PULSE Inside:
We've Got Heart: Torrance Memorial Cardiology Overview
Hammitt CEO has lifesaving experience at Torrance Memorial
Winter 2024
magazine
El Segundo Little League
WORLD SERIES
CHAMPIONS SEE PAGE 42
PULSE magazine
A Publication of the Torrance Memorial Health System 3330 Lomita Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505 310-325-9110
EDITOR Jill Biggins Gerbracht EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MARKETING Erin Fiorito PUBLISHER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR Vincent Rios COPY EDITOR Laura Watts
CONTRIBUTORS Lisa Buffington Erica Drost, MS, RDN John Ferrari Moe Gelbart, PhD Diane Krieger Laura Roe Stevens Melissa Bean Sterzick Nancy Sokoler Steiner Rebecca Tran, MS, RDN PHOTOGRAPHERS Siri Berting Deidre Davidson John Dlugolecki Philicia Endelman Ed McClure Michael Neveux Vincent Rios Wendy Saade
Published by
Letter from the President
I
t is with great excitement and anticipation that I address you as the new president/CEO of Torrance Memorial Health in my first official “letter from the president” for Pulse magazine. As I step into this role, I am honored to join a community where every person has a story to tell. We embrace the opportunity to not only highlight stories from our outstanding citizens but also to share our advancements in health care, our standard-setting investments in technologies, and our commitment to prevent disease and promote healthy lifestyles—which all serve to make our community stronger. This month we celebrate our sixth anniversary with Cedars-Sinai. Over these past six years, this affiliation has only gotten stronger—further solidifying our reputation as the region’s preeminent health care leader, from cancer to cardiovascular care. It has led to new clinical trial access and newfound resources, investments and collaboration that come from being part of a leading academic health system. We’re not just a hospital. We’re a regional health system in our own right, and we’ve worked hard to get here. From a world-class referral network to seamless operational processes, our Cedars-Sinai affiliation gives us the tools and resources to take our growth to the next level. You can read more on page 20. February is American Heart Month, and in this issue we focus on our advancements in comprehensive cardiovascular care. Our commitment to this sector is evident with the recent renaming of our Specialty Center to the Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Institute, thanks to the generosity of Melanie and Richard Lundquist. See page 35 for all the details. We pay tribute to the incredible El Segundo Little League World Championship team, which brought international recognition to the South Bay with their outstanding title win last year. You can also read about Space Force’s Col. Mia Walsh and her rise in the military, as well as Hammitt CEO Tony Drockton’s patient success story after a near brush with death. I hope you will not only find inspiration in these pages but also insight and information that will broaden your sense of community and make you feel connected to the good things happening around us. Please enjoy this issue, and thank you for all you do to make this a better community. Best wishes for a prosperous new year.
Vincent Rios Creative, Inc. VincentRiosCreative.com ©2024 Torrance Memorial Medical Center. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. This publication is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as medical advice. It has not been designed to replace a physician's medical assessment and medical judgment. Always consult first with your physician regarding anything related to your personal health.
Keith Hobbs President/Chief Executive Officer Torrance Memorial Medical Center
If you do not wish to receive future issues of this publication, please email publications@tmmc.com with your name and complete address as it appears on the mailing panel. TorranceMemorial.org | 3
Contents
38 FEATURES Finding relief for joint pain and arthritis.
30 SPEAK UP ABOUT SUICIDE
Rates of suicide are up among teens and seniors. Talking is the first step in prevention.
42 HARD WORK PAYS OFF
44 HELPING HANDS: Community's
Child is Full of Grace For 18 years, Tara Nierenhausen has given desperate young mothers a place to rebuild their lives.
34 MATTERS OF THE HEART
A comprehenisive overview of how Torrance Memorial's Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Institute is advancing the standard of care in cardiology for the South Bay.
38 ZEST FOR LIFE: Col. Mia Walsh
Meet Col. Walsh, a shining star in the U.S. Space Force with a lot of passion for her very important role.
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ON THE COVER
El Segundo Little League team continues to spark hope and goodwill in the South Bay.
COVER PHOTO: MICHAEL NEVEUX
24 BEYOND ACHES
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OUR COMMUNITY VIPS A local mom and lifelong philanthropist; A gifted Gen Z singer and U.S. Army recruit who enjoys performing for seniors and a bonafide community leader who is president of Cal State University, Dominguez Hills.
The El Segundo Little League World Series Championship team made their mark in their hometown and brought international recognition to the South Bay with their big win in 2023!
ON PACE
8
HEALTHY BITES Fight inflammation in the kitchen with tips and two anti-inflammatory recipes.
10 KEITH HOBBS TAKES THE HELM
Torrance Memorial's recently appointed president/CEO is the hospital's new leader.
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TREATING PULMONARY EMBOLISMS Grateful patient Aziz Wanis.
16 FUTURE HEALTH CARE LEADERS
Inspiring the next generation of medical professionals among today's youth.
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10
A CLUTCH PLAY FOR HAMMITT CEO'S LIFE Tony Drockton credits Torrance Memorial with saving his life.
20 TORRANCE MEMORIAL AND
CEDARS-SINAI UPDATE Celebrating our six-year anniversary.
22 TORRANCE MEMORIAL RENAMES
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT Melanie and Richard Lundquist rename the Lundquist Leach Emergency Department in recognition of former CEO Craig Leach.
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IN EVERY ISSUE 3 6 27 28
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36 54 58 61 66
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO AWARDS & ACCOLADES FAMILY FOCUS: Family Resolutions ASK THE DOCTOR: Reducing the risk of diabetes MENTAL HEALTH CORNER CALENDAR MD LOCAL: Melanie Friedlander, MD FLASH EVENTS A LOOK BACK: 40 years of Torrance Memorial Holiday Festival TorranceMemorial.org | 5
Awards and Accolades
Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care 2023 Program Torrance Memorial’s maternal care center was awarded the Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) designation for maternity care as a national center of excellence program that encompasses 1,030 facilities, accounting for almost 25% of all birthing hospitals nationwide. Sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Distinction-designated maternity care centers must meet rigorous quality evaluations that measure structure, process and patient outcomes. BDC maternity facilities are evaluated on outcomes and procedures for all patients regardless of insurance coverage, which increases quality care for all women.
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Healthgrades Torrance Memorial Medical Center has been nationally recognized by Healthgrades with both the Patient Safety Excellence Award and the Outstanding Patient Experience Award. Only top-performing hospitals are recognized as national leaders in both categories.
American College of Radiology Torrance Memorial’s ultrasound breast staff received the Breast Diagnostic Center Award from the American College of Radiology (ACR), achieving another three years of ACR breast accreditation. Receiving this prestigious Breast Imaging Center of Excellence designation from the ACR demonstrates our excellence and hard work in supporting our patients and community.
Newsweek
American College of Surgeons Torrance Memorial recently earned the distinction of being named an American College of Surgeons Surgical Quality Partner. The Surgical Quality Partner designation highlights Torrance Memorial's dedication to maintaining the highest standards in surgical care as evidenced by our participation in the following quality programs: Commission on Cancer, National Accreditation Program of Breast Centers, and Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. Accreditation of Torrance Memorial’s cancer program, breast program and bariatric program reflects our proven record of adhering to the most rigorous standards in surgical quality to minimize complications, improve outcomes and save lives.
Torrance Memorial Medical Center was recognized as the 10th best hospital in California as part of Newsweek’s America’s Best-In-State Hospitals 2024. Torrance Memorial is a 443-bed, nonprofit medical center established to provide quality health care services predominantly to the residents of the South Bay, Peninsula and Harbor communities. Today a world-class regional medical center, Torrance Memorial includes an extensive integrated system of physicians and comprehensive medical services to provide coordinated communication and a continuum of care.
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On Pace
Fight Inflammation in the Kitchen Written by Erica Drost, MS, RDN, & Rebecca Tran, MS, RDN, Torrance Memorial Clinical Dietitians
Understanding Inflammation Inflammation is a natural response by the body to protect itself from injury and infection. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to various health problems including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer and autoimmune disorders. Chronic inflammation occurs when an environmental stressor is consistent (such as chronic stress, lack of sleep or poor dietary choices). Diets higher in heavily refined carbohydrates, fried foods, red processed meats and alcohol have been found to contribute to inflammation in the body. Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your meals can help your body combat chronic inflammation and promote overall health.
FOODS TO FIGHT INFLAMMATION
1. COLORFUL PLANTS (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) Fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemical compounds. Colorful fruits and vegetables provide a variety of phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory properties. For example, apricots, carrots and leafy greens contain carotenoids, which are not only good for your immunity but benefit your eye health. Flavonoids found in berries, apples, kale and onions can help protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer. Glucosinolates, found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, bok choy and brussels sprouts, have been found to help with inflammatory regulation, metabolic function and cancer prevention. Fiber is also an important dietary component and can help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels and weight. 8 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2024
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY RECIPES
MASALA FISH CURRY
DIRECTIONS
Serves: 4 Total time: 50 minutes When the weather begins to turn cold, nothing is more comforting than a warm bowl of curry. Try this fish curry in place of a more common chicken or lamb variety to up your omega-3 game! The bold flavors of turmeric, garlic, coriander, paprika and cumin featured in this dish also provide disease-fighting benefits you’ll savor.
1. In a large bowl, combine marinade ingredients. Toss fish pieces to coat. Set aside. 2. Heat ¼ cup oil in a large pan over mediumhigh heat. Add onions and sauté until golden. Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant. Add spices and salt; stir for 1 minute. 3. Add tomatoes and sauté about 5 minutes until blended. Add water and bring the curry to a simmer. 4. In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, add remaining oil. Place fish pieces in the skillet in one layer. Pan-fry for 4 minutes per side, until cooked through and golden (the more color, the better). Exact cook time will depend on the thickness of the filet. Internal temperature should reach 145º. Turn off the heat. 5. Transfer cooked fish pieces to the simmering curry. Allow the flavors to meld for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat, and top with desired toppings. Serve with naan bread, roti or rice.
INGREDIENTS Marinade for fish: • ½ teaspoon red chili powder or cayenne pepper • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder • ½ teaspoon kosher salt • 1 pound cod (sub other white fish such as halibut/ tilapia), patted dry and cut into 2” to 3" pieces • 1 teaspoon lemon juice Fish Curry: • ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided • 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped • 7 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, finely chopped • 1 teaspoon each coriander, paprika, cumin powder • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt • 2 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped • 1 cup water Toppings: • Squeeze of fresh lemon juice • Fresh cilantro chopped • Black pepper
2. HERBS AND SPICES Herbs and spices originate primarily from the Middle East or Asia and have been used medicinally for thousands of years. Used in small amounts, they are primarily for seasoning. Many are associated with protection against chronic disease and are known for their antioxidant, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Spices and herbs frequently identified as having anti-inflammatory effects include thyme, basil, mint, turmeric, dill, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, lemongrass, ginger, chili pepper and fenugreek.
Nutrition analysis per serving Calories: 224, carbohydrates: 9g, protein: 24g, fat: 11g, saturated fat: 2g, sodium: 720mg, fiber: 2g
For a delicious Peruvian ceviche recipe visit TorranceMemorial. org/healthy-living/blog/fightinflammation-in-the-kitchen.
3. OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have antiinflammatory and heart health benefits. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna and herring. These fatty acids help inhibit many aspects of inflammation and give rise to antiinflammatory mediators. Nuts and seeds such as chia, hemp, flax and walnuts also provide omega-3 fatty acids. Begin by examining your dietary choices and aim to replace one or two highly processed meal items with healthier alternatives. Over time, these changes can have a significant impact on reducing inflammation and promoting better overall health. • TorranceMemorial.org | 9
On Pace
Hobbs Takes the Helm Written by Diane Krieger | Photographed by Vincent Rios
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ovember 1, 2023, wasn’t in any way remarkable. Just an ordinary Wednesday. It happened to be Keith Hobbs’ first day behind the CEO desk—long occupied by retiring chief executive Craig Leach. A major milestone in Torrance Memorial history, to be sure. But for the hospital community at large, it was a perfectly normal weekday in a carefully planned, seamless transition of leadership. Nothing had been left to chance. Leach had carefully timed his exit, bringing Hobbs on board as executive vice president in March 2021. He’d calculated two years would be enough time for his handpicked successor “to really get to know the culture of the organization, to fit in and build relationships.” And that’s exactly what happened. Hobbs has been an integral part of the Torrance Memorial leadership team for almost three years now. He’s spearheaded the new ambulatory surgery center set to break ground within the coming year, shepherded the dramatic expansion of laboratory outreach programs and overseen the strategy for growing the physician network. Last February, he was formally promoted to president, and his elevation to CEO was announced in June—a full six months before he stepped into the role. “It’s hard replacing a trusted, longtime leader like Craig Leach,” says Torrance Memorial board chairman Greg Geiger, “but the task was made easier with Keith Hobbs as the candidate. We already know what kind of leader he’s going to be because he’s been here for a few years. We have all the confidence in the world in him.” Tom Priselac, president and CEO of Cedars-Sinai Health System, echoed that confidence. “Keith has quickly proven himself to be a true asset and friend as we expand the affiliation with Torrance Memorial,” Priselac said. “He is a trusted partner to me and a valuable leader in our evolving health system.” Newly appointed chief medical officer Zachary Gray, MD, can vouch for Hobbs’ personal style. “I can honestly say Keith is a genuinely warm, caring, good person,”
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says Gray, who spent the past year in close collaboration with Hobbs as they meticulously planned Torrance Memorial’s rotating residency in internal medicine, slated to debut in July. “Keith has all the bona fides and all the experience necessary.” All in the Family Hobbs grew up in Glendale, California. Both his parents worked in sales for Pacific Bell and AT&T. The first in his family to graduate from college, Hobbs started out as a compensation analyst at a bank in 1989. He moved over to Walt Disney Imagineering in a similar role after two years. The Indiana Jones ride, Fantasmic, and Disneyland Paris were launched during his tenure. “It makes total sense going from banking to entertainment to health care,” Hobbs reflects playfully, then adds in earnest: “I found my calling in hospital administration. Since I was young, I’ve always been involved in helping others. I really enjoy the health care environment. The mission resonates with who I am as a person.” In 1992, Hobbs joined the HR department of USC-affiliated Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). His wife of 33 years, Merilee, was already a reimbursement rep in the billing department and loved her job. They’d met at church a few years earlier. At the time, she was a candy striper in what is now USC Verdugo Hills Hospital in their hometown of Glendale. Together, they raised three children: Amanda, 28, Kameron, 26, and Landon, 21, and are proud grandparents to 18-month-old granddaughter Scarlett. Rounding out the Hobbs family is Tillie, a Yorkie rescue dog. For recreation, the family fixates on sports. Everyone roots for Trojan football, the Dodgers, the Rams, the Lakers and the Kings. Golf is a big part of their lives. Hobbs taught everyone—starting with his wife. For their first date, he took Merilee to a local golf course and used swing-coaching as an excuse to put his arms around her. When it came time to pop the question five years later, he hid the engagement ring inside the ninth-hole cup.
