Southbay Health II 2021

SOUTHBAY.GOLDENSTATE.IS

DISPLAY UNTIL APR 2022

More Cancer Experts.

TORRANCE MEMORIAL AND CEDARS-SINAI’S AFFILIATION BRINGS MORE EXPERT CANCER CARE TO THE SOUTH BAY. More access to cancer specialists and programs located on the Torrance Memorial campus. More advanced multidisciplinary care, state-of-the-art treatments, and cutting edge clinical trials for greater outcomes

and results. More expert care for our patients and the South Bay. Learn more at MoreCancerExperts.org Left to right: Melanie Friedlander, MD; Paula Eboli, MD; David Chan, MD; Amirhossein Paymon Mahfoozi, MD

Opposing page: Vanessa Dickey, MD

More Breakthroughs.

YOUR HEALTH. OUR MISSION.

beach cities orthopedics & sports medicine

We’re on a mission to radically improve your healthcare journey.

Our comprehensive and pioneering approach to medicine ensures that you receive state-of-the-art treatments while fostering good health beyond our doors. It’s time to feel better so you can get back to what you love.

PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDICS • FULL SERVICE ORTHOPEDICS • MASSAGE • 3D MRI IMAGING STEM CELL THERAPY/PRP • IV HYDRATION • CHIROPRACTIC • ACUPUNCTURE COLD LASER THERAPY • INTEGRATIVE PRIMARY CARE • NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE OPEN SATURDAYS: ORTHOPEDIC URGENT CARE

(310) 546-3461 www.beachcitiesortho.com

WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR! We work tirelessly to provide the highest standard of service to our clients and look forward to celebrating future successes!

BILL DAVIS d 310.920.8812 e billdavishomes@me.com DRE# 01374451

TONY PUMA d 310.800.7862 e Tony@TonyPuma.com DRE# 01375596

KEITH KELLEY d 310.944.5554 e Keith@PalosVerdesRealty.com DRE# 01810798

OVER $150 MILLION SOLD IN 2021

HERMOSA BEACH

PASADENA

RANCHO PALOS VERDES

REDONDO BEACH

ROLLING HILLS

PALOS VERDES ESTATES

ROLLING HILLS ESTATES

SAN PEDRO

TORRANCE

BILL DAVIS d 310.920.8812 e billdavishomes@me.com DRE# 01374451

TONY PUMA d 310.800.7862 e Tony@TonyPuma.com DRE# 01375596

KEITH KELLEY d 310.944.5554 e Keith@PalosVerdesRealty.com DRE# 01810798

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

PUBLISHER

Darren Elms

Amy Tetherow 424-220-6338 amy@thegoldenstatecompany.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Michelle Villas

ADVERTISING COPY EDITOR

Director of Brand Partnerships

Laura Watts

Jen Turquand 424-220-6335 jen.turquand@thegoldenstatecompany.com

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Nikki Smith

Director of Brand Partnerships

Breathe

DEPUTY EDITORS

Marcie Gutierrez

Bonnie Graves (Food & Wine),

424-220-6337

Kara Mickelson, Tanya Monaghan,

marcie@thegoldenstatecompany.com

Jennie Nunn Director of Brand Partnerships

A

s the holidays approach, I like to zero in on not only my physical health but also my mental well-being. For many, including myself, the end of the year can be an overwhelming time. Family, travel, and a calendar of events and responsibilities make for a potentially exhausting season. We’re also coming off nearly two years of a pandemic that completely uprooted our lives. With all that’s going on, it’s not easy to pause and check in with our mental and emotional state. As things heat up, I’m making a concerted effort to make room for some needed self-care—be it a daily meditation, a walk in my neighborhood or a few quiet evenings at home. When challenging situations do come up, I’m in a much better space to be present and move forward. I’m also a lot more fun at social gatherings when I’m rested! At this special time of year, I hope you find your moments of comfort and joy, whether surrounded by loved ones or in the rejuvenating presence of yourself.

Happy Holidays!

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS

Erika Carrion

Alison Clay-Duboff, Michele Garber,

310-897-2424

Amber Klinck, Kat Monk, Nancy Steiner

erika@thegoldenstatecompany.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS Siri Berting, Cameron Chacker, JP Cordero, Tameka Jacobs, Kat Monk, Shane O’Donnell, Taso Papadakis

SOUTHBAY IS A DIVISION OF THE GOLDEN STATE COMPANY

MANAGING PARTNERS Charlie Koones

Todd Klawin

MARKETING & OPERATIONS Partner/Brand Publisher | Emily Stewart Partner/Managing Director, Media & Analytics | Warren Schaff er Director of Digital | Charles Simmons

—Darren Elms, Editor

Director of Film & Video | Bryce Lowe-White Operations Director | Allison Jeackjuntra Community Manager | Melissa Hattab Accounting | Janet De La Cruz, Tanisha Holcomb To learn more about us, visit thegoldenstatecompany.com.

No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from The Golden State Company, LLC. Any and all submissions to this or any of The Golden State Company, LLC publications become the property of The Golden State Company, LLC and may be used in any media. We reserve the right to edit.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Email: info@goldenstate.is or phone: 310-376-7800.

Subscriptions are $29 per year.

TO OUR READERS Southbay HEALTH welcomes your feedback.

Please send letters to: Reader Response Department, Southbay HEALTH Please include your name, address and email. Edited letters may be published.

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200 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 110, El Segundo, CA 90245 Tel 310-376-7800 | Fax 310-376-0200 | goldenstate.is | southbay.goldenstate.is SOUTHBAY HEALTH II 2021

inside 14

EAT THE DONUTS Ty Renner

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BACK ON TRACK Laura Cattivera

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TRIPLE THREAT Lindsey LeGrande

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TRAVEL Civana Wellness Resort & Spa

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MEDIA Comfort & Joy

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BREAKING THROUGH Shea Vaughn

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TAMING LIFE’S CURRENTS Melody Lomboy-Lowe

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A ROAD LESS TRAVELED Dying with Dignity

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THE THOUSAND CRANES Dr. Glen Komatsu

ALSO YOUR BEST SELF 35 South Bay businesses focused on health, wellness & beauty HEALTH CARE RESOURCE GUIDE 64 The South Bay’s top health care professionals and wellness leaders

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COVER OF MELODY LOMBOY-LOWE AND HER NIECE GRACELYN PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING

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Primary care that’s close to home Convenient locations across the South Bay Manhattan Beach | Palos Verdes | Redondo Beach | Torrance Access to California’s #1 hospital | 200+ Southern California locations | World-class expertise To book an appointment or for more information, visit uclahealth.org/south-bay

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Eat the DONUTS SOUTH BAY TRAINER TY RENNER DOESN’T BELIEVE IN GIVING UP THE INDULGENCES YOU LOVE MOST. BUT HE DOES BELIEVE IN BALANCE AND PUTTING IN THE HARD WORK. WRITTEN BY AMBER KLINCK | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

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T

y Renner has been an athlete for most of his life. He played sports all through high school and then eventually as a college student at Texas Tech University—“through scholarship, which is great,” Ty says.

He explains the process: “It kind of happened randomly. I’d always worked to play college basketball.” While at Texas Tech, he began playing volleyball for the university as well. “Volleyball was my life for a really long time. That’s actually what moved us [to Hermosa]—I started trying to qualify for the AVP [Association of Volleyball Professionals].”

Ty’s professional volleyball ambitions were certainly a motivating factor when he and his soon-to-be husband, Randy Renner, decided to move from Texas to California.

But it wasn’t the only one. Ty didn’t know it at the time, but Randy had his own reason for wanting to move west.

“He had been talking to his company for a while, without me knowing,” Ty says. “He used to work for a tech company back in

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Dallas, and he was trying to get transferred out here so we could get married.”

Prior to moving to California in 2014, same-sex marriage was still illegal in Texas.

It wasn’t until June 26, 2015, that it was legalized in all 50 states. “His company took really good care of us,” Ty says. The couple moved to Hermosa in July 2014, and by November they were engaged.

Not long after relocating to California, Ty began to shift his energy from volleyball to fitness training. “When I moved here, I was trying hard to be on the volleyball circuit,” he notes. “In Texas, I was pretty damn good.

In California, not so much. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I felt like I could hold my own … but it’s a different breed out here.”

With years of experience training to compete in multiple sports, making the transition from athlete to fitness coach was a natural evolution for Ty. But it was his vivacious personality that made him a fast favorite with his clients. He got his start at a CrossFit gym where he coached for a few years before he was approached to join

“As much as I love the South Bay and will forever call this place my home, I want to see the world. I want to go and be the student.”

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Afterburn Fitness. Eventually, he went from working in a gym environment to training clients independently.

Today he has fine-tuned his training style into what he describes as HIBB. “Instead of HIIT training, I call it High-Intensity Bodybuilding. It’s a mixture of bodybuilding and Olympic-style weight lifting with high-intensity training. I incorporate more methodical heavy lifting with fast body movements. So your heart rate gets high, and then you’ve got to really trick your mind to be slow and steady with perfect form.”

Ty has a wide range of clients, all with customized training programs and personalized nutrition plans. “I’m the type of person who tells you if you’re hungry, I want you to eat. If you’re thirsty, I want you to drink. Your body is smart; your body tells you what you need now. Your body doesn’t tell you to go to Krispy Kreme—that’s your mind, or maybe your growling stomach.

You have to counter that with some healthier habits. But I’m a realist; donuts are my favorite thing in the world. If they’re offered to me, the answer is yes, absolutely. At the same time, I might do a little extra workout the very next day.”

Balance is key when eating for the body type you have or the body type you are aspiring to have. Ty maintains an achievable healthy lifestyle while incorporating temporary restrictions. “I love a 30- or 60-day challenge,” he says. “I do them with my husband all the time. I think it’s super smart to [occasionally] deprive your body of something that has become a habit.”

Ty loves the South Bay and feels incredibly fortunate to have the clients he has. But when asked about his goals for the future, his sights are set elsewhere. “I think I want to live abroad,” he says. “As much as I love the South Bay and will forever call this place my home, I want to see the world. I want to go and be the student.”

