VENTURA COUNTY
CONEJO VALLEY
UPDATE ON
DANCE FOR A
www.yhcmagazine.com
hEALthy hEArt
FEBRUARY 2013
WEST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
CArDiovAsCuLAr DisEAsE ELECtriCiAN
for your hEArt?
YES! PAD
Dr.
ALEN N. CohEN OF WEST HILLS
GO RED FOR WOMEN! MANAGING THOSE MIGRAINES
MARY’S SECRET GARDEN IN VENTURA * INNOVATIVE TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION*
*
contents 06/ PUBLISHER’S LETTER hEArtBEAts
09/ FYI AhA go rED + sPECiAL NEEDs fuNDrAisEr
hEArt hEALth
20/
february 2013
14/
“Sleep more!—Getting an adequate amount of sleep may be your best medicine. Poor quality of sleep may also result in related tension headaches.”
34/ 28/ NATURAL APPROACH thE NEWs oN hEArt DisEAsE
By Dr. Sharon Norling
38/ HEALTHY KIDS tEEN ChALLENgEs: ArE thErE sigNs?
features
By Alicia Doyle
14/ Special HealTH BulleTin
40/ COMPASSIONATE EATING MAry’s sECrEt gArDEN
By Bianca Rose Martinez
the Electrician of the heart By Dr. Ishu Rao
18/ HealTH view 1
“After i Walk one Block My Calf hurts…”
10/ CONNECTION A toP surgEoN for NAsAL, siNus AND thyroiD/ PArAthyroiD DisorDErs— Dr. ALEN N. CohEN
By Alicia Doyle
By Kevin M. Major, MD, FACS
20/ HealTH view 2
A Clear head, a New year and a New you! tips from PMir Medical Center on how to Curb migraines By Travis Johnston
24/ HealTH view 3
Are you Pleasing your Wife—or Just Being a Pleaser? By Wayne M. Levine Director, BetterMen Coaching
32/ mind&SpiriT
repetitive transcranial Magnetic stimulation— An innovative treatment for Depression By Dr. Arjun Reyes
34/ FiTneSS
Ballroom Dancing—Be healthier, Be smarter and have More fun! By Maria Durant
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FEBRUARY 2013
PuBLishEr’s LEttEr
february2013
heartbeats ANN K. CAstLE
Founder & Publisher
in general, a perSon’S HearT BeaTS 72 BeaTS per minuTe. if you do the math, the average for a year comes to 37,869,120 beats. Mind you, this is an average—not taking into consideration the ups and downs of the heart rate from cardio workouts to emotional ups and downs. Multiply those by the average life expectancy and the numbers are impressive. Consider the size of this small, muscular organ and the extraordinary endurance and functionality—it is indeed a miracle that the heart sustains us. Now, add the negative factors of poor diet, lack of exercise and stress. it’s a wonder we are still alive! We are constantly reminded of the basic need to take care of our bodies and specifically our hearts, yet we still see the statistics. heart disease still is the number one killer of men and women. We have been living in the age of information for some time and still the general population does not know enough about heart health— or health in general. Why? is being in a state of denial easier to deal with? Why do we have to experience a heart attack or stroke in order to get the message? yes, i’m on my soapbox again and it’s because i care. i care about each one of you in the various communities that receive yhC Magazine in hard copy or online. that is my commitment to you. in this issue, we provide you with vital information about cardiovascular disease (CvD), peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and the latest from an electrophysiologist at Community Memorial hospital, Dr. ishu rao. Also, the benefits of dancing for your heart, information about the upcoming go red for Women luncheon, a groundbreaking treatment for depression, a special introduction to Dr. Alen N. Cohen of the southern California sinus institute in West hills and much more! from my heart to yours, please take care. you are a precious part of this life and have so much to give. With Peace, Love, Blessings, and gratitude,
Erratum Regarding the cover of YHC Magazine’s February 2013 issue: A correction and sincere apology to Dr. Villarreal for the misspelling of his name on the cover and on pages 10 and 12 in the Connection - we left out an extra “r” in his last name.
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FEBRUARY 2013
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Professional Advice with a Personal Touch
FOUNDER & PUBLISHER ANN K. CASTLE COPY EDITOR ANN K. CASTLE JAN TUCKER, MBA ACCOUNTING DONNA BRYANT ADVERTISING MARIAN GREEN MARIAN@YHCMAGAZINE.COM 818.943.0751 LAURA MUSTACCHIO LAURAM@YHCMAGAZINE.COM 805.558.9817
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ALICIA DOYLE; MARIA DURANT; TRAVIS JOHNSTON; WAYNE M. LEVINE, MA; KEVIN M. MAJOR, MD, FACS; BIANCA MARTINEZ; SHARON NORLING, MD, MBA; ISHU RAO, MD; ARJUN REYES, MD. COVERAGE AREA INCLUDES MONTHLY TO VENTURA COUNTY, WEST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, AND THE CONEJO VALLEY; AGOURA HILLS, CALABASAS, CAMARILLO, ENCINO, MOORPARK, NEWBURY PARK, NORTHRIDGE, OAK PARK, OXNARD, SIMI VALLEY, TARZANA, THOUSAND OAKS, VENTURA, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, WEST HILLS, WOODLAND HILLS FOR ALL INQUIRIES, CONTACT ANN K. CASTLE AT ANN@YHCMAGAZINE.COM OR 805.341.2972 WWW.YHCMAGAZINE.COM
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DANIEL SLATON, DVM WESTLAKE VILLAGE ANIMAL HOSPITAL
dmachacek@sagepointadvisor.com Securities and investment advisory services offered through SagePoint Financial, Inc., member in FINRA/SIPC. Fixed and/or traditional insurance services offered through Independent Capital Management, Inc. Mortgage services offered through ICM Lending. Estate planning services offered through Citadel Law Offices. Independent Capital Management, Inc., ICM Lending, and Citadel Law Offices are not affiliated with SagePoint Financial, Inc., and are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor.
ALON STEINBERG, MD, FACC BOARD CERTIFIED CARDIOLOGIST DAVID VILLARREAL, DDS CENTERS FOR HEALING SPECIALIZING IN HOLISTIC DENTISTRY 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.
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FEBRUARY 2013
fyi
health tips & tidbits
Save the Date February 2013 Luncheon
kicks
off
10th Anniversary c e l e b r at i o n
o f presents FIRST ANNUAL CONFERENCE for Parents In Collaboration with
and Hosted by Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village
Women have been fighting heart disease individually and together as part of the American heart Association’s (AhA) go red for Women movement since 2004. since then, more than 627,000 women’s lives have been saved. But the fight is not over. heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, claiming the life of one woman every minute. About 43 million women in the u.s. are living with heart disease and 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing it. go red for Women hosts annual Luncheons nationwide to bring women together to empower them with the knowledge and tools to live heart-healthy lives. this year’s ventura County go red for Women Luncheon is on february 8 at the four seasons hotel in Westlake village. the half-day event will feature an educational session, hosted by uCLA health system, health expo, inspirational speakers and a heart-healthy luncheon. the event chair is Zabina Bhasin, MD, Director of Physician relations at thousand oaks surgical hospital. for tickets and information, visit venturagoredluncheon.org or call Belen McDaniel at (213) 291-7048.