Keith Hobbs took the helm as president/ CEO of Torrance Memorial in November.
TorranceMemorial.org | 11
PHOTO BY PHILICIA ENDELMAN
On Pace
The Hobbs family (L to R): Carley Laliberte, Kameron, Merilee, Keith, Landon, Scarlett, Amanda, Corey Kimball.
All three kids grew into serious golfers—especially Amanda, who attended college on a golf scholarship. As youngsters, they had all played AYSO soccer with their dad as team coach. Hobbs himself is a former mini-triathlete, but he no longer competes. At 57, he gets his exercise playing pickleball. He’s a regular with the hospital’s Thursday night pickleball group. Learning the Ropes Like his predecessor, Hobbs pours much of his energy into work. His 24-year career at CHLA spanned many roles. As administrative director of surgery, Hobbs led the 300-physician pediatric, multispecialty medical group and oversaw the USC-affiliated surgical residency program. Later as vice president of operations, he managed everything from anesthesiology to laundry-and-linen to telecommunications. He spearheaded a pediatric vision center that’s now
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internationally recognized, cut the ribbon on a new 317-bed inpatient tower and helped expand CHLA’s Saban Research Institute. In 2016 he moved from a CHLA vice presidency into the top job at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, then a struggling community hospital within Keck Medicine of USC. In his first year as CEO, Hobbs ratcheted up the 158-bed facility’s net revenue by 50%. Over the following three years, he boosted financials by $20 million annually. He catapulted the low-ranked emergency department into the top 25% tier. Among his other accomplishments at USC Verdugo Hills: Hobbs opened a neonatal intensive care unit, developed a teaching hospital program, crafted a physician network strategy, and drove the development and approval process to bring interventional radiology and catheter lab capabilities to the hospital. His decision to leave his hometown community hospital—a place he’d
PHOTO BY PHILICIA ENDELMAN
“I found my calling in hospital administration. Since I was young, I’ve always been involved in helping others. I really enjoy the health care environment. The mission resonates with who I am as a person.”
Keith and Merilee Hobbs, married for 33 years, at home with their family Yorkie Tillie.
known all his life, part of a USC system he also knew intimately—was not taken lightly. In accepting Leach’s plan for a gradual transition, Hobbs effectively was resigning as CEO to take up an executive vice presidency. To the casual observer, it might look like a curious setback in an unblemished career. But the challenge was irresistible. “The stature of this hospital, which is top of the market in Southern California,” he says, listing his reasons for joining Torrance Memorial. “Being affiliated with Cedars-Sinai, which in my opinion is the health system of Southern California. The longevity and success of Craig Leach and the rest of the leaders—it was ultimately a no-brainer.” Merilee was all in. “After we got married,” Hobbs recalls, “she asked if we ever had a chance to be closer to the ocean, would I consider it? I promised I would.” The whole family has fallen in love with the South Bay. “Merilee loves to hike the different trails near our home in Rancho Palos Verdes,” he says. “And after six months, my boys, who still live with us, wonder why we hadn’t moved here years ago.” A True Fit The executive search firm Spencer Stuart identified Hobbs through its “CEO succession planning” process. After a string of interviews, Leach and Torrance Memorial’s leadership gave Hobbs the vote of confidence. Chief nursing officer Mary Wright, who is also
senior vice president for patient services, vividly recalls her favorable first impression. “Keith was one of the very few candidates who could demonstrate how he collaborated with nursing—true collaboration, really solving problems together,” she says. Hobbs’ rapport with physicians is equally robust. “From the very beginning, Keith went out of his way to engage with us and try to build relationships,” says Gray, who was medical director of the emergency department when Hobbs arrived in 2021. “His natural inclination is to fit in exactly with the way the culture at Torrance Memorial works. I remember him saying repeatedly how at home he felt here.” That’s hardly surprising because Hobbs “fits in” almost everywhere. He prides himself on being a multifaceted leader, serving on the boards of the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce and Communities Lifting Communities, a nonprofit focused on health inequities and housing for the homeless. In the realm of health care governance, he is vice chair of the executive committee of the Hospital Association of Southern California, made up of CEOs across Southern California. He serves on the California Hospital Association Board, reviewing key health care legislation for the State. He’s also a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a member of the Medical Group Management Association. Like his predecessor, Hobbs demonstrates an uncanny ability to steer clear of zero-sum options and find win-win solutions—all of which made it possible for November 1 to be just an ordinary Wednesday. Torrance Memorial’s new CEO possesses all the tools to build on a tradition of excellence while moving toward a rapidly evolving future. • TorranceMemorial.org | 13
On Pace
Celebrating a reunion with the expert team of physicians who quickly diagnosed, responded and treated a lifethreatening pulmonary embolism: Dr. Richard Bracken, Aziz Wanis, Dr. George So, Dr. Gretchen Lent Right: Husband and father Aziz Wanis with Mark (10), Amira and Mina (14)
Treating Pulmonary Embolisms Reversing the problem, better outcomes Written by John Ferrari | Photographed by Philicia Endelman
W
hen patients arrive at Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s emergency department, they have this working in their favor: The staff knows time is critical. Younger patients in serious distress with no obvious trauma or comorbidities often have one of two conditions, says emergency physician Richard Bracken, DO: a vascular catastrophe such as a heart attack or a pulmonary embolism (PE). That’s why he rushed to the ambulance bay with a portable ultrasound machine when Aziz Wanis arrived the afternoon of New Year’s Eve last year. “When he came in to the hospital, he was pale, confused and young,” Dr. Bracken recalls. “It was obvious he was very sick. Ultrasound is the fastest way to determine what’s going on. You can quickly look at the heart, the lungs and the vascular system.” Wanis, 43, had woken up that morning feeling fine. Although it was Saturday, he had planned to go to work. So he went downstairs, leaving his wife asleep. That’s when the day took a turn for the worse. He fell, knocking himself unconscious. He hadn’t eaten the night before and attributed his fall to low blood sugar levels. 14 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2024
“Going up the stairs to go back to bed was like climbing a mountain,” Wanis remembers. He tried to rest, but when his wife checked on him a while later, the sheets were drenched with sweat, and he was breathing hard. “Every time I breathed out, I made a loud snoring sound,” he says. “When I breathed, I could feel my spirit coming out.” His wife, Amira Wanis, called 911 and he was rushed to Torrance Memorial. By now it was more than five hours since his fall. Whatever was wrong with Wanis, there was no time to waste. The ultrasound gave Dr. Bracken a good idea of the problem. “The right ventricle was very enlarged,” he says, “typical in patients with a massive pulmonary embolism.” That’s when Wanis, now near death, had something else working in his favor: Torrance Memorial’s focus on treating pulmonary embolisms. A PE is a blood clot that stops the flow of blood to an artery in the lungs. The hospital is working toward its certification as a PE Center of Excellence—the first hospital on the West Coast to do so. As part of that goal, Torrance Memorial is creating a pulmonary embolism response team (PERT), a group of medical staff across departments trained to quickly and
in coordination diagnose, respond to and treat PE cases. Although the PERT is still being developed, Dr. Bracken’s reflex actions underscore the importance of quick action. “When you have someone that sick, it’s all kind of simultaneous,” he explains. “I’m helping nurses get him ready for the CT scanner, ordering blood clot-busting drugs from the pharmacy. During the CAT scan, I’m calling the interventional radiologist, asking for a review of the CAT scan images immediately. We try to decrease any delay in care as much as possible. It was on the order of half an hour to 45 minutes from the time Mr. Wanis hit the door to get him to interventional radiology and surgery.” While Dr. Bracken coordinated with the hospital’s departments, ED medical director Gretchen Lent, MD, was in charge of Wanis’ initial treatment. “His vital signs were OK; that’s why we had time to order the blood clot-busting medication, CT scan and everything else,” she says. “With a young, healthy man, PE is more likely than a heart attack or stroke. As soon as we had our suspicions, we called to bring in an interventionist.” The interventional radiologist (IR) was George So, MD, who remembers the case well. “We want every single PE case to be like that case,” he says. “Everyone involved acted like a PERT team. That organization, just training for it, allowed for a very, very quick response. With a PERT, we know exactly who is doing what. There’s coordination between the ED physicians, technologists and nursing staff, and the IR team that includes radiologists, nursing staff, anesthesiologists and the IR physicians.” The preliminary PE diagnosis was confirmed by a CT pulmonary angiogram study. “That’s an advanced scan to detect PE in the lungs,” Dr. So explains. “We have AI-driven software that pre-scans the images to detect anomalies like blood clots and alert the radiologist to them. It’s another way we save time.” This is where Wanis had one more factor working in his favor: Torrance Memorial recently started using PE aspiration devices. These are essentially sophisticated catheters used to perform aspiration (suction) thrombectomies; that is, they remove blood clots causing PEs in minimally invasive procedures. “We usually insert the catheter into a vein in the groin, guide it through the right heart to the pulmonary arteries, remove the clot and filter the patient’s blood to be returned to the body,” Dr. So explains. “It typically takes about an hour.” These devices are a game changer in the treatment of PEs, Dr. So says, adding an option in addition to the use of the clot-busting drug tPA (tissue plasminogen activator). “tPA takes about two days to work,” says Dr. So. “The medication saves lives, but it’s high risk. There can be serious side
effects: bleeding in the brain or stomach. Using the new aspiration devices, the patient can avoid those side effects.” The devices are also a generation ahead of older mechanical thrombectomy devices. Traditional thrombectomies (blood clot removals) involve the loss of a significant amount of blood along with the clot material. The new devices filter the patient’s blood so it can be returned to the body. The end result? “Patients don’t have to go to the ICU and can be discharged as soon as the next day,” Dr. So says. “It’s a paradigm shift in how we think about PE, completely changing how we treat this condition.” That’s important, he shares. “PEs are one of the deadliest conditions that can happen, not just to the elderly but very young people too. They’re usually caused by a blood clot traveling from the leg to an artery supplying blood flow to the lungs, so blood and oxygen cannot get to the lungs. Blood cannot be oxygenated, causing internal suffocation. If patients with PE aren’t diagnosed quickly and treated accurately, there’s a very high mortality rate.”
Unlike tPA treatment for PE, the effects of an aspiration thrombectomy are immediate. “The patient’s oxygen levels go up, his heart rate goes down and he can breathe easier,” Dr. So says. “It’s gratifying to treat this type of condition. You can see the reversal right away.” Earning the PERT Consortium’s PE Center of Excellence certification will mean Torrance Memorial has achieved high standards in every aspect of PE care. “To qualify, they track all parameters of treatment and outcomes at the hospital,” Dr. So says. “It’s the pinnacle of PERT success.” For Aziz and Amira Wanis, success is Aziz continuing with his life as before. While he is now on blood-thinning medication to prevent any additional clots, he says he is back to normal life. “I’m very grateful to the doctors and everyone at the hospital. They took care of everything.” • TorranceMemorial.org | 15
On Pace
Multiple Pathways to a Health Care Career Inspiring the next generation of medical professionals Written by Laura Roe Stevens
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early 180 local high school students gathered at Torrance Memorial Medical Center on December 9 to learn about options for working in the health care industry. At the first annual Healthcare Career Exploration Day, Torrance high school students met with physicians, nurses, medical staff, and medical device and pharmaceutical vendor reps who gave presentations and provided live-action demonstrations. The hands-on activities were a big hit among the students. These insightful exercises included teaching students how to use a da Vinci surgical robot, which is used for minimally invasive surgeries; demonstrating how to operate ultra16 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2024
sound equipment and accurately read the results; working with pharmacy specialists to compound medicine; teaching students how to draw medicine with a syringe; exploring 3D technology; and demonstrating an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) machine which delivers electric shock to someone experiencing cardiac arrest. “We were excited to collaborate with the Torrance Unified School District and to connect with the students to inspire and educate them about the various career opportunities within the health care industry,” says Andrew Lee, PhD, director of health equity and talent management at Torrance Memorial. “Our vision is to help them learn, explore and grow. And we hope to build a long-
Torrance Unified School District students engaged in hands-on demonstrations at Torrance Memorial's first Healthcare Career Exploration Day.
Many of the students in attendance were captivated by the advancements in health care technology.
term relationship and to spark interest too, as there is a dire need for talented people to enter the health care field.” In fact, an additional 500,000 new health care professionals—including medical assistants and imaging specialists—are needed in the state, according to the California Hospital Association (CHA). The CHA report estimates more than 22% of Californians live in areas lacking sufficient primary care providers. While the South Bay may not qualify as one of those areas, Lee says Torrance Memorial needs more health care professionals as it continues to grow and meet community needs. One of the daunting aspects of pursuing a medical career is the rising costs of higher education. This event highlighted the many careers outside traditional medical or nursing school routes, including positions within radiology, pharmacology, physical and occupational therapy, technology, finance and security. Makenna Esparza, a sophomore at North High School, said the event was eye-opening. “Before this (career exploration day), I was a little lost. I knew I wanted to pursue a medical career, but this event gave me clarity,” Makenna says. “And it showed me there are more openings in what I want to do.” In a post-event survey, students agreed overwhelmingly the Healthcare
Career Exploration Day was a success and provided valuable information. When asked what their favorite parts of the day were, one student replied: “Everything! Especially about radiology and the IT health care information.”
Students asked questions based on their interests during breakout sessions led by Torrance Memorial physicians and executives.
