B Well Magazine August 2014 by Bakersfield Wellness Magazine

Defying the Odds

NEW MISSION: Cyclist champions for healthy hearts Margaret Patteson

A U G U S T

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Family & Pet Issue Readers contribute â&#x20AC;˘ Me & my mini-me photos â&#x20AC;˘ Kids say cute things Real Success Stories

heartwarming tales of animal rescues

Find us online

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Fit Foodies feast on healthy fare at Enso Sushi Bar facebook.com/BWellMagazine

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B Well Magazine · August 2014

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What makes you happy? AUGUST 2014 VOLUME 3

Publisher

Ginger Moorhouse President/CEO

ISSUE 3

Karis Tressel Paul Ulrich Sara Villalobos Rita White

“Puppy kisses from my dog, a good day spent with friends and exploring new places.” — Rachel Cook

Richard Beene Photographers Editor

Olivia Garcia Editorial Coordinator

“Love to watch my 5- and 7-year-old sons play with their new puppy. There is such beauty in youth, friendship and innocence.” — Olivia Garcia

Hillary Haenes Art Director

Glenn Hammett Assistant Editor

Rachel Cook Writers

"Vacationing near the beach, visiting new cities and spending quality time with loved ones. Oh, and shopping always makes everything better!” — Hillary Haenes

Makenzie Barefield Henry A. Barrios Casey Christie John Harte April Massirio Greg Nichols Brian N. Willhite

Sally Baker Dhaval Buch Susanne Campbell Mark Corum Jessica Einstein Jose Granados Lisa Kimble David Milazzo Melissa Peaker-Whitten Adam Pennell Leigh Pozas Katy Raytis Amanda Reade Carla Rivas Jacque Servadio Tim Terrio

Interns Elizabeth Castillo Zachary Esparza Alana Garrett Eric Garza Sandy Ornelas Paul Rivas

“My daughters. They are the center of my world and bring me so much joy. Watching them change and grow is the best journey I’ve ever been on. I cannot imagine my life without them.” — Melissa Peaker-Whitten

“A daily beach walk, when I can. Medicine for the heart, mind and soul.” — Lisa Kimble

Senior Vice President of Revenue and Marketing

John Wells Interactive Sales Manager

Gunter Copeland Advertising

Lisa Whitten 395-7563 lwhitten@bakersfield.com

B Well Magazine is published by The Bakersfield Californian. The magazine is free with home delivery and inserted into The Bakersfield Californian quarterly. To subscribe, please call 392-5777. 4

B Well Magazine · August 2014

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EDITOR’SNOTE

From e Editor’s Desk

Editor Olivia Garcia with her puppy, Cadence.

PHOTO BY DIEGO GARCIA

alph Waldo Emerson once said, “The first wealth is health.” While others might say the first wealth is family, I think I see a blending between the two. Our family and our health are what keep us going. Together, they are what is healthy for the soul. And that’s why it’s important that we not only lead healthy, active lifestyles individually, but that we incorporate that within our family. This includes our children and parents, extended relatives and even our pets. Perhaps this is why I am happy to introduce you to B Well’s family health and pet issue. Inside, you will find kid recipes, heart-warming pet rescue stories and tips for parents on navigating social media with their tech-savvy children. You’ll also learn how a local healthy runner and cyclist, who suffered a recent heart attack, is on a mission to educate other women.

We wanted to introduce many facets of health for families and pets. As a wife and mother of four boys and two dogs (including a puppy named Cadence), it’s important for me to ensure that my family is in the best health possible and that I am doing the best I can to make sure they stay that way. Also, see the results of our two recent contests, “My Mini-Me” and “Kids Say the Cutest Things” on page 26. For our next contest, we are asking readers to send us photos of their favorite healthy foods. I’m becoming big on fruit and I could share endless photos of my fruitarian kaleidoscope. Please see page 8 for more details about our fun contest.

Olivia Garcia Editor 395-7487 ogarcia@bakersfield.com

STAFFPICKS “Bicycle Diaries,” by David Byrne As the founder of the rock group, Talking Heads, David Byrne spent much of his time between shows pedaling a bike around the great cities of the world. In “Bicycle Diaries,” Byrne shares his insights about the music, art, politics, urban life and bicycle culture of cities such as Istanbul, Buenos Aries, Berlin, London, San Francisco and New York. — Glenn Hammett

“Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead,” by Brené Brown An inspiring, fascinating read that will make you re-evaluate what vulnerability means and how it touches every part of our lives. — Rachel Cook

EcoDrink Complete Multivitamin Drink Mix

Garmin Connect app for Android, iPhone/iPad and Windows devices Like many runners, I like to keep track of my stats — how much mileage I put in a week, elevation gain/losses, my pace/distance for certain workouts, etc. I use a Garmin watch to help me with this, but the Garmin Connect app makes it easier for me to see the results and do comparisons with the swipe of a finger. Very handy and motivating for runners, hikers and cyclists. — Olivia Garcia

Thanks to my friend, Marie, these packets of multivitamins help keep me hydrated throughout the day. I’m trying to get better at consuming more water, so I just pour a little bit into each glass of water I drink — a little goes a long way! They come in tasty flavors like berry, orange, peach-mango and blueberry-pomegranate and have no calories, sugar, sodium or carbs. EcoDrink Multivitamin provides enough vitamins, minerals and electrolytes to boost my energy levels, so I’m not tempted to get an afternoon coffee. — Hillary Haenes

August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

INSIDEAUGUST2014 • Family Issue • Pet Care

F E A T U R E S Me and my mini-me

Kids say the cutest things

Lots of parents shared look-a-like photos with their children and even grandchildren. It was hard to select which photos to publish, but the ones that we chose show a strong resemblance between mother and daughter or father and son.

Our inbox was flooded with funny pearls of wisdom from kids that had us laughing for awhile. We hope you enjoy these adorable sayings as much as we did! Page 27

Page 26

Parent’s guide to social media Tech guru David Milazzo provides parents with tips on how to navigate and stay up-to-date with social media, and also stresses the importance of unplugging. Page 30

Puppy love Barbara Lee shares the story of her therapy dog, Tiger, who brings comfort with his therapeutic skills. Page 24

Healthy Food Photo Contest Most of us foodies are guilty of posting food photos on our social media pages. Since B Well Magazine is all about living an active and healthful lifestyle, we want to see what healthy foods our readers are eating.

We’ll pick one lucky winner at random to receive a $50 gift certificate to The Mark Restaurant. Deadline is 5 p.m. Sept. 15. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Only one entry per person, please. Your photo will appear in our next issue, which is dedicated to healthy food and special diets.

B Well Magazine · August 2014

PHOTO BY MAKENZIE BAREFIELD

Whether it’s a healthy home-cooked recipe or your favorite restaurant’s nutritious dish, email us a photo at bwell@bakersfield.com.

D E P A R T M E N T S Out & About Creating Awareness 82 B the Cause

18 Save the Date Events happening around

Houchin Blood Bank’s Ambassador Program PHOTO BY GREG NICHOLS

town

22 B Enriched Explore new ways to get more out of life

23 Get to Know Artist and landscape designer David Gordon

Your Health

Healthy Bites

40 Health Watch Local doctors answer three health questions

52 Fit Foodies Enso Sushi Bar

41 Golf Benefits of learning the game at a

54 Chew on This Almonds

Mathews makes dreams come true

Last Look 86 B Seen See who’s been spotted on the scene

34 Defying the Odds Heart attack survivor Margaret Patteson

84 Some Kind of Wonderful Jessica

92 The Family Verdict Innocence,

and teeth, lost

young age

56 Healthy Indulgence Kid-friendly

42 Holistic Health The many styles of yoga

recipes

PHOTO BY MAKENZIE BAREFIELD

10 B Connected Staying in touch with our community

94 Life & Happiness The art of the thankyou note

57 Calorie Count Eight smoothies under 300 calories

Get Fit 44 Workout Moves Exercises

Wellness & Wonder

to help kids build strong bodies

Animals overcoming obstacles

50 Fab Finds Fabulous finds around town

74 Your Body Fun facts about

PHOTO BY MAKENZIE BAREFIELD

48 Diet Diary Weight-Loss Challenge participants Reggan Scrivner and Brandon Thompson

PHOTO BY MAKENZIE BAREFIELD

70 Real Success Stories

physical therapy

76 What Happens When… Athletes get concussions

78 Life’s Questions Answered Sports injuries 80 Gardening Getting kids involved

CONTRIBUTORS David A. Milazzo is the founder and principal of Macroscopic, an Apple enterprise technology consultancy focused on bringing Mac and iOS technologies to businesses, schools, agencies and independent professionals throughout the United States. You can follow Milazzo’s musings on technology via Twitter @davidmilazzo or like Macroscopic on Facebook.

Amanda Reade has always enjoyed culinary arts and began cooking for her family at age 12. After graduating from the Scottsdale Culinary Institute in 1997, she worked in several restaurants including becoming a sous chef for Piatti Restaurant Co. Reade is now the chef/owner of Oh So Haute Catering in Bakersfield and can be reached at reade@att.net. Or like her Facebook page Oh So Haute Catering.

Dhaval Buch is a physical therapist and the owner of AUM Physical Therapy & Yoga Center, which specializes in the treatment of chronic pain, headaches and fibromyalgia. He has been practicing yoga for 20 years and teaching it for 15 years. Buch can be reached via e-mail at dhaval@aumptyoga.com with any questions. August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

OUTANDABOUT

b connected

Ridesharing made easy By Susanne Campbell, Rideshare coordinator at Kern Council of Governments

ou have places to be, and there’s more than one way to get there. Have you considered ridesharing? Carpooling, vanpooling, taking the bus, riding your bike or even walking to your destination are all ridesharing options. Ridesharing not only saves you money, but it is great for our air and can be fun, too. CommuteKern is a free service offered by Kern Council of Governments to help commuters discover ways to share a ride through its ride-

Words of wisdom for students: Don’t wait, communicate By Carla Rivas, Ridgeview High School counselor

s a high school counselor, here’s three tips to help everyone from freshmen to seniors stay on track this school year. • Students, it is vital that you build relationships with your teachers. Communicate, ask questions. Chances are if you have a question, there are 10 other students in the room with the same question. Take that leap and ask! Your teacher will recognize that you are an engaged student, and that’s one of the first steps to building relationships with your instructors. If you are embarrassed to ask something in front of other students, approach the teacher after class and ask to speak to him or her one-on-one. • Still too embarrassed to ask for help? Seek out your counselor for support. Find out about the resources and extracurricular activities that your

B Well Magazine · August 2014

school provides, such as tutoring, clubs, sports and student government. If you are in the Kern High School District, ask your counselor about Synergy, a program that allows you to email your teachers, check your grades, track your attendance and look at your transcript. There’s evidence that students who participate in school activities tend to be more successful because they are involved, so ask your counselor how you can join in! • And finally, you’ll be successful if you are present. After all, school happens at school. Many students fall behind when they are absent. Upon returning, they neglect to ask about what they missed, and then are mystified when all of a sudden their grade is an F. Remember: Don’t wait, communicate, and you will have a successful year.

matching service. By registering your profile at commutekern.org, you will be able to find carpool, vanpool or bicycling buddies who live in your area and can share the ride on your work or school commutes. Also, don’t forget to take part in the annual national Rideshare Week from Oct. 6 to 10. There’s many paths to get to your destination, so let commutekern.org show you the way. Call CommuteKern at 833-RIDE (7433) to share the ride today.

OUTANDABOUT

b connected Latination exhibit: Seeking submissions from artists Compiled by B Well Magazine

he sixth annual Latination juried art exhibit returns in September, and artist submissions are currently being accepted. “Latination 6, A Celebration of the Latin Experience” is being organized by Metro Galleries in downtown Bakersfield and sponsored by Valley Republic Bank and Bakersfield Life Magazine. Artists have until Aug. 25 to submit artwork, which can be paintings, photography, glass, sculpture, ceramics or mixed media. Don Martin of Metro Galleries said the artist’s submission should

touch on the theme of Latin culture, which can be interpreted in many different ways, including food, family and bright colors. The artwork will be featured on First Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. Sept. 5 at Metro Galleries, 1604 19th St. Music will be provided by Mento Buru and food and a no-host bar by El Pueblo restaurant of Lamont. Local artists can drop off submissions at Metro Galleries and out-of-town entries can be mailed. For more information, visit metrogalleries.com. Betty Leonor’s “Sin Rey” (Without a King) at last year’s Latination show.

September 27th 2014 at Seven Oaks Country Club Ticket prices* $100 per Seat $800 for Table of 10 More information at www.marleysmutts.org

For information on Sponsorship Packages or to donate to the auctions , please contact Cindy Young at cindy.young@marleysmutts.com * Sorry. No dogs allowed

August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

OUTANDABOUT

b connected Annual valley fever walk set for Aug. 9 By Jessica Einstein, executive director of Valley Fever Americas Foundation

ocal nonprofit organization Valley Fever Americas Foundation will hold its third annual walk at 8 a.m. Aug. 9 at the Kern County Museum in Pioneer Village. Proceeds of the Walk for Valley Fever will go toward research on Nikkomycin Z, a new treatment and potential cure for valley fever. Adults, children and well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome to join the fun. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and costs $20 per person and includes a light breakfast and goodie bag. Children age 12 and under are free. Other activities after the walk include a raffle, Q&A with doctors and veterinarians, dog stations with water and treats, face painting, a photo booth and much more. The booths are centralized this year so it’s more friendly to people who have trouble walking farther distances.

In 2013, Hoffmann Hospice made over 59,000 PATIENT VISITS. A Hoffmann patient received a visit from one of their Hoffmann care team members every 1.36 days on average.

B Well Magazine · August 2014

New to this year’s event is team registration in which the nonprofit will offer prizes for the largest team and the team that raises the most money, among others. Valley fever is a respiratory illness caused by inhaling the spores of a fungus that live in the soil in the southwestern United States and South America. A noted prevalence exists in Kern County and throughout the Central Valley. The respiratory illness may spread to other organs, cause meningitis and even death. According to Valley Fever Americas Foundation, last year there were 1,724 cases of valley fever in Kern County, and it has caused 113 deaths since 2003. To register for the event, visit valleyfever.com. For more information about the organization, contact Jessica Einstein at info@valleyfever.com.

EXPERTCONNECT

What benefits are available for veterans, spouses and surviving spouses?

he U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a little known tax-free pension that was established in 1952, which is available to help qualified veterans, spouses and their surviving spouses pay for in-home health care. For veterans or spouses of veterans, this pension can be a lifeline to allow them to age with dignity and peace of mind while affording them to receive the care they need and deserve. A component of this Non-Service-Connected Disability Pension is termed Aid & Attendance Pension, which provides for reimbursement of certain qualified, unreimbursed medical expenses such as in-home care.

Mike Williams CEO/President Ally Senior Care, Founder of Senior Veterans Benefit Advocates

What are the monthly maximum benefit amounts? For 2014, the maximum Aid & Attendance Pension amounts are: • Married veteran $2,085 per month • Single veteran $1,759 per month • Surviving spouse $1,130 per month A veteran who is currently receiving ServiceConnected Disability Pension can still receive the Non-Service-Connected Disability Pension with Aid & Attendance Pension benefits as long as the disability compensation is less than the Aid & Attendance Pension. If eligible, the VA will grant the difference up to the maximum allowable under aid & attendance. What are the qualifications? There are a few different things that must be considered to qualify. The VA will require documentation showing service during a time of war, honorable discharge, income qualifications, medical expense requirements, net worth limitations and a medical need. The specifics can be discussed and we will even file your claim directly with the pen-

sion management center in St. Paul, Minn., saving you the trip to the local VA office and shaving about 30 to 45 days off of the review process. Like filing at the local VA office, you will be charged nothing for filing for the benefit if you go through us, and you will get to take advantage of our 98 percent success rate on the claims we file!

(661) 397-2559

“Quality in-home care that improves lives”

August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

OUTANDABOUT

b connected

Caring for your aging pet By Paul Ulrich, DVM at Bakersfield Veterinary Hospital

enior pets have special health and dietary needs. Early detection of potential problems can be found with a complete physical exam and blood testing. A physical exam should be scheduled at least once a year on all pets, regardless of age. Many chronic conditions, such as heart disease and kidney disease, can be treated more successfully if they are diagnosed early. You should examine your pet every month for the presence of any lumps on the skin or under the skin. If you notice your pet starts to drink an excessive amount

B Well Magazine Âˇ August 2014

of water, he or she should be checked right away as this can be a sign of diabetes, hormonal disease or kidney disease. Older pets are definitely less tolerant of extremes in temperature, especially with high heat. It is best to keep an older pet indoors during the heat of the day. Also, the nutritional requirements of an older pet are different than young animals. Generally, they require less protein, salt and calories than when they were young. There are a large number of commercial diets available for senior pets. Remember, always consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions regarding your petsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; health or dietary needs.

