A New You

A NEW YOU

Where does your joy originate?

Happiness, the Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote, “is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and the end of human existence.” He held that happiness is not simply a momentary state, but rather a goal, and the ultimate purpose of living, achieved at the end of one’s life. For this year’s “A New You,” we wanted to focus on a core emotion: happiness. As you read through this annual special section, you will see columns from local experts in dentistry, fitness, audiology, wellness and more, sharing resources to help you, and each member of the family, achieve balance and create happiness to live a joy-filled, healthy life. In this issue, you’ll also hear from your neighbors, coworkers, classmates and trail-sharers, the people you see every day who help make the communities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano vibrant. We visited residents in their elements and took a listen. We wanted to know, where they find happiness and what they do to stay active and healthy. So, take a read. Then, get out, explore and find your happy.

The Root of It All

By Kim Lee-Thorp, Health Coach and Doula, San Clemente Wellness

Have you heard the 10 rules for being human? The first of Dr. Cherie Carter Scott’s rules, from her 1998 book “If Life is a Game, These are the Rules,” is that, “You will receive a body. You may love it or hate it, but it will be yours for the duration of your life on Earth.”

The second rule is: “You will be presented with lessons.” Rules three and four refer to lessons as well—noting life presents no mistakes, only lessons. The fifth, too, regards lessons, stating that “Learning does not end … If you are alive, there are lessons to be learned.”

These lessons on being human are well-known in ancient traditions and are discussed widely in modern science. The seven sacred truths of the Kabbalah, the Christian sacraments and the Hindu chakras each teach these core-human lessons. They all begin at the “root” of who we are and

cohol, caffeine and medication to mask the underlying issue—an unbalanced root. An overactive root is stubborn. It doesn’t like change. A person harboring an overactive root may feel stuck, take things too literally, hate feeling controlled or experience paranoia. Their body may be overweight, arthritic and inflamed. Conversely, an underactive root is exhausted, physically fragile and thin. This can leave people feeling unsafe, insolated, easily overwhelmed and unable to settle down.

It is vital to strike a balance between the two. Balancing your root can be fairly easy.

First, focus on food—the protein and minerals entering your body. Research shows the color red is linked to alertness, self-control, avoidance of a threat, stamina and strength. Think apples, tomatoes, berries, red herbal tea, beets, clean proteins and minerals—especially zinc and selenium. By minimizing your alcohol, caffeine and refined sugar intake, you too will feel a positive change. Then, get outside and move your body.

Reconnect with Mother Nature by touching the earth, having a picnic and breathing fresh air. It is also essential to connect with people who reinforce you.

Finally, live within your means and identify your own triggers to stress. By knowing your limits and being more aware, you can draw healthy boundaries to those things in life that ignite your anxiety and create tension.

lead to our spiritual life.

Modern life often works against our first and most basic lesson of the root to create our core identity and personal code of honor, have a sense of safety—be it physical, emotional and financial—honor our family bonds while creating healthy boundaries and a sense of belonging. Disparities in this root lesson can cause dysfunction in our adrenal glands, immune system, skin, bones, muscle, blood and DNA—the pieces of our body that define our identity, defend us, trigger our flight-or-fight response and connect us to the world and with one other.

Stress, illness, deadlines, arguments, isolation, separation from family, lack of time to relax or exercise, exposure to toxins, lack of sleep and poor diet each impact your root. These strains can cause frequent illness, anxiety and depression, trouble focusing, digestive issues, headaches, allergies, muscle and joint pain, skin problems and insomnia. All tensions that can lead to the use of al-

Managing your root is the first ancient lesson of being human and the beginning of a vital life. Once it is balanced, the other lessons build upon each other allowing things to flow through you instead of getting stuck. Through balance you are nurturing your creative playful self. Balance provides the platform for you to harness energy as well as give and receive love. With it, you can speak honestly and live a strong, spiritual life.

Kim Lee Thorp is a board certified massage therapist, master health coach and doula. Her work focuses on women in the sacred transitions of pregnancy and menopause and the men who love them. She spent 20 years in Silicon Valley startups and believes that experience along with being a daughter, wife, mother and grandmother with four generations currently under her roof gives her immense perspective and understanding to support and encourage clients through their lessons and transitions. San Clemente Wellness, 111 Avenida Del Mar, Suite 215, San Clemente, 949.547.0716, www.sc-wellness.com.

OMain Squeeze

Local juice shops pack the vitamin punch

rganic juiced blends can help better ailments, remedy skin conditions, provide an energy boost and regulate digestion. That’s just the tip on the juice-berg. These nutrient-rich juices pack a high dose of the body’s needed essential vitamins and minerals in a portable form—an easy-to-consume, healthy option.

Whether you are looking to reduce in ammation, regulate blood pressure or build your immune system, juice bars in the tri-city area have a blend to t your very need.