Most students agreed the hands-on booths were a highlight. One student wrote: “My favorite part was dealing with the robotics and with the virtual reality [equipment]. I now know what path I will take during and after high school.” For the health care professionals and educators who worked so hard to put the Torrance Memorial Healthcare Career Exploration Day together, it just doesn’t get any better than that. •
TORRANCE MEMORIAL PHYSICIANS TEACH BIOMEDICAL SERIES Did you know that both El Segundo High School and Da Vinci High School have biomedical pathway classes? Or that Torrance Memorial physicians and clinical educators volunteer their time to teach these students monthly? It’s all part of Torrance Memorial’s outreach effort to inspire the next generation of health care workers, says Mary Ford, coordinator of community outreach for the hospital. “This series is amazing. One month, respiratory therapist Anthony Co brought in a case study of a child with asthma,” Mary explains. “The students developed an action plan and a rescue as part of their thirdyear study in the biomedical pathway series. That was huge. The students got so much out of it.”
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On Pace
A Clutch Play for Hammitt CEO’s Life Even as paramedics loaded Tony Drockton into the ambulance, the luxury handbag kingpin had no idea he was in grave danger. Written by Diane Krieger | Photographed by Michael Neveux
“I was still in a great mood. I’m like, ‘Wait, we have to get a photo. I’ve never ridden in an ambulance.’ I was laughing. I didn’t think I was going to die,” says Drockton, who is CEO and co-founder of Hammitt, a Hermosa Beach-based luxury handbag brand with $35 million in annual sales. Two hours later, Drockton’s blood pressure was a dangerously low 47/24. His hemoglobin stood at 4 grams per deciliter. The healthy Hb range for adult males is 14 to 17 gm/dL. Drockton had been quietly bleeding out for days. 18 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2024
“They told me I wouldn’t have made it 24 hours at that blood level,” he says. The cause: gastric ulcers brought on by the Helicobacter pylori (H. piylori) bacterium, left to fester undetected in his gut for years. This common pathogen infects about two-thirds of the world’s population, but in only 10% to 15% of patients does it lead to gastrointestinal disease, such as peptic ulcer or stomach cancer. Drockton, 57, had long experienced “stomach problems” but mistakenly attributed his intermit-
Tony Drockton, CEO of Hammitt, is back in a big way after suffering a lifethreatening illness. He credits Torrance Memorial with "saving my life."
tent symptoms (sharp pains, gas and belching) to some unknown food allergy. Perhaps coffee, fried food or onions? He stoically endured the discomfort, periodically changing his diet and self-medicating with over-the-counter antacids. But last year the pain grew constant—even on an empty stomach. Then in mid-October, Drockton felt lightheaded during a rooftop party he hosted for his graduate alma mater, Bowling Green State University. The next day, diarrhea set in. His stool was black—a telltale sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, but Drockton didn’t know that. By day three he was blacking out. Convinced he had COVID-19, Drockton decided to ride it out in bed. His significant other, Shelley Montanez, urged him to go to the hospital. So did a nurse friend who dropped by to check on him. But Drockton wouldn’t budge. On day five, he passed out in the bathroom, waking up on the cold floor to find he’d chipped two front teeth. He crawled back to bed and slept. When Montanez stopped by to check on him the next morning, she had to shake him awake. He passed out again on the way to her car. Drockton’s Manhattan Beach family physician had already called the fire department by the time they drove to his office. Montanez insisted they go to Torrance Memorial. A sales rep for medical device manufacturer Philips, she knows the hospital and its physicians well and vouched for the high standard of compassionate care Drockton would receive there. “She’s actually the reason I’m alive, because Torrance Memorial saved my life,” he says. It took eight units of blood—over three days—and a steady flow of intravenous proton-pump-inhibitors to stabilize Drockton. Bleeding ulcers are among the most common GI conditions that send patients to the emergency room, “but it’s uncommon for them to cause a critical level of blood loss,” says Adrienne Lenhart, MD, the Torrance Memorial gastroenterologist who treated Drockton at the hospital. “It became life-threatening in Tony’s case.” The endoscopy performed by Dr. Lenhart showed two large ulcers in the stomach and small intestines and several smaller areas of inflammation. “All of those, based on the biopsy we took, were secondary to H. pylori infection,” she says. Drockton calls his emergency stay at Torrance Memorial “a great experience. The nurses were
amazingly attentive. They were funny, always laughing. And Dr. Lenhart was wonderful. She explained everything.” They established a bantering relationship over a college football rivalry. “I found out right before going in for my scope she went to Michigan, which is our arch enemy,” says Drockton, an Ohio State superfan. “O-H,” he chanted bravely as they wheeled him into the surgery, but Lenhart refused to take up the Buckeyes’ call-and-response. Afterward, however, she stopped by his bed in the recovery area, leaned over and whispered in his ear: “I-O.” Once diagnosed, the treatment was simple: a two-week course of antibiotics to knock out the H. pylori and a month on proton pump inhibitors like Protonix and Prilosec to heal the ulcers. “It’s crazy how long I put up with it,” he says, referring to years of unnecessary gastric distress. “Dr. Lenhart said I probably had H. pylori for decades, and the bacteria finally ganged up on me and created these ulcers.” His recovery was rapid. Less than a month after his near-death experience, Drockton hosted a major holiday sales event for Hammitt. No one there would have guessed how sick he’d been. “Since then,” he says, “I have had no issues at all. Zero. No stomach pains. No bleeding. I like to joke I must have gotten the blood of some 20-year-old, because my energy was amazing. I felt great. I was like, ‘How do I get more of this blood?’” Joking aside, Drockton says, “I really feel lucky to be alive. It’s almost like I got a second life.” His loved ones—including Montanez, son Riley Drockton and nephew Daniel Drockton— have paid it forward by becoming blood donors at the hospital, where all donations stay on-site and are reserved for Torrance Memorial patients. •
Tony and his son, Riley Drockton, who is part of the Hammitt management team, share a moment of gratitude at the Manhattan Beach Hammitt retail store.
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On Pace
Torrance Memrorial Medical Center is proud to recognize its six-year anniversary and strategic alliance with Cedars-Sinai.
Torrance Memorial's Six-Year Affiliation with Cedars-Sinai Brings Life-Saving Treatments to South Bay Residents Written by Lisa Buffington
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hen Torrance Memorial Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai began their affiliation in 2018, the organizations made a shared commitment to bring South Bay communities the gold standard of care. Six years later, the team continues to deliver on that promise. In collaboration with the leading academic health system, Cedars-Sinai, patients have access to the latest technology, advanced treatment options and more clinical expertise in the areas of neuroscience, oncology and cardiology. 20 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2024
Advancing Community-Based Cardiovascular Care Torrance Memorial’s affiliation with Cedars-Sinai means South Bay residents can receive everything from advanced cardiac surgery procedures and minimally invasive heart valve care to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and pre- and post-heart transplant treatment, close to home. “We can offer Torrance Memorial patients the same expertise, investigational devices and therapies available at Cedars-Sinai—options not previously available in the South
Bay,” says Aziz Ghaly, MD, Cedars-Sinai cardiac surgeon and director of cardiac surgery at Torrance Memorial’s Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Institute. “In addition to expanding our capabilities to treat high-risk and complex patients at Torrance Memorial, we can also make immediate referrals to our colleagues at Cedars-Sinai if a patient needs an advanced procedure, such as a heart transplant.” For cardiac emergencies, Dr. Ghaly performs complex cardiac surgeries and minimally invasive procedures such as temporary Impella heart pump placement. Torrance Memorial’s extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program is also another example of the life-saving benefits of local access to advanced care, according to Dr. Ghaly. “Torrance Memorial is the only medical center in the South Bay—and one of the few nonacademic medical centers in southern California—to have an ECMO machine, which means we can offer temporary heart and lung support for critically ill patients,” says Dr. Ghaly. “As a result, we were able to save a lot of lives during COVID-19 because we could care for patients locally and didn’t have to transfer them.” Expanded Oncology Services and Clinical Trials Hugo Hool, MD, medical director of the Hunt Cancer Institute, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai Cancer, has been involved with the affiliation since its inception—and he has witnessed the benefits of the collaboration firsthand. “Years ago, if a patient in our community had an aggressive form of cancer and they didn’t have support or transportation to travel to an academic medical center, they may not have had access to the best care or outcomes,” says Dr. Hool. “Now patients can access stellar care locally, right where they live.” And that access has expanded over the years. The affiliation with Cedars-Sinai Cancer started with a focus on blood and breast cancer care and has since grown to include Cedars-Sinai experts who provide surgical oncology, head and neck cancer, neuro-oncology, thoracic surgery, pancreatic cancer/biliary disease and genitourinary cancer care support at Torrance Memorial. Through the Cedars-Sinai affiliation, Dr. Hool and the Hunt Cancer Institute team are also involved in dozens of clinical trials for advanced therapies that aren’t widely available. “This early access to promising treatments benefits hundreds of patients who enroll each year and ultimately from the research we perform,” says Dr. Hool. “Our researchers are now able to use an individual’s tumor DNA to direct them to the specific trial tailored to deliver the best chance of an improved outcome.”
Current clinical trials available to patients include studies on chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T), which involves engineering T-cells to fight cancer, and a newer iteration of that therapy called CAR-NK therapy, which uses natural killer cells. Physician-researchers are also investigating emerging therapies such as bispecific T-cell engagers (BITEs) and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), as well as radiation oncology and interventional radiology treatments. The oncology team also emphasizes holistic patient care that goes beyond just treating the cancer. “Our integrative medicine program provides supportive therapies to augment cancer treatment so we can care for the whole patient,” says Dr. Hool. “We are also involved in clinical trials focused on improving quality of life and well-being for our patients in a scientific way.” Leading the Way in Neurology Care Neurological conditions are among the most complex to diagnose and treat. Through the affiliation with CedarsSinai, Torrance Memorial has been able to expand its expertise and access to more neurological services. The neurologists, neurosurgeons and neurointerventionists at the Torrance Memorial Lundquist Neurosciences Institute offer leading-edge, collaborative care and clinical trials to successfully treat a wide range of neurological disorders, including serious stroke, brain tumors, movement disorders and more—all without leaving the South Bay. “We can perform the full range of complex neurosurgeries, including vascular, endovascular and brain tumor surgery,” says Dr. Eboli. “Our goal has been to bring the highest level of expertise to the South Bay through our affiliation with Cedars-Sinai, and we have built a very successful program.” In addition to the institute’s experienced team, patients also have access to more subspecialty services, including the new Torrance Memorial Movement Disorders Clinic. “The Movement Disorders Clinic is definitely meeting a need in our community,” says Heidi Assigal, senior vice president of business and operations for Torrance Memorial Physician Network. “For patients who are living with a movement disorder, traveling to an academic medical center for care may be challenging. That’s why we wanted to bring convenient, coordinated care from academic medical center experts closer to home.” “Our affiliation with Cedars-Sinai has made Torrance Memorial even stronger. It’s led to new clinical trial access and newfound resources, investments and collaboration that come with being a part of a leading academic health system,” says Torrance Memorial CEO and President Keith Hobbs. • TorranceMemorial.org | 21
On Pace
Torrance Memorial Medical Center Renames Emergency Department
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n honor of former CEO Craig Leach’s 40 years of service to Torrance Memorial, Melanie and Richard Lundquist announced they will be making the lead gift to support the campaign to expand the emergency department. The Lundquists’ generous gift encompasses their request to rename the Melanie and Richard Lundquist Emergency Department to the Lundquist Leach Emergency Department. The decision for this renaming is to acknowledge Craig Leach and his legacy and provide meaningful, visible recognition for his
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outstanding leadership and his long-standing dedication to Torrance Memorial. Once completed, the new two-story Lundquist Leach Emergency Department will offer more than 80 treatment spaces with dedicated behavioral health rooms, a pandemic-ready waiting room with two separate patient areas, and new consultation spaces. The facility will also have enhanced technology to increase efficiency and safety. “Under Craig’s leadership, Torrance Memorial gained national recognition and has become a
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ED MCCLURE
The announcement of the renaming of the Lundquist Leach Emergency Department surprised Craig Leach at his executive retirement party last fall. Pictured from left: Judy Leach, Craig Leach, Melanie Lundquist, Richard Lundquist, Kristen Leach, Daniel Leach, Nina Leach, Paul Leach, David Leach.
“Under Craig’s leadership, Torrance Memorial gained national recognition and has become a highly regarded regional medical center. The community will benefit from Craig’s excellent stewardship for generations.”
highly regarded regional medical center. The community will benefit from Craig’s excellent stewardship for generations,” says Richard Lundquist, who, along with his wife Melanie, are longtime supporters of Torrance Memorial. “It is only fitting such an important facility be renamed to celebrate his legacy.” Leach joined Torrance Memorial in 1984 as director of finance and served as the hospital’s senior vice president of finance, later assuming the role of executive vice president and chief operating officer. Leach became president and CEO of the hospital in 2005. “I am overwhelmed by this honor and its future promise of delivering exceptional emergency care to all of our patients,” he says. “I’m proud of the accomplishments we’ve achieved together, and I am confident what we’ve started will continue to build in our community for many years to come.” Melanie and Richard Lundquist have developed a friendship of trust and respect with Leach over the years. All their gifts to Torrance Memorial have been unsolicited. “Because of Craig and his team, we have been able to realize the philanthropist's dream of making a tremendous improvement in human lives,” says Melanie. “Torrance Memorial has always been an important part of our community, and Melanie and Richard Lundquist are longtime supporters of health and education for the South Bay community and beyond," says Leach. On behalf of the Leach family and the Torrance Memorial family, we thank the Lundquists for their continued support and generosity. • TorranceMemorial.org | 23
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Beyond Aches Finding relief for joint pain and arthritis Written by Melissa Bean Sterzick
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e depend on our joints for every movement—from tasks like sewing or writing that require nimble fingers to activities such as reaching and running that put in motion our hips and shoulders. When these body parts—which are vital to our stability and mobility—feel stiff or sore, it’s often due to arthritis, a broad term encompassing both inflammatory and noninflammatory joint pain. Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of noninflammatory joint pain. Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and gouty arthritis are all types of inflammatory arthritis. No matter what kind of arthritis one has, help is required to manage pain and other symptoms. Benedict Chou, MD, is board-certified in rheumatology and internal medicine and a member of Torrance Memorial Physician Network. His approach to diagnosing the various types of arthritis starts with listening. “We ask the patient to describe their symptoms. What joints are affected? Are joints the only part of the body affected? These are important characteristics to differentiate between inflammatory and noninflammatory joint pain,” Dr. Chou says. “The nature of the pain might not be straightforward, so we collaborate with other doctors including the primary care physician and orthopedic surgeons." Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed with a physical exam and X-ray. Diseases causing inflammatory joint pain require bloodwork, and your doctor can
order further testing if needed. “The main distinction we make is between inflammatory and noninflammatory joint pain. Swelling is the most obvious signal there is inflammation inside a joint. There can also be warmth and redness, and the doctor or patient can see these symptoms externally,” Dr. Chou explains. “With inflammatory joint pain, the patient feels pain and stiffness, and those symptoms are worse when they rest and feel better when they move. Noninflammatory joint pain is felt when the individual moves the joint.” Finding Treatment That Works Arthritis relief requires a combination of treatment and medication, modifying the activities causing the pain, increasing muscle strength and decreasing stress on the joints by using braces or splints. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen and corticosteroids such as prednisone are the first step, along with the application of ice, heat and massage. Your doctor can direct you to the best over-the-counter pain medication for you. Addressing osteoarthritis and inflammatory joint pain involves some individual trial and error. The effectiveness of rest, medication and exercise depends on the type of disease, the person's age, other medications they are taking, their overall health, medical history and degree of symptoms.