OUTANDABOUT

b connected

New app for local cyclists By Sara Villalobos, My City Bikes community outreach director

akersfield Bikes is a great guide to cycling in and around the city for both residents and visitors. This new app is the local resource from the My City Bikes project, a public health campaign by cyclists for cyclists to improve the well-being of cities across the United States with pedal power. Did you know... • Cycling improves cardiovascular fitness and reduces the risk of heart disease. • Riding a bike tones muscles, burns fat and improves coordination. • Biking regularly — even at a casual or commuter pace — has been shown to improve mental health. My City Bikes apps are an utility that everyone can use to find local trails, bike lanes for road rides and recreational paths — a basic necessity that every beginner cyclist needs. Also, learn basic bike maintenance from experts who work at Snider’s Cyclery. Ready to ride? Visit mycitybikes.org and download the “Bakersfield Bikes” app from the iTunes app store for iPhone and iPad, or the Google Play app store for Android.

e dangers of performance supplements By Adam Pennell, lecturer for Cal State Bakersfield’s PEAK and Biology departments

oes your child utilize a performance supplement? If so, you may want to reconsider this practice for your child’s safety and your wallet. According to self-report surveys, energy drinks are consumed by 30 percent to 50 percent of young people, even though energy drinks can cause detrimental health effects, such as seizures, mania, stroke or even sudden death. Similar to energy drinks, pre-workout products can be extremely unsafe as research has shown that these products can contain dangerous chemical ingredients, such as DMAA or methamphetamine analogs. Alternative strategies would include proper sleep and recovery, music, and natural products like coffee or tea. Likewise, protein products, which are used by an estimated 35 percent of male and 21 percent of female adolescents can also be contaminated with harmful substances such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and/or mercury, while research has shown chocolate milk (preferably fat-free) can be just as effective.

Besides being relatively expensive, supplements are not regulated, and therefore, their safety and efficacy should be highly questioned in children, teenagers and adults alike.

August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

EXPERTCONNECT

I have cardiovascular disease. What should I do if I experience symptoms of a heart attack?

“

A delay in treating a heart attack patient can snatch 20 years oﬀ a person’s productive life. We take our commitment to heart care very seriously.

”

What is the status of cardiovascular disease in 2014? Cardiovascular disease is a story of major medical triumph. According to an article in The New England Journal of Medicine, despite aging of the population, an increase in the prevalence in obesity and the epidemic sedentary lifestyles, there has been more than a 50 percent reduction in rates of heart attacks and cardiovascular mortality overall since the 1980s. What are the factors responsible for these impressive statistics? Smoking cessation, improved ICU care, elevated awareness, expedited access to medical care, use of statins, improved blood pressure control and the use of aspirin, among other factors, have contributed hugely to improved outcomes. What is the role of a cath lab and cardiac intervention? In the setting of heart attack and unstable patients, minimally invasive procedures using balloons and stents have dramatically improved outcomes. Bakersfield Heart Hospital pioneered the concept of early intervention during heart attack, long before it found mainstream acceptance. Promptly performed stent procedures decrease the risk of death by 90 percent compared to clot busting medications. “Promptly performed” is that the operative theme? Very much so. The American Heart Association recommends balloon/stent procedures be performed within 90 minutes of a heart attack patient arriving in the ER. At BHH, we have set the bar much higher by demanding a 60-minute window, and we routinely exceed it.

3001 Sillect Ave. Bakersfield, CA (661) 316-6000 16

B Well Magazine · August 2014

Dr. Brijesh Bhambi, MD

That’s reassuring to know. How do you accomplish this? We have a patient-focused culture that aims to eliminate bureaucratic delays. Our highly skilled cardiac teams are trained to converge on a heart attack patient. The focus is to expeditiously deliver the patient to the cath lab where our highly skilled interventional cardiologists treat the blocked arteries. Performed within an hour or so from the start of symptoms, successful restoration of blood flow aborts the heart attack. A delay in treating a heart attack patient can snatch 20 years off of a person’s productive life. We take our commitment to heart care very seriously.

2901 Sillect Ave. Bakersfield, CA (800)-HEART24 (661)-323-8384

ƚ ZŽƐĞǁŽŽĚ͕ ǇŽƵ͛ůů ŚĂǀĞ ŶĞŝŐŚďŽƌƐ ǁŚŽ ĂƌĞ ĨƌŝĞŶĚůǇ͕ ǀŝďƌĂŶƚ ĂŶĚ ƌĞĂĚǇ ƚŽ ǁĞůĐŽŵĞ ǇŽƵ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ ƚŚĞǇ ĂĚŽƌĞ͘ Ɛ Ă ƚƌƵƐƚĞĚ <ĞƌŶ ŽƵŶƚǇ ĐŽŶƟŶƵŝŶŐ ĐĂƌĞ ƌĞƟƌĞŵĞŶƚ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ͕ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚĞĚ ďǇ ƚŚĞ ĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚ ĂŶĚ ƚƌĂĚŝƟŽŶ ŽĨ ,Kt͕ ǁĞ ŚĞůƉ ǇŽƵ ĞůŝŵŝŶĂƚĞ ĨƵƚƵƌĞ ǁŽƌƌŝĞƐ ƐŽ ǇŽƵ ĐĂŶ ĨŽĐƵƐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚ ƚŚŝŶŐƐ ŝŶ ůŝĨĞ͘ Ăůů 1.866.483.3948 ƚŽ ƐĐŚĞĚƵůĞ Ă ǀŝƐŝƚ ĂŶĚ ĚŝƐĐŽǀĞƌ ĞǀĞƌǇƚŚŝŶŐ ƚŽ ĂďŽƵƚ ZŽƐĞǁŽŽĚ͘ Rosewood in Bakersfield, California, is owned and managed by ABHOW, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation. ABHOW is a nonsectarian corporation, serving seniors through quality retirement housing since 1949. State of California License #150400536, DHS License #120000165, Certificate of Authority #114.

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OUTANDABOUT

S AV E •T H E •D AT E Can’t miss events from August to November FRIDAY AUG. 15

FRIDAY AUG. 22

Volunteer Center of Kern County’s Monopoly Mania

Bakersfield Blaze vs. Lake Elsinore

Dinner, dessert, live music, prizes, silent auction, 6 to 10 p.m., Fandango City Palace, 3510 Wible Road. $30. 395-9787.

7:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon Sunday, Sam Lynn Ballpark, 4009 Chester Ave. $7 to $12.

T H U R S DAY, AU G . 28 “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”

28th annual One Act Festival

7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. Adults dinner/show: $54 to $60; $38 show only; students dinner/show: $39; $23 show only. 325-6100.

8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Bakersfield Community Theatre, 2400 S. Chester Ave. $10. 831-8114.

SATURDAY AUG. 30

Power Walk and Wellness Expo

Twilight at CALM

Power walk through the mall, vendors, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Valley Plaza Mall, 2701 Ming Ave. $25. dfspowerwalk.org or bakersfield@dressforsuccess.org.

SATURDAY AUG. 16 Emily Nicholas Live music at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Imbibe, 4140 Truxtun Ave. Tickets $15 to $75, available at Imbibe.

Barrel of Apples: School Employee Benefits Fair 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., KCSOS Office, 1300 17th St. Hosted by Kern Schools Federal Credit Union. ksfcu.org/school.

FRIDAY SEPT. 5

Bring a picnic dinner and dine with the animals and enjoy them during their active dusk hours, 5 to 8 p.m., CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. $5; $3 ages 3 to 12; CALM members are free. 872-2256.

SATURDAY SEPT. 6

FRIDAY SEPT. 12 “A Night at The Padre” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 587-3377.

SATURDAY SEPT. 13 2014 Concert Series, Starship with Mickey Thomas 8 p.m., Bright House Networks Amphitheatre, 11200 Stockdale Highway. $12.50 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

SUNDAY AUG. 31 La Bicicleta Boutique Sunday Fun Group Ride 7 a.m., Sundays. Anyone welcome, meet at 1820 G St. Route determined by vote. Check La Bicicleta Boutique Facebook page.

B Well Magazine · August 2014

SATURDAY SEPT. 20 Bakersfield Walk Like MADD 6:30 to 10 a.m., The Park at River Walk, 11200 Stockdale Highway. $20 adults; $15 ages 5 to 21; $25 runner. Search for Bakersfield Walk Like MADD on Facebook.

SATURDAY SEPT. 27

SATURDAY OCT. 25

Fall Wreath Design Class

Walk to End MS

10 a.m. to noon, Log Cabin Florist, 800 19th St. $65. 327-8646.

Check-in 7:30 a.m., opening ceremonies 9 a.m., walk 9:30 a.m., The Park at Riverwalk, 11200 Stockdale Highway. Free. walkMSsocal.org or 321-9512.

SATURDAY OCT. 4

Thinking twice before you smile?

“Walk to Defeat ALS”

Did you know that nearly half of the adults living in the United States have missing teeth?

8 a.m. to noon, The Park at River Walk, 11200 Stockdale Highway. 661-304-4945 or walktodefeatals.org.

Wine, Women & Shoes Food, fashion show, shopping, live and silent auction, 2 to 7 p.m., location to be determined. $125, benefiting CASA of Kern County. kerncasa.org or 631-2272.

SUNDAY OCT. 5

SUNDAY NOV. 2

Pumpkin Patch Extravaganza III

Josh Turner: Roughstock & Rambler Tour

Choose your pumpkin, decorate it, magic show by Chris Lopez, 1 p.m., Country Sweet Produce, 5060 B St. $15; $5 children. Includes lunch. kerncasa.org or 631-2272.

7:30 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $45.50-$70.50 at the box office window only. vallitix.com or 3225200.

SATURDAY OCT. 18 CASA’s Murder Mystery Party: Downtown Dynasty Dinner, prizes, 5 p.m., at private location. $75. kerncasa.org or 6312272.

WEDNESDAY NOV. 5 Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker

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7:30 p.m., Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $34 to $181 at the box office only. vallitix.com or 322-5200. August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

HEALTHQUIZ

Healthy habits for kids By Karis Tressel, licensed naturopathic doctor at Sunrise Natural Medicine

anked 58 out of 58 California counties for incidence of heart disease, 57th for diabetes, and with more than 60 percent of our population obese, Kern County is ranked as the least healthy county in the state by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ouch! As chronic disease replaces infectious disease as the top cause of death, preventable diseases like heart disease, cancer and diabetes are striking people who are younger and younger. The toll is costing our health systems more and more. The sooner we take steps to prevent chronic illness in our children, the happier and healthier they will be long into their adult lives. Take the quiz below to see how up to speed you are on healthy habits for kids. 1. Serving only low-fat and skim milk is an important way to reduce childhood obesity. a. True b. False 2. Children ages 2 to 12 should get a minimum of ___ minutes of physical activity each day. a. 20 b. 45 c. 60 d. 90

b. “Happy Birthday to You” c. “Are You Sleeping, Brother John?” (Frere Jacques) d. “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” 5. Kids ages 3 to 5 years old need ____ hours of sleep per night. Children aged 5 to 12 require___ hours per night. a. 11 to 13; 10 to 11 b. 10 to 11; 11 to 13 c. 10 to 12; 8 to 10 d. 8 to 10; 10 to 12 6. The World Health Organization suggests that adults limit sugar to 25 grams per day. This means that most kids should stop at half of that, equivalent to: a. 3 teaspoons; the amount in one cup of Fruit Loops b. 2 tablespoons; the amount in a fruit-flavored yogurt c. ¼ cup; the amount in 16 ounces of chocolate milk

8. Having a television in a child’s bedroom is linked to: a. Higher rates of obesity b. Lower test scores c. Increased risk of starting smoking d. All of the above 9. Meditation, prayer and gratitude practices are not useful for reducing stress in children. a. True b. False

10. Reading to children becomes useful to their development: a. Before birth b. At 6 months of age c. At 3 years of age d. At 7 years of age

7. Kids can never eat too many vegetables. a. True b. False

3. At least 65 percent of that activity time should be at a moderate to vigorous level, meaning your child: a. Breathes more heavily than normal b. Has a fast heartbeat c. Sweats d. All of the above 4. To prevent the spread of illness, teach children to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, which is how long it takes to sing: a. “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” 20

B Well Magazine · August 2014

Answers: 1. B; 2. C; 3. D; 4. C; 5. A; 6. A; 7. A; 8. D; 9. B; 10. A. To find out more about these answers, visit bwellmagazine.com.

SMARTHEALTH

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34 percent of Kern adults run

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swim

26 percent of Kern adults cycle

24 percent of Kern adult residents like to camp or take on volunteer work

83 percent of Kern County adults rate their health as good or better

Source: Jose Granados, The Bakersfield Californian and Scarborough Research (March 2014)

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August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

OUTANDABOUT

b enriched Compiled by Sandy Ornelas

e Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science

he Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science is a great place to keep kids entertained while they learn at the same time. If your child is in elementary school, enroll him or her in science camps to learn about dinosaurs, space and sharks. The first Saturday of each month is family day, and admission is only $20 for two adults and up to six children. Regular admission for adults is $7, and the cost for children under age 18 is $4. The museum is located at 2018 Chester Ave. For information, call 324-6350 or visit sharktoothhill.org.

Foreign Language

xpand your knowledge by learning a new language! Sara Palasch, executive director of World Languages Institute, offers foreign language classes for children and adults year-round. All classes are once-a-week, 90-minute sessions. Children ages 7 and older can learn Italian, French, Spanish and Portuguese with hands-on activities, arts and crafts, games and cooking classes. And for the adults, classes are offered in Italian, French, Japanese, Spanish or Portuguese. Adults can also take part in cultural events, French cuisine class, wine tasting classes, concerts and more! For details, contact Palasch at 616-1355 or worldlanguagesinstitute@mail.com.

Etiquette Classes

ive your child a gift they will use for the rest of their lives by enrolling them in etiquette classes. Simply Manners offers classes for children and teenagers on how to be confident in any social situation. Some of classes’ topics include how to introduce yourself, how to write a thank-you note, how to use proper table manners and how to use a knife and fork. For information, visit simply-manners.com or contact Iris Doyle at 872-2482. The Prince and Princess Academy teaches young people how to enhance their personality and character development for any crisis or challenge they may face in life. For more information, visit etiquetteschoolofbakersfield.com.

Greenacres Community Center Mon, Wed 5:30pm

Riverlakes Community Center Tues, Thur 9:00am Sat, 8:30am

Uniglobe Travel

Tues, Thurs 5:30pm

For more info:

589-8950 or Jazzercise.com

B Well Magazine · August 2014

OUTANDABOUT

get to know

David Gordon Local artist and landscape designer

“In my home, our backyard is my sanctuary. It’s a private oasis, our own mini resort in the middle of East Bakersfield with four crazy rescue dogs that lay out with me by the pool while I read Vanity Fair.”

“When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is say good morning with a belly rub to Eunice, one of our dachshunds.”

f you’ve had the opportunity to meet local artist and landscape designer David Gordon, you know he’s also quite the comedian. In fact, this third-generation Kern County native said he has to have a daily dose of laughter and enjoys making others chuckle with his “mean Nancy Grace impression.” In May, Gordon was named executive director of the Arts Council of Kern and is currently working on a membership package like Kern County has never seen before, along with an amazing painting festival. Gordon urgers those interested to watch for updates at kernarts.org. Gordon, 46, said he is happiest when traveling with his husband of 16 years, Robert Carbone, or they are watching TV together with all four dogs, Eunice, Dexter, Doug and Rhonda, on their laps.

“The smartest advice I ever received was, ‘When in doubt, pause.’”

PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS

Compiled by Hillary Haenes

“I balance wellness by being thankful for learning how to live in the present. Not an easy task for this type A’er.”

“My go-to stress reliever is watching ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ or anything on BRAVO.”

“My daily health fix is embracing my sobriety through the 12 Steps and working with others. Oh, and humor. I have to laugh every day or forget it.”

“My favorite enrichment activity is painting a favorite Kern County landscape scene for a new collector.”

“If I had one wish, it would be that everyone followed the serenity prayer, then the rest would just fall into place.”

“The most inspirational person I know is my husband, Robert Carbone, because he inspires me with confidence. And no matter what my concerns are, he always says, ‘It will work out.’ And it has for 16 years.”

David Gordon and Eunice August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

Puppy

Barbara Lee with Tiger Woods.

B Well Magazine 路 August 2014

love

Who says there is never any

good news?

Therapy dog brings healing, comfort By Elizabeth Castillo Photos by Makenzie Barefield

ometimes patients of convalescent homes, skilled nursing units and other care facilities need more than just medical care. Sometimes, patients need a furry touch to brighten their day. “Therapy dogs associate with people who need a little puppy love,” said Barbara Lee, an evaluator with Therapy Dogs International. Lee is the owner of Tiger Woods, a black briard who provides therapy to patients Tiger’s presence at care facilities is across Bakersfield. Just like Tiger Woods the appreciated by staff and patients. golfer excels at putting under pressure, Tiger Woods the dog specializes in comforting people in their hour of need. A comforting der,” she said. touch runs in this Tiger’s blood, his mom Tiger’s therapeutic skills aren’t only for served as a therapy dog before him. the patients in the facilities he visits. Staff Lee believes therapy dogs are great for those in care facilities because the dogs pro- members at care facilities love seeing Tiger, too. vide patients with comfort and are “The staff may be having a realnever judgmental. ly bad day, they may have lost a “We work with people patient that day, and somewho are confined. [These times they appreciate Tiger patients] can’t have even more than the dogs anymore, but patients do,” Lee said. maybe they had dogs Of course, Tiger’s in the past and would presence perks up like to see a smiley, patients as well. Lee furry face,” Lee said. believes Tiger helps those For Lee, being the Tiger wears his therapy who are trapped in their handler of a therapy dog dog designation minds. He comforts is rewarding. As a therapy around his patients who are in comas dog, Tiger must be well neck. and those who don’t communitrained and have an excellent cate verbally very often. temperament. Tiger is not allowed “We’ll visit with patients who haven’t to “kiss” but still shows his affection with spoken in years and Tiger will come up and special hugs. they’ll say, ‘You have a beautiful dog.’ The “A Tiger hug consists of him laying his staff is floored,” Lee said. head in someone’s lap or on their shoul-

BIRTHDAYS SPORTS EVENTS GRADUATION MILITARY SERVICE ENGAGEMENTS WEDDINGS ACHIEVEMENTS ANNIVERSARIES RETIREMENT All are occasions for public celebration. A notice in Applause , a special advertising feature in the Friday Californian, is the perfect way to share your feelings of pride and accomplishment with family and friends in Kern County.

