VENTURA COUNTY
CONEJO VALLEY
MALIBU
WEST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
AUGUST 2013 www.yhconnection.com
F I N A N C I A LLY F I T
HEALTH IS WEALTH! • LONG TERM CARE PLANNING • TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE • UNDERSTANDING SPECIAL NEEDS ESTATE PLANNING
• MARIANA CONTI OF CONTICARE • FUSION RX COMPOUNDING PHARMACY • SUDDENLYSLIMMER OF THOUSAND OAKS • HEALTHY DINING AT JUNE 2013 MAGAZINE.COM HIP IN OJAI • GO NATURAL AND SAVE! • BEING FINANCIALLY MATURE
Experienced Hands Here James Pero, MD Urology
Kyle Himsl, MD Urology
The a answer nswer to
surgical expertise: Los Robles. Robles. When it comes to minimally invasive surgery, you are in the right hands at Los Robles. Our expert surgeons are leaders in robotic-assisted surgery and they, not residents, perform complex and delicate procedures with unmatched precision. Utilizing the state-of-the-art da Vinci® system, our surgeons’ hands give you the most effective, least invasive surgical treatment available. All right here, close to home. Put your trust in Experienced Hands... Here.
Find your answer to expert care at Los Robles.
877.888.5746 | www.losrobleshospital.com
Los Robles patients enjoy the many benefits of robotic robotic-assisted surgery: • Shorter hospital stay • Much less pain and scarring • Better outcomes • Faster recovery Our specialties include: • Gynecology • Urology • Surgical • Urogynecology Oncology • Cardiothoracic
Contents 06/
PUBLISHER’S LETTER retiremeNt? what's that?
09/
FYI
F I N A N C I A LLY F I T I S S U E
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42/
5 major tips to keep everyoNe CooL aNd safe!
30/
18/
NATURAL APPROACH heaLth is weaLth By Dr. Sharon Norling
34/
COMPASSIONATE EATING hip, hip hooray for raw food! By Bianca Rose Martinez
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MIND & SPIRIT 1 are you fiNaNCiaLLy mature? By Wayne M. Levine
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MIND & SPIRIT 2 gaiN CoNtroL over your ereCtiLe dysfuNCtioN By Dawn Michael
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CONNECTION 1
FEATURES 18/
By Alicia Doyle
Special Health Bulletin Seven Healthy Financial Decisions
Navigate the Life ChaNges of agiNg with CONTICARE
By David Machacek
22/
Health View 1 Estate Planning for Families with Special Needs
14/
By Annabel Blanchard, Esq.
CONNECTION 2 FUSION RX CompouNdiNg pharmaCy puts safety first
26/
Health View 2 Rationales for Long Term Care Planning By Carol A. Knowles
By Alicia Doyle
42/
16/
Yes! You Can Go Natural and Save!
SUDDENLY SLIMMER BODY WRAPS—a proveN way to Lose iNChes aNd tighteN skiN
By Jan Tucker
By Alicia Doyle
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Media Review Prelex / Sanctuary / Sound Healing By David Castle
To see scars from most of our back surgeries, you’ll need one of these Dr. Virella is board certified in micro neurosurgery of the spine, neck and brain. Which means tiny incisions with minimal scarring. So if you want a great outcome with no obvious physical evidence, call Virella Neurosurgery.
Complex Spine & Brain Specialists
Anthony Virella, MD, FACS
www.dr-virella.com 1250 LaVenta Drive, Suite 200 • Westlake Village, CA 91361 805.449.0088 office • 805.449.0046 fax New Simi Valley Office Location 1687 Erringer Road, Suite 206 • Simi Valley, CA 93065 805.955.8898 office • 805.955.8828 fax
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
FINANCIALLY FIT ISSUE
BEAUTY IN YOUR
What’s that?
BACKYARD?
YES!
Ask anyone about money and savings for the future and you can expect an array of facial expressions such as eye-rolling followed by pursed lips and deep sighs. if you get a positive reaction, be suspicious. Like most of us, the stock market disaster that began in 2007 kicked and kicked hard—right in the piggy bank. Currently, the economy is showing signs of recovery in many ways, but it is slow and gradual. we have indeed been placed back a few steps with our future plans.
ANN K. CASTLE FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & PUBLISHER
many of us can take the word retirement and pack it away for now, because frankly it is a dream word that needs to be put on hold. in some cases, it is not a bad thing, as staying busy keeps us young. But it is nicer when our decision to keep working is voluntary. there is nothing humorous about money issues. money has caused more arguments among friends and family members—divorces, sleepless nights and undue stress in general. this cannot be healthy! so now you understand why we are presenting you with a special theme this month—financially fit. in this issue we address the importance of financial planning, the structure and cost of special needs estate planning and long term care coverage, and the overall effect of being financially sound. we are also pleased to introduce three extraordinary people who offer a diverse list of health-related services; mariana Conti of ContiCare, dr. Navid vahedi of fusion rX Compounding pharmacy, and deborah hjerling of suddenly slimmer. personally, i don’t picture myself retiring any time soon. i love what i do. it certainly challenges me daily and keeps me closely connected to the members of our surrounding communities. But at some point in time, i may change my mind and i will respond with a positive reaction. with peace, Love, Blessings and gratitude,
The September BEAUTY issue of YHC Magazine features fantastic local beauty companies! Be sure to pick up this terrific issue to learn about these wonderful brands and how to stay beautiful & healthy. AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 1ST.
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FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, PUBLISHER
aNN k. CastLe DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING
Laura mustaCChio COPY EDITOR
jaN tuCker, mBa ACCOUNTING
doNNa BryaNt CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
adriaN Lopez; mary myers; jeff sLoaNe
MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
aNNaBeL BLaNChard, esq.; david CastLe; aLiCia doyLe; CaroL a. kNowLes; wayNe m. LeviNe, ma; david maChaCek; BiaNCa rose martiNez; dawN miChaeL; sharoN NorLiNg, md, mBa; jaN tuCker, mBa COVERAGE AREA INCLUDES
moNthLy to veNtura CouNty, west saN ferNaNdo vaLLey, maLiBu aNd the CoNejo vaLLey; agoura hiLLs, CaLaBasas, CamariLLo, moorpark, NewBury park, Northridge, oak park, oXNard, simi vaLLey, thousaNd oaks, veNtura, westLake viLLage, west hiLLs, woodLaNd hiLLs FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES, CONTACT
LAURA MUSTACCHIO LAURAM@YHCMAGAZINE.COM OR 805.558.9817
ANDREA DOCTOR, LCSW, DCSW Home Health Administrator for Buena Vista Palliative Care and Home Health KATIE GREELEY, DC United Family Chiropractic Specializing in Pediatric Chiropractic Care STEVEN GREENMAN, DDS Specializing in Advanced Cosmetic, Implant & Sedation Dentistry, Snoring & Sleep Apnea HILDA MALDONADO, MD Specializing in Functional Medicine, Anti-Aging Medicine & Hormone Therapy SHARON NORLING, MD Board Certified OB/GYN, Holistic/Integrative Medicine, Medical Acupuncture, Nutrition & Functional Medicine DENISE NOYER-EREZ, LAC, FABORM Licensed Acupuncturist Specializing in Women’s Health DANIEL SLATON, DVM Westlake Village Animal Hospital ALON STEINBERG, MD, FACC Board Certified Cardiologist
FOR ALL OTHER INQUIRIES, CONTACT
ANN K. CASTLE ANN@YHCMAGAZINE.COM OR 805.341.2972
DAVID VILLARREAL, DDS Centers for Healing Specializing in Holistic Dentistry
WWW.YHCONNECTION.COM The opinions expressed here are those of the individual writer and not necessarily those of the publishers or management of YHC Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Publication of the name or photo of any person or organization in YHC Magazine should not be construed as an indication of that person’s expressed opinion. Advertisers and their agencies assume responsibility and liability for the content of their advertisement in YHC Magazine. Photographers whose work is published in any advertising or editorial content within YHC Magazine agree to indemnify and save harmless the publishers from all liability, loss and expense due to a photographer’s failure to gain a model release. YHC Magazine is not responsible for loss of or damage to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork, or any other unsolicited material. Unsolicited material will not be returned. YHC Magazine’s liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction. YHC Magazine does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
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fyi
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
THOSE HOT SPELLS! THE HEAT HAS BEEN RELENTLESS THIS SUMMER AND IT’S NOT OVER YET. WE CANNOT EMPHASIZE ENOUGH THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY MEASURES DURING THIS TIME. HERE ARE 5 MAJOR TIPS TO KEEP EVERYONE (EVEN YOUR PETS) COOL AND SAFE!
INCREASE YOUR WATER INTAKE Keep bottled water with you when out and about in the car, working in the garden or on the beach. Sugary soft drinks and alcoholic beverages do not count – they only dehydrate the body even more. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables are also helpful in keeping your body hydrated. If you find yourself thirsty, your brain is telling you that your body is already in dehydration mode.