THE ABC'S AND XYZ'S OF SPECIAL NEEDS Saturday, March 2, 2013 8:30 am - 1:30 pm Calvary Community Church 5495 Via Rocas Westlake Village, CA 91362 8 Educational and Informational Workshops Local Provider and Agency Vendor Faire FREE Child Care will be provided by: Calvary's Buddy Break and Channel Islands Social Services for parents To Register go to www.center4specialneeds.com For a Vendor Booth information please email: ginapeters@center4specialneeds.com
FEBRUARY 2013
yhcMAGAZINE.COM | 9
CoNNECtioN
Dr. Alen N. Cohen
“
the fact that i suffered from severe allergies and recurrent sinus infections as a young adult made me truly understand what my patients go through and how various procedures in my armamentarium can make such an improvement in their quality of life.”
A TOP SURGEON FOR NASAL, SINUS AND By Alicia Doyle
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AS ONE OF AMERICA’S TOP SURGEONS AND FOUNDER OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SINUS INSTITUTE, DR. COHEN IS KNOWN FOR TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM AN INABILITY TO BREATHE THROUGH THEIR NOSE, RECURRENT SINUS INFECTIONS AND CHRONIC SINUS HEADACHES.
“The fact that I suffered from severe allergies and recurrent sinus infections as a young adult made me truly understand what my patients go through and how various procedures in my armamentarium can make such an improvement in their quality of life,” said Alen N. Cohen, MD, FACS, a board-certified ENT/Head & Neck Surgeon and assistant clinical professor of surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. For the past five consecutive years, Dr. Cohen has earned the Consumer Research Council of America ranking as one of America’s Top Surgeons. “This honor validates the work that I do day in and day out helping my patients and staying at the forefront of medicine to provide my patients with the most relevant and up-to-date care,” said Dr. Cohen, who is also director of the Minimally Invasive Thyroid/Parathyroid Surgery Program at West Hills Hospital, the only program of its kind in the San Fernando Valley and Thousand Oaks regions. Dr. Cohen’s passion for minimally invasive surgery has deemed him an expert in minimally-invasive image-guided endoscopic sinus surgery (MIGSS™) and Balloon Sinuplasty™. Today he is among a select group of surgeons in the country who focus on the medical and surgical management of nasal and sinus disorders and has special expertise in minimally-invasive surgical options to treat patients with these problems. “I truly seek to improve my patient’s quality of life whether it is by helping them breathe through their nose, curing their chronic sinus infections or removing their thyroid or parathyroid tumors through small 1 to 1.5 inch incisions,” Dr. Cohen said. “I always strive to perform these procedures in the most minimally-invasive manner with particular attention to minimizing incision
size, minimizing postoperative discomfort as well as allowing my patients to return to work or school in the most expeditious yet safe manner.”
THE POWER OF MEDICINE Raised in Encino as the youngest of three brothers, Dr. Cohen’s interest in medicine began after his freshman year of college when he volunteered in the ER and fell in love with the power of medicine and its ability to transform people's lives. “I felt an amazing sensation by observing doctors use their knowledge and their hands to perform miraculous things such as stop a seizure, repair a laceration, remove a tumor and drain an abscess,” recalled Cohen, who earned his BS in neuroscience after graduating summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa from UCLA and was awarded acceptance to the prestigious David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, a top 10 school. His love for the field of ENT/Head and Neck Surgery began during anatomy class in his freshman year of medical school. “I felt an immense connection with my cadaver when during the last month of the course I began to dissect the amazing nerves and intricacies of the head and neck region. It's like a freeway of vessels and nerves that are all interconnected with various connections—it's known to be some of the most complex anatomy in the human body,” Cohen remembered.
continued >>
THYROID/PARATHYROID DISORDERS—
DR. ALEN N. COHEN FEBRUARY 2013
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“This sparked my interest in head and neck surgery; however my decision to enter the field came later as I observed the various complex surgeries during my rotations,” said Dr. Cohen. “The most interesting and captivating surgeries to me were complex endoscopic nose and sinus cases, thyroid/parathyroid surgery cases and complex cancers of the head and neck region that would be removed and reconstructed via complex multiple team surgeries over 10 to 14 hours.”
UNIQUE PRACTICE In 2007, Dr. Cohen established his practice in West Hills, joining Dr. Jerome Vener, an established otolaryngologist in the West Hills and Calabasas communities. Together they formed C/V ENT Surgical Group. Meanwhile, Dr. Cohen went on to further establish Southern California Sinus Institute, the first facility in the San Fernando and Conejo Valleys dedicated to helping patients with chronic nasal obstruction and chronic sinus problems. Considered one of a handful of surgeons in the country at the forefront of various minimally-invasive techniques, Dr. Cohen specializes in performing minimally-invasive septolpasty, in-office coblation laser turbinate reduction, minimally-invasive image-guided endoscopic sinus surgery and in-office balloon sinuplasty. “I have performed more than 1,000 of these procedures to help patients with these problems,” Cohen said. Dr. Cohen was also named director of the West Hills Hospital Minimally Invasive Thyroid/ Parathyroid Surgery program in 2009. “The program is only rivaled by the centers at UCLA and Cedars Sinai Medical Center,” Cohen said. With his techniques, patients are usually left with only a 1- to 1.5-inch incision and leave the same day after surgery with minimal discomfort. “I have personally performed over 500 of these procedures.”
FUTURE EXPANSION
Looking back on his life, Dr. Cohen is most proud of his family and being able to contribute to the welfare of humanity with his knowledge and technical abilities. “I hope to expand Southern California Sinus Institute into multiple locations so a greater number of patients who have suffered for years can finally obtain definitive relief,” Cohen said. “I also hope to teach my minimally-invasive techniques for both nasal and sinus surgery, as well as thyroid and parathyroid surgery to other surgeons so they can also help their patients with minimal postoperative discomfort or downtime.”
For more information, visit www.socalsinus.com or www.cvsurgicalgroup.com.
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Electrician of the Heart
the Electrician of the
hEArt By Dr. Ishu Rao
elecTropHySiology iS THe diScipline oF cardiology THaT SpecializeS in THe TreaTmenT oF elecTrical diSorderS oF THe HearT. the heart can be described as a “house”, with rooms (the four chambers), doors (valves), plumbing (arteries), and an electrical system (the wiring that triggers the pumping activity of the heart). Where cardiologists deal with the plumbing of the heart, an electrophysiologist is “the electrician of the heart” - the specialist who treats abnormal fast and slow heart rhythms. heart rhythm abnormalities can manifest in a number of ways. slow or fast heart rates may make patients feel fatigued or dizzy, or even cause them to pass out. More serious conditions—fast fatal arrhythmias called ventricular tachycardia (vt) or ventricular fibrillation (vf)—result in sudden Cardiac Arrest (sCA), the number one cause of death in this country, accounting for over 300,000 deaths annually. Electrophysiologists offer treatments, often curing the underlying problem, in many ways. however, the procedures can typically be divided into two categories: device implantation or ablation therapy. Patients whose hearts beat abnormally slowly may experience dizziness, fatigue, or a lack of energy. Pacemaker implantation alleviates the symptoms for these patients with a procedure that takes less than an hour with minimal risk and recuperation.
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PATIENTS WHOSE HEARTS BEAT ABNORMALLY SLOWLY MAY EXPERIENCE DIZZINESS, FATIGUE, OR A LACK OF ENERGY.
