DPT A New You 2023 by Dana Point Times

Inside:

Gain a Thoughtful, Sustainable Approach to Eating

Also inside:

Saving Money— A Disciplined Path to Managing Finances

Learning Something New

Anyone Can Pick Up an Instrument in 2024 DanaPoint PointTimes TimesDecember December22 22--28, 28,2023 2023 Dana

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Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

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Welcome

to Your New Self With the New Year on the horizon, now is the chance to look inward. It’s an opportunity to push out any bad habits or rid ourselves of all the setbacks that have kept us from achieving our goals. It’s a time to not be complacent and make those changes you’ve wanted (or needed) to make for some time. To help inspire our readers to make that push, we’ve put together our annual A New You special section, lining it up to coincide with the ringing in of a New Year. In this year’s edition of A New You, we talk to local health and nutrition experts who share tips on getting healthy and in shape for the New Year. They also offer advice on what kinds of foods we should be eating (and enjoying) for better gut health to help maintain our weight-loss goals. What better way to improve yourself in 2024 than picking up some new skills such as learning a new language or picking up an instrument? With that in mind, local music instructors give their thoughts on the benefits of learning how to read and play music. For those whose resolution is to save more money, we talk to one local financial expert to get

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a New Instrument in 2024

By Breeana Greenberg

o matter one’s age or ability, instructors at Danman’s Music School say anyone can pick up an instrument. Dispelling the misconception that one needs to learn an instrument when they’re a child or be naturally gifted at music, Arts for All CEO Bryce Hansen says he picked up his first instrument at 20. “I was not musical at all until I was 20 years old, so I wasn’t a kid; I was entering my adult years,” Hansen says. “My dad came home with a piano one day for my sister, and I sat there and pressed one note on the piano, felt the vibrations resonate through my bones, and then I just absolutely loved it. … It gave me a sense of bliss.” Playing music, Hansen adds, takes his mind off the world and anxieties, allowing him to focus on playing the instrument. Born with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Hansen explains that the neurological disease causes his brain to not send proper signals through his spine, affecting his mobility in his hands and feet. “I was told my entire childhood that I wasn’t able to play,” Hansen says. “It took me—just me alone, no instruction, not talking to parents or anything, just pressing notes to figure it out on my own—to realize I can play and then proceed to the next level, and get into some instructions and theory.” “It’s possible for literally everyone,” Hansen continues. Zöe Zehran, Arts for All’s Chief Marketing Officer and Danman’s Music Instructor, adds that “it really isn’t that hard.” “Most pop songs have the same six chords,” Zehran says. “It doesn’t have to be perfect. Honestly, jamming is just fun, and as long as you’re just accepting and nice and having a good time with it, it really is easy.” When Zehran started teaching at Danman’s, she says it inspired her to teach more, so she pulled in her friends to give them lessons. “They’re all adults; some of them are in their 30s, and they’ve never held an instrument in their entire lives,” Zehran says. “I just started teaching them, and now we’re in a band together and we play shows and play music together … half of them have never held an instrument before, and now See INSTRUMENT on page 13

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Nutrition Experts Emphasize Thoughtful, Sustainable Approach to Eating By C. Jayden Smith

