Health, Beauty & Fitness 01.13.17

JANUARY 13, 2017

The Press’ Guide to

Health,Beauty Fitness

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HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS

JANUARY 13, 2017

JANUARY 13, 2017

HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS

THEPRESS.NET

Stepping into foot health

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put your best foot forward to achieve optimum health.

For people experiencing foot pain or living with an injury, putting their best foot forward or into a shoe can be challenging.

Delta Shoes & Orthotics helps East County residents step into solutions designed to support their foot-care needs.

From special shoes designed to fit their foot and orthotics properly to custom orthotics and off-the-shelf shoe inserts, their wide variety of footwear solutions are designed to support each individual’s biomechanical needs. They also offer a wide variety of styles for men and women, so whether you are headed to the beach, a special event, the gym or work, you can find the footwear you need.

“When someone has pain or an injury, orthotics can help by properly supporting the bones and ligaments of their feet when they walk,” said Mark Rivers, Delta Shoes & Orthotics owner and certified pedorthist.

“The most important thing to remember is that for the orthotic to be effective, it must be inside a shoe that has support features built into it as well.”

Rivers has studied shoe construction, shoe modification, foot-orthotic materials

and modifications, as well as anatomy, physiology and biomechanics to be able to expertly fit shoes.

When someone comes into Delta Shoes & Orthotics, he assesses them for their orthotic needs and offers the option of custom orthotics or shoe inserts. Since he helps clients individually, it’s best to make an appointment, but not necessary.

Rivers utilizes a state-of-the-art foot scanner for the production of custom orthotics and can design custom shoes when necessary. Shoes are also available for purchase on a walk-in basis.

“I’m proud to provide the kind of old-fashioned service, knowledge and individual attention to detail when working with my clients,” said Rivers.

For Rivers’ clients, being able to walk comfortably is transformative.

“I’m so thankful I can walk without pain,” said Pinole resident Joy Jennings, who has been a customer for more than five years.

Without her orthotics and special shoes, Jennings would have a difficult time walking, as her left leg and foot are longer and flatter than her right, causing her hips to be crooked when she walks.

“I was so amazed to have a beautiful pair of shoes that fit my orthotics,” said Jennings. “I never thought I could wear a

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“The service your company provides is phenomenal.” – Gina (Pleasanton)

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NEW YEAR, NEW ORTHOTICS!

AMY SCHRADER veryone knows you have to

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During January receive

Special Pricing on Custom made Orthotics* or if you have had Custom Orthotics made here before, get another pair made at a special rate. *Prescription not always required, call for pricing.

Individual Service with Attention to Detail Foot Scanner Technology Board Certified Expert in Footcare and Foot Wear Photo courtesy of Mark Rivers

Mark Rivers, certified pedorthist and owner of Delta Shoes & Orthotics in Antioch, is East County’s foot-care and foot-wear specialist, providing custom solutions for those suffering from an injury or living with long-term pain. pair of pretty shoes. They are wonderful and fit like a glove.”

Delta Shoes & Orthotics is located at 1504 A St., in Antioch. For more information, visit www.deltashoesorthotics.com or call 925-305-1855 to schedule a free assessment.

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Mon-Fri. 9:30-4:00 Call today Sat. appointments for a FREE available consultation!

1504 A Street, Antioch

(925) 305-1855

www.DeltaShoesOrthotics.com

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JANUARY 13, 2017

HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS

Finding your best self in the new year AMY SCHRADER

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veryone wants balance in their lives, but finding it can be difficult.

Melissa Kirk, business and life coach, manifesting expert, licensed massage therapist and healer, helps people find balance and healing and assists them in creating the life of their dreams. Her business, Brentwood Massage and Melissa Kirk Consulting in Brentwood, helps people with business goals, relationships, money, health and creation of the life they want.

“I love when I see my clients reach their desired results, success and healing,” said Kirk.

To achieve their goals, Kirk combines different techniques, including personal coaching sessions; business coaching; nutrition coaching; foot, back and face zoning; theta healing; scientific hand analysis and massage, including deep tissue, Swedish, trigger point, sports and myofascial release.

According to Kirk, foot zoning physically balances the body and repairs it on a DNA level. Back zoning works with the lymphatic system and emotional body and face zoning helps clear the mental body and can be used to combat depression and

Photo courtesy of Melissa Kirk

Melissa Kirk, owner of Brentwood Massage and Melissa Kirk Consulting, helps her clients find balance and healing in their lives. mental blocks that holds her clients back.