EXTRA PROTECTION
THE EYES HAVE IT
STAY COOL
Protect yourself from the dangerous rays of the midday sun. A largebrimmed hat and plenty of sunscreen are needed for proper protection from the dangers of sunburn and the increased risk of skin cancer. Remember to apply 30 minutes prior to going out and reapply if you perspire or swim.
We tend to forget that sun exposure is hard on our eyes as well. Long term exposure to UV radiation without proper eye protection may cause cataracts, damage to the retinas and in severe cases, macular degeneration.
Seniors tend to be more susceptible to heat stroke this time of year; they try to save money by not using their home air-conditioning units properly. The result is an extremely dangerous situation. Please remember to check on your parents and grandparents and make sure they are cool, safe and hydrated.
To understand the SPF numbers, the Melanoma Foundation explains it this way, “While an SPF of 2 will absorb 50 percent of ultraviolet radiation, an SPF of 15 absorbs 93 percent and an SPF of 34 absorbs 97 percent.”
The American Optometric Association recommends that you have proper UV protective lenses that block out 75 to 90 percent of visible light. This doesn’t just apply to regular sun exposure, but also when snow skiing or exposure to laser lights.
AUGUST 2013
PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN AND PETS Little ones and pets are the most vulnerable when it comes to heat exposure. Do not leave them in the car! The interior of a car can quickly soar to 90 degrees even if it’s 78 degrees and in the shade. It only takes minutes for a car to become a deadly environment for a child or pet. It’s dangerous and illegal – take the children with you and leave the pets at home unless they can be with you at all times.
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“If the client is not familiar with local facilities, ContiCare also makes recommendations tailored to the individual's unique needs and circumstances.”
MARIANA CONTI Owner & Founder
Navigate the Life Changes AFTER YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING IN HOSPICE AND HOSPITAL SETTINGS AMONG OLDER ADULTS, MARIANA CONTI LAUNCHED THE CONTICARE SENIOR LIVING REFERRAL AND PLACEMENT SERVICE TO HELP SENIORS AND THEIR FAMILIES NAVIGATE LIFE CHANGES THAT CAN BE BROUGHT ON BY ILLNESS AND OLD AGE.
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CONTICARE SENIOR LIVING REFERRAL AND PLACEMENT SERVICE
● Myth: urinary incontinence cannot be treated in older adults. “despite the current trend in aging, relatively few healthcare professionals are prepared with the expert knowledge necessary for caring for older adults,” said Conti, a clinical psychologist and native of Brazil who lives in California. “although aging happens to everyone, the rate and extent to which the body ages varies greatly in different people, with common changes associated with aging most pronounced in those over age 85,” she said. “it is important to understand that normal aging means the body is able to maintain a constant in its internal environment,” said Conti, adding that all organs of the body perform functions that help maintain consistency. “in addition, this ability to maintain consistency decreases over time. some less obvious changes are often seen in older adults, such as incontinence.” URINARY INCONTINENCE “urinary incontinence is rising and occurring more frequently among older adults,” Conti said. “Contrary to popular belief, incontinence is not a normal consequence of aging, although aging brings structural changes in the bladder and urinary tract infections that can lead to the development of the condition,” she said. “despite the progress made in research into treatment, there are many reasons that affect care due to the lack of open communication about the disorder,” Conti added. “and the individuals who care for those suffering have misunderstandings about urinary incontinence that can affect treatment and management.” MYTHS DISPELLED how do we distinguish between myth and reality when dealing with this condition? According to Conti, following are several incontinence myths and the truth behind them:
● Myth: urinary incontinence is inevitable with age.
despite the higher prevalence among the elderly, urinary incontinence is not natural aging and can affect youngsters, adults, seniors, men, women and even children. many elderly individuals maintain normal bladder control. Currently, due to the increase in life expectancy, we have increasingly common cases of working-age people with incontinence. incontinence accompanies many medical conditions irrespective of a person’s age and gender. even a plain cold can cause urine loss episodes.
there are ways incontinence can be successfully treated. it is not a disease on its own, but a disorder accompanying different medical conditions. sometimes urine loss is one of the symptoms of a disease that disappears after treatment. sometimes it is caused by a temporary change in an organism’s condition. often a person who visits a doctor with this problem is surprised that the therapy involves more than treatment of the incontinence. the doctor tries to find the origin of the problem and choose a treatment which aims at treating the condition causing the incontinence.
● Myth: drinking as little water as possible will improve incontinence.
frequently older adults limit their fluid intake with the mistaken belief that drinking less will lessen the severity of their incontinence. instead, limiting fluids leads to more concentrated urine, which irritates the bladder and makes the problem worse. drinking adequate fluids helps to maintain a normal bladder capacity and function.
● Myth: urinary incontinence is rarely a problem for men. men are less likely to discuss the issue with family members or doctors, and so are less likely to be diagnosed with urinary incontinence.
● Myth: the person with incontinence has accidents on purpose.
Busy or stressed caregivers may think their loved one is having accidents on purpose, but more likely, when an older adult has an accident, it is due to an inability to make it to the bathroom in time or memory loss issues.
● Myth: incontinence is embarrassing but not serious.
while incontinence itself is not life threatening, it can be a very uncomfortable condition for older adults, inhibiting the desire to leave the house or socialize with others. such isolation can contribute to depression. additionally, frequent trips to the bathroom can increase an elderly person’s risk for dangerous falls.
● Myth: absorbent products are the only option to manage urinary incontinence.
CONTINUED >>
s of Aging with ContiCare BY ALICIA DOYL E / / PHO TO GRAPHY BY ADR IA N L O P EZ
AUGUST 2013
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Navigate the Life Changes absorbent products may be the most appropriate management strategy for some people, but they are not the only option. Bladder training, or timed and caregiver-prompted voiding, has also been shown to be an effective incontinence management strategy.
● Myth: a bedridden person cannot avoid developing bedsores.
it is true that incontinent, bedridden people are exposed to scratches and bedsores, but this can be avoided. Constant exposure of the skin to pressure, high temperature and constant wetness increase the chance of skin conditions. proper care, frequent repositioning and using breathable, absorbent products help avoid unpleasant skin problems. keeping a bedridden person’s skin in good condition requires employing preventive treatment and putting some effort in the task, but is possible. CONTICARE
Hilda Maldonado, M.D. Regenerative & Anti Aging Medicine
• Specialized testing for metabolic factors • Hormone balancing • Nutritional supplementation
ContiCare helps clients and families contact and work with the facility they select to provide care. they also ensure the admission process to the facility goes smoothly and that the senior feels at home in his or her new setting.
• Lifestyle changes (individualized diet and exercise) • Stress management • Education • Judicious use of medications as required
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the company helps guide seniors and their families through the process of selecting a senior care facility such as an assisted living or residential care facility, or through independent living or alzheimer’s and dementia care. “this is a free assistance to families and their loved ones,” Conti said. “our services start with a personal consultation to determine the client's needs— financial, spiritual and social—as well as medical, and to discuss different options for care.”
• Over ten years of experience using bio-identical hormone replacement therapy
Dr. Hilda Maldonado is board certified in Internal Medicine and additionally she is a diplomate of the American Academy of Regenerative and Anti-Aging Medicine.
ContiCare is available in ventura and Los angeles Counties to older adults who can no longer live alone.
1240 Westlake Blvd., Suite 133 Westlake Village, CA 91361 Phone / Fax: 805.496.6698 www.drhildamaldonado.com
“if the client is not familiar with local facilities, ContiCare also makes recommendations tailored to the individual's unique needs and circumstances,” Conti said. “Clients may rest assured knowing that ContiCare only makes referrals that meet the company's high standards. ContiCare staff visits each facility personally before making a referral.”
CONTICARE
of Aging with ContiCare CAREGIVING NEEDS MET if you have the responsibility of caring for an aging parent or loved one, you know better than anyone the rewards— but also how overwhelming, stressful and time-consuming the job of caregiving can be, Conti said. “if you are a long-distance caregiver, then you have all the worry and the stress, but are not always there to check in, oversee the situation in the home, coordinate the medical care or respond to crises,” she said. with any of these scenarios, you may need additional help. “we can help you conduct an in-home assessment, identify, coordinate and monitor needed resources like health care, personal care and supportive services,” Conti said. “for long distance caregivers, we can be your eyes and ears for the home situation, and while you will still be involved as loved one and/or decision maker, we are there to reduce your worries and provide you the time to meet the other responsibilities of your life.” PERSONALIZED SERVICE
Fix Your Sex Life and Marriage with Intimacy Counseling SCOPE OF PRACTICE INCLUDES:
• Couples Counseling • Erectile Dysfunction • Porn Addiction • Lack of Desire • Hormone Related Issues • Women's Sexual Health • Men's Sexual Heath • Gender Issues • Sex Therapy • Sexual Healing
Dawn Michael M.A. Certified Clinical Sexologist & Marriage Counselor
805.732.7847 3625 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Suite #262 Building C
www.thehappyspouse.com
ContiCare senior Living referral and placement service is committed to giving clients the best option. “the backbone of ContiCare is the personalized service it offers,” Conti said. “we offer guidance to help you make decisions by giving you options and emotional support to help ensure you are happy in your new home.” ContiCare can also provide and coordinate other services that help navigate the challenges associated with caring for an older loved one, including home health care, in-home caregivers, home modification and care management. “whether a client is suffering from a chronic condition like alzheimer's, dementia or an acute condition like a fractured hip, ContiCare offers appropriate referrals and follow-up to ensure that the person is cared for in the most suitable environment,” she said.
for more information call 805.405.1424 or visit www.conticare.net.
