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This spacious custom residence built by Alan Schaub, in the highly desirable Las Posas Estates neighborhood offers an abundance of quality features and aspects that truly make this property one of a kind. Complete privacy on over 1 acre lot, fully fenced. Ample parking with extra curbed spaces for additional vehicles on driveway. Automatic front iron gate with keypad. Extensive living room formerly used as a ballroom with a step-up area for space for a live band. Upstairs Master bedroom suite with huge walk-in closet and luxurious bathroom with ornate soaking tub and custom shower with multiple heads and steam. There are three additional secondary bedrooms upstairs and two more full baths. There is a bedroom on the main floor adjacent to a full bath. Boasting expansive living spaces, dramatic ceiling heights, intricate detailing, distinctive fireplaces and the finest finishes at every turn you will find this property checks all the must have boxes. There is a dedicated office, formal dining room, family room with walk-in wet bar, eat-in kitchen dining area. At the northern end of the estate, there is an attached separate guest quarters upstairs with separate entrance, full bathroom, fireplace in living room, bedroom and second built in bar. All upstairs bedrooms have sliding doors leading out to the beautiful wraparound second story wide patio. There is a variety of fruit trees (apples, orange, loquat, lemons, guava, avocado). Swimming Pool with automatic cover connected to solar panels to provide use throughout the year. A professional tennis or pickle ball court with solar lights for nighttime games with friends and family. Practice wall located next to the tennis/pickle ball court. Built-in barbecue, kitchen, and covered areas for outdoor dining and entertainment. Gleaming hardwood flooring, built in central vacuum, zoned HVAC systems. Alarm system. Indoor laundry.

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification.Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2023 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

Equestrian Dream Ranch on Over 6 Acres in Santa Rosa Valley. The Epitome of Casual Elegance. Panoramic views from this magnificent horse ranch with miles of white fences, and your own private equestrian facilities which can be entered through a separate gated driveway entrance. Equestrian facilities include:large arena (without railing or lights) /two Ring of Steel barns with mare hotel, office, laundry facilities, tack rooms, hot walker, and many more sought after amenities. Upper barn w/9 stalls includes 1 double and 2 tack rooms, a double wash area with warm/cold water. Lower barn 5 stalls and 1 large tack room. Huge arena with a vintage shaded viewing area. Premium cloth footing in arena. Facilities include bathrooms and washer and dryer, private gated entrance. Sits atop of a ridge which looks out at breathtaking views of the property and beyond. The master bedroom gazes over the entire picturesque setting, including the backyard which showcases a gorgeous pool and outdoor entertainment area. The formal entry welcomes you with a magnificent chandelier and spiral staircase. The home features a large library/office with a hand-hewn carved mantle over a stone fireplace. Located in award winning Santa Rosa Technology Magnet school district with new Computer Science Immersion program. No HOA which provides you extensive possibilities for the unfettered utilization of your home. Offered at $3,100,000

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Together, Wherever We Go Music by Jule Styne Lyrics by Steven Sondheim “Wherever we go, whatever we do We're gonna go through it together We may not go far, but sure as a star Wherever we are, it's together.” The opening stanza of this song from the iconic Broadway musical “Gypsy” can easily be applied to what husbands, wives, domestic partners, children of ill seniors and even friends go through when their loved ones need caregiving and emotional support during a health crisis. I speak of what I needed when I was ill and then went through a recovery period that was made more difficult by a very unpleasant drug. Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease. Without my life partner Robin by my side during the worst of it I would not have had the strength to make it through and then set a course for 100% recovery. It then turned out that Robin needed my 24/7 support as she bravely confronted her own health challenges. It looks like we both weathered the storm and our relationship became even stronger. Strength through adversity is real for those up to the task. Good friends of ours are now facing a similar challenge—a challenge that will be even greater than ours. We already see their bond and their love growing stronger as they confront a very difficult diagnosis. My children faced a terrible challenge when their mother was ill with an inevitably fatal disease. They live all over the world—Philadelphia, Amsterdam and Hawaii. They all have thriving careers and family obligations, but they also traveled to California constantly. They risked their health during the end and aftermath of the Covid pandemic and gave their mother moral support and love until the end. What I just reviewed is a bit different than the usual upbeat Health & Wellness for the New Year messaging. However, I believe it really is upbeat. It is an inevitable part of life and how we confront it contributes immeasurably to our loved one’s “wellness” as well as our own. Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.

BEN MALKIN, PUBLISHER @ C O N E J O VA L L E Y L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

January 2024 PUBLISHERS

Ben Malkin | Ben.Malkin@citylifestyle.com Robin Chesler | Robin.Chesler@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Tracy Marcynzsyn Tracy.Marcynzsyn@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Kim Blaker, Barbara Burke, Tracy Marcynzsyn, Kim Pagano, Barbara Rangel, Christine Wilson C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Reid Chobanian, Ben Malkin

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Conejo Valley Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Conejo Valley area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Conejo Valley Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

32 24 Featured

12 24 32 36 10

12 Departments

CASA of Ventura County Advocates for Youth

The Meadowglade

A Tranquil Haven Where Healing Finds its Home

Cutting Edge

Oaks Christian Launches New Health Science Institute

In Good Hands:

Health & Wellness Favorites

Lifestyle Letter

Giving Back LIFE + CULTURE

Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS

Hometown Hero HEALTH + WELLNESS

Mental Wellbeing HEALTH + WELLNESS

Family Care HEALTH + WELLNESS

Must See EDUCATION

Local’s Choice HEALTH + WELLNESS

Self Care HEALTH + WELLNESS

Local Limelight HEALTH + WELLNESS

Trend Setter HEALTH + WELLNESS

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Inspired By LIFE + CULTURE

Rather than talk about the real estate market I thought I would discuss an issue facing many of us. In the last five years, the Californian wildfire problem has started to majorly influence our insurance market as well as our real estate market. The eight largest California wildfires have all occurred since December 2017. Forty-thousand structures have been destroyed and tens of thousands more had soot damage, and according to Mark Sektnan of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, “Insurers in some cases paid out more than four dollars for every dollar that they took in.” I have been working closely with some of the best insurance brokers in our county and they have been faced with the burden of letting me know that they cannot find a carrier willing to insure many of the properties in our area. The few that can place insurance policies are doing so with increased deductibles, sky-high premiums and reduced coverage. Home insurance premiums in California are a little cheaper than the national average — and much lower than premiums in other disaster-prone states like Florida and Louisiana. That’s without accounting for the fact that California has some of the most expensive housing in the country. Under current laws, insurance companies can’t just charge whatever they want: They have to submit their proposed rates to the insurance department, which they back up by explaining their projected costs, losses, revenue and more. State regulators can approve a company’s proposed rates, or deny them, if they think, for example, the rates are unjustifiably high, or so low that they could put the company’s finances at risk.

When a company tries to justify rate changes, it is required to rely on past losses to project future losses. It can’t use factors like the locations of new homes it is covering — whether they’re in downtown San Francisco or rural wine country — or the increased risk of wildfires due to climate change. “We do it in a very old-fashioned way, and it needs to be updated,” said Rex Frazier, president of the Personal Insurance Federation of California, an insurance industry group that counts State Farm as a member. He supports the use of forward-looking models, which are generally provided by other private companies. California already permits insurers to use models for earthquake insurance. If a company is trying to figure out how much it should charge for earthquake coverage, it would look at proximity to fault lines, Frazier said, but for wildfire insurance, California doesn’t do that. “For wildfire it just says ‘Well, looking backward, what have you paid over the last 20 years for wildfire clients?’” he said. Consumer groups generally oppose letting insurance companies use models, fearing that companies will use them to justify extreme price hikes, and that complex math will make scrutiny a challenge.“They’re just very sophisticated crystal balls,” said Amy Bach, executive director for United Policyholders, a consumer group. Modeling companies generally see their models as intellectual property, which can pose a challenge for transparency. “Our fear is that they overstate risk,” said Bach. “Historic losses do not fully account for growing wildfire risks, or risk mitigation measures taken by communities,” said Michael Peterson, a deputy commissioner at the insurance department, during the hearing.

