Southbay Health I 2019

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TORRANCE MEMORIAL AND CEDARS-SINAI’S AFFILIATION BRINGS MORE EXPERT CARE TO THE SOUTH BAY. More access to Cedars-Sinai specialists and programs from oncology to neuroscience

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More expert care for our patients and the South Bay. Learn more at MoreExperts.org Left to right: Torrance Memorial: David Chan, MD; Elisa Anhalt, MD; J. Christopher Matchison, MD; Donny Baek, MD.

got more experts.

Left to right: Cedars-Sinai: Clark Fuller, MD; Michael Alexander, MD; Dominick Megna Jr., MD; Shlee Song, MD.

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Jennie Nunn Digital Specialist | Chloe Curtis WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS

F

or the last couple years, a few of my officemates have participated in a fitness challenge at a local gym. You can tell when they are in full “challenge” mode—arriving in the morning with wet hair from a post-workout shower, eating small but nutritious packed lunches at their desks, taking a hard pass on snacks or happy hour invitations. My friend Hannah is particularly hard-core, posting photos of her crazy workouts (often two or more a day) and tracking her progress on the regular. When she’s committed, she’s committed. No matter how many times I try to tempt her with a cookie or some other forbidden snack item, she gracefully declines. I don’t know if I have that kind of willpower.

Well, turns out her dedication paid off. Not only did she meet her personal goals for the two-month challenge, she and her fellow teammates achieved first place and were awarded a handsome check. Proud of her! I even signed up for the gym to check it out for myself. I doubt I’ll achieve the same level of fitness she’s demonstrated, but it’s nice to have a workout partner who inspires you.

Do you have a fitness pal who keeps you on track?

Check out the amazing athletes, trainers, mentors and health inspirations in this current issue. Not only do they take great pride in their own wellness, they share some of that know-how with others. Thanks for your hard work!

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What’s Best For You.

Primary care

Torrance Health Center

Pediatric care Walk-in services Lab draws and X-ray

Located on Hawthorne Blvd. and Sepulveda Blvd., our health center offers same-day appointments - encompassing pediatric and primary care, our Torrance location is designed to do one important thing: What’s best for you.

To schedule an appointment, please call (657) 241-8640.

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Karen Alfonso, MD Pediatrics

Peter Kaneshige, MD Internal Medicine

Salvacion Torre, MD Pediatrics

inside 14

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BEAUTIFUL STRENGTH Jailyn Matthews

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TRIPLE THREAT Taylor Spivey

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MEDIA The young & the restless

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THE MENTOR Jay Russell

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MOVING FORWARD Heather Clancy SMOKING 2.0 Teens & vaping

A BUG’S LIFE Taylor Crabb TRAVEL Utah’s Red Ledges ALL IN STRIDE Michelle Werner

BOOK IT

The South Bay’s

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HEALTH CARE RESOURCE GUIDE

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COVER OF MICHELLE WERNER PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

The South Bay’s top health care professionals & wellness leaders

beautiful

Strength JAILYN MATTHEWS IS PASSIONATE ABOUT HOW AND WHY SHE INCORPORATES FITNESS INTO HER DAILY LIFE. AND NOW SHE’S STRONGER THAN EVER. WRITTEN BY AMBER KLINCK | PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY

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W

hat are your fitness goals? Are you working toward increasing your strength, improving your posture, minimizing pain or increasing your mobility? No judgment if your motivation falls more in the summer-isalmost-here category (you’re not alone).

Health and wellness have always been a way of life for model and Pilates-based holistic fitness instructor Jailyn Matthews.

But while training as an athlete, a model and now a fitness instructor, her goals have varied over the years. Today her focus is less on changing the shape of her body and more on improving its functionality.

As a young athlete playing volleyball, basketball, softball and running track in high school, Jailyn’s initial fitness focus was centered around building strength. “I was doing a lot of weight training with heavy weights, cardio and sprinting. [Improving] my vertical jump was my main goal. I ran the bleachers, focused on jump-training exercises and jump rope.”

When Jailyn began modeling in college, her fitness goals shifted from strength training to minimizing her size. “It made me change my whole routine,” she notes.

“It became less about weight training and more about not training and not eating and just doing everything I could to get my body down.”

It wasn’t until Jailyn was introduced to Pilates that she discovered there was more to gain from fitness than improving her athletic performance or changing the shape of her body. After being certified as a group fitness instructor, a friend suggested Jailyn take a Pilates training.

“I had never heard of Pilates,” Jailyn says.

“I loved it. Halfway through the training, my lower back pain went away, my posture improved … it became the basis of the rest of my fitness journey.”

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For Jailyn, who also battles with rheumatoid arthritis, utilizing fitness to improve dayto-day functionality has become a way of life.

“For my body, activity is very helpful. Lack of activity tends to let things stagnate, and you get stiff. If I’m not active or watching what I’m eating for too long, it all starts crumbling.

Diet, fitness … it all goes together.”

Jailyn is still modeling, but she’s less focused on whittling down her body and more on embracing its natural shape. “If you want to get stronger, love yourself and be positive. A lot of that just comes down to being able to wake up feeling good—without aches and pains,” she says. “Especially as we get older, fitness can and should be used to help you move through daily life activities with ease.”

She’s mindful of what she eats—avoiding sugar, bread and pasta—but she also allows for indulgences. “Anything too fanatical, and you’re going to have some problems,” she says. “Just balance and allow yourself the good stuff sometimes so you don’t go crazy.”

As an instructor Jailyn likes to keep it light. She doesn’t take herself too seriously.

“I’m serious when it comes to form, but there are times when you need to just let loose a little bit. Have some fun; let go.”

She does private training sessions as well as group classes at Love Your Core in Torrance, Palos Verdes Yoga and Fitness, and ROC Steady Pilates in Redondo. She’s certified in TRX, but at the base of her training she uses Pilates principals. “Even though Pilates is easier on my body, it has made me stronger than I’ve ever been—especially through my core and smaller structural muscles that support my joints and keep me upright.”

It’s easy to take your health and mobility for granted when you have it … or to learn to live with subtle pains or limitations when they slowly creep up. But when you begin to look at fitness as an investment in your future quality of life—the ease at which you get out of bed and move throughout the day—it begins to take priority over looking good on the beach. ■

Jailyn’s Year in HEALTH Daily nutrition:

Guilty pleasure:

I do admit, I like my coffee in the morning.

When I’m good, I start the day with warm water and lemon. Then I’ll have a smoothie, or I’ve been really into hardboiled eggs because they are super-easy and quick to make. During the day I’m a nosher. I’ll have a handful of walnuts or a banana with peanut butter, an apple or an orange, a piece of cheese, etc. In the evenings I try and eat a sensible dinner: a protein with vegetables.

Ice cream. I’m a really big fan of Talenti.

And potato chips—especially the olive oil or avocado oil ones.

Workout routine: At the base of my training I utilize Pilates principals, but I love incorporating TRX, Bosu and a foam roller for workouts. I also play beach volleyball. I’m not a big runner, but I will walk, do stairs, hills and hiking. And I love roller-skating!

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Fitness & health inspiration: In the modeling realm—she’s also an athlete—it’s Bo Stanley. Again, she’s about body image and being healthy. She talks about her [start] in modeling, starving herself to be a size 2 or 4 when her body is naturally a size 10 or 12. So now she still works a ton in her own natural body shape, and she’s an insane surfer. She rips, and she’s super-strong. She’s a yogi, an athlete, gorgeous, funny and healthy, and she puts out a positive and supportive image.

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Triple THREAT WATCH TRIATHLETE TAYLOR SPIVEY RUN, SWIM AND RIDE INTO 2020.

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY KAT MONK

L

ittle did 27-year-old Manhattan Beach native Taylor Spivey know when she joined the Cal Poly triathlon club at San Luis Obispo that her life would change forever. Born to athletic parents, Taylor was not new to sports. But triathlons would soon take over her world and become a dream career.

Taylor, a walk-on swimmer for the Cal Poly Mustangs, was a Los Angeles County Junior Lifeguard for nine influential years of her childhood. “The program instilled a work ethic and competitiveness and drive that I have continued to carry into all aspects of my life, including professional sports,” she shares.

She was the highly coveted MVP Cadet her final year and recognized as the Most Outstanding rookie in her graduating lifeguard class of 2009. She won quite a few accomplishments as a Junior Guard too, including National Champion multiple years and a place on the Worlds Team as both a Junior Guard and an Ocean Lifeguard. No easy feat, for sure.

At Cal Poly, Taylor decided to join the tri club to get outside the confines of the pool and enjoy the beautiful surrounding area.

When Taylor finished her final swim season, she raced the collegiate nationals for the tri club and took home her first gold medal for a sport that was new to her.

Greg Mueller, a triathlon coach, looked at the event times and scores online and immediately knew she had potential.

Determined to locate Taylor, he spent three months online searching social media to find her—accidentally reaching out to two other Taylor Spiveys in his steadfast pursuit.

Once they connected, Greg encouraged her to do International Triathlon Union (ITU) events and offered to coach her for free while she was in college. Though slammed with finishing school, Taylor put the time in and trained full time. After a few months Greg knew that she had what it takes to be a professional triathlon athlete.

