Sorbet - a SoCal Senior Publication August 2021 Issue

SORBET

A SoCal Senior Publication

AUGUST 2021

ReelTime 50 pg

Connecting Your Lifestyle & Technology

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IS YOUR BLADDER OUT OF CONTROL? INTERSTIM® 2ND GENERATION BLADDER CONTROL DEVICE CAN HELP!

By Robert Pugach, MD & Evans Tran, PA

An overactive bladder (OAB) can result in too frequent trips to the bathroom, bladder leakage or urinary retention. These are common bladder symptoms that affect both women and men.

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ladder control problems should NEVER be considered a normal part of aging. Oftentimes, we cover up OAB symptoms and use expensive pads or diapers during the day. If you have tried treatments including limiting fluids, physical therapy exercises, bladder control medications or even bladder surgery - with limited or no success - there is an amazing alternative solution that can be effective for you!

The alternative is to continue to limit social and physical activities, family

or friend interactions and physical intimacy.

At Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center’s Women’s Bladder Control program, we have treated thousands of bladder control patients. When medications and other treatment options prove to be ineffective, we offer a medical device called InterStim®.

InterStim® is a tiny battery that is placed under your skin to deliver a signal to the nerves that control the bladder. This remarkable FDA-approved device has been in common use in the United States for more than 20 years!

Now, there is an improved battery that is MRI safe so you no longer need to be concerned about other effects.

How does InterStim® work?

One of the main causes of an overactive bladder or urinary retention is in the nerves that are near your tailbone. These nerves are responsible for controlling bladder function. Any disruption to these nerves may potentially cause bladder changes that include frequency, sudden urges, inability to make it to the bathroom in time, incomplete emptying or nighttime urination.

The Interstim® device sends a gentle, constant electrical impulse to the nerves that control the bladder and restores the bladder function.

You will have a controller that is periodically used to adjust the setting of the battery/pacemaker and ensure that it is working properly. The results

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are typically immediate and the relief you feel is amazing. You won’t even know when it’s working – it’s painless!

“Getting the Interstim therapy has created a new life for me. It’s terrific to be able to go out and run errands without having to plan “pit stops.”

It’s truly wonderful being back to normal, to walk to the bathroom, particularly when I’m out in public. It gives me a great sense of security to no longer be obsessed with the need to control my bladder.” - MaryAnn K. Read more patient reviews and view videos at https://www.pacificcoasturology.com/patient-videos/bladdercontrol/

Bladder Control is the most common urological problem we treat at Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center. Call us at 888.735.4336 to schedule your appointment.

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The Myth of “Back to Normal” after COVID

By Molly Keating, MA, CT, O’Connor Mortuary

We keep talking about “back to normal” and it sounds so wonderful. I so badly want to see and feel the life I had before this pandemic darkness.

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ut when I step outside and visit my old haunts normal isn’t anywhere to be found. I am beginning to feel like the idea of getting “back to normal” won’t happen because it simply can’t. With the 1-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death resounding and reminding us of the trauma, terror and grief that firmly settled upon us a year ago – I feel the definitive sense of being haunted by all that happened in 2020.

SYMBOLS OF CHANGE Symbols of our changed times are everywhere – our faces are covered with them. Part of me thinks normal won’t come until triggers like plexiglass and masks are finally done. But so many of my favorite places didn’t survive the pandemic or feel impossible to visit with the parameters in place.

This new world has another closed store around the corner and COVID remnants still litter our landscape.

There will always be a pre-COVID and after-COVID, a modern BC & AD that we will universally understand.

NON-DEATH LOSSES While I did not suffer a death-loss during COVID, the secondary losses of this pandemic have been so numerous and perpetual that grief is very much a part of my past, present 8

and future. I think grief is a part of all of us now.

I recently heard the phrase, “Resurrection doesn’t mean reversal.” - Nadia Bolz-Weber on her podcast, The Confessional.

“Resurrection doesn’t mean reversal.” This keeps bouncing around my head and for as much as I dislike it, I need it. As we return, the hard truth undeniable: that the deaths and losses we have experienced cannot be erased and “normal” won’t undo the loss of the COVID-era. Life as we knew it is gone, and it’s so sad. I have witnessed old friendships broken, felt the exhaustion of familial tension, grieved favorite traditions lost (maybe forever), closures of special places, heartbreak over cancelled plans, and mourned hoped for memories that will never be.

I wish I had fresh flowers and happier words that magically absolve all of this sorrow for each of us. But, as I am a student of death and grief – I understand the pain of the journey and the helpfulness of hearing the truth – even if it’s hard.

Grief is a transformer. It forever alters the people that it touches. When we consider that grief has touched every corner of our world through the pandemic, it is a small-wonder reversal isn’t possible. I hope to have more to say on what exactly is on the other end of this resurrection. All I know now is, we are in it together.

OUR HOPE As the world resurrects, I wish you all a re-entry that is balanced and able to hold the joy and twinges of pain that arise. Remember, you’ve never done this before – go easy on yourself.

The world re-opening doesn’t undo any of that. When I walk out my door all of that comes with me.

IF YOU’RE JUST NOT FEELING IT I don’t say any of this to temper the excitement of “normal” returning – but if you’re just not feeling it or there’s more disappointment and sorrow than you expected – it’s very likely because resurrection doesn’t mean reversal.

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CARE TIPS

The Benefits of Diabetic Socks

By Livia De Los Rios

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he primary purpose of diabetic socks is to keep your feet dry, decrease your risk for foot injury and avoid preventing or slowing blood circulation. The difference between diabetic socks and regular cotton socks is that they are usually are made of materials that wick away moisture, are fitted, padded and are non-binding.

Because people with diabetes are at higher risk of foot injuries and infection due to damage to their circulatory and nervous

systems caused by high blood sugar levels, they would benefit from wearing diabetic socks.

Nerve damage, or neuropathy, decreases sensation and increases risk of injury, particularly on the bottom of the feet and can also cause people with diabetes to be unaware of an injury and delay treatment.

Circulatory problems also make it harder for wounds to heal.

For these reasons and more, proper foot care is critically important for people with diabetes and diabetic socks are designed with these specific issues in mind.

Livia De Los Rios is the president and CEO of Allied Medical Supply.

Allied Medical Supply 170 El Camino Real, Tustin | (714) 617-4176 | www.AlliedMedical.net 10

• Look at and touch your feet everyday • Keep your feet clean and dry • Cut or file toenails with the shape of the toe, smoothing all sharp edges • Moisturize dry skin with a lotion • Avoid injury to the feet. Have corns, calluses or ingrown toenails treated by a professional • Wear well-fitting, soft leather or fabric shoes • Check shoes daily for cracks, pebbles, or other things that might damage your feet • Get your blood glucose under control • Wear well-fitting socks, without a thick toe seam, made of material that wicks moisture away from skin Be aware of: • Changes in skin color or temperature • Swelling in the foot or ankle • Pain in the legs • Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal • Ingrown toenails or toenails infected with fungus • Corns/calluses/ bunions • Dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel If you have a foot problem that is slow to go away or continues to get worse, contact a healthcare professional immediately.

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Learn more about us at www.pacificcoasturology.com Convenient offices in Los Alamitos and Huntington Beach 11

is adamant when he says, “As long as the IRS keeps up with its annual “tax simplification” strategies, you will want to use a professional who understands the constantly changing tax and financial environment.”

Peter stresses that “the start of the year is the perfect time for tax planning. It enables us to achieve a good sense of direction and work together with my undivided attention. This is true for any individual, small business, or corporation seeking to become more tax efficient and a better financial consumer.”

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ertified Public Accountant Peter D. Prescott is single-minded: “I strive to make each client as tax efficient as possible. Using a client’s entire finances as a framework, we establish major goals and then combine tax savings techniques and professional financial planning to enhance the growth of their money!”

Peter’s background is impressive: A business degree from U.C. Berkeley, a Professional Financial Planning designation from U.C.L.A., a Masters in Taxation from Golden Gate University, large firm accounting experience at Price Waterhouse and the Personal Financial Specialist Designation (PFS) from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Overwhelming technical expertise belie the fact that Peter is a people person.

His clients appreciate his professional knowledge of course, but they love him for his down to earth sensibility, wit and humor. As a man who has participated in

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public speaking venues, stand-up comedy and a few game shows, Peter loves life and is not only dedicated to his profession, but also maintaining a balance of work and play. His most important priority is his own family. His wife Margie is a homemaker and formerly a special education teacher in San Clemente. Having three sons, Peter understands that early planning to meet family goals is critical.