Rejuvenator | Juice It Up

802-J Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.542.7979, www.juiceitup.com

Ingredients

V8 | Juice Joint Deli

32141 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.545.7966, www.juicejointdeli.com

Ingredients

Bene ts: Packed with vitamins C, B, K, B1, B2, B6, B12 and, don’t forget A, this Juice Joint Deli concoction can help ght cancer, control blood pressure and regulate digestion.

Bene ts: Filled with antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients, this jewelhued juice from San Clemente’s Juice It Up invigorates the body and prepares it to conquer the day in the healthiest of ways. Clean Sweep | The Coffee Importers

34531 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

Bene ts: Toxins beware, this juiced brew from The Co ee Importers has a high concentration of essential vitamins including potassium, iron and Vitamin C, mixed for the ultimate digestive cleanse.

BeetCarrotCeleryLimeParsleyTomato

CarrotCucumberGreen AppleKaleBeetJicama

Apple Beet CarrotCucumberGinger

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Perfecting Vision Through Cataract Surgery

By Duna Raoof MD

Like wrinkles and thinning hair, cataracts are an inevitable change that commonly happens with aging. According to the National Eye Institute, the risk of cataracts increases with each decade of life starting around age 40. By age 75, half of Caucasian Americans have cataracts. By age 80, percent of Caucasian Americans have cataracts, compared with 53 percent of African American and 61 percent of Hispanic Americans. Worldwide, approximately 20 million people are totally blind from cataracts. Normally, we are born with a clear, transparent lens inside each eye. As we age, cloudiness develops in each lens. This haziness causes blurred vision, inability to see in dim light, seeing halos around lights or vision loss. Having cataracts can be like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. The eye may eventually become legally blind. There is no way to prevent or reverse cataracts with medications, and the only treatment is cataract surgery.

In 2015, nearly 4 million cataract surgeries were performed in the United States, likely owing to the incredible advancements in the field of this remarkable surgery. In most patients, the surgery takes less than 20 minutes from beginning to end. It is a microsurgery performed by the surgeon through a microscope. An extremely small incision is made in the eye and a small vibrating instrument is used to ultrasonically remove the cataract in small fragments. A new clear artificial plastic lens is then inserted. There is no bleeding and very minimal pain. During the surgery, the patient feels very relaxed due to a gentle sedative medication. Thanks to the minimal anesthesia and short procedure time, the recovery is relatively fast. Most patients’ vision is good enough immediately after the surgery to

walk around and take care of their basic activities of daily living. Eye drops are prescribed for a few weeks after surgery in order to reduce inflammation and prevent infections. Just like any medical procedure, there is some risk to surgery but with current technology and surgical techniques, vision-threatening complications of cataract surgery are less than 1 in 1000.

The most exciting recent advancement in cataract surgery has been the extensive variety of artificial lenses from which patients can choose. Previously, lenses that correct vision at only one distance were most commonly used. These lenses are called monofocal lenses and are similar to wearing a single vision pair of glasses. We now have the advantage of having multifocal lenses available, which are designed to correct vision both at distance and up close. There are also lenses that correct for astigmatism. These advanced lenses, when implanted in appropriate candidates, reduce the reliance of glasses after cataract surgery.

We are so fortunate we live in an age when modern cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures performed today, with the vast majority of these procedures producing excellent vision. I feel privileged everyday to be able to enhance the sight of patients whose daily activities are limited by their cataracts.

Dr. Duna Raoof is a board-certified ophthalmologist at Harvard Eye Associates with offices in Laguna Hills and San Clemente. She completed her cornea, cataract and LASIK training at the prestigious Harvard Medical School’s Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. She has been invited to present her research on eye disease at meetings across the country and the world. She has published numerous original research articles, in addition to her contribution to several textbooks on LASIK, corneal transplant surgery and dry eye disease.

A Healthy Body Needs a Healthy Mouth

By Dr. Alice Moran

People in south Orange County are highly educated and have a healthier lifestyle than those in other parts of the country. We are more knowledgeable about diet, don’t smoke, are into exercise, yoga and the beach. We, too, are proactive about reducing risk factors for most chronic diseases. However, what is often ignored is chronic periodontal disease, which affects half of the adult population.

The most common cause of severe periodontitis is failure to treat the disease early or under-treatment. If healthy individuals stop brushing and flossing, within one week, all will develop gingivitis, inflammation of the gums. When they resume hygiene, gums will return to normal. If gingivitis is allowed to progress, it affects the ligaments and bone that surround the teeth and becomes periodontitis.

Not everyone gets periodontitis, though. There are other risk factors such as heredity, smoking and diabetes. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect the entire body.

People with periodontitis are more likely to have other inflammatory conditions, like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. If allowed to progress untreated or under treated, it can result in tooth loss. Many people think that when we age it is part of a natural progression to lose teeth. Now we know that that is not true. Periodontal disease is treatable and preventable.