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The main distinction we make is between inflammatory and non- inflammatory joint pain. Swelling is the most obvious signal there is inflammation inside a joint. – Benedict Chou, MD
If you have arthritis, your doctor will also offer guidance on diet, exercise and lifestyle modifications. Additional treatment can include physical therapy, injections and surgery if necessary. Surgery options for arthritis and joint inflammation are most often arthroscopy or joint replacement. “The body is complicated. The way I approach most issues with a patient’s health starts with the assumption it’s probably not a simple issue. There’s usually not one single solution that fixes everything,” Dr. Chou says. Factors You Can Control Lifestyle factors can affect inflammation. A genetic predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t mean developing the disease is a certainty. Dr. Chou says sometimes an environmental factor triggers an inflammatory response. This type of vulnerability is where diet and exercise come into play. “Being a participant in your own path to remission can definitely involve diet and a healthy exercise and sleep regimen,” he says. “It is important to keep your muscles strong so there is less pressure on the joints—meaning less pain and reduced joint damage.” Studies show people with poor sleep 26 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2024
patterns have increased inflammation, so rest is essential for anyone with arthritis. In addition, Dr. Chou suggests eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed foods. Maintaining a healthy weight and a diet of whole foods improves your health, reduces damage to your joints and can help you manage the effects of inflammation. (See Healthy Bites on page 8 for more on an anti-inflammatory diet and recipes.) Dr. Chou says turmeric and omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce inflammation and have some impact on pain, stiffness and tenderness. He also recommends a measured approach to supplements and trendy treatments. “You can make changes to help feel better. Sometimes people can go overboard and start removing food groups from their diets. Ask yourself if you're getting the nutrients you need including adequate protein, fiber, carbs and fats,” he says. “With any change you're making, start by thinking about the risks versus the benefits.” If you have arthritis or joint inflammation, you want to know how to manage your pain and maintain your quality of life. Your doctor will work with you to correct, control or slow the progress of the underlying disease. •
Arthritis relief requires a combination of treatment and medication, modifying activity causing the pain, increasing muscle strength and decreasing joint stress.
Benedict Chou, MD, is a Torrance Memorial Physician Network rheumatology specialist. He is located at 2110 E. El Segundo Blvd, Suite 230, El Segundo. He can be reached at 310-257-5741.
Family Focus
Spend Time With Your Family in the New Year You can’t get valuable family time back, so make this a year with no regrets. Written by Jill Biggins Gerbracht
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o one ever said they regretted spending time together as a family. In fact, quite the opposite is true. If you are a parent trying to balance a career with your parental responsibilities, you are not alone. A survey of 2,000 parents conducted by Huggies Little Swimmers in 2012 found 63% wish they had done more activities with their children. More than half said they regretted not having more quality time with their children when they were younger. It's never too late to turn back the clock and implement simple and fun activities for your family to enjoy together. As the new year unfolds, now is a great time to recommit to spending quality time together. Amid our busy lives, participating in meaningful activities that foster connection and create lasting memories is invaluable. Here are some fun ways to bond with your family and make the most of your time together this year and beyond. 1. Create a Family Bucket List Brainstorm and create a bucket list together. Encourage everyone to contribute ideas from simple activities like game and movie nights to more adventurous tasks such as hiking a new trail or learning a new skill. Display the list prominently and work together to check off the experiences throughout the year. 2. Volunteer as a Family Giving back to the community is incredibly rewarding. You can explore local volunteer opportunities or initiate a project of your own—from serving at a soup kitchen to participating in a beach cleanup or helping out at an animal shelter. Working together for a good cause will not only make a positive impact but is sure to strengthen family bonds.
3. Family Fitness Routine Commit to staying active together by planning family walks, workouts and outdoor activities. Participating in organized sports keeps everyone involved, whether you are in the game or cheering from the sidelines. Why not try new activities to keep it exciting and fun for everyone? 4. Explore Nature Plan outings in the park, explore local hiking trails or head to the botanical gardens. Nature offers a serene backdrop for family bonding. Have a picnic, walk at the beach or just enjoy the natural beauty of our South Bay surroundings together. Encouraging appreciation of the environment while spending quality time as a family is rewarding for all. 5. Establish Family Traditions Create rituals or traditions unique to your family. It could be a weekly movie night, a monthly themed dinner or an annual family vacation. Traditions build a sense of belonging and provide cherished memories that will be treasured for years to come. 6. Share Stories and Memories Allocate time for storytelling. Encourage grandparents, parents and children to share stories from past and present. This not only strengthens family ties but helps preserve history and values—creating a strong sense of identity, especially for kids. 7. Tech-Free Time When possible, designate specific periods of time where screens take a back seat. Use this time to encourage conversations, play board games, do puzzles, cook together or try simple DIY projects. Unplugging from technology gives everyone a chance to unwind and reconnect in a more meaningful way. Help yourself and your family make this the year you all follow through with your goals by making it a family affair. This way, everyone wins. You can share a sense of accomplishment, which not only helps in achieving your shared goals but can bring you closer together as a family. • TorranceMemorial.org | 27
Ask the Doctor
Reducing the Risk of Diabetes A good diet, regular exercise and annual checkups can lower risks. Written by Melissa Bean Sterzick
A Krixie Silangcruz, MD, practices at Torrance Memorial Physician Network, 824 E. Carson Street, Suite 101, Carson. She can be reached at 310-233-3203.
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dults in the United States have a 40% chance of developing type 2 diabetes. It sounds serious, but many cases of diabetes can be prevented with knowledge, annual medical checkups, and good habits including a balanced diet and regular exercise. Torrance Memorial Physician Network’s Krixie Silangcruz, MD, a board-certified primary care physician specializing in internal medicine, says a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risks of diabetes and improve overall health.
What is diabetes? Diabetes is a disorder that disrupts the way the body uses sugar. All of the cells in the body need sugar to work normally. Sugar gets into the cells with the help of a hormone called insulin. Insulin is made by the pancreas, an organ in the abdomen. If there is not enough insulin—or if the body stops responding to insulin—sugar builds up in the blood. Prediabetes is when a person's blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be diabetes.
There are two types of diabetes: • Type 1: The pancreas does not make insulin or makes very little insulin. • Type 2: The body stops responding to insulin normally and over time the pancreas stops making enough insulin. What are the symptoms and warning signs of diabetes? The symptoms of type 1 diabetes include intense thirst, feeling very tired, urinating often, losing weight without trying and blurred vision. In extreme cases, type 1 diabetes can also cause nausea or vomiting, belly pain and panting. Type 2 diabetes usually causes no symptoms. When symptoms do happen, they include needing to urinate often, intense thirst and blurry vision. Other symptoms that could mean you have diabetes include having numb or tingling hands or feet, feeling very tired, having very dry skin or being slow to heal. What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes? A few things can increase your risk, including: • Having excess body weight or obesity, especially extra belly area weight • Not getting enough physical activity • Smoking • Having a close relative with diabetes • Having diabetes during pregnancy, called gestational diabetes Can individuals reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes? Yes. To lower your chances of getting prediabetes or diabetes, the most important things are eating a
healthy diet and getting plenty of physical activity. These can help you lose weight if you have excess body weight. But eating well and being active are also good for your overall health, whether or not they lead to weight loss. Even gentle activity, like walking, has benefits. If you smoke, quitting can also lower your risk. How is diabetes treated? The goals of treatment are to manage your blood sugar and lower the risk of future problems that can happen in people with diabetes. Lifestyle changes: This important part of managing diabetes includes eating healthy foods and getting plenty of physical activity. Medicine: Some people need to take pills that help the body make more insulin or help insulin do its job. Others need insulin shots or pumps. General medical care: It's also important to take care of other areas of your health including monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Keeping up with vaccines, such as flu and COVID-19, are also important. •
Individuals of Hispanic origin have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes due to a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Though adults in the United States overall have a 40% chance of developing type 2 diabetes, Hispanic and Latino adults have a 50% chance and are likely to develop the disease at a younger age. Diabetes complications such as kidney failure and diabetes-related vision loss and blindness are also worse for Hispanic and Latino people. If you have prediabetes, you’re at higher risk for getting type 2 diabetes as well as heart disease and stroke. Resources available at Torrance Memorial include: • The Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support program • Torrance Memorial’s diabetes and endocrinology specialty • The medical nutrition therapy program at Torrance Memorial • The Torrance Memorial CORE4 12-week adult weight management program
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Speak Up About Suicide 30 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2024
Rates of suicide are up among teens and seniors. Talking is the first step in prevention. Written by John Ferrari
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uicide is never an easy topic to discuss—but discussing it can be a lifesaver. That’s the bottom line from licensed clinical psychologist Moe Gelbart, PhD. Even before you’re concerned about a loved one’s mental state, “the first order of business is learning to communicate,” says Dr. Gelbart, founder and executive director of the Thelma McMillen Recovery Center and director of behavioral health at Torrance Memorial. That’s true whether you’re a parent raising a teenager or an adult looking out for your parents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was responsible for more than 48,000 deaths in 2021. Provisional 2022 data indicate suicides increased by 2.6%. Suicide rates have increased across all ages but especially among teenagers and people ages 65 and older—a trend worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have one of the highest levels of stress, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, and suicidal ideation ever,” Dr. Gelbart says, “and that’s combined with uneven access to mental health resources.” Among the reasons for the increase among teens, Dr. Gelbart highlights social and peer pressure magnified by pervasive social media use. “Whatever one’s generation, they feel there were issues and problems during their teen years,” he explains. “The problems are similar today, but the perceived magnitude is increased by the 24/7 news cycle and social media, which can act as a forum for teens to experience negative social interactions—from outright bullying to snide comments—and then share their negative emotions with others in a reinforcing cycle. On social media and the internet, I think most TorranceMemorial.org | 31
parents would be shocked at the level of encouragement there is for self-harm and suicide.” That’s where communication comes in. “Studies have shown kids want to talk to parents or other adults about their problems but end up talking to their peers instead,” Dr. Gelbart notes. “Talk so your kids will listen, and listen so your kids will talk. Even well-intentioned parents often talk at their kids, rather than with them. Kids think, ‘This person doesn’t get me. I’m not going to talk with them.’” He advises parents to practice reflective listening. Hear and understand what the speaker is saying, then validate their emotions: “I hear where you’re coming from, and I understand why you feel that way.” This doesn’t necessarily mean agreeing with the speaker, he adds—just that you understand their point of view and how they’re feeling. Proactive communication and reflective listening have helped Torrance Memorial’s food and nutrition services director, Johanna Johnson-Gilman, navigate the teenage years with her 19-year-old son and 16-year-old daughter. “Over the years we’ve encountered multiple situations where we’ve had friends and acquaintances who’ve attempted suicide or self-harm and been hospitalized,” she recalls. “I’m very fortunate they talk about this with me.” She adds: “This is a topic no one wants to talk about, but if we don’t, it pushes teens feeling pain and isolation further. As parents we need to talk
about this issue. I talk about it with my children frequently. Mental well-being is as important as physical well-being, and we make it part of an ongoing conversation. They’ve been receptive, and we buffer it with conversations that are lighter. My husband and I make sure our family is a safe place for conversation—a nonjudgmental place of compassion and love. We don’t push too hard for information, but we do normalize consideration of mental health.” Discussions with your own parents about their mental health present another set of issues and family dynamics. The highest rates of completed suicides by age group are in the 85-and-older cohort, Dr. Gelbart says, followed by the 75-to-85 group. There are some obvious reasons for depression and suicide among older adults, he adds, notably feelings of loss: loss of health, loss of independence, and loss of friends and loved ones. “Social interaction is essential, especially for seniors who’ve lost a spouse or companion,” Dr. Gelbart says. “Loneliness is probably the biggest issue they cope with.” He notes physical pain and illness can also play a role. Broaching the subject of depression comes from a place of love, and that’s important to emphasize, Dr. Gelbart says. “In a caring way, tell your loved one you’re concerned, you care about them and are worried for them.”
“Talk so your kids will listen, and listen so your kids will talk. Even well-intentioned parents often talk at their kids, rather than with them. Kids think, ‘This person doesn’t get me: I’m not going to talk with them.’” 32 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2024
For both teenagers and older parents, it’s important to know where to turn for professional help when they need it, he says. “Unlike other medical issues, mental health issues have a stigma, and parents may be embarrassed to ask others for help.” “Whether you’re talking to a parent, a coworker or another adult, tell them, ‘We want to help you, but how are you feeling? What can we do?’” Johnson-Gilman says. “This is an opportunity for sharing.” For everyone experiencing depression or thoughts of suicide or selfharm, the message is the same, she says: “There may be times when you feel sad or lonely or unloved … please don’t let that be a barrier to sharing with us. Come to us, and we will get you help.” •
“We have one of the highest levels of stress, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, and suicidal ideation ever,” Dr. Gelbart says, “and that’s combined with uneven access to mental health resources.”
Warning Signs • Withdrawal and depression • Loss of interest in hobbies or schoolwork • Talk of hopelessness or self-harm • Giving away prized possessions
Where to Turn for Help • Ask your loved one, “How would you feel most comfortable getting help?” School counselors, therapists and physicians can provide a nonjudgmental space and discuss community resources. • 988 is the national suicide prevention, mental health crisis and substance abuse hotline. Available in English and Spanish 24 hours a day, it offers free, confidential emotional support. Crisis counselors provide an initial suicide risk screening and assessment, offer de-escalation, and give clients information and referrals to local community resources.
