon

5300 Truxtun Ave Ste 200, Bakersfield CA • 661-619-6836 Appointments Now Available

He added that the biggest change they faced was starting from scratch again.

“Our main focus was to do whatever it takes in the weight room to make sure this didn’t happen,” Mahanke said. “So we were patient and progressed her safely.”

Following rehab, Alvidrez had to decide whether to let her injury end her athletic career or to continue through volleyball. She began to practice with Judy Rexroth’s Bakersfield Volleyball Club 18s team to get “back in the feel of things,” and caught the eye of then-CSUB head volleyball coach Jolene Shepardson.

“She became very interested and that’s how I ended up playing back here at home,” Alvidrez said.

Transitioning was hard, especially after not having played in three years. But she wasn’t going to let that stop her.

“The atmosphere of the two games are dramatically different, so I had to pull from muscle memory from volleyball to be successful,” Continued on PAGE 34

661-587-4777 • 3615 Coffee Road, Suite 500 • inspirebakersfield.com June 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

33

Continued from PAGE 33

she said. “I wasn’t afraid to get back out there. Fear was never a hindrance to my attitude, because I knew God had his best interest for me.”

In spite of having multiple injuries, Alvidrez still managed to have a successful career, helping the Roadrunners win the WAC championship in indoor volleyball and leading the sand volleyball team in wins with partner Molly O’Hagan her senior year.

“To recover from three major injuries and still compete at a high level is impressive, but to recover and excel at your sport is truly impressive,” said Terrio. “Over the years, I’ve worked with a lot of skilled athletes that might have had all the talent, but very rarely do you meet a very skilled athlete who is also an incredibly hard worker and Mariah is one of them.”

34

B Well Magazine · June 2015

5

01

*

TE A VO M TO L 20 KSL TAL W AU 00 F T OM A RA INI N NG

AN OM LW G OTA ININ MT TRA TEA AUF KSL VOL 5 201

2000

It’s our 15th year of Volkslauf training and the Battle of the Gyms is on!!!

2

RE U

N TEAM IO N

SUMMER TRAINING NOW IN PROGRESS!!!

Run your first 10K/5K Volkslauf or just get in the best shape of your life with the group who gave Bootcamp style training it’s name!

Sessions i scheduled now through event.

Call C today for details!

fitness and training

www.twfitness.com 5329 Truxtun Ext. 325-020 9901 Hageman Rd. 588-8931 OW! N . . .

R RRIO A W R INNE R U O SE Y A BATTLE E L E R

of the GYMS!

Y O U R H E A LT H / h e a l t h w a t c h

Q & A with local experts in their medical fields Q: After a big game, how important is stretching for athletes and what can happen to muscles if no stretching happens before or after a game?

Dr. Kristal D. Shropshire

Chiropractor

Shropshire Chiropractic

A: During a big game or any strenuous activity, the muscle fibers can develop small tears and overtime can become larger, possibly leading to injury. It is very important to use proper techniques when stretching these muscle fibers to promote joint flexibility and ensure the joints are able to achieve full range of motion during the activity or exercise. Failure to properly stretch muscles that are repetitively contracted during exercise can lead to shortening of the muscle fibers and can eventually tear. Therefore, stretching before and after a game will limber the body and ensure that the muscles can handle the stress of the activity.

Our other experts

Cheryl M. Garone Registered Dietitian Dignity Health at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

Dr. Nirav Naik Bariatric Surgeon Valley Advanced Surgical Services

Q: What foods should athletes be eating throughout the year and during the season to perform well on the field and what nutrients help an athlete perform better?

Sydney Flippo

Registered Dietitian San Joaquin Community Hospital

A: Athletes are all different, and there is no single diet that meets the needs of all athletes. Carbohydrates are a key nutrient for energy supply, but carbohydrate needs depend on the training load and vary from day to day and across the season. Athletes’ carbohydrate needs are closely tied to the muscle fuel costs of their training.

Therefore, rather than having a static dietary intake of carbohydrates, athletes should vary their carbohydrate intake according to the rise and fall in muscle fuel needs. Protein intake goals for both strength and endurance athletes have been set at about 1.2 to 1.6 g/kg per day.

Eating a source of high-quality protein soon after exercise is part of the process of promoting muscle rebuilding. High-quality protein, particularly from animal sources (e.g., dairy, meats, eggs, etc.) is especially valuable. And don’t forget to hydrate!

Dr. Dana L. Yeoman Dentist Second Smile Denture Care

Dr. Farzin Kerendian Plastic Surgeon Desired Beauty

Q: How important is exercise for a person who has been diagnosed with cancer?

Dr. Ravi Patel

Oncologist

Comprehensive Blood & Cancer Center 36

B Well Magazine · June 2015

A: Remaining fit and healthy is very important when you have cancer.

Many people have the misconception that if you have cancer, you should not be socializing or exercising. This is not true. You want to continue to live a normal life as much as possible and exercising is part of it. You do not need to do excessive exercise to the point of fatigue. But moderate exercise while undergoing cancer treatment has shown to benefit patients significantly. Do things like walking, light weight lifting, jogging, yoga or any other moderate workout for about 30 minutes, three to four times a week. It’s also equally important that you keep a great mental attitude. Cancer should not be curse in your life! It should be more like a gift that transforms your life to help you recognize all things beautiful in life!

Dr. Regina Cunningham Certified Holistic Health Coach/ Energy Medicine Practitioner

Dr. Bernard Maristany Neuroradiologist Kern Radiology

Y O U R H E A LT H / h o l i s t i c h e a l t h

Plant therapy Essential oils help with physical, mental wellness

By Bridget Cole, team member with Young Living Essential Oils

ssential oils do more than smell good. The essence of plants and flowers have been studied for centuries and their therapeutic use is becoming popular for those seeking alternative forms of medicine.

E

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are obtained from properly distilling any part of a plant, including the seeds, roots, bark, stems, leaves, fruit, flowers or branches. You need hundreds of pounds of material to make a pound of therapeuticgrade oil. For instance, it takes 30 to 60 roses to make one drop of pure therapeutic-grade rose oil.

What are the benefits of essential oils?

Personally, I use them daily for keeping my blood pressure lowered and to obtain more energy.

My daughter no longer has chronic constipation and the oils also boost my family’s immune system, especially during allergy season. Essential oils are high in antioxidants and we know that

antioxidants strengthen the body’s systems to prevent the damaging effects of aging, diet and the environment.

What is the most popular oil?

Lavender. You can use this oil to unwind before bedtime, for the occasional muscle cramps and to beautify your skin. Lavender can also assist the body when adapting to stress or imbalances.

A drop of essential oil can reach every cell in your body within 20 minutes when applied so one to two drops of oil is enough for any application.

But there are a variety of different oils, each with their own helping property.

For example, the peppermint has a strong, clean, fresh, minty aroma. Peppermint works with the body to block the transmission of pain signals, while also reducing inflammation, which is often the cause of the pain in the first place. When used in combination with other oils, it can help our bodies absorb the other oils’ chemical constituents more quickly. This makes it a “driver,” since the oils can work more deeply into the tissues.

Remember that oils have multiple properties, which means they can perform different functions at the same time.

To learn more about essential oils, visit lemonharmony.com.

What are the differences in oils?

Therapeutic-grade essential oils are different from fragrance or aromatherapyPeppermint works grade oils. It is very with the body to block important to know the quality and where the the transmission of oil you will be using pain signals, comes from. Otherwise, while also reducing you may just be buying a fragrance oil that cannot inflammation. help you therapeutically.

The FDA does not regulate essential oils, therefore when a label says “pure” or “organic” there could be as little as 5 percent truly pure oil in the bottle.