Tell your story with the pictures and words that mean the most to you.

Call 322-7355 or email classified@bakersfield.com

Spread the word about your happy event in

August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

Me & My Mini-Me M

om’s chin and Dad’s nose. Grandma’s blue eyes and Grandpa’s smile. It’s fun to pick the features that thread through the generations to culminate in one small adorable face. But sometimes the resemblance to one parent is so uncanny, so striking, that everyone has to admit that this little one is more a mini-me of one family member than a mix of everyone.

Lisa G iv Grant en and Shelle y

Winner!

Lewis Madison d n a y k c Be

Bailey, 10, and Jessica New “We get stopped a lot by people who say, ‘Oh my gosh, she loooks just like you!.’”

Jeff and Em ery Ontivero s

Castro ckson a J d n Marc a 26

B Well Magazine · August 2014

Heather, Cherie and Alysha Layton

Bonnie, Christina y and Emil n o s n li m o T

Kids say the cutest things Pearls of wisdom from tiny tots Editor’s Note: This spring, we asked readers to share the cutest tidbits and truisms from their tikes. Their emails had us smiling, and we hope they give you a grin as well.

Winner: “My 5-year-old great nephew was not feeling well one day, and his dad took him to the pediatrician. That night, when Dad was tucking him in, Kevin crawled to the foot of the bed. When asked why he was down there, he replied, ‘Remember Dad, the doctor told me to lay low for a few days.’” — Gloria Mattern “Almost 4 years old, Avery sneezed, and when she saw what came out of her nose, exclaimed, ‘My stuffing is coming out!’” — Carrie Ontiveros “Walking on the Stockdale High School campus about 10 years ago, my then 7-year-old son was picking up twigs that had fallen from the trees. A few minutes later, he bent down and started ‘planting’ the twigs into the ground. I asked him why he was doing that, and he said, ‘I want to make the world a better place.’” — Eileen Sanchez

Dion and Luke Lo vio

“When I was pregnant with my third child, I asked my oldest son, Zach, who was 4 at the time, ‘Would you like another brother or a sister?’ His response, ‘I’d like a puppy.’” — Sylvia Esparza “When our daughter was a toddler, we were coming home from Bible study, and my husband was carrying her up the stairs to our door. It was a beautiful night, and my husband pointed out the full and perfectly round moon to our daughter and told her that God had made it and he hung it there. She was impressed. About a week or two later coming home again from Bible study, she looked up at the now no longer full moon and said, ‘Oh Daddy, who broke it?’” — Helen Fecke “My 2-year-old son, Connor, and I were discussing animals and their habitats in a light-hearted conversation. After making a few moose faces, I asked, ‘Where does a moose live?’(expecting him to say something along the lines of ‘in the woods’). Instead, he quickly replied, ‘The ice cream store!’ In other words, Dewar’s, of course!” — Laurie Clerou “My 4-year-old grandson, Gage, and I had a conversation about him starting transitional kindergarten. ‘Granny, I don’t want to ever grow up and go to school. That’s why I don’t eat my vegetables!’” — Rosalyn Malamma

Wilknica Jefferson and Chase Tomlin Latham Kassandra Ellington ra and Sand

“My wife and I were working in the yard one late afternoon when our 4year-old granddaughter Lexie stood looking intently at a large tree in the yard where ants were parading up and down the trunk. In a quiet, almost reverent voice, she said, ‘Listen, you can almost hear them singing, ‘Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to work we go.’” — John Fulton “Me: Jo, pick up your toys like I told you to. Jo: Wait Mommy, you can’t interrupt me … I’m praying.” — Bridget Cole “My 4-year-old daughter loves to dress up and has a huge collection of dress-up clothes. The other day I was packing a bag for the pool and Erica asked what I was doing, I responded, ‘We are going to the pool.’ She runs into her room and a few minutes comes out very upset. I ask, ‘What’s wrong Erica?’ Erica said, ‘I can’t go to the pool! I don’t have a swim costume!’” — Naomi Chapman

Shane and Chase Coburn August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

EXPERTCONNECT

“I need help at home. What do I do?”

“W

here do I begin? Who do I call? Who can I trust? Should I hire someone myself?” These types of questions are commonly asked when needing someone to assist with your everyday needs or those of a loved one. Be forewarned of the dangers of a private hire. A private hire is tempting as the hourly cost is lower than that of a local home care provider’s (HCP) employee. But, the cost in the end could be catastrophic. Not knowing their background is the greatest risk. Trustworthy HCPs do extensive background screenings to know as much as possible before an offer of employment is made. Should the caregiver be injured while in your home, the HCP is responsible for their medical bills, not you. Reputable HCPs “bond” their employees, which assures consumers financial compensation in the event of a material loss. HCPs have multiple employees from which to choose in the event the usual caregiver isn’t available. The best and most desirable outcome will be achieved by being an informed consumer. Avoid direct hires. Most health care insurers will not pay for personal care. Review your policy. Instead of reacting, respond by planning ahead.

Darlyn Baker, RN has been published in four nursing journals and a guest speaker at two national private duty conferences. She was cho-

The following guidelines are designed to assist in choosing a home care provider: • Find out as much as you can via the Internet, Yellow Pages or word of mouth.

sen as the 2009 Nurse Leader of the Year by the Association of California Nurse Leaders, and was a 2011 Beautiful Bakersfield award recipient.

• How long have they been in business? • Does the owner live in town? • How extensive are their criminal background checks? • Consistency — How many caregivers will it take to meet your needs? • Can you interview potential caregivers? Being the only RN and family-owned provider since 1994, it would be a privilege to assist you where you reside, or when the time comes when Mom or Dad can no longer live at home with our Bakersfield Senior Placement service.

B Well Magazine · August 2014

4801 Truxtun Ave. 395-1700 mybakersfieldhealthcare.com This article is brought to you by Interim HealthCare.

August 2014 路 bwellmagazine.com

Teaching Tech:

Social media for parents & the importance of unplugging 30

B Well Magazine 路 August 2014

By David Milazzo, founder and principal of Macroscopic

ust as reality TV has infiltrated prime time, so, too, has social media become entertainment for the young and old alike. Keeping up with the latest social media advances can be challenging even to the most tech-savvy parents. As Facebook, Twitter and Instagram scramble to add new features, entirely new social media services are popping up constantly. It’s never been harder to retain a watchful eye over how our children are interacting online.

Social media for parents First and foremost, parents must self-educate on technology. This means dropping in on tech culture sites like Wired, Ars Technica or Mashable, and glancing at new developments. If you hear of a new service, then create an account or download the app for yourself. By gaining your own sense of the features, you’ll quickly learn if it’s appropriate for your family. Once you’ve determined what’s on- and off-limits, there are a number of methods to control access. Check out the parental control settings on each of your devices. All Macs and iOS devices have builtin restrictions that can limit websites, messaging and app downloads. PCs and Android devices may require additional software depending on the manufacturer, but plenty of options are available. Another approach is to employ a network content filter. OpenDNS Family Shield is a free service for your home that will block all questionable websites regardless of the type of device being used: phone, tablet, game console or PC. And you may add and subtract sites to create a custom filter that is appropriate for your household. Lastly — and the most obvious piece of advice — get involved with your children’s online activities. Move the homework computer into a common room so your eyeballs are only a glance away. And certainly be aware that a tablet and smartphone can access the forbidden just as easily as a desktop computer. Leaving a child alone with unfettered access to the Internet simply isn’t appropriate. Just imagine if they were to stumble onto some vintage Eddie Murphy?

Tech timeout Candy Crush in the car. Minecraft at the movies. Texting at the table. All these activities, while fairly benign on their own, can drive parents bananas. We want our children to be engaged with us in the human sphere. But to our kids, the phone can be the sum of all that is great: communication with their peers, absorption of pop culture, and a collection of games that would make Solomon blush. Now think back to when we were kids, we wanted all the same stuff! We just didn’t have a single, pocket-sized gizmo that provided this full suite of joy. But how to temper the cyberspace with the meatspace? A quick web search of “tech timeout” will pull up scores of ideas on the subject. Most come back to the idea of a daily no technology period where everybody turns off their devices. And this doesn’t just apply to those under age 15. Parents lead by example. So if you demonstrate “face in the phone syndrome,” your children will naturally follow suit and be confused when you complain about the same behavior. Bottom line: There’s a beautiful world out there that doesn’t always need to be captured in a tweet or accompanied by a hashtag. #nowgooutandplay

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August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

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B Well Magazine 路 August 2014

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DEFYINGTHEODDS

New mission Cyclist encourages women to undergo heart health screenings after suffering heart attack.

By Sally Baker

Since suffering a heart attack while riding her bike, Margaret Patteson has become an advocate for women’s heart health. 34

B Well Magazine · August 2014

PHOTO BY MAKENZIE BAREFIELD

argaret Patteson has always been conscientious about maintaining good health, eating well and enjoying an active lifestyle. Exercising regularly on her bike and trail running is a part of her routine. So health issues could not have been further from her mind as she set out on a beautiful Saturday morning training ride around Round Mountain Road in March with nine friends, including her husband, Stuart.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARGARET PATTESON

Patteson left, with Lori Park at the Rock to Pier run in Cayucos, is also an avid runner.

The Round Mountain Road cyclist route, which she was quite familiar with, offers stunning panoramas and 2,400 feet of climbing. The group chose the clockwise direction, which took them down Granite Road to Round Mountain Road, enjoying a fairly flat break before the hill began. Here, the steep hill wound back and forth, passing cattle and oil wells as it arrived at the top after approximately 1,500 feet of intense climbing. It was at this spot that Patteson first began to feel “a strange, uniquely painful sensation in (her) chest, followed by a tightening feeling,” she said. “In my mind I was The group stopped to rehythinking, this is all so drate, snack and chat, unaware of Patteson’s distress. As they strange. I’d never felt began to clip back into thir pedthis unique pain als and take off, she knew she could not go on, and motioned before, and when the to Stuart. pain began radiating Stunned, he listened as she explained her pain. A 911 call to my jaw and then to was made while a friend offered my shoulder, I became a 325 milligram aspirin, which Patteson chewed and swallowed. quite concerned.” During the 45-minute wait for the ambulance, Patteson began to feel worse. “In my mind I was thinking, this is all so strange. I’d never felt this unique pain before, and when the pain began radiating to my jaw and then to my shoulder, I became quite concerned. My left arm was becoming immobile due to pain — I was becoming very anxious,” said Patteson, 51. When paramedics arrive at the desolate location, they leapt into action, placing a nitroglycerin pill under her tongue and running an EKG. Then 40 minutes later, Patteson arrived at Bakersfield Heart Hospital, where she was given another EKG. Both

Continued on PAGE 36 August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

Patteson’s cholesterol has dropped dramatically since adopting a plantbased diet.

PHOTO BY MAKENZIE BAREFIELD

DEFYINGTHEODDS

Continued from PAGE 35 EKGs were normal, but blood tests proved she had indeed had a heart attack. Dr. Brij Bhambi performed an angiogram, where he found the source of the problem. There was a blood clot in her left anterior descending artery that was blocking blood flow to the left side of her heart. The clot was caused by the rupturing of immature plaque, a result of cholesterol. Bhambi also found a narrowing in the right coronary artery. Both issues were taken care of with stents. The incident was surprising for the healthy Patte-

B Well Magazine · August 2014

son. Like many others living in Kern County, Patteson embraced the wonderful local athletic community and awesome cycling landscape and trails. She’s run five marathons, countless half marathons and participated in numerous century rides. And she had felt fortunate to remain relatively injury-free. But family history also played an important role in Patteson’s health. Her brother, Philip, also a marathon runner, experienced chest pains at age 40, resulting in the insertion of two stents, which led to extensive cardiac testing for Patteson and her siblings, but she was always given a clean bill of health, and therefore, continued with her active lifestyle. “I felt I was taking all the correct precautions to “It’s important for ensure my cardiac health every woman to was under control,” she know her risks and said. Since her heart attack, how to treat them Patteson has adopted a plant-based, whole foods while continuing diet and a new regimen of to lead healthy medications has become her normal. Patteson is lives.” happy to report an amazing drop in her cholesterol and feels she is doing everything she possibly can to prevent and even reverse her heart disease, including reading and learning about heart disease. Becoming an advocate for women’s heart health is a natural step she has embraced. Patteson is looking forward to training at the Mayo Clinic this October to be part of a support program through Bakersfield Heart Hospital. In her role as president of Bakersfield Track Club, she is in a strong position to spread the word and promote this cause. “If I can help women take their heart health seriously, and establish themselves with a cardiologist before trouble begins, I think we can save a lot of women grief and stress that a heart attack and possibly sudden cardiac death brings.” Patteson is back to running, riding and working out. She said she feels well and strong. She now wears a Road ID bracelet, and her iPhone lock screen has her emergency contacts readily available. Her new key chain includes an airtight vial containing one 325 milligram aspirin and nitroglycerin pills. Her experience prompted her to encourage all women, even those feeling perfectly healthy and fit, to undergo heart health screenings. “Get a physical, including cardiac testing and cholesterol screening,” Patteson said. “And initiate a base line for your heart health. It’s important for every woman to know her risks and how to treat them while continuing to lead healthy lives.”

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EXPERTCONNECT

“

What is a cranial remolding Orthosis? A cranial remolding orthosis is used to correct asymmetry in an infant’s head usually caused by positional plagiocephaly. Infants are usually treated between the ages 3 to 18 months. In most cases when the asymmetry is treated early, it is correctable due to the malleability of an infant’s head.

HOW

DOES A CRANIAL REMOLDING OR RTHOSIS

TREA ATMENT TMEN WORK?

The treatment program utilized in conjunction with Orthomerica’s STTARband ARband focuses on redirecting the cranial growth toward a more symmetrical shape. This is accomplished by maintaining contact in the @QD@R NE OQNLHMDMBD @MC @KKNVHMF QNNL HM Ʀ@SSDMDC areas for the head to grow.

HOW

KNOW IF MY CHILD NEEDS A

CRANIAL REMOLDING OR RTHOSIS?

It is important to note that some asymmetry is comLNM HM HME@MSR 'NVDUDQ HE XNT MNSHBD Ʀ@SMDRR NM the back of the head, a head that is taller or wider than normal or facial asymmetry, this may be a sign your infant requires treatment. If you notice these signs, talk to your physician for further evaluation.

LOGAN M. NEWTON, B.O.C.O. !N@QC "DQSHƥDC Orthotist $FKLOOHV 3 2 &XUUHQWO\ KDV WKUHH &HUWLƲHG &UDQLDO 5HPROGLQJ 6SHFLDOLVWV WR VHUYH WKH communityy.

2624 F Str Street eet · (661) 323-5944 · ACHILLESPO.COM A CHILLE S PO.COM This article is brought to you by Achilles Prosthetics and Orthotics August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

HEALTHWATCH Our other experts

Q&A with local experts in their medical field Laurie Wallace, MS, RD, CDE Dietitian

Kiersten Melendez, PA-C Physician Assistant

Michael Thurman, DDS, MSD

Edmund Fisher, MD, FACS

Pediatrician Bustamante Pediatrics

Dentistry/Orthodontics Thurman Orthodontics

Ears/Nose/Throat Fisher Cosmetic Facial Surgery

Q: What are growing pains and when should parents worry? A: Growing pains are common in preschool and schoolage children that are often described as an ache or throb in the legs, usually in the front of the thighs, the calves or behind the knees. They tend to affect both legs and occur at night and may even wake a child from sleep. The cause of growing pains is unknown, and there is no specific treatment for growing pains. Doctors can usually diagnose growing pains without having to order any tests. The good news is that growing pains don’t cause other problems, and they don’t affect growth. Growing pains often get better on their own within a year or two. In the meantime, you can help ease your child’s discomfort with self-care measures, such as rubbing your child’s legs, using a heating pad, trying a pain reliever and stretching exercises.

Q: How can I best care for my child’s teeth? A: There are many different ways to make sure that you, as parents, are doing all you can to ensure your child has the healthiest mouth possible. First, make sure your child knows how to properly clean their teeth and is doing this at least twice a day. Your child’s dentist or dental hygienist will be able to provide instructions for proper brushing and flossing. Secondly, make sure your child is seeing his or her dentist regularly. Routine six-month appointments are extremely important and will allow your dentist to catch problems in the early stages before they develop into something more severe, invasive and costly to treat. Finally, a healthy diet means limiting simple sugars as much as possible. If your child is going to have candy, try to have him or her eat all the candy at the same time (ideally brush and floss after) rather than “snacking” on candy throughout the day. This will limit the cavitycausing effects of the sugar. Remember, you don’t have to brush your teeth … just the ones you want to keep!

Q: Why do kids get so many ear infections? A: While I am no longer treating children in my ENT practice, the reason kids get more ear infections is because that during infancy, the eustachian tube connecting the back part of the nasal cavity with the middle ear is not functioning well due to its short length and a nearly horizontal relationship between the nose and ear. As the child grows, usually by around age 6, the tube has reached its mature 45degree angle and length, so there is less ability for viruses and bacterial to communicate between the nose and middle ear.