Insurance companies are just like us: They buy insurance! When insurance companies buy it, it’s called “reinsurance.”

The cost of reinsurance has risen dramatically, and State Farm cited “a challenging reinsurance market” as one of the reasons it decided to stop selling new home insurance policies in California. When insurance companies explain their costs to the insurance department as part of the process for justifying their prices, they aren’t allowed to include the cost of reinsurance. The department hasn’t historically permitted it, Soller said, because it doesn’t regulate reinsurance. “What are insurers supposed to do when, on the one hand, the Department of Insurance is telling them ‘maintain your solvency’ and then, on the other hand, when their costs go up, you can’t charge for it,” said Frazier. Insurance industry groups say it would help if they could incorporate the cost of reinsurance into their prices. But consumer groups say that the move would cause premiums to spike. “Californians would see immediate massive rate hikes — both as soon as that went into effect and ongoing,” said Carmen Balber executive director of Consumer Watchdog. A reinsurance provider regulated by California would address problems she sees with the reinsurance market, Balber said, but that doesn’t exist currently.

The underlying problem is that disasters happen in California — at an increasing rate thanks to climate change — and that homes are at risk. They’re in the middle of the woods, or surrounded by flammable grasslands, or on the edge of bluffs that are expected to erode. Making homes less likely to burn, flood or collapse would be good for homeowners and would also make California feel less risky to insurers. There’s no shortage of ideas for how to reduce risk, and there’s been action on this front in recent years. The insurance department, for example, has required insurance companies to consider whether homeowners take certain steps to protect their homes — like installing fire-resistant vents and clearing out vegetation under decks — in their prices. California has set aside $2.7 billion for wildfire resilience over the past three years, according to the insurance department. When the department convened a group of environmental advocates, researchers, and public policy and insurance experts to make recommendations on how to reduce the risks of climate change, they came up with a long list.

Defensible space is required by state law and regulation for all properties located within a FHSZ and, in Ventura County, by local vegetation management ordinance. Note: VCFD ordinance is more restrictive than state law. If you would like me to send you further information on the Ventura County Defensible Space Requirements, you can email me at: rosemaryallison@ aol.com Working through these insurance rate issues is something we need to accomplish together by providing insurance companies evidence that our community can come together to harden our defenses against fire damaging our homes and community.

805.479.7653 | rosemaryallison@aol.com | www.callrosemary.com | CalRE #00545184

Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2023 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. DRE #00545184

CASA of Ventura County Advocates for Youth At CASA of Ventura County, we passionately believe that every child impacted by abuse or neglect deserves safety, stability and the chance to flourish alongside a caring, dedicated advocate. Established in Ventura County since 1985, our journey began within larger nonprofit entities, and in June 2011, we proudly emerged as an independent 501(c)(3) organization. CASA of Ventura County is committed to recruiting, nurturing and empowering individuals who become sworn officers of the court, advocating for foster children referred by the Juvenile Dependency Court. Our role is pivotal—we stand as a vital resource for the court, serving the most vulnerable children in our community. From infants to young adults up to 21, we stand by foster children who have been separated from their parents or guardians. Our Advocates offer consistent support, often becoming the singular positive influence in these children's lives until a permanent home is found. Their sole aim? To champion the child's best interests and consult with agencies and professionals involved in their care and education. Why does this matter? With a dedicated Advocate, a child's prospects for finding a forever home, accessing essential services and building a successful future significantly improve. CASA volunteers undergo rigorous screening and a comprehensive 40-hour training before taking on the profound responsibility as sworn officers of the court. And it does not end there—our Advocates continue their education, receiving 12 hours of continuing education annually.

THE ROLE OF A CASA VOLUNTEER

ARTICLE BY BARBARA RANGEL

G IV IN G BAC K | L I FE + C ULT U RE

Being a CASA volunteer is no ordinary role. It involves being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. They spend countless hours conducting in-depth investigations, speaking with parents, teachers, social workers, and most importantly, the children themselves. The Advocates provide fact-based, detailed reports to judges that assist them in determining the best scenario for the child's future.

For example, an assigned CASA was matched with a young boy almost 3 years ago. This boy is medically fragile, developmentally delayed and profoundly deaf. He has been residing in an LA County treatment facility whilst his case remains open in Ventura County. Now at the age of 12, his entire life has been spent in this facility. His dedicated Advocate serving as his Education Rights Holder tirelessly championed his case for over 3 years, facing multiple hurdles without faltering. From consistent visits to immediate action following a deaf diagnosis, to eventually securing a full-time signing assistant, she stayed by his side. Even amid the challenges posed by COVID-19, this Advocate persisted, securing admission to a specialized school for the deaf, despite the facility's initial denial. Throughout the pandemic, the Advocate maintained contact remotely, ensuring the youth's needs were addressed. However, when the school resumed in-person classes, there were obstacles. School authorities declined his attendance due to a medical procedure. The Advocate fiercely argued against this denial of education. Eventually, with the support of a Child Advocate attorney, the youth gained permission to attend school, albeit without the requested in-person compensatory instruction. The battle continues, but the progress achieved stands as a small victory. At CASA, the dedication of our volunteers fuels countless remarkable stories. Their commitment knows no bounds, with Advocates who have devoted themselves for over a decade, some nearing an astounding 25 years of selfless service. These experienced Advocates stand as helpful mentors and even step up as Peer Coordinators. These coordinators, backed by years of experience, play an indispensable role in our success. They meticulously review case reports, conduct interviews with potential Advocates and provide unwavering support to our volunteers. Their contributions are instrumental in enabling CASA to essentially double our caseload, ensuring strong, consistent advocacy for children in need.

HOW TO HELP

If volunteering isn't an option, please consider donating. Your contributions help maintain our infrastructure, train volunteers and support program efficiency. Additionally, donations directly aid foster youth, providing essential resources, mentorship and legal advocacy. Your support also bolsters our Kids’ Enrichment Fund. This fund grants youth access to activities and covers unmet needs like holiday gifts, sports, art lessons and medical expenses.

We're a community of passionate individuals united by the belief that every child deserves steadfast support and a voice. Join us in making a profound difference in a child's life. Discover more about volunteering by attending our monthly informational sessions via Zoom. If you're eager to be the change in a foster child's life, visit CASAof VenturaCounty.org or reach out to us at info@casaofventuracounty.org. JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C ON E J OVA L L E Y

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AUTHENTIC WELLBEING: At Home, At Work and in the World When Eva Allen began her career in the corporate insurance industry nearly 2 decades ago, it was not possible to imagine the measurable positive impact she could share with her community, her nation, and now globally. Passion is what brought her to where she is today as the founder and CEO of The Health Portfolio LLC, a boutique employer health and wellbeing solutions consulting agency. Eva strongly believes there is a better way to embrace authentic wellbeing at home, at work and in the world. With her degree in Cognitive Science (specializing in Neuroscience and Human Behavior) and MBA (specializing in Leadership), she leverages both her professional insurance experience and educational background to consult with local employers in designing intentional employee benefit packages within budget, accompanied by tailored workplace wellbeing and employee engagement strategies.