ow, more than ever, the internet and social media provide unmitigated access to information about what to eat and how to lose weight, furthering the pervasive diet culture that has long existed in the United States. Staying on the right track and maintaining a healthy outlook on how to eat can be difficult, which is why Picket Fence Media reached out to local registered practitioners on how to approach nutrition this holiday season and beyond. Gina Cousineau, the face of Mama G’s Lifestyle and a regular PFM columnist, says the No. 1 rule during this time of year is to eat at home when time allows. People sometimes think to avoid eating until they go to office parties and other events, according to Cousineau, where they’ll consume a large amount of calories at once. “It’s really a recipe for disaster, because by the time you get to that event, you’re so ravenous that you lose all self-control,” she says. “If you add alcohol into the mix, that lowers your inhibitions, (and) now it’s a literal food fest.” To provide yourself with the best chance for success heading into such events, try to fill up your plates where it makes sense. For example, at breakfast, you can add in fruits, eggs or egg whites for protein, or healthy fats via avocados or Greek yogurt. Cousineau called it “paramount” to avoid skipping meals and suggested approaching buffet-setting meals with thoughtfulness. “Take a walk around (the buffet) to see what’s being provided, and really think mindfully of how I’m going to fill (my) plate with lower-calorie, more wholesome foods,” she says. “Then, fill it with a little bit of your treats and other foods that you enjoy that you’re not getting the rest of the year.” James Marin, co-founder of nutrition practice Married to Health along with his wife, Dahlia, emphasizes “mindful eating” this time of year. Whether through meditation, prayer or taking a breath, Marin says it was important to understand the why behind your eating habits, which he often attributed to stress and other emotions. “We’re of the mindset that you can eat anything you want; it’s just how much,” he says. “You don’t have to have that whole piece of pie; you can have half or a bite, to taste it.” Married to Health operates with an integrative approach to nutrition, in which parts of the body are connected to each other and impact overall health. By determining what’s at the root of health problems such as aches or obesity, they can find how to reach clients’ eventual goals. Cousineau and her business, Mama G’s Lifestyle, focus on “optimal aging” and helping people get into a healthy eating pattern that increases longevity. A plant-forward approach is key, as plants are high in nutritional elements such as antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. “The fact is, most people don’t eat that way, especially in the United States, where we have what we consider the standard American diet, where the acronym is SAD, because it is pretty sad,” says Cousineau. “It’s between understanding and incorporating more plants into our life, and lean proteins and healthy fats.” She added that she likes the word “intact” when it comes to eating habits. It’s better to eat apples as close to whole as possible, rather than stripping away the fiber on the skin when pureeing or devolving the food in other ways that decimate the nutritional value. With diet approaches that center on losing weight, the result is people are malnourished, Cousineau says. Instead, her practice creates a game plan that takes time and effort to educate people to make a healthy plate, allowing them to enjoy the foods they prefer.

Local nutrition experts share their perspectives on how to maintain healthy dieting habits for this holiday season and the year to come. Photo: Courtesy of Gina Cousineau

Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023 Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

Marin says he sees a “lack of probiotics in the human microbiome,” equivalent to an epidemic. He cites preliminary studies that stated 90% of people don’t have lactobacillus in their gut—a bacteria that can break down food and fight off organisms that may cause problems to the body, according to MedlinePlus. “The No. 1 food is fermented foods,” says Marin, referencing any food that can be pickled, including kimchi, kombucha and sauerkraut. “Ideally, you want to get about six servings a day, but really any amount is excellent.” The culture around dieting has slightly improved over the years, he continues, but remains confusing through the number of misconceptions pushed online by people who aren’t properly educated. Cousineau took the question a step further, calling the space “problematic” and claiming that many people are bullies who scare people without being educated on the topic. “I work in conjunction with health care providers like medical doctors, (nurse practitioners and physician assistants) … they will be the first to admit that they have little interest in education,” she says. “So, they partner with individuals like myself who are a registered dietitian or nutritionist, who have a very strong nutrition education,” she continues, “because we are the people that can help those patients with their nutrition game plan.” In terms of basic principles to use for eating, Marin suggests adding the right foods to people’s diets, especially non-starchy fruits and vegetables that can be consumed in abundance. “Add more of that to whatever you’re eating, and that is a great first step,” he says.