While still a student, Taylor came back to the South Bay and worked all summer as both a Los Angeles County Lifeguard and a Junior Lifeguard instructor. In addition to long days of work on the beach, Taylor continued her training. With encouragement from Greg and her team, Taylor now had the motivation to pursue the sport full time after graduating college.

There are three levels of ITU racing: the lowest level is Continental Cup, then World Cup, and the highest is the World Triathlon

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Taylor’s Year in HEALTH Daily nutrition: My training volume is so high that I don’t limit myself. I just try to choose healthy, nonprocessed foods and eat at the right times of the day. As an endurance athlete, it’s important to have a high-carb diet and time food right. I always try to have a snack or a Science In Sport REGO Recovery shake ready for immediately after my workout. The 30-minute window after training—especially hard sessions—is crucial fueling time for optimal recovery.

Workout routine: As a professional athlete, I train about 25 hours per week. The time spent between sessions is used for optimizing recovery for the next session. It’s hard, when I’m in a big training block with high volume, to have much energy to do anything. But if I do, it may be going out to dinner with my teammates, spending 30 minutes on the beach on a nice day, reading a book or getting sucked into a Netflix series.

Guilty pleasures: Dark chocolate daily, burgers weekly and a refreshing beer rarely.

I’m not good at: Sports that favor tall people. I am petite.

Preferred footwear: I love my Skechers Performance shoes for training.

Staying fit: I love and miss the ocean. But I find most of my swim fitness gained in the pool. Otherwise, I can’t get enough of chasing beautiful dirt trails while running and quietly wandering roads on my bike. I love adventure on my easy training days.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY TALBOT COX

Series (WTS). ITU racing is about two hours long and more tactical. It comprises the Sprint (750-meter swim, 12.5-mile bike ride and 3.1-mile run) and Olympic triathlons (93-meter swim, 25-mile bike ride and 6.2mile run).

Taylor races in a couple different series, but her main focus is the ITU. There are approximately nine events around the world each year in the high-performance WTS. In 2016 with Greg’s help, Taylor was a selected athlete for USA’s collegiate recruitment program (CRP). The CRP was created to help fast-track single-sport collegiate athletes to triathlon.

“Being a part of the CRP not only gave me the support to go all in, but it showed me what it takes and what it means to be fully invested in something,” says Taylor. Typically the CRP looks for collegiate runners rather than swimmers, but Taylor’s 2012 result at age group nationals was convincing enough.

After a year of CRP, Taylor left the program to be coached by Paulo Sousa—coach of the Triathlon Squad. The squad consists of approximately nine athletes from the U.S. and Canada. In the last year she hasn’t spent more than a month in any one given place, and she has been living out of her suitcase.

With the help of Paulo, Taylor has made some impressive accomplishments.

Currently she is third in the Olympic rankings and second in the United States. The last WTS event was in Abu Dhabi, and Taylor had one of her best races to date there and placed second.

A tri-athlete has to work his or her way up within this point system to earn a start time at these races. Taylor is now off to Bermuda for her next race after she trains for a few weeks in Portugal.

There will be a test event in Tokyo a year before the Olympics that will decide who qualifies. Same course, same conditions, same time of the year–hot and humid. Most countries’ selection criteria are based on that event—especially if from a competitive country. If an athlete podiums, they automatically qualify for the Olympics. The United States has earned three spots for female competitors. Taylor hopes to be one of them. ■

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The Young & the Restless EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON AGING, CANNABIS AND MEDITATION. EDITED BY MICHELE GARBER

The Longevity Paradox: How to Die Young at a Ripe Old Age

By Steven R. Gundry, MD Over the last several years much attention has been given to the critical importance of gut health and specifically to the microbiome—the bacteria that make up the human body. The balance of your gut impacts your overall health and can determine how you age and what ailments you may develop—from Alzheimer’s to cancer, Crohn’s disease and arthritis. Gut health is quickly becoming the centerpiece of our holistic wellbeing. In his new book, Dr. Steven Gundry, best-selling author of The Plant Paradox, shares with readers the discoveries he has made while treating thousands of aging patients. Through his work, Dr. Gundry has developed an approach to slow the aging process, reverse damage that can lead to illness and restore overall gut health to help patients look and feel younger and more vital for years to come.

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The CBD Oil Solution: Treat Chronic Pain, Anxiety, Insomnia, and More—Without the High

By Dr. Rachna Patel

Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics: A 10% Happier How-to Book

By Dan Harris and Jeff Warren with Carlyle Adler

As more states legalize marijuana— whether for medicinal or recreational use—a positive side effect is an increased awareness of the myriad benefits of CBD oil. From the FDA approving prescription drugs with CBD to treat epilepsy to the local vet offering topical CBD to treat canine joint pain, it seems this misunderstood substance is suddenly everywhere.

CBD has been shown to alleviate arthritis pain, reduce anxiety and lower inflammation. Once taboo, CBD is finding broad and mainstream acceptance as it’s hailed as a modern-day cure-all. In her new book, Dr. Rachna Patel breaks down the complicated subject of CBD—explaining what it is, how it differs from THC and what ailments it treats. She offers a road map of how to buy it, how to read the labels, proper dosing, and recipes and remedies using this promising compound.

ABC news anchor Dan Harris was at the top of his game when he suffered an onair panic attack. With his life and career careening out of control, Dan went on a spiritual journey that led him to meditation, which he shares with readers in his New York Times best-selling book 10% Happier.

On this follow-up book he partners with Jeff Warren, whom Dan fondly refers to as the Meditation MacGyver, to debunk the myths of meditation and provide practical methods to incorporate meditation and mindfulness into a daily routine. The innumerable benefits of meditation are well documented, and countless luminaries and leaders sing its praises. Yet with Dan’s irreverent, candid and always humorous way of approaching any subject—combined with Jeff’s skills—this book may finally get skeptics to give meditation a try. Even a mere 10% happier is a solid improvement.

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the Mentor A FORMIDABLE ATHLETE HIMSELF, JAY RUSSELL SHEPHERDS A NEW GENERATION OF ELITE PADDLEBOARD RACERS.

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY KAT MONK

A

nyone who considers himself or herself a South Bay local and spends time on the beach would recognize Jay Russell. An avid outdoorsman, you can almost always find him paddling, jogging, riding his bike, training people or getting his own workout.

Jay has worn countless hats during his 57 years on this planet, but one common thread is that they all involve fitness. A true waterman, he loves to be close to the ocean. With the help of some basic items from Home Depot, Jay has created some fun strengthtraining workouts on the beach. He might be passionate about fitness, recovery and clean eating, but that does not deter him from a good Mexican meal and a few beers.

Jay was an avid surfer while attending Mira Costa High School, but he also was versatile enough to play baseball. He ran cross-country at El Camino College and made it a few rounds at the University of Arkansas as a walk-on baseball player. He had a rude awakening, though, while playing intramural football at Arkansas when he blew his knee out and had his first reconstructive knee surgery.

Welcoming the opportunity to return to the beach, Jay competed in triathlons for a good portion of the 1980s. Due to his baseball background, he was not afraid of strength training … but triathletes were typically reluctant to work out in the gym.

The only personal trainers around back then were for bodybuilders; due to Jay’s athletic versatility, he had the option to train a myriad of types of people.

“I was very much open-minded on how to work differently with different people,” shares Jay. Soon fellow triathletes started asking him for personal training assistance because he had discovered an untapped niche. Jay went on to get his credentials as a certified personal trainer, and a career was born.

A definite highlight was when Jay became Bruce Willis’ personal trainer during the Die Hard phase of Bruce’s career—living life at its premium on private jets and traveling the world. Despite how tempting it would be to continue with that lifestyle, being away from the beach for 10 months a year proved to be just too much for Jay. After a couple years of living the movie star life, he was excited to return to the Beach Cities.

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Jay’s Year in HEALTH Weekday itinerary: I’m awake every day by 5 a.m., and during the week you’ll usually find me on the beach working with a group of people. This is usually followed by some water time. Overall I try to keep on a steady mealtime schedule.

I feel this allows my energy level to stay consistent throughout the day. Due to my new business, Activ Recovery Zone, my daily routine has changed, and I’m devoting quite a bit of my time to getting it up and running.

Quite often during these summer hours I’ll try to get down to the beach for either an evening soft-sand followed by a jump in the water or a run/paddle workout.

Daily nutrition: For the most part I tend to eat fairly clean.

It really isn’t that hard. Most of my meals are protein-based, and I’ve really concentrated on cutting back on my carbs and breads.

One aspect of my diet that I’ve really focused on is staying hydrated.

Workout routine: My workouts nowadays are very functional in nature, combining free weights, bodyweight exercises and plyometric movements. Probably the most fun I have on the beach working out are our run/paddle workouts we hold at 16th Street in Hermosa. These consist of using either a 12’ stock board or a 10’6” sprint board. You basically do sprints out to one of the buoys that the guards set out during the summer months, catch some bumps on the way in and then run down to the 19th Street tower and back. Short, fast legs, but they can kick your ass.