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H EALTH + WEL L NESS

Out of the office, Eva seeks adventure around the world and co-hosts global immersive wellbeing retreats at Château Wodemont, a charming castle in the beautiful Belgian countryside, on topics such as Authentic Artistry, Authentic Leadership and Authentic Entrepreneurship. She is enthusiastic about inspiring health and wellbeing both in and out of the workplace. At her local homestead in Santa Rosa Valley, where she lives with her husband and three daughters, she is the proud caregiver to over 15 animals and embraces a slow-living lifestyle on her semi-self-sustainable ranch property. Top 10 Tips for Embracing a “Slow Living” Lifestyle What do you value in life? Have you taken time to identify your goals and priorities? What do you want to get out of your time here on planet Earth? Embracing a slow living lifestyle involves intentionally slowing down and savoring life’s moments. Here are tips to help you get started.

1. Set Priorities: Identify what truly matters to you and prioritize those aspects of life. This might be relationships, hobbies or personal wellbeing. Savor the time you choose to share with family, friends and community. 2. Be Mindful: Practice mindfulness by being fully present in each moment. Savor the details of everyday experiences. Notice your breath flow, scan your body and tap into all five senses. 3. Simplify: Declutter and simplify your possessions. Owning less can lead to less stress. Create a “home” for non-esthetic items in your living space to embrace a light and airy minimalist approach. 4. Nature Connection: Spend time in nature regularly, whether it’s a walk in the park, fresh air break, local hike in the beautiful Conejo Valley trails or a weekend getaway. 5. Slow Food: Enjoy cooking and savoring meals. Embrace the art of gardening and growing at home. Choose fresh, locally sourced seasonal, sustainable ingredients when possible by visiting a farmers’ market or onsite at a farm. 6. Schedule Downtime: Block out periods of unscheduled time in your calendar to relax and recharge. Be selective about your commitments and learn to say no when necessary. Prioritize healthy boundaries. 7. Practice Patience: Cultivate patience in your daily life. Avoid rushing and allow extra time for tasks. Patience makes us pay attention and be fully aware. Try a guided meditation on the topic to begin rewiring the neuropathways in your brain. 8. Gratitude Reflection: Set aside time for introspection and journaling to gain insights into your values and aspirations. Regularly express gratitude for the simple pleasures in life. 9. Mindful Consumption: Be conscious of what you consume. Whether it’s food, media, news or

products, be intentional with how and when you are consuming goods and information. 10. Slow Movement: Consider alternative transportation methods like walking or biking to encourage a slower pace. Move your body in natural and organic ways in which human beings were designed. Remember adopting a slow living lifestyle is a personal journey. It’s okay to start small and gradually incorporate principles into your life. The key is to find what works best for you and aligns with your values and goals. Be kind to yourself. The Health Portfolio LLC offers complementary workplace wellbeing consultations and provides insurance consulting to corporate clients in Southern California and throughout the U.S. Get in touch via eva.allen@thehealthportfolio.com, 805.849.9044 or learn more at TheHealthPortfolio.com and follow on Instagram @thehealth. JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C ON E J OVA L L E Y

With over 500 cuts, Wild Fork offers the best variety of meat and seafood anywhere at unbeatable prices, from everyday grocery staples like beef, chicken and fish, to premium Wagyu and exotic meats like alligator, elk and ostrich.

“Our purpose, as a brand, is to ‘Nourish Better Lives,’” says Paras

Tulsiani, Wild Fork West Coast Market Leader. “This resonates with me as

I grew up enjoying home-cooked meals, and as a family, we always looked forward to sitting down at the dinner table and bonding over delicious meals.”

Wild Fork delivers nationwide and has close to 40 stores around the country. Here in California, you’ll find six Wild Fork stores across Thousand Oaks, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach, with a new location in Manhattan Beach.

“We are radically transforming perceptions around frozen food—and it’s been a fun ride!” he says. “Over 40% of food in the U.S. goes to waste, and this is an alarming number. Being a transformative brand focused on providing an experience around frozen protein allows us to be a change and step in the right direction.” Customers in Southern California can also enjoy same-day or next-day home delivery by ordering online at wildfork.com. For just $29/year, Wild Fork Unlimited members get free delivery, plus other perks like a VIP customer service line, exclusive savings and early access to select new products.

VISIT IN STORE TODAY at 101 S Westlake Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

Luxury Living

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TSG Interior Design loves the creative process, collaborating with clients and coordinating

The Sofa Guy and its TSG interior design team design and build custom furniture (pictured above) and source unique pieces including lighting, rugs, and accessories to deliver the ultimate living spaces.

many of the little details one never thought existed. We believe the “sofa” is the heart of a room, and we put our heart into everything we do. Make an appointment to visit us soon. We’ll keep the candy bowl full.

“Start with a Sofa ...end with a room”

2520 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. | Thousand Oaks | 805.497.3222 | TheSofaGuy.com

For The Troops Seeks Support for Our Deployed Troops ARTICLE BY TRACY MARCYNZSYN

While the holidays traditionally find families gathering, thousands of deployed military personnel spend the season away from their loved ones, so receiving "We Care" packages full of goodies from home help brighten their days. “We know our 'We Care' packages are appreciated, as noted in the many thank you letters we receive: 'Receiving these packages felt like Christmas, which was nice since we'll be missing Christmas with our families!’” notes Paula Cornell, For The Troops president, adding that “our troops are deployed all year long—not just for Christmas or the holidays—and they appreciate care packages all year long.” The all-volunteer run organization sends care packages to military service members serving in Eastern Europe, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Africa and other deployed locations, helping to boost morale and lift spirits of those serving the country. “To date we have sent off over 295,000 'We Care' packages to our deployed troops,” notes Cornell. “Community support is greatly appreciated and needed, as our shipping expense normally runs over $20,000 monthly.” Save the Date In preparation for the 11th Annual Military Tribute Gala at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Saturday, March 2,

H OM E TOWN H E R O | HEA LT H + WE LLN E SS

2024, For The Troops is seeking the community’s support. This gala is co-chaired by Rosemary Allison and Melia Keller, Iraq War Veteran. “We would like to request your help honoring our military by becoming a sponsor at our gala that honors our Iraq War era veterans as well as paying tribute to all veterans who have served our great country,” says Cornell. Sponsorship opportunities include a company’s or individual’s name and logo displayed in For The Troops’ program, displayed throughout the evening on a large screen during the gala, as well as online. Ads are also available to place in the program book. For The Troops aims to raise $100,000 at this year’s gala to cover the shipping of ‘We Care’ boxes for about 5 months. “For The Troops depends on our donor and sponsor support,” notes Cornell. “Please help us honor our Iraq War era veterans as well as helping us send more care packages to our most deserving deployed military service members. Thank you in advance for your support.” Donations to sponsor a deserving veteran may be mailed by check to For The Troops, PO Box 12, Simi Valley, CA 93062, or visit ForTheTroops.org for sponsorship information and additional ways to support the cause.