Habla! Parle! Sprechen! How and Why to Start Learning a New Language

By Zach Cavanagh

ne of the most useful methods of personal edification and expansion is learning a new language. While English is the default language of the United States, as well as international business and most of the internet, there are plenty of benefits to learning a second language. It allows you to connect with other cultures, think more globally and simply keep your mind active. Numerous studies have shown that learning and actively using more than one language can help stave off early onset dementia and improve memory later in life. Additionally, the United States is becoming more and more bilingual. The number of people in the United States who speak a language other than English at home nearly tripled from 1980 to 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The United States alone has more Spanish-English bilingual speakers than the rest of the Western Hemisphere combined, according to Ethnologue. So, you want to join those growing numbers and learn a second language, whether it’s for business, travel or just a fun party trick. But where to start? It can seem so daunting. However, there are plenty of easy resources to do so. The most easily accessible starting points are the multitude of language learning apps available on your smartphone. The big two leading apps are Duolingo and Babbel. Duolingo is free and is a great way to casually start learning words or building your vocabulary. Babbel is a paid subscription that expands its offerings, including grammar lessons and a variety of learning options. The apps are a good initiation, but if you’re looking to truly learn how to implement a language, you’ll have to go a few steps further, either with classes or your own immersion. Saddleback College has a trove of language classes at different points of the year. The community college offers 10 different languages from all parts of the globe, including Spanish, German, Japanese, Chinese, Persian, Arabic and others. There are also classes for American Sign Language, English as a second language, as well as emeritus classes for older adults. Whether you start with the mobile apps or learn the basics through a class, the key to increasing fluency in any language is immersion. You have to fully throw yourself into it. Once you have some fundamental basics, try watching movies or television shows in that different language. You can attempt reading books in that language, but most suggest starting from a lower level, such as children’s books or comic books in that language. Additionally, you just have to go out and try. The only true way to improve on speaking a second language is to go out and speak it. Reach out to a native speaker and have conversations. Sure, you will mess up, but we all messed up when we were learning English as children. Repetition and practice are the best way to learn anything, but particularly a second language. That’s what takes you from simply memorizing vocabulary to implementing it into a real-time conversation. So, go out there and aprender un segundo idioma!

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INSTRUMENT from page 11 we’re experiencing our friendship in a whole new way.” Zehran adds that people often surprise themselves with how easy it can be to pick up an instrument. The two instructors note that they look to show their students that they won’t need to overcome giant hurdles to learn a new instrument. “It’s nice to be with musicians who know how to include people in jamming, so I might have someone just keep hitting the middle C, keeping that rhythm, and I’m, like, ‘OK, don’t move,’ and then I’ll add a guitar riff,” Zehran says. “Then they’re like, ‘Oh, my gosh, I’m playing a song.’ ” Hansen says the instructors look to make things “as simple as possible, give each student on their first lesson instant gratification so they start believing in themselves. Once you believe in yourself, anything’s possible.” The biggest advantage children have in learning a new instrument over adults, Zehran says, is they tend to be more open and unafraid to make mistakes. “The only real aggressive advantage kids have over adults when learning music is the fact that they’re not afraid,” Zehran says, adding: “Because adults have better dexterity, they are better at learning and paying attention, way better attention span, and they’re better at doing their homework.” When teaching how to read sheet music, Zehran says she uses a color system to make it easier to learn. As someone who is dyslexic, she notes that reading music when she was learning drums was difficult. To overcome this, Zehran color codes each drum, assigning each note on the sheet to the drum’s respective color. When teaching, she says it helps to start by reading the color, but eventually she takes away the colors on the drums and sheet music, “and then they’re reading music and they’re playing.” Learning an instrument does not need to start with learning how to read music or learn music theory, Hansen says. Instead, Danman’s instructors seek to meet students where they are and what they need to learn. “We can teach you strictly off just feel if you just want to improvise,” Hansen says. “You don’t need to have any real music background to pick up an instrument.” Zehran says she had a student come in with the hopes of learning a handful of songs so she could pull out a guitar to jam with her friends around the campfire. Rather than teach her how to read sheet music, Zehran started by teaching her the common chords among the few songs she was interested in learning. “I think there’s a lot of adults that want or see or have music in their lives, and they’re just wanting to enhance it by coming here,” Zehran says.

Kaylin Lopez, an instructor at Danman’s Music, takes her student, Jonathan Charay, through an exercise on the violin as she looks to build the student’s confidence in his ability to play. Danman’s instructors say anyone can pick up a new instrument at any stage in life. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

Hansen and Zehran note they’ve had students in their 60s and 70s take lessons to hone their vocal skills for karaoke or to learn a new instrument in order to form a band with friends. Zehran adds that picking up an instrument when you’re older can help with memory and cognition on top of the added social benefit to meeting regularly with an instructor and building a community around music. For those interested in learning a new instrument who might be on the fence, Zehran says, “If you come in a couple of times, you’re going to have enough stuff to work on and build off of for a really long time.” “So, even if you want to come in for just a couple classes,” Zehran continues, “it’s going to be so beneficial to have that start.”