Guilty pleasure: I do like my beer.

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A sport Jay happened into shortly after his return—with no intention of making it a lifetime journey—was paddleboarding. To this day paddleboarding is his true passion.

He competed in his first Catalina Classic in 1995 and has participated in the race every year since. The Catalina Classic is a grueling, 32-mile paddleboard race from Catalina to the Manhattan Beach Pier. Jay continues to run a paddling workout that also includes the next generation of elite paddlers.

“Jay was the person who got me into paddling,” shares Robert Parucha, one of the sport’s current elite paddlers. “A few friends and I were his escort boat team back in 2007; it was inspiring watching him. As soon as I had the opportunity and time to train, I called Jay to ask for advice. He hooked me up with someone to buy my first prone board and really took me under his wing that first year. He’s been such a huge advocate for the sport of paddling and continues to be.”

Overall Jay is a natural at everything that has to do with being active and frequently comes up with new and exciting ways to

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work out and keep moving. For example, he wraps a simple rope around a lifeguard tower for a battle rope workout, or he takes a 35-pound weight tied to a rope and pulls it through the sand while standing in place— working the back muscles, biceps, hamstrings, obliques and trapezius muscles.

Kim Castner, a friend and client of Jay’s, says, “His ever-changing exercise routines have kept me faithful to his early-morning class for over 15 years. Jay’s ability to create routines that I would never have the commitment to do on my own (sit-ups, bands, rope workouts) is the main attraction to his class for me.”

Jay is currently transitioning out of training and focusing more on athletic body recovery. “It is something that is dear to my heart because I was basically ignorant and stubborn and never thought I needed to take rests and recover,” he shares.

Over the years it has become apparent to him that recovering from a workout is just as important as the workout itself. Due partially to that stubbornness, Jay is about to have another knee replacement … but don’t count

him out for long.

In light of his experiences, Jay has recently started a company called Activ Recovery Zone. Activ functions as a mobile unit with professional trainers who aid both individuals and teams in their athletic recovery. The trainers visit events, practices and games, taking recovery services to the fitness and health community. The company is also putting together programs to educate kids and their parents.

“Activ Recovery Zone is all Jay and his ambitious drive,” shares Activ’s head trainer Myles Hirayama. “This concept wasn’t just an overnight dream; it has been several years in the making and is now coming to fruition.”

Elite athletes typically get treatment from state-of-the-art equipment to help them recover from their workouts, events or practices, and Jay is bringing the same type of equipment to everyone in our community.

In addition to staying fit himself, Jay has chosen to help others pursue their physical fitness dreams and is contributing by teaching our community all about the importance of athletic recovery. ■

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Moving

Forward

LOCAL TEEN AND CANCER SURVIVOR HEATHER CLANCY ISN’T DEFINED BY HER ILLNESS. SHE’S TOO BUSY MAKING PLANS FOR THE FUTURE.

WRITTEN BY AMBER KLINCK PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY

T

his is a big year for Heather Clancy. She turned 16, she’s thinking about college—prepping with AP classes—and she’s nurturing her passion for art and music. And she has friends who love and support her. “I’ve really found people I can click with,” she says. Bright and talented, quick to smile and incredibly personable, the possibilities seem endless. It’s been a long road to get here, however—one filled with hospital visits, countless tests with minimal answers, numerous specialists, multiple diagnoses, and the weight of managing the perception of her peers, the emotional pain her loved ones were experiencing and her own anxieties.

It began when Heather stopped growing at the same rate as her third-grade peers.

“We didn’t know this at the time, but a tumor had started growing on my pituitary gland,” she notes. An MRI was done to determine if there was a tumor, but it wasn’t detected. Heather was placed on growth hormone placement therapy.

In middle school Heather developed diabetes insipidus. “Your pituitary [gland] doesn’t make vasopressin (which tells your kidneys to hold onto water),” Heather explains. “I was dehydrated the whole day; I’d be constantly drinking. I had to do this 18-hour test where I couldn’t eat or drink anything, which is torture when you’re always dehydrated.”

Heather was then scheduled for another MRI. This time her tumor was detected.

“Months later I had to do blood work and many spinal taps. I was going to the hospital 24/7,” Heather says.

She saw specialists including a neurosurgeon, endocrinologist and an oncologist.

“Finally they just had to do a biopsy and take a little bit out. The second I woke up from anesthesia, I was told it was cancer.”

At this point Heather hadn’t been in school for nearly two months. Her first day back was not a positive experience. “Someone asked me why I was gone,” she says. “I said, ‘I have cancer,’ and they were like, ‘Oh that’s gross; you shouldn’t be here.’”

Weeks before her 13th birthday, Heather started her cancer treatment. “To be honest, I was really emotionally numb during the process,” she says. Nearly every round of chemo resulted in a hospital visit to treat any possible infection due to her strained immune system.

There was a lack of how to handle the weight of Heather’s illness for a lot of her young peers. “I had lost pretty much all my friends during the process because—for whatever reason—they couldn’t handle it,” she says.

Her family was understandably devasted by the possibility of losing her, so while at her weakest Heather was often a pillar of support for those around her. “I was the only one who was like, ‘OK, yeah, this sucks. And I don’t want to do it, but I’m the only one who can keep this stable.’”

When she returned to school in eighth grade, Heather was still doing radiation.

“It was exhausting,” she says. “Chemo is a horrible, horrible thing. It’s so terrible in the moment. But in the long-term it’s OK because it doesn’t have those long-lasting [symptoms].

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Radiation causes long-term symptoms like fatigue, and it can actually affect your cognition. I am extremely tired all the time, especially with the fibromyalgia [which she developed during her radiation therapy].”

Despite the obstacles she’s had to overcome, Heather is not defined by her illness.

“It was a big part of my identity,” she says.

“In the eighth grade I came back completely bald because the chemo made me lose my hair, and the radiation wouldn’t let it grow back. And that’s how everyone saw me. I got a wig, but it was really itchy and wasn’t who I was.”

Heather has been in remission since August 2016. Today she’s into art, plays the guitar and sings, writes her own music and loves the outdoors, spends time with her friends and studies American Sign Language … you know, just because it’s interesting. That girl is living one day at a time with big dreams for the future.

“Getting to know me as a person and not just a cancer figure—it changes mindsets a lot,” she shares. “People are usually viewed as this idea we have for them, and you can’t get rid of that until you the acknowledge that they’re an actual person just like you.” ■

Heather’s Year in HEALTH Daily nutrition: I try to stick with an anti-inflammatory diet, which I’ve been working on more recently.

Self-care: I try to do yoga every day, and I take CBD every day, which does tend to help during flare-ups. I’m a natural person. If I don’t have to take a pill for something, I don’t want to take a pill. I also try to do gentle walking and meditation.

Free time: Definitely painting and making art and music, and then working on all my classes.

I also take ASL at school. I’m a really visual person, and I actually have always been interested in American Sign Language. I learned the alphabet in third grade.

Guilty pleasure: I just love binging on chocolate. Chocolate, whipped cream and lots of Doritos.

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pproximately 1 in 5 high school students now smokes electronic cigarettes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There is a lot for us to learn about the emergence of a new generation of smokers who refer to their habit as “vaping.”

Vapers may say, “I’m not a smoker.” However if you vape, there is a strong likelihood that you will start smoking cigarettes or use other tobacco products, according to a report by the U.S. Surgeon General. An early theory behind this alternative form of smoking was that it would be better for you than smoking cigarettes. But is it?

Vaping is done with an electronic cigarette—a handheld, battery-powered device that comes in many shapes and sizes. Some even have the appearance of a USB flash drive. Using an e-cigarette simulates the experience of smoking. A liquid is heated within the device and creates a vapor, which is then inhaled. Vapes are less odorous and therefore easy to conceal.

There are three general types of liquids that can be used in e-cigarette devices: essential oils, cannabis (THC and CBD) and nicotine.

Essential oil vapes look like pens and do not contain any nicotine. These are also known as personal aromatherapy diffusers.

They sell for about $20 each, and there are a variety of types and flavors such as sleepy, active, happy, zen, sexy, vibrant and healthy.

Some users feel that it can help with anxiety or change their mood, though the effects are not always consistent.

According to a recent study by Johns Hopkins University, vaping cannabis can produce a significantly stronger intoxication level than smoking cannabis. The speed of the effect is different too. Inhaled cannabis can take 10 to 15 minutes to take effect, whereas vaping cannabis can take effect almost immediately.

Nicotine vapes are also referred to as JUULs, which is a top-selling brand often used by students. These vapes skyrocketed in popularity, in part because of tasty flavors such as mango, cucumber, fruit and creme.

Each JUUL cartridge or pod has approximately 200 puffs and as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes.

JUUL claims that their pods deliver nicotine up to 2.7 times faster than other e-cigarettes. A major drawback of the JUUL is the inability dial down the dose—making it the highest nicotine content of any e-cigarette on the market.

We know the industry is here to stay

when Altria, an umbrella company of Marlboro cigarettes, invests $12.8 billion into JUUL—a step the tobacco giant took in December. JUUL is said to be worth $38 billion, and the two Stanford graduate students who cofounded the company are now worth more than $1 billion each. JUUL reportedly shared the $2 billion bonus from Altria with its 1,500 employees—that’s $1.3 million per person!