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ARTICLE BY TRACY MARCYNZSYN

A TRANQUIL HAVEN WHERE HEALING FINDS ITS HOME

RETREAT & HEAL AT THE MEADOWGLADE: 24

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

“Nature itself is the best physician.” –Hippocrates Navigating the numerous challenges of today’s world often involves dealing with mental health issues in some capacity. With millions of people affected by mental illness each year and an

knowledgeable staff work as a team to address each individual’s specific needs. Utilizing evidence-based treatments like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and psychotherapy, as well as the trans-

“WE SUPPORT EACH CLIENT WITH AN INDIVIDUALIZED APPROACH...” estimated 1 in 5 Americans experiencing mental health issues annually, the importance of addressing these conditions cannot be overstated. When mental health concerns arise, The Meadowglade in Moorpark provides proven residential and outpatient programs for adults dealing with mental health issues and eating disorders in a peaceful, serene natural setting. Aligned with research confirming the profound healing and restorative effects nature has on the body and mind, The Meadowglade offers a retreat-style destination located on a beautiful, private 24-acre estate surrounded by rolling hills, avocado orchards, sweeping vistas, horses, gardens and natural beauty to inspire hope and healing. “Our mission is to improve the lives of our clients by providing holistic and evidenced-based services that promote and empower personal growth by inspiring hope through our unwavering commitment to compassionate client-centered care,” says Christina Hesselbrock, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Director, The Meadowglade. Specializing in trauma therapy and services for those struggling with mental health and eating disorders, The Meadowglade’s licensed, certified and

formative power of creative music, art and equine therapies, “Our goal is to empower clients with the skills and tools they need to navigate life and thrive,” says Hesselbrock, noting that The Meadowglade’s caring staff goes beyond traditional programs to meet clients wherever they are on their healing journey. As the leading choice in behavioral health, The Meadowglade’s small, safe and nurturing environment allows the focus to be on creating the best treatment plan tailored to each person’s unique circumstances. “We support each client with an individualized approach as they move toward long-term healing by allowing them to be part of a community where they feel safe, not judged,” says Hesselbrock.

HEALING HAVEN

At The Meadowglade, clients receive person-centered customized care, delivered through a combination of residential treatment and outpatient services with in-home small group accommodations. Transportation to and from The Meadowglade treatment sites is provided daily. Those opting for treatment at The Meadowglade’s resort-style home CONTINUED >

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“OUR MISSION IS TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF OUR CLIENTS...”

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

GOLD COAST K9

OUR DOGS WILL GIVE YOU PEACE OF MIND perched high in the hills of Moorpark enjoy comfortable accommodations, including an art therapy space, game room complete with pool table and reading library, a piano, pool and jacuzzi, plus an in-house chef. The serene homestyle atmosphere along with an on-site house manager, therapists and treatment providers allows clients to relax and heal while receiving the best possible care. Building trust between clients and caregivers and exploring together what should happen next versus a “you should do this” approach allows people to feel seen and heard as they actively participate in their recovery and healing. “Our team provides evidence-based therapies with a multi-dimensional approach to work alongside the client on their journey to meet their goals,” says Hesselbrock, noting that The Meadowglade’s peaceful, private group treatment setting helps clients get better by focusing on skills and tools to enable their transition to a self-sufficient and independent lifestyle. In the backyard among the gardens at The Meadowglade community home lies a little rock monument of painted stones. Patients’ artwork includes colorful flowers, sunsets and words such as “Happy Day, “Share Your Joy,” “Love,” “Inspire” and other messages of hope and healing that memorialize their healing journeys and provide inspiration for others to heal in the nurturing natural haven. Learn more at CenteredHealth.com/ Meadowglade #mentalhealthmatters

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What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest? HOW ONE LOCAL MOM IS SPREADING AWARENESS TO HELP OTHERS ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

FAM ILY CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

Jodi Halem and her son Alek spoke everyday while he was away at college in Idaho, often multiple times a day, so when he didn’t respond to her texts and phone calls after speaking with him the morning of January 17, 2021, she became worried. The Thousand Oaks mom had a right to be concerned. Later that evening, Alek’s roommates found him in his room. His heart had stopped. He was only 22 years old. “He was honestly just the kindest, sweetest young man you’d ever meet,” says Jodi. “He was definitely an old soul. He was highly intelligent and would spend his free time researching everything.” That morning, Alek did mention to his roommates that his chest was congested and he was going to see a doctor. In the past, he also complained about pain around his heart or that it felt like it was racing. Everyone thought it was just anxiety or stress. He was a young and apparently healthy young man. “We came to find out it was sudden cardiac arrest,” she says. According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. “There sometimes is a genetic predisposition, and after he passed, we did extensive DNA testing on him and on us, but we have absolutely no answer as to why it happened and probably never will,” she says. If parents know there's a family history of heart conditions or if their child is complaining of even the slightest symptom, Jodi encourages them to listen and do something about it. Take them to a doctor, and if the doctor doesn’t take it seriously, find another doctor. It doesn't necessarily have to be a child. It could be an adult. Be your and your child’s advocate. And, get them tested for hereditary cardiac conditions. “I think there’s a misconception and misunderstanding of the differences between cardiac arrest and a heart attack. It’s important to know the differences.” Her other advice is to learn CPR. While it wouldn’t have helped Alek since he was alone when his heart stopped, it can help many others. Jodi and her family recently hosted a free CPR event in October at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village to honor her son and highlight Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month.

“They were nice enough to donate the space and we had a really great turnout and a lot of positive feedback. It was basically what they call sidewalk CPR or hands-only CPR. As long as you know the basics, you can actually save somebody's life.” People are often hesitant to start CPR for fear of doing it wrong or hurting the person, but if the person’s heart is no longer beating, it’s their only hope until medical help arrives. And don’t delay–get started right away. The sooner CPR is initiated, the higher the chances of survival. “It's better to do it than not,” says Jodi. “In the class, hosted by Safety Unlimited, they advised us not to worry about feeling for a pulse. If a person becomes nonresponsive, start CPR. And call 911 right away.” The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation states that SCA is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Approximately 356,000 people of all ages experience EMSassessed out-of-hospital non-traumatic SCA each year and nine out of 10 victims die. When bystanders intervene immediately by giving CPR, survival rates double or triple. If there’s an AED (automatic external defibrillator) available, even better. They are easy for the average person to use and increase the chances of survival astronomically. This is why it’s important to have AEDs in schools, shopping centers, offices and other places people gather. Jodi currently has a Facebook page (Sudden Cardiac Arrest Loss) to spread the word about sudden cardiac arrest and is also hoping to one day start a nonprofit organization to address it. “I've always wanted to do something to bring awareness, but it took a certain amount of time until I felt I could actually speak about it without completely breaking down,” she says. While Alek’s death was a devastating blow to her family, she and her husband Elliott, 28-year-old son Josh, and 26-yearold daughter Tabitha are doing their best to move forward. For more information, go to SCA-Aware. org and to find a CPR class near you, contact the Red Cross.

“I think there’s a misconception and misunderstanding of the differences between cardiac arrest and a heart attack. It’s important to know the differences.”

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21ST CENTURY TECHNOLOGY FEATURES ANATOMAGE TABLE

Oaks Christian Launches New Health Science Institute PHOTOGRAPHY BY REID CHOBANIAN

M UST SE E | E D U CAT ION

“

“ It i s s uc h a c o o l t h i n g a s a h i g h s c h o o le r t o b e a b le t o le a r n o n t h i s p ie c e of t e c h n o lo g y.” In the area of health science, Oaks Christian School is once again an educational vanguard, launching its new Institute of Health Science, joining the three already established institutes: Global Leadership, Engineering, and Arts and Innovation. Set to open in fall 2024, the Health Science Institute will prepare students through four pathways: Health Care, focused on the care of individuals, including medicine and behavioral health; Population Health, viewing health from a broad perspective, including global and public health, and local government services; Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, studying body care and optimizing performance in athletic endeavors; and Biotechnology and Research, the scientific study of the world and how it can impact and improve health and wellness. “We want to expose our students to a breadth of health science careers, equipping them to make informed decisions for future college choices,” said Institute Director Dr. Bryan Wong. “The goal of the new institute is to inspire students to appreciate the human body and all of God’s creation as uniquely made. To instill a heart of compassion for those in need.” In addition to a robust curriculum, students will have opportunities for outside classroom excursions, internships in the health science field, networking with industry professionals, master classes taught by experts and shadowing experiences with health science practitioners. One huge advantage the institute already has is a brand new Anatomage table that will be used by the students. The Anatomage table is a virtual dissection table that effectively replaces the need for a cadaver lab. It is extremely rare for a high school to acquire such high-tech equipment. Oaks Christian’s table is housed in the IDEA Lab, which is also home to the engineering classes on campus. Anatomage tables are typically used in colleges, graduate schools, medical schools and teaching hospitals. The images of the six bodies that are loaded on the Anatomage table are from men and women who passed away and donated their bodies to science. A team of surgeons then took incredibly high-definition photos of the bodies and digitized them for use on the table.