Local Knowledge Discover the Magic of DermFx Medical Spa In the spirit of “New You, New You,” rejuvenation and self-improvement, let’s delve into the world of DermFx, a medical spa that’s redefining aesthetic care with its unique brand promise: You will receive the very best treatment, at the very best price. At DermFx, the term “treatment” extends far beyond the execution of procedures. It encapsulates the holistic experience of being in their care – from the initial point of contact to the completion of your journey with them. This encompasses a commitment to exceptional care and service, ensuring that every patient feels valued, understood, and thoroughly cared for. Central to DermFx’s ethos is the cultivation of trust. This isn’t just a business objective; it’s a guiding principle. Trust is built through transparency, expert care and a genuDana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023 Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

ine commitment to the well-being of their clients. DermFx empowers its staff to exceed expectations, not just meet them, fostering an environment where quality care and superior service are the norms. The array of services offered at DermFx is both comprehensive and

cutting-edge. Catering to a wide range of needs, they provide treatments like wrinkle relaxers, facial fillers, laser treatments, skin tightening, and bodysculpting. The diversity in their services is intentional – DermFx aims to be a one-stop shop for all aesthetic needs, eliminating the hassle of visiting multiple specialists for different treatments. Understanding the busy schedules of their clients, DermFx stands out with its exceptional availability. Open seven days a week and offering walk-in appointments, they ensure that taking care of your skin and body fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. As you step into the New Year, consider embracing the opportunity to redefine yourself. Whether it’s smoothing out a few wrinkles, rejuvenating your skin or sculpting your body, DermFx is equipped to assist you in this journey of transformation.

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Their promise of delivering the best treatment at the best price isn’t just a tagline; it’s a commitment they live by every day. Embrace the “A New You” philosophy this New Year with DermFx, where every treatment is a step towards a more confident and revitalized you. Let the experts at DermFx be your partners in this journey of self-improvement and schedule a complimentary consultation. Hours: Mon - Sat 9am-6pm; Sun 10am-5pm Walk-ins Welcome

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Saving Money: A Disciplined Approach to Managing Finances By Shawn Raymundo

s many of us get set to consider our New Year’s resolutions, one that’s often listed is getting better at saving money and managing finances. For 2024, in particular, a survey from Forbes Health/OnePoll found that 38% of people are looking to improve their finances. That’s just behind the 48% of respondents who said their resolution for the New Year was to improve their fitness. The concept of putting away cash on a regular basis seems so simple, yet clearly, for many, it’s something we struggle to accomplish, and therefore have to make these annual declarations of doing so—whether we’ve stuck to it by year’s end or not. Corrine Enmeier-LaFollette, CFP®, is the director of Financial Operations at Securities America in Downtown San Clemente. Simply put, better financial management takes discipline, she explains. Saving $6,000 a year—which was the contribution limit toward an IRA in 2022—for a period of 40 years with a conservative 6% return would likely yield more than $1 million, according to Enmeier-LaFollette. “So, it is not that hard to become a millionaire,” she says. “It just takes discipline.” Part of the discipline, she notes, is getting away from bad spending habits. First and foremost, she advises, is monitoring your credit cards, particularly if you’re the type of person who’s tempted to overspend. “If you are managing your credit cards well and you’re paying them off each month, then you’ve proven yourself worthy,” she says. “But if you are carrying any credit card balance from month to month,” she adds, “you should cut that card up or at least lock it away in a drawer so that you’re not tempted to use, it because you are paying an exorbitant amount in fees for borrowing that money.” According to Forbes Advisor’s weekly credit card rates report this month, the average credit card interest rate is 27.82%. “You are paying to borrow money from the credit card company, so they are winning; you are losing,” she says. Another habit to drop or rein in is overspending online. “If you’re tempted to do a lot of online shopping,” she says, “tell yourself you always have to wait 24 hours before making that purchase. … ‘If you still want it in 24 hours, we’ll revisit this, but you don’t get to do anything impulsively on the internet.’ ” Thirdly, and the most effective way of adjusting spending habits, she continues, is keeping track of every dollar you spend. “If you write down every single thing that you spend money on, that exercise alone will help you,” she says. “There’s something about having to put it on paper; put it on an Excel spreadsheet,