Kirk uses hand analysis to help her clients understand themselves and their natural design on a soul level, to recognize

their natural talents and life purpose and to discover what holds them back from having what they want.

“To implement all of the insights

discovered and make changes in their lives quickly, I use theta healing to change brain patterns and create an empowered mindset to create what they want,” said Kirk.

The classes she teaches for theta healing and scientific hand analysis are for deep self-discovery and personal growth, and also certify the graduate to be a hand analyst or theta practitioner, so they can work with their own clients, friends or family.

“When I work with my clients, I combine all of these techniques to help them change their lives,” said Kirk.

Livermore’s Jennifer Bourque has been a client of Kirk’s for more than a year. “(Kirk) has helped me better understand my strengths and root causes of the things that were holding me back in my work, then worked with me to overcome them,” said Bourque. “She has made such a big impact in my life that I share my success working with her every chance I get.”

Brentwood Massage and Melissa Kirk Consulting is located at 180 Griffith Lane in Brentwood. For more information, visit www.brentwoodmassage.com, www. melissakirk.com or www.facebook.com/ melissakirkcoach.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

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JANUARY 13, 2017

HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS

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Chair exercises for seniors with back pain Widespread People who have influenza Y difficulty standing … when doing strenuous exercise can enjoy fitness and easy movement from the comfort of a chair.

doing any of these exercises, says Ortiz.

She ends all of her classes with a huge smile and the suggestion to think of three things to be grateful for and how to celebrate life with movement.

Everyday, residents are encouraged to participate in some sort of physical activity at all of the senior community centers and living lodges. The more you move, the better your body and your general attitude will be. Not being able to stand and do the dreaded jumping jacks or cartwheels is now replaced with these comfortable and easy options.

Marla Luckhardt is a Brentwood resident who works with several local senior care and advocacy groups. Visit her website at www.marlasreferrals.com or email her at marla2054@aol.com.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

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ublic health departments around the Bay Area are

announcing that influenza

activity is increasing and has reached widespread levels.

Contra Costa Health Officer Dr. William Walker recommends that all individuals six months of age and older be vaccinated against influenza.

“Influenza vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect you and your family from the flu,” Dr. Walker said.

In addition to getting the vaccine, health officials advise people to take the following steps to protect themselves from influenza. ♦♦ Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough into your elbow if you do not have a tissue. ♦♦ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. ♦♦ Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. ♦♦ Stay home when you are sick, and stay home until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours.

For information, visit cchealth.org.flu.

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♦♦ Using your arms to slowly slide up and down the front of your legs will stretch your spine, release shoulder stress and help relieve pain. ♦♦ Twist gently from the waist from left to right and back again, which will increase core body range of motion. ♦♦ Spreading fingers and circling the wrist can help with arthritis. Any movement helps to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Reaching forward with arms extended outward, with legs slightly apart for stability, helps back and chest muscles. ♦♦ Reaching up to the sky and then down to the ankles is also good for the core. ♦♦ If a pool is not in your wheelhouse, you can still swim in that chair. You get the same effect. Duplicate the motion of breaststrokes with your arms. ♦♦ While holding the arms of your chair, lift both legs a few inches off of the floor for a second or two. Many muscle groups benefit from this, including the stomach and legs. ♦♦ Lift your arms together to the left of your head and bring them down to the right side of the waist. Reverse and repeat this to duplicate the motion of putting on a seat belt. When you get into a car, this task will be much easier to do. ♦♦ Tilt head to one side and back, and then do the same on the other side. Turn to the right and then the left gently and slowly, to help loosen and strengthen neck muscles. ♦♦ Lifting elbows one at a time from the waist outward, toward the ceiling, while pulling in from the belly button, has a great impact on core strength.

Always pace yourself and do as much or as little as your body allows. Never overdo anything and start slowly. You will be surprised at how quickly your body and mind will react.

Remember to always breathe while

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OU MAY HAVE HEARD THE expression ‘sit and be fit,’ which also happens to be the name of a TV program.

People who have difficulty standing or, in my case, have back issues when doing strenuous exercise Senior can enjoy fitness and orner easy movement from the comfort of a chair. Water aerobics is excellent, but not everyone has access to a pool. The following routine can get your body moving in a safe Marla and healthy manor.

Luckhardt Before beginning any diet or exercise regiment, it’s wise to consult your doctor.

According to Cheryl Ortiz, fitness guru, local Zumba teacher and activities director at Cortona Park, any movement promotes better health; especially in seniors who have limited mobility.