Javier Bustamante, MD

Brian Monroe, DPT, OCS Physical Therapist

Darshan Shah, MD, FACS Plastic/Cosmetic Surgeon

Cheree Wilhelmsen, OD Optometrist

Vinh-Linh Nguyen, MD Hematologist/Oncologist 40

B Well Magazine · August 2014

GOLF

Little linksters Teach kids life lessons on the course

re you thinking about getting your little one started at golf? If the answer is “no,” then reconsider. Golf is a game children can play their entire lives, and it teaches them life skills and values that will prepare them for all that life throws their way. The game instills honesty, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, perseverance and courtesy, to name a few good qualities. After three years on the course, 14-year-old Allie Crawley, who plays on the Garces Golf Team, has seen the rewards of playing golf. “Golf has taught me that practicing something that you enjoy and putting in hard work feels really good when it pays off,” Crawley said. “As a junior, it’s a really fun sport to play and practice with friends.” Golf is also a great way to spend quality time outdoors with the family. Here are just a few of the top reasons you should get your child into the game: 1. They will develop social skills, which leads to lifelong friendships. 2. Kids will practice personal responsibility. Sometimes the ball doesn’t always bounce their way, but regardless of the outcome, there is no blaming their teammates for what happens. 3. Young players learn to manage their emotions. Golf parallels real life as one experiences the highs and lows of the game. Ranging from birdies to triple bogeys, the twists and turns reward a young person’s ability to keep each shot in perspective, manage their emotions, maintain a positive outlook and focus on the shot at

hand. 4. In golf, there is no judge or referee; instead, players govern themselves and fellow competitors. Thus, golf imparts etiquette lessons as players make way for each other and share the same space with grace.

Get them out on the course Start kids out with golf as young as 3 or 4 years old. The key point is to keep things fun; a 4-year-old does not learn the same way as a 10-year-old. Lessons must be age appropriate. Group instruction is an ideal way for kids to foster friendships and have fun. Check out these resources to teach your youngsters how to master the course: • SCGA Youth on Course Club: For a yearly membership fee, juniors can get $1 to $2 range fees and $1 to $5 greens fees at Buena Vista and Kern River golf courses. Visit scga.org/yoc for details. • The Kern County Junior Golf Association holds monthly tournaments every summer for kids to compete against their peers by age. Visit kcjga.com for information.

“As a junior, it’s a really fun sport to play and practice with friends.” — Allie Crawley, 14

— Jacque Servadio is an LPGA Class A teaching professional at Kern River Golf Course and specializes in skill-based golf instruction. For information or appointments, visit jsgolfinstruction.com, or contact her at 301-5944 or jacque@jsgolfinstruction.com.

PHOTO BY MAKENZIE BAREFIELD

By Jacque Servadio

Allie Crawley, posing here at Kern River Golf Course, enjoys the lessons learned on the course. August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

HOLISTICHEALTH

Yoga: One discipline, many styles The benefits of this ancient practice By Dhaval Buch, president & owner of AUM Physical Therapy & Yoga Center

oga is an ancient discipline that developed several thousand years ago in what is now referred to as India. Yoga means an integration of the body, mind and spirit. It has evolved through the ages as per the need of the times. Though the names of poses, practices and techniques may be in Sanskrit, it is a universal system for all of humanity to benefit from. The fact that yoga is practiced all over the world speaks volumes of its universal appeal and holistic effects. As I always say in my classes, you don’t have to fear being converted from your religious or philosophical beliefs; you don’t have to be young, slim or flexible; and neither do you have to be vegetarian, nor give up alcohol/smoking to learn or practice yoga. If you can breathe, you can do yoga! All you need is a daily commitment to practice and you can reap the rewards in your life. A regular daily yoga practice brings about many beneficial effects: relaxation, improved strength, flexibility, circulation, digestion, energy levels, decreased stress, anxiety, depression, weight loss, improved memory, and most importantly — a sense of well-being and peace. So with all the various types of “yoga styles” out there, which one is best for you? • Hatha: By far, this is the most popularly practiced system around the world. The emphasis is on developing physical flexibility, agility and strength. Most of the styles listed below may be broadly classified under Hatha yoga. • Bikram: A series of 26 intense hatha yoga poses that are practiced for about 90 minutes in a room maintained around 100 degrees. The focus being on cleansing the body with postures and the hot room through sweating out toxins. • Iyengar: Emphasis is placed on perfect alignment of the body in each pose using props.

• Restorative: Involves allowing the body to passively remain in certain poses for several minutes with the use of props such as blankets, pillows, etc. to encourage a release of bodily tightness and tension.

B Well Magazine · August 2014

• Children’s: Involves performing poses that are fun, yet challenging, and woven with stories to make the session a positive experience. It has the potential of reducing ADHD, autism and depression, while at the same time increasing creativity, improving concentration and memory.

• Satyananda: A holistic system that encourages the development of all aspects of our personality using postures, breathing and meditation techniques. In our constantly busy lives, we all have a limited time available to do something simply for our own well-being. According to the psycho-physiology of yoga, each person is made up of five aspects or sheaths: physical (we can see, touch and feel); energetic (the energy aura around us); mental (faculty of thinking); intellectual (faculty of decisionmaking); and the body of bliss. The real secret of yoga is in its markedly beneficial effects at all these levels. Therefore, having a systematic and balanced yoga practice that can positively impact all levels of our personality would be a logical thing to pursue. There are a lot more details about the vast science of yoga, which are beyond the scope of this article.

August 2014 路 bwellmagazine.com

WORKOUTMOVES

Gymnastics moves for kids to practice By Tom Ladman, gymnastics director at American Kids Sports Center Photos by Makenzie Barefield

merican Kids Sports Center opened in 2007, but actually started out as American Academy of Gymnastics in 1984. Since then, it has grown to offer classes in gymnastics, tumbling and trampoline, cheerleading, tae kwon do, swimming, dance, birthday parties, parents’ night out, summer camps, and now even a preschool. Its two modern facilities located in the northwest and southwest of Bakersfield provides 70,000 square feet of learning space for nearly 5,000 students. With America’s obesity rates constantly rising, it is more important than ever to instill a love of exercise into our children. Studies have shown gymnastics not only helps children with their physical fitness but also gives them a big boost in school subjects like reading, math and analytical thought. Gymnast sisters Kayla Lum, 11, and Macie Lum, 9, have been practicing for five years. They demonstrate six easy moves that kids of any age can try out and practice at home.

Gymnast sisters Macie Lum, 9, and Kayla Lum, 11, demonstrate their skills at American Kids Sports Center.

Northwest: 3622 Allen Road; 589-2100 Southwest: 4401 Ride St.; 833-3986 Website: aksc.com

B Well Magazine · August 2014

V-Sit: This is easy to learn, but tough to master. Simply sit down and lift your hands and feet into the air so your body forms a letter “V” shape. Only your bottom should be touching the floor. It works both balance and core strength. Can you hold it for 10, 20 or 30 seconds?

Hollow Hold: If the V-sit is too easy, let’s graduate to this gut buster. Again, only your bottom is touching the floor, but this time your body should be rounded, with your shoulders and feet only a few inches off the ground. How long can you hold this position?

Candlestick Rollup: A basic for gymnastics is the forward and backward roll. The candlestick comes first and is a great exercise not only for balance and core strength, but also for the legs. From a stand, bend the legs to a “tuck” position. Then roll back pointing the feet at the ceiling. This is called a “candlestick.” Next, reverse the motion to stand back up. Never let your hands touch the floor. Try and do 10 in a row. Now that’s a challenge!

Check out our contributor Tom Ladman, a former collegiate AllAmerican for Penn State, has now been coaching gymnastics for more than 30 years. He is currently the gymnastics director for American Kids Sports Center overseeing preschool gymnastics, boys and girls recreational gymnastics and tumbling, as well as coaching the boy’s competitive team. He has taught classes at the USA Gymnastics National and Regional Congress and has been a nationally rated gymnastics judge since 1983.

One-legged Candlestick Rollups: The deluxe version of the previous move. Repeat all the same steps but only allow one leg to touch the floor. This will really make those leg muscles burn. Make sure you do equal numbers on both the left and right leg.

Continued on PAGE 46 August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

Continued from PAGE 45

Tip-Up: Here’s a tricky little balance move that also builds up the arms and core. Place hands on floor at shoulder width, bending them ever so slightly. Now, rest your shins on your elbows, and “tip” forward so that your feet come off the ground. Have contests to see how long you can hold it.

Handstand Wall Walk: A handstand is the most important skill in gymnastics, so we had to list an exercise that included it. Start in a pushup position with your feet touching a wall. Now move your feet up as you walk on your hands toward the wall. Don’t get greedy — you may find horizontal or 45 degrees more than enough of a challenge. Hopefully, you can go all the way to the handstand. Then reverse the exercise, slowly returning to a pushup position. This works the arms, shoulders and core.

B Well Magazine · August 2014

August 2014 路 bwellmagazine.com

DIETDIARY

B Well’s Get Fit Weight-Loss Challenge Reggan & Brandon: Looking to make lifestyle changes Compiled by Hillary Haenes Photos by Makenzie Barefield

even months into their weight-loss challenge, Reggan Scrivner and Brandon Thompson have achieved some pretty significant results. They both see sculpted muscles they haven’t seen in awhile and are mentally in tune with trainer Tim Gojich’s program. It has been difficult during the summer months to get into the gym, but these two know what it will take to reach their final goals. They are looking forward to their big reveal in November’s issue.

Reggan Scrivner Summer vacation standstill

I was really looking forward to summer vacation and relaxing with my kids while keeping up my workout regimen. But the reality is that when my kids are out of school, our schedules becomes even more hectic. Between traveling to camps and other commitments, it has become harder to get to the gym. There have been weeks that I couldn’t even make it to the gym to work out because I didn’t have child care. With three kids home all day, my chores and responsibilities have increased and I’m also having to entertain my kids. We are trying to find activities to do together that promote a healthy lifestyle. My kids will walk on the treadmill since it is way too hot outside while I do my workout routine. It’s their energy that inspires me to keep going. Hard work pays off

The weight is consistently coming off, although it is happening slower than I thought it would. I am confident that the training and exercise are worth the sacrifice because I can now see muscle definition where there was none before. I enjoy attending the morning classes at Fit For Life Gym so I can start my day off right. Everyone is encouraging and friendly — it’s the support system that I need. If I skip the morning and try to hit the gym after work, I end up making excuses and skip it. Also, I really enjoy the Saturday morning 48

B Well Magazine · August 2014

Brandon and Reggan have both seen a slow, steady decline in their body fat since starting their fitness program.

classes. It helps my “cheat day” not turn into a “cheat weekend.” After a workout, I do not crave salty or sugary treats. Instead, I crave healthy foods that only further a better lifestyle for myself and for my kids.

Brandon Thompson Newborn in the nest = sleepless nights

It’s amazing how quickly things can change. You give 100 percent one week, and then something happens the next, and you fall off the wagon. That describes my July. As some of you may remember from my initial entry, I shared that my wife is pregnant. Well, she gave birth to baby Reese on July 17. One of the other things I mentioned was the reason why I am doing this challenge, which is to better myself, so I can better my family, who is very important to me. Because my family comes first, my dedication to this challenge has weaned a little. It’s hard to leave the house in the morning with the addition of a newborn. I am not sleeping well. I have been giving my all to what’s most important, and that’s my family right now. For those of you who know me or may have seen me put in the time and effort at the gym, don’t count me out. There is plenty of time left to reach my goals. Seeing results puts things into perspective

On the other hand, I feel like my workouts have been going well when I do make it to the gym. I am starting to see definition in my arms, chest and back. I have also slowly been replacing my “flabs” to abs. After I workout, I feel great all day, and when I don’t, I feel like crap. I have the mental game in check, and I know I need to be in the gym. I will put in more effort than I ever have when I return from a couple of weeks off work. My diet has been good though. I know what I should eat, and I know what I shouldn’t. On those days when I slip, I instantly recognize what I did. Has this been easy? No. It’s definitely been a struggle. Have I done as well as my trainers would expect?

Probably not, but luckily I know that I owe it to them, myself and my family to succeed. Encouraging words from trainer Tim Gojich

Reggan and Brandon are showing a steady decline in their overall body fat percentages, which is typical of a lifestyle change in the making. The key to losing body fat forever is learning to apply skills that will get you through tough times without gaining a significant amount of weight. Those who lose a huge amount of weight fast never pick up the necessary tools to keep it off. They are both grinding through one of the toughest times to stick to a program in Bakersfield — the middle of summer. This is a time “Reggan mentioned of summer vacations, high temperatures and to me that bad food low overall morale. does not even sound Leading into summer, morale is high; then, good to her anymore. the like clockwork, the at is huge!” “mid-summer let down” occurs. I have seen this pattern for years as a trainer living here. Yet, despite this and other diversities that life is sure to give us, Reggan and Brandon continue to work and change their lifestyles for the better. Reggan mentioned to me that bad food does not even sound good to her anymore. That is huge! Craving clean food is a big step in getting weight off. Brandon continues to show a desire to want to gain more muscle and take accountability for his actions. For him, this is a big mindset change. Overall, look for these two to kick it up a few notches in September and make a hard push to their reveal in November.

Reggan’s Starting Measurements Height: 5’7” Weight: 168 lbs. Body Fat: 25.2% Lean Muscle: 125 lbs. Total Fat: 42 lbs. Chest: 42 in. Arms: 12.5 in. Thighs: 22.5 in. Waist at Naval: 40.5 in. Hips at Glutes: 42 in.

Reggan’s Current Measurements — 7 months Weight: 157 lbs. Body Fat: 23.5% Lean Muscle: 121 lbs. Total Fat: 36.5 lbs. Chest: 40 in. Arms: 12 in. Thighs: 19.5 in. Waist at Navel: 35 in. Hips at Glutes: 41.5 in.

Brandon’s Starting Measurements Height: 6’2” Weight: 254 lbs. Body Fat: 28.2% Lean Muscle: 182 lbs. Total Fat: 72 lbs. Chest: 47.5 lbs. Arms: 16 in. Thighs: 25.5 in. Waist at Naval: 43.5 in. Hips at Glutes: 45 in.

Brandon’s Current Measurements — 7 months

Brandon Thompson and Reggan Scrivner have a few more months to slim down under the training of gym owner Tim Gojich.

Weight: 240 lbs. Body Fat: 22% Lean Muscle: 187 in. Total Fat: 53 lbs. Chest: 47 in. Arms: 17 in. Thighs: 28 in. Waist at Naval: 41 in. Hips at Glutes: 42 in.

August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

FABFINDS

Local Gifts & Treats Jump-start weight loss An all-natural supplement line tailor-made for those particular individuals who desire to look and feel their best. The Pat Brown System products are available on amazon.com and at Lifetime Fitness, 2415 Eye St. 1-855-PBS-2DAY; patbrownsystem.com.

Satisfy your hunger Tired of being tired, after using protein supplements? Try Sunwarrior Raw Vegan Protein Powder. Because it’s a raw and plant-based, it will give you energy, curb your appetite and provide all the needed protein for the day. Available at Nature’s Food Market and Juice Bar. Visit the new location 2000 H St.; 327-4430; Facebook search: Nature’s Food Market and Juice Bar. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.

Baby bodysuit Baby clothes that buck the trend! MicroThreads produces baby clothes with modern designs that are 100 percent sweatshop-free, American-made, organic and nontoxic. Made in Bakersfield. Visit MicroThreads store at themicrothreads.com.

Mineral makeup Youngblood Luxury Cosmetics is a premier mineral cosmetics line that is gentle to all skin types and is free of talc, parabens, oil and fragrance. Privato Salon & Spa, 9500 Brimhall Road, Suite 306; 587-2566; privatosalonandspa.com.

Shield the sun arm protector Scented soy candles

Icefil’s xylitol fabric surface treatment absorbs heat from the body and converts sweat to a refrigerant to cool the body. The Gareau arm cooler is very light and soft for comfort. Bicep silicone grippers keep these sleeves in place and reflective accents enhance visibility. This sun protective clothing has a UPF/SPF 50 and comes in extra-small to extralarge sizes. La Bicicleta Boutique, 1820 G St.; 706-0900; labicicletaboutique.com

Wick’d Bean hand-poured soy candles are a clean and healthy burning alternative to traditional candles. These fantastically fragrant petroleum-free candles burn longer and will liven up any room. They also make great gifts! There’s an intriguing scent for every nose: pomegranate, green tea lemongrass, peony rose and more. The soy bean oil melts down to a natural wax that can be used as a moisturizer on your hands, elbows and feet! Bleu Lavender Boutique, 1520 19th St.; 322-8800; Facebook search: Bleu Lavender Boutique.

Glam it up Forget lash extensions and falsies! Younique’s Moonstruck 3D Fiber Lashes provide length and volume to your lashes, up to 300 percent. with hypo-allergenic, all-natural ingredients. To order Younique mascara, call 3436468 or send an email to youniquelmw@gmail.com. 50

B Well Magazine · August 2014

August 2014 路 bwellmagazine.com

FITFOODIES

Chef’s special

Japanese tacos

Shrimp wrap

Enso Sushi Bar • 1419 19th St. • 327-7785 • ensosushibar.com Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday; noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday

Mochii

Sashimi special

Enso Sushi Bar Establishment offers extraordinary experience and eats Photos by Greg Nichols

Editor’s Note: The B Well Fit Foodies are back in their quest to find local eateries that offer healthy menu options to help you make smarter dining choices. Their restaurant reviews appear regularly in B Well Magazine.

hat a pleasure it was having lunch at Enso Sushi Bar located in the heart of downtown Bakersfield. The menu is diverse and there are choices to suit everyone’s palate, even those who do not enjoy sushi. The presentation of each dish was extraordinary and made the meal feel like an adventure. The taste of the food was as good as the beautiful presentation, both fresh and original.

