B Well Magazine November 2014 by Bakersfield Wellness Magazine

NOVEMBER 2014

The

Food Issue Driver wins the race against

DIABETES

Local dietitianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take on the

PALEO DIET Eating right

How to eat well this holiday season Find us online

bwellmagazine.com

A continuing journey

Get Fit Weight-Loss Challenge Going green

Doctor weighs plant-based diet

facebook.com/BWellMagazine

twitter.com/BWellMag

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.

Publisher

Photographers

Ginger Moorhouse

Action Sports Photography Inc. Felix Adamo Brian Coleman Eloise Golden Scott Hislop Jordan King Michael Lopez April Massirio Mark Nessia Greg Nichols Edgar Quispe Carla Rivas Rod Thornburg

President/CEO Richard Beene

Editor Olivia Garcia

Assistant Editor

VOLUME 3 / ISSUE 4

NOVEMBER 2014

Rachel Cook

Specialty Publications Coordinator Art Director

Senior Vice President of Revenue and Marketing

Glenn Hammett

John Wells

Graphic Designer

Interactive Sales Manager

Katelynn Camp

Allison Escobar

Writers Dr. Julie Bae Andy Barkate Chelsea Brewer Daniel Burke Dr. Javier Bustamante Dhaval Buch Kelly Damian Stacie Eldridge Cheryl M. Garone Diana Greenlee Daniel Goldberg Dr. Benjamin Ha Angie Kurtz Marissa Lay Chuck Naus Mira Patel Katy Raytis Kira Wiggins Rita White

Gunter Copeland

Advertising Lisa Whitten 395-7563 lwhitten@bakersfield.com

On the cover Photo by Michael Lopez. Brandon Thompson took on the Get Fit Weight-Loss Challenge this year with the help of Fit for Life Gym owner and trainer Tim Gojich. Find out about his ongoing journey to a healthier life on page 40.

What is your favorite healthy fall meal? “Vegetable soups are the best when it starts cooling off!” — Tamarra Harms, real estate account executive

“My mom’s sweet potato casserole. The sweet potatoes are healthy, before the butter, brown sugar and candied pecans. Their saving grace: You can fill up on the delectable casserole and skip dessert.” — Katelynn Camp, specialty publications coordinator

“I love the winter squashes. One of my favorite recipes is a spinach lasagna with butternut squash and caramelized onion. Fall is also the time for stews loaded with veggies!” — Linda Petree, advertising account executive

“Roasted vegetables recipes are my favorite dishes to make in the winter and fall.” — Rachel Cook, assistant editor

“I'm a sucker for mashed potatoes and gravy with extra gravy. I know it's not the healthiest, but my family does make it from scratch.” — Allison Escobar, graphic designer

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

“Crockpot chicken cooked with water and taco seasoning packets. Your house will smell like Mexicali and nothing is healthier than chicken and water! Serve on a salad or tortilla. Yum.” — Katy Raytis, contributor

B Well Magazine · November 2014

For 15 years we’ve been committed to providing premier cardiac care. We bring that same commitment to the rest of your body.

Cath Lab Spine Center

Women’s Heart Center

Full-Service ER

Joint Replacement Center

Center for Wound Healing

There’s more to good health than just having a healthy heart. At Bakersfield Heart Hospital we’ve been busy adding even more health care services to

our already award-winning cardiac care. Things like our Joint Replacement

Center, our Spine Center, our Center for Wound Healing and, just in case, our Full-Service Emergency Department.

Of course you’ll still be able to get the best cardiac care possible in our Women’s Heart Center, our Cath Lab, and soon our Cardiac Rehab

3001 SILLECT AVE, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93308

Center. Only now you’ll be able to get that same excellent care for all your BakersfieldHeartHospital.Com

other parts, too. THE HOSPITAL IS PARTIALLY OWNED BY PHYSICIANS

Contributors Dr. Benjamin Ha is a family physician and an assistant area medical director for Kaiser Permanente Kern County. Committed to the community, Ha is leading local efforts to improve clinical quality of care and chronic disease management. Ha is a published author and national speaker on the benefits of plant-based nutrition, and he believes a whole food, plantbased diet is a powerful prescription for optimal health and wellness. Most recently, he was a speaker and panelist at the International Plant-Based Nutrition Healthcare Conference held in San Diego. Ha earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Duke University and received his medical degree from the East Carolina University School of Medicine. He served his family medicine residency at Long Beach Memorial Hospital and has been a physician with Kaiser Permanente for more than a decade. Ha lives in Bakersfield with his amazing wife, Nina, and their two wonderful children, Ashley and Benjamin Jr.