June 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

37

Y O U R H E A LT H / m e n t a l h e a l t h

All work, no play Recess, sports are key for children and teens to successfully manage stress

By Dr. Asarulislam Syed, M.D. Neurology & Psychiatry

anaging stress is a skill. It is a learned human behavior.

Like all other human behaviors and skills, managing stress is best learned and developed in childhood.

However it can always be learned and developed in later

M

years of life.

From the earliest periods of human history, a variety of teaching and learning methods were developed to teach children how to cope with stress. For example, during ancient Greece, the gymnasium was the academy and vice versa. In present times, recess breaks in schools are designed with this intention. Having recess breaks for younger children, and even time to walk with friends for teens, helps combat stress. While the time spent in the classroom is utilized in active learning, the time spent in recess is spent in learning another useful skill – stress management.

Structure plays a very important part in every kind of learning.

Recess breaks, sports and extracurricular activities – essential elements of our educational system – are designed to teach stress management skills from an early age. The diversity of subjects taught in our schools is designed by educationists to create the variety of choices that serves to relieve stress. Sports and athletic activities provide a child the greatest weapon against stress. Children and teens Children and teens involved in sports successfully learn how to manage stress by involved in sports balancing school, life and athletic successfully learn priorities. Sport activities trigger how to manage all such emotions that lead to the stress by balancing development of a healthy physical school, life and and emotional self and a stronger athletic priorities. immune system.

Student-athletes tend to learn how to manage time. Often, these students, by way of having to participate in athletic activities, learn to take advantage of school resources, as well as to communicate better to express themselves. This alone helps reduce stress since these teens have a general feeling – even if they are not likely to openly express it – that they are not tackling life alone. Such communications, with coaches, tutors and even friends, can help identify potential problems early.

However, for some students, often taking on extracurricular activities can create additional stressors if there is no support or feedback about balancing time. These students tend to drop out of the activities feeling worse than when they started. During such times, it is best to 38

B Well Magazine · June 2015

ask kids what is wrong instead of immediately resorting to telling them what they should do to cope better. If children or teens start exhibiting significant changes in behavior and there is no successful communication, it is a good idea for parents to speak to a school counselor or the child’s physician for additional help.

Children who are growing up with digital distractions have an even higher need to balance everything than the generations of students before them. With the rise in standardized testing, it is equally important for students to get time to play sports or enjoy recess, even if it doesn’t involve joining athletic school teams. Moving around helps the blood circulate to the brain, heart and extremities.

It also balances biochemistry and healthy responses Dr. Asarulislam to stress. All of this improves concentration in Syed younger children and, particularly for teenagers, exercise helps stabilize and regulate hormones. Involvement in sports gives children a feeling of being in control of their lives. They learn to develop realistic expectations about life, which is the key to stress management.

Y O U R H E A LT H / f a b f i n d s

summer treats Don’t forget to pack your beach towel before you head to the beach this summer!

Now in trendy and modern prints, you’ll be soaking up the sun in style. Bed Bath & Beyond and other local retailers, $14.99.

Take care of your lips this summer with Banana Boat Performance Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 50. This pocket-size lip moisturizer will keep your lips hydrated even in the most blazing hot Bakersfield summer days. Walgreens, Target and other local retailers, $1.97.

Wake up ready to face the day with a fresh citrus scent face wash. This unique gel cleanser with vitamin C and ginseng will leave your skin soft, energized and clean. Target and other local retailers, $6.

June 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

39

H E A LT H Y B I T E S / f i t f o o d i e

By Tyler Stevens

amille Mosley Moran, a native of Bakersfield, is a mother, a wife, holds a postgraduate degree, manages her family business and competes professionally as a competitive female figure athlete.

Camille is the epitome of the 80-20 rule, meaning she dedicates 80 percent to her diet and 20 percent to her physical training.

It takes extreme discipline for Moran to diet around competition time due to the low carb intake – sometimes fewer than 100 grams a day – and precise measurements of daily meals.

Eating five to six times a day, Moran incorporates lean whitemeat proteins, leafy greens, oat bran, nuts and about a gallon of water a day. She eats to fuel her body and makes decisions about the nutrients that her body needs at the time.

To stay focused on her nutrition plan, she visualizes what she wants to look like on stage and knows that cheating on her diet will not get her on the podium.

Moran is also realistic and acknowledges that her family and friends have different nutritional desires and needs. She allows herself to enjoy all foods in moderation, such as the occasional piece of dark chocolate or popcorn.

To compete at the highest level, Moran’s workouts consist of resistance training five to six days per week, cardio six to seven days per week, yoga at least once a week and highintensity interval drills, such as sprints and cycling.

Camille Mosley Moran

Camille Mosley Moran Discipline, commitment, sacrifice keys to competitive bodybuilding

40

B Well Magazine · June 2015

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

C

What was your first competition experience was like?

I was 43 years old at my first competition. Most female Pro Figure athletes are in their late 20s or 30s, so most of the time I compete against ladies 10 or more years my junior. At this level of competition, most ladies have a great genetic foundation, but youth helps recovery time with the intense training required to be successful. I have dealt with this by identifying and training my “weak” areas harder and supplementing to assist recovery.

and I have pushed myself harder than ever before. To do well in competitive bodybuilding, the nutrition and exercise become a way of life. With that said, I have become more disciplined and have developed a physique at 44 that compares with 25-year-oldathletes. However, I am a work in progress and there is always an area to improve.

Any competitions in the future?

I am currently preparing to compete at the Team Universe Competition in New York on July 3.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMILLE MOSLEY MORAN

Camille trains intensely yearround and begins to refine her diet 12 weeks before a competition.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Spinach arugula chicken salad with balsamic vinegar and avocado oil.

Camille trains intensely year-round and begins to refine her diet 12 weeks before a competition.

To stay focused on her nutrition plan, she visualizes what she wants to look like on stage and knows that cheating on her diet will not get her on the podium.

How does your family support you during competition?

How do you feel you have progressed and gotten better?

Over the past two years competing I have had the opportunity to work with my competition coach and other pros who can spot weaknesses in my physique

Portion size is key for the meals Camille Mosely Moran makes. A scale, measuring cups and spoons are a must.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

I am blessed to have a supportive husband and parents that help with my daughter when I’m training or traveling to a show, in addition to starting my days early and ending some days late to fit in two workouts a day.

June 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

41

H E A LT H Y B I T E S / h e a l t h y i n d u l g e n c e

Bolthouse’s line of “kiddie snacks,” designed for children ages 4 to 11, utilize whimsical designs and catchy product names.

Making healthy eating cool, fun for kids

How carrot farmers are changing the way children see healthy foods

By Breana Oliver

Bolthouse seeks to make healthy options “cool” again in the eyes of children and simple for parents to merge into their busy lifestyles.

42

or many parents, the task of preparing a meal for their families is daunting.

Tastes aside, making something that pleases everyone and doesn’t take an immense amount of time or money is quite the challenge.

Parents find themselves reaching for the quick-fix meal – the boxed pasta,

F

B Well Magazine · June 2015

the frozen lasagna, the fast food drive-thru – and their children are paying the price for it … with their waistlines.

In California alone, 30.4 percent of youths are considered overweight or obese, a percentage that is steadily rising as children are consuming more calories from fast food and convenience-store-type snacks instead of more wholesome choices.

This statistic, coupled

with the fact that the food industry spends nearly $2 billion a year on marketing junk foods directly to children, has driven one local carrot farm to address the battle of the bulge in an unconventional way.

Bolthouse’s line of “kiddie snacks,” designed for children ages 4 to 11, utilize whimsical designs and catchy product names, such as a kid-sized smoothie named “Peach Meets Mango,” to attract both children

and adults alike. Fruit blends inside travel-sized tubes allow snacking on the go and Veggie Snackers let kids to play with their food by releasing seasoning, such as chili lime and ranch, in a bag of carrots and shaking it to coat and flavor.