For now, Ty has found his groove as a trainer, while Randy stays busy as the founder of South Bay Social. But with big dreams and adventurous spirits, there’s no telling where this duo might land next. ■

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Triple

Threat MELDING PILATES, BREATH WORK AND NUTRITION, LINDSEY LEGRANDE OFFERS A WINNING COMBINATION TO HER FITNESS CLIENTS. WRITTEN BY TANYA MONAGHAN | PHOTOGRAPHED BY CAMERON CHACKER

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t is not hard to fall under the spell of Lindsey LeGrande. Warm and friendly, her zest for health and fitness is instantly contagious. As a Pilates expert, Lindsey gives clients a holistic approach to wellness through her online platform, offering programs on Pilates, nutrition and breath work.

Lindsey was born and raised in the Bay Area with her older sister, Lauren Roxburgh, also a well-known dynamo in the wellness space. A lifelong athlete and strong swimmer, Lindsey delved into water polo at the age of 13 after attending a Stanford water polo camp with her cousins. The coach saw her potential and encouraged her to play in high school.

Lindsey made the junior varsity team as a freshman, and their team became recordscoring leaders in the sport. Although she competed throughout high school in both swimming and water polo, she needed to make a choice for college. “Although I probably would have had a better career at swimming in college, I loved the camaraderie

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of a team sport,” she shares. “And I think I was burned out from staring at that line in the pool.”

Lindsey set her sights on playing water polo for the University of California, Los Angeles but didn’t get in. When the University of California, Santa Barbara came to Berkeley to play, her father encouraged her to go talk to the water polo coach at the game. Lauren had played for this coach but quit after a year. Lindsey had nothing to lose.

“I went straight up to him and said, ‘Hey, my sister played for you for one year. I’m her little sister Lindsey. I really want to go to UCSB. I’ll give it my all; this is it for me.’” It was short, direct, and it worked! She was in.

Lindsey loved her time at UCSB, where she became friends with a volleyball player from Manhattan Beach. Lauren had moved there after she graduated, and due to the visits with her sister and best friend, Manhattan Beach became Lindsey’s second home during college. Soon she would

become a full-time resident too.

While working as a trainer at Equinox, Lauren began to explore Pilates. She asked Lindsey if she could work on her body for her training hours. Lindsey gladly accepted.

The experience became a spiritual awakening. After spending most of her youth in a training room bulking up for swimming and water polo and enduring issues with her knees and hamstrings, her body loved the sensation of stretching those muscles.

Through the practice, Lindsey lost 8 pounds of bulk and discovered her natural body as she became leaner. Lauren opened a Pilates studio, and Lindsey started working there as a trainer once she got her certification. Over those five years, she managed to build a strong clientele including some pro athletes like Maria Sharapova and even a few Lakers.

In Manhattan Beach Lindsey found not only her love of Pilates but also the love of her life. She originally met Lee LeGrande, a former pro volleyball player and now a

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well-known Realtor in the South Bay, when they were set up on a double date when she was still in college. The timing wasn’t right, so they decided to be friends.

Several years later they ran into each other at Boccato’s in Hermosa Beach, and this time their connection was palpable.

They spoke for 30 minutes until she had to get back to work. She remembers, “Literally five minutes later, he texted, ‘Will you marry me?’’’ Two years later, they were married.

In 2010, the year they were getting married, Lindsey’s mom became very sick with cancer. Previously, in her early 50s, she had breast cancer. After doing chemo and radiation, she was healthy for 17 years. Her cancer came back when, unbeknownst to her family, she stopped taking her medication for financial reasons. Her mother passed before Lindsey got married.

“Her being sick definitely catapulted me into the healthy lifestyle," Lindsey shares about the experience, "just being aware of how we can live each day. I strongly believe in preventive medicine.”

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She created her own studio above her garage and taught classes alongside a couple other trainers. Having the trainers there offered great support when Lindsey became a mom.

It was around this time that she dove into the nutritional aspect of her wellness journey.

She introduced her cleansing program, The Reboot, a metabolism jump start to creating long-lasting healthy eating habits. Lindsey found that her clients were achieving amazing results doing the cleanse along with Pilates. This prompted her to create an online platform, Lindsey’s Loft, offering clients a personalized regime. “The biggest goal for us is to get people to change their perspective about food and exercise and to make it more holistic,” she shares.

Lindsey recently became certified in XPT Performance Breathing, which combines ancient practices with new science to create a unique breathing program that can enhance performance across a wide spectrum of activities. It also helps improve mental clarity and boost metabolism. “My

goal is to help each individual gain maximum body control as well as help them become more in touch with the power and purpose of breath, synced up with movement,” she says.

Lindsey’s experience working with many pro athletes has made her increasingly passionate about helping young athletes too.

Having been a competitive young athlete herself, she wishes she would have known all she knows now about training and overall wellness. Being a mother of two active young boys really brought this home.

“Few people focus on these young kids.

They are plagued with injuries because of playing one intensive sport, usually without cross-training and using other muscles,” she explains. “I believe I can help these young athletes stay strong and healthy so they can enjoy playing their sports for longer and prevent injuries.”

Whether young or seasoned, pro or amateur, many South Bay residents are rethinking their health regime thanks to Lindsey’s layered holistic approach. ■

Jordan’s Keck Effect

FROM PAIN TO PLAYING AGAIN The experts at USC Epstein Family Center for Sports Medicine treat all kinds of sports injuries, from simple to complex. Whether you’re an athlete or a weekend warrior, the official physicians of the LA Kings and USC intercollegiate athletes can get you back in top shape.

We provide a full range of services, including orthopaedic urgent care, non-invasive treatments and personalized care plans in El Segundo at the state-of-the-art Toyota Sports Performance Center. We’ll treat you like a pro.

To ensure your safety, we’ll schedule your visit being mindful of social distancing and your comfort.

USC EPSTEIN FAMILY CENTER FOR SPORTS MEDICINE • (323) 402-6253 • KeckMedicine.org/ToyotaSportsMed

© 2021 Keck Medicine of USC

Comfort & Joy A FEW NEW READS TO ENCOURAGE US TO EAT HEALTHIER COMFORT FOODS, ENHANCE OUR MENTAL ACUITY AND SPARK RENEWED JOY. EDITED BY MICHELE GARBER

Vegan, at Times: 120+ Recipes for Everyday or Every So Often

By Jessica Seinfeld

Beginners: The Joy and Transformative Power of Lifelong Learning

By Tom Vanderbilt

We hear a lot these days about the wonders of plant-based diets and their myriad health benefits. Yet most of us aren’t game for becoming full-fledged vegans. Jessica Seinfeld isn’t a steadfast vegan. Neither are her husband and children. Yet she enthusiastically infuses many home-cooked meals with flavorful vegan dishes that please her whole family. In her newest cookbook, the best-selling author shares with readers how easy it is to prepare delicious plantbased meals—whether daily, weekly or on occasion. Along with step-by-step recipes, she includes insights on creating a vegan pantry, what essential ingredients and equipment to have on hand, and how to combine recipes to create a vegan menu and a healthier home.

In his new book, journalist Tom Vanderbilt tackles a common question: why so many of us stop learning new skills as we age.

Inspired by his young daughter’s insatiable curiosity while simultaneously finding himself in a mid-career rut, he embarked on a self-described year of learning dangerously, tackling five new skills purely for the joy and challenge of learning them. While dodging scorpions at surf camp, singing Spice Girls in an amateur choir and losing chess matches to 8-year-olds, he also interviewed experts on the scientific benefits of becoming an adult beginner. Tom reveals how learning new skills refreshed his sense of curiosity and opened him up to profound happiness. He shares how small acts of reinvention can make life more magical for all of us.

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Joy: Life Lessons from a Tuscan Villa

By Debbie Travis Over a decade ago, lifestyle guru Debbie Travis transformed a neglected 13thcentury farmhouse into Villa Reniella, a magnificent Tuscan retreat. She has been welcoming guests ever since and over the years has marveled at their metamorphosis during just a week’s stay. In her ninth book, Debbie reveals the secrets of the dolce vita and the dolce far niente—the quintessential Italian lifestyle that leads to fabled Tuscan longevity. Along with her friend and noted nutritional therapist Jacky Brown, Debbie shares the simple habits and pleasures of her Tuscan neighbors that have sparked the remarkable transformation within her guests. Her 10 essential lessons of the Tuscan lifestyle— from learning to eat and drink like an Italian, getting a better night’s rest and rediscovering one’s purpose to simply making life a little sweeter—will guide her readers to creating their own enhanced joy.

BEST

CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS HONOR ROLL

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Find a doctor at CHLA.org 323-660-2450

Taming Life’s

currents

MELODY LOMBOY-LOWE SHOWS THE NEWLY DIAGNOSED THAT THEY CAN THRIVE AFTER CANCER. WRITTEN BY NANCY STEINER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING

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S

wimming gave Melody LomboyLowe solace when she underwent cancer treatment from ages 6 to 9.

“It gave me a sense of normalcy,” says the now 44-year-old mother of three.

“Even if I was sick and in the hospital for chemo one day, I might feel strong in the water the next day.”

Swimming also introduced Melody to her husband, Torrance Memorial Medical Center hematologist and oncologist Thomas Lowe, MD. The two grew up in Sierra Madre and met as high school students while working as lifeguards over the summer. They both attended the University of California, Irvine— Melody on a full swimming scholarship.

Today swimming affirms her well-being.

“I push myself to know that I’m strong and healthy,” says the Rancho Palos Verdes resident. Melody has shared her passion with her sons, ages 16, 12 and 9. The two oldest are junior lifeguards and have participated with their mother in the 2-mile Pier-to-Pier Swim from Hermosa Beach to Manhattan Beach.

None of this would have been imaginable when Melody was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 1983. Back then, the only thing she knew about cancer was that it had claimed the life of her grandfather just one month earlier.