some type of an accountability (method) that will cause one … tiny little amount of delay, and hopefully keep you from overspending.” Some apps and programs she recommends to help budget your spending include YNAB, EveryDollar and NerdWallet. In terms of actually putting money away, Enmeier-LaFollette says the first thing you want to have saved is a stash of emergency funds. “The general rule of thumb is about three months’ worth of your expenses,” she says. “So, if you look at what you’re going through on a monthly basis, and multiply that by three, that’s the benchmark for what you should have in cash in a savings account–totally liquid, readily available at any time … we call it a false floor.” Having those three months saved in an account, she explains, could help offset the risk that if something were to go wrong, you wouldn’t have to rely on credit cards, or dip into your investment accounts or a retirement account. After you’ve saved up enough money to fill your emergency fund, the next bucket to fill should go toward your retirement funds, making sure you’re taking advantage of any tax breaks through either a 401K at work or an IRA. According to Enmeier-LaFollette, the contribution limit to an IRA this year for people under 50 was $6,500, but it will be $7,000 next year. Typically, she notes, the limit goes up a bit yearly to reflect the cost of living and to account for the fact that people are generally living longer. For a 401K, Enmeier-LaFollette stresses the importance of taking advantage of your company’s contribution match. “If your employer offers a match, make sure you’re putting at least that amount in; otherwise, you’re just leaving money on the table,” she says. “So, you don’t want to do that.” As for those who are looking to save up for something specific—not related to retirement or emergency savings—like a vacation or a car, Enmeier-LaFollette says that “if we don’t have something that we’re shooting for, as with anything in life, we’re not going to be highly motivated.” She suggests keeping around a vision board or picture of the thing you’re looking to save toward. In that vein, she also recommends setting up a separate account for that goal and labeling it as such. Noting that many people may be getting raises on the horizon with the New Year, Enmeier-LaFollette offers one more piece of advice. “If you could trick yourself and only give yourself half of what you just increased by and put the other half directly into savings, it will still feel like you’ve got a little bump,” she says. “(And) then you’re increasing your savings rate.”

Taking Time to Breathe with Meditation Apps By C. Jayden Smith

ife can be full of seemingly unending stressors, whether related to work, relationships or family, and it can all be too much to bear sometimes. Barring an actual appointment with a certified therapist, one of the better ways to cope with ongoing issues is through meditation. Picket Fence Media compiled some of the more reputable phone apps that will encourage you to slow down and take a deep breath, and can push you through a rough stretch. Headspace: Sleep & Meditation focuses on everyday practices that aim to result in more happiness, better sleep and reduced tension. The app offers daily meditations at varying lengths of time, exercises to boost productivity, guided workouts and sleep sounds. Headspace offers a monthly and yearly subscription option. Smiling Mind is a free app, developed in Australia, that provides meditation programs for a wide range of contributing factors, features for children and families, and exercises that positively affect mental fitness factors, such as anxiety and calm. The tool is recommended by Harvard University. Calm is ranked No. 16 on Apple’s list for health and fitness apps, and encourages users to invest in mental health by adding its sessions to a daily routine. In addition to features typical of a Picket Fence Media has compiled a few of the highly respected meditation apps on meditation app, Calm offers Sleep Stories designed to produce a the market today. Photo: Courtesy of MikhailNilov/Pexels (Left); SHVETSProduction/ Pexels (above) successful rest. Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023 Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

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Mastering the Court: Top 5 Pickleball Tactics to Reign Supreme By Bahman Mody

ickleball is beloved by beginners for its quick learning curve. It’s why millions of Americans are flocking to the sport, earning it the title of “the fastest-growing sport in America.” But things are changing. As the sport matures, the competition is becoming more fierce. As a pickleball coach and competitor, I’ve seen this shift firsthand. Don’t worry— with just a few clever tactics, you can start outplaying your opponents and dominating

the courts.