Early periodontal disease is treated by scaling and root planning—deep cleaning. Moderate to severe periodontitis was traditionally treated by a periodontist using flap surgery and bone grafting. Nowadays, it

is more effectively treated by LANAP (laser assisted new attachment procedure). There is a specific laser protocol that the doctor performs. This is not done by the hygienist. Currently, 25 percent of the periodontists in the country are using this procedure. If the teeth cannot be saved because of periodontal disease or decay, there is a procedure called “all on four” or “teeth in a day.” The remaining teeth are extracted. Then four or more dental implants are inserted into each jaw and a temporary bridge that replaces all the teeth is screwed in place. When the implants are integrated or healed, the permanent bridges are screwed in. This is a unique procedure that can work in patients who have limited bone.

Years ago, we thought that if you got dental implants, then you were set for life and nothing could happen provided the implants integrated into the bone. Now we know that implants can get periodontal disease, so it is important to get your dental implants checked annually.

Aside from treating periodontal disease and placing dental implants, periodontists utilize esthetic procedures to add gum tissue and to correct gummy smiles. If you think you have gum disease, be pro-active about reducing inflammation in your mouth. Or if you have esthetic concerns, please contact Dr. Alice Moran, 1001 Avenida Pico, Suite K, San Clemente, 949.361.4867, www.moranperio.com.

How Excessive Drinking Affects Oral Health

By Dr. Frederick Johnson Jr., DDS

There are plenty of health risks associated with drinking alcohol in excess, but one of the major health factors commonly overlooked when it comes to alcohol consumption is dental and oral health.

While having a few glasses of red wine throughout the week may have a beneficial impact of your health, other alcoholic beverages don’t typically hold up to medical scrutiny. Cocktails with high volumes of

sugar can have a devastating impact of your oral health, as sugar feeds bacteria in the mouth and allows harmful acids to eat away at your enamel. Long-term intake of sugary beverages (included soft drinks and sports drinks) can also lead to the development of cavities.

According to the American Dental Association, alcohol consumption can also lead to dehydration and dry mouth, which limits the amount of saliva in your mouth over a longer period of time. This can lead to tooth decay, oral infections, gum disease and even

mouth cancer.

Furthermore, drinking alcohol in excess can also weaken your body’s immune system, leaving you at greater risk for illness and disease as well as limiting your body’s ability to create antioxidants to fight infections and other diseases.

However, despite the risks associated with drinking alcohol, drinking in moderation will likely have little to no effect on your body’s overall health. Keeping up with regular and thorough dental hygiene habits is also a great way to prevent oral health

issues from developing in the future. To learn more about ways to improve your oral health or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Frederick Johnson, Jr. Talega Coast Dentistry, 1031 Avenida Pico, Suite 203, San Clemente, 949.361.6900, www.talegacoastdentistry.com.

Everyone needs a little motivation now and then. So, we went in search of some tness inspiration. We looked into our communities to nd three enthusiastic health and tness experts who passionately encourage others to live happier, healthier lives.

LYNZI IRVINE Doctor of Physical Therapy

Lynzi Irvine’s gym-rat days are over. The mother of three—ages 4, 6 and 8—has had to rethink her fitness routine. A longtime, avid runner, Irvine began practicing yoga when the family lived in Australia. Running almost daily on coastal, beach trails, the doctor of physical therapy found herself lacking discipline in the stretching and flexibility departments. “I knew better, too,” she said. Irvine decided to temporarily retire her running shoes. For three weeks, the Dana Hills High School graduate committed to practicing yoga every day.

Fast forward three years and she’s still going strong. “Yoga for me has not been so focused on the way your body looks. It

is so whole and focused on the health of your entire being, not just some physical characteristic,” Irvine said. When she can’t make it to a studio, Irvine practices wherever she can—be it at home, the beach or a trail. She searches YouTube, Instagram and smartphone apps for inspiration and quick yoga sessions. She’s also a source of daily inspiration to others—sharing unique photos of her yoga practice. Irvine said she’s enjoying the journey her practice has taken her on, through which she has become more focused and present. “That presence,” yoga gives she said, “translates into the rest of your life.” So you can be more present with your family and your friends.

The 1:1, student-to-trainer, approach sets Fitness Together apart. “It’s just you and your trainer in your own workout suite, focused completely on you and your goals,” said Kyle Radomski, owner of Fitness Together. With the help of a friendly and professional staff of certified personal trainers, clients receive top-notch training in a private, comfortable setting. At this fitness center, each program is completely customizable to fit individual client needs with restrictions, limitations and goals in mind. “Whether your goals are to increase flexibility, add strength, lose unwanted body fat, tone up or improve cardiovascular conditioning, we can create a program just for you and help you make changes that can sustained for a lifetime,” Radomski said. From high-intensity interval and tabata training to boot camps, youth fitness, strength training

and training tailored to older adults, Fitness Together offers a fitness option for all—ensuring an individualized plan to help you meet your health and wellness goals.