Peter has been helping Southern Californians with their income tax returns, tax planning, and comprehensive financial planning needs for over 30 years. Peter

Knowledge of the tax laws is of little value unless they can be applied wisely to fully meet your needs. That is why Peter follows a comprehensive approach combining effective tax savings, advanced financial planning strategies, estate planning and professional investment methodologies.

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Loaded Inheritance: Safe Gun Storage, Ownership and Disposal with California Gun Services

By Ann Laurence

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y grandparents owned a beautiful three bedroom casita in Solana Beach. Just up the road from the train station, their home was built in the twenties, and renovated completely when I was in high school.

When my grandfather passed away, I moved in with my grandma, doing chores around the house for her and helping to maintain the garden. One day, I was looking for my grandfather’s whetstone, to sharpen an old pair of shears, and I stumbled across his Colt Python 357 Magnum. I had to look it up - I thought it might be a relic from one of the movies he worked on in the 50’s, but according to my grandma, it was just “one of those things your grandpa just insisted on having.”

Jeff McCabe has gotten more of his fair share of calls from people like myself, who accidentally come across family firearms in their home and don’t have the first idea of what to do with them. The owner of California Gun Services, Jeff is in the business of safe gun storage, ownership and disposal. The first step? Following California gun laws. I had zero clue that by driving the Colt to the Army Navy to try and turn it in I’d be breaking a couple laws. According to Jeff there are laws restricting gifting or selling a gun, receiving a gun, borrowing a gun, transporting a gun, even storing guns. New laws come out every year, and it is almost impossible for anyone, even aficionados to keep up with them. Jeff and his team work closely with local law enforcement to ensure the process is easy and safe.

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My grandma hadn’t touched the revolver in years, though my grandfather had made sure she shot it at some canned tomatoes on a desert trip when they were younger. “I’m afraid the grandkids might find it,” she told me that day. “I’d feel safer without it.” A sentiment shared by Jeff’s friends, family and fellow church parishioners - many of whom have sought his assistance over the years to ensure the proper storage or disposal of firearms they found themselves in possession of upon the passing of a loved one.

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

What initially started as a favor for a friend has grown into a bonafide side business as word has spread about Jeff’s particular skill set and confidence in handling firearms. As the owner of the Orange-based One Way Painting, Jeff often encountered situations whereby he would come across a firearm when moving furniture around for a client prior to starting a painting project. “Many times, the firearm belonged to my client’s father, grandfather or late husband and she never touched it because she was afraid of guns, but didn’t know how to get rid of it safely. So many times these guns are loaded and just stuck in a nightstand or stored under the bed.”

Raised in a family that had firearms for hunting and sporting, Jeff was taught early on how to handle, be respectful and always be safe when handling firearms. I believe that we as Americans have a great privilege to be able to own a firearm, but with that comes an even greater responsi-

bility to not only protect ourselves legally by complying with Federal and State laws, but to protect ourselves, our neighbors and most importantly, our children from all possible dangers associated with firearms.”

San Clemente resident Rhonda Murphy couldn’t agree more. “There are many things to deal with when a loved one dies. In 2010, when cleaning out my husband’s closet, I came across several of his guns. I didn’t want to keep them and was unsure of what to do with them. My daughters didn’t want the guns and I didn’t want to deal with the hassle of storing them as my grandkids are often at my house.

A friend suggested I should call Jeff. He was very nice, easy to talk with, trustworthy and knowledgable. He came to my house, checked all the guns to make sure they were unloaded and removed them. Jeff also told me that one of the guns was a collector’s item and was able to sell it for me.

One less thing to have to worry about. I can’t recommend Jeff enough.”

As part of their auditing procedures, California Gun Services gives clients the option of a Voluntary Registration Form (in the case where the weapon was inherited). Many of Jeff’s clients are like my grandma who just prefers that the gun is destroyed. Jeff holds a Federal Firearm License and as such, is able to take possession of firearms without a Gun Transfer. He can also inspect firearms to ensure they are still in working order, and even tell you if the gun, or guns, you have are California Compliant.

“Most people are unaware that firearms that were purchased legally from a gun shop just a year ago may now be illegal in California,” says Jeff. “If we find a firearm that is out of compliance with the law, you’ll receive solid advice on how to make it compliant, sell it out of state, or potentially dispose of it. Our process is approved and certified by local law enforcement, it’s legal, safe and adheres to all state and federal firearms laws.

“Since firearms last more than a lifetime, families often have small and large collections of guns in their home.

Knowing what you have and what to do with those firearms is important. Whether it’s from a death in the family, inheritance, or just a need for clearing out some that you know you will never use, we can help. Following California gun laws is essential. We come to you. It’s a safe, easy and professional process.”

California Gun Services’ processes are approved and certified by local law enforcement and adheres to all state and federal firearms laws for the following services:

GUN AUDIT

Jeff will come to you and inspect your firearms to make sure they are in proper working order and that they are California Compliant. If your firearm is not compliant with the California Law, you will receive solid advice on how to make it compliant or possibly dispose or sell it out of state.

GUN DISPOSAL

If a firearm is found to be unsafe to use, cannot be repaired and has no historical value. California Gun Services will permanently destroy it by torching the receiver or frame into three parts or cutting it with a saw into five parts. Jeff will document this with photos and log it for the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and email you the proof of destruction.

GUN TRANSFERS

Private Party Transfers happen between two individuals and will need to take place at a Federal Firearm Licensed Dealer. Since this needs to be done at a Gun Shop, Jeff cannot offer this as an in-home service. If you have inherited or legally obtain a firearm, he can provide you with a Voluntary Registration form or you can download it from the California Department of Justice which is NOT required to do at a gun shop. California Gun Services has a Federal Firearm License and can legally come to you and take possession of a firearm without a Gun Transfer.

GUN PURCHASES OF UNWANTED FIREARMS OR COLLECTIONS

California Gun Services will come to you and appraise a single gun or an entire collection of any size. You will receive an explanation of how guns are legally sold and transferred. California Gun Services can then make you a fair market value offer and/or explain how a gun can be put up for sale on consignment.

AMMUNITION AUDIT To connect with Jeff directly, call (714) 639-9608 or for more information, visit CaliforniaGunServices.com.

California Gun Services will make sure you are using the right ammunition for the firearms that you have and that it is legal in the State of California. Jeff will inspect the ammunition to make sure that it has been stored correctly, is in good condition and will ensure that the ammunition is being stored properly, using the right type of container and stored in the right location in your home.

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Mindful Behavior Modification for Beginners

By Anthony Cupo, TMF

What is behavior modification in the context of mindfulness?

For many of us, behavior modification involves changing the way we act in order to live more authentic and enriching lives.

But this definition, while somewhat helpful, does not capture the full scope of mindful behavior modification.

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he process of changing our behaviors is a scientifically studied technique — one that involves positive or negative reinforcement to achieve the desired outcome. By introducing a reward and punishment system to our everyday behaviors, we can systematically increase the amount of good, mindful behaviors we engage in and reduce the amount of anti-mindfulness actions we take.

This is great news for adults and children alike trying to change their lifestyle habits. If you are a parent looking for a way to reduce the amount of TV your kids watch, or a spouse who wants to reinforce the amount of support your husband or wife gives you, behavior modification can help you do exactly that.

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION DEFINED Before we go over behavior modification techniques, it is important to understand exactly what behavior modification is and does. The process of changing behavior is a standard therapeutic treatment used by many mental health professionals to 18

reinforce good habits and break old ones.

Based on this, behavior modification uses operant conditioning to change existing behaviors by replacing them with others. With this definition, it becomes possible to start modifying our behavior in pursuit of a specific goal.

The following are three different types of behavior modification tactics you can use to improve your everyday wellbeing and become more mindful.

MODIFICATION METHOD NUMBER ONE: POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT Positive reinforcement is probably the most commonly understood form of behavior modification. This involves encouraging desired activities through a reward-based initiative.

What does this mean in a real-life context? For adults, this might involve drafting a predetermined contract between the person trying to modify their behavior and the one holding them accountable. So, if you are trying to become more mindful — such

as wanting to appreciate and spend more quality time with your spouse — you would agree with your spouse to write up a list of behaviors that qualify as quality time and engage in positive reinforcement every time you correctly display those behaviors.