B Well Magazine · August 2014

Enso is owned by Yuri and Phillip Chang, who are originally from Korea. They moved to the United States 20 years ago and opened a Korean restaurant in Los Angeles. Phillip has family in Bakersfield, so eight years ago, the couple opened Toro Sushi Bar & Grill in The Marketplace. Then a year and a half later, they opened Enso downtown. For those who have not dined at Enso, you may have a difficult time finding the unassuming building on 19th Street, just east of Chester Avenue. But it’s a hidden gem that’s worth discovering. It’s unfortunate that Fit Foodie Benjamin Ha was vacationing with family and couldn’t attend our lunch because he definitely missed out on a wonderful experience.

Red bull roll

Joel Livesey, Leigh Pozas and Nicola Wright enjoy lunch at Enso Sushi Bar. Leigh Pozas’ review: As an appetizer I had the garlic edamame. I love plain edamame, but this dish was great. The garlic was not overwhelming but added a nice flavor to the edamame. There is some controversy over how good soy is for you. I believe that soy in its natural form, i.e. edamame, is very healthy and garlic provides good benefits and healing properties, so the two together make a delicious and healthy way to start a meal. My next dish was quite a surprise. I am not a stranger to sushi, but I have never had a roll like the red bull! If you like spicy food, this roll is for you! Shrimp tempura, spicy crab, avocado and masago are rolled inside the rice, which is then covered on the outside with filet mignon and jalapenos. This deliciously decorated roll is served on a plate with a couple of special sauces, one of which includes the zing of Sriracha! The shrimp tempura in this roll can be replaced with regular shrimp to make it a little more health conscious. Either way, it is a tasty treat! If you like sashimi (raw fish), but would like it with a twist, try the Japanese tacos. Artfully presented gyoza skins are filled with mixed sashimi, avocado, vegetables and spices. The flavors blended together so nicely and the dish was refreshing, yet filling. Japanese tacos are definitely on my list the next time I go to Enso, which will be soon!

Sunomono salad

Ex-girlfriend roll

Nicola Wright’s review: The shrimp wrap was light and flavorful. The chef was able to prepare it with steamed shrimp, rather than tempura shrimp to help us keep up the “fit”element! The spicy crab, cucumber, mixed greens and shrimp were wrapped in soy paper and presented with a Sriracha and mayonnaise sauce. The wrap has the perfect amount of spice and flavor and was a great start to our meal. The ex-girlfriend roll’s presentation was impressive, especially with the combination of flavors. Shrimp tempura, spicy crab, avocado and cucumber on the inside, wrapped with tuna, salmon and avocado. Decadent, a little spicy and the sauces drizzled over the top definitely added to the experience. I don’t always rush to the shrimp tempura rolls, but it added to the richness of the flavor. At the end of our lunch, we were presented with a variety of mochii ice cream balls as a palate cleanser to wrap up our meal. I had never tried these before. Green tea, mango or strawberry ice cream inside soft rice dough made for an interesting sweet indulgence. Joel Livesey’s review: Since I usually eat a plant-based diet, I decided to order a lean protein meal because we were dining at a sushi hot spot. A couple of menu items I ordered were perfect options for someone seeking a light lunch because they are both low in calories, without refined carbohydrates. Fresh shrimp and avocado rolls were presented upon entering the restaurant, but instead of rice, they were wrapped “naruto” style, with fresh cucumber instead of rice, which was a cool, refreshing treat. I ordered a sashimi appetizer for my meal of fresh tuna, salmon and yellowtail, which are among the leanest proteins you can eat. It was a nice presentation served up in a chilled martini glass garnished with daikon radish slaw. Since we all enjoyed Enso, we’ll have to bring Ben Ha when he’s back in town. August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

CHEWONTHIS

Almonds Compiled by Bakersfield Life

lmonds are a very versatile nut that can garnish almost any recipe. Not only do almonds satisfy hunger, but they have many health benefits as well. Eating almonds four times a week can lower your risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease. Almonds are available year-round, but they are freshest in mid-summer, which is when they are at the height of their season. If you want to liven up a snack, spread a little almond butter on celery sticks or sprinkle them in your yogurt for a delicious twist. Or try something different by topping your main or side dishes with slivered almonds. By incorporating almonds in a meal, you can help keep blood sugar under control. The best part about almonds other than being a yummy snack, is that its healthy fats may help you to lose weight. Select: When buying in bulk, check the shells and discard ones that are not split, moldy or stained. Shelled almonds have the longest shelf life, but keep them in sealed containers to make them last even longer. Also, smell the almonds, which should have a sweet and nutty smell if they are good. Store: Since almonds are high in fat, it is best to properly store them so they don’t become rotten. Make sure to put shelled almonds in not only a tightly sealed container, but also in a cool, dry place.

If you place almonds in the refrigerator, they can last for months and up to a year in the freezer.

Fun Facts: • Even though almonds are considered a nut, they are actual-

Tropical Granola Parfait

Primavera Pasta Amandine

(almonds.com) Ingredients 1 (6-ounce) container low-fat Greek yogurt 1/2 cup berries or sliced fruit 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 cups old-fashioned oats 1/2 cup flaked coconut 1/3 cup tropical granola

(almonds.com) Ingredients 1 pound dry pasta, such as bowtie or shells 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted, divided* 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese 1 to 2 teaspoons minced garlic 2 cups lightly packed spinach leaves, cut into half-inch strips 2 cups broccoli florets 1/2 cup sliced red onion 1 cup low-fat milk 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes Additional grated parmesan cheese, for garnish

Tropical Granola ingredients 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup sliced almonds 2 teaspoons wheat germ (optional)

ly the seed of the fruit of the almond tree, a medium-size tree with pink and white blossoms. • Just a handful of almonds a day may help you get more of the good nutrients your body craves while maintaining a healthy weight and cholesterol levels. • In 1840, almond trees were brought to America from Europe and were first planted in New England. The cold climate was not conducive to almond cultivation, but the trees were brought out west to California where they thrive and are a major agricultural product in Kern County today.

Nutrition Facts 1 ounce (or about 23) sliced, raw almonds = 160 calories, 3 grams dietary fiber, 6 grams protein Sources: almonds.com; whfoods.com

B Well Magazine · August 2014

Directions Layer yogurt, fruit and granola in a juice glass. Try a combination of pineapple yogurt with sliced mango or kiwi, lemon or peach yogurt with berries, or vanilla yogurt with sliced bananas. To make the tropical granola, preheat oven to 300 F. Combine oil, brown sugar and vanilla in a medium bowl, mixing until smooth. Then stir in oats. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes. Stir in almonds, coconut and wheat germ if desired, and bake 15 to 20 minutes more, until almonds and coconut are golden. Cool and serve, or store airtight up to one week.

Directions Cook pasta as package directs, adding broccoli for last 2 minutes. Drain and keep warm in bowl. Crush half the almonds; set aside. In 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, saute onion in oil until translucent. Mix in milk, crushed almonds, cheese, cornstarch, garlic and salt. Increase heat to medium-high and bring mixture to boil, stirring constantly 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in spinach and tomatoes; pour over pasta and broccoli. Toss to coat. Divide among six bowls; top with some of the remaining almonds. Sprinkle with cheese, if desired.

August 2014 路 bwellmagazine.com

HEALTHYINDULGENCE

Kid-friendly festive fall recipe By Amanda Reade, owner of Oh So Haute Catering

amiliarizing kids with the kitchen at a young age is a smart idea. They should learn about different fruits and vegetables â&#x20AC;&#x201D; how to prep them, what they taste like and how they grow. Here are a few tips to teach your young ones about cooking nutritiously fun foods: 1. Let them pick a simple recipe, either out of a cook book or help them search for one online, then take them grocery shopping to pick out the ingredients.

2. Visit your local farmers market and make a game of trying to identify fruits and vegetables, then select a few different items to cook at home. 3. Have your child plant seeds in a garden and watch their fruits and veggies flourish. They will develop a sense of responsibility and an appreciation for growing their own food. Plan a few meals that allow you to use your homegrown produce. Since fall is just around the corner, try this simple festive recipe and invite a few of their friends over to taste this delicious dip!

Pumpkin Dip Ingredients 1 8-ounce package low-fat cream cheese 2 cups powdered sugar 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree 1 tablespoon Saigon cinnamon 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 1 tablespoon frozen orange juice concentrate 1 small pumpkin, seeds removed Directions Combine cream cheese and sugar together. Blend in pumpkin puree, spices and orange juice. Use pumpkin as a serving dish for the dip. Serve with assorted apple slices, graham crackers or pretzels.

B Well Magazine Âˇ August 2014

CALORIECOUNT

Green smoothie, anyone? A daily dose of green goodness Compiled by Eric Garza

or some people, seeing a green-colored drink may make them think it tastes bad, bland or bitter. But a team of eight high school seniors have tested and perfected a green smoothie that happens to be quite tasty and low in calories. These teens are part of Team Fresh, a subcommittee of the Ford Dimensions/Dream Builders program by Jim Burke Education Foundation. Team Fresh is a student-organized community service group that is dedicated to spreading awareness about healthy eating, promoting fitness activities regardless of tight schedules, and striving to promote the popularity of green smoothies. Team Fresh has compiled 12 different recipe cards for their product, including healthy smoothies from various websites. By crediting the original recipe owners’ websites, Team Fresh has helped these people get a boost of recognition as well. Try this green smoothie at home, courtesy of Happy Healthy Life at kblog.lunchboxbunch.com.

8 Smoothies to indulge in that are 300 calories & under

Sweet Citrus Avocado Smoothie (120 calories) Makes 2 servings Ingredients 2 small satsumas or 1 large orange, peeled 1 cup of kale or spinach Pinch of parsley ½ small avocado ½ cup of chopped apples ½ cup of coconut or chilled water 1 tablespoon of lemon juice Dash of cayenne (optional)

Directions Combine ingredients and blend together.

• McDonald’s McCafé Strawberry Banana Smoothie 210 calories for 12 ounces • Jamba Juice’s Orange Carrot Karma Smoothie 180 calories for 16 ounces • Starbucks’ Orange Mango Smoothie 260 calories for 16 ounces • Nature’s Food Market & Juice Bar’s Green Machine 180 calories for 16 ounces • Caffeine Supreme’s Strawberry Smoothie 300 calories for 16 ounces • Tea Bar’s Real-Fruit Non-Fat Black Cherry Blast Smoothie 180 calories for 16 ounces • Surf City Squeeze’s Pineapple Peach Smoothie 260 calories for 12 ounces • Filling Stations’ Mango, Mixed Berry, Pineapple or Strawberry Smoothie with Coconut Water

200 calories for 16 ounces

August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Getting to know your doctors James Hill, interventional radiologist Kern Radiology Medical Group California as an interventional cardiologist for more than 30 years. His consistent dedication to his work and his patients, as well as the joy he received from saving his patients from life-threatening situations, such as heart attacks, was truly an inspiration while growing up. To this day, he remains the most steadfast and respectable role model I have met. Why did you want to practice medicine in Bakersfield? I think this is a wonderful opportunity to bring a minimally invasive skill set and cutting-edge techniques to the community of Bakersfield, and to give the people here emerging image guided options for treating health issues, which may have required surgery in the past. What do you enjoy most about your work as a physician? It is very rewarding to be able to help a patient with minimal invasive techniques and low recovery times to help them recover faster from difficult health problems, and get them back to enjoying life as quickly as possible.

nterventional radiologist Dr. James Hill recently finished his subspecialty fellowship training in vascular and interventional radiology at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver. He had the opportunity to learn from some of the most respected names in the field, including the current executive secretary of the Society of Interventional Radiology. Hill has also completed a diagnostic radiology residency at the University of Colorado, and his internship at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center in Denver. What inspired you to practice medicine? I was first inspired to practice medicine by my father, who recently retired after serving the East Bay area of

B Well Magazine · August 2014

What does your job entail? We treat a wide variety of conditions with image guided minimally invasive techniques, including cancer, vertebral fractures, dialysis access, peripheral arterial disease, varicose veins, uterine fibroid disease, male varicocele associated with infertility, liver cirrhosis, implantable ports and lines, as well as a multitude of other techniques to treat a variety of diseases of the liver, kidneys and other organs. What makes your practice special? We have a rapidly growing practice with a long proud tradition of serving the Bakersfield area. There are also several new outpatient centers with wonderful facilities that patients can easily access without the difficulties that can be associated with hospital care. When you aren’t at work, what do you do to relax? As a born Californian who has also spent time in the mountains of Colorado, I’m an avid rock climber, mountain biker and runner who also enjoys fly-fishing and golf. I also love to travel internationally and play the drums when I have time!

Shawn Isaeff, interventional radiologist Kern Radiology Medical Group

nterventional radiologist Dr. Shawn D. Isaeff completed his medical degree at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, then received his internal medicine internship, radiology residency and vascular and interventional radiology fellowship at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Isaeff has been practicing medicine for 14 years and has practiced in Jackson, Tenn., Tulsa, Okla., and now Bakersfield. Isaeff and his wife are both native Californians, who enjoy living closer to family and friends. Their only daughter is in college studying theater. Isaeff has two active German shepherds and more koi fish than he can count. What inspired you to practice medicine? My father is a physician and I grew up watching his dedication to his patients and passion about his work. He never pushed me into medicine, but was very supportive of my decisions. I enjoyed the science of medicine first, and this sparked my initial interest. Clinical rotations later helped me appreciate the human side of medicine, enjoy the patient interaction, and ultimately realize the importance of this connection with my patients. Why did you want to practice medicine in Bakersfield? The practice I joined — Kern Radiology Medical Group — is dedicated to developing its interventional radiology practice, providing high-quality care with minimally invasive treatments for multiple medical problems. Among our practice goals is the development of an outpatient clinic, providing specialized evaluation and state-ofthe-art medical care with the ease and advantages of an outpatient office. This opportunity brought me here, and I am providing the opportunity to develop this practice. What do you enjoy most about your work as a physician? Although I am technically focused and enjoy the challenges of the medical procedures we perform, I enjoy seeing the improvements that patients experience. This is particularly satisfying when patients experience pain relief and improvements in quality of life. What does your job entail? Interventional radiologists are problem solvers. Our specialty is based on imaging and focuses on medical problems we can treat with non-surgical procedures in almost every organ system. We see patients in the clinic and in the hospital, help recommend and choose treatments available, and perform these treatments, often with

X-ray guidance in procedure rooms. Most procedures can be performed with sedation only, and recoveries are relatively quick. We then follow up with our patients to check results. When you aren’t at work, what do you do to relax? I really enjoy time at home with my family and our dogs. We have a backyard pond and I find it relaxing taking care of our koi fish. They are very tame and will eat from your hand! I also enjoy cycling, and our family enjoys traveling together. How do you practice living a happy, healthy life? I feel it is important to maintain balance. Opportunities to relax and reflect help me be more focused when at work. I enjoy a break from work, but like to be active with projects and goals. My family keeps me anchored, and my wife has supported me throughout my career. My spiritual life also helps orient me and prioritize what is most important in life.

August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

Callie R. Blair, DO San Dimas Medical Group

allie R. Blair, DO was born in Sacramento, Calif., but raised in Missoula, Mont. Her mother is a nurse practitioner who inspired Blair to practice medicine. She completed her undergraduate degree in Seattle, Wash., then went on to medical school in Phoenix, Ariz. Blair finally returned to California when she moved to Bakersfield for OB/GYN residency at Kern Medical Center. Why did you want to practice in Bakersfield? My husband’s family is here and Bakersfield has the hidden charm of a small town, but in the form of a California city still relatively close to all the things we enjoy doing, but without the insane traffic. When you aren’t at work, what do you do to relax? I love to spend time hiking, camping, fishing and visiting the Central Coast with my husband and son. What do you enjoy most about your work as an OB/GYN? To me, a good physician is a not merely a provider of

medical care, but also an educator, a comforter and confidant. As an OB/GYN, I feel privileged to care for and be entrusted by women during the most vulnerable and intimate times in their lives.

Sauhang Patel, MD San Dimas Medical Group

fter earning his Bachelor of Science in biology at the University of California, Irvine, Sauhang Patel, MD went to the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine on St. Maarten. He then completed his residency at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, N.Y. What inspired you to practice medicine? There really isn’t a person or event that inspired me to pursue medicine. Rather, it has been the culmination of my life experiences that have led me down this pathway, and honestly, it feels right. What do you enjoy most about your work as a physician? I have always enjoyed learning new things and medicine affords me this opportunity. It is a constantly changing field as new technologies and innovations have not only furthered our understanding of the human body, but how we can take care of patients as well. When you aren’t at work, what do you do to relax? I like to exercise and play sports. I also love reading, listening to music and watching movies. 60

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How do you practice living a happy, healthy life? As Winston Churchill once said, “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Life can be unpredictable, and I agree it is not worth focusing on the negatives.

Where did you earn your degree and practice medicine? My fellowship was in cardiology at Cleveland Clinic Hospital. I have been practicing medicine at Central Cardiology Medical Clinic for 35 years. I am board certified in cardiovascular disease, internal medicine and echocardiography.