“When you know your “why,” your reason for working out, then your “what,” the workout itself, will have a greater impact.”

—Kyle Radomski

NICOLE HOWARD

Align Pilates and Yoga Center

It’s about the individual at Align Pilates and Yoga Center. With small classes, of just five or six people, this boutique fitness center’s philosophy is focused on each student’s needs. Yoga and Pilates are “great workouts, no matter what your physical ability is,” said Nicole Howard, co-owner and master trainer of Align Pilates and Yoga Center. Anybody, in any body, can reach their health, wellness and fitness goals here. “The body is an amazing three-dimensional structure, built to move in many different ways,” Howard said. “Doing the same exercise programs all the time increases the risk of over-use injuries, can contribute to a plateau in performance and cause boredom. Changing things up can help to stimulate the brain and get muscles firing in different ways, which will help keep you strong and active for longer.” With a fully equipped Pilates studio and a full schedule of mat Pilates and yoga

classes—from Vinyasa flow, mom and baby, restorative, prenatal and beginning/gentle yoga—Align Pilates and Yoga Center offers daily classes to keep your fitness regimen stimulating and ever-changing.

“Consistency is key to any successful fitness program. To stay on track, choose a program that is fun, challenging and realistic to your goals and lifestyle. The more enjoyable and realistic the fitness program is, the more likely you are to make it part of your daily life.”

—Nicole Howard

Natural Delight lively ways to experience south Orange County

South Orange County is a recreational haven. The region’s abundant sunshine and temperate climate means adventure can be found outdoors the whole year through. Whether you are looking for a relaxing hike or want to take a spin along Pacific Coast Highway, the tri-cities are bursting with open-air, excursion options. Here is a snapshot of out-in-the-element offerings to start your natural exploration.

1

Saddle up.

Experience one of Southern California’s last frontiers with guided trail rides on family-friendly horses through San Juan Capistrano’s vast system of trails and open space. Skilled trainers from Bridges Equestrian, Dana Smith Show Team and Ortega Equestrian Center, take riders of all abilities on horseback trail rides through the region’s rolling hills.

Hitch a ride.

2

South Orange County is home to a vast network of paved bike trails. From the hills of San Juan Capistrano to the beaches of Dana Point and San Clemente, there is a bike trail for one and all. With a wide variety of bike shops and rental companies—like Bicycles San Clemente, Hole in the Fence, Bike Religion and Synaptic Cycles—in the tri-cities, a ride is waiting. Check out shops like for a whip.

3

Take a hike.

If spectacular views are what you want, look no further than the tri-city area’s expansive trails. For panoramic Pacific views, embark on a tranquil hike along the San Clemente Beach Trail or an easy walk through the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area. Scale San Clemente Summit or opt for a hike along San Juan Capistrano’s Las Ramblas Trailhead for more difficulty and 360-degree views.

Practice outdoors.

4

Find balance while nurturing and restoring your body during 60-minute gentle yoga practices in both Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano. You can join I Heart Yoga in the Park each day at 10 a.m. for a fun, donationbased class at the bluff-top Lantern Bay Park, or head to the Goin’ Native garden every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for yoga practiced amongst the trees.

Photo: Alex Paris

HIIT it Hard

Maximizing health, tness results with a multi-faceted attack

By Dusty Dial, owner, Orange Theory Fitness

etween our daily commitments it can seem like there isn’t enough time in a day. It’s tough to balance children, work, school and activities while also making time for yourself. Often times the first thing to get cut is a workout.

With a concentrated, multi-faceted attack, health and fitness goals can be met in three to four hours a week. At Orangetheory Fitness, high-intensity interval and resistance training are combined in a group setting, maximizing results in a one-hour session. Done every other day—and combined with a whole food based, low glycemic diet—this type of fitness protocol can help balance hormones, increase longevity and provide a host of health benefits that go far beyond the scale to help participants live happier and healthier lives.

Orangetheory is a 60-mintue workout specifically designed to push participants into the “Orange Zone.” It is an innovative fitness regime that is expanding worldwide. Below is a breakdown of the workout.

What is EPOC and what are its benefits?

Pronounced ee-pok, EPOC is short for Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption— also known as the “afterburn” effect. EPOC is a measurably increased rate of oxygen intake intended to erase the body’s “oxygen deficit” created by exercise. Oxygen, and thus EPOC, is used in the exercise-recovery process to return the body to a resting state and assist in hormone balancing, fuel store replenishment, cellular repair and a host of other restorative functions.