Until she began treatment at City of Hope, she and her family didn’t know any other children with cancer, much less any childhood cancer survivors. Melody was given a 50% chance of living through the year. Fortunately, she was part of a clinical trial for a drug that vanquished the cancer and is still used today.

“I became a source of hope for families whose children were diagnosed with cancer,” Melody says. “I still get phone calls— and my mom used to get phone calls— saying someone they know has cancer and asking to put those families in touch with us.

“I push myself to know that I’m strong and healthy."

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Melody and her niece Gracelyn

We became this network for newly diagnosed cancer patients.”

She wanted to give hope to others and didn’t have a personal connection to turn to.

She envisioned a book showing individuals who were thriving after cancer treatment, but she didn’t pursue the idea and grew busy raising her children.

Melody has a close relationship with her niece, Gracelyn Bateman, 12 years her junior.

When Gracelyn returned from Columbia University with a master’s degree in sociology, Melody shared her idea. Gracelyn was grappling with the grief of losing her father, who died unexpectedly when she was 26, and suggested creating a similar book addressing grief.

The pair formed Luna Peak Foundation, a nonprofit celebrating life through adversity.

Their first book, Beyond Remission: Words of Advice for Thriving, was released in softcover last year. It features portraits of more than 100 cancer survivors of varying ages and ethnicities, along with an inspirational quote from each.

Luna Peak has donated approximately

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500 books to local hospitals. Melody hoped to present some books personally, but COVID-19 interfered. “I think COVID-19 made Beyond Remission even more important because people weren’t allowed to have a family member sit with them during chemo,” she says.

Patients can also join Luna Peak Foundation’s social media feed, which has more than 4,000 followers. “Everyone is looking for hope and to know they will be OK. Seeing someone else who’s been through it makes the journey easier,” Melody says.

As a child undergoing treatment, she would visualize Pac-Man “eating the bad cells.” While enduring painful spinal taps to check her cells, she and her doctor would tell jokes to one another. To help children with cancer similarly distract themselves, Melody created Kicking Cancer: A Memory Book for Kids. It includes prompts for journaling and drawing, as well as games and space for supportive messages. Luna Peak released the workbook last year, along with the picture book Follow Me, Cancer Free! written by Melody and illustrated by another

childhood cancer survivor.

Like the children’s workbook but geared toward adolescents and adults, The Grief Workbook provides prompts, games and quizzes designed to help people process grief. And scheduled for release in December, Beyond Grief: Snapshots of Life After Loss offers stories and thoughts from 80 individuals. They share how they continue to cope with grief and display a memento symbolizing the person they lost.

Melody acknowledges that the cancer journey doesn’t end with remission. She lives with the fear of cancer returning or striking her children. “Issues come up after cancer, including depression, anxiety and hypochondria,” she says. “But you can still have a full life.”

She’s a prime example. Melody hopes to eventually launch retreats or a summer camp for survivors and those going through treatment. And she wants to document people like herself who started a new project or endeavor after experiencing cancer.

Whatever comes next, she will approach it as she approaches swimming—with confidence, enthusiasm and strength. ■

A Year to Date Sales Volume of Over $79 million Thank you to our friends and clients for such a great year at Chhabria Real Estate Company! In business locally since 1984.

Call us for a free no obligation market analysis of your home at 310-902-7227. We have the South Bay covered!

SOLD – $3,300,000

SOLD – $16,500,000

SOLD – $2,950,000

43 15th Court, Hermosa Beach

7321 Lunada Vista, Rancho Palos Verdes

2316 The Strand, Manhattan Beach

Represented buyer and seller

Represented seller - SOLD AT FULL PRICE!

Represented buyer and seller - $315K over asking

SOLD

201 Calle Miramar #32, Torrance

$2,000,000

Represented buyer

SOLD

8 Possum Ridge Road, Rolling Hills

$7,150,000

Represented buyer

SOLD

1701 Paseo La Cresta, Palos Verdes Estates

$7,510,000

Represented seller

SOLD

23 Santa Bella Road, Rolling Hills Estates

$2,387,500

Represented buyer

$799,000

Represented buyer

IN ESCROW

1406 Stanford Avenue, Redondo Beach

Raju Chhabria BRE: 00874072

Philo Chhabria BRE: 00897605

ChhabriaRE.com

Neil Chhabria BRE: 01821437

(310) 902-7227

Anand Chhabria BRE: 01908741

chhabria.realestate

Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed, buyer to conduct own investigations.

NEED HELP? For information on COVID-19 testing, health-related referrals or assistance, please call our Assistance, Information & Referral line at 310-374-3426 and press option 1, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

RESOURCES: bchd.org/coronavirus

bchd.org/resources

for information about COVID-19 or to sign up for email updates from BCHD

for information related to mental health and social-emotional health for youth and adults, support groups and emergency services

The new year is quickly approaching, and it is the perfect time to focus on our health, wellness and beauty.

On the following pages we are proud to highlight amazing South Bay businesses that specialize in helping you look, feel and be your BEST self.

your BEST self

SOHO YOGA Enjoy heated & nonheated in-studio classes

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Meet us on the sand for beach yoga

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Energize & build muscle at power, sculpt & barre

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Wind down at meditation, yin & sound healing

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Everyone is welcome & accommodated at all levels

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First studio class is $10 when booked online with code SOUTHBAY

1242 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach 310-379-3200 | sohoyoga.com FB: sohoyoga | IG: @sohoyoga

WOOD CHIROPRACTIC Evolving conservative health care

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Chiropractic treatment for all ages

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Emphasis on soft-tissue & exercise therapy

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Massage for treatment & relaxation

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Nutritional consulting for well-being & weight loss

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Located in the heart of Riviera Village

1711 Via El Prado, Suite 101, Redondo Beach 424-452-6001 | woodchiropracticRB.com IG: @wood_chiropractic

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

your BEST self

BEACH LIFE FITNESS BOUTIQUE Fitness that feels good

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Small, inclusive, community-driven fitness studio

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Outdoor Pilates reformer classes

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Specializing in women’s health, prenatal/postpartum, menopause & teens

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Private training & semi-private training available for groups up to 6

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Other recovery and self-care services offered

313 S Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach 310-779-8641 | beachlifefitnessboutique.com IG: @beachlifefitnessboutique | FB: beachlifefitnessboutique

PURA VITA REDONDO BEACH −

Organic Italian pastas & house-made sauces & cheeses

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Organic house-made Neapolitan-style pizzas

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Natural and biodynamic wine list

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Specialty all-natural craft cocktails

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Classic Italian desserts, all plant-based

Tara Punzone, Chef/Owner 320 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach 424-304-2247 | puravitalosangeles.com IG: @puravita_la @puravitaredondo | FB: puravitaredondo

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PHOTOGRAPHED BY HEIDI CALVERT

100% plant-based Italian restaurant and cocktail bar

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your BEST self

VIBRANCY WELLNESS Integrative medicine: Start living vibrantly!

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East meets West holistic health care

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Functional medicine for optimal health

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Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine

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Digestion, stress, hormones, sleep, anxiety

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Individualized treatments to restore balance

Dr. Lissa Solis 727 2nd Street, #101, Hermosa Beach 310-779-1563 | vibrancylivewell.com | IG: @vibrancylivewell

ROCKIT BODY PILATES Where traditional Pilates meets modern fitness programming

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Fusion of Pilates, cardio & strength training

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Increase core strength & muscle balance

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Improve flexibility & range of motion

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Low-impact strength & muscle endurance

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Supportive welcoming community

1834 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach 1718 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach 424-452-6040 | rockitbody.com FB: @rockitbody | IG: @rockitbodypilates

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

your BEST self

EYES AND BODY Creating healthier habits

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Wellness consultation includes a 225-page book with nutritional tips for all spectrums of life

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A Road Less

Traveled

AFTER A DEVASTATING DIAGNOSIS, A CHOICE IS MADE. WRITTEN BY ALISON CLAY-DUBOFF | ILLUSTRATED BY NIKKI SMITH

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y husband was the bravest man I’ll ever know. I will be in awe of his courage for the rest of my life. His face soft but resolute, he spoke these words: “I control the disease, or the disease controls me.” He continued with Ken-like panache: “Plus, I want to go out with a bang, not a whimper.”

On August 3, 2021, at 2 p.m., to the utter amazement of all who knew and loved him, Ken finally and permanently put an end to his disease. This is Ken’s story about a personal choice: Medical Aid in Dying, or Death with Dignity.

In June 2020, during an already weird pandemic, we were handed some bad news: Ken had non-Hodgkin’s bone marrow lymphoma. It was very rare and was found by semiannual blood tracking. The good news was the disease was extremely indolent. The oncologist assured us that treatment was not necessary and something else would eventually kill him.

As the days, weeks and months passed, Ken was having breathing issues, stomach issues. He even began stuttering.

We were told emphatically none of those symptoms had anything to do with his lymphoma. Did he catch some rare parasite in the Amazon or on our trips to India? His

breathing became disruptive; he had less stamina. He had a hard time catching his breath. His stomach was problematic, painful. His speech was a struggle.

We spent the next 15 months fruitlessly searching for a diagnosis. Ken endured every test filled with hope. There were painful EMGs, hundreds of blood draws, upper and lower endoscopies, infectious disease doctors, ENT scopes, CT scans, chest X-rays, MRIs and more. Nothing perceivable.

There were some strange shadows around his kidneys but no apparent cause. I had lengthy conversations with the medical practitioners. The doctors were impressed with my grasp of medicine. The feeling wasn’t mutual.

It was suggested to try Imbruvica, a specific lymphoma treatment. But it threw Ken’s heart into a flutter that required a hospital procedure and stay—a challenge during COVID-19. No more Imbruvica.

All the doctors and specialists found nothing (one told Ken the only thing wrong with him was unresolved father issues). A Waldenstrom specialist doctor with Mayo Clinic in Phoenix said, “Ken, I can’t help you.