“
CMh pioneered the region’s first center to offer complex ablation therapy for treatment of Atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, and has now established itself as the leading EP Center for the Central Coast.
“
the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (iCD) implantation procedure bears striking similarities to pacemaker implantation but with one major difference. While pacemakers can keep the patient’s heart rate from going too slowly, iCDs also offer the patient the potentially life-saving benefit of shocking the heart from the fatal vt or vf arrhythmias back to a normal rhythm. these devices, which also can be implanted in an hour or less, are responsible for reducing sudden Cardiac Arrest in patients at risk, over and above the benefits accorded by medical therapy alone. A non-invasive test, the echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart), is the most efficient method of identifying such patients, as it can show decreased heart function which serves as a marker of high risk for sCA. Many arrhythmias, or heart rhythm abnormalities, can be successfully treated and cured with a procedure known as an ablation. While ablation technology has been used for two decades, recent technological advances have rendered it first-line therapy for arrhythmias such as svt, Atrial flutter, and even Atrial fibrillation, an arrhythmia that affects 3 million Americans. unlike vt and vf, these arrhythmias pose no risk of sudden Cardiac Arrest. they, however, can cause significant symptoms to patients and interfere with normal activities. frequently, patients complain of palpitations, or rapid heart rates, as well as fatigue or dizziness. treatment with an ablation requires the patient to undergo a minimally invasive procedure in the hospital where, under gentle anesthesia, thin catheters with electrical recording capabilities are threaded through blood vessels in the groin into the heart. these catheters are used to record electrical activity in the heart, and using a computerized 3-dimensional mapping system, abnormal impulses are tracked. once the site of origin of the abnormal rhythm is identified, a specialized ablation catheter delivers radiofrequency energy to cauterize the offending focus. Ablation procedures require only an overnight stay in the hospital, and the patients require no stitches or incisions, resuming their usual activities within several days. success rates for svt and Atrial flutter ablations hover at 90 percent, and success rates for Atrial fibrillation ablation range from 70 to 85 percent. until recently, many ventura County residents with rapid, abnormal heart rhythms who needed the advanced technology and expertise of potentially curative ablation procedures were forced to travel outside the region for their care, seeing physicians with whom they had no familiarity, and receiving treatment in hospitals far removed from their families. continued >>
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in response to this, Community Memorial hospital (CMh) in ventura developed an electrophysiology program to meet the needs of our community, so that county residents could avail themselves of expert care close to home. Working with the administrative team at CMh, i had the opportunity as the Director of the Electrophysiology program, to build this program from the ground up. it began with the investment of funds to develop the necessary medical environment for this program, including the acquisition of the most contemporary 3-dimensional mapping and ablation systems available. recently, we installed the region’s only stereotaxis odyssey monitor system which also gives us the ability to transmit live cases via the internet for educational purposes. the rapidity with which the program developed exceeded even the most optimistic expectations, and its sustained growth continues to serve ventura residents. the program now boasts a complete line of services—including complex ablation, device implantation, and lead extraction capabilities. While several years ago, patients requiring these procedures would have had to travel to outside the area, no such need now exists. CMh pioneered the region’s first center to offer complex ablation therapy for treatment of Atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, and has now established itself as the leading EP Center for the Central Coast. our expertise has attracted the attention of General Electric who intends to establish our program as a technology show site, and EP Lab Digest which has featured the program twice within its national publication. today, the program continues to explore all of the new frontiers in arrhythmia management therapy. We also actively participate in research trials and i speak regularly at educational forums, both for the public and fellow physicians. Most importantly, heart rhythm patients here in ventura County can rest assured that the best care that they can get resides in their own backyard.
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Ishu Rao, M.D., is the Medical Director of the Electrophysiology Program at CMH, and a member of Cardiology Associates Medical Group, with offices in Ventura and Oxnard, California.
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hEALth viEW 1
PAD
“After i Walk one Block
My Calf hurts…”
By Kevin M. Major, MD, FACS
peripHeral arTerial diSeaSe (pad) aFFecTing THe legS iS a common proBlem. however, with PAD, when the calf muscles need more blood during walking, the blood flow and oxygen delivery is inadequate and pain develops. With a short rest the pain resolves. from a patient’s perspective, the problem is calf pain brought on with exercise at a predictable distance, such as one block. the symptom is very reproducible and predictable. this typical history is defined as claudication—calf pain with exercise relieved with rest. risk factors for the development of PAD are diabetes, smoking, hypertension, elevated blood cholesterol and renal failure. over time due to these risk factors, atherosclerotic plaques develop and restrict blood flow. As long as the process develops slowly the body can adapt by developing and enlarging other arteries to provide flow around the blockage to maintain the leg. inevitably over time the atherosclerotic plaques progress and the blood flow to the leg worsens. As this develops, a patient’s predictable walking distance diminishes. if the process progresses to the point where even at rest the blood flow is inadequate, the patient will experience rest pain—pain in the foot occurring usually at night which awakens the patient.
RISK FACTORS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PAD ARE DIABETES, SMOKING, HYPERTENSION, ELEVATED BLOOD CHOLESTEROL AND RENAL FAILURE.
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With rest pain, the leg is at risk of requiring amputation. Even in the absence of claudication or rest pain, any sore on the foot that does not heal in the proper amount of time may be a sign of PAD and may require amputation. symptoms of claudication, rest pain or non-healing sores on the foot are symptoms of PAD and warrant referral to a vascular surgeon. this is a physician who has completed five years of general surgery training plus additional training in vascular surgery/endovascular therapy which includes training in non-operative, catheter-based therapies as well (i.e., stents and balloons).
procedureS For correcTive acTion
the vascular surgeon will take a thorough history, perform an examination of all pulses and order appropriate tests. ultrasound is a typical non-invasive test used to determine the degree of PAD to help guide therapy. Based on a patient’s history, exam and non-invasive testing, if revascularization is necessary, the vascular surgeon will arrange for an angiogram. revascularization provides a new, additional or augmented blood supply to the extremity. An angiogram is a procedure performed in the X-ray department. typically the femoral artery in the groin on the unaffected leg is punctured. this allows access to the arterial system. Wires and catheters are then advanced under X-ray guidance to the affected leg. X-ray contrast dye is injected and images are made of the arterial system in the affected leg. this provides a map of the arterial anatomy and outlines the location of arterial blockages. the vascular surgeon reviews the images and if appropriate, attempts an intervention at that time. using wires and catheters, the blockage is crossed and balloons, stents, or other devices are used to clear the blockage and restore normal flow. typically, an angiogram of the leg is an outpatient procedure. risks are low and if the blockage is cleared, immediate resolution of claudication or rest pain should be expected and any non-healing wounds should begin to heal. if the blockage cannot be treated by angiography, surgical bypass is necessary. surgical bypass is performed in the operating room. Depending on the exact operation needed, either a prosthetic graft or the patient’s own vein is used as conduit to bypass the diseased artery. the normal artery above and below a blockage are exposed. Clamps are applied to arrest flow and the bypass is sewn onto the side of the healthy artery above and below the blockage. When complete, the bypass carries normal blood flow to the leg below the blockage. risks for surgical bypass vary and depend on many factors. Most patients are hospitalized for two to seven days following their surgery. PAD is a common problem and claudication is the earliest symptom. over time the process generally progresses, leading to diminishing walking distance, rest pain, nonhealing wounds and possible limb loss. Managing one’s risk factors for PAD slow or arrest the inevitable worsening of the problem. this means blood pressure control, cholesterol management, diabetic management and smoking cessation. in fact, smoking cessation alone can often double one’s walking distance. A walking program can also be an effective strategy to increase walking distance. this involves regular, daily walks to the point claudication develops and then walking a bit farther before resting. regular periods of such exercise are advised if you are a candidate. A walking program supervised by physical therapy is reported to be the best strategy but is not available in many areas. referral to a vascular surgeon early enables a correct diagnosis and appropriate therapy.