Bolthouse seeks to make healthy options “cool” again in the eyes of children and simple for parents to merge into their busy lifestyles.

,QKP VJG NGCFGTU QH UWEEGUU CV 9CVUQP 4GCNV[ 9JGP [QWŏTG TGCF[ VQ VCMG VJG PGZV UVGR KP [QWT ECTGGT

661.617.3329 CIGPVTGNCVKQPU"YCVUQPTGCNV[ EQO

YYY YCVUQPTGCNV[ EQO 1HſEG $4'

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Getting to know your doctors

Laura K. Huggins, OD Pediatric and Family Care Optometrist How long have you been practicing optometry?

I have been practicing in the Bakersfield area for four years. Prior to that, I practiced in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for 10 years.

Where did you earn your degree?

I graduated in 2001 from Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry.

What inspired you to practice pediatric and family care optometry?

Working with children has always brought me joy. It is an awesome responsibility to know that I play a role in shaping their futures.

How can I better handle this responsibility? By taking care of the whole family. This allows me to build a relationship of trust with all family members. I work together with them to give

44

B Well Magazine · June 2015

my family members the very best care that is specific to their individual needs.

What helped you decide to join Empire Eye and Laser Center’s professional team?

I have co-managed patients with all the doctors at Empire Eye and Laser Center since moving to Bakersfield four years ago. During that time, I have been impressed with both the level of care and professionalism, but I have been most impressed with the kindness and courtesy shown to my patients. The entire staff at Empire Eye and Laser Center is dedicated to providing all patients with excellent care in an environment designed for patient comfort. Empire Eye and Laser Center is at the forefront of technology development and continuously strives to bring the newest in patient care to our patients. I am honored to be joining a well-respected team of staff and doctors in providing Bakersfield with the very best in ophthalmic care.

What do you enjoy most about your work as an optometrist?

Simply put, I enjoy the people. Each patient has a unique story, and I like hearing those stories. I enjoy being able to get to know my patients while I am taking care of their visual needs. I started working in this field more than 20 years ago. My experience with my very first patient is what made me fall in love with my profession and why I am still passionate about it 20 years later. My first patient was a woman in her 80s who had not had new glasses in more than 15 years. I got her ready to see the doctor and after seeing the doctor, helped her select new glasses. When she picked up her new glasses, she put them on and with tears in her eyes said: “I can see again. Thank you so much for helping me see again.” That was the moment that decided my future. Moments like those are what I enjoy about my work. It is all about the people and making a positive impact in their lives.

WELLNESS & WONDER / real success stories

Veteran swaps combat boots for cowboy boots

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Up-and-coming artist calls Bakersfield the ‘Nashville of the West Coast’

By Laura Liera

usic is about having fun and bringing people of all ages and ethnicities together under one sound.

For Emijah Calvin, that’s exactly what his vision is when he’s strumming his guitar and composing songs.

“I want to make people feel good, happy, feel joyous,” Calvin said.

M

46

B Well Magazine · June 2015

The 33-year-old Army veteran was raised on a farm in Georgia with his uncle George but now resides in Bakersfield.

Here in town, he’s known as Cowboy Calvin. You might spot him walking downtown wearing his boots and cowboy hat along with his guitar.

The cowboy familiarity is one that has always been a part of his life.

As he says, “I’ve been living in the

wild, Wild West; I’m a country boy at heart.”

Cowboy Calvin is an up-and-coming country artist in Bakersfield.

He has performed at Trout’s Nightclub, VIP Lounge, Texas 28 and Sandrini’s among other music venues.

Country music is the genre that appeals to Calvin because of the life stories it tells.

“It’s the only genre of music that

really praises those who have served this country,” he said.

“I feel appreciated in this genre of music because it talks about my brothers and sisters who have served.”

After serving three years in the military as a combat medic, Calvin traveled the world and spent a few months in Brazil.

In 2013, he moved to Bakersfield and has called it home ever since.

For Calvin, Bakersfield is the Nashville of the West Coast.

He describes his music as a mix of country, rock and hip hop.

His song, “Cowboys Love Their Country” is a blend of different beats and it shines light on the life of a cowboy.

“I try to find inspiration from people and their everyday life and focus on those whose lives aren’t really glamorized,” Calvin said.

Although he says he’s not a traditional country boy, Cowboy Calvin said he promises to deliver a good story through his music.

And so far, the Bakersfield community has received him with open arms.

“This community has helped me Here in town, grow as an artist, they have he’s known as encouraged me, loved me and given me a sense of belonging to Cowboy Calvin. this city,” he said.

You might spot In five years, Calvin hopes to be him walking an icon of Bakersfield. downtown He wants people to recognize wearing his boots his style of country and use him and cowboy hat as inspiration to pursue their own music goals. along with his “No matter where I go, I’ll guitar. always represent Bakersfield because this is the place where I found what I wanted to be. It’s my rebirth place,” he said.

Calvin graduated from Bakersfield College in May with an associate degree in biology and will continue to pursue his music career full time.

661-617-6101 • 1500 Haggin Oaks, Suite 100 Dr. Gregory Klis, M.D. April Cooper, R.N. • Debbie Alteparmakian, R.N. Tasha Garcia, R.N. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and Care Credit www.skinsationmedspa.com The non-invasive Ulterapy procedure is FDA-cleared to lift skin on the neck, on the eyebrow and under the chin as well as improve lines and wrinkles on the decolletage. For full product and safety information, including possible mild side effects, visit www.ulterapy.com/IFU. ©2015 Ultera, Inc. Ulterapy and See the Beauty of Sound are trademark of Ultera, Inc.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMIJAH CALVIN

Adult Family Home Agency (AFHA)

Share your Heart, Share your Home.

Get paid for Making a Difference.

Minimum Family Home Qualifications: • 21 year or age or older • Calif Driver’s License with reliable transportation and valid insurance • Successfully complete background check • Bilingual a plus • Successfully complete our ongoing training

CALL NOW

2131 Mars Court • Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 387-1000 www.mycreativeconnectionsinc.org June 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

47

WELLNESS & WONDER / your body

Open Blood Drives This Month June 16 noon to 6 p.m.

Bear Valley Community Service June 17 noon to 6 p.m.

Ridgecrest Community

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

June 23 noon to 6 p.m.

Taft Community

South High School graduate Derrell Patton donates blood last year.

What you didn’t know about donating blood

June 24 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

AltaOne Federal Credit Union June 26 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Home Depot - Ming Avenue June 27 noon to 4 p.m.

BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse June 29 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Home Depot - Rosedale Highway

By Houchin Community Blood Bank

10 Interesting Facts

1 The only provider of blood, platelets and plasma for all Kern County hospitals and transfusion centers is Houchin Community Blood Bank.

2 It takes more than

18,000 donors to contribute the more than 35,000 red cells sent to patients each year.

48

3 The need for platelets

and plasma for transfusion is growing significantly, in part because of new protocols with trauma patients.

4 Approximately

19,000 pints of blood are collected daily in the USA, because every two seconds someone needs blood.

B Well Magazine · June 2015

5 The need for the universal blood products is always high: O-negative for blood, and AB for plasma and platelets.

7 Each pint of blood is separated into the red cells and the plasma, so at least two people can be helped with each donation.

6 Platelets last only five days on the shelf, and we will need 7,432 units this year to meet anticipated needs.

8 Blood, platelets and

plasma can be donated using automated donation where just what is needed is removed and everything else returned to the donor. The resulting products need no further manufacturing before going to patients.

9 It takes about three

blood drives at businesses, churches, clubs and events to replace just one high school drive during school vacations.

10 About 20 percent

of the blood supply comes from high school students.

Expert Connect: Dr. Farzin Kerendian Are you unhappy with the appearance and shape of your abdomen? What are my options?