However, I know a hematologist in Minnesota at Mayo Clinic who takes on oddball cases, and I would say that you are an odd-

ball case. Would you like a referral?”

We were in Minnesota literally within hours and were handed a death sentence 12 hours later after a few simple tests. Ken was given a diagnosis at last, however not what we hung our hopes on. It was a terminal, end-stage chronic heart failure due to AL amyloidosis. The disease being very advanced had already destroyed his heart, his gut and to some degree his speech, and there was possible neurological involvement.

His life expectancy was very curt.

He insisted the doctors tell him exactly how he would die. The different scenarios were ugly. Congestive heart failure with death by suffocation, a cardiac arrhythmia that could take him out at any moment— and those were the best of the scenarios.

Total devastation weighed down upon us in the bland Mayo Clinic office.

He (we) had six months or less. I watched Ken’s shoulders sink into a bottomless abyss in the floor. My heart was disintegrating as I planned out the next few hours, weeks. I knew I had a herculean undertaking ahead.

By the time we returned to Redondo Beach, our home was outfitted with grab bars, a wheelchair ramp and a walker. It was preposterous to think just one month before Ken was playing paddle tennis—albeit with

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breathing difficulties. We hoped Ken’s deterioration would be forgiving. But it wasn’t.

He suffered from severe orthostatic hypotension, causing him to black out, falling into my arms as I tried to get him to the floor in safety. The strong dose of Gabapentin for the infrequent electric shooting pains in his limbs gave him hallucinations. Life was more than we both could manage.

At the suggestion of the doctor, Ken tried two rounds of chemotherapy, but the meds were ineffectual and stole what remained of his stamina and resolve. A week in the hospital followed due to increasingly frequent blackouts. We were at a dire crossroads.

Ken had stopped eating. He said he wasn’t ready to die, didn’t want feeding tubes and I.V. nourishment wasn’t an option. A painful decision was reached. Home hospice.

Within six hours of his decision, our home was consumed with all things hospice: hospital bed, “comfort kit” with morphine, Lorazepam, Haldol, laxatives, adult undergarments, bed liners, all sorts of paraphernalia. The only problem: Ken refused the hospital bed I made up with our best sheets.

He was not ready emotionally for the hospital bed, even though his body was.

I felt Ken deserved some semblance of agency, so I relented (not that I had much choice) and we spent the first few nights in our marital bed. It was clearly unsustainable due to his needs, and our life quickly moved into the unrecognizable living room.

I became best friends with our living room couch—my bed for the remainder of his life.

Ken was retired, and I work full time as a Realtor. He always did the marketing, the laundry, the dog walking, often dinner preparation. He was also an integral part of my business, so I barely had any domestic duties. Suddenly I had assumed all household responsibilities and more. I needed to find 24-hour caregiving. Not as simple as it sounds. Vastly expensive across the board— with some of the providers, let’s say, not the ideal employers.

I needed help, and I needed it fast. Ken’s needs became too much for me alone, not to mention our two huge dogs who needed love, care and lots of walks. I was sinking. Not soon enough our family grew by two: JoJo and Floyd, Ken’s wonderful caregivers. I don’t know how I could have survived without them.

Life on home hospice morphed into a surprisingly hectic routine. It felt more military than humanitarian. Vitals to be checked, supplies to be calculated and ordered. Angels

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on earth, hospice nurses have more patients than they can adequately and lovingly manage. The vital time for human interaction gets relegated to the back seat. Sometimes Ken’s hospice bather didn’t have time to eat. Our health care system is truly broken.

One day our lead hospice nurse told me about the option of Death with Dignity or Medical Aid In Dying (MAID). It was a transcendental moment. I wasn’t aware it was legal in California.

Instinctually, I didn’t want to share this information with Ken. The thought was too terrifying, yet deep down in the most sacred part of my soul, I knew my obligation was to share this information. It was his right to

In the middle of the dark night he whispered, “Hold me.”

I clung to him as if that hug could reverse time. explore this option. Ken was anxious to learn more. The concept aligned with his desire for total control.

We learned that terminally ill patients under hospice care who have a diagnosis of fewer than six months to live qualify for MAID—if approved by the overseeing hospice doctor and also the doctor prescribing the lethal medicine. It is a process requiring physical and cognitive evaluations over a 15-day period.

He wanted to start the process immediately. I believe he sensed that the neurological component of amyloid was starting to take place. He could feel the window closing, he confided to his death doula.

The supervising hospice doctor sat with Ken for almost two hours. It seemed more of a social call. They shared a love of racquetball and knew people in common.

But in reality, he was assessing Ken’s mental aptitude. He passed assessment round one.

A few more remained, and then the rest was up to Ken. Amyloid is a sticky, starchy protein that attacks many areas of the body including the brain. Ken was getting forgetful. He had to make sure he knew what day of the week it was. He had trouble using his cell phone.

He was emotional and weepy. He was struggling, and in order to qualify to “die with dignity,” you have to be cognitively aware of what you are undertaking and physically able to drink the lethal potion without aid.

Ken chose August 3 so he could include his best friend. Our adult children felt it was too traumatizing to contemplate. Sean, our death doula—a new volunteer position at the hospital—was helping Ken plan his death path, from who would be present down to the atmosphere, music and scent of candles.

But first Ken wanted to have a “living” memorial—a huge party with our friends, neighbors. Sean didn’t realize what he signed up for! Let’s just say the party on July 11 was a wonderful diversion—a huge, memorable, exhausting success for all.

August 3 was fast approaching, and I secretly hoped Ken would pass in his sleep and we wouldn’t go through what we were about to go through. It appeared in the days before that Ken began to eat more. He was more lively. He wanted to sit on the couch.

He insisted on standing to feel the floor beneath his feet. He planned one last secret shopping trip for me, complete with a medical transport van under the guise of a last meal at El Coyote.

During those last weeks, I tried to fulfill his wishes and desires. A micro bucket list, so to speak. Friends came over to say their farewells. Family came over to say their heart-wrenching goodbyes. Each goodbye ripped my heart from my chest. I could feel his anguish consuming his body.

Time was speeding forward. In a weird way, we actually enjoyed the last few weeks of his life. His eldest son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren, and my daughter, husband and their 3-week-old son all came to visit. Ken held all of his grandchildren in his frail, thin arms and whispered goodbyes.

Friends came in and out. It was a warm and loving time. I made fancy cocktails, dressed up, anything to amuse him.

We spent our last night, August 2, in our bed. It seemed only natural, and we could manage the logistics. We wanted it desperately. In the middle of the dark night he

whispered, “Hold me.” I clung to him as if that hug could reverse time.

At first light he turned to me with the most beautiful Ken smile. “I made it. I’m still here,” he told me on this, his last Tuesday morning.

I got up and asked him what he wanted for his last breakfast. He still had his dark sense of humor. He requested “Alison pancakes.” I made him pancakes. He ate them all.

He continued to amaze me. He wanted to walk from our bedroom to the living room— a feat that was indeed remarkable. He did it with me hovering next to him. It took a while, but shit, he did it. I honestly believe Ken encouraged his body to live until this day. He was controlling the disease and going out with a bang and not a whimper.

The day of Ken’s scheduled death, we had a small gathering with my sister, Ken’s brother and a few friends. We made champagne toasts, emptied the Hibiki from his treasured bottle. Small reflections were shared. His caregiver JoJo, his dear friend Kathy and I serenaded him with “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young. It is and always will be our song.

Everyone left us except the nurse, who would mix the potion and who would be overseeing the process. Sean the doula, my sister, JoJo and Kathy remained.

The nurse asked if Ken was ready for the pre-anti-nausea meds. He wasn’t. I can’t imagine what was going through his head. I can’t contemplate how he could be so calm.

The doctor previously gave us a description of the process. He told Ken and me it was going to be the most beautiful passing: peaceful, calm and simply beautiful. We were told how families gather around their loved one. They share tears and laughter—a beautiful ending surrounded with love. A peaceful and beautiful passing in his experience. I clung to that.

Once the medicine is ingested, the patient falls deeply asleep and within an hour to several hours, their heart stops and they pass. Everyone is different, I was told.

Eventually Ken was ready to move to the next step. We moved to the bedroom and again he walked under his own steam on those skinny legs. He even wanted to have his picture taken with just his undergarments, Kathy and I flanking his sides.

The nurse mixed the lethal potion of morphine and lorazepam, etc. It ends up being a few ounces, and you have to drink it within two minutes or you fall asleep with the possibility of not finishing the entire combination. Also, the combination of meds

is extremely bitter tasting. It is so bitter it burns the throat.

I honestly don’t remember what I said to Ken or what he said to me before he drank this horrible concoction. What I do remember is that he told me he would try to squeeze my hand if he could. And I in turn told him how much I loved him and that we had already said our goodbyes numerous times. I also gave him a final “out” if he didn’t want to follow through and that no one would hold any judgment against him.

I wish I could remember our last kiss, but I don’t. I believe I was in a state of autopilot and extraordinary shock.

After a few small spoons of lemon sorbet to chill the throat, he lifted the cut crystal glass to his lips. He chugged it down in one gulp. He then said his last words on earth, “That sure did a number on my throat.”

Within a few minutes, Ken closed his eyes and then let out what I can only describe as a primordial scream, which made me jump out of my soul in terror. For the next 5½ hours, Ken did what is called agonal breathing. It sounded like horrific gasps for air coming from deep in his chest. His chest would rise and fall, and then there were moments of extreme snoring beyond a regular snore.

After three hours my sister, Kathy and Sean could hear the noise, and they decided I needed support. I had to go to the bathroom.

I had to catch my breath. I had to cry. I had to somehow take a break, if just for a moment.

With the door open, Kathy sat on the bed

with Sean and my sister. I suddenly realized I hadn’t let the dogs say their goodbyes. Ken and I had talked about whether the dogs should be on the bed the entire time or not, but once the process commenced, he was sitting upright in bed with me to his left holding his hand. I knew he would want them near him if only for a moment.