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Mental Health Corner
Finding Happiness in the New Year Written by Moe Gelbart, PhD Director, Behavioral Health Torrance Memorial
Moe Gelbart, PhD, director, Behavioral Health, Torrance Memorial
As I settle into the new year, what are the ways I can make myself and my family happier? As a result of the advances in positive psychology over the last 25 years, we know self-confidence and emotional well-being increase happiness. These factors are within our control and only require our willingness to be mindful and intentional about utilizing and practicing them. Among the habits of emotionally happy people are: Maintaining relationships. It is essential to have people in your life whom you connect with. One does not need many people, but at least one person you can open up with, trust and share your innermost thoughts with. Work on maintaining and improving a connection with those with whom you feel closest. Caring for others. Research shows caring for and giving to others increases the happiness of the giver. Giving reduces stress, anxiety and depression; increases self-esteem; and lowers blood pressure. This habit can be practiced and taught early to your children, for example, by providing for those in need. Work on a Positive Attitude. Our feelings come from our thinking, and if we change the way we think, we can change the way we feel. This is the core work of psychotherapy called cognitive behavior therapy and helping ourselves feel better. When we think negatively, self-judgmentally or rigidly, we need to take a breath and examine another way we can see something. If we see the glass as half full rather than half empty, our feelings will be positive. The water in the glass does not have to change— only how we see it. Practice Gratitude. People who practice gratitude are less depressed, less anxious and happier. Gratitude is something we can learn, work on and improve. Remember, we are not grateful because we live happy lives; we live happy lives because we are grateful. All of these require you to be intentional about your life choices and to create the life you want rather than leave it to chance or fate. Be intentional about making 2024 a time of happiness for yourself.
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I just found out my teenage daughter is making cuts on her forearms with a razor blade. I am terrified and fear she is trying to end her life. What should I do? As we all know, teens encounter a variety of stressors in their lives and develop both healthy and unhealthy ways to cope with their internal difficulties. Among the most alarming coping mechanisms parents can discover is their child engaging in self-injury. The behaviors are primarily cutting oneself, but can include burning, interfering with wound healing, inserting objects into the skin, punching or hitting oneself and certain forms of hair pulling. It is alarming to know cutting is on the rise among teens, and without proper treatment those who begin at this age will likely continue in their adult years. Most cutting begins in adolescence, and nearly one-third of teens have experimented with it—primarily females. Teens generally cut as a reaction to stress and feelings of helplessness. When internal emotions feel too overwhelming, cutting can provide some distorted sense of relief, often from feeling a sense of low confidence and self-esteem. Many teens report a sense of emotional numbness, and cutting provides a way to feel and release feelings. Cutting also occurs with other emotional difficulties, including eating disorders, depression, anxiety and substance abuse. Cutting can be anything from light scratches in times of great distress to daily cuts so deep they draw blood. Cutters generally cut on their wrists, upper arms, inner thighs and stomachs. If you suspect or know your child has a problem, it is important to communicate with them and seek professional help. Just getting them to stop is not enough. They need help finding the source of the emotional pain and tools for coping. Try to avoid judging, criticizing or attacking the behavior and recognize it comes from a troubled emotional place. Learning your child is engaging in this form of selfharm is a time for acceptance, love and assistance. •
Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor Make the most of your annual exam by planning ahead. Written by Melissa Bean Sterzick
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visit to the doctor can be a hectic experience. Even an annual exam you scheduled six months ago can feel overwhelming as you check in, move from the waiting room to the exam room, stand on the scale, and sit for temperature and blood pressure checks. You might be fasting, so your stomach may be growling. You have a lot of questions. Most importantly, you want to feel like you’ve made the most of your yearly appointment and hope to leave your doctor’s office having received the care and support you need—plus good news about your overall health. Cho Rok Kim, MD, is boardcertified in internal medicine and a member of Torrance Memorial Physician Network. She says preparation is the best way to get the most out of your annual exams. Be ready for the physical exam itself and write down concerns beforehand. Take with you a list of your medications and information from any specialists. “Regular checkups with your primary care physician are crucial for
optimizing your health and preventing disease,” she says. “During these routine visits, it's important to ask the right questions so you can proactively manage your well-being.” Dr. Kim says there are four essential questions all adults should ask their primary care physician every year, and two that vary by age/stage of life: Am I up to date on vaccinations? Ensuring your vaccinations are current is a fundamental step in preventive care. Discussing this with your primary care doctor will help you stay protected against preventable diseases. Family History: Am I at risk? Reviewing your family's medical history with your physician can provide insights into potential hereditary risks. Personal History: Am I at risk? Discussing your personal health history will help identify any lifestyle-related risks that might require attention. Medication Reconciliation: Do I need all these medications? Review your current medications with your doctor. Discuss each medication and ask if any can be tapered off or adjusted for better management. Each age group has its own set of health priorities, so Dr. Kim recommends specific questions for different Life stages: For your 20s and 30s: • Do I need sexually transmitted disease screenings or family planning?
• Do I require further mental health checkups? For your 40s and 50s: • Do I need regular blood pressure monitoring or bloodwork for hypertension or diabetes? • Do I need screenings for colon, breast and skin cancers? For your 60s and above: • Do I need a bone density scan for the screening of osteoporosis? • Is mental health screening necessary for possible depression? The annual exam is the most crucial part of preventive care. Many insurance plans cover these visits, including basic bloodwork, and this is the perfect opportunity to address symptoms and concerns before they become serious. Seeing your primary care physician every year provides a baseline, or reference point, for your health. It also helps you establish a relationship with your doctor, creating trust and ensuring they have all the information they need to care for your health. “Reviewing baseline data such as vital signs, labs and imaging helps physicians make the best decisions for each patient's health, and in order to build up the accurate baseline data, you need to be evaluated by a physician regularly,” says Dr. Kim. She adds scheduling a checkup every year and carefully preparing for your appointment will help your doctor make an effective and complete examination of your health— and give you peace of mind. “Empowering yourself with knowledge and actively participating in your preventive care will contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling life,” she says. “By asking the right questions and maintaining a schedule for health tests, you take a proactive approach to well-being, setting the foundation for a long and healthy future.” •
Cho Rok Kim, MD, practices at 3333 Skypark Drive, Suite 100, Torrance. She can be reached at 310-784-6300.
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We’ve Got
HEART
Torrance Memorial’s Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Institute offers advancements in cardiac care. Written by John Ferrari
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he physicians, surgeons, nurses and medical technologists of the Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Institute (LLCVI) have a shared vision, says Ankush Chhabra, MD, the LLCVI’s medical director: to provide excellent cardiac care for the South Bay and throughout Los Angeles. By any measure, the LLCVI is doing just that. It’s been named one of the world’s best specialized hospitals in cardiology for four consecutive years by Newsweek and Statista Inc. and earned five American Heart Association Gold or Gold Plus achievement awards in 2023. But the vision is an aspirational goal too, because cardiac diagnosis, treatment, technology and care are improving. That’s why Torrance Memorial continues to invest in the institute’s facilities and staff. “We are advancing the standard of care—from cardiac imaging to newer subspecialties like cardio-oncology,” says Torrance Memorial senior vice president and chief operating officer Derek Berz. “We’re completely comprehensive. Today the institute can do everything except whole-heart transplants—and we can do that through our partnership with Cedars-Sinai.” “Over the last four years, we’ve accelerated the growth of the LLCVI,” explains Dr. Chhabra. “In addition to cardiac generalists, we’re focusing on specialists and multiple subspecialties. The capabilities we have rival—and in some cases exceed—what you see at academic institutions. We are now a regional referral center—not only for residents of the South Bay but throughout Los Angeles and in many cases Southern California. And we’re continuing to add expertise and technology to match the community’s needs.”
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Cardio-oncology With advances in early diagnosis and treatment, “cancers are now often a chronic illness,” explains Berz. “Cardiooncology is a relatively new subspecialty, and the institute has a dedicated specialist in Brenton Bauer, MD, who focuses on cardio-oncology, advanced cardiac imaging and heart failure.” It’s a subspecialty that leverages multiple other cardiac specialties—especially imaging—to provide individualized care and recovery, Berz notes.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEIDRE DAVIDSON
Torrance Memorial Medical Office Building is Rededicated as the Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Center Torrance Memorial recently celebrated the generosity of Melanie and Richard Lundquist with the renaming of one of its premiere medical office buildings—formerly known as the Specialty Center—to the Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Center. The renaming of this building further solidifies the hospital’s commitment to bringing more patient benefits to the South Bay community, from innovative cardiology research and access to the latest advancements in cardiac treatments. The Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Center is a three-story building with over 65,000 square feet dedicated to cardiological diagnosis, treatment and care. The space includes specialists in interventional cardiology and electrophysiology, with
dedicated space for cardiac rehabilitation—all conveniently located in one central building. The Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Center building is part of Torrance Memorial Medical Center's cardiovascular specialists and the renowned Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Institute providing outstanding cardiovascular care to South Bay residents in our state-of-the-art facilities for years. Our affiliation with Cedars-Sinai includes access to a world-renowned cardiovascular team, expanding our expertise further for the Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Institute. The Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Center is located at 2841 Lomita Boulevard, Torrance. •
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Zest for Life
A shining star in the Space Force Written by Diane Krieger Photographed by Michael Neveux
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nited States Space Force Col. Mia Walsh (neé Tsutsumi) is living proof the American dream is real. Three of her grandparents came from Japan seeking a better life in Hawaii. Her grandfather toiled in the sugarcane fields on the Big Island so his children wouldn’t have to. And they succeeded. The Tsutsumis are all professionals. Walsh’s father is a computer engineer in her hometown of Hilo. Her mother is a retired high school librarian. Her sisters are executives in public education and banking. But Walsh, 48, is the top gun in the Tsutsumi family. She’s commander of Space Base Delta 3 in El Segundo—leading the five squadrons and 11 staff agencies at the Los Angeles Air Force Base. The 100-acre garrison is headquarters to more than 7,000 airmen, Guardians, civilians and contractors. 38 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2024
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Zest for Life
IN CASE OF SPACE WAR
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veryone knows we need satellites to access GPS navigation, use our mobile phones or connect to the internet. But as commander of Space Base Delta 3, Walsh guards America in ways people may not suspect. Without secure satellites, ATMs wouldn’t work. There would be no weather forecasting, no air traffic control. “A war in space would shut down the stock market, likely leading to a global financial collapse,” Walsh says. Sadly, the threat of space war is real. Russia, China, India and the United States have already successfully tested anti-satellite weapons. It doesn’t take much to knock out a satellite. A stray flake of paint famously sandblasted a hole in the Challenger’s front window during a 1983 mission. “That’s why the Space Force is so important,” Walsh says. “We track everything in space, from satellites to debris. If an astronaut doing maintenance outside the space shuttle once dropped a screw, we track it forever.” The searchable government system monitoring all 44,600 man-made objects in Earth’s orbit is accessible at space-track.org. Try entering satellite ID number 25544 to locate the International Space Station, Walsh suggests.
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It’s a big job keeping this tech-dense, $1 billion microcity running, and Walsh executes her duties with relaxed, cheerful efficiency. The office dress code is camouflage fatigues. (“Formal blues are for delivering speeches,” she says, breaking into a smile.) Her easygoing demeanor and petite build defy Jack Nicholson memes about steelyeyed base commanders. But don’t let this commander’s Aloha spirit fool you. Walsh’s career started in the silo at F.E. Warren AFB in Wyoming, one of three strategic-missile bases where the nation’s nuclear arsenal is kept. If the president had called for a nuclear strike after 9/11, it would have been Walsh’s finger on the launch button. She received her commission in 1998 as an Air Force ROTC graduate from the University of Hawaii with a degree in math. As she branched out from intercontinental ballistic missile launch operations to space surveillance, her postings took her to Florida, Colorado, Alabama and Qatar. Along the way, she earned master’s degrees in space operations, military operations and national resource strategy. Her last assignment was at the Pentagon as chief of operations for the National Joint Operations and Intelligence Center. Before that, she commanded the 18th Space Defense Squadron at Vandenberg AFB. As commander of Space Base Delta 3, Walsh puts in 14-hour days, starting at 6 a.m. She lives at Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, base housing for L.A. AFB personnel. Her husband, Mark, and kids, Taylor, 17, and Dylan, 14, stayed behind in Arlington, Virginia, to avoid disrupting his career and their schooling. Walsh considers herself lucky. This is only the second time in her 24-year military career she’s been separated from her family for a long stretch. Her spouse is a retired Air Force Security Forces lieutenant colonel and five-time
squadron commander who hung up his uniform eight years ago to become a civilian policymaker at the Pentagon. When Walsh’s current tour of duty ends in May, she’ll return to the Pentagon too. For now she relies on data—beamed by the same satellites her command guards—to stay close to her kids. Walsh watches her daughter’s softball games on GameChanger and attends her son’s wrestling matches and jujitsu competitions via FaceTime. They talk every day using digital devices. In her downtime, Walsh hikes the South Bay’s nature trails and hangs out at the beach. She loves to cook and especially bake. On her last visit to Arlington (she flies back once a month), she was amused when her son stormed into the kitchen. “You baked bread? You made muffins?” he’d accused, in hurt disbelief. “He was cutting weight for a wrestling competition the next day,” Walsh explains with a chuckle. Since taking up her command in 2022, Walsh has thrown herself wholeheartedly into the South Bay community. “Every leader sets their priorities differently,” she says. “For me, community outreach is a huge push.” Less than 1% of the adult U.S. population is in uniform, she notes, which means very few Americans have firsthand knowledge of armed service. “I really believe military members have an obligation to educate our community, to tell young Americans what we do and why we do it,” she says.
Col. Mia Walsh spent her career in public service, in both the United States Air Force and now in the Space Force. She is currently commander of Space Base Delta 3 at the Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, where she leads five squadrons and six staff agencies, totaling more than 850 personnel.