Full Tummy Tuck

The shape of the female abdomen changes throughout life due to a number of different reasons. Most commonly, it's due to weight gain and weight loss, aging, pregnancy and other abdominal surgeries. Fortunately these are reversible by choosing the appropriate surgery. Cosmetic surgery of the abdomen is a sensitive area within the field of surgery, which requires special training and skills in all aspect of abdominal surgery. Make sure the surgeon of your choice has extensive training and experience in this area.

This surgery is a very common and is performed on those who suffer from abdominal muscle laxity, upper and lower abdominal skin excess and fold. This approach requires an incision in the lower abdomen and around the umbilicus. This technique can eliminate excess skin in the upper and lower abdomen, eliminate the stretch marks in the lower abdomen and tighten the abdominal muscle to create a flat abdomen. Dr. Kerendian has performed hundreds of full tummy tucks with superb results and very happy patients.

Liposuction

Modified Tummy Tuck

Liposuction is indicated for men or women who have excess distribution of fat with non or minimal skin laxity. In those patients without the needed scar, liposuction/liposculptra of abdomen can be performed and excess fat is removed. Dr. Kerendian is very experienced in different techniques of liposuction, including tumescent liposuction, ultrasound liposuction, vaser liposuction, and MicroAire liposuction.

He will discuss with each patient which approach is best for his or her particular condition.

This is modified technique, which is geared toward those who need more than a mini tummy tuck but don't need to go to the extent of a full tummy tuck.

Unfortunately, only a very limited number of surgeons are trained in this approach. Dr. Kerendian has trained many surgeons in this and other forms of tummy tuck surgeries.

Endoscopic Tummy Tuck

This is a very advanced technique in tummy tuck in which very few surgeons are trained in.

This technique for those patients who have loose abdominal muscle, due to multiple pregnancies without excess skin. The advantage of this technique is that the entire procedure is performed through mini incisions smaller than 2 inches with use of placing a camera and tightening the abdominal muscle. In many cases, this may be combined with liposuction.

Dr. Kerendian is highly skilled in this procedure.

Extensive Tummy Tuck

This is a more extensive type of tummy tuck, usually for patients who have gone through extensive weight loss or after bariatric surgeries. For those patients, special set skills are required to address their issues.

Many attain complex techniques and the approach such as fleur-de-lis techniques mentioned above, may be required to achieve the best results for these patients.

Dr. Kerendian particularly enjoys these cases as the results are extraordinary, mind blowing and improvements in patients’ lives are especially gratifying.

Which Type Do I Need?

An experienced surgeon who is highly skilled in all techniques mentioned is essential to determine which technique is best suited for your particular needs.

Mini Tummy Tuck

This technique for men or women who are interested in smaller scars on abdomen and suffer from skin fold in the lower abdomen.

This surgery is less invasive than traditional tummy tuck and results in a smaller scar and quicker recovery. Dr. Kerendian is very experienced in this technique and may combine this procedure with liposuction for those who may need it.

desiredbeauty.com

2020 21st Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301 • 661-327-4400 2080 Century Park E., Suite 607, Century City, CA 90067 • 310-274-4900

WELLNESS & WONDER / what happens when...

You don’t treat sports injuries Local organization focuses on injury prevention

Tyler Saso reminds Kosta Bikakis to keep his back straight when he does deadlifts.

By Laura Liera

Photo by Mark Nessia

hen we think about sports, most of us think of strength and agility. How do our kids become the fastest on the team? Is there a way to build more muscle so they become stronger?

But what happens when athletes get injured?

Can injuries be prevented?

According to Athletes’ Advantage Academy co-owner Ryan Beckwith, the answer is yes.

“We work on the biomechanics of athleticism,” he said.

“We teach kids how to run, jump and land correctly, how to engage another human being with contact correctly, all in efforts to reduce injury.”

The most common injuries seen are the major joints — ankles, knees, hips, shoulders — as well as the lower back.

Most of these injuries are due to improper biomechanics in training and in competition.

“This means an athlete’s movement pattern can cause stresses on the body… without proper knowledge of how to absorb and create force, injuries are in time, inevitable,” Beckwith said.

W

ImPACT is done before a sport season begins.

If an athlete starts having any concussionlike symptoms throughout the season, like headaches, nausea or insomnia, among others, the cognitive test allows the academy coaches to know immediately.

Brain Matters

In the U.S., more than 3.5 million injuries happen yearly among children and teens.

John Hopkins Medicine has reported children ages 50

B Well Magazine · June 2015

14 and younger get hurt annually playing sports or participating in recreational activities.

Sports and recreational activities contribute to about 21 percent of all traumatic brain injuries among American children, research shows.

Recognizing the importance of brain injury prevention among athletes led the nonprofit training center to take on ImPACT. ImPACT is a “sophisticated test of cognitive abilities that provides a baseline of an athlete’s brain function that can be used for comparison if a concussion is sustained, rather than relying on the athlete answering basic questions.”

ImPACT is done before a sport season begins. If an athlete starts having any concussion-like symptoms throughout the season, like headaches, nausea or insomnia, among others, the cognitive test allows the academy coaches to know immediately.

“It gives us a hard data readout of their cognitive skills when they retake the test, and if they’ve dropped in score, we can then address it,” Beckwith said.

Athletes’ Advantage Academy has partnered with Dignity Health’s neuroscience program to make ImPACT available to student-athletes in Bakersfield.

Co-owner Tyler Saso notes that there is more neurologically invested in sports than a deadlift, a pushup or situp.

“Taking a more brain-based approach is contributed to rapid performance in games,” he said. “It takes your game and training to another level and, ultimately, prevents injuries.”

EXPERT CONNECT

What is cranial remolding orthosis?

A cranial remolding orthosis is used to correct asymmetry in an infant’s head usually caused by positional plagiocephaly. Infants are usually treated between the ages 3 to 18 months. In most cases when the asymmetry is treated early, it is correctable due to the malleability of an infant’s head.

HOW

DOES A CRANIAL REMOLDING OR RTHOSIS

T WORK? TREA ATMENT TMEN

The treatment program utilized in conjunction with Orthomerica’s STTARband focuses on redirecting the cranial growth toward a more symmetrical shape.

This is accomplished by maintaining contact in the @QD@R NE OQNLHMDMBD @MC @KKNVHMF QNNL HM Ʀ@SSDMDC areas for the head to grow.

HOW

DO

I

KNOW IF MY CHILD NEEDS A

CRANIAL REMOLDING OR RTHOSIS?

It is important to note that some asymmetry is comLNM HM HME@MSR 'NVDUDQ HE XNT MNSHBD Ʀ@SMDRR NM the back of the head, a head that is taller or wider than normal or facial asymmetry, this may be a sign your infant requires treatment. If you notice these signs, talk to your physician for further evaluation.

Logan M. Newton, CP, BOCO Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist AchillesLProsthetics Orthotics OGAN M. N&EWT ON,

What does Achilles have to offer me?

B.O.C.O.

Achilles Prosthetics and Orthotics offers the widest selection of prosthetic components to meet the needs and challenges of all types of amputees. Our American Board certified prosthetists

are highly skilled and constantly trained in all of the latest techniques and methods. At Achilles,

our goal is for you to feel completely comfortable and confident while wearing your prosthesis and achieving your goals. We are here to be a continuous source of support and a resource for your ongoing care.

2624 F Street · (661) 323-5944 · ACHILLESPO.COM June 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

51

W E L L N E S S & W O N D E R / l i f e ’s q u e s t i o n s a n s w e r e d

SOS: Save Our Skin How to enjoy the sun with caution

By Dr. Milan Shah, MD

rotecting our skin should be on our everyday to-do list. Not just during hot Bakersfield summers, but throughout the rest of the year.