Positive reinforcement could mean receiving compliments from your husband or wife every time you spend quality time together unprompted.

Or, it could take the shape of a weekly reward — a night out on the town or a movie date — if you successfully engage in mindful behavior with your spouse that week.

For children, the process becomes more rudimentary: if you want your child to be more mindful, you might give them a treat or celebrate their behavior every time they engage in the behavior you outlined for them.

This might be drawing more, spending more time outside, or even making new friends at school.

MODIFICATION METHOD NUMBER TWO: NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT When it comes to behavior modification, the opposite of positive reinforcement is negative reinforcement.

And while many adults think that negative reinforcement involves punishment, the process simply means removing an unwanted enforcer upon successfully engaging in the desired behavior.

For example, until you become more mindful, you might commit yourself to exercising heavily every day — an exhausting process that you do not particularly enjoy. Your incentive is to stop exercising so heavily, and so to remove this negative reinforcer you spend more time with your spouse.

This is negative reinforcement in a nutshell: taking away unwanted stimuli once your behavior consistently changes.

A negative reinforcer for children might be taking away additional afterschool teaching once they have successfully learned a subject or im-

SFCC_SouthCountyMag_3.5x9.875.pdf

proved their grades. The goal here is not to punish the person whose behavior you are trying to modify — with negative reinforcement, the objective is simply to remove an external factor once behaviors have changed.

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MODIFICATION METHOD NUMBER THREE: PUNISHMENT While positive reinforcement means introducing rewards and negative reinforcement deals with removing stimuli, punishment involves instating something specifically unpleasant as a result of the unwanted behavior. This is the kind of behavior modification most parents are intimately familiar with — factors such as verbal reprimands and early bedtimes are a key part of teaching children that inappropriate behavior is not tolerated.

For adults, punishment is more nuanced. You cannot exactly send your spouse to bed early for their bad behavior.

But, if both parties mutually agree upon the principle, you can work together with your spouse to develop a list of potential punishments that can be applied if one of you fails to change their behavior. The most important part of this method is that the punishment should not be done out of spite, anger, or resentment — doing so can undermine the behavior modification. After all, a spiteful child or spouse is not the best recipient of mindful instruction.

Another important thing to remember is that punishment should not be the first behavior modification method you rely on when trying to change your behavior or the behavior of others. Having new tools in your mindfulness toolbelt — such as positive and negative reinforcement — means you have other ways to modify behavior before automatically resorting to punishment.

BECOMING MORE MINDFUL THROUGH BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION It makes sense that mindfulness and behavior modification go hand in hand. After all, mindfulness starts with modifying your behavior to be more present, aware, and appreciative. Introducing reinforcements to encourage that mindset can be a radically transformative way to quickly become more mindful.

The next time you or a close family member is engaging in unwanted actions, consider the prospect of behavior modification — you may just find it helpful. Alternatively, if you want more ways to increase your mindfulness or the mindfulness of others, check out the following books: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg, Atomic Habits by James Clear, and The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod.

Anthony Cupo is a trained mindfulness facilitator (TMF) from the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. He is a co-owner of Stepping Forward Counseling Center, LLC and has been meditating for over 30 years.

Is your child struggling?

Stepping Forward Counseling Center, LLC (SFCC) offers a variety of individualized therapeutic programs for children and young adultsages 4-18.

If your child is suffering from the challenges of neuro-biological disorders, emotional issues, or mental illnesses, SFCC will bring peace of mind to your family. SFCC will develop a program that works for your child and family’s needs! Our customized evidence-based programs draw from principles of CBT, ABA, and DBT, and are set in natural environments. Skills are targeted in a variety of settings, making it more likely clients will generalize outside of SFCC.

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South County Coverage Insurance for All with Jonathan Bayani

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GEICO Laguna Niguel

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here are very few things that throw people off balance more easily than an accident. Be it at home, in the car, or on the water, an accident can ruin a day, a week, or even a year for the uninsured. For the last 85 years, your safety and that of your family has been GEICO’s ultimate priority, and for Agency Owner Jonathan Bayani and his team of licensed agents at the GEICO local office in Laguna Niguel, carrying that mission on is about much more than offering competitive rates.

Bayani and his team strive to serve South OC residents with elite and tailored customer service curated over the last twenty years in the auto and insurance industries. Customers can purchase car insurance, as well as coverage for renters, condos, RV’s, boats, 22

and commercial vehicles. Identity protection, jewelry, and homeowners are also among the list of offerings GEICO boasts: a far cry from the original single policy auto coverage GEICO founders Leo and Lillian Goodwin offered clients in 1936 when they first opened their doors.

“As the father of three children, looking after the wellbeing of my family is top priority,’ says Bayani. “Insurance is integral to every industry and after serving the San Diego Padres and seeing how closely knit the players and their families are to their individual coverage, I wanted to bring what I learned to everyday folks in my own community.”

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savings to each client that walks through their doors. “We have special association and alumni discounts for graduates of UCLA, SDSU, UCI, CUSF, CSULB, USC and other local schools.” Active duty military serving at Camp Pendleton may also qualify for GEICO’s military discount.

Accidents or incidents can derail even the best laid plans, but they don’t have to. GEICO has been proving that for 85 years, and Jonathan and his team are here to back you up for those to come.

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Melanoma: The Silent but Deadly Skin Cancer --- Prioritize Your Skin Exam with Your Dermatologist ---

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ou eat well, get lots of exercise and try to obtain at least eight hours of sleep a night — you’re doing everything right to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But when was the last time you had a skin exam?

The skin is the largest organ in the body and plays an extremely important role in our overall health and well-being. It serves as a barrier that protects the body from external stimuli, trauma and dangerous substances, it helps regulate the body’s temperature and is integral in balancing the body’s water. The skin is a warrior fighting on the outside to protect our insides — and it can also provide helpful clues about other issues the body may be experiencing, like stress or inflammation. For all these reasons, it is very important to take care of your skin — and not just the skin on your face! Regularly looking at the health of your skin and 24

proactively monitoring for changes or abnormalities is a smart way to help ensure you’re identifying anything suspicious that may indicate a larger health concern.

One of the most serious skin conditions that is often overlooked is melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the skin surface from the scalp to the soles of the feet. It occurs in areas that are easily seen on self-examination but can also occur in areas that are impossible to see without the help of a partner.

Melanoma, when identified early, has a 99 percent survival rate.[1] This number drops to 27[KG1] percent if it spreads to other parts of the body.1 It is considered the deadliest form of

skin cancer, and unfortunately, numbers are increasing worldwide.[2] While the exact cause of melanoma is still unknown, several risk factors have been identified — notably, exposure to UV rays, either via sunlight or tanning beds. Other risk factors may include family history, genetics and skin type.2Although people with any skin color can develop melanoma, individuals with lighter skin tones, red hair or those who’ve had several severe sunburns in their lifetime may be at increased risk. Additionally, people who have a large number of moles on their body and/ or those who have a family history of skin cancer may also be more likely to develop melanoma.[3] Most of us wear sunscreen on our face, neck and arms when we know we’ll be in the sun for extended periods of time. But I’ve found melano-

ma in areas that have never seen the sun (think: below the belt), and these are often places overlooked by most people. While some of these “hiding places” are common for melanoma, these are often areas of the body that can be very difficult to catch during a self-exam. When I was in medical school, my institution embarked on an educational campaign to inform beauty school students about skin cancer and what to look for. Often, melanomas or other skin cancers hide on your scalp or behind your ears — areas most people don’t think to apply sunscreen to or to check for abnormal spots or moles.

If you’ve identified an area of the skin that looks suspicious, your doctor may recommend a surgical biopsy. This is the standard method for detecting melanoma and involves the removal of part of the lesion for testing. Unfortunately, biopsies require local anesthesia, which means an injection. Many people find these injections uncomfortable, and the biopsy itself may sometimes lead to a wound and, potentially, a permanent scar. In a study from 2018, over 90% percent of biopsies to diagnose melanoma actually tested negative for melanoma![4] While it’s smart to be thorough, that’s a lot of cutting.

Fortunately, there’s an innovative, non-invasive tool for detecting melanoma that is currently available by a California-based company — DermTech. The DermTech test uses a clear sticker to collect skin tissue samples.