She names a few South Bay institutions Space Base Delta 3 has embraced on her watch: the Battleship USS Iowa in San Pedro, the city of El Segundo and its Da Vinci charter schools, the city of Torrance’s Armed Forces Day Parade, and the Torrance Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Council. She’s also connected with Torrance Memorial to push mental health initiatives. Walsh especially enjoys giving school presentations on space domain awareness—her technical specialty. All told, some 400 STEM classrooms received visits from
Walsh and other Guardians last year. Field trips brought students on base, where they could touch a SpaceX rocket and see a vintage, detonation-detecting Vela satellite, which was deployed in the 1960s to ensure Soviet compliance with nuclear test bans. But Walsh’s favorite outreach activity is El Camino College’s annual Onizuka Space Science Day. The learning event pays homage to the first Asian American astronaut to fly in space, Ellison Onizuka, who tragically died in the 1986 space shuttle Challenger disaster. Onizu-
ka was the reason Walsh joined the Air Force. “He came to my school when I was 8 years old,” she recalls. “He was such a big deal.” Walsh made up her mind that very day to follow in Onizuka’s footsteps. His school outreach shaped her life. “Who knows what I would be doing today if he hadn’t come to my school? Think about it: That’s just one touchpoint!” Walsh encourages all Space Force personnel to be that touchpoint in the lives of South Bay community members by seizing opportunities to share their stories of service. •
ABOUT USSF
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he U.S. Space Force was established in 2019 under the National Defense Authorization Act. It consolidates space-related projects previously housed across 60 Department of Defense organizations. Its mission is to “secure our nation’s interests in, from and to space.” USSF is a separate branch of the armed services but organized under the Department of the Air Force—just as the Marine Corps is organized under the Department of the Navy. Service members are called Guardians. The current force size is 8,600 military personnel and 5,000 civilians. There are no pilots in the USSF. Career opportunities are in intelligence, analytics, cybersecurity, operations, engineering and acquisitions.
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Community Benefit
Hard Work Pays Off A Little League team continues to spark hope and goodwill in the South Bay. Written by Laura Roe Stevens | Photographed by Michael Neveux
The U.S. Little League Baseball World Series championship El Segundo team made their city and the entire South Bay community proud with their win last August. Seated front row (L to R): Crew O'Connor and Finley Green; kneeling center row: Quinn Boehle, Lennon Salazar, Lucas Keldorf; standing back row: Brody Brooks, Manager Danny Boehle, Declan McRoberts, Max Baker, Louis Lappe, Colby Lee, Jaxon Kalish, Ollie Parks, Coach Tim Abrams.
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“I coach the game of life. That involves everything from how you treat your friends and family, and how you behave on and off the field.”
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he El Segundo Little League 12U All-Stars captured the hearts of thousands during the World Series championship games last August, culminating in the well-earned title of US Little League Baseball World Series champions. Community pride erupted in El Segundo when residents welcomed home their team with a parade and hundreds of cheering fans lining Main Street. The infectious pride sparked across the entire South Bay as neighbors and locals came together to root for these hardworking kids, their families and dedicated volunteer coaches. “We’ve always considered ourselves a baseball town, but this has really taken it to another level,” Jamin Griffiths, president of the El Segundo Little League, told reporters. “It’s just blowing up … everyone is a supporter.” And by everyone, he means thousands across the country—not just the South Bay—who became enamored by the team’s work ethic, sportsmanship and leadership. On the championship game day, team manager Danny Boehle says his phone “blew up” with 710 text messages before the championship game and 840 more messages within two hours of the win. “It’s amazing how people have reached out wishing us well, even from as far away as Japan. I believe 38,000 people came to the games—and then nearly 3 million watched it on television. It was so special to see all the crowds at our local restaurants, bars and parks cheering together for us. It’s wonderful to be part of something so wholesome that has created so much positive energy,” says Boehle. Positive energy and support for the team continue today. A GoFundMe fundraiser, created to assist the families of team members with travel expenses, is still trickling in funds. At press time, nearly $60,000 had been raised from 436 donations to offset the costs of meals, flights, car rentals and hotel stays. Mary Medina, an El Segundo resident who donated, wrote on the GoFundMe page: “I grew up in El Segundo and graduated from ESHS in 1973. I am proud of all of the Little League players and what they accomplished!! Go Gundo!!” The journey hasn’t been easy for these 12-year-olds. In fact, some sports commentators predicted the El Segundo team might not beat the Needville, Texas, team to qualify—or win against Curaçao for the championship. But they were wrong. Even with nine El Segundo players suffering from stomach flu, the team pushed onward and garnered
El Segundo's Little League team manager Danny Boehle had the privilege of sharing the team's World Series Championship win with his son Quinn.
the title. Boehle says it boils down to preparation, resilience and teamwork. “We became family. They were so sick. Coaches (Eddie Lee and Tim Abrams) and I were up at 3 a.m. and going to the infirmary,” Boehle says. “The boys were also missing their families, but they knew their coaches had their backs. Everyone on the team became stronger. We supported and believed in each other.” The championship win represents three years of hard work for these young players. And the “work” wasn’t just learning the fundamentals of the game—as Boehle is known for rigorously coaching old-school basics of footwork, fielding and bunting. The most important lessons in baseball, says Boehle, apply to life. “I coach the game of life. That involves everything from how you treat your friends and family, and how you behave on and off the field,” he says. Some of his advice to players: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be a great teammate. Respect your coaches. Work really hard. Trust the process. “Keep striving, be resilient, give effort,” he adds. “No one will remember you striking out, but they will remember your contributions to the team that led to success.” • TorranceMemorial.org | 43
Helping Hands
Community’s Child Is Full of Grace For 18 years, Tara Nierenhausen has given desperate young mothers a place to rebuild their lives and change their destinies. Written by Diane Krieger | Photographed by Wendy Saade
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ara Nierenhausen was 22 when she found herself alone, with no place to live and caring for a newborn. Too proud to turn to her parents for help, she and her baby moved in with two single moms in similar circumstances. It worked beautifully. “We supported each other while we worked and earned our college degrees,” she recalls. “We shared the rent, took
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turns cooking and babysitting. We were really happy.” The three women lived like that for several years, becoming best friends. Their children—now in their 40s— feel as close as siblings. That experience sowed the early seeds for Community’s Child, the Lomita-based nonprofit Nierenhausen founded in 2005. Today it’s a multifaceted program
providing thousands of South Bay families with shelter, education, health and dental care, food pantries and community support programs. But its original mission was to give vulnerable single moms a safe place to stay and a shot at a better future. Past residents have rebooted their lives, just as Nierenhausen did. One of them, Esperanza Carmona, was the keynote speaker at the Lomita Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast last December. Thanks to Community’s Child, Carmona escaped generations of family ties to San Pedro gang life. She’s just completed her degree in social work, and her daughters are in college. The Canadian-born Nierenhausen, 67, grew up in Coquitlam, a suburb of Vancouver. A daydreamer with average grades, she wasn’t considered “college material” and didn’t bother applying. A volunteer experience led to a job she loved: teaching life skills to developmentally disabled women. A coworker urged Nierenhausen to go back to school, and she later graduated as valedictorian with a bachelor’s degree in special education. She managed several group homes for a few years before starting her own consulting business specializing in child protection issues related to parents with developmental disabilities. Nierenhausen worked in this space for 18 years, including as an expert witness in family court. Then in 2001 she left Vancouver to start a new life in the South Bay. She’d met and fallen in love with a Redondo Beach engineer. They were married a year later, and Nierenhausen found work as program director with a crisis maternity shelter for pregnant, homeless and abused women based in Harbor City. The idea for Community’s Child crystalized in 2004. It came as a quasi-religious epiphany.
Commemorative bricks mark the entry path leading to the Building Hope house. These dedicated bricks helped fund the building process.
She’d just dropped off a client and her baby with disabilities in the woman’s old neighborhood. Driving away, Nierenhausen found herself quietly weeping in her car. She knew the young mother was returning to a dysfunctional life—a job as a stripper in a drug-infested neighborhood with her abusive ex living nearby. “She’d worked so hard to get away from all that,” Nierenhausen says. But crisis maternity shelters only provide short-term solutions—six months maximum—and this woman’s time was up. Deeply frustrated, Nierenhausen believed more should be done. “As I cried, I heard the Lord say, ‘Well then, do something!’ That’s where Community’s Child was born,” she says. Nierenhausen and her husband, along with five members of their church, raised $360,000— enough for a large down payment on “a rundown little parish house” owned by Calvary Assembly of God church in Lomita. They ripped it down to the studs and turned it into Building Hope, a sixbed transitional maternity shelter where residents can stay up to three years. Since opening in 2008, Building Hope has welcomed 250 homeless women and their children. With 24-hour staffing and a house manager in residence, the shelter provides on-site services ranging from trauma counseling to cooking classes to resumé writing help. Past residents have gone on to careers as nurses, social workers, paralegals, medical assistants and business professionals. All have secured long-term housing; several are now homeowners. Most stay involved as active volunteers. Nierenhausen soon expanded her nonprofit’s mission to provide outreach services for needy families associated with Calvary Assembly of God. “They had all these classrooms that weren’t being used during weekdays,” she says of the neighboring church. Nierenhausen filled those rooms with parent education programs, ESL classes and employment counseling sessions eagerly attended by 120 parish families. She re-opened their food pantry. She started distributing backpacks with school supplies, new shoes and clothing, Thanksgiving meal kits and Christmas gifts. “Our numbers grew to 1,200 families in a year and 12,000 when we left in 2015,” she says. In 2016 Community’s Child opened its own outreach facility, the Hope Center, near Crenshaw Boulevard and 190th Street. The original food TorranceMemorial.org | 45
Helping Hands
COMMUNITY’S CHILD AND TORRANCE MEMORIAL
Tara Nierenhausen, founder and executive director of Community's Child, has dedicated her life to helping others—especially mothers and children in need.
pantry served about 200 food-insecure schoolchildren, but demand exploded during the pandemic. At its peak, Hope Center fed 37,000 people and grew into a regional hub supporting other area food banks. It currently distributes 20,000 pounds of fresh produce a week. Over the years, Community’s Child has received more than 100 community service awards. The nonprofit runs on a shoestring, with just six people on payroll and about 50 core volunteers. “I’m tired,” Nierenhausen admits. “Running a nonprofit is exhausting. You wear so many hats—everything from public speaking to writing grants, cleaning toilets and fixing broken fixtures. It’s nonstop.” She’s currently scouring commercial real estate listings. The Hope Center urgently needs to relocate, as 46 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2024
traffic from a new Starbucks impedes food pantry access. She’s eyeing apartment properties too. A long-term goal is to offer rent-to-own housing options as an extension of the transitional shelter program. In December, Nierenhausen took a rare break to visit her daughter, Amber, now 42, and three grandsons: Joey, 18, Matt, 16, and Evan, 14. They all still live in Coquitlam, her old stomping grounds. But Redondo Beach is Nierenhausen’s hometown now. She’s passionate about the South Bay community. “I love all the people,” she says. “The woman who bakes Christmas cookies with the kids. The people who donate baby stuff for our infant pantry. South Bay residents care about their neighbors. Community’s Child truly belongs to the community.” •
In 2014 Community’s Child formed a partnership with Torrance Memorial Medical Center to address rising numbers of schoolchildren showing up in the ER. Close study revealed more than one-quarter of area schoolchildren had anemia. Community’s Child and Torrance Memorial responded with the Healthy Bags program, which identifies nutritionally at-risk children attending local schools and sends them home with a bag of nutrient-dense groceries every Friday. A year later, the rate of anemia in this population had dropped to 4%, according to Nierenhausen. Community’s Child also started cohosting annual family health screenings at Torrance Memorial. The event delivers crucial services to about 300 disadvantaged kids and their families. Participants receive free physical examinations by Torrance Memorial clinicians, including heart and blood pressure checks, lab panels and BMI assessments. Other health care professionals perform free dental exams and oral X-rays, conduct vision screenings and administer mental health assessments. The daylong program includes lunch and information sessions on topics like heart health, drug and alcohol abuse, and good nutrition, plus resources for enrolling in government programs like WIC, SNAP and Covered California. Participating families have access to free follow-up services throughout the year. The 2024 screening will be held April 13 at Torrance Memorial’s Hoffman Health Conference Center.
RECOVERY FOR YOUR MIND BODY & SOUL WE ARE HERE TO HELP EVERY STEP OF THE WAY ON YOUR JOURNEY OF RECOVERY The Thelma McMillen Recovery Center for alcohol and drug treatment at Torrance Memorial is making lasting changes in the lives of South Bay adults and adolescents as well as their families. Providing outpatient treatment services to help clients find sobriety within the framework of their daily lives is at the core of what we do. TAKE THE FIRST STEP • CALL US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AT 310.784.4879 VISIT US AT T helmaMcMillenRecoveryCenter.com
Volunteering comes naturally to Rancho Palos Verdes resident Erica Mangham. She has made a career of doing charitable work that benefits her community, with a particular passion for helping children. 48 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2024
Community VIP's
Helping Hand Erica Mangham loves to help others—professionally and personally. Written by Nancy Sokoler Steiner | Photographed by Vincent Rios
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hen she was interviewed in November, Erica Mangham was once again looking forward to volunteering at Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s Holiday Festival. She previously helped with setting up and greeting guests, while this year her assignment involved security for the trees. She recently worked on the Boys & Girls Clubs food drive, bundling donated food into Thanksgiving packages for needy families. Volunteering comes naturally to Mangham. The Rancho Palos Verdes wife and mother of three has been doing so since she was a high school student living in Upland. She admits her start as a volunteer stemmed from mixed motivations. She saw it as her ticket out of the house when she was grounded and could not go to parties. “I was a social kid,” she says. “Wednesday nights I’d join other students feeding the homeless at a church in Pomona. Then I started going with friends to distribute cookies at holiday time to the local group home.” She found the experiences extremely rewarding. “I’m adopted, and I have an affinity for other adopted kids and kids in foster care. There’s something about it that makes you different,” she says. Her parents encouraged and supported her endeavors. In high school and college, Mangham planned to become a high-powered attorney. She began to dabble in politics while majoring in political science at Cal Poly Pomona. “It wasn’t as rewarding as I thought it would be,” she explains. She wanted to help people more directly and began volunteering at various organizations to get familiar with how nonprofits worked. She also earned a nonprofit management certificate from UCLA to learn all facets of the field. Mangham went on to work with Best Buddies International, Lupus Research Alliance and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. She served as executive director at Variety – the Children’s Charity, overseeing 44 global offices. Recently, Mangham served as executive director for Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times. “It’s a great organization, and I love working with kids,” she says. “The camp hosts children who have been impacted by cancer and their siblings. These kids have gone through something major and
couldn’t be like other children. This program allows them to be kids again.” Mangham recently stepped down from her position at Camp Ronald McDonald to care for her ill mother. However, she still makes time to volunteer for a variety of organizations in addition to Torrance Memorial. She is president of the National Charity League’s Palos Verdes chapter. The group promotes philanthropy, leadership and culture by inviting girls in grades 7–12 to volunteer with their mothers at community nonprofits such as food pantries, children’s agencies and hospitals. Mangham joined the program with her older daughter in 2018 and assumed her leadership position in 2023. Similarly, her son belongs to the National League of Young Men, a volunteer organization for mothers and sons.