I invited the dogs in. Babu jumped on the bed, sniffed his dad, licked his fingers and then jumped off the bed. I.V., the eldest, took one sniff and laid right next to me. Within moments Ken’s breathing calmed slowed, and he passed.

I was promised by the nurse that Ken had been completely unconscious in a deep, deep coma during these 5½ hours. He was so loud, I was terribly frantic, thinking he would awake or vomit or try to speak. I was beside myself with anxiety, fear and nerves. I don’t know how I didn’t expire along with him.

Once he passed, I removed his wedding ring and put it on my finger, removed his love bracelet and put it on my wrist next to mine, collected his brown prayer bead bracelet from India, and we closed his eyes.

The protocol is to immediately call hospice.

Sean called hospice, and the nurse who came pronounced him dead, noted the time of death and called the mortuary.

There is so much more that I will share about this journey, about his desire to end his life with dignity and on his own terms. His favorite quote throughout hospice was: “In the end, we are all just walking each other home.” – Ram Dass ■

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The THOUSAND Cranes A LEADER IN PEDIATRIC HOSPICE CARE, DR. GLEN KOMATSU SEEKS SMALL SLICES OF JOY THAT KIDS AND THEIR FAMILIES CAN APPRECIATE. WRITTEN BY TANYA MONAGHAN | PHOTOGRAPHED BY TASO PAPADAKIS

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I

first met Glen Komatsu, MD, at a fundraiser in Palos Verdes where he was honored for his dedication to his palliative work with Providence TrinityCare Hospice Foundation. After hearing him speak so humbly about the selfless work he is doing in our community, I knew I had to share his story.

When I arrived at Glen’s office in Torrance for our interview, I was led to a room to wait for him. He was on a call. When he walked into the room a few minutes later, I could immediately sense that his energy was very different from when he was giving his talk at our previous encounter. He seemed somber and heavy, and his eyes looked sad.

I said, “I am sorry, it seems I got you at a bad time.” He responded, “Thank you for acknowledging that. I just had a very difficult call with the parents of one of my patients.” The patient is a 1-month-old baby.

I had to fight back tears as he told me the story of what this sick baby and the parents were going through.

“Most people would rather not talk about or think about children who are in pain or suffering, or children who are dying, because it’s just too hard,” he shared. “It is not the natural order of things. It’s not supposed to happen.”

It struck me in that moment just how heavy many of his days must be. It takes an incredible person to care for patients who are going to die, especially young ones who have barely begun to live. Glen takes all this on every day.

Learning about his family history was helpful in understanding his deep empathy for others. A farm boy from Arizona, he was raised by second-generation Japanese American parents who went through World War II. His grandparents came to the U.S. in the early 1900s, and they and his parents endured the World War II incarceration.

“My grandfather was considered especially dangerous because he was a community leader,” he shares. “So one night, they took him and put him in a high-security prison. Most other people got two weeks to gather their belongings and report to Santa Anita racetrack, where they were shipped to these camps in the middle of nowhere, all across the West. This is important to me because I grew up learning about that. My parents talked to me a lot about doing my best and caring about others.”

Glen faced a lot of adversity growing up as the only Asian American kid in his grade school in Phoenix. He was often the target

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of discrimination and racism. He learned later that his parents were asked by a neighbor to take their name off their mailbox because they didn’t want it to be known that an Asian family was living in their neighborhood. “That sense of what was right and wrong was instilled in me at a very early age. It gave me a higher purpose—not just doing my best but doing what was right.”

Glen started college with an engineering major because he liked science and math.

“Most people would rather not talk about or think about children who are in pain or suffering, or children who are dying, because it’s just too hard.”

Afterward, by a process of elimination, he decided to apply to medical school. “I had nobody in my family in medicine, and I had no experience in medicine,” he says. “But I was curious, so I went to medical school at the University of Arizona. I was debating about what kind of doctor to be—choosing between psychiatry, pediatrics and obstetrics because these fields were where people came to doctors for positive experiences, not just because they were sick. Ultimately, I decided on pediatrics.”

Glen completed a pediatric residency at the University of California, Irvine and Long Beach Medical Center and Children’s Health Orange County. This was where he fell in love with neonatal intensive care. The stakes were very high.

“When I was younger, I liked that adrenaline rush that comes with helping babies [who were in emergency situations], but I

came to love the field because I could spend as much time as I wanted with the parents and the children. Early on in my career, I got really upset and angry, thinking that [these situations] are not right—that this is not the way the world is supposed to be. I finally realized that this is just the way the world is, and that some babies are not going to live no matter what we do. This was a revelation for me because I realized that I couldn’t take all the blame, and I also could not take all the credit when babies lived.”

As he progressed in his career, Glen became interested in the field of bioethics, which covers interpretation of laws and court cases in medicine. He studied the subject for many years, and since 1990 he has held the position of cochair of the bioethics committee at his hospital.

Glen was drawn to the field of palliative care and its complex combination of ethics, communication, pain, symptom management, and psychosocial and spiritual support. This field brought everything together for him, and he realized that this is what people need—not just ethics or medicine in the strict sense but rather a holistic view of medicine and health care.

In the early 2000s, a flyer came across his desk for a two-week study of palliative care in Boston, sponsored by Harvard. He applied and was accepted to join the course in 2003. There he found people with the same values and concerns as his.

After Glen returned home, one of his small-group leaders in Boston—a doctor and palliative care coordinator at Massachusetts General—encouraged him to come back and do a fellowship with them. He chuckled at the thought of leaving his practice and moving his family back to Boston for a year to live on a fellow salary—a fraction of what he was making as a neonatologist.

“Luckily, I have a very understanding wife who saw that I was increasingly disenchanted with neonatology,” he shares.

“And fortunately, they were willing to take a chance on a 50-year-old neonatologist.”

He considers those 12 months of his fellowship—from 2004 to 2005—the best year of his professional life. He loved being a learner again and not having to worry about administrative stuff. He spent his time talking to patients, talking to their families and learning from pioneers in the field.

After the fellowship, Providence Little Company of Mary offered to create a special program for Glen—a first for a full-time palliative care doctor. In August 2005 he

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started the program that is now called TrinityKids Care at the hospital, taking over the pediatric unit and the medical directorship. It was a very small program at the time, with five to 10 children in their care on any given day. Today the number of children they help daily has grown to 60 or 70.

Sadly, this is still a fraction of the number of children who need hospice services, but the growth in available facilities to help them is encouraging.

The doctor believes that coming to terms with his own mortality is another benefit of the work, because he’s confronted with mortality issues daily. “I think about my own death a lot. I did have my own cancer experience in 2010. And I was very lucky because it was curable cancer, but I did go through radiation.”

The Thousand Crane Endowed Chair is a foundation created in honor of Glen after his recovery from cancer to support his work and the work of future caregivers. The endowment allows him to spend a portion of his time developing exceptional training and educational opportunities. “I was so overwhelmed at the notion that people in the community would support my work and my vision,” he says. “I still can’t quite believe it, but it is inspiring to me.”

He explains his extraordinary mindset when it comes to his work with children: “Palliative care in general is very countercultural, in adults but particularly in children.

Nobody goes to a children’s hospital for palliative care—and especially not hospice. They go there for their miracle. I have a problem with the word ‘miracle’ in health care because we’re just doctors. We do some amazing things, but miracles are on another level. To me, a miracle is every time I watch a child being born. I have witnessed thousands of deliveries in my career, and I never got tired of watching a baby being born. I had to figure out how to do this work for the long haul, to do it in a way that was resilient and self-compassionate. And so that’s a lot of what my focus has been on. And that’s what The Thousand Crane is supporting.”

Glen feels we need to think about healing differently, even in the most extreme situations. “Suffering—whether physical, emotional or spiritual—is a universal human experience. Our sacred duty is to relieve suffering as best we can. With such care, dignity is preserved, hope is maintained, and the human spirit is renewed in patients, families and us—the health care givers.” ■

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Back

on Track DESPITE A DEBILITATING DIAGNOSIS, LAURA CATTIVERA ADAPTS HER MOVES TO KEEP ON RUNNING. WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY KAT MONK

A

s you walk down the hallway of Mira Costa High School’s impressive new gymnasium, you see the names of the school’s long legacy of phenomenal athletes flanking the walls.

Laura Cattivera is one of those names. Running came naturally to Laura—so ingrained in her DNA that she does not recall when she made a conscious decision to start.

Her parents met at Mira Costa High School, fell in love, and Laura was born as the oldest of four children—the only daughter. In the 1980s, she broke records in the 1600m, 3200m and 800m before heading east to run for Princeton University. She held the Mira Costa record for the 800m for almost 40 years.

After she graduated from Princeton in 1989, Laura qualified for the 1992 Olympic trials in the 3000m. While preparing for the Olympic trials, she noticed a fluttering in her leg. The issue was severe enough that it altered her ability to perform at the level she had become accustomed to. All methods to eliminate the issue proved unfruitful, and her Olympic dreams were dashed. But she didn’t want to stop running.

Manhattan Beach’s Old Hometown Fair enjoys many signature events, including the chili cook-off and the 10K race. To the local running community, winning the 10K holds a level of prestige, and Laura was on her way to win the race in 1996. She was far ahead of all the other female runners, and the local crowd yelled and cheered for

her enthusiastically.

Then the unimaginable happened. In the last half-mile of the race, one of her legs uncontrollably started kicking outward—knocking over trash cans and hitting walls or anything in her way. As Laura struggled down The Strand, her left leg began to spasm to the side. It was impossible for her to run in a straight line. Heartbreakingly, a rival runner from Palos Verdes passed her. The hometown crowd gasped in disappointment.

Although she went home with second place, it was evident that her undiagnosed condition for the previous six years had progressively accelerated. The prescribed medicine no longer worked. Her struggle with her body was now public, and she needed answers.

Laura was diagnosed with focal dystonia, a neurological disorder that involves involuntary spasms in small muscles in the body.

It is considered “focal” when it is limited to one or two locations within the body.