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ow long have you been practicing medicine? I have been practicing medicine for 35 years, and I specialize in cardiac and vascular intervention, consultative and general cardiology and nuclear cardiology.

Tetsuo Ishimori, MD, FACC, FACP, FAHA Central Cardiology Medical Clinic

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What makes your office special? Although I have been in practice for more than 30 years, keeping current is vitally important. For example, I became board certified in echocardiography in 2013. At Central Cardiology Medical Clinic, we continue to make our patients’ care a priority by bringing new technologies to Kern County. Tell us a little about your personal life: I am a happily married man who takes every chance to make it through 18 holes on the golf course. When I’m not on the green, I’m preparing for my next round by eating right and exercising regularly and spending time with my family of medical professionals, including my daughter and her husband, both physicians, and my granddaughters. August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

Peter C. Nalos, MD, FACC, FACP Central Cardiology Medical Clinic still be pioneers in our field.

ow long have you been practicing medicine? I have been practicing medicine for 25 years and specialize in clinical cardiac electrophysiology, pacemaker and automatic defibrillator implantation as well as clinical follow up.

Where did you earn your degree and practice medicine? I completed two fellowships: The first I was Chief Cardiology Fellow, and in the second, I was Chief Electrophysiology Fellow at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. I continue to serve as assistant clinical professor of medicine at UCLA. I am also board certified in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine. What makes your office special? I established the first electrophysiology practice in Kern County. We continue to serve more than 5,000 pacemaker and implantable defibrillator patients in Kern County alone. I enjoy working in a practice where we can

Tell us a little about your personal life: My wife and I like to travel to Africa, and through our many visits, we have established two schools in Ethiopia. Philanthropy is my biggest passion. Whether I’m in Ethiopia helping curb a down slope of a child’s life, or here in Kern County, I’m happiest when helping others.

William Nyitray, MD, FACC Central Cardiology Medical Clinic

ow long have you been practicing medicine? I have been practicing medicine for 25 years and specialize in cardiac and vascular intervention, nuclear cardiology, consultative and general cardiology.

Where did you earn your degree and practice medicine? I studied at New York University School of Medicine. My fellowship in cardiology was performed at the University of Michigan Medical Center. I also serve as assistant clinical professor of medicine at UCLA. I am board certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease and internal medicine. How do you practice a healthy lifestyle? New experiences are the best medicine, and my wife and I live by this, constantly meeting new people and seeing new places around the world. I am also actively engaged with martial arts, scuba diving and photography. 62

B Well Magazine · August 2014

Brijesh Bhambi, MD, FACC, FSCAI Central Cardiology Medical Clinic offices at Central Cardiology Medical Clinic.

ow long have you been practicing medicine?I have been in practice with Central Cardiology Medical Clinic for 22 years. I also serve as Chief Medical Officer and Director of Cardiac Cath Lab at Bakersfield Heart Hospital. I specialize in cardiac and vascular intervention, nuclear cardiology, consultative and general cardiology. I am board certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease and internal medicine.

How do you practice living a happy, healthy life? I maintain a balanced lifestyle through weight training and running. I run every morning and participate in marathons regularly.

Where did you earn your degree and practice medicine? I did my internship and residency at New York Medical College in New York City. I did further studies in molecular cardiology, including a fellowship in cardiology at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago. And I did a second fellowship in interventional cardiology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where I served as Chief Cardiac Cath Lab Fellow. In fact, several of my associates at Central Cardiology Medical Clinic also came from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where we maintain a relationship. Cardiologists from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center see patients in our

Kirit Desai, MD, FACC Central Cardiology Medical Clinic

ow long have you been practicing medicine? I have been practicing medicine for 37 years and specialize in interventional cardiology, consultative and general cardiology.

Where did you earn your degree and practice medicine? I completed my fellowship in cardiology at Columbus Hospital in Chicago. I also completed fellowships in invasive and non-invasive cardiology. What makes your office special? I am board certified in cardiovascular computed tomography, cardiovascular disease and internal medicine. I am also board certified in CT, which is an excellent non-invasive tool for evaluating coronary stenosis. How do you practice living a happy, healthy life? I maintain my cardiac health by bicycling. Tell us a little about your personal life: Sharing my life with the woman I call my wife, a fellow

physician, is all I can ask for. But medicine runs throughout my family, and it is so fulfilling when we can all learn, collaborate and grow with each other. August 2014 路 bwellmagazine.com

Sanjiv Sharma, MD, FACC, FSCAI, Central Cardiology Medical Clinic cated to bringing the latest technology and medicines to Bakersfield. We currently have five clinical trials in progress.

ow long have you been practicing medicine? I have been practicing medicine for 20 years and specialize in cardiac and vascular intervention, consultative and general cardiology and nuclear cardiology.

Where did you earn your degree and practice medicine? I completed my cardiology fellowship at UCLA and a second fellowship in interventional cardiology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. I am the Director of Research at CCMC and the Director of Research and Education for interventional cardiologists at the Bakersfield Heart Hospital. I am board certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease and internal medicine. I am married and my wife is also a family physician. What makes your practice special? At Central Cardiology Medical Clinic, we are dedi-

How do you practice living a happy, healthy life? I am always trying to seize the day when I’m living my life, but keeping a conscience mindset keeps me humble. I maintain a vegetarian diet and exercise regularly as to not take life for granted.

Sarabjeet Singh, MD Central Cardiology Medical Clinic

ow long have you been practicing medicine? I have been in practice with Central Cardiology Medical Clinic for four years and I specialize in cardiac and vascular intervention, general cardiology, structural heart disease and echocardiography.

Where did you earn your degree and practice medicine? My postdoctoral training was a fellowship in interventional cardiology at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center. I am board certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease and internal medicine. What makes your office special? We have been bringing exciting new technologies to Bakersfield. For example, we have the ability to do abdominal aortic grafts without the use of general anesthesia and many patients are able to return home the same day of the procedure. This used to be a major surgery that required weeks or months of recovery before we started using this new procedure. How do you practice living a happy, healthy life? 64

B Well Magazine · August 2014

Trading parental duties with my wife, who is an endocrinologist, is vital to our children’s development and being an example for them is of the utmost importance. That’s why I always try to be outdoors and stay active. I also maintain a healthy lifestyle by working out at the gym.

Rasham Sandhu, MD, FACC Central Cardiology Medical Clinic

ow long have you been practicing medicine? I have been practicing medicine for 11 years. I specialize in cardiac and vascular intervention, general cardiology, echocardiography and nuclear cardiology. I am board certified in echocardiography, interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology and internal medicine.

Where did you earn your degree and practice medicine? I earned my medical degree from Government Medical College Amritsar, in Punjab, India, where I was responsible for several rural health clinics. I served as a Chief Cardiology Fellow at New York Medical College. I have been practicing at Central Cardiology Medical Clinic for three years. Tell us a little about your personal life: I am married and have three small children, a girl and twin boys. My mornings in the gym help create a

balanced lifestyle and make me ready for the day ahead. My wife was based here in Bakersfield long before I came, and that’s what brought me here.

Raj A. Patel, MD Preferred Family Care

here did you earn your degree and practice medicine? I received my medical degree from Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat, India. I finished my residency at University of Illinois in Chicago. I have been practicing internal medicine for 25 years.

Why did you want to practice medicine in Bakersfield? After three years of harsh winters in Chicago, I decided to move my family to Bakersfield for the warmer weather and the family-friendly community. What do you enjoy most about your work as a physician? I enjoy interacting with my patients and getting to know them; also working closely with them to help them solve their health problems. I like to call and make sure the patient is comfortable and understands what to expect before a procedure, and I will call afterward to deliver the results. I also like to have an “open

door” policy with my staff and always remain approachable to my patients. When you aren’t at work, what do you do to relax? I enjoy walking, running, listening to music, reading books and listening to the news. John Grisham is my favorite author and I also like to read magazines and medical journals. Tell us a little about your personal life: I met my wife when we were teenagers and have been married for 35 years. We have a daughter who is a UCLA graduate and a son who is a UC Davis graduate and is currently attending the University of Richmond, Virginia.

August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

William F. Baker, Jr., MD, FACP William F. Baker, MD & Associates

illiam F. Baker, Jr., MD, FACP is board certified in internal medicine. Dr. Baker received his medical degree from the University of California, Irvine where he was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honors Society. After completing his residency in internal medicine in 1978, he entered private practice in Bakersfield. What kind of medicine do you specialize in? I specialize in management of patients with complex medical problems, including thrombosis, homeostasis and vascular medicine. Where do you practice medicine? I am an associate clinical professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the previous Chief of Staff and Chief of Medicine at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. I am currently the Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, where I received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Tell us a little about your personal life: I have been the Bakersfield College football team doc-

tor since 1978, and am a member of the Bakersfield College Alumni Hall of Fame. I received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Bakersfield College Foundation. I am an author and editor, publishing more than 30 articles and book chapters. In my free time I enjoy fly-fishing and running marathons.

Denis E. Maddox, MD Central Cardiology Medical Clinic

ow long have you been practicing medicine? I have been practicing medicine for 35 years. I specialize in cardiac and vascular intervention and general cardiology.

Where did you earn your degree and practice medicine? I completed medical school at Loma Linda University. I completed two fellowships: one as a cardiology fellow at University of California, Davis and the other as a research fellow in cardiology at Harvard Medical School. What makes your office special? At Central Cardiology Medical Clinic, our focus is on the patient’s complete health. Tell us a little about your personal life: Nothing gives me more joy than watching my four children progress through their lives. If there was anything that would come close, it would be every moment I get to 66

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tell a veteran, “Thank you.” These are the moments that humble me.

Fred Kass, MD, Director of Research and Wellness Cancer Center of Santa Barbara with Sansum Clinic

red Kass, MD, is the Director of Research and Wellness at the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara with Sansum Clinic. He received his medical degree from Tufts School of Medicine and completed his internal medicine and oncology training at both Yale and Harvard University. He and his wife have been married for almost 30 years and Kass calls her his soul mate. Their two children constantly inspire him. They’re an active family that loves to laugh. Kass said he is hopeful that his children and their generation will succeed in solving some of the problems that have so stymied us. What inspired you to practice medicine? So much of practicing medicine is about relationships. At its best, the doctor-patient relationship allows patients to trust their doctors and feel safe in their care. That same patient relationship is essential to doctors if we are to really understand and meet the needs of our patients. What do you enjoy most about your work as a physician? Oncologists must be perpetual students. Some of the most meaningful lessons have come from my patients. I believe my patients have made me a better doctor. What does your job as a medical oncologist entail? Our job as oncologists is to be a source of healing for our patients. Curing may not always be possible, but everyone can be healed. What makes your practice special? We are large enough to provide our patients with everything that science has to offer. We are small enough to expect all of our staff to personally connect with all of our patients. What are your goals? The structure of medical care is being transformed before our eyes. I worry that the financial burden of cancer care is weighing more heavily on our patients. We have to develop strategies for making cancer care both effective and affordable. We also need to make certain that the changes ahead never hinder the personal relationships with our patients. When you aren’t at work, what do you do to relax? I love to swim, bike and hike — anything that gets me outdoors. I also like to cook. We have a nutrition department at the Cancer Center and I have learned a lot about healthy cooking and eating.

How do you practice living a happy, healthy life? I love author Michael Pollan’s advice about eating: Eat (real) food, not too much and mostly plants. I work hard at exercise too. I love my job and I try to model the lifestyle I advocate to my patients. What else would you like potential patients to know about second opinions or receiving care at the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara with Sansum Clinic? The core of our mission at the Cancer Center is service to our patients in both the most intelligent and the most personal way possible.

August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

Amol P. Kamboj, MD GEMCare

things they can do to alleviate symptoms. Allergic patients can have a lot of control over their medical problems, which can be empowering.

mol P. Kamboj, MD, is a board-certified pediatric and adult allergist and immunologist at GEMCare.

What inspired you to practice medicine? Growing up, I spent many weekend mornings rounding at the hospital with my father, a pediatrician. That undoubtedly colored many of my career choices! What do you enjoy most about your career as an allergist? Unfortunately, most of the medical problems I deal with (food and environmental allergies, eczema, asthma) are hereditary. What that means, though, is that I get to see and treat families, which is a joy. It’s not uncommon to see siblings and parents at the same time, which almost always makes for a fun time. What are your goals in the clinic? A good understanding of their medical problems often goes a long way in treating disorders my patients deal with. So I try to spend as much time as I can educating patients on causes and triggers of their problems, and

How do you practice a happy, healthy life? Fortunately, I genuinely enjoy what I do for “work,” which I think is the healthiest decision I’ve made. In my free time, I love to travel, listen to live jazz, play basketball and tennis, read, and hike around our beautiful state with Bella, my golden poodle.

Dr. Matthew G. Tatsuno Tatsuno Chiropractic Inc.

r. Matthew G. Tatsuno is a chiropractor at Tatsuno Chiropractic Inc. He is a Bakersfield native, a Driller who graduated from Bakersfield High School and went on to attend Bakersfield College, Chapman University and Palmer Chiropractic College in Iowa. Tatsuno did his clinical education in Brazil and adjusted 1,000 adult and children. He is married to Kacey and has two children, Piper and Gibson Tatsuno. In his work, he strives to find the underlying cause of disease and treat the whole person. What inspired you to practice in Bakersfield? Bakersfield is home; my family and friends are here. I followed in the footsteps of my father, Dr. George T. Tatsuno. Why did you become a doctor of chiropractic? I grew up in the chiropractic lifestyle. That inspired me to help others get better and live a healthier lifestyle. What is your goal? To help as many people as possible and to educate people on why a healthy, functioning nervous system and spine are important. 68

B Well Magazine · August 2014

Michael Thurman, DDS, MSD Thurman Orthodontics

ichael Thurman, DDS, MSD received the highest honors from University of California, Santa Barbara where he earned his undergraduate degree. He then finished dental school and was ranked No. 1 in his class of 80 students at the University of California, San Francisco. Finally, Dr. Thurman trained at the prestigious University of Washington’s Department of Orthodontics, where he obtained both a Master of Science in dentistry and his orthodontic certification. What is your practice about and what services do you offer? Our mission is to better lives and brighten futures through beautiful, more attractive smiles! We specialize in Invisalign and Invisalign Teen treatments as well as braces, clear braces, and retainer therapy for both children and adults. There is no referral needed to come see us and consultations are always complimentary. What do you enjoy most about your work as an orthodontist? Seeing how a confident smile can help someone improve the quality of their life. When a patient comes to see us for their first appointment and doesn’t like to smile or covers their teeth when they smile, and then to watch that person change over the course of treatment where at the end they can’t stop smiling, are proud to smile, and have a new sense of self confidence — is an amazing thing to witness. The ability to help someone improve their life is the reason we love what we do, it keeps our job fun and allows us to stay passionate and excited about coming to work every day. What makes your practice special? Our amazing team! You will not find a more caring, kind, compassionate and highly skilled group of ladies anywhere. Our office has built its stellar reputation by providing a higher standard of care and service to the Bakersfield community. Having a team that consists of genuine, high-quality people in every position allows us to continually raise the bar and set new expectations for how patients should be treated. You will feel the difference the moment you step through our doors! What are your goals as a practice? It’s simple: To provide the very best orthodontic care and service available anywhere, to work closely with our families to ensure all our treatments are affordable for any budget, and to truly treat every patient as if they were part of our family. We have heard your practice is involved in supporting our community, tell us more about that? Giving back to the people and community of Bakers-

field is our way in showing appreciation for the support that this community has shown our practice. It is a cornerstone of practice philosophy, and not only something we feel is important, it’s something we very much enjoy doing as a team. Bakersfield’s Ronald McDonald House, Houchin Community Blood Bank, Keep Bakersfield Beautiful and the Bakersfield Homeless Shelter are just a few of many worthy organizations we are proud to support.

August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

REALSUCCESSSTORIES

Animals overcoming extraordinary obstacles Find out where these rescue animals are now By Melissa Peaker-Whitten Photos by Makenzie Barefield

akersfield has a soft spot for animals, in particular, those who have overcome extraordinary circumstances to be reunited with their owner or discovered by a new two-legged companion. From dogs pulled back from the brink to a lucky bird plucked from a tree, find out how three pets that grabbed headlines are doing today.

A life fit for a king We’ve all read stories of the brave princes who rescue damsels in distress, but the prince in this story was the one who was rescued by two women determined to help him. When Courtney Clerico and Katy Hudson first discovered this dog in distress, he was on the side of Comanche Road, scared and confused. He would not leave the body of his mother that had been hit and killed by a car. Still a puppy, he was unsure of what to do without her. But Clerico and Hudson patiently pursued Prince until they caught him. The rescue was caught on camera and posted online in April 2012. The clip went viral and requests to adopt Prince poured in. People from all over the country and abroad offered their support and donated money to help pay for his medical expenses. Once he was healthy, the women who had saved Prince’s life began pondering who might be a good fit for adoption. Clerico and Hudson were both clients of personal trainer Joe Petersen and thought the body buff would be a perfect 70

B Well Magazine · August 2014

Prince found a new life thanks to local animal lovers and a new family.