What we really like about EPOC is that it is accompanied by an elevated consumption of fuel, namely fat stores that are broken down and released into the bloodstream during exercise. Another key thing to note about EPOC is it lasts around 36 hours and its effects increase with the intensity of the exercise. Therefore, if we can participate in intense exercise every other day, we can keep our body metabolically charged at all times.

What the heck is HIIT?

High Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, is extremely effective in achieving EPOC.

By varying efforts, we can achieve levels of exercise intensity not possible with a static effort, thus increasing the effects of EPOC.

How do we know we are achieving the proper intensity?

At Orangetheory Fitness, each member wears a heart rate monitor displaying their heart rate in terms of a percentage of their maximum heart rate. From there, these percentages are divided into five “zones.” Workouts are designed to target and achieve 12-20 minutes in heart rate zone four—the “orange zone”—thus ensuring each participant is achieving EPOC and is metabolically charged for the next 36 hours.

If I am burning all these calories, why do I care about weights?

Resistance training has many health benefits and anti-aging effects that are paramount to a long and healthy life. We use body weights at Orangetheory Fitness, TRX suspension training and free weights for a multi-pronged attack on muscle fibers. All of this can be achieved without the “bulking” many worry about. In addition to the calories burned, creating lean muscle, carrying around a few extra pounds of muscle will increase your resting metabolism. Adding just 5 pounds of muscle will cause your body to burn an additional 175 to 250 calories per day at rest!

Strength training, too, boosts energy levels and improves your mood by elevating your level of endorphins—natural opiates produced by the brain—which will make you feel great. As if that isn’t enough to convince you, strength training has also been shown to be a great antidepressant, not only helping you sleep better but also improving overall quality of life. And aside from increasing lean muscle mass and bone density, strength training plays a role in disease prevention—decreasing arthritis pain, reducing the risk of bone fractures and improving glucose control.

The team at Orangetheory Fitness is committed to helping the community live happier and healthier lives. If you would like to try out a free session or have a consultation with one of our professional fitness coaches, just come in to the studio or give us a call. Orangetheory Fitness, 802 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.485.4885, www.orangetheoryfitness.com.

Photo: Orangetheory

Back to Basics

Getting to the Core of the problem

Helene Pulnik often sees patients once they’ve exhausted all other resources.

A doctor of naturopathic medicine, she takes a holistic approach to healing, designing a patient-specific treatment plan to ensure individual health needs are met.

Imploring non-invasive, integrative remedies, Pulnik treats patient’s ailments from allergies to digestive disorders and everything in between.

“Anytime I can help someone, I consider that a great success,” Pulnik said.

Pulnik opened the doors to her Dana Point practice in January. After 15 years practicing natural-healing remedies in her home state, Connecticut, Pulnik and her husband relocated to south Orange County to leave winters behind and be nearer their eldest daughter. Pulnik brings with her a wealth of homeopathic knowledge as well as the latest advancements in blood-type diets, HCG fat-loss programs, lifestyle medicinal plans and more. She is also one of the few doctors statewide specializing in advanced allergy therapeutics, a safe, effective and non-invasive allergy and sensitivities treatment used

to desensitize patients to dust, perfumes, pollen and more.

We chatted with her to hear more about her transition to natural medicine and the relationship between allopathic and naturopathic medical practices.

Picket Fence Media: How did you first become interested in naturopathic medicine?

Helene Pulnik: I started my jounce in healthcare as a registered pharmacist. I was the pharmacy manager for a busy chain pharmacy. My oldest daughter developed asthma and had a severe adverse reaction to the medications and I decided to take another path to get her well again. I started researching natural remedies and I have never stopped. I returned to the world of academia and received a masters degree in human nutrition, then my doctorate in naturopathic medicine from the University of Bridgeport College.

In your opinion, what is the relationship between allopathic and naturopathic medicine as well as ancient healing practices and modern scientific research?

Both naturopathic and allopathic medicine have the same goals, to heal the patient. Naturopathic medicine uses traditional healing along with evidence-based, modern medicine to provide the patient with the best possible treatments. Naturopathic doctors attend one of the five accredited, 4-year naturopathic medical schools in the United States. They must also pass national board exams and state licensure exams in

order to become licensed naturopathic doctors. Naturopathic doctors, too, are trained as primary care providers using natural and integrative medicine.

What types of ailments have you successfully treated using natural methods?

I have successfully treated many individuals who want to improve their diet and address health concerns such as digestive problems, allergies, food sensitivities, anxiety, weight loss, hormone related concerns and more.

Are there instances where you recommend patients seek out allopathic treatment?

Yes, whenever a patient needs specialized evaluation and care from an allopathic medical doctor they are always referred appropriately.

What is the one piece of advice you give all patients regarding naturopathic health care?

The best remedies are a healthy diet, regular exercise, a good night’s sleep and spending time relaxing with family and friends.