In just one year (2017), e-cigarette use grew 48% among middle school kids, according to the Truth Initiative (a nonprofit public health organization dedicated to ending tobacco use). In 2018, 4.9 million American teens used e-cigarettes—an increase of 1.5 million teens in just one year, per the CDC. Not only is this an epidemic on school campuses in general, the problem extends to the individual classrooms as well. Students wait for their teacher to turn away so they can take a hit from their e-cigarette and then blow the odorless smoke into their backpacks. The smoke dissipates quickly, and the teachers are none the wiser.

A JUUL device costs about $30, and a starter pack of four pods costs roughly $16.

The pod is charged in the USB drive of a computer. If a teen smokes one pod a week, it is approximately the equivalent of 20 cigarettes. Even though it is illegal for children under the age of 18—and JUUL’s website claims that the company’s marketing material is directed toward adult smokers and not to youth audiences—that is not stopping minors from buying these devices in shops or online.

Regardless of whether kids are choosing essential oils, cannabis or nicotine, vaping is not necessarily a healthier and safer way to smoke. Researchers have discovered that there can be negative impacts on the respiratory system and metabolism, as well as increased cancer risks.

Vaping can also cause what is called “popcorn lung”—when the smallest airways become damaged and make a person cough and feel short of breath. Developing brains are more vulnerable to addiction, and nicotine addiction is extremely hard to quit.

Some vapers have had to seek rehab to help with their addiction.

Through its Youth Tobacco Prevention Plan, the FDA is trying to reduce the teen epidemic while not inhibiting adults who enjoy vaping or use it as a way to stop smoking. It will take strong action from more agencies than the FDA to make a difference for our youth. ■

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A

Bug’s

Life FROM OPPONENT TO PARTNER, TAYLOR CRABB FIGHTS FOR A SPOT ON THE COURT IN THE 2020 OLYMPICS. WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY KAT MONK

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n August 2016 the excitement was evident. The center court stadium was packed for the men’s quarterfinals as the sun set on a beautiful evening of the illustrious Manhattan Beach Open. The crowd was eager to watch two virtually unknown Hawaiian brothers who were tearing through the tournament. It was a matchup between 24-year-old, 6’ Taylor Crabb and 26-year-old, 6’4” Trevor Crabb versus 6’7” Olympian Jake Gibb and 6’6” Olympian Casey Patterson. The match certainly did not disappoint.

The latter team was the clear favorite in height, age and experience compared to these smaller young guns who had only been playing in professional beach tournaments for a year or so. The brothers had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Adding to the excitement in the stands, hecklers relentlessly taunted the more seasoned team.

The brothers were on fire. It was remarkable to watch Taylor pick up all the balls— whether they came over on one, two or three. In the end, the Crabb brothers prevailed in two games—not just in this quarterfinal win. Their names were now cemented in everyone’s minds as formidable partners.

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Gibb and Patterson went on to win the tournament from the elimination bracket.

Taylor—who has since relocated to the South Bay—didn’t know it at the time, but one day he would be on the same side of the net as Jake Gibb, competing for a spot in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Taylor and partner Jake are currently second overall in the United States in their bid for a spot at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

“First time I played Taylor he beat me,” says Jake. He had the demeanor and athleticism to be great. He’s now just realizing how good he can be.”

“Bug” is a nickname Taylor, who is now 27, given to him by his mom because he was the smallest in his family. So how does a small kid from Honolulu, Hawaii, become one of the best beach volleyball defenders in the nation?

First, he has volleyball in his blood. His dad played professionally, and his uncle was an assistant coach for the 1984 U.S National Volleyball team that won an Olympic Gold medal in Los Angeles. Taylor’s cousin is three-time indoor volleyball Olympian Lindsey Berg, who won two silver medals in 2008 and 2012.

Taylor grew up on the courts of the Outrigger Canoe Club in Honolulu—home to many great players including Kevin Wong, Stein Metzger, Sean Scott, Scott Wong and Mike Lambert. Mix in some sibling competitiveness with a brother two years his senior and about four inches taller, and you have the perfect combination for a passionate and dedicated athlete.

These brothers were not partners growing up though, according to Taylor. “We didn’t get along very well growing up,” he says. “It was always a competitive battle between us.”

Despite that sibling rivalry, Taylor followed his brother to California State University Long Beach. While there he did not disappoint. He was a four-year letter-winner as an outside hitter on their indoor team, a two-time All American and the 2013 AVCA national player of the year. After graduating in 2014 Taylor went to France and played professional indoor volleyball for a year.

When the opportunity presented itself in 2015 for him to play with his brother, Taylor jumped at the chance. “It’s like a doubleedged sword playing with your sibling at a high level,” Trevor explains. “Our chemistry was unmatched, however. We got easily

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Taylor’s Year in HEALTH Daily nutrition: My diet consists of a lot of meat/proteins. I am not a picky eater whatsoever; however I do like to eat healthy and buy organic groceries. Some things I like to add into my diet are turmeric and adaptogens. I try to stay away from a lot of dairy and gluten.

Workout routine: My workouts are specifically made for me and my body from my trainer back in Hawaii. Depending on what part of the season we are in, I work out four days a week in preseason and three or two days a week depending on tournament schedule.

My workouts are focused mainly around explosion for my legs and opening up my hips (because I have very tight hips); having a strong core; and rehabbing my shoulder and keeping it strong for all the swings I take throughout the season.

Free time:

frustrated with one another—not only on the court but off of it as well.”

Despite the challenges, their partnership added to their notoriety—even if they have moved on to different partners. “Playing against him is always a battle since we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” says Trevor. “It almost always comes down to a mind game in the end between us. We both want to beat each other so bad that it makes it always an intriguing match.”

According to USAV coach Tyler Hildebrand, there are at least 10 guys on the tour now that are as big as 6’9” Olympian Phil Dalhausser.

Beach volleyball can be all about height, but if you are a good enough defender you can compete at that highest level.

Taylor is that player. He is known for digging a hard-driven ball. “Taylor is one of the special ones,” says Olympian Holly McPeak.

“He is a dynamic defender and plays big at the net, able to terminate against the giants.”

Coach Tyler adds, “Taylor is incredibly receptive. He understands what you are telling him before you even tell him.”

When Tyler, not even a decade older than

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Taylor, was the assistant coach at CSULB, he and his player didn’t exactly see eye to eye on a missed weight-lifting practice. In an effort to lay down the hammer, the coach told Taylor, “Someday you are going to want to be in the Olympic games for beach volleyball, and I am going to be there to coach you.” Now five years later, that prediction may come true.

Team USA practices are no joke either, with Taylor/Jake regularly training with Trevor/Tri Bourne, Reid Priddy/Theo Brunner, Stafford Slick/Billy Allen, Chase Budinger/Casey Patterson and even sometimes Dalhausser/Lucena when they are in town. According to Tyler, “Their sibling competitiveness raises the level of the entire USAV practices.”

Partnering with Jake has already resulted in some great wins, including the Seattle and Chicago opens in 2018. They finished second in Austin, New York and Manhattan Beach and third in Hermosa Beach.

Watch out for the “Bug,” as he is sure to entertain you on the beach with his athleticism, abilities and humor. ■

I like to relax and watch a big sports game on my couch with friends. An activity that is good for my mind and soul is snowboarding. I have been snowboarding since I was 8 years old. Something about being on the mountains in the snow is very calming for me.

Fitness & health inspiration: Watching top athletes in my sport train hard on and off the court really inspires me to work just as hard.

Sport I’m not good at: Long-distance running.

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The sage- and juniper-covered hills of northcentral Utah’s Heber Valley are gradually coated white as fat and fluffy snowflakes drift to earth. It’s the end of November, and in this early winter snow globe scene in the high, arid West, I watch as my golf ball—a high-arching shot hit with a seven iron— travels over the driving range and temporarily disappears in the flurry of snow.

As I prepare to hit another ball, I can focus exclusively on my technique—avoiding any distractions brought on by the imposing winter weather—because I’m neither cold nor covered in snow. Instead I’m comfortably warm inside one of the two enclosed, heated hitting bays at the Jim McLean Golf School Learning Center at Red Ledges, a private residential club about a 20-mile drive south of Park City.

The hitting bays at the Red Ledges Golf School are equipped with the industry’s

cutting-edge technology: TrackMan launch monitors; motion-capture analysis via JC Video Systems; and BodiTrak force plates, which measure where and how a golfer exerts pressure on the ground and how that pressure changes during the swing. The bays also feature HD Golf simulators, which come in handy when the retractable doors that open to the driving range must be kept closed once serious winter storms roll in—covering the valley and the surrounding Wasatch Mountain Range in a foot or more of fresh powder.

On the topic of fresh powder, the allseason capabilities of the McLean Learning Center create an ideal environment for avid skiers who harbor just as much passion for golf. “You can learn a lot, and you can get a lot of work done in a snowstorm,” says Jon Paupore, Red Ledges’ director of golf and the Golf School’s director of instruction.