This is unlike general dystonia, which can be extremely invasive and impact multiple areas in the body. General dystonia reduces the ability to function day-to-day. It can present symptoms based on overuse or repetitive stress and often affects musicians, golfers and runners. Without repetitive use, it would be hard to identify the symptoms.

Currently there is no cure for dystonia, but medications can improve symptoms.

Unfortunately for Laura, running would

“I always go barefoot in the sand— not only because it’s more practical but because our feet have a lot of nerve connections that don’t get activated as much with shoes on.”

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never be the same. But determined to continue her passion, she experimented with different ways to keep going.

Though Botox can be injected into the impacted muscle, Laura’s problematic muscle was buried too deep in her hip. Then she tried Artane, a medication for Parkinson’s disease that proved effective in keeping the pain at bay for a couple years until she built up a tolerance. Luckily, she was able to stop and start the medication again, and it gave her a couple additional years.

Without any other remedies to help her condition, Laura began purposely using different muscles when she runs. She discovered that if she runs backward or in a zigzag formation, her leg does not use the same muscles.

“I always go barefoot in the sand,” Laura shares, “not only because it’s more practical but because our feet have a lot of nerve connections that don’t get activated as much with shoes on.”

Before running, she’ll do leg kicks and other active stretches as a warm-up. And while you might also find her riding a bike, it’s the backward running that will catch your eye. “I’m always on the lookout to find a good tire track to run backward on.”

With an upcoming foot surgery on the books, Laura is currently getting in shape for the procedure, knowing she’ll have six weeks of recovery afterward. But no matter what comes, she won’t let a neurological disease stop her—now or ever. ■

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Finding a Happy Place A DESTINATION IN ARIZONA REDEFINES WELLNESS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON ATTAINABILITY, HAPPINESS AND INNER TRANSFORMATION. WRITTEN BY JENNIE NUNN

F

ive years ago Marc Skalla and Adam Ross schemed up the idea to launch an approachable and attainable wellness destination based on a simple model of their own transformative experiences. The two entrepreneurs—Marc worked in the chemical business and Adam once owned a tech start-up—randomly met at a party. They later began the dialogue of starting a wellness resort with one major difference: accessibility. The result was Civana Wellness Resort & Spa in Carefree, Arizona.

“Civana started as an exploratory thing, like, ‘Hey, can we make this thing work?’” recalls Adam, who previously visited Miraval and attests to a life-changing experience.

“We thought there was something here, and we kept going. The biggest piece was making the offering more accessible, attainable and flexible. At the end of the day, our mission is to make the world a happier, healthier place.”

But Marc and Adam, along with a few other business partners and experts in the spa industry, had their work cut out for them. The property, formerly the Carefree Resort & Conference Center, was a bankowned foreclosed property before they purchased it in 2017.

“Lucille Ball and Dick Van Dyke used to shoot at Carefree Studios [there was a little production stage], and they would stay here in the late 1960s and 1970s,” says Adam.

“So when we took it over, it was a rundown, middle-of-nowhere conference center hotel that was cowboy, honky-tonk.”

By February 2019, after two years of renovating and repositioning, Civana opened with 144 light-and-airy guest rooms and suites; two restaurants; more than 100 complimentary weekly fitness, personal growth and spiritual classes led by meditation experts, sound artists and movement coaches; and a 23,000-square-foot spa with 22 treatment rooms. “I think building anything from the ground up is hard, but taking an independent hotel in Carefree, Arizona, and turning it into a top destination spa is a challenge,” says Adam.

This is not a one-size-fits-all model for wellness. The primary emphasis here is allowing guests the opportunity to find true joy and happiness. “Our model is à la carte [from 15 to 30 classes included per day], rather than an all-inclusive model, and you can dial up or back your cost based on what you want to do. The pressure to do things is lower,” says Adam.

The rooms start at approximately $300 in

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the summer and roughly $400 in season. “If you want to do an all-inclusive package, you can do that too, and it’s probably 20% less expensive than other wellness resorts.”

Next year Civana will unveil 40 renovated suites as part of a new retreat series—or curated wellness experiences— for groups, tapping into a network of speakers and visiting experts such as professional dancer and choreographer Joshua Pelatzky and Alex Elle, a writer and breathwork coach.

“One of our primary areas of focus is pathways to happiness,” adds Amanda Grant, chief program and partnership officer. “From movement to mindfulness and everything in between, guests are encouraged to explore ways to hardwire our brains toward an intentional bias for peace in the present moment. Overall, I love to watch the synchronicity unfold at Civana. Without fail, those who show up at Civana find what they need.”

To that end, the team is working on a happiness council and differentiating themselves in the realm of contentment. “We have this mission of happiness first and healthiness always, but this notion of happiness first is not sunshine, unicorns, kittens and rainbows.

It’s about peace in the present, or contentment, and if we can give people tools to find happiness, that’s a big thing for us,” says Adam. “Mindfulness has been the big thing, but our spin is happiness.”

From a sunset sound healing led by an instructor who borrows from her Aztec ancestry using energy-clearing drums and sound bowls, to the guided Metate hike with lessons on the solar oasis, a wildlife watering hole and a glimpse of a giant, 40-foot-tall Saguaro with sculptural arms pointing in varying directions, there’s truly something for everyone.

“We’ve created an offering that’s accessible to more people,” says Adam. “We want to create experiences that last with people so they can take some piece of this home with them—whether it’s reconnecting with a partner or a friend or oneself and creating some lasting impact that makes their lives better.” ■

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He says I don’t need it, but that’s not the point. When I look better, I feel better.

It’s not for him... it’s for me.

Laser & Injection Treatments Since 2004 310-373-5000 | WWW.CELIBRE.COM | TORRANCE, CA

discover southbay on instagram @OURSOUTHBAY

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BREAKING Through A LIFELONG FITNESS ADVOCATE, SHEA VAUGHN PRACTICES WHAT SHE PREACHES. WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY KAT MONK

W

hile most people are deep in REM sleep, Shea Vaughn has already worked out for 2.5 hours, including a 22-mile ride on her stationary bike. Without the aid of an alarm, her eyes open every day at 3:30 a.m., and she makes her way down the stairs to her home gym. After she hops off her bike, she mixes up her daily routine with a variety of exercises—from Pilates to barre.

Shea lives life to the fullest, not only personally but professionally. She’s the founder of the WorldWide TV Network (WWTVN), creator of SheaNetics, and an international health and wellness keynote speaker. She is deeply rooted in family, enjoying quality time with her husband, Steve, and her three children and six grandchildren.

“My kids are the heartbeat of my life,”

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explains Shea. Though raised in the Midwest, all her children call the South Bay home and often spend weekends at Shea and Steve’s enjoying her homemade acai bowls.

A Pilates instructor for Beach Cities Orthopedic in the physical therapy department, Shea helps patients recover from injuries with a customized workout on the reformer. Twice a week, she rushes over to 24 Hour Fitness to teach a mat workout incorporating Pilates, yoga and possibly even some martial arts. “I like to start my class by thanking everyone for attending, because I know it takes a commitment just to attend,” she shares.

An avid golfer, most days Shea can be found on a golf course after she helps others with their health and fitness. “Golf lets me enjoy the outdoors,” she says, “and the

“I like to start my class by thanking everyone for attending, because I know it takes a commitment just to attend.”

focus it brings me is a calming and meditative experience.”

The daughter of a ballet dancer, Shea learned the importance of maintaining good health at a young age. When she took up ballet at age 8, she gained a greater knowledge of the human body as she strengthened and soothed muscles. By 14, she was teaching her own workout classes—a passion she’s pursued her entire career.

As founder of the WWTVN, Shea has been nationally recognized for giving women an opportunity to be heard and to promote their brands and businesses on her network. With SheaNetics—a lifestyle formula she created to transform the quality of one’s physical, nutritional, mental and emotional intelligence—Shea gained national notoriety as a lifestyle pioneer and a health and wellness authority, in part due to her work with celebrities and corporate leaders.

In 2011 she released Breakthrough, a book based on the philosophical cornerstones of the five living principles at the heart of SheaNetics’ pathway to wellbeing: commitment, perseverance, self-control, integrity and love. Each principle is designed to bring a unique benefit and level of meaning into one’s life.

Although this process is transformative and helps a person evoke mindfulness— also referred to as a meditative state—it is how the principles are incorporated into one’s life that can lead to a “breakthrough.”

Shea describes a significant breakthrough in her life: “I realized where you are right now is more important than where you are going. Our true purpose in life is usually more elusive than what we believe it to be.

We should continue to plan for tomorrow, but it is not something over which we have exact control.”

She believes that people, women especially, are prone to taking care of others and easily sacrificing themselves. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating well helps everyone gain higher self-esteem, which in turn leads to a healthier and vital life.

The word retirement is not in Shea’s vocabulary. With unmatched vitality and energy for her age, she plans to live her life on her terms. A grandmother with the physique of a teenager, she shows no signs of slowing down. ■

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THE SOUTH BAY’S TOP HEALTH PROFESSIONALS A RESOURCE GUIDE FOR YOUR HEALTHIEST LIFE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION EDITED BY LAURA L. WATTS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING, JP CORDERO, TAMEKA JACOBS & SHANE O'DONNELL

66 MOY-FINCHER-CHIPPS FACIAL PLASTICS/DERMATOLOGY 68 STRENGTH & GRACE FITNESS CORRY MATTHEWS 70 SUMMER ORTHODONTICS SUMMER L. BLAKE, DDS, MS 72 MARCUS MEDICAL SPA SHEENA SAMRA, MD

74 UCLA HEALTH PRIMARY CARE 76 DARYN T. NISHIKAWA, DDS, INC DARYN NISHIKAWA, DDS 78 SOUTH BAY PLASTIC SURGEONS 80 HUTCHINSON DENTAL CHRISTINA L. HUTCHINSON, DDS

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MOY-FINCHER-CHIPPS FACIAL PLASTICS/DERMATOLOGY Torrance, Beverly Hills, Encino | 310-274-5372 | rodeoderm.com

SERVICES OFFERED

DERMATOLOGY PARTNERSHIP

PREVENTIVE MEDICINE

• •

We are a partnership of four dermatologists who are fellowship-trained in Mohs skin cancer surgeries and cosmetic surgery. Our focus is on using the latest in science and technology to help our patients achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful skin. Our practice began at UCLA in the 1990s with one surgeon, Dr. Ron Moy, who grew up in South Bay. We have expanded over the last three decades into the current partnership of four. We share a common commitment to our patients.