Dr. Major earned his undergraduate degree from the University of San Diego then attended medical school at the Medical College of Ohio. Dr. Major spent 6 years at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center training in General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care and is board certified in both specialties. Dr. Major has an additional 2 years of Vascular Surgery/Endovascular training from the University of Southern California and is board certified in Vascular Surgery as well. Following training, he was in private practice in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Major joined Coastal Vascular Center in 2010 and performs all aspects of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy.
FEBRUARY 2013
yhcMAGAZINE.COM | 19
hEALth viEW 2
Migraines
A Clear head, a New year and a New you!
tips from PMir Medical Center on how to Curb migraines
SLEEP MORE!— GETTING AN ADEQUATE AMOUNT OF SLEEP MAY BE YOUR BEST MEDICINE. POOR QUALITY OF SLEEP MAY ALSO RESULT IN RELATED TENSION HEADACHES.
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STep Back inTo THe ligHT
By Travis Johnston
a new year iS upon uS and For many people THaT meanS one THing—reSoluTionS. for some, resolutions are a dreadful ring to the ear. for others a new year sparks a certain desire in all of us, the desire to make a change for the better. one change that always pops up in the minds of most is to work out, get healthy and eat right. it’s easy to say, and it may even be easy to do for the first couple of weeks, but for many Americans, this resolution just isn’t an option. i’m talking about the 30 million people in the u.s. who suffer from migraines, with women suffering more frequently than men. if you ever had a migraine, then you know that they are often so debilitating that even the smallest ray of sunlight is enough to stop you in your tracks. Migraines have a way of taking over your life, leaving you isolated and looking for answers. the good news is there are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating your migraines and they’re in your own backyard at Pain Management and injury relief (PMir) Medical Center.
Migraines present barriers, disrupting your normal, everyday routine. Most find themselves suffering enough to miss work, set back by symptoms of nausea and sensitivity to sound, ultimately leading to a significant loss in productivity. the physicians at PMir Medical Center have noticed the growing number of chronic migraine patients and encourage their patients to take an active role in the treatment process. “We know how mentally and physically debilitating migraines can be. We make sure all our patients receive a thorough and proper diagnosis to rule out any other potential conditions that may have migraines as a symptom,” says Dr. Mahyar okhovat, a neurologist at PMir Medical Center. Chronic migraines present their own unique challenges for the medical community, with the list of possible triggers going on and on: dietary problems, stress, lack of sleep, environmental pathogens such as allergens, and even a link to genetic history. Fortunately, any patient can take a few steps to help manage the triggers and lessen the frequency before a recommended trip to see a pain management specialist: Keep a migraine journal—Note the time of day, warning signs, possible triggers and the severity of the migraine. Change your diet—Avoid specific foods known for triggering migraines, such as processed foods containing MSG, refined sugars, caffeinated beverages, soda and alcohol. Sleep more!—Getting an adequate amount of sleep may be your best medicine. Poor quality of sleep may also result in related tension headaches. Drink plenty of water—In order for your body to perform at an optimal level, you need to hydrate. Our bodies are dependent on a daily intake of H2O. Reduce stress—Seemingly unavoidable, stress manifests itself into different areas of our bodies. Some hold stress in their upper shoulders while others carry tension in their brow—either way, stress is a major trigger.
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hEALth viEW 2
Migraines
“When it comes down to it, the patient plays an active role in their diagnosis. We are here to help effectively treat these chronic migraine episodes with a multitude of innovative procedures. in order for us to give you the best care possible, communication between physician and patient is key,” says Dr. Alexander hersel, pain management specialist and founder of PMir Medical Center.
on THe rigHT Track
for those who have struggled with pain long enough, the unwavering feeling of exhaustion starts to settle in. you’ve tried everything to relieve your pain, but the migraines just won’t subside.
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Dr. Katie Greeley D.C., CACCP
Certified in Chiropractic Pediatrics and WebsterTechnique Certified International Chiropractic Pediatric Member Holistic Pediatric Association Member ICA Pediatric Council Member
FEBRUARY 2013
While there are no guarantees when it comes to potential cures, it is important to know that you are not alone in your search to end the migraine epidemic. “Chronic migraines are treatable. We take an aggressive and sometimes integrative approach to curbing symptoms. We’ve seen success with BotoX, which was recently approved by the fDA for treatment of migraines, as well as a fairly new treatment called the NiP procedure, which has helped our patients tremendously,” says Dr. okhovat. getting your life back by eliminating migraines is a big step. Be sure to start off slow by making minor tweaks to your lifestyle. track your progress and be adamant about trying new alternative options when visiting your pain specialist. you can get involved in your healthcare by asking your pain specialist about innovative treatments such as BotoX and trigger point injections. remember, your pain specialist is your advocate.
Hilda Maldonado, M.D. Regenerative & Anti Aging Medicine
“
chronic migraines are treatable. We take an aggressive and sometimes integrative approach to curbing symptoms. We’ve seen success with BotoX, which was recently approved by the fDA for treatment of migraines, as well as a fairly new treatment called the NiP procedure, which has helped our patients tremendously.
“
if you are interested in including complementary alternative medicine in your treatment plan, he/she will be able to direct you to other effective options like acupuncture or biofeedback. “our patients are always involved in the process of healing. We want them to feel empowered so they can get back to living the life they deserve,” says Dr. hersel.
• Over ten years of experience using bio-identical hormone replacement therapy • Specialized testing for metabolic factors • Hormone balancing • Nutritional supplementation • Lifestyle changes (individualized diet and exercise) • Stress management • Education • Judicious use of medications as required 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.
1240 Westlake Blvd., Suite 133 Westlake Village, CA 91361 Phone / Fax: 805.496.6698 www.drhildamaldonado.com
if you suffer from migraines, treatment options are available. using tips such as keeping a migraine journal or eliminating those pesky trigger foods can help get you on the right track to optimal health for the New year. so here’s to a clear head, new year and most importantly, a new you.
Travis Johnston is a Community Relations and Physician Liaison at PMIR Medical Center. He is also an active community member and advocate for functional fitness and health promotion. Founded in 2003, PMIR Medical Center is committed to helping patients achieve lasting freedom from pain. Their top-educated pain management specialists use state-ofthe-art equipment and innovative procedures to target and treat the source of your pain. PMIR Medical Center currently has offices in Santa Monica, Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley. Visit www.paininjuryrelief.com.
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hEALth viEW 3
Wife- pleaser
Are you Pleasing your Wife—or Just Being a Pleaser? By Wayne M. Levine
do you Find yourSelF needing THe approval oF your wiFe BeFore you diScipline your cHildren, BeFore you commiT To an ouTing wiTH your BuddieS, or BeFore you rearrange THe FurniTure in your oFFice? Where do you suppose this need comes from? As with most emotional, psychological, and relationship challenges, the seeds were planted in your youth. for most pleasers, homes were filled with conflict. in order to save themselves, they learned to avoid conflict, sometimes at all cost. And now as adults, they continue to avoid conflict, often at the expense of their own desires and the health of their relationships. Know this guy? is it you?