He references one of the club’s golfing members who, during the winter, often hits the slopes in the morning at the nearby ski resorts: Deer Valley, Sundance, Alta or Solitude. The member then spends a few hours in the afternoon hitting balls and fine-tuning his swing with the help of that aforementioned technology. “He’s an awesome skier, and he’s working on becoming an awesome golfer,” Jon says. “That’s the draw of Red Ledges: You can do both here.”

While the McLean Learning Center is open to the public year-round, the club’s additional golfing facilities—namely the 7,500-yard Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and the 12-hole Golf Park, a mixed-use area also designed by Nicklaus for “relaxed family fun”—are exclusive privileges that come with a golfing membership. To see them in full bloom during the golf season is often all that’s needed to convince a

prospective member that entry into the club, which requires a $75,000 deposit and $9,250 annual dues, is worth the investment. (Residential offerings start at $700,000.)

The Golf Park is unique: It’s the first of its kind to be designed by Nicklaus, and it presents an ideal atmosphere for newcomers to learn the game and for avid and seasoned golfers to enjoy fun, casual rounds with their friends. For some—like Mitchel Burns, the club’s COO—the golf park also provides a great opportunity to squeeze in a few holes at the end of the day while walking his dog.

Despite the appeal of the Golf Park, Red Ledges’ championship course remains the club’s crown jewel. It’s also distinct for having bentgrass fairways at such a high altitude, but that fairway turf is paramount to the exceptional playing experiences the

course provides.

“Bentgrass creates that perfect lie,” explains Pat Christoffer, the club’s superintendent. “It creates the opportunity to hit different shots. You can hit balls high, you can hit them low, you can hit running shots, and it gives you ultimate control of your club. It’s the finest turf you can have.”

Beyond its turf, the course is seductive for its varied terrain, the prominent changes in elevation, the dramatic vistas and, ultimately, its difficulty.

“It’s one of the highest slope-rated golf courses in the state, but that only adds to the challenge and benefit of playing here,” Jon says. “If you can play this golf course well every day, you’re going to be a better golfer. You can go to any other golf course in this area and feel like it’s a piece of cake because you’re regularly playing on the very best.” ■

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All in

Stride

HEALTH, FITNESS, HORSES AND NATURE ARE AT THE HEART OF EVERYDAY LIVING FOR SOUTH BAY NATIVE MICHELLE WERNER. WRITTEN BY DIANE E. BARBER PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

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questrian, massage therapist and nursing student Michelle Werner has been committed to a healthy, athletic lifestyle since her youth. She played volleyball throughout high school in Torrance, and when she was not on the volleyball courts she could be found playing flag football at the beach. But it was horses that tugged on her heart since childhood.

“When I was in elementary school I wanted to take riding lessons, but my parents could not financially support it. So I set my sights on finding a way to pay for it myself someday,” she shares.

Michelle began diligently saving for horseback riding lessons before she was old enough to drive. She worked in clothing stores and later at Hennessey’s Tavern in Riviera Village, where she met a customer who was a horse trainer from Portuguese Bend Riding Club (PBRC) in Rancho Palos Verdes. With enough money set aside to fulfill her childhood dream, she began taking lessons at PBRC when she was 18 years old.

“I took English riding lessons for one year and then got into jumping for five years,” Michelle says. “I became a regular at the stables, and people eventually entrusted me to exercise their horses for them. All of the horses that I have ridden have found their way to me somehow.”

Such was the case with Michelle’s current beloved equine trail-riding companion, Warrior—a retired Arabian endurance competitor owned by Rancho Palos Verdes resident Pippa Davies.

“Five years ago I was riding Friesian horses owned by a friend who was Pippa’s neighbor,” she explains. “Pippa approached me to help her with Warrior following an injury. While I was juggling my time to help both women exercise their horses, the family with the Friesians moved out of the area, freeing me up to ride Warrior regularly and bond with him. He had just come off of endurance racing, so he had to be reprogrammed to enjoy being a leisure horse on the trails—which was fun to work through.”

Michelle’s nurturing nature is at the core of her essence and reaches beyond her horse world. The loss of her mother and her calling to help others inspired her massage therapy career and her recent enrollment in nursing school. When Michelle was a teenager, her mother was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer, which she succumbed to after battling it for 18 months.

“Before my mom became sick, I had already decided I wanted to be a nurse,” she

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shares. “When I graduated from high school, I attended El Camino College so I could stay close to home. She passed away in the middle of my two-year program. I finished all of the prerequisite courses but did not apply to any nursing schools because, at the time, I knew I could not bear to walk into a hospital.

It was too soon.”

After putting her pursuit of a nursing career on hold, Michelle took time to do some soul-searching in Europe and realized that a career in a healing environment was key to her happiness. “I decided to go into massage therapy as a way to care for and help people heal without any of the sadness of terminal illness. I went to massage school in Santa Monica thinking it could be a temporary career. Now 23 years later, it is still going strong,” she says with a smile.

Nursing was always in the back of Michelle’s mind as a massage therapist. It was the loss of a friend that rekindled her desire to pursue the nursing aspirations that she set aside decades ago.

“My best friend, Karina, recently passed away,” she says. “I was with her when she

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had the stroke and accompanied her to the hospital. When I was witnessing the chaotic cadence of the emergency room, it all felt very familiar and oddly comfortable.

I remember asking the nurse, ‘Do you like what you do?’ When he responded, ‘I love it,’ I felt like I was tapped on my shoulder and I knew it was time.”

With her back-to-school wheels set in motion, in 2015 Michelle began to update the courses she had previously taken. Then in the fall of last year, her patience and perseverance were rewarded when Los Angeles Harbor College accepted her for the school’s nursing program.

While managing her rigorous schedule working full time and attending school, Michelle’s riding and hiking adventures with Warrior on the Peninsula keep her fit and mentally centered. “When we are out on the trails immersed in the beauty of the ocean and nature, it feeds my soul and is great for my overall well-being,” she says. “I am 100% present and grounded in gratitude every step of the way.” ■

Michelle’s Year in HEALTH Workout routine: I typically work out four to six days a week. I take a circuit/strength training class four times a week; Rollerblade on The Strand one to two times a week; and ride Warrior three times a week.

Guilty pleasures: I love cookies and wine.

Fitness craze you want to try: Goat yoga!

Staying fit: I like to think of myself as a “surf ‘n’ turf” girl. When I’m not riding or hiking with Warrior, I love be in the water or at least near it. I often paddleboard in the summer and skate on The Strand year-round.

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TOP TIP My favorite skin care product is peel and bleach cream. It is a miracle worker short-term and long-term to keep skin clear and firm. Wrinkles soften, skin thickens with more dermal collagen, and spotty brown blemishes fade. I have used it for years, and it is the best “night cream” you can ever have—and cost-effective as well.

WORK HARD—PLAY HARD

BEST OF THE BEACH My staff and I are honored to receive the Easy Reader Best Of The Beach award 2019—for the fifth time in my career—for Best Cosmetic Surgeon and Best Medical Spa. We take this honor very seriously and thank all of our loyal patients in the South Bay and beyond. We know that we have to earn this accolade with every

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From an early age my father taught me: “Work hard. Play hard!” My husband, John Stoneburner, MD, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, and I love our individual professions.

We try to balance the arduous work and long hours with fun events that take us to Coachella Valley, so we attend the Indian Wells BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament each year.

We love the passion and fight of the singles tennis competitions while enjoying the art, food, vistas and hikes of the desert.

MEMORIALCARE MEDICAL GROUP DR. PETER KANESHIGE & DR. KAREN ALFONSO 22719 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance | 657-241-8640 | memorialcare.org/torrance

SERVICES OFFERED • • • •

Primary care Pediatrics Lab services X-ray imaging

TOP DOCS

“The goal of our health center is to provide local patients with outstanding primary and pediatric care.”

OUTSTANDING CARE The goal of our health center is to provide local patients with outstanding primary and pediatric care. The brand-new, two-story, 10,396-squarefoot-building provides South Bay patients access to our world-class family medicine and pediatric physicians and a widespread care network. We offer full-service primary care for newborns to adults and seniors, as well as laboratory and X-ray services on-site. We ensure that our patients not only receive the highest quality care while at our clinic but that they also receive our support navigating through the complex health care environment.

AT THE FOREFRONT OF HEALTH CARE MemorialCare’s extensive network of medical groups, hospitals and experienced physicians allows for access to the most up-to-date treatments and health care advancements. With more than 300 ongoing research projects at MemorialCare, it is our goal to remain at the forefront of discovery and to provide patients with the latest and best care.

WISE WORDS Keep an active and healthy lifestyle. Prioritize the health of you and your family. You will see the benefits in multiple aspects of your life.

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Our experienced family and internal medicine physicians, Dr. Browne and Dr. Kaneshige, are trained to care for you as a whole person and offer routine health screenings as well as counseling on lifestyle changes. In addition, our knowledgeable pediatricians, Dr. Alfonso and Dr. Torre, are here to help your child grow up healthy and happy and provide guidance and support to parents and family members. Our physicians treat each patient like a member of the family and work to guide them toward healthy lifestyles at any age. Our care philosophy centers around helpfulness and availability, as we consistently prioritize our patients first and focus on their individualized care.