Although we treat skin cancer and aging skin every day, we embrace preventive medicine.

Through a unique combination of vitamins, topical reparative creams, hormone balance, stress reduction, nutrition optimization and restorative skin treatments, we help patients achieve and maintain their very healthiest skin.

• • • • •

Dermatology Mohs micrographic skin cancer surgery Cosmetic surgery Laser treatments Cosmetic injectables Noninvasive skin tightening Nutrition and hormone-based skin health optimization

AREA OF EXPERTISE

“We are known for comprehensive skin health and cutting-edge technology.”

We are known for comprehensive skin health and cutting-edge technology. We help patients of all ages with medical, surgical and cosmetic care. We are always involved in research studies, investigating and pioneering the newest techniques to better and less invasively treat skin disease and aging.

WISE WORDS Healthy skin is a reflection of good overall health and habits. We are all active, outdoor people. Whether golfing, running, surfing, hiking, or playing soccer or tennis, we follow our own recommendations and are cautious about sun protection. In addition to sun protection, though, we know the benefits of using great skin products that contain DNA repair enzymes to undo the daily sun damage caused by our SoCal lifestyles, and of taking vitamins and supplements to prevent skin cancers.

CLEAR COMMUNICATION Listening and clear communication are critical for a productive and excellent relationship with our patients. We are all very straightforward, honest physicians who say “no” to a request or procedure that we don’t believe is the best or safest option for our patients. We are happy if our patients are happy, so we listen closely to concerns and questions and devise treatment plans together. Skin health is not a destination but a journey, and we’re in it for the journey!

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TOP HOLIDAY TIP Everything in moderation! Excess sugar, alcohol and stress all damage skin and lead to accelerated aging and increased risk for skin cancer through increased inflammation.

IN GOOD HANDS It’s a privilege to work on the skin—especially the face–and we take our jobs very seriously.

We are always accessible for questions and concerns, and clear and honest communication is our strength.

PRACTICE APPROACH Our patients appreciate our honest, natural approach to skin health and rejuvenation. We guide our patients to their optimal outcomes with a focus on individualization of treatments to personalize the patient experience and outcome. We never use a cookie-cutter approach to beauty or skin health.

STAYING STRESS-FREE Simple breathing, even for five minutes before bed each night, helps lower stress hormones and blood pressure. It also prepares your body for more restful sleep so you can repair internal damage, which slows the aging process.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY Our offices offer the latest in laser technology for skin rejuvenation. We have an array of devices to tighten skin, improve sun damage, decrease wrinkles, fade brown spots, remove red spots and reduce unwanted body fat.

L to R: Jennifer Herrmann, MD Edgar Fincher, MD Ronald Moy, MD Lisa Chipps, MD

STRENGTH & GRACE FITNESS CORRY MATTHEWS Palos Verdes | 703-772-7113 | StrengthandGraceFitness.com | @corrymatthews

SERVICES OFFERED

ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS

WELLNESS CAREER

• • • • •

What to eat? When to eat? How to work out?

Want to know more? Strength & Grace Fitness, founded in 2006, is here to help our clients reach their fitness and nutrition goals. Stacia (my business partner) and I offer a lot of free content and programs, but the real magic happens when you work one-on-one with us. Our #1 goal is to help you lose weight and keep it off!

In high school, I began learning about the human body and how incredible it is.

Proper nutrition and training can completely change the body—from building muscle and strength to losing weight and becoming a brand-new, healthier, more confident person.

What began in 1996 has become my greatest passion and career.

Custom nutrition programs Personalized exercise routines The Hormone Solution 21 Day Detox “All In” Program

“To stay healthy throughout the holidays, keep everything in moderation and keep moving!”

Corry Matthews and Dr. Stacia Kelly.

Photographed by Costa Dino Photography.

Corry with her family

TESTIMONIAL A client recently wrote this about us: “As a busy working mom of four, the Hormone Solution was an answered prayer. I found myself plateaued in my weight loss journey, and in the first 21 days I lost 13 pounds and felt amazing. The accountability, cheerleading, experience, knowledge and training Corry and Stacia provide in this program are unmatched. I even went on vacation while in the program.”

OFF THE CLOCK I love the sport of bodybuilding! I competed as a professional figure competitor in the International Federation of Bodybuilding, and I still put on three bodybuilding shows each year. Helping individuals transform their body and get to the level of fitness needed to compete in bodybuilding is extremely rewarding for me.

TOP TIP To stay healthy throughout the holidays, keep everything in moderation and keep moving!

Don’t neglect workouts. Not only do they help you burn off the calories, but they reduce stress.

Enjoy your special treats, but keep 85% of your diet filled with good protein, healthy fats, veggies and fiber.

Corry presents awards at a bodybuilding show. Photographed by Jeff Binns.

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

SERVICES OFFERED

EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE

• • • •

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. I have built my reputation focusing on the best interest of each patient. As a result, I have been named the “Best Orthodontist” by the Daily Breeze for the last two years and “Best of the Beach” for orthodontists in the Easy Reader poll over the last four years. In addition, I have surrounded myself 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!

Traditional braces Invisalign Lingual braces Accelerated treatment

“Creating beautiful smiles that patients love is tremendously rewarding.”

ADVANCES IN ORTHODONTICS 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 makes the diagnosis and treatment process more efficient than ever. We are always on the lookout for new technologies and ways to keep our patients engaged throughout treatment.

THE SOUTH BAY LIFESTYLE 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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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, 13, Tegan, 10, Briggs, 7, and Winslow, 4. 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, and I love preparing healthy meals for my family.

I also enjoy the variety of fitness classes available in the South Bay.

MARCUS MEDICAL SPA SHEENA SAMRA, MD 1000 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 220, Manhattan Beach | 1815 Via El Prado, Suite 102, Redondo Beach 310-316-1400 | marcusmedicalspa.com | @sheenasamramd

SERVICES OFFERED

FEELS LIKE FAMILY

BEFORE & AFTER

• •

I am a Chicago native who came to Los Angeles to complete my fellowship in facial plastic surgery with Dr. Andrew Frankel. I had plans of returning to the Midwest but met someone special and decided to stay. I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Keith Marcus and the Marcus Medical Spa team, and it quickly felt like family.

I’ve fallen in love with the South Bay and am so grateful to be a part of this community.

I am incredibly passionate about rhinoplasty, and I am excited to bring this expertise to the South Bay. I encourage any patient who is thinking about rhinoplasty to do the proper due diligence and find a surgeon who truly listens. I make sure that my patient’s aesthetic not only matches my own but that the results are easily achievable. Rhinoplasty is a journey, so the partnership between the patient and physician is of utmost importance. Therefore, I utilize tools such as 3D imaging to help me communicate openly and effectively with my patients.

• • • • • • •

Rhinoplasty Browlift Lip lift Eyelid surgery Facelift Buccal fat removal Nonsurgical rhinoplasty Botox Fillers CO2 laser resurfacing

“I’ve fallen in love with the South Bay and am so grateful to be a part of this community.”

CAREER FULFILLMENT I am fulfilled by the joy of performing surgery, and I love being able to initiate positive change in people’s lives. It’s an honor to help my patients become the best version of themselves and create changes that are impactful; often subtle changes are equally as important as dramatic changes.

WISE WORDS

Before

If you’re considering surgery and looking for downtime, facial plastic surgery has boomed during the pandemic—given the ability to heal at home and still work from home.

HEALTH TIP After Pencil in some time for self-care.

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REQUESTED SERVICES

POPULAR TREATMENTS

Since the pandemic and the popularization of Zoom and other virtual platforms, patients have been less satisfied with their appearance. Luckily, we now have options that are both surgical and nonsurgical. Additionally, browlifts have become more common in the younger patient population due to celebrity influence and the realization that the procedure has minimal downtime and long-lasting results.

Fillers are popular treatments patients seem to enjoy. Whether it’s nonsurgical rhinoplasty, lip filler or jawline filler, these are nice alternatives for someone who isn’t ready for surgery just yet.

UCLA HEALTH PRIMARY CARE Torrance Skypark, 2780 Skypark Drive, Suite 110, Torrance | 310-265-8422 | uclahealth.org

SERVICES OFFERED

PRIMARY CARE

• • • • •

UCLA Health primary care physicians (PCPs) are here for you in all stages of your life. As the point person for your health care, your PCP should always be your first point of contact.

Whether you’re sick, injured or have a general health concern, you’ll receive outstanding, individualized care. Our primary care physicians deliver comprehensive care to you and your family. We offer everything from routine screenings and disease prevention to coordinated treatments for a wide range of health conditions. Our goal is to help you feel good and stay healthy.

Primary care Pediatric care Immunizations On-site phlebotomy On-site radiology

“Having a primary care physician is like having a coach to help guide you through all the nuances of your medical care.”

CHRIS GORNES, MD FAMILY MEDICINE Continuity of care is the process of physicians working with the patient and other physicians to provide the highest level of coordinated, quality medical care. When you have a PCP who knows you well—including your physical and mental health concerns—they are able to coordinate your care between specialists and make sure your health is optimized. Having a PCP is like having a coach to guide you through the nuances of your medical care. At UCLA Health, we have access to nationally recognized specialty care but also great primary care doctors who can help you navigate that system. For great continuity of care, communication is key— both between you and your doctors but also between the doctors themselves. Having all of your care within the UCLA Health system makes that so easy, especially with things like the MyUCLAHealth app to help you. This means everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goal: your health and well-being.