THe ugly TruTH
Are you a man who fears confrontation? is it intolerable for you when your wife is upset? Will you go to almost any length to please her just to make your discomfort disappear? Do you send up trial balloons to see if you can get a tentative approval by tentatively suggesting a tentative idea you had?
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PLEASERS ARE NOT KNOWN FOR THEIR RISK TAKING. FOR SOME, A RISK MIGHT INCLUDE JUMPING OUT OF AN AIRPLANE.
“
As a pleaser, you emit your own kind of energy. that’s why you often don’t have a voice—you’re too busy accommodating those who have pegged you as someone who will satisfy their needs.
“
Do you edit yourself and avoid saying or doing what you know will provoke her even if it’s honestly what you think is best? Do you spend an inordinate amount of time and energy concerned about how she feels and how she’ll react? you’ve been rationalizing, compromising, second-guessing, playing it safe and avoiding confrontation. As a result, you’ve slowly forgotten what really matters to you, what you were once passionate about, how you truly feel about issues, yourself, and others. Meanwhile, if you’re a dad, you’re teaching your kids to be pleasers, too.
wHaT To do nexT
here’s a good start for shedding the pleaser in you.
Take riSkS
Pleasers are not known for their risk taking. for some, a risk might include jumping out of an airplane. But for the pleaser, skydiving might seem like a cakewalk compared to, let’s say, letting your wife know exactly how you’d like to handle discipline the next time your son is disrespectful, or making arrangements for a special night out without worrying whether she’ll approve of your choices. taking these honest risks is the path to being that powerful man you want to be and the confident and loving leader your wife has been waiting for.
creaTe a new conTexT
Ever been in the presence of an extremely confident man? you know almost immediately when he’s entered the room. Everyone does. the energy he’s putting out is palpable, and it’s affecting those around him. People respond subconsciously to that energy. As a pleaser, you emit your own kind of energy. that’s why you often don’t have a voice—you’re too busy accommodating those who have pegged you as someone who will satisfy their needs. so it’s critical for you to begin to consciously choose a new path.
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hEALth viEW 3
Wife- pleaser
your context is where you’re coming from as you enter the room, begin a discussion, plan an event or go out on a date. imagine yourself wearing a sandwich board with your context written on it for the world to see. Because that’s how obvious it is, already, to everyone who meets you. this is your mantra, this is your attitude, this is the man you are in that moment. Let’s say your wife asks you to pick up something from the store for dinner. try as you may, you can’t find the exact item. so you buy something close. your current context as you arrive home might sound like: “i hope she doesn’t give me a hard time.” A better context would be: “Dinner is going to be great and i love you.” hear the difference? this attitude will change the way you walk into the house, the way you give her the alternative item, the way you’ll respond to her criticism, the way you’ll continue to be the man you want to be for the entire night. rather than having your tail between your legs, you’ll have let it go. instead of worrying about not pleasing her, you’re available to be the dad you want to be with the kids, or simply present with her in a more confident, attractive way.
welcome SupporT
to successfully make changes in your behavior, you’ll want the support of other men. Whether it’s a buddy, men’s group, or counselor, support is essential. that support includes being held accountable to your commitments. you’ll want to have specific goals and you’ll want to have your ass kicked when it’s difficult and you want to quit. in becoming this new man, you’re asking a lot of yourself, and of those closest to you. it’s not an easy process. Prepare by having your support network in place. that’s how you’ll set yourself up for success.
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THe Bigger picTure
once you become more masculine in your relationship with your wife—and lose the need for her approval—you’ll begin to see how this new man has a place in all areas of your life. And it’s not about being inconsiderate or disrespectful. this is simply about finding your voice, telling the truth, considering other people’s needs and feelings, but not at the expense of honoring your own. Curing yourself of this tendency to please will actually allow you to be happier in your own skin, be more respectful and more respected, be a better partner, more compassionate, more present, a better example to your kids, and be more of the man she actually wants you to be.
Wayne M. Levine is the director of BetterMen Coaching in Agoura Hills. He teaches men to be the best men, fathers, and husbands they can be through individual, couples and group coaching, both in the office and via phone. Wayne is also author of the best-selling book, Hold On to Your N.U.T.s—The Relationship Manual for Men. Find out more and get a copy of Wayne’s book at www.BetterMenCoaching.com.
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NAturAL APProACh
CVD Update
thE NEWs oN
hEArt
DisEAsE By Dr. Sharon Norling
AUTOPSY REPORTS OF NEARLY 6,000 CASES OF SUDDEN DEATH FOUND UP TO 93 PERCENT OF THOSE WHO DIED DURING SEX WERE THOUGHT TO BE ENGAGING IN EXTRA-MARITAL SEX CIRCULATION, 2012).
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“
According to Menke of tulane university, lead exposure, even as low as 2 mcg/dl is associated with a 55 percent increase in CvD, an 89 percent increase in heart disease, and a 151 percent increase in strokes!
Abnormal lipid profiles are the highest risk factor for CvD—higher than smoking. cardiovascular risk Factors
relative risk
Elevated ApoB/Apo A1 (abnormal lipids smoking Psychological factors Diabetes hypertension Abdominal obesity
3.25 2.87 2.67 2.37 1.91 1.12
Although heart disease is the leading cause of death in the u.s., you have more influence in preventing it than you think. Cholesterol levels (good-hDL and bad-LDL), essential fatty acid deficiencies/imbalances, high carbohydrate intake, stress, neurotransmitters, hormones, vitamin D, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), even tea and chocolate all play important roles in your heart health. Preventing heart disease requires much more than screening for high cholesterol. fifty percent of all people who experience a heart attack have normal cholesterol.
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Cardiovascular disease has many causes. An integrative functional medicine approach entails healing the whole person: mind, body, emotions, and spirit. We need to personalize the treatment using predictive, proactive and preventive research. wHaT do rHeumaToid arTHriTiS, gaSTroinTeSTinal diSeaSe, ToxinS, Brain cHemiSTry, HormoneS and low viTamin d Have in common wiTH HearT diSeaSe? All of them can cause heart disease! this may be why you may know people who have had a heart attack, stroke or heart disease without having the usual risk factors. We all know the importance of diet, exercise and stress reduction. you know pharmaceutical drugs are prescribed. What else do you need to know and what are the other effective options?
Almost all cardiac risk factors are dependent on lifestyle and environment. Almost all CvD is directly related to inflammation which is the direct result of obesity, poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle and stress. A recent survey of physicians and cardiologists found these factors are poorly addressed.
inFlammaTion
Cholesterol is not the problem—inflammation that creates plaque causes atherosclerosis and heart disease. Diabetics have a higher risk of heart disease because increased blood sugar increases insulin levels. insulin promotes inflammation which promotes CvD, strokes and death. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory condition, have a 59 percent increased risk of dying from a heart attack compared with the general population and a 52 percent increased risk of death due to strokes.
Cardiovascular disease (CvD) is one of the major progressive, lifelong diseases affecting the lives of one out of two men and one out of three women. the diagnosis and occurrence of cardiac events happen around age 55 in men and 65 in women.