The good news is that protecting our skin is not too difficult. All it takes is a good slather of sunscreen and who can’t do that, right?

P

So why do we need sun protection?

First and foremost, protect yourself from UV light. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause premature aging in terms of wrinkles, age spots, a variety of skin problems and, the worst, cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.

There is about one death every hour from melanoma, the most viscous form of skin cancer. Most of us assume that it’s only important to protect ourselves during the warmer days or when going to the beach or pool. Yet the risk of UV exposure during the winter months can be equally as high.

How do we pick the best sunscreen?

The ideal sunscreen would completely block harmful UV rays that cause sunburn and also cause damage to free radicals – what ages our skin. A beneficial sunscreen needs to remain effective for hours and not be harmful for the skin as it breaks down.

The Environmental Working Group in Washington, D.C., has determined that in the United States, mineral sunscreens are proven to be the best. These products are relatively stable, do not penetrate the skin and offer a good amount of UV protection not available in many sunscreens sold over the counter.

Titanium and zinc oxide are great examples of the mineral-based sunscreens available.

Another great contender is Avobenzone, 52

B Well Magazine · June 2015

which offers great UVA protection without disrupting natural hormones.

When you’re ready to purchase sunscreen, look for an SPF between 30 and 50. There is no evidence that shows a higher SPF product will provide more protection. The SPF number is only an indicator of UVB protection, not UVA. This means that a person might think the higher the number the better the protection, when in reality the skin is getting an increased dose of the very harmful UVA light.

Finally, remember to seek shade, especially when the sun is at its strongest,

between 10 a.m and 4 p.m. Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants instead of shorts and use wide-brimmed hats to protect the face.

We all need and love the sun, but remember what they say about too much of a good thing!

If you have any concerns about keeping your skin healthy and reversing Dr. Milan Shah damaged skin, call us at Beautologie Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center, 865-5009.

Delano Surgical Group Hair today, gone tomorrow!

FR EE N TATIO CONSUL

Cosmetic Services: Prices As Low As $40

Cosmetic Laser Hair Removal and Skin Treatments • Upper Lip • Chin • Underarms • Forearms • Lower Legs • Bikini Line

Appointments available Monday - Saturday Financing available with approval based on credit status.

661.725.4847 1205 Garces Hwy, Suite 303 Delano, CA 93215

WELLNESS & WONDER / living green

The Fourth R Benefits of recycled content

By Kelly Damian with Kern Green

he mantra “reduce, reuse, recycle” forms the basis of basic environmental responsibility.

Though catchy, it is missing one important word: repurchase. Buying goods made from recycled products should be thought of as the final stage in the recycling process.

T

54

B Well Magazine · June 2015

REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE REPURCHASE

When we buy items with recycled content, we not only keep resources out of the landfill, but we help to preserve the environment as a whole.

According to the EPA, products made from recycled materials require less energy and water to produce and create less total pollution during resource acquisition and product manufacturing than products made from raw materials.

Paper

Paper towels, paper napkins, toilet paper and facial tissue made from recycled paper are widely available and easy to find. Look for the products with the highest percentage of post-consumer content. When a product is labeled as having post-consumer content, that means it contains material that has been previously used, disposed of and diverted from landfills.

Restocking your office? Recycled copy paper, notebook paper and sticky notes are of the same quality as those made from virgin materials.

According to the Department of Conservation, buying recycled paper instead of paper made from raw materials saves 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, and 4100 kilowatt-hours of energy of energy per ton.

If you think a piece of paper can have no impact on the environment, consider this: 36 percent of the average landfill is comprised of paper.

Plastic

Plastic water bottles can be recycled into other containers, but did you know that they can also become the fabric in your clothes, the fiberfill in your coat and the upholstery and carpeting around your house? In fact, recycling just five 2-liter bottles can produce enough polyester for a square yard of carpet. The downside of plastic, however, is that it degrades during reprocessing. The items created from recycled water bottles, such as fleece or polyester cannot then be recycled.

Glass

Glass jars and bottles, however, can be recycled endlessly without any loss in purity or quality. Recycled glass is primarily used to make new containers, and recycled glass bottles can also be turned into countertops, flooring, tile, landscaping stones and bricks. The next time you embark on a home improvement project, look for materials that contain recycled content. Their beauty and uniqueness may surprise you.

Tossing containers and paper into the recycling bin is, for most of us, a habit of daily life. When we make repurchasing a habit, it benefits us all.

Anti-Aging Medicine is a clinical/medical specialty in the field of scientific research aimed at the early detection, prevention, treatment, and reversal of age-related decline.

Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement

• Increase metabolic rate at a youth level • Improve sleep • Prevent memory loss / Alzheimer’s • Improve insulin sensitivity • Increase sexual interest • Decrease risk of colon cancer, and more.

Biofeedback Therapy is a key to a relaxing stress free lifestyle!

• Stress Related Disorders • Improvement in immune system • Detoxification • Depression • ADD •Chronic Pain and more

Glass can be used again and again, and it is

100 % recyclable.

www.newellbeingacu.com June 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

55

WELLNESS & WONDER / workout moves

By Monique Rogers

pen a conversation about practicing yoga, and many individuals immediately bring to mind an image of thin-granolatype bodies twisting themselves into pretzel positions. And while this image may be relative to a particular practice of yoga, it does not encompass it entirely.

O

In fact, many people I speak to are surprised to discover major professional athletes both retired and active have adopted yoga practices. I have even led a few of our own Bakersfield Condors through a series of sun salutations and Vinyasa flows.

So, what does yoga have to offer athletes?

For one benefit, flexibility and protection from injury. When your body is your business, an injury will take you out of the

game and off the field. A consistent yoga practice can help keep muscles and connecting tissues flexible and healthy.

In addition, continuous and proper joint movement keeps the areas of biggest injury risk, like the shoulders, wrists, ankles, knees, hips, back and neck, healthy and supple.

Interested? Try these poses as part of an athletic yoga practice.

YOGA moves to increase flexibility

56

B Well Magazine 路 June 2015

Side Plank Pose, aka “Vasisthasana” An Arm-Supported Inversion Pronunciation and Meaning: Vasisthasana (vah-sish-TAHS-anna) Vasistha = most excellent, best, richest Level: Beginner Inhale, reach the hand up and elongate the arm while pressing through the standing hand and shoulder.

Simultaneously lengthen the body from head to toes, focusing on creating balance. Final movement, turn the gaze gently toward the lifted hand.

Exhale.

Benefits: • Strengthens wrists, arms, legs and abdominals • Improves balance Contraindications and Cautions: • Shoulder issues • Wrist injuries • Elbow injury

Squeeze and straighten both legs together tightly.

Press side edge of grounded, stacked and flexed feet into floor.

Engage and lift from the core and hips.

Avoid: Allowing hips or shoulders to sway or sink.

Lifting the hips too high.

Instructions:

1

Begin in pushup position with arms straight and wrists aligned under shoulders.

2

Inhale. Shift your weight onto the outside edge of your left foot and onto your left arm, keeping the heel of the left palm firmly planted on the floor. Roll to the side using your hips to turn your body and bringing your right shoulder back. Keeping your feet flexed, stack your right foot on top of your left foot. Then, energetically squeeze and straighten both legs together tightly.

3

Exhale. Reach your right arm up and elongate your body, making a strong line from head to heels. Gently gaze up at your lifted hand and continue to press through your shoulder into the floor. While maintaining a solid balance, press the side edge of the left grounded foot into the floor. Engage and lift from the core and hips.

4

Inhale and exhale to hold the posture for 15 to 30 seconds. Return to push up position and repeat on the right side.

Pose Challenge:

Lift, elevate or pulse top leg during holds.