Dr. Gornes sees patients of all ages. Her clinical interests include women’s health, pediatric neurodevelopment, health equity and global health.

JOEL THOMAS, MD FAMILY MEDICINE A PCP is someone you see regularly and is familiar with your medical history. If you are sick, injured or have a health concern, your PCP

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should be your first point of contact. Your PCP will also handle preventive care items, educate you about medical conditions and healthy lifestyle choices, and conduct regular screenings and tests to help detect symptoms early and before they become more severe.

Dr. Thomas is a primary care physician treating patients of all ages, and a clinical instructor at UCLA. His clinical interests include patient education and management of chronic medical conditions.

MINDY GOH, DO FAMILY MEDICINE Over the past year, kids have been under a lot of stress. It is important to acknowledge that it is normal to feel stressed. Give kids time and space to talk about it by actively listening to their thoughts and worries. Model healthy coping skills such as regular physical activity and relaxation techniques. Offer them outlets to relieve their stress, such as journaling, drawing or pursuing their hobbies. Sit-down family meals have also been shown to help build resilience and lower the risk of depression in children.

Dr. Goh provides primary care for patients and families of all ages. Her clinical interests include preventive medicine, women’s health, pediatrics and minor procedures.

CHARMI SHAH, MD FAMILY MEDICINE For many people, work, school and personal routines have changed over the last year. If you’re staying at home more than usual, it helps to have a routine to support your best health.

Try to wake up and go to sleep at about the same time every day, and eat healthy, wellbalanced meals. Try to get outside a bit every day, and exercise—even 15 to 20 minutes of vigorous activity will get those endorphins flowing. Find ways to safely stay connected to the people you care about, and either embrace new hobbies or bring back old ones.

Dr. Shah sees patients of all ages and performs a broad range of family medicine services. She has a particular interest in women’s health, adolescent health, public health and preventive medicine.

Top row, L to R: Dr. Mindy Goh, Dr. Chris Gornes Bottom row: Dr. Joel Thomas, Dr. Charmi Shah

DARYN T. NISHIKAWA, DDS, INC DARYN NISHIKAWA, DDS 3556 Torrance Blvd., Suite C, Torrance | 310-543-1655 | nishikawafamilydentistry.com

SERVICES OFFERED • • • •

Preventive, restorative & cosmetic dentistry Special care dentistry Sports dentistry Implants

SECOND-GENERATION DENTIST I have been a dentist for more than 10 years, but I have owned my practice for just over three years. Both my parents are in the field of dentistry. My dad is a dentist, and my mom is a dental hygienist. Being a second-generation dentist, I was given a good foundation of what it took to be a professional and helpful health care provider. I mainly enjoyed watching them develop relationships with their patients and take such pride in their tasks at hand.

SPECIAL CARE DENTISTRY

“Having the ability to problem-solve each patient’s unique concern or condition is always very rewarding.”

One of the most unique features of our practice stems from my advanced training in special care dentistry. We provide advanced comprehensive general dentistry for patients with severe medical, physical and mental problems, such as pre- and post-organ transplant patients, cancer patients, immunocompromised patients and adult special care individuals. We also provide dental services under IV sedation for patients unable to receive treatment in a routine dental setting, thanks to some of the best dental anesthesiologists in Los Angeles County.

CAREER FULFILLMENT My career is still in its early stages and I hope that my story is still being written, but having the ability to problem-solve each patient’s unique concern or condition is always very rewarding. Knowing that I can help those who can’t necessarily help themselves is one of the main reasons I chose my profession and why I focus a good amount of my efforts on tending to individuals who require special care dentistry. Providing access to care in my own private practice and trying to be an advocate for individuals with special needs (and their

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families)—who otherwise would need to be seen and treated in a hospital setting—is very rewarding in itself. The ultimate fulfillment for me would be if I can help motivate and inspire other dentists and future dentists to understand the needs of these individuals and their families and to be willing and able to provide the same level of care as the rest.

FAMILY & FRIENDS Listening is one of the most important skills for being a good health care professional. I was taught by a mentor that if you listen and understand where a patient has come from and where they want to go (medically and dentally), you will be able to better meet their needs and provide them with the best and most personalized care possible. The skills of effective listening, developing a personal relationship, and providing reassurance and encouragement throughout a patient’s dental journey are some of the many ways we try to help individuals feel confident about the care they are receiving. We truly try to make everyone feel like they are family and friends. We have found that simple conversations go a long way!

2022 GOALS Every year my professional goals mirror many of my personal and family goals. Whether it was when I was an associate for various practices or currently as a practice owner, I always want to make sure I continue to treat people right, stay humble and be someone they can always trust. Doing good work, performing services and achieving outcomes that my team, my family and I can be proud of are also motivating factors for why I stay so dedicated to my craft.

Most importantly, I continue to try to be a better person, family man and team member, and simply enjoy life!

SOUTH BAY PLASTIC SURGEONS 3640 Lomita Blvd., Suite 306, Torrance | 310-784-0644 | plasticsurgerysource.com

SERVICES OFFERED

PREMIER PRACTICE

• • • • • • • • • •

South Bay Plastic Surgeons is the largest and longest-standing plastic surgery practice in the South Bay area. Dr. Juan Rendon recently joined our practice, so we now have five plastic surgeons all specializing in the full spectrum of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.

Notably, each of our surgeons is accomplished in microsurgical reconstruction—an advanced technique rarely found outside a university setting that uses a patient’s own tissue for reconstruction. This breadth of expertise affords our patients broader options when it comes to individualizing their care. On the aesthetic side, we have our own acclaimed medical spa and a Joint Commission-accredited surgery center for patient privacy and comfort, making SBPS a premier destination.

Tummy tuck Breast augmentation Breast reduction/breast lift Liposuction Facelift Breast reconstruction Rhinoplasty Botox Dermal fillers Laser resurfacing

“We pride ourselves in offering stateof-the-art procedures that actually work.”

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BEFORE & AFTER Over the last year, we have seen more patients prioritizing self-care and finding time for restorative procedures like tummy tucks and mommy makeovers. We help them look and feel like a better version of themselves, and they know they will receive thoughtful service from our providers and staff during each call and at every visit. Today, more patients are talking about procedures they’ve had and are more open about being proud of their outcomes. We are so excited to share in this surgical journey with them. Here is a beforeand-after of a 35-year-old who had four children and wanted to improve the laxity in her abdomen. One of our surgeons performed a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, where they used an internal corset

technique to tighten the rectus muscles then removed excess skin to improve the overall shape and appearance of her abdomen.

THE LATEST TREATMENTS We pride ourselves in offering state-of-the-art procedures that actually work. We never bring in any technology without trying it out first and doing our research. We offer multiple liposuction modalities as well as a variety of nonsurgical treatments including the Sciton Halo laser, PDO thread lift, CoolSculpting, Clear + Brilliant, HydraFacial and medical skin care lines to match. This approach allows us to tailor treatment plans to each patient.

OFFICE SPACE We’ve designed all of our offices to be bright, happy and calming spaces. Our beautiful, approachable aesthetic is mirrored throughout our medical office, spa and surgery center. The music choices, soothing scents in our spa, tasteful accent walls, beautiful artwork and modern seating are each an invitation to relax. Most important to our tranquil setting is the thoughtful, caring staff whose main goal is patient comfort and satisfaction.

L to R: Michael Newman, MD, James Liang, MD, Whitney Burrell, MD, Juan Rendon, MD, PhD, Lisa Jewell, MD

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

SERVICES OFFERED

ABOUT THE PRACTICE

DENTAL CAREER

• • • •

Opened in 2015, Hutchinson Dental is a family practice that can accommodate a variety of dental needs. We have excellent hygienists and offer various restorative procedures. We mostly perform general dentistry, but we also offer cosmetic and implant restorations and sleep apnea oral appliances. In addition, we have an exceptional network of specialists that we utilize when needed.

Hutchinson Dental is known for honesty and consistency. We have very low turnover within our team, so patients build relationships and often trust advice they are given. We are not the office that tries to sell anything; rather we make recommendations based on what is best for the patient.

I have been practicing dentistry for 18 years.

Dentistry is a balance of oral health, esthetics, function and predictability. Sometimes it requires creativity, but that prevents dentistry from ever being boring.

General dentistry Cosmetic dentistry Implant restorations Sleep apnea oral appliances

“This is the greatest team of women I have ever worked with.”

PREFERRED PRODUCTS My sleep apnea patients love the Panthera appliance. It is super thin (less stuff in your mouth) and flexible (so it does not feel rigid). It maintains a specific posture of your lower jaw to support your airway. Patients can adjust the position, which is like reducing the volume on their snoring (spouses also love it).

ADVANCED EQUIPMENT We have a CBCT in the office, and it is fun to show patients more than just their teeth.

We are able to view any airway obstructions and calculate the volume of their airway to communicate with ENTs, calculate volume and density of bone where an implant is needed, view the TMJs, and look at the bone beyond the traditional bitewing series.

BEFORE & AFTER This patient had too much gum covering her teeth. Combined with her habit of grinding, this resulted in the look of really short teeth. The periodontist removed gum tissue that covered her enamel, immediately improving her heightwidth ratios. I restored what had been worn with new crowns. I’m very happy with the result!

DREAM TEAM It is so refreshing to hear laughter all day and never have tension in the office. Each team member gets along, and everyone pitches in to work together as a team. This is the greatest team of women I have ever worked with, and I am very protective of them.

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"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."

— Mark Twain

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TAKE BACK YOUR BODY

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RECOVERY FOR YOUR MIND BODY & SOUL WE ARE HERE TO HELP EVERY STEP OF THE WAY ON YOUR JOURNEY OF RECOVERY The Thelma McMillen Recovery Center for alcohol and drug treatment at Torrance Memorial is making lasting changes in the lives of South Bay adults and adolescents as well as their families. Providing outpatient treatment services to help clients find sobriety within the framework of their daily lives is at the core of what we do.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP • CALL US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AT 310.784.4879 VISIT US AT T helmaMcMillenRecoveryCenter.com