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Compounding medication is not about putting medicine into a pill, but rather using complex formulas, procedures and techniques that are widely misunderstood.
Being fully accredited means a pharmacy meets rigorous standards that guarantee the training and expertise of its compounding pharmacists and specialists, the quality of ingredients, the safety of the facility and the efficacy of compounded medications. “my ultimate goal is to be the premier compounding pharmacy in Los angeles County,” dr. vahedi said.
“fusion rx is a compounding only pharmacy,” said vahedi, Bsc, pharmd. “this means our pharmacy works directly with prescribers and their patients to develop, or compound, customized prescription medications tailored to the needs of the individual,” he said. “in other words, this is not a one size fits all pharmacy.”
what he enjoys most about his profession is that he loves what he does for a living. “i can honestly say i wake up every day and enjoy heading over to work,” he said. “i know all of my patients by name and i get to spend time with them. i enjoy creating unique medications to help patients who are otherwise left without other options.”
NAVID VAHEDI, BSc, PharmD FUSION Rx
Fusion Rx Compounding Pharmacy Puts Safety First AT THE HELM OF THE FIRST COMPOUNDING PHARMACY IN LOS ANGELES EXPECTING TO BE FULLY ACCREDITED BY THE PHARMACY COMPOUNDING ACCREDITATION BOARD, NAVID VAHEDI TAKES PRIDE IN THE FACT THAT PATIENT SAFETY IS NUMBER ONE. BY ALICIA DOYL E
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FUSION RX
EXPERIENCE dr. vahedi earned his Bsc in neuroscience from the university of California Los angeles, where he graduated in 2002. after some exploratory work in the field, he entered the formal study of pharmacy at the university of southern Nevada where he received his pharmd degree in 2006. he then worked as a manager for Longs drugs between 2006 and 2009. “as a result of this experience, i learned to identify some of the shortcomings in standard pharmaceutical practice,” said dr. vahedi, who is an active member of the professional Compounding Centers of america, international academy of Compounding pharmacists and the american academy of anti-aging medicine. he pointed to one of his first cases as a compounding pharmacist to illustrate the difference between a compounding pharmacist and a usual pharmacist. the case involved the physician of a young married woman who called dr. vahedi for a consult concerning a recurrent problem of aphthous ulcers, commonly known as canker sores. knowing women are slightly more apt to develop this problem on a recurrent basis, and aware that a problem of this nature could be a very serious one for a young married couple, dr. vahedi developed a specialty medication using appropriate components to give the patient relief from this condition within three days. “Both the patient and her physician were grateful and relieved with my solution of the problem which is now completely controlled,” dr. vahedi said.
PRESCRIPTION COMPOUNDING Prescription compounding may be an ideal solution for people who: • Are allergic to dyes or preservatives. • Have difficulty swallowing pills. • Need a dosage or medication not commonly available.
“with compounding, your doctor or provider can tailor dosage levels, modify strengths and change how a medication is delivered as they monitor your results,” dr. vahedi explained. “drug manufacturers typically market only limited strengths of their products,” he said. “small changes in dosage and forms can have significant effects.”
Almost any type of medication can be compounded into a product to meet specific needs, including: • • • • •
Topical formulations. Preservative-free medications. Sublingual dosage forms. Injectables. Children’s dosages of adult prescriptions.
Compounded prescriptions can also be created in forms that make medications easier to take, with drug delivery methods including tablets, liquids, creams and even medicated lollipops. “drug shortages are becoming increasingly common,” dr. vahedi further emphasized. “this is a critical issue which means that doctors and their patients are often unable to get the medications they need.”
DRUG SHORTAGE PROBLEM according to the professional Compounding Centers of america, of which fusion rx is a member, “the growing drug shortage problem is impacting a range of patient conditions and issues from oral antibiotics that allow pediatric and elderly patients unable to swallow pills to take their medicine, to treatments for leukemia and chemotherapy, to name just a few.” recently, the american society of health-system pharmacists named more than 200 medicines on its drug shortage list. during a recent fda-sponsored forum on drug shortages, a representative from the drug information resource Center reported tracking 210 new shortages during the first nine months of 2011, with more than 260 cumulative shortages, new and ongoing. Compounding pharmacists play an important role in providing access to discontinued medications and drugs in short supply by compounding the specific drug—based on a physician’s prescription, using pharmaceutical base ingredients to help ensure patients get the critical care they require. member pharmacists of the professional Compounding Centers of america have access to the highest quality pharmaceutical ingredients and can fulfill a prescription using the latest research, quality control processes and testing technologies to create compounded medications that meet the patients’ individual needs.
RAISING AWARENESS as far as the future is concerned, dr. vahedi wants the public and doctors to be more aware of how compounding can help their patients—whether it’s for kids, their pets or cancer patients. “i hope to raise awareness of what compounding pharmacies actually do and the level of complexities that go into formulating compounded medications,” he said. “Compounding medication is not about putting medicine into a pill, but rather using complex formulas, procedures and techniques that are widely misunderstood,” dr. vahedi further emphasized. “i hope to reach out to the community and bring awareness to compounding medications and the benefits of having your medication compounded specifically for your own needs.”
fusion rx hosts free, monthly public health and wellness clinics by area health providers and doctors. upcoming date is august 21. for more information, visit www.fusionrx.net or call 310.204.6676.
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Suddenly Slimmer Body Wraps
–a Proven Way to Lose Inches and Tighten Skin BY A LIC IA DOYLE // PHOTO GRA PHY BY MA RY MYE RS
CHALLENGED WITH A SKIN DISORDER FOR YEARS, DEBORAH HJERLING WENT TO LOS ANGELES FOR A SERIES OF BODY WRAPS TO SOLVE THE ISSUE WHEN SHE CAME ACROSS A SURPRISING DISCOVERY. “IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING WRAPPED, I WENT DOWN FOUR DRESS SIZES WITHOUT EVEN TRYING,” RECALLED HJERLING OF THE INCIDENT IN 2005.
DEBORAH HJERLING Owner
“In the process of getting wrapped, I went down four dress sizes without even trying.
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SUDDENLY SLIMMER BODY WRAPS
the experience was so positive she opened a body wrap business in thousand oaks called suddenly slimmer Body wraps that caters to those who want to slim down and lose inches. the service is ideal for those with cellulite, lack of energy or weight problems, or those who just need to fit into an old dress or uniform on the weekend. “i have seen many people helped in various ways including weight loss, inch loss and detoxification,” hjerling said. “our goal is to make people feel better internally, externally and mentally.” THREE DETOXIFICATION BODY WRAPS suddenly slimmer offers three different detoxification body wraps. the mineral body wrap, for instance, works by drawing out impurities using a combination of the earth's minerals. during the hour-long process, the body’s cells re-adhere, resulting with a guaranteed six-inch minimum inch loss, hjerling said. “throughout history, man has detoxed naturally by walking on the earth barefoot. we use the same minerals and apply them over the entire body,” she explained. “as the impurities are drawn out, a small amount of empty space is made allowing the wraps to push cells together.” during the lymphatic system wrap, a detox cream is applied over the body, which is then contoured using a plastic wrap.
wraps to provide the maximum inch loss and detoxification. WELLNESS PROGRAM Now in its ninth year of business, suddenly slimmer also offers a wellness program. “anyone with skin problems, body odor, excessive perspiration, mental confusion, headaches, bowel disorders and allergies, as well as dependencies on sugar, caffeine, alcohol or drugs would benefit greatly from our wellness programs as well as the body wraps,” hjerling said. “we also offer a wellness program for fibromyalgia, Candida, weight loss, skin disorders, cellulite elimination and more by combining our extreme wraps with diet and the proper supplements.” these are 30-, 60-, or 90-day programs.
solution,” hjerling said. “after just 60 minutes we unwrap you and re-measure you telling you how many total inches you've lost.” some areas of the body can be wrapped tighter, like the waist and buttocks. “we improve and contour your body into the perfect shape for both you and your body.” the service requires no surgery, no astronomical costs and best of all, no weeks of recovery. “if you have been dieting and trying to lose weight, our body wraps will help you see the results faster,” hjerling said. “as you diet and lose weight, the skin remains loose. removing toxins from the body allows you to lose weight faster. our mineral body wraps tighten your loose skin, visibly decrease cellulite and make you look and feel terrific.”