While statins have been shown to decrease the risk of death from heart disease, this may be due to their anti-inflammatory properties rather than lowered cholesterol. using EPA from fish oil, gLA from evening primrose oil, the short chain fatty acid butyrate and phosphatidylcholine can accomplish the same anti-inflammatory effect naturally.
the disease begins silently in adolescence and slowly progresses in middle age. With childhood obesity and the sedentary lifestyle of the younger generation, children must have their cholesterol, lipids and blood pressure checked. Prevention needs to begin with children.
food allergies, gluten sensitivity, celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome are all inflammatory diseases; therefore they increase the risk of cardiac disease (Obesity Review, 2011). gastrointestinal infections increase the risk of heart disease (Gastoenterology Report, 2009). if you have risks for heart disease or have CvD, have your stool tested by a specialty lab using DNA for accuracy.
gaSTroinTeSTinal diSeaSe
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NAturAL APProACh
CVD Update
ToxinS
According to Menke of tulane university, lead exposure, even as low as 2 mcg/dl is associated with a 55 percent increase in CvD, an 89 percent increase in heart disease, and a 151 percent increase in strokes! Approximately 39 percent of the u.s. population has serum levels in that range. Dr. Mark houston, a cardiologist and associate clinical professor of medicine at vanderbilt university Medical school presents the role of mercury toxicity in hypertension, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Clinical problems associated with mercury toxicity include heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmias, atherosclerosis and kidney problems.
cardiac arrest during sex (Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2012). Autopsy reports of nearly 6,000 cases of sudden death found up to 93 percent of those who died during sex were thought to be engaging in extra-marital sex (Circulation, 2012). A guilty conscience, stress from keeping the affair a secret, and the stress of wining, dining and satisfying a woman who is likely to be younger than the man’s wife could all contribute to the link due to extra stress (Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2012).
neuroTranSmiTTerS (Brain cHemiSTry)
Plastics are everywhere and in everything. Bisphenol A (BPA) is found in cans, plastic containers and plastic bottles. Never put plastic containers in the microwave or dishwasher. the heat dissolves the plastic which results in our eating plastic-laden meals. researchers have linked BPA to increased risk of CvD, diabetes and liver problems. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorinated pesticides are also associated with increased risk of diabetes and cardiac problems. toxins can cause CvD and increased mortality. specialized testing can determine your toxic load. yet, in spite of this, pharmaceutical companies and physicians focus on cholesterol like it was the only game in town! Does your cardiologist test for lead or mercury? if you don’t test how will you find the answers? toxicity can be minimized. toxins can be removed by iv therapies, detoxifying foods and supplements. selenium and fish omega-3 fatty acids antagonize mercury toxicity. Lifestyle changes can reverse CvD.
STreSS
English physician William harvey wrote in 1628, “Every affection of the mind that is attended either with pain or pleasure, hope or fear, is the cause of an agitation whose influence extends to the heart.” the relationship between stress, heart disease and sudden death has been recognized since antiquity. one way a man can decrease the risk of a heart attack is to have sex with his wife instead of his girlfriend. science shows that men who cheat on their wives have an increased risk of sudden death from
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stress imbalances your neurotransmitters and vice versa. research frequently shows obesity, hypertension, anxiety, metabolic syndrome and insulin-resistance are associated with high levels of nor-epinephrine, low epinephrine and low cortisol. Nor-epinephrine is an excitatory neurotransmitter creating stress, anxiety, pain, anger and high blood pressure. Elevations in epinephrine create stress and insomnia and increase blood sugar and insulin resistance. high cortisol can increase your waistline and anxiety, which increases your risk for CvD. Low epinephrine impacts lipids. Low cortisol, which can cause adrenal fatigue, can contribute to increased triglycerides and low levels of hDL-C, the good cholesterol. your brain and your heart are connected—but we already knew that. get the right neurotransmitter test and use natural supplements without side effects whenever possible to achieve healthy brain balance and a healthy heart.
HormoneS
All hormones affect heart health. here are two.
Low testosterone in men increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, chest pain, diabetes and arthritis. Normal levels can decrease cholesterol, increase bone and muscle mass, increase libido and decrease inflammation. testosterone decreases angina (chest) pain. Normal testosterone levels in both men and women result in more energy, a better sense of well-being and less pain. Low thyroid can increase cholesterol and hypertension. treating low thyroid can lower cholesterol. Always have your thyroid tests check your free t3, free t4 and tsh and thyroid antibodies. the right hormonal balance can help prevent heart disease.
low viTamin d
if your levels of vitamin D are too low, a new study suggests you may be at a significantly increased risk for stroke, heart disease and death. researchers followed 27,686 people, aged 50 and older, with no history of cardiovascular disease. the participants were divided into three groups based on their vitamin D levels. After one year of follow-up, the researchers found those with very low levels of vitamin D were 77 percent more likely to die, 45 percent more likely to develop coronary artery disease, 78 percent more likely to have a stroke and twice as likely to develop heart failure compared to people with normal vitamin D levels (American Heart Association, 2010). the recommended level for vitamin D is 50-70 ng/dl. for your healthy heart, be happy and be tested. A good lifestyle is a must and so are specialty tests for inflammation, gastrointestinal disease, toxins, brain chemistry, hormones and vitamin D3 levels. CvD is much more than a cholesterol issue. find the answers before they cause heart disease. find the answers to correct your heart disease.
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, CA 818-707-9355.
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MiND&sPirit
Neuro Star Technique
repetitive Transcranial magnetic Stimulation— An innovative treatment for Depression
depressant medication. the treatment involves sending a magnetic pulse, the strength of a standard Mri scan, into the brain. the treatment stimulates neuron activity in the specific part of the brain that controls mood. these magnetic fields activate the brain cells to function properly by releasing neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine— the brain chemicals that improve mood. Major depression is a common disorder affecting millions of individuals. it has a lifetime prevalence of about 13 percent in men and 21 percent in women, meaning this is the percent of each population that will experience depression at some point in their lifetime (Blazer, Kessler, Mcgonagie & swartz, 1994). the World health organization predicts depression will be the second largest burden of disease by 2020, following cardiovascular conditions. Depression is debilitating and affects all age groups. if untreated, the consequences are devastating to patients and their families. symptoms include loss of interest or pleasure, sadness, decreased appetite, weight loss, decreased energy, poor concentration and suicidal ideation. treatment for moderate to severe depression has traditionally been limited to antidepressants and psychotherapy. however, a significant number of patients do not respond to these traditional treatments. tMs has become an excellent alternative for patients who respond minimally or poorly to antidepressants. it is an outpatient procedure that is effective with minimal side effects. reyes MD & Associates is one of the very first psychiatric groups to provide this service. We have been providing this treatment modality since 2009 and have had great results in our outpatient clinic.
TMS HAS BECOME AN EXCELLENT ALTERNATIVE FOR PATIENTS WHO RESPOND MINIMALLY OR POORLY TO ANTIDEPRESSANTS.
tMs is a time-limited treatment that lasts about four to six weeks and it is extremely well-tolerated. Patients remain awake and alert throughout the procedure. in fact, after the treatment patients can drive and participate in all of their daily activities. We have had many positive responses to this treatment in our practice. Depression is debilitating. Psychiatric medications are only effective for some people. We are fortunate to have a safe and effective alternative. Life is short—do everything you can to enjoy it!