Mangham adopted her daughter, who is now 13 years old and has disabilities, at the age of 5. “I’m slowly getting her into volunteer activities too,” she says. “I’m drawn to children in tough situations that aren’t their fault. It brings me joy to be able to help,” Mangham happily admits. “If I can help make the world or my community a better place, why not try?” • TorranceMemorial.org | 49
Community VIP's
He Does It His Way Gen Z singer Clay Abrams prefers performing big band numbers. Written by Nancy Sokoler Steiner | Photographed by Vincent Rios
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ou could say music runs in Clay Abrams’ family. His father played drums, and his grandfather played bass and trumpet. His great-aunt and great-uncle performed as a jazz duo. And his wife is an opera singer. Abrams started playing drums “as soon as I could sit upright,” he says. He belonged to several bands in his youth and enjoyed performing—particularly for residents in senior living facilities. During his final year of high school, he grew tired of lugging his drum set to venues and realized he could sing instead. His musical style emerged the first time he heard Frank Sinatra. Not only did Abrams love the music, but he realized he had a similar voice as Ol’ Blue Eyes. He studied singing for two years at El Camino College, where he first sang with a big band— the El Camino College Studio Jazz Big Band. Since 2021, Abrams has performed monthly for the residents of Sunrise Senior Living in Hermosa Beach and another location in Torrance. “It’s been amazing to connect with these wonderful residents,” he says. “After performing, I talk with them and learn their stories. Many actually saw Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and my other musical heroes perform live in their heyday. I’ve been able to give them an experience that takes them back to great memories from their youth. It’s been extremely rewarding and profoundly moving.” Abrams’ most popular numbers include “Embraceable You” and “Pennies from Heaven,” not to mention Sinatra’s classic “My Way.” He shares his audiences “know all the words and love to sing along.” In addition to Sinatra and Martin, Abrams counts Tony Bennett and Sammy Davis Jr. among his favorite crooners. While he enjoys rock and hip-hop, he finds current music lacking. “It’s too commercial,” says Abrams, who prefers to hear the performer's “true instrument”—their natural voice—rather than synthesized or otherwise altered versions. 50 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2024
He also plays trombone and has performed in numerous locations abroad. He lived in South America for six months, where he learned to love tango and salsa dancing. In Italy, Abrams learned songs in Italian such as “O Sole Mio.” Now he has traded his volunteer performances for older adults with a different type of service. Abrams enlisted in the Army and began basic training in July 2023. He hoped to join the Army band, but the spot was taken before he had a chance to audition. “They begged me to try again next year when there may be an opening,” he reports. Meanwhile, he is finishing advanced training as a petroleum supply specialist. Asked to name his “theme song,” Abrams chose two: “‘Pick Yourself Up’ is a feel-good song that says when life gets you down, you’ve got to pick yourself up and keep going,” he says. And he says “That’s Life” encapsulates the wide variety of things he’s done in his 25 years. Whether he’s in front of civilian or military audiences as a musician or an Army specialist, for Abrams “the best is yet to come.” •
Clay Abrams, newly enlisted in the U.S. Army, has a penchant for songs of yesteryear and loves to sing for seniors at Sunrise Senior Living in Hermosa Beach when he has the opportunity.
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Thomas Parham, PhD, president of California State University, Dominguez Hills, is a strong leader and mentor for his staff and students and a changemaker in the community. Pictured inset: Dr. Parham loves to interact with students (L to R): Ana Alcauter, Marcelo Cowo, Dr. Parham, Efrain Contreras, Rosaida Dumaliang.
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Community VIP's
A Life of Service Thomas Parham, president of California State University, Dominguez Hills, devotes himself to supporting others. Written by Nancy Sokoler Steiner | Photographed by Wendy Saade
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n his volunteer and professional roles, Thomas Parham, PhD, considers himself a servant-leader. He takes inspiration from two American icons: Martin Luther King Jr. and Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman in Congress and first to seek presidential nomination. King said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Chisholm said, “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.” A psychologist who has taught, published research and treated patients, Dr. Parham specializes in racial identity. He looks at the adaptations Black people make in developing their sense of self and the differences and variability among those individuals and adaptations. Dr. Parham has engaged in numerous volunteer and service endeavors. He helped found the Orange County chapter of 100 Black Men of America—a mentoring organization dedicated to enhancing educational and economic opportunities for African Americans. During his nearly three decades with the organization, he developed Passport to the Future—an initiative to teach young men responsibility and guide them to confidently manage life challenges. “This is what I’m most proud of because the program has transformed hundreds of lives,” he says.
Dr. Parham served as president of The Association of Black Psychologists and has held leadership roles in the Association for Multicultural Counseling & Development. He feels satisfaction knowing he ultimately benefitted many people requiring psychological and counseling services by serving professionals who work with them. As president of California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), Dr. Parham sees one of his primary responsibilities as facilitating excellence—whether in teaching, research, outside learning opportunities or business operations. “I come to serve and not be served,” he says. “My job is to get out there and help others produce the excellence I expect.” Dr. Parham came to CSUDH in 2018 following nearly four decades at UC Irvine, most recently as vice chancellor. He wants community members to have higher expectations of the university than they’ve held previously. “I want to transform this campus into a national model urban university,” he says. “If you look at our curriculum, buildings, faculty, student access, cocurricular learning opportunities and connectedness to the community, we are not just in the community, we are of the community. That’s what model urban universities ought to be.” He hopes students take several insights and qualities from their college experience. One is the understanding that good mental health comes from having a broad range of choices and options. Another is to maximize their intellectual and personal growth. “The goal is not simply to get a job. The goal is the cultivation of the human spirit and the human potential,” Dr. Parham says. He also reminds CSUDH students, “People come from circumstance, but they are not their circumstance. You may come from poverty, but your spirit can still be rich. You may come from violent surroundings but still have a peaceful heart.” The description Dr. Parham feels best encapsulates him came on an award presented to him by The Association of Black Psychologists in 2000. It simply reads, “Warrior Healer.” •
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Calendar
UPCOMING CLASSES, EVENTS & SUPPORT GROUPS All classes are hybrid unless otherwise noted. Please call 310–517–4711 to register for all paid classes. Pricing is $80 or $72 for ADVANTAGE members for each 8–week series, and $40 or $36 for each 4–week series.
Class Schedule for 3105 Lomita Blvd., Torrance ESSENTRICS FULL-BODY STRETCH WITH AI (IN–PERSON ONLY)
March 4-April 22; May 6-July 1; July 8-August 26 March 7-April 25; May 9-June 27; July 11-August 29 Monday, 11 to 11:50 a.m. or Thursday, 6:30 to 7:20 p.m. This gentle, full-body stretch will activate all your muscles, free your joints and increase mobility. Perfect for injury recovery and pain and stress relief. Bring a yoga mat.
CHAIR YOGA FOR STRENGTH AND BALANCE WITH SHARMONE March 4-April 22; May 6-July 1, July 8-August 26 March 7-April 25; May 9-June 27; July 11-August 29 Monday or Thursday, 2 to 3 p.m. Using a chair in seated and standing poses helps to improve strength and balance.
QI GONG WITH GAYLA
YOGA FOR WELLNESS WITH DEBI
(ZOOM ONLY)
March 6-April 24; May 8-June 26; July 10-August 28 Wednesday, 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. This class focuses on correct posture alignment, increasing strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
March 7-April 25; May 9-June 27; July 11-August 29 Thursday, 9 to 10:15 a.m. A powerful but gentle practice of movement and meditation which rejuvenates the body and leaves you feeling stronger and more relaxed.
BEGINNING TAI CHI WITH RICHARD (ZOOM ONLY)
March 5-April 23; May 7-June 25; July 9-August 27 Tuesday, 2 to 3 p.m. A sophisticated Chinese exercise that inspires physical and mental wellbeing. This class is an introduction to the form.
MAT/FLOOR PILATES WITH KAREN (IN PERSON ONLY)
March 5-April 23; May 7-June 25; July 9-August 27 Tuesday, 4 to 4:50 p.m. An all-levels class that focuses on strengthening core muscles to help improve balance. Moderate fitness level needed. Bring a mat.
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INTERMEDIATE TAI CHI WITH RICHARD (ZOOM ONLY)
March 6-April 24; May 8-June 26; July 10-August 28 Wednesday, 2 to 3 p.m. Having learned balancing and relaxation, students will learn how to complete the form.
PRENATAL YOGA WITH ROBIN March 6-April 24; May 8-June 26; July 10-August 28 Wednesday, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Stay in shape during your pregnancy. Learn to breathe deeply, relax and strengthen your body in preparation for the physical demands of labor, birth and motherhood.
INTEGRATED YOGA WITH ROBIN
STRETCH & SOUND BATH MEDITATION WITH AI
STRETCHING FOR BETTER BALANCE WITH RANDY
March 6-April 24; May 8-June 26; July 10-August 28 Wednesday, 7 to 8 p.m. This class integrates breath work, postures and deeply relaxing meditation, such as yoga nidra, which can be the equivalent of four hours of sleep.
March 6-April 24; May 8-June 26; July 10-August 28 Wednesday, 9:30 to 10:20 a.m. March 9-April 27; May 11-June 29; July 13-August 31 Saturday,12:30 to 1:20 p.m. Through gentle stretch and breath work, you will be introduced to different sounds and vibrations from various sound bath instruments. Bring a yoga mat, blanket and pillow.
March 4-April 22; May 6-July 1; July 8-August 26 March 7-April 25; May 9-June 27; July 11-August 29 Monday or Thursday, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. This fun workout in a chair is designed to help increase flexibility to prevent injuries.
Class Schedule for Malaga Cove 2550 Via Tejon, Palos Verdes Estates ALL CLASSES AT THIS LOCATION ARE IN-PERSON ONLY
CHAIR EXERCISE: BEGINNING AND INTERMEDIATE WITH PAM March 7-April 25; May 9-June 27; July 11-August 29 Thursday, 9 to 10 a.m. Using a chair as a support prop, we will perform exercises to improve strength and endurance without using a mat or going to the floor. Bring an exercise band.
ALIGN THE SPINE WITH JOY March 4-April 22; May 6-July 1; July 8-26 Monday, 9 to 10 a.m. These Feldenkrais Method lessons help to restore or avoid deterioration of your posture without pain or strain. Bring an exercise mat, hand, and bath towel.
BEGINNING & INTERMEDIATE MUSCLE STRENGTHENING WITH RANDY March 4-April 22; May 6-July 1; July 8-Aug 26 March 7-April 25; May 9-June 27; July 11-August 29 Monday or Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Learn correct, safe techniques for strengthening your upper and lower body using a chair and flexible exercise bands.
YOGA FOR STRESS REDUCTION WITH DEBI March 9-April 27; May 11-June 29; July 13-August 31 Saturday, 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. This class focus is on gentle yoga poses on the floor, seated and standing, breath work and meditation. Yoga increases flexibility, strengthens the body and improves balance.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Check TorranceMemorial.org/classes for more information or call 310-517-4666.
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Calendar
BONES FOR LIFE WITH JOY March 4-April 22; May 6-July 1; July 8-August 26 Monday, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Feldenkrais exercises help support bones through gentle weight-bearing exercises that require no strain and help improve posture and bone health.
CHAIR YOGA FOR BACK AND SHOULDERS WITH JACQUE March 5-April 23; May 7-June 25; July 9-August 27 Tuesday, noon to 1 p.m. Learn new techniques to nurture your back pain, relieve shoulder tension and enhance your neck while using the support of a chair.
PASSIVE RELEASE RESTORATIVE YOGA WITH JACQUE
MOBILITY & MOVEMENT SLOW YOGA FLOW WITH JACQUE March 5-April 23; May 7-June 25; July 9-August 27 Tuesday, 10 to 11 a.m. This gentle class will help you feel more comfortable in your daily activities by focusing on movements to loosen stiff joints and muscles and ease rotation.
March 5-April 23; May 7-June 25; July 9-August 27 Tuesday, 2 to 3 p.m. A nurturing passive yin yoga class; we stay on the mat and relax in gentle poses for the body’s deep release.
STRENGTH AND STRETCH WITH PAM March 6-April 24; May 8-June 26; July 10-August 28 Wednesday, noon to 1 p.m. A slow, gentle class using stretching to build strength and improve health. Bring a towel and mat.
Parenting Class FROM ME TO WE April 9-30; May 7-28; June 4-25 Tuesday, 6 to 7 p.m. A 4-week class designed to support parents in navigating the emotional and psychological challenges of parenthood. $99, register by calling 310-517-4711.
BE KIND TO YOUR JOINTS WITH PAM March 6-April 24; May 8-June 26; July 10-August 28 Wednesday, 10:50 to 11:50 a.m. This class uses long stretches to promote joint movement. Towel and mat needed.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Check TorranceMemorial.org/classes for more information or call 310-517-4666.