This “Smart Sticker™” painlessly and non-invasively removes the most superficial layers of skin to obtain genomic material. This genomic material is tested by DermTech to look for

biomarkers correlated with melanoma, which help your doctor diagnose your lesion. The Smart Sticker is able to pull cells from the whole lesion by painlessly lifting away the outermost layer of cells from the surface. For context, a biopsy, which takes a small portion of the lesion, typically evaluates approximately 1-2 percent of a lesion.[5]

Melanoma can have devastating consequences if not caught early. This Melanoma Awareness Month, make it a priority to see a doctor, encourage your friends and family to stay current on their skin exams, protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen and other protective gear when outdoors, and avoid direct sunlight during midday hours.

The DermTech test helps to determine which skin lesions have the biomarkers correlated with a pathologic diagnosis of melanoma. If the test is negative, a biopsy isn’t required, but you and your doctor should continue to monitor for any changes. If the test is positive, your doctor will perform a biopsy to establish the diagnosis.

This article was composed in partnership with DermTech.

The DermTech test is a new, effective option for detecting genomic markers to help clinicians assess melanoma with genomic precision — but maintaining healthy skin starts with you. You can’t test an abnormal lesion on your body if you don’t know it’s there! I typically recommend an annual skin exam for most people. If an individual has undergone previous biopsies, has a family history of melanoma, or has other risk factors associated with skin cancer, a doctor may recommend more frequent visits.

Fleming Dermatology & Aesthetic Center 23141 Moulton Parkway, Suite 110 Laguna Hills (949) 916-5956 www.flemingderm.com [1] Skin Cancer Foundation. “Skin Cancer Facts and Statistics.” 2021, https://www.skincancer.org/skincancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/.

[2] American Skin Association. “Melanoma.” 2020, https://www.americanskin.org/resource/melanoma.php.

[3] Mayo Clinic. Melanoma: https://www.mayoclinic. org/diseases-conditions/melanoma/symptomscauses/syc-20374884.

[4] Lott JP et al. Population-Based Analysis of Histologically Confirmed Melanocytic Proliferations Using Natural Language Processing. JAMA Dermatol. 2018 Jan 1;154(1):24-29.

[5] Dermatology Online Journal. https://s7xkb1ayo481q3m2c10fqdqr-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wpcontent/uploads/DOJ201912moFerris.pdf.

[KG1] Change “25” to “27” per reference listed: Bullet 8 listed under “Melanoma” section.

25

would benefit from the more traditional listing method, in order to maximize their home’s value.

In keeping with their original mission of helping seniors transition into their next home with ease, SHPP has launched their new listing service, Simply Sell.

Senior-Focused Niche Real Estate Firm Provides Options for Home Sellers How does life look in the seventh, eighth or ninth decade? As one enters this period of life, adorned with wrinkles, heirlooms and too much yard work, there are countless concerns to consider.

Selling your home, or relying on your adult children to do so, shouldn’t be one of them.

R

ob Perkins and sister Corinne Ross, founders of San Diegobased Senior Home Purchase Program (SHPP), know this all too well. After a decade of residential real estate investing, personal experience led them to the realization that the traditional home selling process was extremely overwhelming and difficult for the 55+ demographic, and they saw an opportunity to help remedy this situation.

“We watched our grandparents reach the point of no longer being able to live alone,” said Rob. “We saw the effort it took from our entire family to support them through the transition of selling long-time homes and lining up new residences, calling on family to become experts in real estate, organizing, cleaning and caretaking.”

“We founded SHPP in 2015 with the mission of offering seniors a simple way to transition into senior living,” said Perkins. SHPP is a direct pur26

chase program, in which SHPP buys the home directly from senior homeowners, at a nominal discount, and with no fees to the seller. The program allows the seller to quickly and easily transition into their next home, without any prep work, repairs, or costs.

As SHPP has become popular in the San Diego senior living market, the service has successfully provided a quick and streamlined home selling solution for many seniors and their families with homes which have seen better days, and perhaps need a little TLC. As word has spread about SHPP’s unique offering, the company has expanded operations into Orange County, and is continuing to evolve with market conditions. Perkins and Ross have recognized that in addition to their direct purchase service, there is also a need for an “easy list and sell” option for those clients who

“Simply Sell focuses on a streamlined listing process designed to eliminate many of the inconveniences involved in the more traditional home sale,” explains Perkins. “We provide the seller with our expert valuation and pricing strategy with the goal of selling quickly and for maximum value.

In addition, we manage all aspects of the home sale, including preparations with no upfront cost, and we will pay for $2500 of packing and moving expenses, as well as coordinating the logistics of the move,” he adds.

An initial home visit is scheduled with either service, to gather necessary data about the home. The team then copiously does their homework on the property and the market. Another meeting is scheduled where SHPP presents their absolute best offer on the home, as well as the listing option, and openly discusses which would be the best choice for the client’s situation.

Perkins and Ross emphasize that they will continue to deliver on their promise to serve seniors with integrity and transparency, regardless of which service is chosen by the client. “We are in the business of helping people pilot an emotional and financially important decision, and we do not take this lightly,” said Ross. “We encourage our customers to discuss our no-pressure options with family and trusted advisors before they make a decision.”

For more information about the Senior Home Purchase Program and Simply Sell, call (714) 923-7477 or visit westviewshpp.com.

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This is essential in evaluating the condition and texture of your hair and helps us to come to a place that is realistic - at the beginning and where we want to go for the future.”

Education is an important element to Victoria’s career. After graduating from cosmetology school, Victoria continued at the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Los Angeles. While apprenticing at the Carlton Hair Salon at Crystal Court for one year, she honed her skills with creative color and hair cutting. From there, she went on to be an educator for Paul Mitchell. She currently takes classes at the Unite Academy in Carlsbad.

“I want to stay current with color trends, foil placement, CONTACT new haircutting techniques VICTORIA VANNINI and strategies,” says Victoria, who sees her education as a hair stylist as ongoing. “The inHoward Jones Salon dustry is currently on the cusp 32545 GoldenRoad Lantern 31271 Niguel of using ammonia-free color. I Dana Point, CA Laguna Niguel  want to give my clients the market that will keep keep their newest and best products that are on the market BEAUTIFUL condition.

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With over 12 years of experience with innovative color, corrective color and highlights, lowlights and glazing, Victoria is an award-winning colorist who prides herself in in helping helping her herclients clients"recharge" "recharge"their theirhair hairwith with vibrant, pure pure color color and and luscious luscious shine shine -- all all the the beautiful beautiful hues hues with with none none vibrant, of the of the harmful harmful ingredients.“I've ingredients.“I've seen seen to to many many clients clients come come in in with with over processed processed hair, hair, in in need need of of an an 'In 'In Salon' Salon' protein protein treatment treatment to to rereover store their their damaged damaged hair." hair." store “Every hairstyle hairstyle has has to to be be approached approacheddifferently differentlyand andrequires requiresthought. thought.

“Every Just because because a a style style works works for Just for Jennifer Jennifer Aniston Aniston doesn’t doesn’t mean mean it it will will work for for every every client’s client’s hair hair texture work texture and and facial facial structure. structure. Everyone Everyone is is unique and it’s important to take the time to feel the hair to see how unique and it’s important to take the time to feel the hair to see how it moves, determine the best, most complementary hues and utilize it moves, determine the best, most complementary hues and utilize top-of-the-line products that will enhance and strengthen the hair withtop-of-the-line products that will enhance and strengthen the hair without any of the damaging ingredients." out any of the damaging ingredients."

SIMPLE TIPS TO HELP YOUR HAIR GROW SUMMER SPECIAL!!!

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3. Distribute the Natural Oils in your Hair... Don’t overwash, once to three times a week depending on condition and age of hair. Use a Boar bristle brush to distribute your scalp’s natural oils evenly to keep hair naturally moistened.

4. Finish your Shampoo and Conditioner with a cool rinse to seal the cuticle and strengthen your hair.

5. Avoid frequent Heat (styling tools) but when you do, use a heat protectant.

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Victoria is fabulous!! I moved to Orange County 1O years ago forcing me to find a new hair stylist, and had several horrible experiences. I decided my mission was to look at the hair style of each person I encountered. I found that perfect hairstyle and I asked her who did her hair and she gave me Victoria's name and salon. Now, I have people ask ME all the time who does my hair, and have even had people ask to take my picture so they could show their out of town stylist! She truly cares about her clients and puts all her efforts and skill to work to create the perfect style.