Within the table, there are not only the cadavers themselves, but also case studies that show how body parts and systems (circulatory, respiratory, nervous, etc.) work in tandem, as well as functions of the body in action. One example is a pregnancy case study, which shows an expectant mother with a child in her womb, and how the reproductive system grows and nurtures the child. There is also a simulation of a live birth. Reese Henrich, a freshman, will be entering the Health Sciences Institute next year and is currently enrolled in the Intro to Health Sciences course that Dr. Wong teaches. Henrich hopes to become a surgeon. She sees the Anatomage table as an incredible resource for her future endeavors. “I think the Anatomage table is amazing,” Henrich said. “It is such a cool thing as a high schooler to be able to learn on this piece of technology. I am not even in college yet, and I will already have hands-on experience with what feels like a cadaver.” Dr. Wong does not expect the tables to fully make cadaver labs obsolete but believes that the idea of a virtual cadaver lab will become increasingly accessible to high school and college students who are beginning to form an interest in the medical field. “The Health Sciences Institute will give me an incredible opportunity to specialize in my education early on,” Henrich said. “The Anatomage table will give me a leg up in my chosen occupation and greatly prepare me for the next step in that process.” The Anatomage table will also be used by the honors and AP anatomy and physiology courses offered at Oaks Christian. Dr. Jay Bayles, science faculty, has previous hands-on experience with Anatomage tables and sees many ways it can be implemented at Oaks Christian. “It brings a whole new outlook to the class,” Bayles said. “I have always wanted a cadaver lab since I started here 18 years ago, but we have never really had the space for it. This is a game changer in that it allows us to have a cadaver program without having real bodies that need to be replaced annually.” Current students can apply in February 2024 for the institute. Prospective students apply first to Oaks Christian School by visiting OaksChristian. org/admissions.

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E XC LU S I VE S N E A K P E E K

For Your Eyes Only T H E B E A U T I F U L LY R E N O VAT E D

S TA R T I N G I N 2 0 2 4

After former First Lady Nancy Reagan won her battle against breast cancer, she gave her name to Adventist Health Simi Valley's breast center. That was nearly 30 years ago. Since then, thousands of women have sought treatment at the center, and the need for mammograms continues to rise. In 2021, the center performed nearly 9,500 mammograms. The following year, more than 10,200 women had mammograms at the center, an increase of 700! To continue Nancy Reagan's mission to ensure women across Ventura County receive expert breast care, the Adventist Health Simi Valley Foundation is raising $2 million for a beautiful renovation and expansion of the Nancy Reagan Breast Center. The expansion will allow us to: • Create a welcoming space designed with comfort and elegance in mind • Accomodate advanced technology, including an additional 3D mammography unit and ultrasound machine

The renovated Nancy Reagan Breast Center will elicit a spa-like feel, adorned with soft textures and colors that provide a soothing, calming effect.

• Increase the number of treatment rooms • Expand our clinical team • Double the number of patients treated • Save more lives!

2975 North Sycamore Drive Simi Valley, California 93065 simivalley.give.adventisthealth.org 805-955-6670

Make Your Mental Health A Priority Residential and Outpatient Mental Health Treatment in Moorpark, CA You and your family deserve the best in mental healthcare. Our facility is set on 24 acres of orange and avocado groves, rolling hills, and horse pastures. The perfect setting for privacy and relaxation as we help you and your family get back to center.

We specialize in the treatment of: Anxiety

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From evidence-based treatments to the transformative power of creative music and art therapies, we also offer: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

EMDR Psychotherapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Equine Therapy

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Family Therapy

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In Good HANDS: HEALTH & WELLNESS FAVORITES

Newbury Park Dental Arts

Christine Wilson

Westlake Body Contouring

LOCA L’S CH OICE | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS

Adventist Health

Ceragem

The Meadowglade

Khanna Vision Institute Photo Credit: Charissa Graves

MC Aesthetics

We celebrate these local health and wellness providers for their valuable services, expertise and care.

ADVENTIST HEALTH - THE NANCY REAGAN BREAST CENTER

Adventist Health Simi Valley was founded in 1965 to provide Simi Valley, Moorpark and surrounding communities with the finest medical care. Today, the Nancy Reagan Breast Center is embarking on a renovation project to share in that vision. Former First Lady Nancy Reagan gave her name to Adventist Health Simi Valley’s breast center after she won her battle against breast cancer. Thirty years later, the Adventist Health Simi Valley

Foundation is raising $2 million for a beautiful renovation and expansion of the Nancy Reagan Breast Center. The expansion will allow Adventist Health to continue fulfilling Nancy Reagan’s mission to ensure women across Ventura County receive expert breast care. The new center will accommodate more advanced technology, additional treatment rooms, and an expansion of their clinical team, allowing for double the number of patients treated and more lives saved! Designed with elegance and comfort in mind, the center will elicit a spa-like feel to provide a soothing, calming effect. For added support, Nurse Navigators offer compassion and one-on-one guidance during every step of the patient’s journey. As a faith-based hospital founded on the principles of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, we believe that our mission to treat

the whole person—mind, body and spirit— makes the difference. Whether patients seek medical services ranging from Emergency Care to Women’s and Children’s Services to treatment at the Nancy Reagan Breast Center, the medical staff and employees of Adventist Health Simi Valley are committed to providing the best care possible. AdventistHealth.org/simi-valley

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY VALLEY/VENTURA/SANTA BARBARA

Are you or someone you know impacted by cancer? Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara, based in Westlake Village, annually serves an average of 2,000 patients, survivors, family members and caregivers impacted by cancer. Services include support groups facilitated by licensed mental health professionals, individual counseling, CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C ON E J OVA L L E Y

educational workshops, healthy lifestyle classes and social events throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, and West San Fernando Valley. Programs are always provided at no cost to participants. Post-pandemic, CSC has maintained both in-person and virtual services. As the largest professionally led nonprofit network of cancer support worldwide, the Cancer Support Community VVSB is supported by a global network of 175 Cancer Support Community locations, hospital, and clinic partnerships delivering more than $50 million in free cancer support and navigational services and help for cancer patients and their families. Get started today! Community is Stronger than Cancer! CancerSupportVVSB.org | 888.793.9355

CERAGEM INT’L

Ceragem beds offer comprehensive spinal care management. The V6/V4 provide all-in-one benefits of acupressure, deep-tissue massage, stretching and stone therapy in the comfort of your own home. Visit the location to experience the relaxing therapy of Ceragem beds. Ceragem Int’l The Oaks Mall 350 W Hillcrest Dr. Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

CONEJO HEARING CENTER

Taking pride in developing long-term relationships based on unsurpassed personal service with patients, Owner Christine Wilson is committed to educating her patients and improving their quality of life through better hearing. A licensed Audiologist with a BS in Business Administration, an MS in Communication Disorders and Sciences in Audiology, and a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology, Christine uses state-of-the art technology to help people of all ages

LOCA L’S CH OICE | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS

retain or recover their ability to communicate so they can lead full, confident and productive lives. ConejoHearingCenter. com | 818.991.3800 Conejo Hearing Center 699 Hampshire Rd Suite 215 Westlake Village, CA 91361