Cheryl M. Garone was born and raised in Bakersfield. She is a clinical dietitian and clinical nutrition manager for Dignity Health at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. Garone holds a bachelor’s degree in dietetics and a master’s degree in nutritional science. She has been married to John Garone, a real estate agent, broker and supervisor at Locator Property Management Company, for nine years. They have two children, Luca, 7, and Mia, 6. Besides healthy living, Garone is passionate about volunteering at her children’s school and helping the women and children of the community through the Junior League of Bakersfield. She enjoys reading, skiing and spending time with family and friends.

From The Editor’s Desk Editor Olivia Garcia enjoys a healthy Greek salad while on vacation.

A journey to smart eating

inding healthy meals when you are home can seem a lot easier than eating right while traveling. However, it is possible to eat healthy while you are away. My family and I recently traveled to Washington, D.C. where we toured different tourist spots around town. At Bullfeathers in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, for instance, I discovered a delicious healthy grilled chicken Greek salad. Eating right should be our mantra, whether we are traveling or moving between home and work or school. Our healthy-minded staff also agree, which is why we are excited to introduce our healthy foods and diet special. With Thanksgiving around the corner and Christmas and New Year quickly to follow, a few contributors shared tips on how to eat smart during the tempting, food-laden

holidays. What about a plant-based diet? Listen to what Dr. Benjamin Ha of Kaiser Permanente has to say. Is the Paleo diet the right answer for you? How do you know when you’re overdoing it when it comes to crashing dieting? Our health experts have some great advice for you. Aside from these worth-saving tips, a few other health pros talked to us about diabetes. As a young child, I saw my grandmother struggle with diabetes and these days, I see how it’s affected my mother. But I am proud to say that my mother has entered a pre-diabetes stage with her healthy eating choices, consistent walking and hiking outdoors. She’s a solid example of how we can improve and take control our health by the choices we make in life.

Olivia Garcia Editor 395-7487 ogarcia@bakersfield.com

November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

Staff Picks Left to Spend app for iPhone/iPad To help sustain my financial health, I like to keep a budget for my entertainment expenses, food, shopping, vacations, etc. The Left to Spend app is an easy way to do this without too many bells and whistles. Each time I make a purchase, the app deducts the cost from my allowance, allowing me to see exactly what I have left to spend at any given time. It's a very simple, yet excellent tool for anyone wanting to keep a budget.

The Food Issue

Inside November 2014

— Allison Escobar

Swimming gem in town As I eased back into the pool this summer and fall, I learned what every Bakersfield swimmer already knows: McMurtrey Aquatic Center is a gem. The $4 lap swim price is totally worth it for entry into the spick-and-span facilities. Fellow swimmers are courteous and generously share lanes. Stop by the pool at 1325 Q. St. and check out bakersfieldswim.us for lap swim hours.

— Rachel Cook

Giving thanks in every moment "One Thousand Gifts," by Ann Voskamp. “Thanksgiving — always precedes the miracle.” Journey alongside Voskamp as she searches for profound joy and purpose by giving thanks in every moment. This New York Times best seller, written in a beautifully lyrical prose, is something I re-read again and again.

Features 28 Hunter-gatherers among us A dietitian’s thoughts on the popular paleo diet.

30 The power of plants Kaiser Permanente doc shares how he boosts his health with plant-based, whole food eats.

38 Understanding SAD Spot the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.

— Katelynn Camp

— Glenn Hammett

Blessed bracelet I have been fortunate to have friends who have gifted me bracelets on special occasions. One that I treasure is part of the My Saints My Hero bracelet collection. I have a Blessing Bracelet, which is woven by hand and features 10 Benedictine medals. It also comes with a little tag that says “blessed.” I do feel blessed indeed.

— Olivia Garcia

B Well Magazine · November 2014

26 On the right track Bakersfield natives fight back against diabetes.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ACTION SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY INC.