“with our wellness programs, we are solving what caused the problem in the first place so there will not be a reoccurrence. our wellness programs are a lifestyle change for our customers.”
after the first wrap clients notice that their skin is softer, smoother and tighter.
HOW DOES THE BODY WRAP WORK?
the goals you set determine the number of times you will want to wrap. “you could be wrapped two to four times a day if you need to fit into your wedding dress, tuxedo or have a reunion or photo shoot scheduled,” hjerling said.
at suddenly slimmer the body is wrapped from head to toe, including the neck and face. women are wrapped in a bra and panties, and men are wrapped in swim trunks. “this is all performed by hand, not machine, and is tailored for each individual for maximum body contouring,” hjerling said. “people get instant inch loss and feel better immediately.”
“the cream is absorbed and will give the customer a detox for three days after leaving our facility,” hjerling said.
each client is weighed and parts of the body are measured, including calves, thighs, hips, waist, upper arms and bust.
the extreme wrap involves combining the mineral and lymphatic system
“then we wrap you in bandages that have been soaking in our mineral
HOW MANY TIMES CAN I BE WRAPPED?
if you are actively losing weight you may want to be wrapped once a week until you reach your ideal weight. “if you choose one of our wellness programs, getting wrapped three times per week in the first month gives optimal results,” she said. “once you achieve the look you want you should come in three or four times a year to maintain the look.” WILL I FEEL TIRED OR NEED TO SHOWER AFTER MY WRAP? “No,” hjerling said. “most clients feel energized and clean after their wrap. there will be no need to shower afterward or drink a gallon of water, as our wraps won't dehydrate you. all of our wraps are detoxification wraps, getting rid of toxins—not water.”
for more information, call 805.370.5365 or visit www.slimbodywraps.com
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SPECIAL HEALTH BULLETIN
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Seven
Healthy Financial Decisions By David Machacek
AS WITH PHYSICAL HEALTH, the guidelines for a healthy financial lifestyle are pretty simple to state, although not always easy to follow in practice. fortunately—as with a physically healthy lifestyle—making a few smart choices can go a long way to improving your financial fitness. £ Start Now. the smartest financial decision anyone can make is to start taking control of their financial future now. No one changes their diet, physical or financial condition overnight. that’s not the point. the point is that once we start making healthier, more mindful decisions, the conscious choices become habits; and good habits make all the difference.
For short-term goals, such as making a down payment on a home, you may find lower-risk investments more suitable.
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It is important—to both your financial and mental health— to maintain a longterm perspective when it comes to investing. £ Use a Budget. a budget is not unlike a diet. what and how much we consume in our daily lives either energizes and promotes good health or leads to obesity or malnutrition. the financial equivalents are debt—carrying around a lot of extra financial weight is exhausting of limited financial resources—or inadequate savings—a good many americans have malnourished retirement plans. financially successful— healthy—people use a budget to make sure they are living within their means and that their financial resources are devoted foremost to their real priorities and not diverted by impulsive spending. £ Establish Goals. progress can only be measured if you know what you are trying to achieve. defining your financial fitness goals is essential to making smart investment decisions. you might be willing to take greater risks with assets that are allocated toward longterm goals, such as retirement, in exchange for the potential greater returns on your investment. for shortterm goals, such as making a down payment on a home, you may find lower-risk investments more suitable. £ Save. “i would exercise, but i just don’t have the energy.” “i’ll start saving when i have more money.” No, you won’t. you’ll have more energy once you start exercising, and you’ll have more money when you start saving. health professionals tell us that a mere 20-30 minutes of exercise every day dramatically reduces risk of disease. that represents about 6-10 percent of a person’s free time during a typical day.
that is remarkably close to what most financial professionals recommend when it comes to personal savings. a healthy budget devotes the bulk of resources to essential living expenses—housing, transportation, meals & entertainment, personal care, and planned future expenses, such as retirement—but it also reserves a 5-10 percent slice for personal savings. this is money to be used for emergency or discretionary expenses. as with exercise, the amount of savings may need to be increased to achieve specific goals. for example, if you plan to buy a new car in the near future, start paying for it now. use an on-line calculator to figure out about what your monthly payment will be, and start making that payment into your savings account. this will help you assess whether the payments will fit comfortably into your budget before you take on the financial obligation. it will also reduce the amount you need to borrow when you make the purchase. £ Invest for the Long-Term. investing for the long term is an important financial strategy. for many people, stocks and bonds are part of a long-term investment plan to help them achieve their financial goals. that is because a diversified investment portfolio has been the best performer over time. it is important—to both your financial and mental health—to maintain a long-term perspective when it comes to investing. investing involves risk, including the potential to lose one’s entire investment but especially to experience short-term fluctuations in the value of one’s investments. maintaining a long-term perspective can increase your chances of success by helping you stay disciplined when you experience setbacks and avoid tendencies to make investment decisions based on fear (sell low) and greed (buy high). £ Avoid Unnecessary Risk. when you are out for that morning jog, you probably avoid running through hazardous intersections, and choose a path that involves less risk. when it comes to investing, many take on more risk than they need to in order to achieve their goals. Let’s say, for example, that a 35 year-old couple wants to accumulate $1 million to supplement their retirement. they plan to invest $10,000 per year until they retire at age 65. in order to achieve their goal, they would need to earn an average annualized return of about 7.5 percent. while they might decide to use more aggressive investments early on given their long time horizon, they should understand that a portfolio aiming to earn a 10 percent, 12 percent or higher return will involve considerably more risk than a portfolio that aims for a 7-9 percent return. £ Get Professional Advice. it is smart to consult with a physician, trainer or dietician before starting an exercise regimen or diet, and it is important to see them routinely to monitor progress and make adjustments as you go. people
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SPECIAL HEALTH BULLETIN
FINANCIAL PLANNING
“...it is smart to consult a professional advisor when making important financial decisions. A professional advisor can help you create and implement a personal financial plan that helps you.” get financial information from a variety of sources— newspapers, books, television, friends, family and co-workers—but it is smart to consult a professional advisor when making important financial decisions. a professional advisor can help you create and implement a personal financial plan that helps you: • Gain a clearer picture of your current financial health by reviewing your income and expenses, assets and liabilities; • Establish and prioritize specific financial goals and time frames; • Evaluate and understand the risks and potential returns in your current investment portfolio; • Choose specific investments and services that are most suitable to meet your financial objectives; • Monitor your progress and make adjustments as your goals, time frames, and circumstances change.
diversification does not insure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. past performance is no guarantee of future results.
David Machacek is a Financial Services Specialist with Independent Capital Management and Registered Representative with SagePoint Financial, Inc. Independent Capital Management 770 Paseo Camarillo, Ste 130 Camarillo, CA 93010 805-364-4749 office dmachacek@sagepointadvisor.com Securities and investment advisory services offered through SagePoint Financial, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance services offered through Independent Capital Management, Inc. Independent Capital Management is not affiliated with SagePoint Financial.
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HEALTH VIEW 1
ESTATE LAW
Estate Planning for Families with Special Needs By Annabel Blanchard, Esq.
“... the default age at which a child will receive his or her full inheritance is 18.”
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NOBODY WANTS TO THINK ABOUT THEIR OWN MORTALITY— least of all those of us with small children who need us so much and in so many ways. usually our children grow up, become independent, and gain tools to cope on their own. But what if your child is not on the typical path? what if your child will need help with basic daily tasks for the rest of his or her life? in that case, it is imperative that you plan ahead—with the help of experts.
Only with a Living Trust will you be able to completely avoid probate (and its related fees).
What if I Die Before Planning? if a California resident dies without an estate plan and owning real property (real estate) worth more than $50,000 or cash or investments worth more than $150,000, then his or her estate must go through probate. probate is a process whereby the court identifies the rightful heirs of the decedent, confirms whether there are any creditors to the decedent’s estate, and distributes the person’s remaining property according to the probate code. PEOPLE DESPISE THREE THINGS ABOUT PROBATE: 1. All proceedings are open to the public. This means if your children stand to inherit some money, that fact is public record, leaving them vulnerable to predatory types. 2. It takes 12 to 18 months to complete. So if you have small children or a spouse who depends on your income, it will be at least a year before they have access to their full inheritance. 3. It is expensive. Filing fees and court costs alone are $1,500 to $2,000.