Here are some easy to follow things that her classes include: ♦♦ Ankle circling. This is great for swelling reduction. ♦♦ Flexing and pointing the feet, also a great way to reduce water retention. ♦♦ Lifting the knee, one at a time, not only helps with leg motion, it also makes for a great stomach crunch without putting stress on the lower back. ♦♦ Opening and closing knees with feet spread apart increases leg strength. ♦♦ Lifting a 1- or 2-pound weight in a curl to the elbow is an excellent way to increase upper body strength. If you have to use your arms to use a wheelchair on your own, this will help. Some people will build up to a heavier weight with time, but use caution and avoid overexerting yourself.

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JANUARY 13, 2017

HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS

Men can benefit from facials too

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hough facials are a luxury most often associated with women, good skin is not

exclusive to the fairer sex.

Though their reasons for getting a facial often differ, men can benefit just as much as their female counterparts. The following are just a handful of the benefits a man can expect to enjoy after receiving a facial.

Reduce shaving irritation Perhaps the greatest reason for a man to get a facial is to relieve the irritation caused by shaving.

Even the most technologically advanced razors cause some irritation, from mild to painful or anywhere in between. Rather than growing a beard to avoid the discomforts of shaving, men can get a facial to revitalize their skin and help offset some of the more painful side effects of taking a razor to the face.

can impact a man’s self-esteem, which can benefit him in both his personal and professional life.

Combat aging

One of the biggest benefits of receiving a facial is the procedure’s effect on an individual’s appearance.

Men are more prone to clogged pores than women, but facials clean pores more deeply than store-bought scrubs and cleansers, helping skin appear more vibrant and healthy. That improved appearance

Wrinkles are a natural side effect of aging, but some men find this particular part of the aging process more troublesome than others.

Men whose wrinkles doubled seemingly overnight may be able to slow the wrinkling process by receiving a facial, which can help improve the elasticity of the skin and contribute to cellular regeneration that helps men avoid looking older than they really are.

– Courtesy Metro Creative

Long, hot showers

is still susceptible to damage. Make sun protection a year-round part of your beauty regimen.

Many people enjoy lingering in a hot shower or bath during the colder months of the year, but too much hot water can compromise your skin’s ability to contain moisture, further complicating dryness that comes with the season.

Selecting lip balm

Improve appearance

Winter beauty mistakes to avoid

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old, blustery weather is waiting

make and how to avoid them.

to rear its ugly head, whether

Makeup foundation

the public likes it or not.

Winter weather may require revamping your normal health and beauty routine, as your skin and may need a bit more attention this time of year. Chances are you may be doing one or more things wrong this winter. Learn the mistakes many people

Makeup needs may change in the winter.

In addition to exploring a different color palette, you may need to actually change the formulation of the products you use. Skin tends to dry out in the cold, necessitating a switch to a foundation that uses moisturizing agents.

People who find their skin is normally oily may find a product for combination skin acceptable.

We truly believe that better hearing leads to a better life.

Skipping sunscreen The sun still shines in the winter, and skin

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Our focus is entirely on your unique needs.

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Chapped lips seem to be par for the course this time of year. Instead of reaching for a waxy lip balm full of menthol, which can exacerbate already dry lips, select a lip butter or something that has a more liquid consistency to get into the cracks of dry lips.

– Courtesy Metro Creative

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JANUARY 13, 2017

HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS

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Oral health impacts overall health

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healthy mouth is good for more than just a pretty smile. Oral health

can affect the entire body, making dental care more than just a cosmetic concern.

Many people know that poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and even a loss of teeth, but failing to brush or visit the dentist regularly can also lead to more serious health issues.

According to Colgate, recent research suggests that there may be an association between oral infections – particularly gum disease – and cardiovascular disease and preterm birth. Gum disease also may make diabetes more difficult to control, since infections may cause insulin resistance and disrupt blood sugar.

Your mouth also can serve as an infection source for elsewhere in the body. Bacteria from your mouth can enter the bloodstream through infection sites in the gums. If your immune system is healthy, there should

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Keeping up with oral health is imperative to avoid gum disease and tooth decay. not be any adverse effects. However, if your immune system is compromised, these bacteria can flow to other areas of the body where they can see Health page 8B

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Health from page 7B cause infection. An example of this is oral bacteria sticking to the lining of diseased heart valves.

Other links have been found between oral health and overall health.

In 2010, researchers from New York University, who reviewed 20 years of data on the association, concluded that there is a link between gum inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease.

Analysis showed that a bacterium called Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) was present in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s, but not in the samples from the brains of people who did not have the disease.

HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS

Recent research suggests that there may be an association between oral infections – particularly gum disease – and cardiovascular disease and preterm birth.

The P. gingivalis bacterium is usually associated with chronic gum disease and not dementia.

Researchers also have found a possible link between gum disease and pancreatic cancer. Harvard researchers found men with a history of gum disease had a 64 percent increased risk of pancreatic cancer, as compared with men who had never had gum disease, based on studies from 1986 to 2007.

While oral health issues may lead to other conditions over time, symptoms also may be indicative of underlying conditions of which a person is unaware. Inflammation of gum tissue may be a warning sign of diabetes. Oral problems, such as lesions in the mouth, may indicate the presence of HIV or AIDS. Dentists may be the first people

JANUARY 13, 2017

to diagnose illnesses patients don’t even know they have.

An important step in maintaining good overall health is to include dental care in your list of preventative measures. Visit the dentist for biannual cleanings or as determined by the doctor, and do not ignore any abnormalities in the mouth. Maintain good oral hygiene at home by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once per day. Mouthwashes and rinses also may help keep teeth and gums healthy.

Oral health and other systems of the body seem to be linked. Taking care of your teeth promotes overall health.

– Courtesy Metro Creative

2017: A blank canvas awaiting your dreams

By Beth Miller-Rowe Branch Manager and Reverse Mortgage Specialist • The Reverse Mortgage Group • A Branch of American Pacic Mortgage

The clock strikes midnight. We toast to the year gone by and cheer for another happy new one to arrive. At that moment, we are presented with a blank canvas for our next trip around the sun. We have a grand opportunity to choose a new color palette, a new attitude, a new direction or to just improve upon the ones we have now.

Last year, I found two old notebooks with my New Year’s resolutions. One was from my college years, and the other was from my 40s. I hadn’t seen either since I wrote them. It was interesting to nd my #1 resolution on each – “Make a difference”.

I have a friend named Sandi. She works very closely with battered women and children. Twice a year, I go through the agonizing experience of cleaning out my closets, but I know when I drop off bags of shoes and clothes on Sandi’s front porch that I am truly making a difference in many people’s lives. That is a concrete, visible example of making a difference, and it warms my heart.

A less obvious example is the kind of difference we can make in people’s nancial condence and wellbeing.

I have been in the mortgage business for 34 years. For 25 of those years, I offered traditional, forward mortgages. I helped people buy a home or save on their interest rate. I loved my job for all those years, but eventually, I grew tired of the same thing day in and day out. I wanted to go home at night knowing I had really changed someone’s life that day.

That was when I decided to transform my life. I spent several years learning the reverse mortgage side of the industry. It was a whole new world – new

rules, new benets and new situations were placed The decisions we make together are signicant, long in my hands for review and opinion; new potential lasting and critical to the long-term success of your downsides for clients came up; and most of all, there reverse mortgage. is constant change in the industry.

If you are interested in additional information The meltdown of 2008 put a lot of people in a very about how a reverse mortgage may help you build precarious situation. The old 4 percent rule was no or rebuild your nancial security and condence, longer a viable strategy. The future of unfunded or please give me a call. I am happy to meet with you, under-funded pension plans created fear. The lack and leave you with a lot of material to read, mull over of social security COLA increases created a negative and discuss with the signicant people in your lives. income situation. People worked hard all their lives, If you decide it is something that might be a good t and it was time to enjoy the fruits of their labor, but for you, then you give me a call. instead, they were experiencing nancial anxiety.

As I worked with more and more clients, I realized I could help them in ways that most could not. I Office: 925-969-0380 could potentially give them the nancial condence Cell: 925-381-8264 they had planned for throughout their lives. I could Beth@YourReverse.com help them to enjoy their retirement years with independence and security. I could assist them by 3478 Buskirk Ave., Ste. 1000 giving them tools to potentially extend the life of their Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 aggregate retirement nest egg.

It is important for all of us, in our own ways, to make a difference in people’s lives and to give back to the community. It is a gracious way to show our gratitude for all the wonders and treasures we have enjoyed in our lives.

I truly have the honor of working with people who have contributed to society all their lives and now deserve to live out their lives doing all the things they planned to do ‘when they had time,’ and to do it with BRE: 00950759/01215943 • NMLS: 294774/831612/1850 nancial condence.

Licensed by the Dept of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act I take your nancial security very personally. It is my job and my responsibility to make sure that the reverse mortgage you decide on is the very best for your given lifestyle, longevity, and nancial security.