“Prince has taught me about friendship, love, loyalty and to joyfully embrace each day.” — Joe Petersen

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Owner Joe Petersen relaxes at home with Prince.

match for Prince. The owner of Building Better Bodies Fitness had already talked with them about the possibility of adopting a retired racing Greyhound, but he was surprised when they asked if he was interested in adopting a black Lab. Recently separated, Petersen felt a little lost and stranded himself. He thought a furry companion might be a good idea but hadn’t considered rescuing a puppy. Although he was hesitant at first, once he met Prince, he knew it was the right thing to do. Today, Prince is Petersen’s best friend and occasional coworker, accompanying the trainer to outdoor boot camp classes. “He loves to go for walks, and he loves to run free,” Petersen said of his pup. Since adopting Prince 16 months ago, Petersen has realized that he was as much in need of rescuing as Prince was. “I thought I was doing a good deed, providing a better life for this poor unfortunate animal,” said Petersen. “But I was suffering a sense of loss and emptiness [too]. Prince has taught me about friendship, love, loyalty and to joyfully embrace each day.”

Flying high, inside Birds of a feather may flock together, but this parrot’s solo flight almost got her lost for good. When Tikki, a blue and gold macaw, accidentally slipped away from her owner last summer, it took the efforts of a nurse and firefighter to get her home. Although owner Jenn Marble initially tried to recover her from a tree near their home, Tikki kept flying higher until she was out of reach. When nurse and good Samaritan Madelaine Cope discovered Tikki in a tree near Bakersfield Memorial Hospital a couple of days later, she summoned other staff to help her attempt to coax the bird down. Unable to woo or pluck the bird from a tree, hospital staff eventually called the Bakersfield Fire Department and a firefighter was able to catch Tikki and bring her to safety. According to Jenn’s daughter, Aimee, Tikki was trying to tell everyone she was hungry by the noises she was making, but not everyone speaks parrot. Dehydrated and hungry, Tikki was taken

First Look with Scott Cox: Weekdays from 7 to 10 am. features interviews, as well as comments and analysis from The Californian’s awardwinning journalists.

Strictly Business: Cindy Pollard, President/CEO of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, as she talks with local businesses on Mondays from 10 to 11 a.m.

The Real Estate Show: Presented by Watson Realty ERA features real estate news and market information from Kern County on Mondays from 1 to 2 p.m.

Roadrunner Rundown: Costelloe, Cal State’s Director of Broadcasting and New Media discuss Cal State Athletic Programs from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays.

Power Hour: From the Auto Club Famoso Raceway to the new Kern County Raceway Park, catch it live, every Tuesday at 11 a.m. on bakersfield.com

Live Well: Lisa Krch explores Wellness, Health, Fitness and Living Wednesdays 10 to 11 am

Open Up: With Don Clark and Tina Miller Thursdays 10 to 11 am

B Varsity with Zach Ewing: Features previews, interviews and highlights that give you an inside look at the local high school sports scene.

Watch live and on-demand at

Continued on PAGE 72 August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

REALSUCCESSSTORIES

“She is extremely smart,” Aimee said. “She tries to figure out how her cage doors work so she can get out. She knows better but she still does it.”

Happy tails and trails

Tikki the macaw sticks to homebound flights after her adventures flying around Bakersfield.

Continued from PAGE 71 to Fur and Feathers Pet Resort, where the proprietors kept her safe until Marble received the good news and was able to pick her up. Domestic birds are identifiable by bracelets around their feet, which show they are legal to own, and that’s how Marble was able to prove Tikki was hers, though several people had tried to claim the parrot. Now three years old, Tikki has been a member of the Marble family for more than two years. The family has five birds total, three macaws, a cockatiel and an African grey parrot. Since her adventure, Tikki is still able to fly around the house but is no longer allowed outside, according to Aimee.

People often praise the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity, but this story demonstrates that the canine spirit is just as strong. Even when she had every reason not to trust, Sally never lost her faith in people. This dog was found tied to a fence and covered in wounds in April. Sally had most likely been used as a bait dog, according to Amanda Brooks, adoption coordinator for Marley’s Mutts. Often passive dogs are used to train fighting dogs to be aggressive. Sometimes their feet are tied up, or they are muzzled, and left defenseless, while the fighters are allowed to attack them. But even though it was obvious she had been mistreated, Sally wasn’t fearful or aggressive, according to Brooks. “She is a happy, loving dog,” Brooks said. As with Prince, Sally’s story moved the hearts of many and donations flooded in to help cover her medical care. Initially rescued by Bakersfield Animal Control and nursed back to health by Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue, Sally’s sweet side charmed those around her. Once her wounds had healed, she even participated in Barks and Books, a program at Beale Library where children read to dogs. Her new owner, who lives in Arizona, plans to put Sally to work as a therapy dog to help soldiers who are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. Sally is an amazing reminder that something good can come out of even the bleakest of circumstances.

More Online Visit bwellmagazine.com to see the video that made Prince famous and watch Sally’s transformation from wounded to well.

Marley's Mutts staff member Jackie Cameron poses with a happy, recovered Sally. 72

B Well Magazine · August 2014

DID YOUR GASTRIC BANDING OR GASTRIC BYPASS FAIL? Was your weight loss inadequate? Are you experiencing complications with your band or gastric bypass? Ara Keshishian, MD, FACS, FASMBS

General Surgery - Weight-Loss Surgery - Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery Revision of Failed Weight-Loss Surgery

14 years of experience with weight-loss surgical procedures 800-816-6647 The only Center Of Distinction contact@dssurgery.com - www.dssurgery.com 1808 Verdugo Blvd. # 413 Glendale, CA 91208 1205 Garces Highway # 303 Delano, CA 93215

for Bariatric Surgery by Blue Cross and Blue Shield-SISC in Kern county.

YOURBODY

Fun & helpful facts about physical therapy By Tim Terrio, founder & president of Terrio Physical Therapy & Fitness

• Physical movement improves our men-

did it.

tal functioning.

• Our bodies respond to the stresses

• Our intelligence is the same as a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it becomes.

• When you are first starting out with working out, the most important thing is to build a strong cardiovascular base to improve overall wellness, then add appropriate resistance training to maintain or increase muscular strength.

placed on it, from our bones to our muscles, tendons and joints. We have a built-in ability to meet the demands placed on our bodies, by gradually increasing strength and growing more tissue, over time.

• Your mother was right — stop slouching! Good posture means your ears are aligned with your shoulders and hips. Poor posture leads to many issues.

• A forward head can • Use the appropriate level of complexity and resistance that allows for proper technique to minimize the chance of injuries.

that people make with exercise is to not allow their bodies time to recover.

• Very light or light intensity is best for older persons or previously sedentary adults starting exercise.

• Increased pain two to three days after exercise or activity is called delayed onset muscle soreness. This is actually an inflammatory reaction of the muscles and tendons — a warning sign that you over-

• Low back pain is the most common physical problem and peaks between 35 to 55 years old. The sooner you start treatment, the better the outcome. B Well Magazine · August 2014

• Sedentary behavior — sitting for long periods of time — is distinct from physical activity and has been shown to be a health risk in itself. Our bodies were made to move and move often.

• One of the biggest mistakes

lead to increased headaches, neck pain and even shoulder pain.

WHATHAPPENSWHEN

What happens when… athletes suffer a concussion What steps must be taken before returning to play? Before your child can return to play, they must have a signed medical release and successfully complete five steps, within a 24-hour period between each step, while being symptom-free. Stop the activity immediately if the student develops any signs or symptoms of a concussion. Step 1: Light exercise involving five to 10 minutes on an exercise bike or light jog. No weight-lifting. Step 2: Running in the gym or on the field. No equipment. Step 3: Non-contact training including drills in full uniform and the opportunity to begin light weighttraining. Step 4: Full contact practice and training. Step 5: Return to game.

Contributed by Mark Corum, director of Media Services for Hall Ambulance, Inc.

wareness of the severity of football-related head injuries has drawn a lot of attention lately, resulting in the need for public education for student-athletes, coaches and parents. “Student-athletes in the U.S. sustain 29 percent of all sports-related concussions,” said Dr. Ron Ostrom, medical director at Hall Ambulance Service. Ostrom believes the commitment to education and research has, and will, make a difference in protecting younger players.

What is a concussion? A concussion is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain.

What are the signs of a concussion? Signs of a concussion include a vacant stare, delayed verbal and motor responses, confusion and decreased concentration, disorientation, incoordination, slurred speech, memory deficits and loss of consciousness.

How are high schools keeping our student athletes safe? For the past nine years, Hall Ambulance Service in cooperation with the Kern High School District has presented its Head Injuries in Student Athletes Symposium. Coaches, trainers and athletic directors from every school in the district attend the training, as well as others from across Kern County. The presentation focuses on the prevention, detection and education of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) in our young athletes. In 2010, the State CIF Federated Council passed Bylaw 313 requiring a signed medical release before a student-athlete suspected of having sustained a concussion can return to play. In July, Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation that limits the number of full-contact practices for middle school and high school football teams to two per week during their regular season. The legislation also prohibits fullcontact practices altogether during the off season. Of particular note, the minimum number of days for return to play has increased from five to seven (or more) days.

What are the symptoms of a concussion? Early symptoms of a concussion include headache, post-traumatic amnesia, dizziness, confusion, and nausea or vomiting. Late symptoms might include poor attention and concentration, easy fatigability, irritability and frustration, blurred vision, anxiety, depression and slow reaction time. 76

B Well Magazine · August 2014

What should a parent do? Following such an incident, seek medical attention from a physician. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of concussion. “A parent knows their child better than anyone,” Ostrom said. “They should not hesitate to report back to their physician any change in behavior.”

LIFE’SQUESTIONSANSWERED

How do you properly prevent or heal a sports injury? The dos and dont’s of playing sports By Leigh Pozas, CPT & Owner of Total Woman Fitness Centers

“

Stretching should only be done after a warm-up. Stretching cold muscles is never a good idea.

”

s getting a sports injury just the nature of the sport? While participating in sports and being physically active are good for the body, they carry with them the increased risk of injury. However, injuries are not inevitable, and there is much to be done to prevent them. If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, then how about a pound of prevention to ward off the need for a cure! Sports injuries come in two forms, acute or chronic. An acute injury is caused by a single event, such as a fall, collision, twist or turn. They result in sprains, strains, contusions (bruises), concussions, breaks, cuts and scrapes, etc. Typically, athletes know immediately that they have an injury and should seek medical attention as soon as possible. A chronic injury is developed over time and can be the result of over use or inflammation. These types of injuries include tendonitis, bursitis or stress fractures. These types of injuries develop slowly and are also slow to heal. Often as these injuries develop, the athlete feels discomfort, but too often does not respond to the discomfort and continues with the sport or activity causing continued damage. The best thing one can do for chronic injuries is to seek medical attention early and follow the advice given. This usually means resting the particular problem area, which no athlete likes to hear.

B Well Magazine · August 2014

The risk of developing either type of injury can be minimized with some well-planned physical training. Balance and proprioception are keys to preventing injury. Proprioception is simply defined as the body’s awareness of where it is in space and its ability to react. Everyone will lose their balance, step into a hole or trip over an object, but one with good balance and proprioception will react more quickly and be more likely to prevent an accident or at least minimize it. When training for any sport, of course, it is important to practice that sport, but it is equally important to cross-train and include balance, agility, speed, strength and flexibility in the training process, thus increasing reaction time and warding off injury. Another important factor in preventing injury in any sport is an appropriate warm-up. This is overlooked far too often, and the sport is immediately begun with cold, tight muscles. Simply walking, jogging, running in place or doing jumping jacks can get the blood flowing to those muscles that are going to be called upon to perform to their maximum. Stretching should only be done after a warm-up. Stretching cold muscles is never a good idea. The best advice for preventing injury is to cross-train and warm up. The best advice for treating an injury is to deal with it right away and follow the advice of your physician or physical therapist. Injuries do not just go away.

LIVINGGREEN

10 tips to make recycling easier By Zachary Esparza

e have all heard the vague three R’s phrase: reduce, reuse and recycle. It is always symbolized with the typical three arrows surrounding Mother Earth. This does nothing except instill a momentary ounce of guilt that is quickly forgotten seconds later. Here are 10 great (and easy!) tips and facts from local recycling centers on what we can realistically do to save our planet.

9. Don’t trash used soda, beer and wine glass bottles. Get a separate trash receptacle for used beverage containers.

10. Do you have leftover metal scraps lying around? Keep a bin in the garage for scrap metal to take down to the recycling center. Sources: Michelle Garland, communications coordinator at Bakersfield ARC; and Chris Rogers, owner and manager at Western Scrap

1. Make recycling bins readily available. Be certain that your home and office are outfitted with recycling bins for paper, plastic, glass and metal. Keep them labeled and out in the open for easy access. Sometimes convenience is all that is needed to ensure those around you make efforts to recycle. 2. Use your recycling bins. Cardboard and paper make up more than 80 percent of the blue barrel material sorted at the Bakersfield ARC Material Recovery Facility. Blue barrel recycling is dry. If it is wet, then it shouldn’t be put in the container.

3. Recycling is good for the economy. By recycling and purchasing recycled products, it creates a demand for more recycled goods. Products made from recycled materials use less water and energy and create less pollution.

4. Purchase recycled paper and print documents on both sides of a sheet. When using paper at home or in the office, be sure to print on both sides of the sheet and recycle the paper when you are finished. By recycling one ton of paper, you can save 17 trees, almost 7,000 gallons of water and conserve a cubic meter of landfill space. 5. Reuse old household items. Give new life to outgrown clothing, fabric, old jewelry, furniture, windows and doors, paper scraps and other materials you might find around the house by repurposing them or using the items for crafts. 6. Buy rechargeable batteries. It takes 1,000 regular batteries to equal the lifespan of one rechargeable battery. Be sure to recycle your batteries when you discard them. 7. Don’t destroy cardboard boxes. Sturdy cardboard boxes can be used 12 to 17 times before they deteriorate to the point that they can’t be used as a box anymore. 8. Purchase reusable cloth bags. Keep bags for both trash and recycling in your car. Presorting makes it easier to recycle on the go.

August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

GARDENING

Harvesting a kid-friendly fall garden An abundance of knowledge to last a lifetime By Rita White, co-owner of White Forest Nursery

ardening is more than just growing fruits and veggies for better eating. It’s about your total health — mind, body and

spirit. Not only is gardening therapeutic and relieves stress, but it gives us exercise and teaches kindness, gentleness, respect for the earth and most of all, patience. Your child will begin to discover birds, insects, flowers and how nature works together. As they become more experienced, they learn how, when and where to plant —that’s problem solving. Start your fall planting in September. So get your kids out there, get a little dirty and have some fun! Fall is an awesome time to plant. And it’s easy to do if you know the basics. • Till the soil and add Gardner & Bloome Harvest Supreme mulch (be sure to remove weeds). • Smooth out the bed or area for planting, top with GardenMax soil treatment to replenish the soil. • Plant your seeds, pony pack starters, quarts or gallon containers (be sure the root ball is showing). • Fertilize with a safe, organic fertilizer like Gardner & Bloome, Dr. Earth or later with Pro-Gro 365. • Make sure the planted areas stay moist but are well-drained. Be careful not to drown it. Keep weeds pulled. Use what you already have at home to keep costs low. Consider an old 80

B Well Magazine · August 2014

wheelbarrow, old pots or containers of any kind as flowerbeds and just get started! If planting in containers, use Kellogg’s potting soil, mixed with Gardner & Bloome Harvest Supreme and GardenMax soil treatment on top. Use existing landscape areas to plant veggies and flowers. Kale is beautiful in the garden as well as a variety of green, red and purple lettuce, which are great for salads all winter long. Get daring and add pansies to your plate — they are edible, too. Parsley also makes a beautiful green border and is a wonderful garnish. As for flowers, sweet peas are terrific. The more you pick the flowers, the more they bloom. Pick and put in vases

throughout the house for a wonderful perfumed fragrance. For more information about how to plant certain items, visit your local independent nurseries. The staff members are knowledgeable and can answer your questions. Happy harvest! Sponsored by White Forest Nursery 300 Morning Drive, 366-6291, whiteforestnursery.com

SanoStem Global, LLC / Anti-Aging & Wellness Center Shivinder S. Deol MD Chairman, President and CEO

Not all Stem Cells are created Equally! Dr. Shivinder Deol is board certified in Family Practice and Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine. Regenerative Medicine deals with the “process of replacing, engineering or regenerating human cells, tissues or organs to restore or establish normal function”. Stem cells have been researched for almost 100 years, and now are transforming the field of medicine with regenerating damaged diseased tissues. Stem cells are the “Future of Medicine”, and the Future is Finally here! Our body starts with 1 fertilized egg (master stem cell) which develops into approximately 70 trillion adult cells. This is the power of stem cells! There are several types of stem cells: Embryonic, Umbilical cord, and induced Pluripotent stem cells (iPS). These cells have limitations due to variety of adverse effects including risk of tumors. The safest cells are Adult stem cells which generally have no or minimal side effects. Adult cells are mainly 2 types: Autologous (own body) and Allogeneic (young healthy donor, thoroughly tested). The autologous cells are currently legal in USA but are limited in efficacy, due to older weaker population. Stemedica (www.stemedica.com) allogeneic adult stem cells are the most potent, viable and effective due to their patented hypoxic (low oxygen) method of manufacturing. Dr. Deol has been researching stem cells for over 10 years, and works exclusively with Stemedica, a San Diego based cGMP manufacturer of multiple stem cells. Their proprietary low oxygen (which mimics normal embryo) method of extraction, cell expansion and transplantation, results in dramatic potency, purity and scalability. Other stem cells on exposure to room air differentiate quickly losing potency, viability and migratory ability. Stemedica stem cells are immune privileged with over 99% HLA proteins removed. In multiple clinical trials and case reports, Stemedica cells have had NO significant adverse effects but remarkable life changing results. Stem cells have been found effective in multiple conditions including stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, Osteo-arthritis, multiple sclerosis, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, vascular disease, skin and wound healing, and many more conditions. Dr. Deol and SanoStem Global are pleased to offer the safest and most effective stem cells for use in clinical trials and compassionate care in several countries soon. Dr. Deol believes that our body can perform miracles in healing the most difficult untreatable conditions. The body’s ability to heal with stem cells is enhanced by the right environment (free of toxins, chemicals and heavy metals), balanced hormones and nutritional supplementation. Dr. Deol is experienced in many alternative and complementary therapies including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, bio-identical hormone optimization, thyroid and iodine disorders, adrenal fatigue and fibromyalgia, IV vitamin C and other oxidative therapies, chelation and detoxification, prolotherapy, ozone, nutritional supplementation and more. When seeking regenerative or preventive anti-aging therapies, contact SanoStem Global at www.sanostemglobal.com and Anti-Aging & Wellness Center at www.antiagingwellnesscenter.com at 4000 Stockdale Hwy., Bakersfield 661-325-7452. August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

BTHECAUSE

Talking numbers Facts about HCBB: • 189 people are part of the Ambassador’s program. • 34,082 units of blood are collected each year. • 2013-14 high school blood drive challenge collected 6,047 units. • 11 hospitals receive blood from the program. • 116 units are donated in one blood drive. • High schools provide 20 percent of Kern County’s annual blood supply. • Average age of a student who donates blood is 17.5.