Discover Cerre Noroeste Cerro Noroeste, also known as Mt. Abel, is Kern County’s hidden gem recreational venue. A recent road bike ride with a group of friends from Maricopa to the Cerro Noroeste campground (8,287 feet elevation) revealed stunning views of the San Joaquin Valley, Carrizo Plains, the coastal range and the Los Padres National Forest, as well as surprisingly cool temperatures, for which we were ill-prepared. The area, which can also be accessed from the east through Frazier Park and Pine Mountain Club, also boasts opportunities for mountain biking, hiking rock climbing and, in the winter months, snow shoeing and back country skiing.

18 20

Get outside this fall and winter.

Save the Date Entertainment, runs and more.

Quiz Test your healthy holiday eating smarts.

Kern’s fitness facts.

A CrossFit king and queen.

Get to Know

Healthy Bites

Your Health

Defying the Odds

Rider’s back in the saddle after spine surgery.

Health Watch Diet and diabetes questions answered.

Holistic Health How to eat right (even how you chew matters).

Get Fit 39 40

Fab Finds Holiday gift ideas for fitness, beauty lovers.

Diet Diary Weight-loss challenge clocks out after nine months.

PHOTO BY SCOTT HISLOP

B the Cause Doc gets moving to help her patients.

Some Kind of Wonderful Foster family reaches out beyond their home.

Smart Health

Fit Foodies Rütz Açai and Cafe

Healthy Indulgence A hearty pumpkin cake for folks with dietary restrictions.

Calorie Count Merry low-calorie cocktails.

Wellness & Wonder 54

Real Success Stories

Your Body

What Happens When...

Life’s Questions Answered

Last Look

B Seen

The Family Verdict

PHOTO BY SCOTT HISLOP

B Connected

Creating Awareness

Healthy happenings around town.

How to be the biggest loser at your office.

Life & Happiness Tax tips to boost your financial health in the New Year.

One couple’s weight loss success.

Bust these fat myths.

Your child is obese.

The effects of crash diets.

Living Green

Gardening

Eco-friendly holiday ideas.

Pick the perfect plants for fall and winter seasons.

40 November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

PHOTO BY MICHAEL LOPEZ

Out & About

PHOTO BY GREG NICHOLS

Departments

OUT & ABOUT / b connected

Be dazzled by HolidayLights at CALM By CALM ee colorful displays and three million lights at HolidayLights at CALM nightly from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 28 through Jan. 3, except for Dec. 25. Tickets are $12 for adults; $10 youth and seniors; and $6 for children and free to children three and younger. Tickets can be purchased at the CALM entrance or through Vallitix at www.vallitix.com. HolidayLights includes free carousel and train rides on board the Candy Cane Express. All dollars spent at CALM stay at CALM. Visit the gift shop for one-of-a-kind gifts for holiday or everyday giving. CALM is located in northeast Bakersfield on Alfred Harrell Highway between Hart Park and Lake Ming.

Children with smiles on their faces walk through CALM with their families last holiday season.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

CHiPs for KiDs Toy Drive Brighten the holidays for disadvantaged children throughout Kern County

he California Highway Patrol (CHP) Bakersfield area office is bringing the spirit of the holiday season to disadvantaged and hospitalized children in Kern County with the annual CHiPs for KiDs Toy Drive. From Nov. 17 to Dec. 17, anyone can donate a new, unwrapped toy for children ages up to age 16 at the following dropoff locations: Bakersfield Area CHP, 4040 Buck Owens Blvd.; The Bakersfield Californian, 1707 Eye St.; Motor City in the Auto Mall; United Way of Kern County, 5405 Stockdale Highway; or any Walgreens in Kern County. A special

toy drop-off event will be held from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 3 at The Bakersfield Californian. Candy canes, newspapers and more will be available to those who donate a toy. The CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive of Kern County began by helping 500 children in 2010 but has grown since then, providing 3,000 toys to local kids in 2013. “It’s a lot of work to coordinate such a large event but incredibly rewarding knowing that we’re making the holidays brighter for local kids who may not have much during this time of year,” said Roberto Rodriguez, public information officer for the Bakersfield Area CHP.

B Well Magazine · November 2014

PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS

Compiled by B Well Magazine

Having thousands of toys to choose from made the decision-making difficult for Isaiah Perkins and his helper Lupita Ayala at the 2013 CHiPs for Kids toys distribution event held at Valley Baptist Church.