I always look forward to seeing Vic and leaving the salon with a huge smile on my face and feeling great!

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early afternoon - then it was a matter of letting the kids decide which to wait in line for their second ride. Perfect for their parents, who parked themselves at a shaded table to await their return.

Familiar favorites include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers - The Ride 3D and my personal favorite - the world-famous Studio Tour (a 45-minute guided tram tour, navigating through 13 city blocks on four acres of behind-thescenes of a real working movie studio where more movies and television shows have been filmed than anywhere else

Fun

Family-Friendly at

s o i d u t S l a s r e v Uni Hollywood

BY JODY ROBINSON

My husband and I lost count how many times our kids (ages 13 and 14) have asked when we thought Universal Studios Hollywood might reopen over the course of the last year and a half. We visited with out-of-town friends pre-pandemic while Jurassic World - The Ride was still under construction. A huge fan of all things prehistoric, our son in particular has seen all of the Jurassic movies so to say that he was excited to hear we’d planned a family outing when the park reopened would be a serious understatement.

In May, Universal Studios Hollywood (USH) welcomed guests back to the theme park to experience its dynamic thrill rides and attractions, including the all-new “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!” and “Jurassic World—The Ride,” which features the spectacularly realistic new dinosaur, Indominus Rex. We opted for the Universal Express Pass which allows guests to bypass the regular 34

lines for express one-time entry to each ride, attraction and show. This upgrade was so worth the extra - over the course of the day, literally cut our wait time down by hours (if a ride reflected a 40-minute wait, the express pass would take visitors to the head of the line in 5 - 10 minutes).

We arrived at the park shortly after it opened for the day and were able to experience every ride and attraction by

in the world). Moms will love that the Studio Tour combines education with attraction and the kids will love that the tour intersperses several exciting 3-D experiences: Come face to face with King Kong 360, Fast and Furious Supercharged and Earthquake - The Big One. For info or tickets, visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com

AUGUST IS THE BEST TIME TO SPEND ON THE BEACH! After an idyllic day in the surf and sand, enjoy a gourmet meal and a glass of fine wine or your favorite cocktail at Dana Point’s Favorite Italian Restaurant HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS EVERYDAY FROM 3:30-6:00P.M.

“Animal Crackers” - from Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train on the Santa Ana Zoo Ride

The Santa Ana Zoo is home to more than 260 animals, including 60 of the most interesting and engaging monkeys and several endangered species.

The Zoo is beautifully landscaped and showcases a wide array of succulents, flowers and other conservation-friendly varietals. Inside the Zoo there is a wonderful playground with nearby seating for parents and guardians and the famous Zoofari Express Train, the Conservation Carrousel and the new Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel.

See the “Animal Crackers” from Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train on the Santa Ana Zoo’s Train Ride Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays!

Heimlich is the cute green caterpillar from the movie “A Bug’s Life” and Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train was an attraction in A Bug’s Land at Disney California Adventure that ran from 2002-2018. Guests rode the train in the shape of Heimlich as he narrated the ride. His tendency to overeat was the theme of the ride as it appeared to eat through oversized portions of

food including the animal crackers, candy corn, carrots and watermelon.

At the end of the train ride, Heimlich reminded the guests to eat their fruit and vegetables. Now these giant-sized animal crackers are placed along the Santa Ana Zoo’s Zoofari Express Train ride for all to see after they pass by the turtle pond in the Farm area of the Zoo.

1801 E. Chestnut Avenue Santa Ana (714) 953-8555 Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm www.santaanazoo.org

Delivery, Dine In, Takeout

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Today, the iconic show has become a phenomenon and the crowning jewel of Laguna Beach.

Pageant of the Masters Returns with

“Made in America: Trailblazing Artists and Their Stories” Returning to the beach-side community after postponing the 2020 production due to the coronavirus pandemic, audiences will once again be able to experience the art of living pictures at the Pageant of the Masters!

The 2021 Pageant of the Masters, Made in America: Trailblazing Art-

ists and Their Stories, was planned for 2020, when the pandemic forced world-wide shutdowns of live performances and events. Prior to last year, the Pageant had only gone dark from 1942 to 1945, during World War II. Its history traces back to Laguna Beach’s early days as an art colony, starting in 1933 as a way to draw in tourists.

Through the magic of living pictures, Pageant patrons will meet the artists who not only made this country their home, but let their creativity be inspired by the liberations upon which this nation was founded. Certain to be unlike any other Pageant production, the 2021 summer show will offer a collection of tributes to artists who made their mark in American Art. Tickets to this summer’s production Made in America: Trailblazing Artists and Their Stories start at $30 per person at www.PageantTickets. com or by calling 800-487-3378.

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ocean-to-table freshness and flavor.

My personal favorite? The melt-inyour-mouth pan-seared Diver Scallops with bold Moraccan salsa. I also discovered a truly inventive starter in the creamy Avocado hummus, for which the accompanying fried pita chips were merely a delivery device - I would happily eat this by the spoonful.

Hendrix Introduces New Summer Dishes with Vibrant Flavors & Colors Evocative of the Season

By Jody Robinson

F

ifteen months is a long time.

Enough to grow a backyard garden, and master a sourdough recipe. Enough time for an entire pregnancy and six months of infancy on top of it. Enough time to master a couple recipes, and then get really sick of making the same couple things over and over again. Enough to get really excited for restaurants to open up again, and get a table at your favorite dining destination that is finally back to business.

South Orange County is brimming with energy. Weeks past the summer

solstice, the days are long, warm, and bright: perfect for grabbing an early morning coffee down by the beach, a quick fish taco for lunch, or an evening out to indulge in exceptional culinary creations and craft cocktails with friends you haven’t seen in months.

That was the theme of a recent evening out when my husband and I joined another couple for dinner at Hendrix - a popular neighborhood restaurant in Laguna Niguel’s Ocean Ranch that offers a menu of New American cuisine, assimilating the flavors from the melting pot of traditional American cooking techniques.

Already fans of Executive Chef Ranier Schwarz’ offerings, our foodie friends were anxious to sample his newest seasonal dishes showcasing summer’s most vibrant ingredients much of which is sourced from local and regional farms.

We did our best to work out way through the menu and each dish more than delivered on its promise of

38

The BBQ Octopus tacos enhanced with pineapple salsa, pickled fresno chiles and lemon creme fraiche and the Duck Confit Salad with beautiful green and yellow wax beans were a table fave.

Among the menu’s more protein-forward options include the Braised Kurobuta Pork Short Ribs and the Prime Rib Dinner for Two. Perfect for those who can’t decide, the Roti Platter arrives with mouth-watering rotisserie chicken, leg of lamb and prime rib served with Weiser Farms “drip” potatoes and au jus.

Not that we had any business ordering dessert after such copious consumption, but the Sticky Toffee Cake with vanilla whip cream and the Valrhona chocolate mousse tart with salted caramel sauce and fresh raspberries were both worth writing home about.

HENDRIX 32431 Golden Lantern Located at the corner of Del Avion and Golden Lantern in the Ocean Ranch Village Laguna Niguel (949) 248-1912 HendrixOC.com

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terials contained in this Playbook are owned by Subway IP LLC. and are confidential. This information may not be copied, distributed, modified, reproduced, republished, reused, uploaded, transmitted, or otherwise used LLC.

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26701 Verdugo St. San Juan Capistrano (949) 661-3400 | www.PaddysStation.com 39

The Massage Associates Celebrating 20 Years in South OC!

By Jody Robinson

There is a beautiful book on writing penned by Haruki Murakami called “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running.” From the title, you’d think it was a book on running.

A

nd it is. But it is also a deep meditation on the act of getting a pure thought on paper, and the intersectional discipline it takes to be good at both: running, and writing. The truly standout feature of the book is its seamlessness.

Learning and absorbing without noticing it happen. Michelle Bryant, owner of The Massage Associates in San Juan Capistrano, knows a thing or

two about getting results without her clients seeing the process.

Born and raised in Southern California, Michelle got her degree in Biology from UC San Diego, and moved to Orange County when she got married. In February of this year, she celebrated a special event, and if you guessed her wedding anniversary, well, almost. The Massage Associates have been in business since February of 2001, and while the impact of COVID-19 has put a bit of a damper on celebrations, Michelle and team are more dedicated than ever to providing best in class service, inviting new clients into the community, and helping people feel pain free.