PERSONALIZING THE EXPERIENCE MemorialCare Medical Group Torrance Health Center utilizes myChart, the nation’s highest rated electronic medical record system. myChart is a secure online portal where patients can login to view medical information whenever convenient. Our patients can play an active role in their health care by communicating with providers, scheduling or changing appointments and accessing health results.

GIVING BACK MemorialCare Medical Group offers a multitude of educational events concerning all areas of health care in both Orange County and Los Angeles. From Medicare questions and concerns to nutrition and lifestyle improvements, our specialists are constantly available to serve our patients and answer any questions that arise during their care.

HUTCHINSON DENTAL DR. CHRISTINA L. HUTCHINSON 512 Main Street, #4, El Segundo | 310-640-2025 | HutchinsonDDS.com

SERVICES OFFERED • • • •

Family dentistry Cosmetic dentistry Implant restorations Sleep apnea appliances

“It makes my day if I’m able to reshape someone’s dental experience to make it a positive one!”

CENTERED ON RELATIONSHIPS We are a relationship-centric practice, and we view all of our patients as an extension of our family. We treat our patients fairly and only make recommendations that will make a positive difference to their dental health. In addition, we try to work within our patients’ benefits to reduce their out-of-pocket expense.

RESHAPING THE DENTAL EXPERIENCE I love it at the end of a restorative appointment when a patient says that it wasn’t as bad as they expected it to be, or that they liked how I explained what was happening throughout the procedure. It makes my day if I’m able to reshape someone’s dental experience to make it a positive one!

BEFORE & AFTER I have a patient often in the public eye who didn’t like her crowded lower teeth and couldn’t risk orthodontics or Invisalign altering her speech during the correction. Instead she chose a combination of veneers and crowns to give the appearance of improved alignment. We were both very happy with the outcome!

DENTISTRY’S IMPACT ON SLEEP There has been an increasing awareness from patients, dentists and physicians about the influence of airway and posture and their impact on sleep quality and dentistry. It has opened conversations with patients that previously

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weren’t had. It has been positive for dentistry and ultimately means that patients are receiving more comprehensive, collaborative care.

FLOSS TIPS When you floss, it’s critical that your technique is correct. Whether you use string floss or convenient picks, it is important to contour floss like the letter C and wipe up and down the side of a tooth a few times. Then reverse your C and wipe the next tooth.

WATER WORKS Regular brushing and flossing is always important, but staying hydrated is also important! Try to limit drinking surgery or carbonated beverages, which are harsh on enamel. Instead drink more water, which not only helps your body stay hydrated when temperatures are warmer but also normalizes the pH inside your mouth in between brushing.

A DOG’S LIFE We love living in Manhattan Beach! We don’t have children; we have a dog, and our world revolves around seeing him happy. We enjoy walking him to Bruce’s Beach, chasing squirrels at Valley Park in Hermosa Beach, or running after a tennis ball at Library Park in El Segundo.

SUMMER ORTHODONTICS SUMMER L. BLAKE, DDS, MS 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Suite D-224, Manhattan Beach | 310-545-0770 | summerorthodontics.com

SERVICES OFFERED • • • •

Traditional braces Invisalign Lingual braces Accelerated treatment

“Nothing makes us happier than seeing our patients complete their treatment with smiles they are proud to show off!”

EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE

ADVANCES IN ORTHODONTICS

At Summer Orthodontics, exceptional results with an outstanding patient experience is our top priority. Every treatment plan is carefully considered to meet the individual goals of our patients. Dr. Summer has built her reputation focusing on the best interest of each patient.

As a result, she has been named “Best of the Beach” for orthodontists in the Easy Reader poll over the last three years. In addition, Dr. Summer has surrounded herself with a warm and friendly team of dedicated professionals to efficiently support patients throughout the treatment process. Nothing makes us happier than seeing our patients complete their treatment with smiles they are proud to show off!

Summer Orthodontics embraces proven technologies as a central focus of the patient experience. There have been many advances in orthodontics over the years to increase patient comfort, reduce treatment times and produce beautiful smiles. The adoption of digital technologies such as scans and radiographs make the diagnosis and treatment process more efficient than ever. We are always on the lookout for new technologies and ways to provide exceptional patient experiences.

BEAUTIFUL SMILES Creating beautiful smiles that patients love is tremendously rewarding. I love that our practice delivers children and adults smiles they love. It is so fun to see patients complete treatment and they cannot stop smiling because they have fallen in love with their new smile.

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THE SOUTH BAY LIFESTYLE Although I love my practice and the rewards it provides, the most joy in my life comes from my husband, Matt, and our four children: Ahnika, 11, Tegan, 8, Briggs, 5, and Winslow, 2. My family means the world to me. I cherish every moment as they grow. I just wish time didn’t go by so fast! When I am not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my family and taking advantage of the California sunshine with outdoor activities.

Our entire family loves the beach and spending hours in the ocean and on the sand. As a health advocate, diet and exercise are a top priority. I love preparing healthy meals for my family. I also enjoy the variety of fitness classes available in the South Bay.

KRISTIN EGAN, MD, FACS 2809 Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach | 3711 Lomita Blvd. #150, Torrance | 310-426-8415 | drkristinegan.com

SERVICES OFFERED

HEALTH ACHIEVEMENTS

HELPING OTHERS

• • • • • •

I have won numerous research awards and have published widely, including multiple chapters in the main textbook used to teach facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellows. I have been in Manhattan Beach for five years and was a clinical instructor at UCSF before moving to Southern California.

Love what you do! I love seeing patients improve and feel better about themselves. I love operating and performing procedures in the office. I enjoy each day that I can use my skills and training in helping others.

LazerLift Cosmetic injectables Laser services Skin care Cosmetic facial surgeries Botox

“I actively try out new technologies and products on myself so I can better educate my patients about them.”

QUICK & EASY Patients are increasingly requesting less invasive procedures with less recovery time and the ability to return to work quickly. More patients are turning to the multiple in-office services that can be done without general anesthesia or a long recovery period. I am currently one of a few physicians in the L.A. area offering the FDAapproved, non-invasive, laser-assisted facelift in my office.

A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE As a female surgeon in a largely male-dominated field, I bring the personal experience of aging in today’s society from a woman’s perspective. I actively try out new technologies and products on myself so I can better educate my patients about them.

A YOUTHFUL LOOK I am dual board-certified in both otolaryngology head and neck surgery and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. My practice incorporates my surgical skills with a focus on aesthetics and the desire for a more youthful and natural appearance. I am cognizant that a healthy, active lifestyle predominates in the South Bay and that patients desire subtle changes to their appearance to restore an image of themselves that matches how they feel.

RECOMMENDED: LAZERLIFT LazerLift is a one-time, one-hour, minimally invasive treatment designed to tighten the skin of the face and neck and remove excess fat using SmartLipo technology and no scalpel.

This can be performed at the office and does not require general anesthesia. LazerLift uses the latest technology to take laser energy underneath your skin and stimulate collagen production in the dermis, which leads to improved skin elasticity, thickness and texture.

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BEFORE & AFTER I am a leading innovator in minimally invasive procedures and perform LazerLift—the only FDA-approved laser liposuction for the face and neck. For those patients who want minimal recovery time and an in-office procedure without the need for general anesthesia to address their jowls and neck, LazerLift is the perfect option.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ARNIL PABALAN

NVISION EYE CENTERS FRANKLIN LUSBY, MD, SUSAN J. SHIN, OD & AMARPREET BRAR, MD 23550 Hawthorne Boulevard, Suite #220, Torrance | 310-879-5057 | nvisioncenters.com

SERVICES OFFERED • • • • •

Refractive eye surgery — LASIK and PRK Cataract surgery — monofocal and multifocal RLE — refractive lens exchange ICL — implantable collamer lenses Corneal crosslinking (for keratoconus)

“The #1 reason I went into medicine was to be able to add to the overall happiness and wellbeing of my patients.”

NEXT-LEVEL RESULTS At our NVISION Centers, we have new software that will improve the accuracy of how our excimer laser re-shapes the cornea. Although our patients have been enjoying excellent results with our current system, this new change promises to take our results to the next level.

GLOWING REVIEW Our patients aren’t shy about telling us how they feel. One of our recent YELP reviews says it best: “I am absolutely thrilled with not only my results after LASIK but my entire experience at NVISION. The staff is extremely friendly and made me feel so comfortable and sure of my decision. I would recommend the procedure (and the center) to anyone.” — Hanna D.

CONTINUING EDUCATION We partner with industry leaders to provide continuing education for our doctors. We host monthly meetings but also an annual South Bay regional meeting for optometrists in the area.

SUMMER SUN Some of the ways you can protect your eyes in the summer are wearing sunglasses with UV protection, wear goggles at the pool, wear hats and drink plenty of water to keep your entire body hydrated! As the weather gets warmer, sun protection for your eyes is as important as it is for your skin. UV protection minimizes the chance of having any irregularities in the white part of the eyes, and studies have shown a link between certain UV rays to early cataracts and macular degeneration. Children are even more at risk, so make sure your whole family is protected with good sunglasses that block UV rays.