Strategic Serve Placement The serve is your opportunity to take control of the point from the very beginning. Instead of simply pushing for power, focus on strategic serve placement. A deep serve (ideally the back 5 feet) is much more valuable than a hard serve right to the returner’s paddle. A serve that pushes your opponent behind the baseline is going to be much harder for them to return deep to you, and will make it easier to get up to the kitchen fast. Target the “weak” side of your opponents (usually backhand), exploit their vulnerabilities (lazy players usually stand in the same place for every serve and don’t move till the last second to get to a serve if you move it around), and force them into defensive positions. Vary your serves by mixing up the speed, spin and placement to keep your opponents guessing. A well-placed serve out wide or right down the center line can immediately put you on the offensive, giving you the upper hand in the rally. Bahman Mody, a pickleball instructor based out of Los Angeles, dives into the growing sport of pickleball and highlights ways that players can reign supreme on the court. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

Master the Dink Game Develop precision and finesse in your dinks to frustrate your opponents and gain control of the game. Like with the serve, targeting opponents’ weaknesses (often backhand side and out wide) can often lead to mistakes into the net or pop-ups that will create easy put-aways for you.

One of the defining features of pickleball is the “dink”—a soft, controlled shot that clears the net and lands delicately in the non-volley zone (the kitchen). Mastering the dink game is crucial for dictating the pace of play and setting up strategic opportunities. By keeping the ball soft and close to the net, you force your opponents into difficult positions, making it challenging for them to launch aggressive shots.

Local Knowledge We invite you to be intentional in 2024. You might want better health, more money, or better relationships. Everything is possible if you work on yourself, as well as the goals you want to achieve. We often find that a lack of clarity and motivation prevents people from reaching their dreams and then resigns themselves to living an “easy” life. If you want more out of life, keep reading. With the start of the year in January, we have the perfect opportunity to review last year, to celebrate our successes, and be intentional in improving our life condition. We know it is important to be adaptable to what life brings. We also know that with the right mindset and action plan, we can attract positive opportunities to our reality and move us toward our ideal life. Dr. Burton Wagner and Dr.

Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023 Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

See PICKLEBALL on page 16

Be Intentional this New Year! Emma Wagner, DCs, have over 25 years of experience in health, personal growth, energy healing and wellness. This January, we will be guiding a small group in looking at the different aspects of oneself to create goals for the year with increased clarity and the energy to make them successful: • On a physical level: Releasing trauma from the body that limits us in moving forward. Our body keeps the score of all the stresses we’ve encountered through our life. Self-care (e.g., diet, exercise, stress management) is important to keep a body vital and dynamic. • On an energetic level: Our bodies are made and sustained by energy. Releasing stagnant life energy to flow within your own body energizes you and you share energy with the world.

We will use our unique bodywork and breath work to flow energy. • On an emotional level: We use emotions as energy to fuel change. We will release held emotions and trauma, to build a better emotional reality where we can be happy, healthy and successful. • On a mental level: To attract and manifest with clarity using a positive mindset. The mind is our GPS, so what we focus our attention and emotion on is what we attract and manifest in our lives. We will release fears to create congruence between thought and actions. • On a soul level: We are body – mind – soul in nature. Having a rich spiritual life nourishes this part of ourselves and gives us a feeling of connection to ourselves and the world around us.

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We use this holistic approach with our clients to assist them in living with Vitality. Learn more about New Year New You on 1/10/24 on our website: www.sanclementevitality.com. Give us a call or stop by to discover the Center; we would be happy to give you a tour. San Clemente Vitality Center Drs. Burton & Emma Wagner, DC’s 647 Camino de Los Mares #218 San Clemente • 949-441-7755

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PICKLEBALL from page 15

Utilize the Lob The lob is a versatile shot that can be a game-changer when used strategically. A well-executed lob can catch your opponents off guard, forcing them to retreat and creating opportunities for you to control the net. Use lobs to reset the point, change the tempo, and disrupt your opponents’ rhythm. Timing and precision are crucial when employing the lob, so practice this shot to perfection and deploy it wisely to keep your opponents on their toes. Similarly, a well-practiced lob will also help with consistency for your third-shot drop.