By Dr. Arjun Reyes
TranScranial magneTic STimulaTion (TmS) iS a noninvaSive, nonpHarmacologic TreaTmenT For depreSSion approved By THe Fda in 2008. it is performed in an office or hospital setting and it’s pain-free, requiring no anesthesia or sedation. tMs is a proven treatment for patients with major depression who have not benefited from initial anti-
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Dr. Reyes’ practice is located at 893 Patriot Drive, Moorpark, CA 93021. Phone: 805-531-1000
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fitNEss
Dancing for Fitness
ITALIAN RESEARCHERS HAVE FOUND THAT JUST 21 MINUTES OF DANCING THREE TIMES A WEEK CAN MATCH THE CARDIOVASCULAR BENEFITS OF WORKING OUT ON A TREADMILL OR BICYCLE.
BALLrooM DANCiNg —Be healthier, Be smarter and have More fun! you know you should exercise, but… you want to improve your mental power, but… you want to get out and meet people, but…
By Maria Durant
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heart attack, people must “work out a minimum of three days a week for an hour or more,” and dancing “two hours, three times a week” was an excellent alternative to going to the gym. James has since lost a significant amount of weight and has kept it off. Ballroom Dancing saved Mel Ladisky’s life. According to Mel’s wife Nancy from santa rosa valley, “after being short of breath 7 years ago, i took Mel to the emergency room…and they did an angiogram.” three arteries were “90 percent blocked and he needed an immediate bypass.” imagine one place where you can go to get exercise, improve your cardiovascular health, increase your mental ability, and have fun—ballroom dancing!
cardiovaScular BeneFiTS
We all have New years’ resolutions to become more fit, but after two weeks and five injuries, the treadmill is not our friend and it’s just too hard to lose weight, so we settle back into old, bad habits. imagine burning between 250 and 400 calories per hour while learning salsa, cha-cha, swing or even the seductive tango. that’s the same amount burned after a brisk hour-long walk or halfhour jog on that dreaded treadmill. italian researchers have found that just 21 minutes of dancing three times a week can match the cardiovascular benefits of working out on a treadmill or bicycle. According to the American heart Association and AArP, dancing is one of the top 10 things you can do to help prevent heart disease, especially among baby boomers. After suffering a heart attack a few years ago, James s. from thousand oaks was told by his cardiologist that after a
A Proven Non-Drug Treatment for
Depression ...without medication side effects ...right in doctor’s office
Nancy mentioned they had been dancing the night before. What is amazing about their story is the doctor explained he had grown “collateral bypasses on his own by the dancing they had been doing over the years,” and without his body’s ability to create new bypasses, he might have “been dead many years ago.”
can learning How To dance make you SmarTer?
According to sean C. from Westlake village, “i find that ballroom dancing encompasses not only the artistic aspect, but also the logical aspect of dancing. As an aerospace scientist, this is appealing to me! Ballroom dancing follows the laws of physics in terms of posture, balance, stability and movement... . Multiple dynamics are at play, synchronized with the beautiful rhythm of music, and harmonized into one single sport! it definitely enhances the coordination of mind, body, eyes, ears, spirit and soul!!! Nothing can be more satisfying and rewarding... .”
Have more Fun THiS year!
single? tired of staying home saturday night because you don’t know where to go to meet like-minded people? you don’t want the bar scene. Ladies, you won’t be finding Mr. right at a bar. gentlemen, it’s hard to get to know ladies who are on guard, waiting for the next silly pick-up line you told your friend five minutes ago. it’s more rewarding to find a group that enjoys going dancing together in a safe, nopressure environment where you can feel confident while learning skills that release feel-good endorphins—listening to music that brings back good memories, and makes you feel the rhythm pulse through your body, allowing you to forget the day’s worries.
NeuroStar TMS Therapy® is indicated for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adult patients who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from one prior anti-depressant medication at or above the minimal effective dose and duration in the current episode. The most common side effect associated with TMS Therapy is pain or discomfort at or near the treatment area - generally mild to moderate. There is a rare risk of seizure associated with TMS (1 in 30,000 treatments)
NeuroStar TMS Therapy is available by prescription only and is not right for everyone. For full safety and prescribing information, visit www.NeuroStar.com.
Arjun Reyes M.D. 893 Patriot Dr. Unit A Moorpark CA 93021
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805.531.1000 arjun.reyes@yahoo.com FEBRUARY 2013
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fitNEss
Dancing for Fitness
from simi valley, ralph r.’s wife passed away last January. he felt he needed “something to occupy my mind and keep me healthy‌especially then. At first, i went bike riding and hiking. But those activities, although very healthy, were activities done alone. i wanted to interact with people in a positive endeavor while improving my health, losing weight, lowering blood pressure, improving dancing skills—and improving my self-confidence.â€? trang N. says dancing helped her “be a happier and healthier person. i’m a shy person but this is the first place i can go by myself anytime without feeling alone since the whole environment is so friendly and comfortable.â€? After only two years of dance lessons, trang performed at a national dance competition in front of thousands of people with her professional dance instructor, and needless to say, she is not the same shy person she was a few years ago! if you are a couple, learning to dance can rekindle the flame in your relationship, especially as your children grow up. Many couples realize—oops—we forgot, we’re stuck with each other, and have almost forgotten how to connect and enjoy each other without the hectic lifestyle raising children can bring. Dancing can help couples get through some challenging times, as with Lianne and Jesse i. from thousand oaks. “Memorial Day, 2008, brought stunning news: “i’m sorry, you have cancer,â€? says Lianne. “Not only did a journey begin with the diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer,â€?—she quickly joined a support group with husband Jesse at the Cancer support Community—“but within several months after i finished my treatments, Jesse was diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer—Both of us? how can this be?!â€? A few years later, they discovered dancing, and have been addicted ever since. “Big fans of Dancing With the Stars, we always wanted to learn, but it is daunting to start the dance adventure, much as embarking on a journey with cancer. As cancer survivors...embracing a joyful activity we could share together is such a blessing. We even experienced private coaching lessons with Jonathan roberts and Anna trebunskaya of Dancing with the Stars!â€?
dancing can improve my BuSineSS SkillS?
yes, it may seem farfetched but dancing is one of the most intimate, yet safe interactions you can have with another person. in our conservative business community, we
A unique blend of Chiropractic & Acupuncture at
have lost touch with the power that touch and connection bring to trusting the person with whom you do business. having been raised in a traditional Cuban family, the first thing we are taught to do when we are children is to greet people with a hug and kiss. this shows respect and establishes an immediate bond. David C. from Westlake village says his business has become more fun and gratifying because he employed one single gesture—he hugs his clients! he says he used to just go, explain his product, then wait for their decision. Now he actually gets to know the client so he can assess their needs more accurately, which has led him to receiving more referrals. he attributes this to the his dance lessons during the last seven years, and the self-esteem and confidence boost he learned from dancing.
“BuT i am a SporTS guy, dancing iS For wimpy men...”
Nothing could be further from the truth. Jason C., personal trainer and owner of Creel fitness, agrees that “dancing from a fitness perspective is a perfect fusion of mind and body. you get to physically express what you feel inside.”
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if your New years’ resolution includes being healthy, meeting new people, being smarter or having more fun, ballroom dancing is where you need to be. What better month to start than in february! Bring back some romance, health and fun back into your life. see you on the dance floor!