June 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

57

Warrior Pose I, aka Virabhadrasana I — Standing Pose Pronunciation and Meaning: Virabhadrasana I (veer-ah-bah-DRAHS-anna) Virabhadra = the name of a fierce warrior Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Benefits: • Strengthens arms, shoulders, thighs, ankles, back • Expansion of chest, lungs, shoulders • Stretches hip flexors, abdominal muscles, ankles

• Develops stamina • Improves balance Contraindications & Cautions • Shoulder injury • High blood pressure • Heart conditions

Avoid: Shifting weight too far forward and moving the bended knee over the ankle. Allowing hips to shift to either side.

Reach arms up while keeping them parallel and shoulder-width apart.

Firm the shoulder blades and draw down the back.

Rotate hips forward, with the effort being to square both hipbones.

Firmly ground the back right foot, keeping the arch of the foot from lifting, and firming the right thigh.

Slowly bend the left knee, keeping it in line with the left ankle. The left shin is working to become perpendicular to the floor and the left thigh parallel to the floor.

Instructions:

1

From a standing position, step the right foot back 3.5 to 4 feet from the front foot ensuring the heels of each foot are in line with each other. Turn the right foot out between 45 and 90 degrees, depending on what feels right for your right knee. Keep the left foot facing forward.

Rotate your hips forward, with the effort

58

being to square both hipbones parallel to the front of your mat.

2

Inhale. Reach your arms up while keeping them parallel and shoulder-width apart.

Firm the shoulder blades and draw them down your back.

3

Exhale. Pull your navel back toward your

B Well Magazine · June 2015

spine to contract the abdominals. Pull your tailbone in and allow it to lengthen, moving the pelvis forward. Firmly ground the back right foot, keeping the arch of the foot from lifting and firming the right thigh. Slowly bend the left knee, keeping it in line with the left ankle. The left knee should not move past the left ankle. The left shin is

working to become perpendicular to the floor and the left thigh parallel to the floor.

4

With your head in a neutral position, gaze forward or tilt the head and look toward your fingertips. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to one minute while gently inhaling and exhaling.

5

To release the pose, inhale and continue to reach up while straightening the left knee and pressing firmly into the back right foot.

Turn your feet forward, exhale, and release your arms. Repeat on the right side.

One-Legged King Pigeon Pose, aka Pada Rajakapotasana Backbend and Hip Opener Avoid: Compensating for tight chest and shoulders by compressing low back.

Allowing back knee to roll to either side.

Pronunciation and Meaning: Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (aa-KAH pah-DAH rah-JAH-cop-poh-TAHS-anna) Eka = one pada = foot or leg raja = king kapota = pigeon or dove Level: Advanced Benefits: • Stretches hips, thighs, spine, chest, shoulders, neck and abdominals • Strengthens the spine

Inhale, lift chest and sternum while using fingertips to move the torso into an upright position.

Contraindications & Cautions • Hip, knee, back injuries

Exhale, press energetically down into the floor with hips, while keeping the front foot flexed.

Extend leg while squaring hips forward.

Knee and kneecap point down to the floor.

Instructions:

1

Bring hands and feet to the floor into a wide fold, or a downward facing dog position.

Bend your right knee and bring it forward between your hands.

Place your right leg on the floor with the knee still bent. Lower your right shin and thigh to the floor. Your right heel should point to your pubis while the foot remains flexed.

2

Extend your left leg behind you and square your hips forward. Your left knee and kneecap should point down to the floor.

3

Inhale. Lift your chest and sternum while using your fingertips to move the torso into an upright position. Exhale, press energetically down into the floor with your hips and pubis.

Inhale to lift the chest more.

Exhale to press and release the hips again.

4

Hold and breathe for 10 seconds to one minute, then return to a wide fold or downward facing dog position.

Repeat on the left side.

June 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

59

WELLNESS & WONDER / gardening

EXPERT CONNECT

Find peace and tranquility in your own backyard Home sweet home, let the destress begin

By Rita White Co-owner of White Forest Nursery

icture sitting in your backyard under the shade of a tree, sipping a tall glass of lemonade, watching the birds and butterflies as you breathe in the sweet scent of honeysuckle, while letting your mind wander and dream.

Your yard can become the sanctuary of your choosing, a sheltered place where life slows down and brings you peace of mind and body.

Gardens touch all our senses and can nourish our bodies and souls.

Love to cook? Consider an herb garden, such as parsley, sage, thyme and oregano. Rosemary makes a beautiful bush and mint a great

P

60

B Well Magazine · June 2015

ground cover. Citrus trees such as lemons, oranges, mandarins and kumquats make beautiful garden highlights.

Flowers excite the senses of sight and smell. Roses, jasmine and lavender are my favorites. Their scent can take you to a world of relaxation beyond the present. Also experience tuber rose, lilac, gardenia, honeysuckle and citrus. Use as cut flowers and bring those heavenly scents into the home. Some of our favorite garden highlights are strawberry tree, angels trumpet, leucadendron, kangaroo paw and bird of paradise.

To preserve the health, beauty and tranquility of our gardens and comply with existing water restrictions, we must address the condition of our soil.

Most of our soils are hard and compacted, causing water to run down the drain, into the gutter or sit on top of the ground, which wastes a lot of water. The soil also contains a lot of alkali and is stripped of nutrients making it hard for plants to grow healthy.

GardenMAX and TurfMAX, which contains “BioLife Complex,” is a unique blend of beneficial bacteria, fungus and mycorrhizae and other elements working synergistically together to restructure the soil allowing air and water to absorb into the soil profile. That elimTo preserve inates runoff the health, and evaporabeauty and tion, hence a tranquility of 40 percent our gardens water savings and comply and the water with existing is now stored water for use by the restrictions, plant’s roots. we must But even address the more, while condition of the soil was our soil. being restructured, all that microbiology was hard at work breaking down nutrients and balancing the pH in the soil to create a healthy environment for the plants to grow and flourish. This creates a truly sustainable environment and allows the permaculture to work on its own.

So be happy and enjoy your beautiful green yard while you are content in knowing you are conserving 40 percent water.

To learn more, visit GreenAsItGets.com.

C R E AT I N G AWA R E N E S S / b t h e c a u s e

Making lemonade when life hands you lemons Lemonade Locks helps women feel beautiful, confident while rocking a wig

By Shelby Parker Photos by Mark Nessia

or Kelly Giblin, losing her hair eight years ago was the best thing that ever happened to her.

After being diagnosed with alopecia, which causes a loss of hair, she decided to look for a wig, which turned out to be harder than she thought.

The emotional experience to find the perfect wig motivated Giblin to start selling wigs as a side business out of her home.

About a year and a half later, San Joaquin Community Hospital contacted Giblin for an opportunity to start up a wig shop at the new cancer center.

That was the start of Lemonade Locks.

She retired from her career as an administrator at a local law firm and decided to take on a new journey.

Giblin said she has blessings every single day from working in the cancer center.

Lemonade Locks is more than just a wig boutique.

It is a form of therapy, helping women feel “confident and beautiful,”

F

even in the midst of a health challenge. The business not only helps cancer patients, but those who have experienced hair loss in other ways, whether hormonal, from other medications, and others just wanting the wigs for fun.

Giblin understands that the hair represents femininity and identity, and part of their mission is also giving that back to them with their product. Giblin joked that “these aren’t your grandmother’s wigs” and adds that they’ve come a long way and look very realistic these days.

Kelly also works with the women who are going through treatments by giving a 30 percent discount.

The shop offers private consultations to learn how to put on a wig, along with custom fittings for any alterations that need to be made and styling, just like a normal haircut.

“Kelly makes the people who work here better,” said Jenny Lavers, operations manager and social worker at the cancer center.

Lavers added that having

Kelly Giblin's mission is to empower women to feel confident and beautiful.