Beyond that, the California probate Code has already determined how your probate attorney should be compensated based on how much money is in your estate. if you own a home and have some retirement savings, let’s say your estate is worth $700,000. the mandatory attorney fees for an estate of that value are $17,000. if your estate is worth $1 million, the fees are $23,000. these fees are mandatory, regardless of the level of service you receive from your attorney. in fact, many probate attorneys petition for additional fees if they help their clients sell a home or do other extraordinary services in the context of the probate. the parent of a special needs child must be especially wary of the probate process because the default age at which a child will receive his or her full inheritance is 18. this means when your child turns 18, he will be in charge of all of the money he receives, and more importantly, the funds will be associated with his or her social security number. many crucial public assistance benefits available to special needs children (e.g., ssi, medi-Cal) are contingent upon that child not having significant assets in his or her name. once your child turns 18 and takes his or her inheritance outright, those benefits will be terminated.
What if I Just do a Simple Will? a simple will can afford you some more control over when and how your family inherits. you may direct uneven amounts to your heirs based on their differing needs, and you may extend the age of inheritance past 18. however, in California, a will must always go through probate. probate actually means proving the will. so the mandatory fees and long, drawn-out and public process would still be required.
What can I do to Make Things Easier for my Family? establishing a revocable Living trust during your lifetime is the first step toward creating a seamless transition plan for your special needs child. only with a Living trust will you be able to completely avoid probate (and its related fees). once you establish a trust for your family, you then make the trust the owner of your assets. this way, upon your death everything is passed to your beneficiaries on your terms. if you have typical children they still may not be mature enough to receive their full inheritance right away. you can delay their distributions or make them contingent upon reaching certain milestones such as graduating from college. for a special needs child, such trust planning is not just a nice to have—it is a need to have.
What is a Special Needs Trust? as noted above, when a special needs child turns into a special needs adult, they frequently rely on public benefits such as medi-Cal and supplemental security income for their survival. these programs require a person to be both medically and financially needy. a medi-Cal recipient cannot have more than $2,000 in his or her own name. historically parents would disinherit their benefits-dependent child in order for that child to continue receiving the needed care. however, it is no longer necessary (or advisable) to disinherit your special needs child.
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HEALTH VIEW 1
ESTATE LAW
with the creation of a special needs trust for the benefit of your child, you can appoint a trustee to manage their money, but the money will never be considered an available resource for purposes of public benefits. this way your child can supplement his or her benefits rather than an inheritance taking the place of the public benefits.
What Else Should I Know? many parents feel they do not have enough money to justify creating a special needs trust. however it is a common practice to fund such a trust with the proceeds of life insurance. the trust does not need to have any money in it upon creation; it can be funded after you’re gone. usually the thought of supporting an adult child who may never independently support themselves is overwhelming to parents. But even more overwhelming is the thought of what might happen when you are no longer there to support and care for your child. i always encourage parents to plan for their child’s transition to independence early, when the parent is there to provide a safety-net for the child as they make the transition. the worst case scenario is that a special needs child loses a parent, which is traumatic, and at the same time must adjust to a new living arrangement and new caretakers. parents will do their children a favor to begin this process when they are young and healthy, and still available to help their child through this transition. of course, i am not recommending your child be forced to move out upon turning 18. every situation is unique and calls for its own tailored game-plan. however, if any type of independence (from the parent, at least) is possible, it is advisable. i consider this type of planning just as important as financial and trust planning. the best thing you can do for your family is to leave them with a loving legacy rather than a messy problem to untangle.
Mrs. Blanchard attended law school at Southwestern University School of Law, where she was a recipient of the Paul Wildman Scholarship for Academic Achievement. Since her admission to the bar, Mrs. Blanchard has worked at boutique estate planning law firms in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Westlake Village. She has practiced mainly in the areas of estate planning, probate and trust administration, with a particular focus on special needs families and individuals. She can be reached at 805.778.0111 or at her office, 2660 Townsgate Road in Westlake Village. Email: Annabel@HilliardOlson.com
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HEALTH VIEW 2
LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE
Rationales
for Long Term Care Planning By Carol A. Knowles
IT IS AN IRREFUTABLE FACT that when we come into this life, at some point we must move on. when and how each of us will make that final journey, however, are great unknowns. denial and lack of preparation for the inevitable don’t change the outcome, but do put enormous stress on loved ones and can jeopardize the quality of our end days and legacy we leave behind. Long term care planning is garnering considerable media exposure, yet misconceptions still abound. prevalent fallacies are that this is just about getting older, healthy ancestors assure longevity and a peaceful demise for everyone in the family tree, and medicare will pay the bills.
The odds of needing help with long term care at some point after the age of 65 is a whopping 70 percent.
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HERE ARE THE FACTS: • About 40 percent of those currently in a position of need are young – between the ages of 18 and 64. Long term care needs can result from injury or illness, as well as aging.
60 percent of nursing home residents in Ventura County, CA never have a visitor, an all-toocommon harsh reality across the country.
• Healthy living does not guarantee good health. Life-changing medical events seldom come with a forewarning and indiscriminately impact all age groups. • Medicare is not designed to pay for custodial extended care and will only cover on average 22 days before cutting off benefits. Cutbacks in medicare have been proposed to curtail skyrocketing costs, cope with an onslaught of baby boomers coming of age, and assure the sustainability of that program. additional help from the government is nowhere on the horizon. so-called obamacare is about health insurance, excluding long term care expenses. personal assets must now be transferred at least five years before the onset of a significant change of health in order to shield them from the government and facilitate public assistance. COPING WITH LONG TERM CARE SITUATIONS NOW CAN BE TOUGH AND IT IS ABOUT TO GET TOUGHER. • A recent nationwide study shows people generally are living longer, but overall are not aging well. • The typical duration of need is about three years. If challenges like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s are involved, life’s final chapter can be much longer. • The 2012 national median annual cost for 24/7 skilled nursing facility care exceeds $81,000 for a private room. It was $15,500 in 1980! • Many women face the end of life alone. • 60 percent of nursing home residents in Ventura County, CA never have a visitor, an all-too-common harsh reality across the country. • Living longer increases the risk of dementia.
state agencies are sending letters to residents in an effort to motivate them to take this matter seriously, become familiar with relevant insurance products, and take action. many states are collaborating with select private carriers in a partnership program to encourage action by doubling asset protection when needs extend beyond the life and value of a qualifying policy. the driving force behind public awareness campaigns is the large number of those already challenged who did not (or, in some cases, could not) prepare and become wards of the state, as well as the looming, potentially catastrophic financial burden of meeting the needs of baby boomers.
Baby Boomers Baby boomers are quantified by their age and lifestyle. more are approaching the golden years with gusto – jumping out of planes, traveling, having cosmetic surgery. the me generation isn’t saving for a rainy day. many are not inclined to pass their nest egg on to their children. whereas everyone aspires to enjoy life to its fullest, that attitude is adversely impacting loved ones and the system. Baby boomers are, in large numbers, deflecting responsibility for potential needs to their adult offspring. they have failed to acknowledge that times have changed and changes have come over time. families are smaller, more geographically dispersed. many households are run by a single adult or both parties are working. job security and incomes have diminished. savings and 401ks are still on the rebound since the 2008 economic downturn. allegiance of domestic partners and parties involved in multiple marriages are often unpredictable in a long term care situation.
• Aging populations are a global concern. CONTINUED >>
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HEALTH VIEW 2
Did You Know...
Care Giving
Generic Organics?
unpaid family caregivers will continue to be the largest source of extended care service providers, increasing an astronomical 85 percent from 2000 to 37 million in 2050. addressing long term care needs doesn’t just involve time – it also comes with financial, physical and emotional challenges. the health of caregivers is often compromised by tending an afflicted loved one. many care providers are trying to be the perfect ‘child’, spouse, parent and employee contemporaneously. some are using savings intended for their children’s education or pensions to pay for mom or dad’s needs. they are exhausted and resentful of the burdens they bear. employers are feeling the pinch of that tug of war. the result is a devastating domino effect that, in large part, can be avoided.
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Insuring The Need our society tends to be cynical about insurance, perceiving it as a necessary evil. we are relieved, however, when we can divert the cost of our misfortunes to those sources. the odds of our house burning down or being in an automobile accident are very low. the odds of needing help with long term care at some point after the age of 65 is a whopping 70 percent. getting coverage to pay for an accident retroactively is impossible – so is trying to get a policy after an irreversible major change in health. survivors of some major medical issues are insurable. if one spouse cannot get coverage, a policy for the other can help protect joint savings and property. there are many plan options to take the better portion of the
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LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE
A unique blend of Chiropractic & Acupuncture at
monetary sting out of a long term care need that are financially sustainable for the vast majority of prospects. for those who can afford a single premium upfront, multi-purpose plans are effective estate-leveraging tools that assure return on the investment. more people in their 40’s and early 50’s are doing long term care planning. their wake-up call is witnessing the end days of relatives and others around them, as well as concerns about the solvency of government programs and pension plans. age and health are key components to eligibility for a plan and its cost.