At the outset, “there was me, and one other massage therapist,” says Michelle. “Then we added another, and another as our clientele expanded. We now have 6 massage therapists and specialize in deep tissue, therapeutic massage.” But like Murakami talking about writing when he is talking about running, what she means is that they offer massage as a vehicle to developing relationships with their clients that extend well beyond a typical therapist visit. They specialize in community pain management.

“It’s the only way to help you feel better if your needs are known we can tailor our massage to fit.”

I would venture to say that the majority of businesses offering massage

40

also offer a litany of spa treatments: sauna, facials, skincare treatments, etc. But the beauty of Michelle’s service is that they only offer massage.

“We want to specialize in one form of treatment, and do it the best we can.” Need a deep tissue focus on your shoulders but some reflexology on your feet? No problem. Hot stone to relax, with a light stretch and some CBD cream for that recurrent sports injury? “We can do that. And we all work together to make sure that even if one time you can’t see your regular therapist, our other therapists can see the detailed notes on what you like or don’t like so that we can take great care of you.”

The relationships they have built help determine the offerings, the order, and the onus to come back.

It isn’t some cookie cutter massage.

It’s dedicated, deep, and disciplined time spent on your health, and it is available to you even now, during a global pandemic, due to the focus and flexibility of the team in place.

“In 2019 we received designation as a health care service provider business so we were allowed to stay open during these wild days of the COVID crisis," says Michelle. "People are in pain, people are stressed. And we’ve taken all the CDC precautions and made all the modifications to our office so that our clients feel safe, comfortable, and most importantly, so that nothing interrupts our goal of getting you to total health.”

The experience is total: rich, and revelatory. Much like Murakami’s ode to the road he runs, and that which he writes, this 20th year for Michelle and her team bring constant challenges to be met, and yet also reminds us what we have been celebrating all along: the seamless triumph and trial.

An end to pain and the work that gets us there.

The Massage Associates 31952 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano (949) 489-7924 TheMassageAssociates.com

Covered By Medicare & Most PPO Insurance

New Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment Reduce Pain, without Harmful Drugs or Dangerous Surgery Our Treatments Help to: REDUCE PAIN SO YOU CAN RESUME YOUR NORMAL ACTIVITIES!

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BEEN SHOWN TO LOWER INFLAMMATION TO ALLOW THE BODY TO FINALLY HEAL. PATIENTS HAVE AVOIDED SURGERY

www.infinitymedicalpn.com

25301 Cabot Road, Ste 103Laguna Hills, CA 92653

JNH Lifestyles Infrared Sauna: Pain Relief is Just a Sauna Away

By Jody Robinson

My daughter loves the movie Frozen. The Disney hit is based around locations in Norway, but there’s one stand out part in my mind every time I watch the movie, and it really belongs to Arendelle’s non-fictional neighbor to the east: the sauna.

J

NH Lifestyles shares my affinity for the Finnish invention, dated back originally to 1112 AD. Introducing the heat-based healing tool to the world was simply the first step, however. As the technology evolved, so did its health benefits.

“What began as a simple tradition became one of the most invaluable homeopathic tools used to relax, detoxify, and regenerate humankind worldwide,” says COO, Brian Montes.

Essentially an enclosed space filled with steam (wet) or air heated by stones (dry) for an extended period of time, a traditional sauna utilize heat to release toxins through sweat, pressing the circulatory system to release toxins, thereby reducing stress, pain, and even aid in weight loss.

JNH Lifestyles’ offerings on the other hand elevate your level of healing and pain relief using an even more updated technology: the infrared (IR) sauna.

IR employs far infrared light to emit a frequency of light waves that match

the frequency of the water in one’s cells. The water molecules vibrate, causing friction on a microscopic scale. This is what generates heat and causes perspiration. When this occurs, toxins are released into the bloodstream and are excreted from the body. The long and short of this?

Safer than a traditional sauna where the cabin temperature can rise upwards to 190 degrees, IR saunas utilize “radiant heating” warming the sauna user rather than the cabin air.

IR saunas offer a myriad of health benefits including increased circulation and lowered blood pressure, joint and muscle pain relief (particularly for

42

arthitis sufferers), improved sleep and stress reduction, collagen growth for smoother skin ... and with up to 600 calories burned per session, can aid in weight loss.

Today, millions of Americans experience the benefits of having a home infrared sauna.

Modern IR saunas can be installed in any average home at an incredibly reasonable price.

Designed by a team of dedicated engineers and experts with over 30 years industry experience, the one, two, three and four-person capacity ultra-low EMF or Full-Spectrum Infrared saunas come equipped with 6 to 16 infrared heater panels depending upon the size of the unit.

Each operates simultaneously to deliver infrared benefits 80% more

efficiently than other brands. Tested and approved by two independent third party facilities, the carbon fiber heaters maximize output and ensure a safe sweat in the comfort of your own home. The units are easy to install for DIYers or can be delivered and installed for convenience (Southern California only). JNH offers flat rate shipping and financing, should the need arise. Using only the highest quality untreated, unstained FSC Certified Canadian Hemlock, “our tongue and groove construction makes it a literal snap to set up.”

Eliminating the traditional need for framing tools, mitre joints or other woodworking tricks to keep the wood in place, tongue and groove also allows the wood to flex with the infrared heat, and give when it shrinks back into shape. Dual-wall construction means the sauna will trap more heat and also keep its overall shape, ensuring owners can tuck it into a smaller space and not worry about additional insulation or heat expansion. A see-through safety glass door allows for visibility within and without the sauna, and a digital control panel lets you decide on the temperature and duration of your IR experience.

“Unfortunately, we can’t literally touch infrared the way you’d pet your dog,” which is indeed unfortunate, as it feels like the IR waves are giving you the loveliest hug imaginable, “but we can feel the heat it generates within our bodies.”

Like your levels of excitement once you get the sauna put together, your cardiac activity will soon increase with the heat, and you can start enjoying the long-term rewards of lower blood pressure and increased relaxation.

The Finns got it right. JNH is bringing it home. And you can relax for less, with quicker set up and greater benefits in less time than it takes to get a child to sing through the entire Disney song library; again.

Art Gallery &Framing • Creative Consultation • Custom Picture Framing • Custom Framed Mirrors • Over 3000 Frames Available • Art and Frame Restoration • All Work Done on Premises

27601 Forbes Rd., Suite 32 Laguna Niguel, 92677

949.831.3909 Monday-Friday 10-6 Saturday 10-5 Sunday closed

www.artzframing.com

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• Cushions In & Out • Draperies & Blinds • All Bedding • All Restyling • Boat & Home Carpeting

20% OFF FABRICS One coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Coupon must be presented at the time order is placed. Offer expires 9/30/21.

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34118 Pacific Coast Highway, Unit 2 | Dana Point, CA 92629

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Insurance 101 Services Medicare options are complicated.

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Medicare Part A & B Sign Up Periods and Pitfalls to Avoid:

W

hen you’re first eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A and/ or Part B. For example, you can sign up during the 7-month period that begins 3 months before the month that you turn 65, the month that you turn 65 and the 3 months after you turn 65. Important to note! If you wait until the month you turn 65 (or anytime during the 3 months after you turn 65) to enroll, your Part B coverage effective date will be delayed. This could cause a gap in your coverage.

Enrollment in Medicare Part A is no longer automatic unless you’re taking Social Security early. If you have group health insurance through you or your spouse’s employer, then you are allowed to use that coverage versus going onto Medicare without any late enrollment penalty from the government as long as it’s group coverage through an employer with 20 plus employees.

At Serra Sol, we’re compassionate memory care experts who bring a touch of warmth into everything we do. From caring staff who know your loved one’s favorite activities to comfortable routines that spark positive memories, we’re here to make sure your loved one truly thrives in our care.

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With the afore mentioned exception, in most cases if you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B when you’re first eligible, you’ll have to pay a late enrollment penalty. You’ll have to pay this penalty for as long as you have Part B going forward in your life.

IMPORTANT FACT! If you’re eligible for Medicare, you don’t qualify for COBRA coverage without having to pay the Medicare Part B premium. You have 8 months to sign up for Part B without a penalty, whether or not you choose COBRA. If you miss this period, you’ll have to wait until Jan. 1 - March 31 to sign up, and your coverage will start July 1. This may cause a gap in your coverage, and you may have to pay a lifetime Part B late enrollment penalty.