Helene Pulnik, a California licensed naturopathic doctor, has been a healthcare provider for more than 25 years. With extensive training in integrative and conventional medicine, Helene works closely with each patient to develop an individualized, effective treatment plan. She specializes in non-invasive modes of healing including bio-identical hormone therapy, herbal medicines and natural, holistic techniques. Pacific Coast Naturopathic Health, 24865 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, 949.416.4670, www.naturopathicwellness.com.

Positively Good Reads

Five mood-boosting, feel-good books for your reading pleasure

By Alex Paris

Agood book can be like a best friend—it can brighten your mood or show you something about yourself you never knew. Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up read or help finding your place in the world, there is a book for you.

Here’s a varied list of recommendations assembled with the help of a local librarian to get you started.

What Should I Do with My Life?

By Po Bronson

Chris Wright, librarian at the Dana Point Library, said “reading helped me find myself.” He recommended the book that led him to become a librarian: “What Should I Do with My Life?” by Po Bronson, which includes 50 different interviews from people who chose to change careers in search of meaning.

“Seeing the vicissitudes of other people and their lives and how they found their purpose, it was interesting. It just showed me I wasn’t alone,” he said. “I knew I didn’t want to teach, but being a librarian is sort of like being a teacher. I think it’s a great book, and a lot more people should know about it.”

Yes Man By Danny Wallace

A humorous, true story about a man who makes a small change in his behavior—saying “Yes” more— that leads to a big change in his life and unlocks an ideal version of himself that he’d always imagined but could never realize. The author’s frank, self-deprecating English wit keeps his newfound optimism from being tiring as he turns his uninspired, stagnant life into something memorable.

The Code of the Woosters By P.G. Wodehouse

Transport yourself to another era with this witty work of fiction about the hapless Bertie Wooster and his clever companion, Jeeves. This classic has a reputation for hilarious wordplay and outrageous, twisted plots that instill a zest of life into upper class British society. There’s seemingly no end to the shenanigans this lively duo finds themselves a part of, resulting in this book being just one of a long series.

Wonder By RJ Palacio

This popular fiction novel is great for both adults and children. The story, about a homeschooled child with a facial deformity, shows how an outsider can use what makes them stand out to enrich both themselves and others. It’s told from different perspectives to shed light on the powerful impact our day-to-day interactions have on each other.

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail By Bill Bryson

Reading “A Walk in the Woods” is like going on a hike with that quirky friend whose regular complaining you can’t help but chuckle at. If you’re looking for a well-rounded adventure that’s humorous, educational, inspiring and not too daunting, Bryson’s novel could be just the right mixture.

Au Naturale

Natural remedies help boost energy, perk up mood and nurture body

By Amber Thomas, Hanson’s Market

Stress is a common thing these days.

As we embrace the technological age and ever-present way of being plugged into our social networks and ever-increasing speed of accomplishments in our families, careers and personal pursuits, our bodies are usually the last thing we notice until something goes wrong or we realize we just don’t have what it takes to get everything done at the end of the day.

It’s then that we can turn to our foods, herbs, supplements and homeopathy for help to increase our energy, improve our moods and nourish our bodies.

Any type of stress—especially if it’s chronic—requires ample amounts of B vitamins. To combat stress, you can take a complete B 100 complex. Additional B-5, B-6, vitamin C, zinc, calcium and magnesium can also be included in “antistress regime.” A high-quality probiotic, fish or flax oil, liquid trace mineral complex and green powder supplement like chlorella and spirulina is a great addition as well.

When it comes to getting worn down, adaptagenic herbs such as ashwagandha, Panax ginseng and rhodiola can help build up your adrenals, nourish your nervous system and increase your energy and stamina. These herbs also are known for promoting optimal mental health and outlook.

Ashwagadha is an excellent herb to look to for long-term support of the nervous system. It is an ayurvedic herb that is known to calm nervous tension, increase energy, combat stress and boost the immune system. It’s recommended for relieving anxiety, insomnia and even depression. Rhodiola helps to combat fatigue caused by stress, increase mental performance and concentration, and relieve generalized anxiety. Studies suggest that it not only has a calming effect but it may also ease symptoms of depression.

For a total body tonic, look for Panax ginseng. It is helps boost the body’s immune system, strengthens the nervous system. Panax ginseng is especially beneficial for the elderly and those suffering from prolonged emotional stress, physi-

cal exertion and fatigue. Other supplements providing quick relief from the effects of stress and anxiety are GABA, kava kava, valerian, passionflower, skullcap and lemon balm. Homeopathics can also provide benefits that are noticeable fairly quickly such as Kali Phos, Aconite and Hylands brand Calms Forte or Nerve Tonic. Another favorite for nourishing the body on a cellular level is Bioplasma by Hylands. Other natural treatments like aromatherapy can help ease tension, stress, pain and fatigue almost immediately. Some good ones are lavender, geranium, vetiver, peppermint and orange. An anti-stress and positive mood regime wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the importance and power of good diet, adequate rest and good quality water. Daily food choices affect our current and future mental health. Eliminating sugar and focusing on pure water, organic foods and clean protein go a long way toward creating the perfect balance of energy, mental outlook and stress relief.