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The Plan protecting dignity and independence, not burdening loved ones, shielding assets, and facilitating quality care in an extended care situation are priceless. these can, however, be jeopardized if such needs have to be met with inadequate savings, by family or friends, or through mediCal/medicaid. the only other option is insurance, unless a person is already disabled, a ward of the state, in the midst of a major medical crisis, struggling from paycheck to paycheck, over 85, or a mega-millionaire.
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Carol Knowles is an insurance broker (CA license No. 0F20048) specializing in long term care planning in multiple states and a writer and speaker who uses her skills to heighten public awareness on social issues. For more information, visit www.carolknowles.com, call 805.405.2589 or e-mail her at ltc.insurance@yahoo.com. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR BASIC INFORMATION: • American Association for Long Term Care Insurance www.aaltci.org 818.597.3227 • Your state’s Department of Insurance
Your family will enjoy a unique experience in this child friendly office. Nutritional evaluations, Massage Therapy, ADHD and Autism alternative treatments, and Pre/Post Natal chiropractic care
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AUGUST 2013
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NATURAL APPROACH
HEALTH IS WEALTH
Health
is Wealth
By Sharon Norling, MD, MBA
ARE YOU AN EXECUTIVE FOR a large corporation or a small business owner who is working hard to be successful while keeping an eye on the budget? the financial fitness of any business is dependent on the health of the employees, managers, executives and owners. the three biggest challenges in the workplace today are absenteeism, decreased productivity and decreased presenteeism. presenteeism is the increasing phenomena in the u.s. workplace where workers are on the job physically, but suffering from chronic disease, pain or other physical or psychological issues. it’s not enough in this hypercompetitive 21st century suffering global economy to get workers just to show up—they need to be healthy, pain-free and happily engaged.
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Today 80 percent of health care cost is for chronic illnesses.
The Statistics are Telling employees showing up for work on a multitude of pain or mood-altering drugs significantly impacts business success. all these scenarios greatly reduce the employees’ optimal level of productivity and increase the health care costs of the company. a gallop study showed that employees with thriving overall well-being have 41 percent lower health care costs than those with moderate levels of well-being, and 62 percent lower costs than those with low levels of well-being. additionally people with thriving well-being have a 35 percent lower turnover than those with a low level of well-being. robison, jennifer “the Business Case for well Being.” gallup Business journal, june, 2010. other research shows that 15 percent of the workforce is actively disengaged. these unhappy, unhealthy people go to work making each other unhappy. the actively disengaged group of workers cost companies $350 billion a year! another part of the american work force, 57 percent, is disengaged and showing up for work to just get through the day, without achieving nearly their potential for the success of the company.
... people with thriving wellbeing have a 35 percent lower turnover than those with a low level of wellbeing.
Consequently, only 28 percent of the workers are actively engaged. this is a tremendous loss of human potential and a major obstacle to a company’s optimal performance and bottom line. robison, jennifer “despite the downturn, employees remain engaged.” gallup Business journal, january, 2010.
What Integrative Medicine Can Do as a physician with a mBa i was senior management and medical director at the university of minnesota hospital and Clinics responsible for 42 clinics, 325 employees and a multimillion dollar budget. the health care costs were enormous and the health of the employees while providing world class health care was a challenge. having been ill in the past, suffering from complications and misdiagnoses, i personally know the impact of symptoms and disease on costs and lost revenue. today i am fortunate to be very healthy and have an integrative medicine center with healthy employees. it is by its nature an environment that promotes health and wellness and is supported by education. integrative medicine is rapidly finding a place in corporate america. its benefits and values are well-matched to the employer. today 80 percent of health care cost is for chronic illnesses. the CdC reports that chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and arthritis are among the most common, costly and preventable of all health care problems in the u.s. this is where integrative medicine excels! more than 50 u.s. academic medical centers now feature some form of an integrative medicine program. integrative medicine is personalized care—assessing and treating the mind, body and spirit using natural approaches whenever possible. the key is finding the root cause of disease or illness. CONTINUED >>
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NATURAL APPROACH
two dozen quality studies indicate the cost-effectiveness of delivering integrative health care. this research was well-described in a piece in the huffington post by john weeks, editor-publisher of the integrator Blog. the Corporate health improvement program (Chip) is located at the university of arizona and includes members such as Corning, ford, iBm, kimberly Clark, Nasa, Nestle and knight ridder. in numerous randomized controlled trials for the past 10 years, dean ornish, md, has found that people with severe coronary heart disease were able to halt disease progression or reverse it without drugs or surgery by making comprehensive lifestyle changes. these findings were published in the journal of american medical association, Lancet and other major medical journals. according to the american heart association, in 2006 1.3 million coronary angioplasty procedures were performed at an average cost of $48,399 per procedure, or more than $60 billion total; and 448,000 coronary bypass operations were performed at a cost of $99,743 per surgery—more than $44 billion total. it is no wonder our health care costs continue to sky rocket.
Prevention is Key what can we do rather than the costly invasive surgical procedures and drugs? the iNterheart cardiology study published in Lancet followed 30,000 men and women on six continents and found that changing lifestyle could prevent at least 90 percent of all heart disease! it is easier and less expensive to prevent the onset of disease than it is to treat it once the disease has developed. Nearly 60 percent of all after-tax profit is spent on corporate health benefits. eighty percent of these costs are spent on 10 percent of the employees. healthy employees save their employers money. • Duke Prospective Health reports a $2,200 per employee per year savings from an integrative approach.
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HEALTH IS WEALTH
• Penny George Institute reports their inpatient integrative care initiative is saving $2,000 per patient per hospital stay at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, part of the Allina system. Of note, I initiated and developed this program as Senior Management and Director of Integrative Medicine at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in 2002. • Parker Hannifin, a large global company, offers integrative medicine to their 60,000 employees. I am privileged to be a credentialed physician for the selfinsured program to help them decrease their health care costs and improve their employee’s health.
today more 100 million americans receive their health care benefits through self-insured companies.
Emerging Trend self-insured employers are adding integrative health care services as an extension to their wellness and prevention program.
Savings direct medical cost-savings can occur via integrative health care delivery.
Efficacy the three-legged stool—nutrition, exercise and stress reduction are known to support typical outcomes like pain reduction, weight loss, sleep and quality of life, resulting in decreased absenteeism, improved productivity and decreased presenteeism.
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whether you are an employee or an executive working for a fortune 500 company or a small business, investing in your health is the best investment you can make. integrative medicine is wealth—it is the key for healthy, productive, happy workers. your financial fitness depends on it.
Dr. Sharon Norling brings a lifetime of education, training and passion in both conventional and natural medicine. Using specialized testing she finds the root cause of symptoms and illnesses and uses effective natural medicine whenever possible. For more information on these topics please see her book, Your Doctor Is Wrong. Her practice is in Westlake Village: 818.707.9355.
AUGUST 2013
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COMPASSIONATE EATING
HIP RESTAURANT
Hip, Hip Hooray for By Bianca Rose Martinez Photos by Jeff Sloane
Raw Food! ONE OF THE HEALTHIEST WAYS to nourish yourself is by eating raw fresh foods— colorful vegetables, ripe fruits, nutrient-packed nuts, seeds and sprouts. raw foods offer many healing benefits including an alkalized body, easily absorbed nutrition and more living energy. Cooked or processed foods can destroy some nutrients and enzymes. i like to think of eating raw as eating closer to the sun, especially if one consumes a mostly plantbased diet. when the body is alkaline and has all the nutrients it needs, it can easily eliminate toxins, repair itself and function at a high level of vitality. Benefits can be a healthier glow, feeling more energized and a more peaceful, harmonious disposition. imbalances happen when we are too acidic, resulting from poor diet, stress and fatigue. this eventually weakens the
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immune system and makes us more prone to disease. Becoming a raw foodist can take some time researching and investing in items such as a food processor, highpowered blender and possibly a dehydrator. fortunately if you don’t have a personal raw vegan chef, you can explore some of the delicious creations at hip in ojai. New owners Ben and marrissa have recently taken over the cafe and are planning to add their own unique vision to their newlyacquired venture. hip is located a few blocks past the arcade in downtown ojai and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ben says they source local organic food whenever possible and do not use any gmos in their kitchen. drinking raw juices are another great way to absorb powerful nutrients and antioxidants that help your
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Drinking raw juices are another great way to absorb powerful nutrients and antioxidants that help your body repair and renew itself.
they also offer wraps, soups and an amazing tempé burger—which for those who want the satisfying taste and texture of a burger without any of the saturated fat, cholesterol or cruelty—is a seriously satisfying sandwich! it’s always important to listen to your body and feel what it needs. we can be overwhelmed with information and messages that bombard us daily about what to eat or what to avoid. eating too many processed foods or chemical additives can leave us craving things that are not good for us. it is best to keep it simple by consuming lots of brightly-colored foods and let the light shine from within.
body repair and renew itself. hip offers several different veggie juices and delicious shakes and smoothies made with raw almond milk. my favorite dish on the menu is the extremely raw salad which comes with sunflower seed pâté, walnut burger, marinated collard greens, avocado, spring mix, dehydrated raw chia crackers and your choice of fresh homemade dressings.