Her boutique, Lemonade Locks, is located on the second floor of the AIS Cancer Center across the street from San Joaquin Community Hospital.

a boutique like this in the cancer center eliminates some of the stress for patients, who are already being told a million different things after being diagnosed.

Although, it is a business, Giblin has struck up many friendships with her clients and considers them to be some of her dearest friends.

It’s about community – having a place to share their experiences and to feel better by getting dolled up.

Giblin met Donna Warden after she paid a visit to the shop with her husband and daughter. Warden, who is also a patient of San Joaquin’s AIS Cancer Center, said that at first, the last place she wanted to be was trying on wigs.

However, Giblin quickly changed her mind, as she got Warden’s daughter and husband, to try on wigs

and take pictures. Soon, they were all laughing and having a good time. The two became very good friends after that.

Warden mentioned that Giblin always has such a warm and caring personality.

She really cares for those whom she works with.

“You don’t walk away from her without smiling,” said Warden. “I feel so much better having her as a friend.”

For more information, you can visit lemonadelocks.com or “like” them on Facebook.

The wigs at Lemonade Locks come in all lengths and colors and can be styled and cut like real hair.

June 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

61

C R E AT I N G AWA R E N E S S / s o m e k i n d o f w o n d e r f u l

A most precious memento Local photographer’s images help families remember those who are gone but not forgotten

Kayla Bickmore holds her daughter Kimber one last time.

By Heather Hoelscher Photos courtesy of Alicja Burnette

hen a couple experiences something like losing a newborn baby, the results are often traumatic. These moments can pass by in a blink of an eye, leaving parents with vague memories of their little bundle of joy.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is an organization that gives families around the world the wonderful gift of remembrance when an unexpected loss occurs. NILMDTS offers families the opportunity to have professional photographs taken of their young ones before they have to say goodbye – a keepsake that will last a lifetime.

W

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is an organization that gives families around the world the wonderful gift of remembrance when an unexpected loss occurs.

A Blessing Born From Tragedy

In 2005, Cheryl Haggard, owner and creator of NILMDTS, was preg-

62

B Well Magazine · June 2015

nant with her fourth child, Maddux Achilles Haggard. Maddux was born with myotubular myopathy, which prevented him from breathing, swallowing or moving on his own.

Six days after he was born, Cheryl and her husband, Mike, made the heartbreaking decision to take Maddux off life support.

Cheryl knew that she wanted something, like a photograph, to remember him by. That’s when she contacted Sandy Puc’, a photographer in her area. Through this experience came the idea for NILMDTS and the thought that other families should have the same opportunity to have a special memento of someone they lost way too soon.

“Walking out of that hospital, basically brokenhearted, emptyhanded, I knew that I had his memory still with me through the medium of photography. Seeing those photographs brought such a pride

in my heart, healing and hope for my future. And I wanted to be able to share that with other families,” Haggard said.

A Way to Heal

Bakersfield photographer Alicja Burnette knows loss all too well.

She was pregnant for 15 weeks when she went in for a routine ultrasound. She discovered that her son had tumors and problems with his kidneys. In October 2007, she and her husband had to make the decision to induce labor at 17 weeks before her baby would feel any pain.

After hearing about NILMDTS, Burnette applied and became one of two volunteer photographers serving Kern County. She said this was the biggest way to give back – something that is so priceless.

“I feel like by giving (photographs) to other people, it’s, in a way, healing.

I know that they can have what I

“A lot of these families only have a few minutes, a few hours, to spend with their child and you have to remember every little thing, but you can’t.

— Alicja Burnette

was never was able to have. And still eight years later, I wish I just had one picture,” Burnette said.

With such a short time with their babies, photographs have such an importance to the families that experience this loss.

“A lot of these families only have a few minutes, a few hours, to spend with their child and you have to remember every little thing, but you can’t. As time goes on you forget little things and having the photos you can remind yourself this person existed and I loved this person,” Burnette said.

Seeing families say goodbye to their babies for the last time is always emotional for Burnette.

“It’s not easy; I cry every time.

All you can do is tell the family, ‘I’m sorry.’ I just keep snapping, I don’t want the families to lose this moment forever,” she said.

Special Moments Captured on Camera

Kayla Bickmore, 26, has been touched by the memories that Burnette and NILMDTS gave her when she lost her baby girl Kimber.

It was the second time she lost a child prematurely.

In October 2011, Bickmore gave birth to a baby boy, Dylan. A month and six days later, he passed away from a heart condition called myocarditis. Since then, she has reached out to online groups for support.

A few years later, Kayla became pregnant again. At 18 months, she found out she was having a girl.

“I was in tears right away because even though I told everyone, including myself, that I never wanted a girl, I guess deep down inside I really did,” she said.

But one day, as Kayla lied down to go to bed, she noticed Kimber hadn’t moved since the morning.

She went to the doctor to see what was wrong and found out that Kimber had passed.

“My whole world was crashing down around me again because I was losing another baby – another child. I didn’t know what to do with myself,” she said.

Kayla found out about NILMDTS

by Grieving Mothers, a Facebook group for parents dealing with loss, and that’s when she got in contact with Burnette.

“I'm so thankful for her and NILMDTS because what they are doing is so awesome. Alicja is such an awesome person; she knew what I was going through from experience and it made it easy to open up to her. She shared one of the most special moments with me and she captured it on camera.

I don't think she'll ever know how much I appreciate her,” Kayla said.

With the images she received from Burnette and NILMDTS, Kayla can remember Kimber as she was – a perfect, beautiful baby girl.

June 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

63

LAST LOOK / b seen

Go Red Luncheon Feb. 27 Held at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lidia Bravo and Mersedes Rojas

Socorro Molina, Rosa Solorzano and Marecela Delgadillo

Photos by Casey Christie

Karla Segovia, Araceli Nunez and Chris Quintanilla

Kristen Hill and Cayla Johnson

Ricardo Velazquez, Scarlett Tarwater and Hilda Tarwater

Laura Salgado and Laura Vega

Ofelia Aguirre, Griset Lopez and Margarita Perez

Irma Cervantes and Richard Soberanis

64

B Well Magazine 路 June 2015

LAST LOOK / b seen

Bike Bakersfield’s 10-Year Anniversay Dinner Teresa and Glenn Hammett, Brian and Tracie Monroe

April 23

Bob and Pam Smith

Held at Bakersfield Museum of Art Photos by Greg Nichols

Janet Cater and Andrae Gonzales

Evelyn Young Spath and Brian Spath

Jason Cater and Charlie Gandy

Gina Hayden, Bob Snoddy, Candra Cheers and Tomeka Powell

Depression & Suicide Prevention Insight, tips, suggestions and encouragement about how to possibly reduce emotional distress or depression to anyone suffering or dealing with it.