Amber Thomas manages the Vitamin Department at Hanson’s Market. With storefronts in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, Hanson’s offerings are tailored to fit the community’s needs. The market sells organic and natural produce, fair-trade, non-GMO products and locallysourced meats and fish. It also features a health and wellness department with vitamins, herbal remedies and essential oils to fit each customer’s health care need. 415 E. Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.218.1690; 32382 Del Obispo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.388.9328, www.hansonsmarket.com.

Hanson’s Market.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

It’s the Tooth

Kidney, heart disease and high blood pressure linked to oral health

By Erini Redmond, DDS, San Clemente Dentist

Did you know more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations? Kidney disease, acid re ux and heart disease are a few. It’s safe to say dental exams can provide clues and warning signs for your overall health.

HEART DISEASE

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, people who have chronic gum disease are at higher risk for a heart attack. Research, too, shows gum disease may contribute to heart disease because bacteria from infected gums can dislodge, enter the bloodstream, attach to blood vessels and increase clot formation. It has also been suggested that inflammation caused by gum disease may trigger clot formation. Clots decrease blood flow to the heart, thereby causing an elevation in blood pressure and increasing the risk of a heart attack.

PREVENTION

Maintain good oral care at home,, schedule dental hygiene appointments and an annual check-up with the family physician. The AGD says proper diagnosis and treatment of tooth and gum infections in some of these patients have led to a decrease in blood pressure medications and improved overall health. Additionally, researchers discovered those who drink green tea regularly have healthier gums than those who don’t. Green tea’s secret ingredient is catechin—a natural antioxidant that reduces inflammation. So, add a cup of green tea to your daily diet.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

If you’re among the quarter of Americans with this dangerous condition, you may have something new to worry about. Medication to lower your blood pressure can come with the unwanted side effect of gingival enlargement, a condition in which your gums swell and start to grow over your teeth.

PREVENTION

See the family physician to manage blood pressure and plan a visit to the dental office for cleanings and annual check-ups. Studies have shown that basil, garlic, cinnamon and flaxseed, which is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, can help lower your blood pressure. Flaxseed may also protect against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease by reducing serum cholesterol, improving glucose tolerance and acting as an antioxidant. On a side note, there are herbal and vitamin supplements that can have serious side effects for some dental patients when taken in combination with others. If you are thinking of trying herbs for medical reasons, whether that means using the whole herb or a supplement, speak to your doctor first. Some herbs, especially in large quantities, may produce undesirable side effects or interfere with other medications.

ACID REFLUX

Your dentist may be the first to notice gastroesophageal reflux disease. If you have this condition, a look in your mouth will usually reveal erosion on your back teeth, the result of powerful stomach acid dissolving your enamel.

PREVENTION

If you experience reflux episodes during the day, protect your teeth by rinsing vigorously with water to reduce acid in your mouth. You may be tempted, but don’t brush your teeth right away—the bristles can damage enamel still soft from acid. To prevent nighttime reflux, make sure not to eat two to three hours before bed and avoid triggers like alcohol, caffeine and anything acidic.

Erini Redmond, DDS, and her dedicated staff have served San Clemente families for more than 18 years. Alongside husband, and orthodontist Bill Redmond, she battles cavities, decay and dental phobia with laughter and a highdegree of oral care—to ensure each patient walks out with a smile. 181 Avenida Vaquero, Suite A, San Clemente, 949.361.1124, www.sanclementedentist.com.

Did

Our teeth need to stay healthy because we use our teeth to bite and chew. Dolphins, however, only use their teeth to grasp. Dolphins can’t chew, because their jaws have no muscles.

Today, we think a shiny, white smile is attractive, but in medieval Japan white teeth were considered ugly. Women used roots and inks to stain their teeth black, which they felt was much more attractive.

The average person produces a quart of saliva daily? To put it plainly, that’s 10,000 gallons of spit over a lifetime. Saliva is essential to good dental health because it washes food off the teeth, neutralizes acids in the mouth, fights germs and prevents bad breath.

MAN ON THE STREET

| BY Jorge MaldonaDo

How do you nd Happiness?

“I rode a bike today. I do that a couple times a week. I feel better when I do it ... groggy when I don’t.”

Dan Rees, 58, San Clemente

“I am a swing dancer. My husband and I also go walking ... and try to eat healthy. It makes me happy.”