Bianca Rose Martinez is an artist, public speaker and author of the book, Compassionate Eating Conscious Consumption for Mind, Body Spirit & Planet. She also teaches organic vegan cooking classes in Ventura. For free recipes, class schedule and other services visit www.compassionateating.com
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Arjun Reyes M.D. 893 Patriot Dr. Unit A Moorpark CA 93021
805.531.1000 arjun.reyes@yahoo.com AUGUST 2013
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MIND & SPIRIT 1
BEING FINANCIALLY MATURE
Are You
Financially By Wayne M. Levine
“For men who don’t have tight relationships with brothers, friends or mentors, groups allow men to create them and to have that ongoing support.”
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Mature?
A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO jerry scheduled a lunch of barbecued beef tacos at an old-time L.a. mexican restaurant with his men’s group buddy, Nick. Normally this get together would have been all about good food and good fun. But on that particular beautiful southern Californian day, jerry wasn’t thinking about food, fun or the weather. he was panicking. finances were getting tighter and he didn’t know what to do. this scene is played out daily by men everywhere. we define ourselves so completely by our financial success that when our business or personal fortunes shift we can become completely unglued. the difference for jerry was that he had a very close relationship with Nick, and he knew to ask for help. jerry laid out what he believed to be the facts, his fears, and his dire analysis of the situation. Nick heard just one thing—little boy. You Need Support one of the benefits of being completely known and understood by another man is that when you’re struggling, your buddy knows it and can often pull you back from the brink. this is why men’s groups are so valuable. for men who don’t have tight relationships with brothers, friends or mentors, groups allow men to create them and to have that ongoing support. Because jerry was so convinced he was completely screwed, he was expecting Nick to co-sign his fear and help him figure out a way to somehow escape his impending doom and make
Until we choose to fix our problems, we allow ourselves to swim in their gory details until we sometimes drown.
it all go away—like a kid. this is the sort of fanciful thinking we can succumb to when we’re out of our minds with fear and acting like a scared little boy. The Best Support is a Realistic Friend what Nick delivered to jerry was something quite different, and simple. Nick told jerry it was time for him to become financially mature. that meant he needed to go home, take a complete inventory of his finances, and come back to Nick in two days with a detailed spreadsheet and a plan. jerry had an assignment. But more important, Nick hammered him with the message that it was no longer acceptable for jerry to let his fears rule him and keep him from being a strong man, husband and father. Nick kicked his ass. though jerry was still worried and very much in his head, as he devised imaginary escape routes from his troubles (some of them very dark), he went home and did what he had committed to do. There’s Nothing Like Taking Action as jerry covered his desk with his bank statements, long-term obligations, p&L and investment documents, something quite extraordinary began to happen. he calmed down and shifted from being in the problem to being in the solution. that’s what taking action does for us. until we choose to fix our problems, we allow ourselves to swim in their gory details until we sometimes drown. the act of compiling, organizing and reviewing put jerry back into his power and enabled him to start seeing more clearly. the numbers weren’t miraculously positive, but the reality was not as dire as his imagination had led him to believe. there was work to be done, but now his options were becoming clearer.
CONTINUED >>
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MIND & SPIRIT 1
BEING FINANCIALLY MATURE
This walk gets us to the finish line faster. he met again with Nick to fine-tune his short-term and long-term objectives and strategies. he was on his way toward solving his problem. There is a Way Out of Every Situation it is the little boy in us that allows us to fall victim to our fears, ego and stubbornness. when we choose to be grown up about our challenges, we face the facts, ask for help and move on. if you’re in a financial bind or facing any other monumental challenge, your answer is the same as jerry’s. it’s very sad to hear stories of men who have allowed their businesses to fail, marriages to crumble, families to break up and worse, all because they felt too isolated, embarrassed or afraid to ask for help and to make a plan to improve their situations. whatever your financial situation, there is a way out and a way up. you may not see it at the moment. But if you can find the courage to take responsibility, not just for causing the problem but for solving it, you’ll find that your newfound maturity will lead you to options that only a man can see.
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jerry was very fortunate to have scheduled lunch with Nick that sunny day. instead of continuing to flail in his misguided misery, jerry got the help he needed, took the action his business and family required and began his journey to becoming a financially mature man. at their next lunch meeting some months later, jerry really enjoyed his tacos. it was a much better day, just as it will be for you when you commit to being financially mature.
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Wayne M. Levine, M.A., is a men’s life coach and director of BetterMen Coaching in Agoura Hills. He teaches men to be the best men, fathers, husbands and leaders they can be through individual, couples and group coaching, both in office and via the phone. Wayne is also author of the best-selling Hold On to Your N.U.T.s—The Relationship Manual for Men. Find out more, get a copy of Wayne’s book, and register for the BetterMen Beyond Boyhood Training at www.bettermencoaching.com.
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MIND & SPIRIT 2
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Gain Control Over Your
Erectile Dysfunction
this becomes a pattern for some men, who find when in a relationship, they have lost control of holding back their orgasm. this early sexual pattern needs to be broken.
Several Natural Methods to Take Back Control
By Dawn Michael
there is a natural, alternative solution but it will take some time and practice to gain control. that solution is learning how to train your brain and your penis.
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION CAN cripple a man's confidence in every aspect of his life— especially his dating life.
one of the best ways to gain control over erectile dysfunction is to become aware of your sensation and thoughts right before orgasm. orgasm occurs before ejaculation, so understanding when the point of orgasm is happening before it happens is crucial in gaining control.
for some men erectile dysfunction is so embarrassing they give up hope of ever meeting that special someone. others have learned to live with it but it has destroyed their sex lives. many men visit the urologist to get help or to see if they have a physical problem, but in most cases they do not. some medical doctors prescribe antidepressants to treat the dysfunction, but that does not treat the real issue—and the anti-depressants have side effects.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction? for some men this problem presents itself at puberty when a man, whatever the circumstance may be, is in a hurry to orgasm. he then becomes orgasm-focused and begins to train himself to get the job done without even knowing it.
it helps to use the counting method. Begin counting and when you feel your orgasm approaching, remove the hand or whatever stimulant you were using for arousal. this helps you gain control by allowing your erection to go down without ejaculation. as painful as this may sound it can help to build up for the next orgasm or the one after, which will be even better than the one you stopped. another technique that helps to slow down orgasm is to masturbate using the opposite hand—to create a new sensation. also, when masturbating, try for a while to only stimulate the shaft of the penis not the head or the balls. understanding that orgasm is not the focus of the training helps to keep the brain from triggering the orgasm. the whole point is to break the pattern of orgasm focus and shift the attention to how it feels to touch oneself —again, allowing the erection to go down and come back up. Learning how to fantasize without touching the penis is another way to control an orgasm—mental stimulation without physical stimulation—being aware of the rising of the penis and also the absence of release, followed by loss of erection. performance anxiety can trigger ejaculation, so eliminating the pressure of penis stimulation with a partner for a while can help in learning to just explore each other’s bodies and minds on a deeper level. don't let your erectile dysfunction control you—take the control back and be confident you can have a great sex life.
Dawn Michael holds her B.A. in Speech Communication, M.A. in Marriage Family Therapy, and is a Certified Clinical Sexologist and a professional member of ASSECT. Dawn Has published over 700 articles on human sexuality and relationships, a public speaker, sex educator and international therapist. Her work as a clinical sexologist and marriage counselor is to bridge the world of sexuality and marriage together, helping couples to enjoy one another, make love to each other and be happy. For more information or help with erectile dysfunction, visit www.thehappyspouse.com
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BEYOND GREEN LIVING
GO NATURAL AND SAVE
Yes!
You Can Go Natural and Save! By Jan Tucker
“...a 2006 study published in the medical journal, Toxicology, revealed that methylparaben can increase skin aging when exposed to ultraviolet light.”
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I KEEP HEARING AN ECHO. it’s the mantra of people who don’t have time to investigate what they hear. they are often forced to generalize because they’re too busy to look closer. i get it—i’m busy, too—but i’ve got to get to the bottom of this one because it’s that important to dispel this myth.
...there are many all too commonlyused chemicals in our products that cause great harm. According to the Breast Cancer Fund, 216 of them are directly linked to breast cancer.
these people keep saying, “it’s too expensive to go green.” this myth is detrimental to our health and to our green earth. it is tragic that people turn away from pure, natural products before looking at the price due to widespread, generalized beliefs!
We let the Marketing Hook us!