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THE LUNDQUIST NEUROSCIENCES INSTITUTE OFFERS M O R E E X P E R T C A R E A N D I N N O VAT I O N . O u r t e a m of multidisciplinary neurology experts ensures our patients have access to the most advanced neurological care in the area. Our investment in technology, clinical trials, and the expansion of our affiliation with Cedars-Sinai means there is no need to leave the South Bay. Learn more at TorranceMemorial.org/Neuro
Expert Neuro Care with More Brain Power
LUNDQUIST NEUROSCIENCES INSTITUTE Featured: Jeffrey Kim, MD, Neurologist
Hermosa Beach resident "Superwoman" Melanie Friedlander, MD, is as passionate about her football, wine and food as she is about her medical practice. 58 | Pulse Magazine Winter 2024
Calling Plays with Surgical Precision Written by Diane Krieger | Photographed by Siri Berting
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ost people know Melanie Friedlander, MD, as a skilled Torrance Memorial surgeon. But Google her, and you’ll find a whole other side in @girlsurgeon—Friedlander’s handle in the Steelers superfan universe. This co-director of the Hunt Cancer Center’s breast surgery program is also an authority on Pittsburgh’s iconic NFL team. On game days, you can find Dr. Friedlander live-tweeting her expert analysis. Her blog posts and mini podcasts on the popular Steelers Depot website reach millions of fans worldwide. Another of her quirks few people appreciate: Dr. Friedlander is a serious wine collector, with around 1,500 bottles in her cellar. And she’s a gourmet cook who throws elaborate dinner parties. Sometimes she painstakingly recreates memorable meals from top restaurants. Other times she concocts eightcourse wine pairings in collaboration with a foodie friend. Planning these theme-driven feasts “is almost as much fun as the dinner party itself,” Dr. Friedlander says. Dr. Friedlander’s exotic hobbies are rooted in an idyllic childhood. Her sophisticated palate comes from having “awesome parents” who often included her and her older sister, Claudia, in restaurant adventures. The family lived in Mendham Township, New Jersey, a quaint colonial town 30 miles west of the Big Apple. Going strictly by geography, they should have rooted for the Jets or the Giants. But both New York football franchises haughtily rejected a tristate identity—and “as a little kid in New Jersey, that hurt my feelings,” she recalls. So she gave her heart to the mighty Steelers, champions of four Super Bowls in the 1970s. Knowing from an early age she would be a surgeon, she gave herself permission to pursue many non-science interests. At Middlebury College, she completed a literature minor alongside her stiff pre-med requirements. She sang with an a cappella group and acted in stage productions, DJ’d with the student radio station and played on the women’s rugby team. She took up cycling, running, swimming and golf after moving to Los Angeles for a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery at USC. It was a cycling trip to Napa Valley that first sparked her interest in wine. Eventually she bought a second home there. When she isn’t on call at the hospital, she spends weekends riding the switchbacks of Palos Verdes or treasure-hunting in Napa wineries.
Dr. Friedlander’s passions for wine, cooking and football converge once a year in a blowout Super Bowl party she throws for up to 100 guests. For the rest of the season, she watches Steelers games alone. “I can be a little bit intense,” she admits. “I tweet the entire time. I yell at the TV screen. My non-football friends say I’m scary.” Her sports commentary reached a new level in 2012 after Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sustained an unusual game-day injury. He dislocated a rib, which could have resulted in life-threatening damage to his aorta. Consulting the orthopedic literature, Dr. Friedlander penned an information-packed blog post that went viral. The Steelers Depot website recruited her as its sports injury expert, and she’s been blogging and podcasting there ever since. But breast surgery remains Dr. Friedlander’s top priority. “That’s the role that means the most to me,” she says of her work at the Hunt Cancer Center. Only rarely do her medical practice and her football world collide—and when they do, Dr. Friedlander is delighted. Recently, a patient presented her with a pair of squeezy Steelers keychain fobs. “You Googled me!” Dr. Friedlander declared, beaming with pleasure. “Yes,” the patient replied with a big smile. •
VITAL SIGNS Name: Dr. Melanie Friedlander Age: 56 Hometown: Hermosa Beach and Napa X (Twitter) Handle: @girlsurgeon Blogspot: steelersdepot.com Podcast: The Terrible Take Favorite South Bay Restaurants: Baran’s 2239 and Sosta Cucina Biker Handle: “My cycling friends call me the Happy Turtle because I can go on forever. I don’t go fast, but I outlast everyone.” Peak Fangirl Moment: Meeting Steelers running back Jerome “The Bus” Bettis at the Pittsburgh airport Favorite Winery: Harlan Estate in Napa Valley—Dr. Friedlander named one of her beloved Shetland sheepdogs after the winery. Her other sheltie, who passed away in December, was named Tucker (Australian slang for “food”).
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TORRANCE MEMORIAL LOCATION DIRECTORY OUR HOSPITAL Torrance Memorial TorranceMemorial.org 3330 Lomita Blvd., Torrance 310-325-9110
PRIMARY CARE
SPECIALTY CARE
Torrance Memorial Physician Network TMPhysicianNetwork.org
Hunt Cancer Center • Cardiology • Ear, Nose & Throat • Endocrinology • Neurology • OBGYN • Lundquist Orthopedic Institute • Pain Management • Palliative Care • Pediatrics • Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation • Primary Care • Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine • Rheumatology • Urgent Care • Infectious Disease • Care Coordination Center/ Coumadin Clinic
Torrance • 2900 Lomita Blvd • 3400 Lomita Blvd, Suite 104 • 3640 Lomita Blvd. Suite 200 • 3333 Skypark Dr, Suites 100, 160, 320* • 3701 Skypark Dr, Suites 100, 220* • 2841 Lomita Blvd, Suite 315 Carson • 824 E. Carson St, Suite 101 El Segundo • 2110 E. El Segundo Blvd, Suite 200 Hermosa Beach • 705 Pier Ave, Suites A, B* Manhattan Beach • 855 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Suites 102, 201, 204, 206* Palos Verdes • 602 Deep Valley Dr, Suite 300* Rancho Palos Verdes • 29409 S. Western Ave El Segundo: • Multispecialty Medical Office Center
For a referral to a specialist, contact Torrance Memorial at 310-517-4700. URGENT CARE • Urgent Care – Torrance Weekdays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Weekends 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2900 Lomita Blvd., Torrance • 310-784-3740 • Urgent Care – Manhattan Beach Weekdays 4 to 9 p.m.; Weekends 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 855 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Suite 101, Manhattan Beach • 310-939-7873 • Urgent Care – El Segundo Weekdays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Weekends 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2110 E. El Segundo Blvd, Suite 100 El Segundo • 310-517-7010
PEDIATRIC OFFICES • 3440 Lomita Blvd, Suite 429, Torrance • 3400 Lomita Blvd, Suite 301, Torrance • 824 E. Carson St, Suite 202, Carson • 705 Pier Ave, Suite C, Hermosa Beach • 855 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Suite 103, Manhattan Beach • 2110 E. El Segundo Blvd, Suite 210, El Segundo Call our Physician Referral Coordinators for assistance in finding a doctor and making an appointment: 310-891-6717.
BREAST DIAGNOSTIC CENTERS • Torrance 3275 Skypark Dr • Carson 824 E. Carson St, Suite 208 • Manhattan Beach 855 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Suite 208 • Palos Verdes 65 Peninsula Center, Rolling Hills Estates To make an appointment call 310-517-4709. RECOVERY CENTER • Thelma McMillen Recovery Center 3333 Skypark Park Dr, Suite 200, Torrance 310-784-4879 *Laboratory Draw Station
Flash Events 7TH ANNUAL YPPA CASINO NIGHT: NIGHT OF GIVING AND GRATITUDE Friday, September 29, 2023 The Rex, Redondo Beach The seventh annual YPPA Casino Night at The Rex was a resounding success! Dedicated to expanding the emergency department, the event raised an impressive $77,825—10 times more than last year, thanks to our incredible attendees. With 170 guests, The Rex, led by owner Dan Nguyen and Chef Walter Nunez, hosted an enjoyable evening featuring blackjack, craps, roulette and poker. It was a night filled with fun and giving, all in support of Torrance Memorial Medical Center's emergency department expansion campaign. If you're interested in supporting this effort, visit TorranceMemorial.org/ YPPA for membership information and updates on future events. Photographed by Philicia Endelman
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1. Chef Walter Nunez 2. Andy Gregorio, Justine Gregorio, Shanon Markward, Jesse Markward 3. Sam Sheth, Kay Sheth, Deveena Chandra, Jay Bajaria 4. Jeff Lai, MD, Connie Lai, Gaby Miller, Greg Miller 5. Ken Johnson, Nadine Bobit, Heidi Mackenbach, John Mackenbach 6. Teresa Eichner, Landy Koerner, Vicki Kern, Sharon Fong, Samantha Tulley TorranceMemorial.org | 61
Flash Events AN EVENING WITH THE AMBASSADORS October 8, 2023 Torrance Memorial Ambassadors, an annual giving program of Torrance Memorial Foundation, gathered at the spectacular hilltop home of Serena and John Padian. Emergency department (ED) physician Eric Nakkim, MD, spoke about the necessity of the ED expansion. Grateful patient Kevin Theodora shared his experiences with the lifesaving care he received in the ED. Retiring president and CEO Craig Leach spoke eloquently about his nearly 40-year tenure at Torrance Memorial Medical Center. For more information on Ambassadors, visit TorranceMemorial. org/Ambassadors or call Judith Gassner at 310-517-4704.
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Barbara Bentley, Cindy Hagelstein Phil Pavesi, Christina Pavesi Jim Witte, Terry Witte, Michael DiLustro, Cindy Hagelstein, Bill Whittlesey, Bill Hagelstein, Gina Whittlesey, Joe Hohm Judy Leach, Craig Leach, Song Klein Carole Hoffman, Joy Theodora, Heidi Hoffman, MD Ann Zimmerman, David Chan, MD, Susan Chan Kevin Theodora, Craig Leach, Judith Gassner, Erik Nakkim, MD
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40TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY FESTIVAL FASHION SHOW November 28, 2023
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Torrance Memorial's 40th Holiday Festival Fashion Show kicked off with a stunning highfashion runway display, featuring exquisite couture designs by Michail Collection and The Extreme Collection. Over 500 guests enjoyed a delightful blend of lunch and shopping at the Festival Boutique. Inside the tent, special vendors generously donated 20% of their proceeds, contributing to the crucial expansion of the emergency department. Photographed by Ed McClure and Philicia Endelman
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Ellen Smith, Jan VanRiper, Lisa Gentry, Kathy Johnson Eunice Shen, Diane Boval, Lin Chen, Sandy Yang, Kathleen Chao Beth Bowen, Anya Khomut, Joy Theodora, Dolly Narang, Jenny Ha, Karen Sinfield Alexandra Grossman, MD, Jenny Luo, MD, Mary Sun, MD, Ellen Baker, MD, Ana Lopez-O’Sullivan, MD, Gretchen Lent, MD, Monica Lee, MD, Gina Sulmeyer, MD, Christine Ham, Elisia Anhalt, MD Holly Stocke, Song Klein, Judith Gassner, Tracey Livian
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Flash Events 40TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY FESTIVAL GALA December 1, 2023 The 40th anniversary Holiday Festival Gala at Torrance Memorial attracted nearly 650 guests for a joyous celebration under the big white tent. Auctioneer Letitia Frye skillfully inspired bids on live auction items and Gift from the Heart, and the silent auction broke its record with nearly $69,000 in winning bids. Immersed in a festive atmosphere, guests displayed their generosity, enjoyed a delicious meal and danced the night away. With the announcement of a $3 million gift from Carol and Jerry Marcil, $5.2 million will support the hospital's emergency department expansion.
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Judith Gassner, Emmanuel David, Ofelia David Laura Schenasi, Priscilla Hunt, Brenda Nowotka Zac Gray, MD, Melanie Lundquist, Keith Hobbs, Richard Lundquist 4. Jackie Geiger, Greg Geiger, Ann Markley 5. Kay Sheth, Bharti Sheth, Sam Sheth 6. Stephane Tang, DO, Zac Gray, MD, Elisa Anhalt, MD, Jenny Luo, MD, Gretchen Lent, MD, Kurt Hansen, MD 7. David Chan, MD, Susan Chan, Melody Lowe, Tom Lowe, MD 8. Peggi Collins, Carolyn Snyder, Jeannine Frandsen 9. Lori O’Hern, Tom O’Hern 10. London Theodora, Lisa Arreguin, Jaden Theodora, Kirsten Alleroth, Ellen Theodora, Pat Theodora, Carol Marcil, Jerry Marcil
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A Look Back
A 40-year tradition, the Torrance Memorial Holiday Festival has provided many South Bay residents with the opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the holiday season—all while raising money to support the hospital. Cochair Carolyn Snyder has been involved for 39 years (pictured at left, to the right of the tree in the back row).
40 Years of Holiday Festival Magic
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n 1984 the first Festival of Trees—then a four-day event—was held in Torrance Memorial’s underground garage and raised $10,000 from auctioned trees. Flash-forward to the present, and the hospital’s Holiday Festival has grown into a six-day event with gorgeous trees, unique holiday finds and talented performances. The event has raised nearly $40 million to support Torrance Memorial since its inception. Co-chair Carolyn Snyder, who has been involved with Torrance Memorial’s Holiday Festival for 39 years, has been instrumental in working with the Foun-
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dation team to bring this event to life every year. Much like Santa’s workshop, the Holiday Festival has elves, in the form of dedicated volunteers who work year-round to craft, design and plan tree-themed ornaments, decorations and other delights. Festival Boutique volunteers work directly with Bev George, co-chair of the Holiday Festival since 2011, who has extensive career experience—from crafting to accounting—and trade show expertise in demonstrating, marketing, purchasing, pricing and selling products. While the Holiday Festival tent is magical, it takes a village to create it. Lisa Takata, Torrance Memorial Foundation special events and Patrons program manager, and her team have the multilevel planning that goes into turning the venue into different events each day—including installation and teardown of the tent—down to a science. Lighting and sound need to be changed daily as well. “It can get challenging,” says Lisa, “but it’s very rewarding to be a part of creating the holiday magic.” Family time is a big part of the festival. Parents watch children perform in musical groups. Grandchildren hold their grandparents’ hands and walk (or race) around the winter wonderland. And volunteers often work with family members. The Holiday Festival is an important tradition at Torrance Memorial and a true cornerstone in fundraising efforts. This signature event is vital in helping Torrance achieve high-quality medical services for all residents of the South Bay. All proceeds from the 2023 event supported the Lundquist Leach Emergency Department. •
OUR EXPERT TEAM HAS ONCE AGAIN RANKED FIRST AMONG SOUTH BAY HOSPITALS BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT. Combined with Newsweek rankings, Torrance Memorial places in the top 1% in the nation, further solidifying our position as the number ONE hospital in the South Bay. Torrance Memorial’s quality results and rankings far exceed any other hospital in the community. Learn more at TMGetTheFacts.org
#1 Ranked Hospital in the South Bay
Ranked #4 in the L.A./O.C. Region - U.S. News & World Report
Ranked #9 in California
- U.S. News & World Report
A LEGACY OF CARE Our lives are defined in many ways, some which reflect the level of our accomplishments. But for those with a deeper interest, few qualities endure longer than the expression of our love—whether it’s aimed toward our family, our community or the thousands of lives we help transform along the way. Your support and contributions, of any amount, help expert community care thrive for years to come. Learn more about starting your own legacy at TMLegacy.org