DUBEN HOLISTIC CHIROPRACTIC CENTER

Doctors Alan Duben and Lindsay Erickson use a combination of holistic therapies to help their patients reduce and control many symptoms. They aim to help patients understand what is causing their symptoms and find ways to address the issue in a holistic, natural manner. They understand that the three main influences on the body are structure, nutrition and emotions. The body’s structure is sensitive to injury and will be thrown out of balance if an injury or illness occurs that creates inflammation and pain. One of the most effective tools is nutrition. By eliminating foods that increase inflammation and adding whole food supplements, a person can begin the healing process and give the body the nutrients it needs to heal. Emotion is also another key component in the healing process. Doctors Duben and Erickson can help patients uncover emotional imbalances that can hamper the healing process. DocDuben.com | 805.494.1339 Duben Holistic Chiropractic Center 4165 E Thousand Oaks Blvd #301 Westlake Village, CA 91362

KHANNA VISION INSTITUTE

From the time we open our eyes in the morning until we close them at bedtime, our eyes play a very important role in our lives and well-being. So when refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia affect our freedom, an experienced, skilled surgeon like Dr. Rajesh Khanna of Khanna Vision

Institute is essential to restoring your vision. Dr. Khanna has more than 25 years of experience as a specialist performing thousands of successful vision correction procedures. He provides each patient with individualized care, offering various options like PIE, LASIK, Superlasik, ICL, Cosmetic Pterygium and strengthening cornea with cross linking. Khanna Vision Institute, with offices in Beverly Hills, Westlake Village, Inglewood and Oxnard, offers affordable no-interest monthly payment plans to help make the technology accessible to everyone who needs it. KhannaInstitute.com | 805.250.4530 Khanna Vision Institute 31824 Village Center Road, Suite F Westlake Village, CA 91361

MC AESTHETICS

At MC Aesthetics medical spa in Thousand Oaks, clients are in good hands. A nurse for more than 7 years, Owner Marichu Cortes learned many of the skills she employs at MC Aesthetics. Viewing skin care as an art, Marichu ensures clients are well informed and educated. With the motto “education, consultation, communication, safety, comfort and results,” MC Aesthetics specializes in making people look and feel great. Procedures include Botox®, fillers and Sculptra®, a poly-L-lactic acid collagen stimulator which helps stimulate a person’s own collagen. Lasting for many years, the procedure provides a full-face rejuvenation and adds volume, plumpness and tightness all over the face for a more natural look. MCAestheticsInc.com

NEWBURY PARK DENTAL ARTS

At Newbury Park Dental Arts, Dr. Cristina Markiewicz and her committed team make your care their top priority. Dedicated to providing the very best dental care in a professional, courteous and efficient manner, the staff ensures patient comfort,

Duben Holistic Chiropractic Center

Cancer Support Community

safety and satisfaction. Offering a comprehensive list of general, restorative and cosmetic dental services to meet the needs of the whole family, Dr. Markiewicz takes an integrative approach to care, working with individuals to achieve oral health and provide patient-centered, comprehensive and minimally invasive care using state-of-theart techniques and technology. Combining art and science, Dr. Markiewicz helps create confidence and self-esteem in her patients via long-term dental health and a beautiful smile. NewburyParkDentalArts. com | 805.498.0400 Newbury Park Dental Arts 400 S Reino Road, Suite 100 Newbury Park, CA 91320

THE MEADOWGLADE

The Meadowglade is a world-class residential and outpatient treatment center for adults seeking help with mental health, trauma and eating disorders. Their individualized, confidential treatment programs

are nestled within a serene 24-acre estate, where rolling hills, avocado orchards, sweeping vistas, horses and gardens create an atmosphere of tranquility and healing. Their holistic approach combines evidence-based therapies like EMDR, CBT and DBT, with a strong emphasis on personal growth. The Meadowglade staff inspires hope and empowerment, focusing on compassionate, client-centered care. Specializing in trauma therapy, their licensed and certified professionals are committed to addressing each individual’s unique needs. Enclosed by natural beauty and tranquility, The Meadowglade is more than just a treatment center—it’s a therapeutic haven that fosters healing and growth. CenteredHealth.com/Meadowglade

WESTLAKE BODY CONTOURING

Westlake Body Contouring uses a safe, FDA-cleared Red Light Therapy procedure to help with fat loss, chronic pain

and inflammation. Our state-of-the-art technology treatment sculpts and tones every area of the body. The body contouring light is 100 times more powerful than any other light on the market targeting fat cells. The 880 and 635 nm wavelength red light pads are applied to the area and 25 minutes later, 99% of the fat is released from the cells. The result is inches lost, tighter skin and impressive spot reduction anywhere on the body. Patients love that there is no pain, downtime, surgery or bruising. Westlake Body Contouring also offers a facial rejuvenation treatment that diminishes wrinkles, eliminates acne and firms the skin for a more youthful appearance. Come in and find out for yourself all the benefits of Red Light Therapy. Sessions are relaxing and enjoyable. WestlakeBodyContouring.com | 818.852.7352 Westlake Body Contouring 30423 Canwood St. Suite 205 Agoura Hills, California 91301

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C ON E J OVA L L E Y

Silver Oaks Cleaners Serving Westlake Village for 30 Years 4.5 Star Rating on Yelp! Eco Friendly Green Earth Cleaning

Come by for your dry cleaning needs. We have installed brand new equipment and an environmentally friendly dry cleaning process called Green Earth. Our goal is to provide you with excellent dry cleaning, free of the harsh chemicals that often compromise the sustainability of the fabric. SERVICES OFFERED

Clothing Alterations • Delicates • Formal Wear Pickup Services Shirts & Blouses • Comforters Eco-friendly/Green Washing • Garment Repair Services Pants & Jeans • Wash & Fold

(805) 496-1900 2806 Townsgate Rd Ste D • Westlake Village, CA 91361

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Make the most of your yard without the annoyance of mosquitoes. 818-332-8798 | moshield.com

Carden Conejo School Challenge • Community • Character

Admissions Open House Sunday, January 27th 2024 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

PreSchool - Fifth Grade Rigorous Academics Warm Nurturing Environment

Specialist Teachers Large Play Spaces (805) 497- 7005

975 Evenstar Ave. Westlake Village, CA 91361

www.cardenconejo.com

Is Your Financial Advisor Looking Out for Your Best Interest or Theirs? GET A SECOND OPINION ON YOUR INVESTMENTS!

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We take a holistic comprehensive approach to financial planning. We look at the big picture. We listen to what you want, analyze your situation, and make recommendations that address your needs. Our goal is to build long term relationships based on trust and confidence. Founded by Andrew Wyatt, Certified Financial Planner, we are fiduciaries who acts in your best interest. If you do well, we do well.

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E xe rc i s e E q u i p m e n t & P ro g ra m s GETTING YOU “ON THE ROAD”

ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY BLAKER

S ELF CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

Outdoor exercises like bicycling, hiking, running and walking are very popular for those who want to stay active. Being outdoors also offers added benefits, like interesting scenery and motivating environments. Unfortunately, getting outside to work out isn't possible or advised for everyone. For that reason, indoor home exercise equipment and programs have been developed to simulate outdoor activities.