Maria Durant is the CEO of Dance 4 Wellness, a ballroom and social dance studio located in the Watercourt Plaza of Thousand Oaks. Whether your goal is to go salsa dancing, travel the world on our dance cruises, learn the passionate Tango, Zumba your way to fitness, or waltz into a ballroom competition, our professional instructors make learning to dance fun and easy. Dance 4 Wellness also offers a program in partnership with the Fordney foundation, a local, non-profit organization. Through a generous grant, Dance 4 Wellness offers free ballroom dance lessons to students in the Conejo Unified School District and surrounding charter schools. For more information, please contact Dance 4 Wellness at 805.991.6113 or email info@dance4wellness.net.
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hEALthy KiDs
Teens
tEEN
ChALLENgEs:
ArE thErE sigNs?
THERE IS LESS INTERFAMILY MEMBER COMMUNICATION WITH FEWER MEALS EATEN TOGETHER AND MORE INDIVIDUAL DISTRACTIONS WITH COMPUTERS, VIDEO GAMES AND CELL PHONES.
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“
the next biggest misunderstanding is that when there are problems the teenager is just being a teenager and they will grow out of it.
“
abnormal weight gain or loss, loss of interest in things previously enjoyed, marked irritability and chronic physical complaints such as headaches, abdominal pain, or fatigue.
By Alicia Doyle
working wiTH adoleScenTS Since 1974 and excluSively wiTH TeenS and young adulTS For over Five yearS, david lowe BelieveS THe BiggeST miSunderSTanding aBouT adoleScence iS THaT moST oF THem are a proBlem, wHen in FacT 85 percenT oF adoleScenTS do well. “it is the 15 percent that get all the attention,” said Dr. Lowe, a board certified pediatrician and member of the society for Adolescent health and Medicine. “the next biggest misunderstanding is that when there are problems the teenager is just being a teenager and they will grow out of it.” Adcare Plus, launched by Dr. Lowe in 2007 in Camarillo, is the only practice in ventura County that exclusively treats teens and young adults from ages 12 to 26. “the ‘plus’ in Adcare Plus means more than just the adolescent care, more than just treating physical problems, more extended hours into the evenings, more time allotted for their appointments, more excellent patient service,” Dr. Lowe explained. Located at 3901 E. Las Posas road in suite 204, Adcare Plus provides a medical home for teens and young adults to help them navigate the most pivotal time in their lives of transitioning from childhood to independent adulthood. “Most of their medical care can be consolidated into one place so that their care is not fragmented to seeing the dermatologist, gynecologist, orthopedist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, internist, or family practitioner,” Dr. Lowe said. “Adcare Plus exists to develop a therapeutic relationship with young people, be a trusted resource of accurate scientific information, ensure confidentiality, and guide them in making positive decisions for their total health—physical, mental, social and spiritual.”
warning SignS
some warning signs that might indicate significant problems with teens and young adults include declining grades, sleep problems, sudden mood changes, withdrawal from social interaction and changes in friends, dress or self care. Additional signs can include
“teens manifesting some of these signs or symptoms should be evaluated,” Dr. Lowe said. “they need to be able to communicate their needs or problems to someone, preferably their parents and to a health care provider if necessary. they should not self-medicate with drugs or go on the internet to self-diagnose themselves.”
Filling a need
teens are facing more problems and challenges today than in years past, Dr. Lowe said. “there are many factors impacting and changing the problems and affecting the young person’s ability to handle the problems.” in today’s times, for instance, there is less stability in the home with fewer long-lasting two parent households. there is less interfamily member communication with fewer meals eaten together and more individual distractions with computers, video games and cell phones. Additionally, declining numbers of young people have truly positive role models, and less are raised with any spiritual basis or guidance. “the consequences of bad decisions are now more serious and even lethal,” Dr. Lowe said. “the media and the culture changes have made normal what used to be considered inappropriate, immoral or irresponsible.”
a maTTer oF TruST
“young people need trusting relationships with adults,” Dr. Lowe said. “it does take a village to raise a child and the health care provider should be one of those adults.” Adcare Plus seeks to provide the medical environment and relationship to be able to help young people make good decisions for their total health. “that is why one hour is spent on their regular physical exams,” Dr. Lowe said. “Most of the time spent is in listening to the young person, assessing their progress in physical, mental, social and spiritual development, affirming where they are doing well and suggesting areas they can improve and giving guidance to making those changes.” During this one-hour window of time, an assessment is made. “they are affirmed for the good choices or habits they are making for their health, and areas for improvement are highlighted,” Dr. Lowe said. “other patients come for various reasons or symptoms such as ADhD becoming a problem now in high school or college, for mood problems such as anxiety or depression, for stD testing, for sports injuries, for acne care, for contraception, for immunizations, for opiate withdrawal.”
making a diFFerence
“it is said that if you can make a 10 percent difference – namely get 1 out of 10 young persons to make a positive health change – you have made a significant contribution to the overall picture,” Dr. Lowe said. “i think we can do much better than that. i would like to ultimately see a teen and young adult center where a multidisciplinary group of providers, such as physicians, psychologists or counselors, dietitians, would be in one place to provide comprehensive care for young people.”
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CoMPAssioNAtE EAtiNg
Mary’s Secret Garden
Mary’s Secret Garden offers homemade kombucha, fresh fruit smoothies with raw nut milks, delicious salads, soups, sandwiches, wraps, signature entrees and incredible desserts.
MAry’s SecreT garden By Bianca Rose Martinez in my environmenTal eTHicS claSS aT cSu cHico i realized THe imporTance oF our liFeSTyle cHoiceS. for me the concept of compassionate eating was born out of an active awareness of how to live in a way that does the least harm to our planet, to animals and to our own health. it has been an incredible journey that led me to so many amazing people, places and realizations. one of those places is Mary’s secret garden in ventura. in 2006 when i first saw the sign for an organic vegan bistro i thought to myself, times they are a changin’! i was so happy to see an all-vegan restaurant sprout up in my hometown. i met with Mary (Which can be a challenge, she is a busy lady!) and got to know her a little better during our interview. i asked Mary what led her to veganism and, said she, “i started for health reasons and by nature the animal compassion and connectedness to the Earth came in.” Mary explained her biggest inspiration is her mom “who is the most amazing Arabic cook.” one of her secrets to creating a delicious meal is using fresh herbs and “to get the freshest ingredients and do as little to them as possible.” i commented that vegan food is so incredibly diverse and spans so many cultures and asked if she had a favorite ethnic cuisine. she quickly replied, “thai. i could eat thai food every day!” Mary also was emphatic that people who transition to a vegan lifestyle need to do it gradually. she highly recommends colon cleansing as part of a healthy lifestyle and as absolutely necessary to support your body through any transition in your dietary habits.
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We agreed that on a spiritual level we tend to store old traumas, emotions and energies in our bodies that need to be released for us to be more at peace with others and ourselves. she said, “the sense of joy and the level of connectedness that can come from being vegan is a huge incentive to keep going.” When i asked Mary what we could do to make the world a better place she replied, “go to the farmers Market, eat seasonally and come from love in everything you do.” Mary’s secret garden offers homemade kombucha, fresh fruit smoothies with raw nut milks, delicious salads, soups, sandwiches, wraps, signature entrees and incredible desserts. the word orgasmic comes to mind when describing her culinary creations. if you want a beautiful, gourmet, vegan experience, check out Mary’s secret garden—you won’t be disappointed.
Bianca 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, CA. For more information please visit compassionateating.com
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