Stay Agile at the Net Success in pickleball often comes down to control at the net. As the game is played within a smaller court, agility and quick reflexes are essential. Stay close to the net, ready to intercept and counter your opponents’ shots. Develop quick lateral movements and practice your reaction time to become a formidable presence at the kitchen line. A solid net game not only gives you the advantage in volleys, but also puts pressure on your opponents to play with precision. Having your paddle ready for the toughest shots will help you get your paddle on the toughest balls, so keep it nice and high (chest to face level) when up at the net. It’ll be easier to pull it down for a soft dink in front of you than it will be to yank it up and angle it in time for a hard volley or speed-up.

Communication and Coordination Pickleball is not only a physically demanding sport, but it also requires strong communication and coordination with your partner, especially in doubles play. Effective teamwork can be a game-changer, allowing you to cover the court more efficiently and capitalize on your opponents’ weaknesses. For example, if your partner is forced outside, you should always slide toward the middle of the court until they can regain position. The more you move as a unit, the harder it will be for the

opponent to get past or around you. Develop a system of signals and strategies with your partner to create a seamless and cohesive partnership on the court. Becoming the king of the pickleball courts requires a combination of skill, strategy, and mental acuity. By mastering the dink game, strategically placing serves, utilizing lobs, staying agile at the net, and fostering effective communication with your partner, you can elevate your pickleball game to new heights. Incorporate these tactics into your training regimen, and soon you’ll find yourself reigning supreme on the pickleball courts. Bahman Mody is a five-star “TeachMe.To” pickleball instructor based in Los Angeles.

Local Knowledge Why We Launched The Aesthetic Journey in San Clemente! United by a shared commitment to excellence in aesthetic enhancements, three master injectors recognized the potential for a synergistic collaboration to better support patients. Our collective expertise, diverse skill sets, and a mutual dedication to delivering exceptional results led us to join forces and establish a business that elevates the art of aesthetic injectables. Combined with the efforts of Portrait, a company that oversees all the business aspects of the practice, and under the guidance of Dr. Robert Gray, the three registered nurses were able to continue their careers in the field of aesthetics. Maggie Richard, Maureen Garrett, and Billie Jo Yost have a combined aesthetic experience of over 18 years, and each has over 20 years of registered nurse experience working in hospitals. Nurse Maggie still works in the neurosurgery stepdown unit at Scripps Green Hospital. Nurse Maureen remains a neonatal ICU nurse at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County at Mission Viejo. Nurse Billie Jo is an adult ICU nurse at UC Irvine Medical Center, a Level 1 trauma Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023 Dana Point Times December 22 - 28, 2023

center. Our shared expertise, commitment to patient satisfaction, and personalized approach ensure your aesthetic goals are understood and met with precision and care. Your confidence in our skills and passion for aesthetic excellence are our top priority. As a woman-owned business, we are deeply rooted in the community, and our

commitment goes beyond aesthetics. We seek to build lasting relationships within our community. With a blend of expertise, local understanding, and a welcoming atmosphere, we’re here not only to enhance your beauty and confidence, but to educate you on skincare and the latest techniques in the aesthetic field. We enjoy volunteering in our community, supporting our military, and donating to local events and philanthropic efforts. Did you know that we are exposed to blue light and harmful infrared radiation from our digital screens, cell phones and other electronic devices? Prolonged exposure to blue light contributes to skin aging and degrades collagen. You can limit these adverse effects using a sunblock that not only protects against ultraviolet light (UVA/UVB) but also from blue light and infrared radiation. The Aesthetic Journey offers medical grade sunscreen, tinted and non-tinted, that provides the protection you need. Two of our favorite skincare brands include Skin Better and Alastin, which are both mineral-based sunblocks.

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Are you experiencing dry skin during these winter months? Try these tips and tricks. Use a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum such as a hyaluronic acid, and a moisturizer that locks in the moisture. Consider adding exfoliation once or twice a week, chemical peels, or dermaplaning to remove dead skin cells. Don’t forget to use a nourishing sunblock lip balm and stay hydrated. Using a humidifier can also add moisture to the air in your home. Book your free consultation so you can start your journey with us. We look forward to seeing you!

The Aesthetic Journey 647 Camino de Los Mares, Suite 224 San Clemente • 949-776-2899 www.aestheticjourneyoc.com @aestheticjourneyoc

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