THE PROBLEM WITH OUTDOOR EXERCISE

Exercising outdoors isn't always a possible or safe option for a multitude of reasons. Perhaps you • are stuck indoors • live in an urban environment • lack time to travel to and from natural environments • need to work out early in the morning or late at night • feel unsafe outside alone • are recovering from an injury • live in an area with inclement weather. Being on the road, whether on a bicycle or your feet, also comes with increased risks. These include the following: Unsafe terrain: Streets may not have bike lanes or sidewalks. They may also have hazards like potholes, pebbles, debris, grates or train tracks. Trails may be washed out or have uneven footing and other tripping hazards. Accidents or crashes: Motorists and others on the road may be distracted or impaired. People

also may not know or adhere to proper safety protocols or laws for bicyclists or pedestrians. Animal attacks: Dog attacks are a risk for cyclists and runners or walkers. Exercising outdoors also exposes you to other animals that may pose a threat. Injury or death: Head injury, from a small cut to traumatic brain injury, is the most common injury for outdoor cyclists. The highest rate of fatalities while bicycling outside is among adults aged 50-59. Also, outdoor exercise is often harder on your body, increasing the possibility of injury or strain. Other safety concerns: When exercising outdoors, especially solo, there's also increased concern of being a victim of violent crime. In a study by Wearsafe Labs, 34% of people said they feel afraid when working out alone outdoors, especially in the dark.

EXERCISE EQUIPMENT TO SIMULATE OUTDOOR EXERCISE

When you wish you could get out on the road, there are ways to replicate the experience at home. Popular brands of at-home exercise equipment include NordicTrack, ProForm, Peloton and Echelon. Many others are available as well, offering varying options and price points. Stationary Bikes Suppose you're temporarily unable to bicycle outdoors because of an injury or weather or prefer a safer option. In that case, you can replicate the feeling of cycling outdoors with CONTINUED >

“It’s more laid back and suitable for a variety of fitness levels. It may be safer for those who are more out of shape, overweight, new to bicycling, or seniors.”

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C ON E J OVA L L E Y

an indoor stationary bike. There are many options for indoor bicycles depending on your wants and needs. Costs vary depending on the type of bike and features and range from $200 and up into the $2,000s or higher for more advanced equipment. Upright bikes are the most similar to outdoor bikes offering a smaller seat above the pedals. They tend to be more lightweight and have a smaller footprint. You can adjust the resistance and even stand up to change up your workout. An air bike is a type of upright bike with a fan instead of electronic controls to add resistance and replicate the feeling of wind experienced when bicycling outdoors. Recumbent bikes are lower and more extended. The pedals are in front of the seat with a seat back to provide back support. It's more laid back and suitable for a variety of fitness levels. It may be safer for those who are more out of shape, overweight, new to bicycling, or seniors. Recumbent bikes do take up more space because of their design. Dual-action stationary bikes are combined with another type of exercise equipment like an elliptical or stair-climber to combine different types of exercise. Bike trainer stands like the BalanceFrom Bike Trainer Stand can temporarily convert an outdoor bicycle for indoor use when you can’t take it out on the road. This is a much less expensive option. Interactive bikes, such as those from Peloton or connected to apps like iFit, have a screen attached to incorporate a virtual aspect to your ride but tend to be more expensive.

Treadmills and Ellipticals If you enjoy running, hiking or walking outdoors, treadmills and ellipticals are indoor options that can give you a similar experience. Treadmill costs vary significantly depending on features and brands from the low to mid-hundreds. They can cost $2,500 or more for higher end products. Ellipticals have a similar range, with many of the best products for at-home use ranging between $1,000-$2,000. There are basic treadmill models that can fold up or fit into small spaces for walking and slow jogging. More advanced treadmills and ellipticals can better replicate outdoor changes in elevation. They can sync to actual trails and roads, automatically changing the machine's elevation or resistance to match the outdoor environment. Immersive Programs iFit is an interactive fitness program compatible with many different stationary bikes, treadmills, and other indoor workout equipment from several companies. There are live and recorded workout videos. iFit offers a large number of immersive experiences. Hence, you feel like you're biking or trekking through far-off places around the globe or even on your own path traced on Google Maps. If you have compatible equipment, it can adjust your resistance, incline, and speed to match the environment. Zwift is a virtual fitness adventure program on an app for a monthly fee. You create an avatar that travels through one of the virtual courses

“You can earn badges and complete challenges to increase motivation. There are also community events where you complete routes with other users.” 44

S ELF CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

in France or Zwift's own created world, Watopia. There are options for either running and walking or bicycling. You can earn badges and complete challenges to increase motivation. There are also community events where you complete routes with other users. Peloton offers an all-access membership app and their own stationary bikes and treadmills with screens for home-based workouts. There are both live and recorded classes with a trainer and scenic rides that let you virtually travel real-life destinations using recorded video. Bikes start at $1,895, treadmills at $2,495. Digital membership can be used without a Peloton machine or choose the all-access membership for those with a Peloton machine. So what if you want the virtual experience of being outdoors without the cost? Look for videos on YouTube or other streaming services that simulate the experience of bicycling, hiking, walking or running all around the world. Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at SageRareBooks.com.

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C ON E J OVA L L E Y

C ON EJO H E A R I NG CE N T E R

Hearing Health in the New Year

ARTICLE BY CHRISTINE WILSON

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS

Happy New Year! For many of us, as we welcome in the New Year, we often set resolutions that are health and wellness related. The importance of hearing is an aspect of our health that can often be overlooked. However, hearing health is more important than one might think. Research shows us the many ways that untreated hearing loss can affect one’s wellbeing. Hearing loss is a medical condition and should be approached with a high level of medical care. Untreated hearing loss impacts both our social and physical health, including dementia, social isolation, depression, memory loss and fatigue. Approximately 22% of the population over 65 years of age have mild cognitive impairment and the risk of dementia is closely related to the severity of hearing loss. The lack of auditory stimulus to the brain creates an overload on other neural pathways. The brain is what makes sense of the sounds we hear. When we are missing auditory information, the cognitive function of the brain has to work harder. This can result in less working memory available to recognize sounds and understand the meaning. Not treating hearing loss can cause someone to withdraw from social events that they once enjoyed, and this may contribute to depression. There is also an increase in the risk of falls as hearing and balance share neural pathways. Hearing loss combined with vision loss can reduce spatial awareness and reduce attention capacity leading to a loss of balance. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in adults over 65 years of age. Hearing loss is also linked to diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. Reach out to your medical provider or an audiologist for the first steps in a hearing evaluation if you are experiencing any of the following: • Difficulty understanding in noise or groups • Turning the volume up on the TV • Asking people to repeat words or phrases • Difficulty understanding voices on the phone • Family and friends complaining that you did not hear them correctly.

Hearing loss that comes on later in life has taken many years. It is not uncommon for family and friends to notice these changes first. Although age-related hearing loss is permanent, the good news is that it is effectively treated today with digital hearing devices! As both owner and audiologist of Conejo Hearing Center, I take pride in ensuring each one of my patients is treated in a holistic health care model. Developing a relationship with your local hearing care professional helps ensure each individual’s specific needs are heard and addressed and an effective communication plan is established. One of the most challenging situations that our patients face daily is difficulty hearing in noisy environments. In addition to our medical grade hearing devices, we also firmly believe in utilizing additional technologies to aid our patients for the most successful listening and communication outcomes. With that in mind we encourage our patients to utilize assistive listening devices such as remote microphones, table microphones and TV adapters (to name a few)! We also encourage important communication skills, such as speaking face-to-face, speaking at a natural pace and trying to reduce background noise. Trying to talk to someone in another room or while their attention is focused elsewhere is never a good idea! Get someone’s attention first and even mention the topic as well. Better hearing includes both the listener and the speaker. Cheers and “hears” to better hearing in 2024! For more information, call 818.991.3800 or visit ConejoHearingCenter.com. Christine Wilson has been a licensed audiologist since 1999 and holds a BS in Business Administration, an MS in Communication Disorders and Sciences (Audiology) and a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology and owner of Conejo Hearing Center, located at 5655 Lindero Canyon Road, Suite 506 in Westlake Village.

