EDITOR’S NOTE
IT’S TIME TO LISTEN ... AND LET GO
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few years after I moved to Northern California in the 1990s, I became a fitness instructor. Teaching fitness was the perfect balance to writing magazine articles and that proverbial “Great American Novel” in coastal coffeehouses. I prided myself on being fit and healthy (and no, that’s not me pictured), and educating students that healthy living is more than just physical exercise—that there is an entire mind-body-spirit element to living a healthy life, and, when either of those aspects are off, imbalance occurs. This is why a few years ago, I became more captivated with psycho-acoustic sound therapy. That term may sound trippy to some, but beyond the science
of the healing art form—also known as Tibetan Bowl Sound Meditations or sound baths—I have truly been inspired by how this kind of “therapy” brings balance back into one’s life. Enter: Billy Cordell. We feature the local holistic impresario in this edition of Healthy Life Choices. Cordell trained to be a certified Tibetan Bowl Sound Healer. He explains how he made the connection between holistic healing, his yoga practice, and the unique spa treatments he offers at La Quinta’s Bliss Chakra Spa. He also points out that the sound waves emanating off of the bowls are able to affect the cells within the human body. There’s so much to absorb about Cordell’s fascinating practice, so turn to page 12 to learn where
you can also attend his weekly sessions. In between, take note of other enterprising locals in the health field, as well as upcoming health events this season, health updates, and much more. Breathe. (And see you at a sound bath.) Greg Archer Editor
CONTENTS 3
DATEBOOK
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The holidays and big meals seem like perfect partners. But these health-related events promise to offer more balance during the season. 7
How one local man’s ambitious efforts to introduce weekly sound meditations to Valley residents is producing positive ripple effects.
SAY HELLO TO WELLNESS
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Mark your calendars: The annual Health, Beauty and Wellness Expo features the latest in alternative medicine and groundbreaking new therapies. 8
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COMMUNITY POWER 24
TURKEY TALK
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HEALTHY LIFE CHOICES
DOCTOR, DOCTOR
SAFETY MEASURES Gun safety. Take our quiz and see how much more you may need to learn.
Want to understand the best way to get the most nourishment from your holiday meals? Read this.
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A healthy mind is vital. Learn how Dr. Kay Vogt offers a path to getting there.
Inside the current evolution of HARC (Health Assessment and Research for Communities). 10
SOUNDING OFF
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SENIOR HEALTH Everything in balance—literally. These latest health findings may inspire you. HEY, GUYS! Our up-to-date report on mens healh.
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NOVEMBER 2016
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PET PROJECTS You, your pet, and their health. What you can do to enhance the lives of your “senior” pets.
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THE Q&A Twenty-six yoga poses in a room heated to 105 degrees? Are we nuts? Not at all. It’s Bikram Yoga, and it’s one of the most innovative ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. One woman shares her journey.