CHANGING TIMES

PUPPY LOVE Our clinical director, Dr. Susan Shin, and her husband, David, adopted a Shiba Inu puppy named Hachi. She loves the grass, the beach and the sun. Thank goodness the beautiful South Bay is her home!

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Dr. Franklin Lusby: I have seen the health care environment in the U.S. undergo massive changes in the last 20 years. Some of these changes have been good; others not so much. The #1 reason I went into medicine was to be able to add to the overall happiness and wellbeing of my patients. Currently with today’s technology and our cumulative experience, I think I’m able to do that better than ever before.

Dr. Franklin Lusby & Dr. Susan Shin

DR. BITA DAVOODIAN, DDS 1959 Kingsdale Ave., Suite 202, Redondo Beach | 310-793-1000 | drdavoodian.com

SERVICES OFFERED

OUR SPECIALTY

THE BEAUTY OF INVISALIGN

• • • • • • • •

Our patient-centered practice offers comprehensive dental care with an equal commitment to preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. We make sure to spend as much time with our patients as they need to understand the treatment, feel comfortable and relaxed.

We strive to deliver the highest quality dental care in an atmosphere of warmth, kindness and respect.

We love dentistry, and we love our patients.

Building trust is extremely important, and our whole team is dedicated to building trust by understanding and identifying with patients to provide a positive experience. When our patients leave the office they have realistic treatment plan that is comprehensive based on decisions we make together. Most importantly, we stay abreast of new developments and participate in continuing education in order to provide patient care at the highest standards.

Invisalign® straightens teeth to give you the confidence of a great smile. Using a series of clear, virtually invisible aligners, Invisalign gently and gradually moves your teeth based on the treatment plan I prescribe. There are no wires or brackets, so you’ll have confidence in your smile during and after treatment. In fact, most people won’t even know you’re wearing Invisalign. Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can eat whatever you want and easily brush and floss as you normally would. You’ll visit our office every four to six weeks, and on average Invisalign treatment takes less than a year.

Preventative dental care Cosmetic dentistry Invisalign® Whitening Children’s dentistry Sleep apnea TMJ disorder Implant restorations

“We make sure our patients are at ease from the moment they walk into the office to the time they leave—by treating all patients like family.”

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A PERFECT SMILE Teeth can be affected by discoloration, spaces, gaps, chips and misalignment. A conservative way to repair any of these problems is bond and/or enamel shaping. This technique has been used for many years and can enhance aesthetics of teeth. Advances in cosmetic dental bonding procedures have led to improved strength and durability. No anesthesia is required when shaping the enamel, and results can be seen immediately. Enamel shaping is usually an option when there is only a minimal amount of discrepancy that needs to be corrected. Be aware that enamel shaping and bonding can’t solve all problems.

BEFORE & AFTER This patient had an old crown and bondings on adjacent teeth that were chipped and discolored. She loved the shape of her own teeth but wanted them symmetrical, aligned and white. This was achieved with customshade porcelain veneers.

UCLA HEALTH EAST-WEST MEDICINE 3500 Lomita Blvd., Suite 302, Torrance | 310-257-0129 501 Deep Valley Drive, Suite 100, Rolling Hills Estates | 310-303-3953 | cewm.med.ucla.edu

SERVICES OFFERED • • • • • • •

Acupuncture Myofascial release (medical massage) Cupping Trigger point injections Acupressure/self-massage Stress management techniques Chinese nutritional counseling

“It’s important to find moments of quiet and balance before you become overworked and stressed.”

EAST-WEST MEDICINE

RELIEVING PRESSURE

East-West Medicine combines the best of traditional Chinese medicine with modern Western medicine to solve individual patients’ health problems. An East-West Medicine framework is used to both diagnose and treat patients for a wide variety of health problems including primary care issues—such as hypertension, insomnia and fatigue—as well as more specialized issues like chronic pain.

Patients who come into our office learn the basics of self-massage and acupressure.

There are pressure points for stress, headaches, nausea, insomnia and relaxation, and applying pressure to these points can be done anywhere and only takes a few seconds.

Learning about acupressure empowers patients to help themselves.

PAIN RELIEF Dr. Lawrence Taw: My expertise is East-West Medicine, but within this specialty the most common issue I treat in the office is chronic pain. People are familiar with acupuncture and other Eastern modalities to treat pain, such as cupping and a type of medical massage called myofascial release. I care for a lot of patients with neck pain, back pain, headaches and pain associated with arthritis.

FINDING BALANCE Seeking balance in life is important for everyone.

Too much of a good thing—too much exercise or sleep or water—can actually be unhealthy.

In today’s society where everyone is always multitasking on the go, it’s important to find moments of quiet and balance before you become overworked and stressed.

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A GREAT REWARD Dr. Lawrence Taw: My favorite thing about practicing medicine is the rewarding satisfaction of helping my patients actually heal and get better—not just stay stable and at their status quo. Many patients who have a good outcome tell their friends and family members to give East-West Medicine a try, so I see a lot of new patients who are eager to try alternative ways to feel better.

L to R: Jeanne Ko, LAc Katie Hu, MD Grant Chu, MD, MS Lawrence B. Taw, MD, FACP Keli Leong, LAc Grace Han, LAc

MANHATTAN BEACH PLASTIC SURGERY JAY GRANZOW, MD 21250 Hawthorne Boulevard, Suite 430, Torrance | 310-882-6261 | manhattanbeachplasticsurgery.com

SERVICES OFFERED

PATIENT-CENTERED CARE

• •

My approach and philosophy has always been to provide patient-centered care. I spend time getting to know patients and their concerns.

My attention to detail shows in the office and in surgery. Our warm, caring staff treats patients like family. I’m thankful for our wonderful patients and friends in the South Bay and for their continuing support over the last 14 years.

• • • • • • •

Rhinoplasty Breast enhancement (augmentation, lift or reduction) Mommy Makeover Body contouring Abdominoplasty Facial rejuvenation (face/neck/ eyelid lift) Injectables (Voluma, Juvederm or Botox) Liposuction (abdomen, flanks or under chin) Aesthetic plastic surgery

“I’m thankful for our wonderful patients and friends in the South Bay and for their continuing support over the last 14 years.”

A NATURAL NOSE The goal of rhinoplasty is for the result to appear so natural that it’s difficult to tell that surgery has been done. To achieve this, I commonly use the “closed” technique, which leaves no visible scars on the outside of the nose. In addition, I prefer to incorporate improvements in breathing at the same time.

BOUNCING BACK

I am a board-certified plastic surgeon, professor of plastic surgery at UCLA and owner of Manhattan Beach Plastic Surgery. I specialize in rhinoplasty and Mommy Makeovers (such as breast augmentation/lift, liposuction and tummy tuck). When I’m not working, I’m at the beach and local playgrounds with my wife and two young children.

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SUBTLE RESULTS In recent years more professionals are seeking plastic surgery. They don’t want anything heavyhanded, obvious or distracting in a business setting. I can achieve subtle results, often with strategic injections or surgical procedures such as mini-facelifts and mini-lipos.

“Mommy Makeover” surgery can be very effective, but an often overlooked first step to address the physical changes that occur after pregnancy is physical therapy for women’s health to bring back the shape and tone of the tummy and other areas. This can help moms avoid the need for a tummy tuck. Physical changes in the breast and tummy that physical therapy can’t fix can be improved with surgery without looking overdone.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

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L to R: Mychael Patrick, Amy Granzow, Dr. Jay Granzow, Shayla Storz, Julie Inouye, Mariela Alvarez (not pictured: Yvette Velasquez)

Dr. Jay Granzow, actor Colin Farrell—fellow Angelman parent—and Amy Granzow at the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics fundraiser dinner in February

GIVING BACK Our daughter, Cora, was diagnosed with the severe genetic disorder Angelman Syndrome two years ago. We are fortunate to be a part of an incredible national and international Angelman community. We are dedicated to funding research to find a cure—which will happen in the next five years. We also give to local charities.

I am a member of Walk With Sally’s advisory board, and we have supported the Richstone Family Center for many years. We are active members of the American Martyrs community.

STEVEN K. OKAMOTO, DDS, INC. DR. STEVEN OKAMOTO & DR. MICHELLE OKAMOTO 22330 Hawthorne Boulevard, Suite E, Torrance | 310-373-1120 | okamotodds.com

SERVICES OFFERED

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

•

Dr. Steve: The dental world is changing—not a subtle change but a tectonic shift, created by the growth of corporate dentistry, dental technology and digital communication. Our office has responded to this shift in ways that bring a more efficient, more comfortable and more patient-centered experience. By embracing these changes, our patients are involved in their own treatment planning for both their immediate care as well as long term oral health.

• • • • • •

Preventative care (exams, cleanings, X-rays) Crowns and bridges Dental implants All-On-Four Invisalign ZOOM Diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea

“Many of our team members have been at the practice for more than 20 years, bringing a consistency to care as patients continue to come in for treatment.”