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47

Part A & B Sign Up Periods and Pitf Pitfalls alls to Avoid

By Stephanie Frisch

When you’re first eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A and/or Part B.

F

or example, you can sign up during the 7-month period that begins 3 months before the month that you turn 65, the month that you turn 65 and the 3 months after you turn 65. (If your birthday is the 1st of the month, your effective date for Medicare begins one month prior to your birthday month).

Important to note! If you wait until the month you turn 65 (or anytime during the 3 months after you turn 65) to enroll, your Part B coverage effective date will be delayed. This could cause a gap in your coverage.

Enrollment in Medicare Part A is no longer automatic because while eligibility for Medicare begins at age 65, the Social Security “fully vested” retirement age is no longer 65. Social Security and Medicare “share notes on you” for a simple explanation of why Social Security is in on the discussion of Medicare. If you’re taking Social Security early you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B and they will mail you your Medicare card a few months prior to your 48

Medicare effective date. (Always the first of the month) If you have group health insurance through you or your spouse’s employer, then you are allowed to use that coverage versus going onto Medicare without any late enrollment penalty from the government as long as it’s group coverage through an employer with 20 plus employees.

When you decide you want to leave that coverage (retirement or just realizing Medicare is a better option for you versus your group health plan) then you apply for Medicare using what is referred to as a “Special Election Period”. It’s more complicated to apply for Medicare this way then just going onto Medicare when you first turn 65. I don’t recommend trying to do this without the help of a

Medicare professional (like me for example).

With the afore mentioned exception, in most cases if you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B when you’re first eligible, you’ll have to pay a late enrollment penalty. You’ll have to pay this penalty for as long as you have Part B going forward in your life.

IMPORTANT FACT! If you’re eligible for Medicare, you don’t qualify for COBRA coverage without having to pay the Medicare Part B premium.

You have 8 months to sign up for Part B without a penalty, whether or not you choose COBRA. If you miss this period, you’ll have to wait until Jan. 1 - March 31 to sign up, and your coverage will start July 1. This may cause a gap in your coverage, and you may have to pay a lifetime Part B late enrollment penalty.

Stephanie Frisch is the owner of Insurance 101 and is an independent insurance broker dedicated to helping others make “educated decisions” about their insurance choices when it comes to Medicare. For answers to your questions, or no-fee consultation, call (949) 351-2443.

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By Jody Robinson

When I was younger, my Mom loved to read me the book “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie.” The plot essentially revolves around an ever-growing list of to-do’s that had to be accomplished, all set into motion by the simple act of giving a mouse a cookie. This tale came back to me recently when I purchased a new television at Best Buy.

W

hat was a simple shopping trip ended up being an adult’s version of that circular tale. If you give a grownup a television, they’ll have to measure their wall. When they measure the wall, they’ll realize they may actually 50

have room for a bigger television.

When they buy the bigger television, they’ll find out they have no idea how to mount it to the wall. When they start mounting it to the wall, they’ll see that the power outlets are all in the wrong places. When they realize

the outlets need to be moved, they’ll call an electrician. (This could go on forever.)

Luckily for clients who have been on the receiving end of ReelTime’s patient, intelligent, and personalized

service, the rabbit hole of home automation doesn’t have to swallow you entirely. With the help of their independent certified Control4 dealer, it’s easy to update your home without upending your entire life. After all, the true luxury of an integrated entertainment system is really dependent on its ability to deliver seamless entertainment. By placing every control at your fingertips, the team at ReelTime helps homeowners manage everything from how brightly lit your family room is, to your streaming devices - all with a single remote.

And best yet? You can control your whole home from the comfort of your couch- even seeing who is at the front door, without ever leaving your seat. Simple, clean, and uncluttered.

And on the home entertainment front … when you started planning for your ultimate home theater set-up and sound system, could you find the right media cabinetry for your particular space – cabinetry that wouldn’t catch on fire from the heat of the equipment, or that would simply look good in the room? Did you understand half of what the televisions, receivers and other devices could

do, and did you have anyone to hold your hand to make sure you weren’t overspending for what you wanted?

and send you off to figure it out at home. That’s what they do. And that’s all they do.

Big box retailers, the professed champions of value, are happy to sell you any home theater and sound equipment you think you might like,

If you want the home theater system that you envision, seek the services of Skip Myers and his team of experienced professionals at ReelTime to take you from start to finish for the home theater or sound system of your dreams.

“Usually there is a part of the job that you find you just can’t do by yourself,” says Skip, who has overseen the design and installation of thousands of home theater and sound systems over the course of 40-plus years in the business. “You get your brand new television home, you’re so excited, then you realize you need to move an outlet or none of the cabinets you can find will fit your space.

We’re here to make sure you get the equipment that will give you what you want and the system that will work with that equipment, without leaving you to fend for yourself.”

51

“You can buy everything you want to, but if you can’t operate it, what’s the point?” he says. “There’s the television, DVD and Blue-ray; there’s the receiver, there’s Apple TV… it’s all great, but how do you get them to work together? We’re big advocates of the universal remote. Not everyone knows how to get the most out of their systems with one powerful remote – they’re not expensive, but the best ones are computer-based. We’ll set that up for you so you’re getting the most out of your custom system.”

We’re here to make sure you get the equipment that will give you what you want and the system that will work with that equipment, without leaving you to fend for yourself.

It’s easy to assume that personal service is expensive, but a conversation with Skip and the experts at ReelTime is free. Ultimately, in planning your purchases for the right outcome, you’re likely to save money while avoiding chilling setbacks. The only chilling you want to be doing is in front of your fantasy home theater system.

Skip opened the doors at ReelTime in 1983. Today, the technicians and designers that Skip assigns to clients are all ReelTime employees, knowledgeable in all home theater and sound technologies. First, they work closely with you to determine what you’re looking for. Then they custom design every aspect of the project, from wiring to custom-built cabinets, frames, or built-in wall designs. Finally, licensed, in-house contractors install your entertainment system with care and precision.

There are a couple of things that people may not think about when they embark upon the road to their own home entertainment system.

“You need to think about your home theater goals,” says Skip. “You don’t have to do everything at once – you can do it bit by bit – but if you know where you’re going, you’ll save money and when it’s all said and done, you’ll have exactly what you want and what you will actually use. We’re here to help you determine your goals.”

Skip is also an advocate for getting what you’ll use, which is part of the design and planning process.

52

Connect with Skip Myers and ReelTime by calling (949) 240-0555, stop by their beautiful new showroom at 26381 Via De Anza in San Juan Capistrano or visit www.reeltimeav.com

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oxy coatings can also be removed during this same process. “Despite the fact that Coatings Industry requires concrete to at least be diamond ground before installing a new coating system, many of my competitors will install their coatings right over raw or pressure washed concrete just to save a few bucks - I will never do that” says Paul.

It’s Not Epoxy, It’s SpartaFlex!

F

or nearly 40 years, southern California homeowners have used Epoxy for garage and industrial floor coating projects despite its tendency to yellow, it’s soft and easy to scratch surface and it’s tendency to be permanently damaged by the hot, high performance tires found on most cars in the OC area.

Today OC homeowners don’t have to settle for Epoxy and all of its flaws anymore. SpartaFlex is an advanced, next generation 100% solids polyaspartic floor coating that gives your garage a beautiful finish that is 3x harder than epoxy, resists yellowing while also resisting permanent damage from hot tires. Perhaps best of all, SpartaFlex comes with a much better warranty than Epoxy.

Perkins Custom Coatings has been installing SpartaFlex on OC garage floors for nearly 14 years and has completed over 9,000 floors during that period of time. Its CEO and owner, Paul Frankel is considered by many to be the most knowledgeable contractor in the local market. “Unlike many of our competitors, we strive to do an onsite assessment including a moisture test for every floor coating project we install and instead of using the ‘one size fits all’ approach, we develop a coating solution that we believe will last for decades not just for a few years.”