Lydia LaPoint, Diane Hoover, Peter Tuccillo, William Knoetgen, Luis Topete and Georgiena Vivian

June 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

65

LAST LOOK / b seen

KC Sheriff’s Benefit Association 4th Annual 5K and 10K Honor Run Heather and Aaron Mayberry and Jason and Laura Moronnolte

Sophia Perez and Carrie Castro

May 9 Held at Hart Park Photos by Jan St Pierre

David Briggs and Joe Saldana

66

B Well Magazine · June 2015

Millie Navarrete, Misty Isaac, Brad Miller and David Madding

Debbie Owens and Melanie Chandler

Brad and Cheryl Wahl, Lyle and Connie Martin and Tiffany Organ-Bowles

Adam, Michelle, Wiatt and Weslyn Plugge

Mark Riehle, Gus, Oskar and Javier Escalante with Buddy

LAST LOOK / b seen

CSUB Spring BBQ May 14 Held at CSUB Icardo Center Taylor Prather and Shelly Gilliland

Photos by

Julea Cavazos, Alex Simmons and Crissy Buck-Ziegler

Greg Nichols

Siarra Lyons, Skylar Stewart, and Chelcie Lopez

Mark Bianchi, Jim Darling, and Steve DeGraaf

Mary Nicholson and Victor Lostaunau

Rick Kreiser, Rogers Brandon, and Richard Beene

Iman and Mo Hosseini

Chelsea Haddad and Matthew Tasos

June 2015 路 bwellmagazine.com

67

LAST LOOK / b seen

Bakersfield’s Biggest, Baddest BBQ Championship May 15, 16 Held at

Bill and Karen Keeney

Lindsay Carey, Caitlin Blumer, Shea Shelton, Kandess Vandborg, Kara Rangel and Brooke Holmes

Kern County Fairgrounds Photos by Greg Nichols

Tristyn and Trisha Burnett and Grant Meenach

Kyle Brown and Omar Ruiz

Cindy White, Amy Gafford, Debby McDaniel and Cheri Huebner

Julie, Tina, Joe, and Andrew Chesley, Aurora Sotelo

68

B Well Magazine · June 2015

Angie and Curtis Trigueiro

Leah Lay and Caryn Gupton

LAST LOOK / b seen

BHS Football Hall of Fame Dinner May 21 Held at the Marriott Marci Padilla, Tiffany Mekeel and Adam Levinson

Msgr. Craig Harrison and Jeff Foy

Photos by Carla Rivas

Gary Fussel Jr., Gary Fussel Sr. and Carl Leech

Lisa Holle and Sarah Crowley

Lori and Amanda Schoene

Jeremy Staat and Ryan Hansen

Steve Cook, Heather Dewar Cook, George Dewar, Rosina Dewar, Tonya Dewar and Mike Dewar

Tim Hartnett and Paul Golla

June 2015 路 bwellmagazine.com

69

LAST LOOK / balancing life

Walk this way

Multitasking my way to better health

The Ha family

By Nina Ha

s a wife and mother of two, I often find myself with the desire to lead a healthy lifestyle but lack the time in which to do it. So I try to find fun, creative ways to stay active. Whether it’s doing 10K mud runs, freezing my toes off in a polar bear plunge, shredding the slopes on a snowboard, swimming with my family or dancing on stage at a Vanilla Ice concert, I do my best to continually challenge myself and live life to the fullest.

One way for me to do that on a daily basis is through nonconventional multitasking. As I’m writing this article, I’m currently walking on my self-made treadmill desk. I use it to check important emails, pay bills, renew library books, register the kids for summer programs, edit photos, peruse Facebook and exercise all at the same time. The alternative is sitting in our home office ensconced in a comfy chair while most likely snacking on white chocolate, which is my Achilles' heel. I walk in a steady pace — speed: 3.0, no incline — which is enough to elevate my heart rate, but still allow for me to be comfortably functional.

The task at hand commands my attention so that I’m barely aware that I’m walking my way to reducing the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, breast and colon cancer, and diabetes. According to the American Heart Association, I also reap the benefits of enhanced mental well-being, a healthier body weight and improved blood sugar levels as I contemporaneously click “like” on an Instagram picture of my brother’s dog, Ryleigh.

A

70

B Well Magazine · June 2015

Aside from exercising, I also try to incorporate healthy eating into my life. When I was pregnant, I developed gestational diabetes, which catapulted my weight to an all-time high. I took my time to get back in shape because I wanted to make sure the results would be real and lastTreadmill desk ing. Now, during the week, I strive to consume as many dark, leafy green vegetables as I can while staying away from processed foods. That way, if birthday parties come my way on the weekends, complete with pizza and cake, I can indulge without feeling guilty.

It’s all about quality of life, feeling good about the decisions you make and being mindful of what you put in your body.

At the age of 40, I realize that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. But, in our multimedia culture imbued with societal pressures, new diet trends and Nina Ha aesthetic surgical procedures, the push for bodily perfection can be overwhelming.

My hope is that we can focus instead on health and exercise and taking care of ourselves from the inside out. Because I believe we are all worth it.

LAST LOOK / life & happiness

Debunking food myths A look at treats that are actually not ‘bad’ for you

By Sydney Flippo, Registered Dietician at San Joaquin Community Hospital

e’ve all had that moment at a grocery store when we are mentally arguing with ourselves: Should I take that loaf of bread or not? Yes. No. Wait, is that the total calories for the entire loaf or just one slice? Help!

The “bad” stigma we have attributed to certain food can be stressful. We think of them as “bad” because they exist in many unhealthy meal options.

But you’d be surprised that some of these myths are really just that – myths.

W

Peanut butter

Suggested serving: 2 tablespoons The myth: Peanut butter is high in fat.

The truth: Peanut butter is pretty much just peanuts that are ground until they turn into peanut butter. If you are going to eat peanut butter, go for the natural ground peanut butter with oil separation. Oil separation is natural and this peanut butter does need to be refrigerated.

Eggs

Suggested serving: 1 whole egg to 2 egg whites The myth: Eggs are cholesterol havoc.

The truth: Current research is challenging this suggested serving recommendation for people who do not have a strong family history of heart disease and high cholesterol. If you do not have a strong family history of either of these, research states you can safely have up to three whole eggs per day. Eggs contain 77 calories, 6

grams of protein and 5 grams of healthy fats.

Chocolate

Suggested serving: 1.5 ounces (about two squares) The myth: Chocolate has too much sugar.

The truth: Organic, dark chocolate with 70 percent or higher cocoa content is recommended. If you buy quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, then it is actually quite nutritious.

It is loaded with fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese and a few other minerals. The bioactive compounds in cocoa can improve blood flow in the arteries and cause a small but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure.

Coffee

Suggested serving: 3 8-ounce cups per day, black The myth: Coffee increases the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and cancer.

The truth: Coffee is actually very healthy in its pure, black form. It is loaded with antioxidants and beneficial nutrients that can improve your health. Several studies show that caffeine can increase fat burning in the body and boost the metabolic rate.

Caffeine can increase adrenaline levels and release fatty acids from the fat tissues. It also leads to significant improvements in physical performance. Coffee contains several important nutrients, including riboflavin, pantothenic acid, manganese, potassium, magnesium and niacin.

Nuts

Suggested serving: 1/4 cup The myth: Nuts are fattening.

The truth: Packed with protein, fiber and essential fats, nuts are sometimes considered a super food. However, nuts are high in fats and calories so watch the portion size. Every nut is not made the same. Almonds are high in calcium and vitamin E, as well as healthy fats. Chestnuts are by far the nut with the lowest fat and calories.

Heart-friendly pecans are packed with plant sterols, which are effective at lowering cholesterol levels. Pecans are also rich in antioxidants, which helps prevent the plaque formation that causes hardening of the arteries.

They're rich in oleic acid, the healthy fat found in olives and avocado. Pecans are also a good source of vitamin Several studies B3 and are the perfect show that caffeine option if you're fighting can increase fat fatigue because this burning in the vitamin helps us access body and boost the energy in our food. the metabolic Pistachios are the only nuts that contain two rate. antioxidants that play an important role in protecting the eyes. Walnuts have a high antioxidant content, which is useful in the fight against cancer and to help lower the bad form of cholesterol.

June 2015 · bwellmagazine.com

71

More hearts.

More experience.

At Bakersfield Heart Hospital we focus on heart disease.

How to fight it. How to beat it.

And we do it in ways others canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, beginning with our hospital itself; founded by heart doctors determined to create the ultimate heart care environment.

Every day hundreds of dedicated men and women specializing in cardiovascular care come to work in the hospital that treats more hearts than any other in Kern County.

We put our hearts into healing yours.

And every day our focus is on bringing you the very best cardiac care possible.

BakersfieldHeartHospital.com â&#x20AC;˘ 316-6000