Youth answers to local blood drive needs By Paul Rivas

ouchin Community Blood Bank takes on many outreach efforts to educate people on the importance of giving blood. The local blood supply aids in countless ways, including those recovering from car accidents, battling cancer and coping with sickle cell disease. And while adults make up a large part of the donor supply, the blood banks strive to spread awareness among youth so they can join in the cause as well. To donate blood, youths must be at least 17 years old or have permission from their parents if they are 16. They also must weigh at least 110 pounds. Each year, the blood bank organizes a high school blood drive challenge called the Ambassador’s program. As part of the program, the blood bank contacts the campuses of each participating high school to help organize their school event. The school’s ASB office then selects up to 10 students to be Houchin Ambassadors, said Carola Enriquez, Houchin’s director of community development. “We then meet with that group to orient them to what we do and what they need to do to organize a

drive at their school,” she added. According to Enriquez, the Ambassador’s program started in 2000, with one drive at one school. Today, the program has grown to 27 schools with 75 drives and more than 18,000 lives have benefited from student donations last school year. Getting people interested in donating blood as a way to help others is important for the community to understand, and getting them involved at a younger age could result in regular future contributors. “High schools are the source of 20 percent of blood supply annually. The program is a great source for new donors and helps us identify more people with the most needed blood types. It also brings in donors from all ethnic groups, which helps dispel myths regarding blood donation,” Enriquez said. The blood bank will wrap up a blood drive on Aug. 9 with a chance to win a gas card and a fabulous trip to Disneyland for four. Houchin’s Pint for a Pass program runs Aug. 18 to 31. Every donor will receive a free adult admission to the Kern County Fair. For information, check out hcbb.com/high-schools or Houchin Blood Bank on Facebook.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

• A person with internal bleeding could use 36 units of blood whereas a person with anemia might just need 1.

Houchin Community Blood Bank’s Ambassador’s program

B Well Magazine · August 2014

EXPERTCONNECT

How will I know it is time to provide a personal caregiver for my loved one?

hen you observe your loved one struggling to maintain independence, it is most likely the time. At first, a person often feels guilty for asking someone to provide the extra hands and feet that are needed. This is a normal feeling. However, one should never feel guilty when asking for help. Too often the family caregiver will experience physical or mental exhaustion when caring for a love one every day. That is the time for you to call upon Alternative Care to give you a hand and to relieve you of some of the daily responsibilities in caring for your loved one. When you need us, we’ll be there! Caregiving at home can be an advantage, allowing your loved one to remain at home with support provided by caregivers specially trained for this purpose. Home care allows families to focus on relationships instead of the duties involved in being the caregiver. When taking care of a loved one becomes “work,” our services can put the focus back on spending time together, enjoying each other’s company. Keeping your love one in their home environment is a comforting alternative to premature admission to a longterm care facility, helping them to enjoy their senior years with appropriate support in an environment they treasure. What services do your caregivers provide? Our qualified caregivers provide a full range of services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to meet the individual needs of your loved one, including: Personal care: bathing, dressing, medication reminders, transportation to appointments and companionship. Homemaker services: housekeeping, meal preparation, linen changes, laundry, transportation and shopping. Live-in companionship: caregiver on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing all homemaker services and personal care to maintain your independent lifestyle. Alzheimer’s and dementia care: specially trained staff who provide compassionate care with understanding of the disease.

One on one: personal care for the hospitalized person when the family cannot be there. End of life care: support and personal care in partnership with hospice service agencies.

Owner/ Administrator Jeanne Schamblin

2029 21st St. 631-2036 alt-care.com August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

SOMEKINDOFWONDERFUL

The Mathews family, Jessica, Whitley and Tony, maintains a healthy lifestyle by eating well and staying active.

Jessica Mathews Making dreams come true, one child at a time 2014 Stats on League of Dreams’ teams: Bowling: 167 participants

Baseball: 242 participants Basketball: Estimated 200-plus participants Swim lessons with help from Chevron: 52 participants

By Alana Garrett Photos by Makenzie Barefield

f Wonder Woman lived in Bakersfield, her name would be Jessica Mathews. Although Mathews does not drive an invisible jet or carry around a lasso, she does save the world in a different way: Making dreams come true, one child at a time. This mother and wife is the executive director of the League of Dreams, a nonprofit sports league that offers free baseball, bowling and basketball activities as well as swim lessons for children ages 5 to 22 who have disabilities. The nonprofit’s motto is to “provide sports training, team camaraderie and competitive sporting opportunities for athletes with disabilities.” At times, these athletes are supported by their volunteer “angels” who assist them when needed. “For League of Dreams, seeing the smiles on the faces

B Well Magazine · August 2014

of the kids when they hit the ball or make a basket for the first time is priceless,” Mathews said. “I love when the new families join us because the parents’ reactions are amazing. I tear up every time because it is so amazing to know that I have helped someone have a little joy in their life.” When Mathews is not out using her super powers to make a dream come true or volunteering, she enjoys watching her favorite baseball team, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, with her husband, Tony, and their 3year-old daughter, Whitley. Mathews, who holds a degree in exercise science sports medicine from California Lutheran University, is also big on leading a healthy lifestyle and is a BeachBody Coach, who hopes to soon be certified in teaching PiYo, a high-intensity, low-impact workout.

“Living life healthy makes us feel better and that means life is happier. It also gives us the chance to be great role models for our daughter and gives us the chance to be around longer for her,” Mathews said. “If a very busy, working mom can live healthy, anyone can. If we show others how great life is being active, others will join you. I’ve seen it happen!” The 28-year-old credits her success to those around her. “I want to see the League continue to grow and touch more lives. There are still so many people who don’t know about the programs we offer for these amazingly special kids! I want the community to be more involved and supportive of the programs; come see a game, volunteer as an angel, or spread the word that we are here!” Mathews said. For information on the League of Dreams, visit ourleagueofdreams.com.

Jessica Mathews is all smiles with the kids from the League of Dreams.

Jessica’s words of wisdom: “I want to show people if you pay it forward, it helps show others to be kind and pay it forward.” “I love Ellen DeGeneres’ sign off, ‘Be kind to one another.’” “A little kindness and compassion goes a long way (and it’s contagious)!” “Follow your heart and do something you have passion for ... I know that I can do anything if I put my mind to it, and the key is that I love doing it!”

Tony, Whitley and Jessica Mathews share a laugh in the dugout. August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

JDRF Summer Wine Fest June 21 Held at JC’s Place Photos by Brian N. Willhite

BSEEN

Barbara Johnson and Shannon Dossey Vinny Rivera and Madison Judkins Bethany Bachman, April Stronghold and Matthew Bachman

Mike and Angela Leathers Richy Rich and Justine Audilett

Jimmie and Debra Taliaferro, Patty Langston and Richard Roux

Sara and Cristiano Castellini Steve and Lori Duran

The all-new GLA Our smallest SUV is the next big thing. (We don't make a next-best thing.) Arriving Fall 2014

The all-new 2015 GLA-Class

B Well Magazine · August 2014

Chamber Palooza June 13 Held at Kern County Museum Photos by Casey Christie

Chris Chamberlain, Yesmin Tanguma, Leticia Flores and Abel Veleta

Dave and Bobbi Hepburn

Pierre Dunham and Kristin Mikottis

Gina and Kevin Blankenship

Michelle and Barry Zoeller

Tamara Baker and Jenifer Pitcher

Nikki Crissman and Hillary Luff

Natalie and Ryan Green

Maria Gonzalez, Samantha Ens and Rosemary Moreno

August 2014 路 bwellmagazine.com

Fit for Business 5K and 10K run May 31 Held at Yokuts Park Photos by Casey Christie

BSEEN

Cristeen and Frank Crabtree

Irene and Johnny Rubinol

Lynzie Goehring and Amanda Sigwing

Alva Chavez and Mayra Lajosa

Bryana, Anselmo, Anselmo Jr. and Marlen Reyes

Charlene and Becky Ponce

B Well Magazine 路 August 2014

Jachele Howard and Paulette Rodriguez

Chris, Amy and Luke Hanson Eimy Ponce and Grisell Villa

Chris Felix, Imelda Cabrera, Monica Martin and Laura Morales.

Marley’s Mutts at First Friday June 6 Held at Prairie Fire at The Padre Hotel Photos by Brian N. Willhite

BSEEN

Zach Skow, Jaylen Sanchez, Erin St Clair and Kurt Dilores Christine Antonios and Joyce Starr

Lori Davis and Kelli Bolles

Seneca Moore, Jackie Cameron and Maryann Kopp

Amanda Aguilar and David Banda Traci Sharp, Lisa Ansolabehere, Deanna Ribbons and Kevin Morris

Diane Lizalde, Nick Recento, Jackie Cameron and Jose Elicier

Carrie Smith and Teresa Camacho Alyssa McCoy and Dawn Vance

Sharon Collom, Ursula Pesta, Shelley Murphy and Cristi Aguilar

August 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

Second annual Kern County Nut Festival June 7 Held at Kern County Museum Photos by John Harte

BSEEN

Josh, Jake and John Pavletich

Bruce Beretta, Ron Cruz and Rian, Melissa, Isabel and Brian Brandon

Jim Eckelhoff and Jane Jonsson

Maria Solis and Diane Biswanger Riley and Jesse Shelbourne

Patrick Vanmeter and Nikki Wendt

Anastasia Lester, Shyann Nelson, Julie Munoz, Tom Adame and Arthur Flores

Thomas and Wendy Cherry, Kelly Moulla and Tammi and Greg Cherry

B Well Magazine 路 August 2014

Carstin Goemanne, Maripat Ermigarat, Joy Invina and Lauren Enriquez

Norma Diaz, Sarah Neufeld, Ann Justice and Sarah Perkins

Bakersfield KidsFest July 19 Held at Kern County Museum Photos by Casey Christie

BSEEN

Vicki Brown and Tahnee Littrell

Abigail and Zachary Davis, Laura Noland and Roy Davis, back

Karen Barnes

Elizabeth, Jaxon and Cody Satterfield

Moises Rosales and Trey Sims

Tania and Victoria Gardea Dajon Cobb and Jonathan Aguilera

Scott Rush, Chris Oxford and Meghan Ash

E.J., Alexa and Eddie Araza

Krystal Spruill, Paris Strongin, Sophia Lehr and Jared Gianquinto August 2014 路 bwellmagazine.com

THE FAMILYVERDICT By Katy Raytis

Innocence, and teeth, lost “When you are a kid, losing teeth is a major milestone. It’s a rite of passage into the ‘big kid’ world, which looks much better because you can set your own bedtime and you don’t have to do homework.”

Editor’s Note: Not every writer can turn musings on everyday life into stories that both entertain us and warm our hearts. But on top of her legal expertise, local attorney Katy Raytis boasts just that talent. After featuring her earlier this year in Bakersfield Life, our sister magazine, we are pleased to introduce Raytis as an occasional columnist for both magazines. We hope you will enjoy her witty, touching writing in “The Family Verdict” as much as we do.

ometimes losing things is good, like when you are a kid and it’s your first tooth, which is what happened to my youngest daughter the other night at dinner. If you have never seen a 5-year-old’s tooth, it looks a lot like a piece of rice. I know this because she lost her tooth at Bill Lee’s Bamboo Chopsticks Restaurant, and we spent a good 10 minutes digging through the rice on her plate to find it. Talk about “a needle in a haystack,” the saying should have been “a tooth in a rice bowl.” We finally found it. She was beyond ecstatic — leaps, clapping and screams of joy. She caused such a scene that the woman in the booth next to us gave her a dollar. If I ever lose my job, I am going to start ripping my kids’ teeth out at restaurants around town, because it turns out this is a really good panhandling tactic. When you are a grown up, losing teeth isn’t quite as fun. For example, on your honeymoon. My front teeth are porcelain veneers and, sitting over breakfast on the second day of our honeymoon, my front tooth made an unexpected departure. Unlike my daughter, I didn’t feel the urge to leap from the table and announce the good news to the entire restaurant. The worst thing about losing a porcelain veneer is that

B Well Magazine · August 2014

underneath the fake tooth is your real tooth, which has been sawed down into this little, nubby mini-fang. We were vacationing on the island of Moorea, which isn’t exactly a mecca for cosmetic dentistry, so I spent the rest of the honeymoon with one front tooth and one dwarf fang. To my husband’s credit, he didn’t leave me there. Since I wasn’t abandoned in French Polynesia way back when, I was now sitting at Bill Lee’s looking for a tiny tooth in a plate of rice. We scooped, sifted and dug. Then we found it — that tiny enameled embodiment signifying she is growing up. She was thrilled, but I was sad. My last baby is not going to be a baby much longer. When you are a kid, losing teeth is a major milestone. It’s a rite of passage into the “big kid” world, which leads to the “grown up” world, which looks much better because you can set your own bedtime and you don’t have to do homework. But when you are a mom, losing teeth is a sign that childhood is fleeting, that babies grow up and move away, that our family won’t always be like it is today. Losing things is sort of the way it goes in life. First, it’s teeth, later innocence. Eventually, you lose your memory, your hair, and probably your teeth all over again. I don’t want her to grow up. I want to freeze her right at this age, while she is still squishy and says things like, “My toof fell out.” However, spending the evening wallowing in the prospect that she will grow up was not an option. Her excitement was contagious. After all, a real-life fairy was going to fly into her room that night and bring her presents. Who wouldn’t be excited? The next morning we investigated the loot. She got candy fingernails, a little pink bunny and five dollars. That’s quite a payout for a tooth that wasn’t any bigger than a grain of rice. But this wasn’t any tooth. It was the first tooth, and the last baby — that is a powerful combination. She lost a tooth. We are losing a baby. But, in her place, we are being graced with a little girl. — Katy Raytis is a local attorney and mother of three. You can email her your comments at Katy Raytis kraytis@beldenblaine.com.

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LIFEANDHAPPINESS Written By Lisa Kimble

Gratitude on paper “If someone takes the time and spends money to purchase a gift, one should absolutely acknowledge the gesture. Not by an email, text message or over the phone, but with a handwritten note.”

The art of the thank-you note

iving a life of gratitude has exponential side effects, studies suggest. We are more humble, and our blood pressure and stress levels are lower. Yet, in this digital, paper-free age, expressions of thanks in the form of a true handwritten note are becoming as extinct as plume pens. If they are expressed at all, they accompany a hashtag or emoji. The advent of email and other social media vehicles have hastened the thank-you note’s demise. A new generation, not accustomed to being chastised by their parents about whether they wrote a thank-you, can’t distinguish between a letter of thanks and a bill. Thankfully, in some circles, the handwritten thank-you remains the gold standard and ultimate sign of appreciation for a thoughtful gift or gesture.

A history of gratitude A time-honored tradition, ancient Egyptians and

Eastern cultures used pieces of papyrus to write notes to one another. Early Europeans followed suit, but it was the invention of the postage stamp in 1840 that elevated the archaic communication form in popularity. Times, and means of communication, may have changed, but the thank-you note is still the easiest of courtesies to extend. It takes less time to write, address, stamp and mail than it does to scroll through Facebook postings. And that’s a fraction of the time the giver of your gift spent selecting just the right present.

Giving appropriate thanks Recently twists on the gold standard have also emerged as easier means to employ: The fill-in-theblank notes are popular among parents of younger children and the pre-printed acknowledgement. History will rewrite the appropriateness of those, but the basics tenets will never change: If someone takes the time and spends money to purchase a gift, one should absolutely acknowledge the gesture. Not by an email, text message or over the phone but with a handwritten note.

What to say There is no right or wrong sentiment to express, but make sure your note is sincere and from the heart. How you address it, “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Dear Aunt Helen,” depends on your relationship with the gift giver. A paragraph is sufficient. Make mention of what it is that you received, and be specific in a sentence or two about how you plan to use it. Wrap up your note with something personal about the occasion and how you enjoyed the gift giver’s company. The same goes, too, for gifts of time or favors. Prospective employers will remember the job seeker who follows up with a handwritten note of appreciation for the time spent on the interview. Lisa Kimble 94

B Well Magazine · August 2014

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