Chemical-laden Products can Also be too Expensive
Let’s face it, we’re trained. who wouldn’t buy something that claims it can make them look 20 years younger?
i agree—some green products are too expensive to be practical. But it’s equally true that it can be too expensive to buy many products made from the chemicals that silently harm you. and there are many all too commonly-used chemicals in our products that cause great harm. according to the Breast Cancer fund, 216 of them are directly linked to breast cancer.
going back to LifeCare, this stuff sounds like pure magic! it claims to be better than a facelift, it’s dermatologist tested (one dermatologist recommends it), one of its compounds was discovered by three Nobel prize-winning scientists, published studies have demonstrated its effectiveness, top celebrities are fans, and there are lots of customer testimonials and before and after photos. they’ll pay a customer $1500 for a usable testimonial—that pays for more than a year’s supply! and for heaven’s sake—dermatologists are worried sick over LifeCare! yes—south Beach skincare’s website says all these things and more!
Consumers continue to buy chemical-based products for three main reasons. they don’t believe or even realize the products are dangerous; they are very brand loyal; and cheaper, chemical alternatives are readily available . it’s so easy to settle for them.
manufacturers make extreme profits through premium pricing. they market the product to appeal psychologically to our strong needs or wants through upscale packaging, expensive ad campaigns, celebrity endorsements and performance claims their extensive research proves will entice us.
to top it off, they claim LifeCare will “take years off your skin in just 17 seconds!” wow! But the return policy explains, “…the long term-effects of LifeCell do not always appear evident until the sixth week of usage.” which is it? Consumers gave it only a 3-star rating on amazon—one titled her comment, “expensive and ineffective.”
Look at the Ingredients Let’s Get Specific a good example is anti-aging skin care. you can purchase the most expensive anti-wrinkle cream on the market or a more affordable brand. take south Beach skincare’s LifeCell. used as recommended, this product costs about $1,134 a year before tax and shipping (a 2.54 ounce tube retailing for $189 will last two to three months). even more expensive creams exist. a more affordable anti-aging cream is olay total effects daily moisturizer with sunscreen (at $16.67 for 1.7 ounce). you can buy 68 bottles of this for the same price as a year’s supply of LifeCell. there are many other examples of chemicalladen products sold at all price points, higher and lower. so it can be either affordable or too expensive when you decide not to go green, too.
although south Beach claims “LifeCare…contains six of the most potently effective ingredients,” i couldn’t find a full list. i never use or recommend a product unless i can identify all the ingredients and know it is chemical-free. i did find a partial list of ingredients, and this product illustrates why you need to read labels. many negative effects are associated with the ingredients in LifeCell, including cancer, organ system toxicity, dNa damage and more. does this sound like a product that can help you age more slowly? the more economical olay product contains a very long list of chemical ingredients listed on olay’s website. this product is ranked between a moderate and high concern for chemicals on the cosmetics database and the rankings of its 39 individual ingredients are between 0 and 8 (0 being no concern and 10 being the highest concern). eleven of the ingredients rank 3 or higher. CONTINUED >>
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BEYOND GREEN LIVING
GO NATURAL AND SAVE
LOSS PERMANENT INCH LOS SS SMOOTH AND TIGHTEN TH THE E SKIN ELIMINATE CELLULITE E DETOX offer wellness programs for: We W e now ow of o fffffe er w we ellne es ss p rro og grrra ams m ffo or: FIBROMYALG FIBROMYALGIA GIA CANDIDA WEIGHT LOSS ACNE EXCEMA/PSORIASIS ME IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROM SYNDROME LA L ARITY IRREGU IRREGULARITY CELLULITE ELIMINATION
By B y Appointment Ap A pp po ointm tment nt Only y 805-370-5365 Suddenly Slimmer Bodywra ap Bodywraps ps 26 2 695 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Blvd 2695 d. age, CA CA 9136 Westlake Villag 62 Village, 91362 mention this ad for ffo or $25.00 $25 25.00 off ff yo your our first visit
the ingredients in this product are linked to endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, cancer, bioaccumulation and biochemical or cellular level changes to name a few.
the damage to our earth caused by all the chemicals we use is also a major consideration in the decision and commitment to going green.
although parabens are used to preserve the ingredients and to extend the shelf-life of many products, a 2006 study published in the medical journal, toxicology, revealed that methylparaben can increase skin aging when exposed to ultraviolet light. so antiaging products containing this ingredient, such as total effects, can cause skin to age rather than reducing aging effects. parabens are also directly linked to breast cancer.
you will find an array of affordable organic anti-aging products at www.whitelotusliving.com—100 percent of the ingredients come direct from mother Nature—and they really work. karen’s Botanicals is one of several favorites. karen’s enriching rosehip eye Cream, rejuvenating facial serum with ester C, and rich Luscious dry skin treatment Creams are packed with nutrients and botanical anti-aging compounds that nourish wrinkled and sun-damaged the skin. a little goes a long way.
The Long-term Costs of Chemicals in Your Products many hidden problems are associated with the chemicals in your products. these include diseases such as all types of cancers, asthma, autism, mental retardation, autoimmune diseases and disorders like attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (adhd). it’s important for you to recognize this so you can commit to using only truly natural products. monetary, physical and emotional costs are associated with these severe health issues that far outweigh any additional costs you sometimes incur when purchasing any higher quality product. a lower quality of life and illness are high prices to pay compared to saving a few dollars here and there. and remember, chemical-laden products often cost more than the totally natural ones. there is no hard and fast rule.
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Compare to Natural Alternatives
you will never achieve the same benefits using products containing harmful chemicals. Next time you shop for anti-aging products or any other type of product for your home or body, consider leaving all the chemicals behind! try the truly natural approach instead!
Jan Tucker is founder of White Lotus Living, whose vision is all about positive thinking, returning to basics, tuning in with nature, unifying the world with compassion, and through all these principles—ultimately— world transformation. It’s about truth. www.whitelotusliving.com is also a place for consumers to learn about and gain access to truly green, natural products.
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Dr. David Villarreal DDS
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CentersForHealing.net AUGUST 2013
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MEDIA REVIEW By David Castle
::CD:: The Mind Matters: Sanctuary At the end of the day, whether you are feeling stressed or not, it is important to have that sacred space to call your own where you feel safe, rested and rejuvenated – your Sanctuary. Patricia Lynn Belkowitz, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Certified Therapeutic Imagery Facilitator and Certified Emotional Freedom Techniques Facilitator will guide you on a healing meditative journey to discover your sacred place of inner power and inner peace. The Mind Matters: Sanctuary is the perfect CD that brings Patricia’s soothing, gentle voice to your home. You’ll never want to be without this healing tool to be able to travel to your own Sanctuary. To purchase this and Patricia’s other wonderful books and CD’s, visit the products page at www.themindmatters.com. It can be purchased as either a CD or as two MP3s one Sanctuary, one Serenity. The CD is also available at The Mind Body Spirit Center 818.707.9355
::BOOK:: The Miracle of Pi in Eye By Dr. Rajesh Khanna
Are you tired of wearing glasses but have questions and concerns about the surgical corrective procedures available? Did you know that there is another procedure called Prelex? Look no further – The Miracle of Pi in Eye is here! This comprehensive book, written by one of the top Lasik and Prelex surgeons in the nation, Dr. Rajesh Khanna brings a clear, clinical understanding of the anatomy of the eye, the vision problems common to those 45 years of age and older and the answers to these problems with state of the art surgical procedures. This valuable resource also walks you through the process of finding the right surgeon, the post-surgical risks and benefits involved and what to expect during the healing process. This is definitely a valuable book to have on your shelf for reference. To purchase, call 805.230.2126 or visit www.1800realdoctor.com/shop
::DVD:: The Music Instinct: Science & Song Did you ever wonder why a certain piece of music gives you the goosebumps, or brings you to tears, or makes you get up and want to dance? The Music Instinct: Science & Song, a film by Elena Mannes, answers not only those questions, but many others. It transports one into the world of music and science illustrating science’s latest technologies to study how music affects the human experience. Hosted by artist extraordinaire Bobby McFerrin and Neuroscientist Daniel Leviton, this DVD is one of those rare gems that you’ll want to pull out of your collection and watch over and over again, because each time you do, you’ll learn something new about the healing power of music. It has long been proven that music stimulates students’ memories and skills, and helps patients of all sorts to heal and overcome disabilities. This film is magically woven together by the smooth narration of Audra McDonald and features Yo-Yo Ma and many other talented artists, not to mention many of the world’s most respected physicists and neuroscientists. It provides a whole new perspective on the world of science and music and how they are interconnected. Available on shopPBS.org, or Amazon.com The Music Instinct: Science and Song is well worth adding to your DVD collection. 46
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Dr. Roy H. Yoo U.C. Berkeley B.A • Harvard D.M.D. USC Specialist in Implant/Periodontics AAP • AO • CSP
Elite Dental Implant Center is owned & operated by our doctors who are both implant specialists. Graduates of USC School of Dentistry. Former faculty at USC. Currently teaching other general dentists and specialists on implant treatment.
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