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C ON E J OVA L L E Y

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JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C ON E J OVA L L E Y

A NEW YEAR, A N E W YOU “I believe in Red Light Therapy,” says Denise Everson, Westlake Body Contouring’s proprietor. “I enjoy helping the people who come into my office. We take the journey of bettering our lives together and to see the results and their face of happiness and accomplishment is what makes my job even more satisfying.” Often, says Everson, cellulite doesn’t respond to diet and exercise programs alone. Body contouring utilizes the amazing power of LED lights which helps to open the fat cell membranes and liquify the fat, Everson explains, adding, “Fat melts away with just one treatment! Light fills fat cells, resulting in emulsified fatty debris gathering outside of cells. Indeed, empty, collapsed fat cells can be observed with just 20 minutes of the treatment. The procedure decreases inches and circumference in any area of the body.” Clients are advised to drink two glasses of water every hour during the entire day of their treatment. Drinking water before a treatment optimizes the hydration of the fat cell so the LED light can target the fat cell. Whereas, after the treatment, drinking plenty of water will help to flush a patient’s lymphatic system and rid the body of fat and toxins. Clients who drink 8 to 10 glasses of water on non-treatment days assist their body further in removing toxins. “Hydration is key with the light!” Everson notes, adding that it’s best to use a liver detox during the treatment. Such a regimen can be provided at the office. A vibration plate is used immediately after a treatment for 10 minutes and exercise of any type is suggested the day before or after a treatment.

T R E N D SE T T E R | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

Treatments are performed two to three times a week until the client’s chosen treatment course is complete. A body scan using the Styku Scanner helps to keep patients focused and track their progress by providing information such as calculating the percentage of fat in one’s body with incredibly high precision and accurately measuring one’s body dimensions, muscle mass and visceral fat. Westlake Body Contouring also offers facial rejuvenation, a game changer for many loyal customers. The perfect procedure to start a new year, facial rejuvenation is the term used to describe the restorative effects of cosmetic procedures that improve the look and feel of a patient’s facial skin. The light penetrates the

ARTICLE BY BARBARA BURKE

We s t l a ke B o d y Contouring

CONFUSED ABOUT HEARING DEVICES? skin and stimulates collagen and elastin. Anti-aging collagen production smooths out wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes, decreases pore size, acne, rosacea, under-eye lines and rejuvenates one’s skin, making it look brighter and healthier. Among the benefits are that the procedures do not cause pain or bruising, and does not require any downtime, very important factors to consider when deciding on body contouring and facial rejuvenation options. Clients can expect to lose inches and tighten skin with body contouring and look years younger with facial rejuvenation. Westlake Body Contouring’s services also address both cellulite and crepe skin, as well as treatments that assist with wound healing and chronic pain, such as neuropathy and pain attributable to post-surgical incisions, and they also can help with decreasing inflammation in joints, thus reducing pain from arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and back and neck pain. View before and after photos and customer testimonials at WestlakeBodyConturing.com. “I am very pleased to have lost almost 10 inches in six sessions,” says Raffaella Pacci. “My chin and my stomach have shrunk and I enjoy coming in for treatments. Westlake Body Contouring is a great way for me to help my routine and diet and I am well on my way to achieving my goals.” A new year means a new you when you visit Westlake Body Contouring and experience their professional and effective beauty procedures. Westlake Body Contouring is located in the Mediterranea 1 Building, at 30423 Canwood Street, Suite 205 in Agoura Hills. For more information call 818.852.7352 or visit WestlakeBodyContouring.com.

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818 - 991-3800

Open Monday thru Friday, 9:00 to 5:00

699 Hampshire Road, Suite 215 Westlake Village, CA 91361

www.conejohearingcenter.com JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C ON E J OVA L L E Y

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

SMOOTHIE BOWLS

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES Start your day with a nutritious and vitamin-packed breakfast. Smoothie bowls are a great way to add a variety of fruits and vegetables. Top with chia or flax seeds for an extra omega-3 boost, nuts or seeds for added protein, or sliced fruit for additional vitamins and fiber. Including a hint of turmeric or ginger can aid in digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can aid in cellular repair and gut health, and smoothie bowls are a delicious way to incorporate more into your day. Try some of these simple recipes, or create your own combinations to give your health a boost. CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C ON E J OVA L L E Y

Pine ap p

o B wl a n a n a B le

INGREDIENTS: • 2 cups frozen pineapple • 1 frozen banana • 1 handful spinach (optional) • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice • 1 tablespoon manuka honey (or other natural sweetener) • ¼ inch fresh ginger • ½ cup coconut water TOPPING SUGGESTIONS: • fresh fruit • seeds • pomegranate seeds

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a bowl and top with desired toppings.

B owl at e

ol INGREDIENTS: • 2 frozen bananas • 2 tablespoons cacao powder • 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or other nut butter) • 1 date • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract • ¼ cup almond milk or oat milk • 2 tablespoons chia seeds, optional Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a bowl and top with desired toppings.

TOPPING SUGGESTIONS: • banana slices • oats • granola • chia seeds • coconut flakes • chopped nuts • cacao nibs

Nut

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JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C ON E J OVA L L E Y

He a lth Is You r We a lth Be the Best Version of Yourself

I NSP IR E D BY | L I FE + C ULT U RE

of friends we surround ourselves with can improve our outlooks on how we see the world and help us live in a more positive way. Giving back also has a very positive effect on us. If you have not done it lately, you’ll appreciate the feeling, I’m sure. Your health is affected by the many moments that make up your day; remind yourself to be kind to you and to nurture yourself. Start your day in a positive way, limit yourself to only positive news and end your night by being grateful for all you've experienced. Remember to do monthly check-ins. If you fall behind, don't beat yourself up, just restart. Be mindful. Remember we all have the same opportunity to be the best version of ourselves. Are you doing that for you? Remember the rule that we all know—put your own oxygen mask on so you can not only help yourself but others too. Also, fill your cup first so you can share with others. Be the best version of yourself! Tune in to start your day in a positive way by downloading Kim Pagano’s podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ the-kim-pagano-show/id508620444.

ARTICLE BY KIM PAGANO

We all know what that should mean, but with all of our knowledge many of us still don’t eat right or take enough time for ourselves. We need to put ourselves at the top of the list before our cars and even our homes. Do you plan for health and wellness maintenance? Most people make a list or a plan for everything else. Let's start this year with a list about keeping ourselves healthy if you're not already doing that. Most of us already know the basics to achieving good health and wellness: Eat well, try to avoid too much sugar and include lots of veggies and healthy food. Sleep is another great thing as it gives our body time to refuel and recharge. Daily exercise is so important. Walking is like food for your bones and joints. Additionally, getting our homes in order can create a calm, less stressful environment. If you have a health problem, take care of it while it's small. Write things down, as it will help your brain remember it. Make sure you’re reading, and even playing cards is so good for your brain every day. So many of us really don’t think about this, but even the circle

Call Rosemary @ 805.479.7653. Rosemary can help you strategize to get the highest price. Rosemary will advise you on the improvements that will highlight your home’s strengths, downplay its weaknesses and appeal to the greatest possible pool of prospective buyers. Although the structure itself is often the deciding factor, many steps must be taken to enhance your home’s features and increase the likelihood of it selling faster and for more money. Innately understanding the finer points of caring for clients with high net worth, and even higher expectations, Rosemary utilizes multimedia, print and digital internet advertising to masterfully unite sellers of the finest homes with quality buyers from across the globe.

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With Rosemary’s new app, it has never been easier to search for new listings, find out what your home is worth and what your neighbors’ homes are listed for, plus what has sold! And unlike Zillow and Trulia, Rosemary will NEVER sell your information! Search “ROSEMARY ALLISON” in the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE App today! Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2023 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.