PERSONALIZED ATTENTION Dr. Steve: Personalized attention vs. corporate— that is the choice many are looking at when choosing their dental health care provider. Our friendly, helpful team is going to give each patient one-on-one dialogue as they choose a time to visit and what is needed for that reserved appointment. We provide convenient hours and access, accommodating special work or child care schedules.

Dr. Michelle: Patients want to understand the cost and time involved in their appointment with us. We work with them creating a specialized treatment plan that estimates number and length of visits to our office, as well as itemized costs. We are also in frequent contact with their insurance company for any adjustments as treatment progresses. And most importantly, many of our team members have been at the practice for more than 20 years, bringing a consistency to care as patients continue to come in for treatment.

A GREAT DENTAL EXPERIENCE Dr. Michelle: In the South Bay area dentistry is not scarce, but a great dental experience is. We have been told time and time again—through testimonials, reviews, thank-you notes and gifts—that our office is soothing, relaxing and welcoming, and that we are conscious of their comfort. But the greatest compliment is when they express their trust in our technologically advanced—yet compassionate—team.

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AREA OF EXPERTISE Dr. Steve: A prosthodontist is a dentist with additional education in the restoration and re- placement of missing teeth, often referred to as the skilled architects who can restore optimum function and appearance to your smile. I completed a three-year residency in prosthodontics at the University of California, Los Angeles. The residency included lectures and seminars, an intensive laboratory and clinical experience in fabricating crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, complete and removable partial dentures, and dental implants.

While attending the program I also received extensive training in diagnosing and treating temporomandibular disorders (TMD) of the jaw, traumatic injuries to oral structures, and congenital or birth anomalies such as cleft palate, and oral cancer reconstruction. Since then I have also had additional education training on restorative procedures such as bone grafts and All-On-Four.

NEW BODY MEDICAL DANIEL A. CAPEN, MD 15901 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 250, Lawndale | 562-203-6053 | newbodymedical.com

SERVICES OFFERED

A LUXURIOUS EXPERIENCE

• • • • • • • • • • •

As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, I have 35 years of surgical experience. My medical team and I provide quality care and a luxurious experience in a unique, professional, welcoming and comfortable environment. New Body Medical seamlessly merges an aesthetics medspa and an orthopedic care clinic.

PRP — stem cells Laser facial rejuvenation In-office liposuction Fat freeze: CoolSculpting® Fat melt: radiofrequency Vampire facials Hair removal Scalp rejuvenation ED wave Botox, fillers Fat transfer

“My medical team and I provide quality care and a luxurious experience in a unique, professional, welcoming and comfortable environment.”

AGELESS BEAUTY New Body Medical believes every individual deserves to look and feel wonderful. Our team resolves various cosmetic and functional concerns and unveils ageless beauty and newfound confidence. From comprehensive consultations to the latest advanced technology and personalized treatment plans, New Body Medical maintains an unwavering philosophy that every individual should be treated like family with the utmost respect, compassion and diligence.

MEDICAL MILESTONES I was the official spine surgeon of the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 1984. For 20 years, I was a clinical professor at the University of Southern California Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, where 80+ physicians completed a fellowship under my instruction.

I co-authored Comprehensive Management of Spine Trauma in 1998 and have published papers in a variety of medical journals. I assisted with the development of the University Muslim Medical Association Community Clinic and the Fremont Wellness Center in Los Angeles— centers that offer quality health care to families and high school students in the community.

WISE WORDS All aesthetic procedures work best in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise.

PATIENT INTERACTION My favorite thing about working in the health industry is my interaction with patients to provide them a successful outcome. I aim to help every individual look and feel as good as possible to boost health, happiness and confidence.

GIVING BACK I enjoy helping others and sharing my knowledge and expertise. Performing charity surgery in Peru, Australia and Malaysia is a career highlight. I have been on 28 surgical charity missions to teach foreign doctors.

I performed a mission to Cuba in 2017, where I was one of the first orthopedic spinal surgeons to lecture and perform surgery at the University of Havana since 1959. I have supported Eagle Condor Humanitarian Spine Surgery Group as a surgeon in more than 18 medical missions to Peru. During one of these missions, I helped the University of Piura Medical School set up an operating suite.

OFF THE CLOCK When I’m not working, I enjoy walking on the beach with my dog, bike riding and playing golf.

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L to R: Janet Alcala, Dr. Daniel A. Capen, Liz Dereszynski, Steven E. Anderson

PEDIATRIC MINDS MEDICAL CLINIC DR. PANTEA SHARIFI-HANNAUER 3524 Torrance Blvd., Suite 104, Torrance | 310-540-1630 | pediatricminds.com

SERVICES OFFERED • • • • • • •

Pediatric neurology consultation Intensive outpatient program Developmental services Applied behavioral analysis Developmental & educational testing Speech therapy Occupational therapy

A MODEL CENTER Pediatric Minds Medical Clinic is a leading comprehensive treatment center for children with neuro-developmental disorders. I am recognized as one of the premier experts in the fields of autism spectrum disorder, pediatric behavioral issues, developmental delays and learning disabilities. I am involved in cuttingedge research at UCLA Medical Center, where I am a long-time assistant clinical professor. We also are a training site for UCLA Med students.

The Early Childhood Treatment Center at Pediatric Minds is a highly effective short-term program that provides intensive, comprehensive treatment for children ages 2 to 6, producing great outcomes.

THE BEST & BRIGHTEST

“The Early Childhood Treatment Center at Pediatric Minds is truly becoming the model for similar centers across the country.”

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During my clinical practice I realized that when families sought care, they were sent to different places for all their needs—resulting in many gaps in the care of the child. Oftentimes a medical doctor was not even involved. I decided to do something about it in 2011 and opened the Pediatric Minds Medical Clinic to provide for all of my patients’ needs under one roof with the highest quality treatment. I hired the best and brightest practitioners and therapists for the Early Childhood Treatment Center program.

EAT. DRINK. LIVE BARSHA. @BARSHAWINES

fit

| BARSHAWINES.COM | 310-318-9080 | 917 N. SEPULVEDA BLVD MB

BOOK IT JULY

4 4th of July 5k Run/Walk Saturday 8 to 11 a.m., Riviera Village, Redondo Beach Before the notorious Independence Day crowd descends upon the South Bay, treat yourself to a healthy run (or walk) accompanied by panoramic ocean views. Bring the kiddos for the anticipated Firecracker Dash, also hosted by local athletic store Village Runner.

25–28 52nd Annual Manhattan Beach Open Tennis Tournament 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Ages 16 and up will play their hearts out in this single elimination, best two of three sets tournament. Catch all the action at Live Oak Park and Mira Costa High School with open division men’s and women’s finals concluding at the Manhattan Country Club.

AUGUST

July 31-August 4 International Surf Festival Held in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach Kicking off with a dinner on Wednesday and the L.A. County Lifeguard Championships on Friday, this year’s surf fest will be fun for all ages, including pier-to-pier races, bodysurfing and plenty of youth events.

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Take on the summer and fall seasons with this active calendar of local events.

16–18 AVP Manhattan Beach Open Manhattan Beach Pier Every year four athletes get to place their name in history. This tournament is known as the Super Bowl of beach volleyball—big stage, big money and big reward as AVP stars enshrine their name on the Manhattan Beach Pier. The second tournament of the 2019 Gold Series, this is the last of three California stops.

18 11th Annual Kids Extreme 9 a.m., Begg Pool, 1402 N. Peck Avenue in Manhattan Beach Your little ones will enjoy going over, under and through various muddy obstacles in this fun and challenging course. Ages 4 to 15, including a family division, are encouraged to participate.

25 Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race 6 a.m., 100 Manhattan Beach Boulevard The historic 32-mile marathon, which begins at the Isthmus and ends at the Manhattan Beach Pier, attracts paddlers from all over the world and is known as the “granddaddy of all paddleboard races.”

SEPTEMBER

Seaside Yoga Gathering Terranea Resort Celebrate National Yoga Month at Los Angeles’ largest yoga gathering on a beautiful bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

OCTOBER

5 Manhattan Beach 10k & Hometown Fair 7:30 a.m. race start, followed by activities There’s nothing quite like the feeling of ascending that final hill on Rosecrans, seeing the refreshing blue ocean in the distance and turning along The Strand for that final stretch toward the finish line. Don’t miss out on the year’s most anticipated weekend, complete with games, music, tons of food booths and the infamous wine and beer garden—just in case you’re still feeling parched from your run.

27 SKECHERS Pier to Pier Friendship Walk 8 a.m., Manhattan Beach Pier This awe-inspiring event brings together all walks of life for the common purpose of supporting children with special needs and education. The walk is produced by SKECHERS USA and co-produced by The Friendship Circle.

THE LUNDQUIST LURIE CARDIOVASCULAR INSTITUTE I S A L E A D E R I N A D VA N C E D C A R D I O L O G Y C A R E .

Our patients benefit from our expert team offering state-ofthe-art minimally invasive treatments like TAVR that help to eliminate or reduce the need for open heart surgery and deliver some of the highest success rates in the region. Learn more at TorranceMemorial.org/Cardio

On the Cutting Edge of Cutting Less

Salman M. Azam, MD, and a minimally invasive heart balloon