Perkins uses only the most advanced surface preparation methods available and will either diamond grind or shot blast every floor that he installs. Old, failing, yellowed ep-

Perkins also is known for its professional and unique approach to repairing concrete cracks. “Anyone can slap some crack repair paste to cosmetically fix a crack” says Paul. A year later, when the concrete moves again and damages their brand new floor coating, the devastated homeowner will learn that this damage is not covered by the typical Epoxy warranty. “We are the only company that I know of that uses a ‘structural crack repair’ technique to fix cracks. The process is so effective we can offer our customers a warranty that can cover future damage from cracks!” says Paul.

After the surface prep is completed, a very effective moisture control primer is applied to the concrete. “This is extremely important” says Paul because for many homes built in Socal before 2005, elevated moisture vapor levels in the garage concrete can have a detrimental impact on floor coatings. Paul does a fast and non-destructive moisture test for every one of the pre-2005 homes he visits and develops a unique installation plan for each home. For newer homes, Paul and his crew can use a basic primer that dries a bit faster allowing installation of a garage floor in as little as one day!

The color chips that give the Perkins floor its legendary appearance are sandwiched between this primer and finish coat. Perkins carries the widest selection of colors and sizes in the market and uses a ‘full chip broadcast’, not a partial sprinkling of chips like many of its competitors. “The full chip broadcast gives the floor a consistent appearance and makes the floor much more durable and helps hide dirt better than the partial broadcast finish” says Paul.

Finally, Perkins installs the SpartaFlex polyaspartic finish coat and the finished garage comes to life. “Epoxy & SpartaFlex floor coatings are virtually identical in appearance when they are first installed” says Paul. “However, when you will really begin to appreciate a SpartaFlex floor is a few months down the road when you would typically start to see problems develop with an Epoxy floor. If there was a better material on the market, I would be selling it, but there isn’t and that is why we love selling SpartaFlex.”

For more information or to see for yourself the advantages of SpartaFlex over Epoxy, you can call Perkins Custom Coatings, at 866-330-1DAY (1329) or visit their informative website at www.perkinscustomcoatings.com.

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A Lifetime of Healthy Smiles We are committed to providing the highest quality clinical care and personalized service in a warm and compassionate atmosphere. Our doctor and staff enjoy getting to know each patient and their families, and love creating relationships that last multiple generations.

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Bahia Resort Hotel

Family-Friendly Fun on the Bay

Bahia Resort Pool

By Jody Robinson

M

y husband and I were talking recently about the possibility of once again coordinating family travel in the not-too-distant future. The past year and a half has been one full of cancelled plans, rerouting expectations, and daydreaming about when things open back up.

But the real kicker of the conversation was the silver lining - the discovery that we haven’t actually had to go far from home to find some incredible vacation destinations.

With a short leash like we had over the last fifteen months, there was at first an immense creative pressure in order to keep ourselves entertained, in addition to our two kids. But the magic of stay-cationing meant that we didn’t have to spend an inordinate amount of time in the car on the road, or paying exorbitant fees for parking at this tourist trap or another. There are a remarkable amount of places to go across Orange County and the greater Southern California region. And, marked by gorgeous weather and long summer days, San Diego tops the list.

60

Positioned on a sparkling stretch of private beach in San Diego’s Mission Bay, the Bahia Resort Hotel is only an hour drive from Orange County, easily accessible and amenity rich - a perfect prescription for the current times.

Guests enjoy easy access to the beach with rooms and suites literally steps away from the sand. All accommodations feature relaxing views of either Mission Bay or the property’s lush private gardens and ground floor accommodations come with a private patio. The resort’s suites offer not only more space with separate bedroom and separate living room area, but some also include a kitchen with stove/oven, microwave, mini-fridge

and sink for a convenient dining option during your stay.

For our part, we opted for a little of both - stocking the mini-fridge with drinks and munchies to keep the kids hydrated and nourished between activities and stepping out to dine al fresco on the spacious patio at Cafe Bahia. Only the freshest ingredients, locally sourced, make the menu. Including all of the traditional breakfast favorites and delectable dishes of eclectic American fare for lunch or dinner. Our family are particularly eclectic eaters: My husband, Tim, is a strictly meat-and-potatoes man; I love all things seafood; our son loves burgers and fries and our daughter

still prefers classic kids’ favorites like Mac n’ Cheese and chicken tenders.

The menu here offered something for everyone. The Braised Short Rib was delicious, paired with taleggio roasted corn grits, cumin carrots, red wine demi, pearl onions and balsamic glaze and I thoroughly enjoyed the flavors and textures of the seared salmon entree - roasted tomato vinaigrette, accompanied by a quinoa primavera cake, baby mache and dried cranberries.

OUTDOOR ENDEAVORS

San Diego is one of Southern California’s most activity-full cities itself, and the Bahia certainly takes advantage.

The gorgeous year-round weather lends itself to tennis, taking a dip in their Olympic swimming pool, lounging in a cabana on the private beach, stand up paddleboarding, afternoon bike rides, boat rentals for a scenic spin around the bay or simply using the re-

Action Sport Rentals Tangier Bar sort as a jumping off point for any one of the city’s numerous activities: from family-friendly Legoland to the world famous San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Tucked away in its own peninsula on the Bay, the resort is a tropical vacation without the plane ride to get there.

Right on property, San Diego’s premier land and water sports rental company - Action Sport Rentals (actionsportrentals.com) - endeavors to meet the needs of all aquatic enthusiasts - for active options, rent a single or tandem kayak, stand up paddleboard, pedal board rental or body board rental. If you prefer a leisurely watercraft, Action Sport Rentals offers sailboats, fishing boats or pontoon rentals. For those who have a need for speed, guests can rent jet skis or a powerboat. We spent the entire day outdoors - starting with a spin around the bay aboard

a 20’ Hurricane Deckboat. The powerboat we chose is a fast, fun craft that’s also a super comfortable ride for up to 10 passengers - while boaters stay within the bay, our experience alternated between a leisurely cruise in the channels and an exhilarating ride at speeds topping 40 mph. We worked off lunch with a bike ride around Mission Bay and ended the day curled up on the patio’s lounge chairs to enjoy the picturesque views.

Home to all of California’s iconic palms, amazing annuals, and even a rescue seal and duck pond, you don’t have to step far away from your room to stroll the sand at sunset or sip your favorite drink du jour from Tangier Bar’s delicious list of offerings. No wonder TripAdvisor named it a Best Value Hotel. Don’t believe me? Take your own trip to the bay.

998 W. Mission Bay Drive San Diego (858) 488-0551 BahiaHotel.com 61

Get Up Close & Personal with Wildlife at

The World-Famous

San Diego Zoo

By Jody Robinson

The San Diego Zoo has been a family favorite since our kids were still in strollers.

U

ntil earlier this month, our last visit had been pre-pandemic so we were eager to see how much had changed - and stayed the same since our last day trip trekking amongst the many natural enclosures that are home to over 12,000 rare and endan-

gered animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies from around the world.

Located just north of downtown San Diego in Balboa Park, the worldfamous 100-acre wildlife park is also an accredited botanical garden, caring for more than 700,000 individual plants, including a prominent accredited collection of close to 13,000 specimens, representing 3,100 species.

NOTEWORTHY HABITAT Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks has transformed 8 acres of the Zoo into six habitats that spotlight the amazing biodiversity found on the African continent, ranging from savanna to shore. Africa 62

Rocks’ gently winding, ADA-accessible pathway leads guests through different types of African habitats — Including Cape Fynbos, with African penguins; West African forest, with African dwarf crocodiles; Acacia Woodland, with African birds, leopards and vervet monkeys; Ethiopian Highlands, with hamadryas baboons, geladas and Nubian ibex; Kopje, with dwarf mongooses, bateleur eagles, servals, meerkats, klipspringers and rock hyrax; and Madagascar Forest, with fossas, honey badgers, lemurs and Coquerel’s sifakas.

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE A pioneer in building "cageless" exhibits, Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth founded the Zoological Society of San Diego in 1916. The impetus and his inspiration for The San Diego Zoo? Dr. Wegeforth heard a lion roaring from its tiny cage when it and other animals were abandoned after a 1915 expedition. Today, over 100 years later, the San Diego Zoo’s work extends way beyond the zoo itself (and San Diego Zoo Safari Park) Whether you're visiting for the first time or make this coastal city a frequent weekend destination, the San Diego Zoo is an absolutely treat for all ages. It's a wonderful educational opportunity and a refreshing excursion to get a little closer to nature.

SAN DIEGO ZOO 2920 Zoo Drive San Diego SanDiegoWildlifeAlliance.org

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