Joyce Rees, 62, San Clemente

“Establishing a healthy and happy lifestyle for Honor (son) and I seems to be a pretty a vital creation. I needed to humble down and be accepting of whatever was going to be placed in our path. Living one minute at a time is how we stay happy. Every happy minute we create becomes and hour then it becomes a lifetime. We remain grounded by appreciating whatever is natural around us.”

Anel Altamirano, 25, San Juan Capistrano

“I eat vegetables and do exercise to be healthy. I eat to be happy and I play soccer.”

Carlos Bello, 9, San Juan Capistrano

“I do photography, hiking, yoga, kickboxing and paddle boarding. I kinda do everything. I try to be active as I can. Photography brings me a lot of happiness. It’s one thing you can do with friends or on my own. And you can use it while doing other things. I love being outdoors. California has such great weather. A lot of my things are outdoors. A lot of my photography is landscape so it works out for me.”

“Spending quality time with my family. Love and laughter from walks to the park to bon res on the beach.”

Tara Laird, 20, Dana Point

“I go to the gym, go to church, take care of my grandchildren, eat well and do everything in moderation. You need to have a healthy mind to maintain your health. You don’t want to grow old, you try to keep the same activity as when you were 40. And just try and live a good life. The best thing is to have a good spouse, which I’ve had for 42 years.”

“I have a wonderful wife. She’s my guide in life. We like to travel … like to get out and do things.”

Jim Racusin, 75, San Clemente

“Exercise keeps me happy. Keeping my body healthy makes me happy.”

Pastor, 23, San Juan Capistrano

Amairani

Robert Sineray, 64, San Clemente

Mandy Low, 30, Dana Point

Well-being within Earshot Psychological health, hearing loss go hand in hand

By John Coleman, Doctor of Audiology, Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services

You may not know it, but hearing loss and psychological health are connected.

Because hearing is an invisible sense, we tend not to pay very much attention to it—until something begins to change. And usually, changes in our ears are noticeable right away. Think about times you’ve heard a ringing in the ear after being in close proximity to firecrackers, for example. Or, if there is a lot of pressure in your ear area after a cold and your hearing is muffled.

Hearing, like our other senses, is an important element of keeping us connected to the world and ensuring our safety and security. Most of all, hearing plays a big part in the formation of language, speech and memory. When our hearing changes, we begin to experience sound and thus, the world around us and the people in our lives, differently.

Difficulties with Speech Recognition

Hearing loss affects our ability to recognize speech and speech patterns as clearly as we once did. With normal hearing, we are able to anticipate certain words, phrases and sounds, while our brains work at rapidfire speed to process the stimuli. When our speech recognition abilities are hindered, the brain must struggle to fill in the gaps. When others speak, they may sound muffled and you may find that you are asking people to speak up. Conversations may become frustrating as a result.

Lapsed Communication and Interactions

Because recognizing speech is a key element in clear communication, you may find that your interactions with people have become more confusing and difficult. You may find yourself misinterpreting what people are saying. In fact, a common sign of hearing loss is withdrawing socially. Rather than having to struggle through interactions, people with untreated hearing loss tend to avoid social interactions. This inevitably leads to a sense of isolation and loneliness, thus increasing the risk of depression.

Stress, Anxiety, and other Emotions

Although hearing loss is the third most

common condition in the United States, there is still some taboo surrounding it. As a result, people who are struggling with their hearing tend to avoid acknowledging the issue. By not tackling hearing loss head on, there are a number of consequences to one’s emotional health. In the workplace, with family, at social gatherings—there will be difficulty interacting with people. This may lead to frustration, embarrassment, anger and diminished self-confidence. Stress and anxiety are two emotional states that become increased with untreated hearing loss.

Cognitive Burdens

From a technical standpoint, researchers have found that untreated hearing loss has the potential to increase the risk of dementia. Our brains allow us to hear sounds. Our ears take in sound waves and translate them into neural signals that the brain recognizes as sound. With hearing loss, the sound signal is not as clear as it once was. As a result, our brains must struggle to process that sound. Researchers from Johns Hopkins have identified that this process leads to a cognitive load that essentially tires out the brain and interferes with cognitive ability. At the same time, researchers in Japan found that treating hearing loss early on was beneficial to one’s cognitive health.

Treating Hearing Loss

If you believe you, or someone you love, are experiencing hearing loss, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. By taking a hearing test and being fitted for hearing aids, you will find not only that your hearing will improve— but also major aspects of your life as a social being.

This article originally appeared on www.physicianshearingservices. com. Visit the Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services website for more articles, facts and resources pertaining to hearing health. Patients come first at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services, where the team is committed to providing high quality care along with the highest level of service. Based upon each patient’s needs, the team at OCPHS provides an individualized, comprehensive array of services related to prevention, evaluation, and rehabilitation of hearing impairment for all ages. Locations: San Clemente, Mission Viejo, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills and Irvine, 949.364.4361, www. physicianshearingservices.com.