OUT & ABOUT / b connected

Our favorite Christmas tradition The Bakersfield annual Christmas Parade is coming to town

he 32nd Annual Bakersfield Christmas Parade will travel through downtown Bakersfield at 6 p.m. Dec. 4. Presented by Kaiser Permanente and San Joaquin Community Hospital, the “Here Comes Christmas” parade will feature more than 100 entries, including Christmas-themed floats, marching bands, light displays and horse-drawn carriages. Get downtown early and visit one of the newly developed “Christmas Square” marketplaces open at 4 p.m. Adults

can enjoy food from local vendors and shop the merchandise booths while kids drop their letters off in Santa’s Mailbox and participate in other holidaythemed activities hosted by local sponsors. High school student carolers will serenade you from the marketplace’s Christmas Choir Corners while you find your spot along the route and celebrate with the 20,000 other people expected to attend the event. For marketplace locations and more information, visit bcparade.com.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

By Mira Patel

The Bakersfield Fire Department truck lit up the parade with a full complement of children and others riding on the old model engine.

November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

OUT & ABOUT / be connected

Show presents holidays in unprecedented style PHOTO BY WAYNE WONG

Canyon Hills Church presents “Glorious Christmas” Compiled by B Well Magazine et in the holiday mood at the fan-

tastical and faith-based “Glorious

Christmas” show presented by

Canyon Hills Church Dec. 12

through 14. A beautiful, giant 26-foot singing Christmas tree will be the center of attention while a live orchestra plays below. Attendees can sing along to a special rendition of the “Twelve Days of Christmas” and watch a colorful Toyland fantasia performance.

Glorious Christmas performers portray the nativity scene and sing of Jesus' birth from the famed 26-foot singing Christmas tree.

For their 13th Glorious Christmas show, producers and directors Rick and Debbie Moore have created a script that explores the

tells the nativity story. Tickets start at $14; children are half price. Discount information is available on the Glorious Christmas at Canyon Hills Facebook page

SFIELD CALIF OR

2014

E R S’

CH O IC E

AN NI

public debate over the use of “Merry Christmas” versus other seasonal greetings and

or at glorious-christmas.com. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 through 14, with 3:30 p.m. matinees on Dec. 13 and 14 at 7001 Auburn St.

THAI FOOD

B Well Magazine · November 2014

EXPERT CONNECT

Homecare for veterans and their surviving spouses paid for by the VA — What’s the catch?

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

am often amazed by how many people are reluctant to apply for this little known benefit available to them because they fear there is a catch. Some are afraid that this will hurt their Social Security, Medicare or Medi-Cal benefits. Others are afraid that they will have to pay taxes on the payments they receive for the Aid and Attendance pension. I have seen cases where adult children fear that the money used for this pension will have to be repaid from the estate after their parent is deceased. There is no catch! The Aid and Attendance pension is a reimbursement pension established to cover the costs of reoccurring medical expenses such as in-home care for veterans, as well as their surviving spouses. Since this is categorized as a reimbursement program, there is no income to report and no taxes to pay.

“Quality In-Home Care That Improves Lives” (661) 397-2559 | www.allyinhomecare.com

Furthermore, since it is not an income, this aid does not affect the recipient’s Social Security benefits, their Medicare coverage or premiums, or even their ability to qualify for most Medi-Cal benefits. Once qualified, the only requirement is that the funds received from the VA for the Aid and Attendance pension continues to be used for approved reoccurring medical expenses. There are several qualifying factors that must be met, as well as supplying specific documents in order to qualify. Having an experienced representative like Ally Senior Care partnering with Senior Veterans Benefits Advocates has proven to be a great asset for hundreds of your neighbors. Take advantage of our 98 percent approval rating and our proven ability to have many claims approved in less than 30 days after submitting the application.

“Proudly Serving Those Who Honorably Served Our Country” November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

OUT & ABOUT / b connected

Enjoying holiday desserts too much? Consider a run Compiled by B Well Magazine he holidays have arrived and while we indulge at a delicious holiday meal with family or friends we may be looking for ways to burn those calories. Consider these holiday running events to help keep you in shape. The annual Turkey Trot Walk/Run sets off at 8 a.m. Nov. 22 at Yokuts Park. Pre-registration is open now through Nov. 19 with a price of $25 for adults and $20 for runners age 17 and younger. Races include a 5K and a 10K. In addition, a Lil Gobbler run for children and Bob the Turkey will take place and costs $10 prior to Nov. 17. Late registration or race-day registration is $30 for

Justin Golding and his son Jackson cross the finish line together at the Turkey Trot run, a fundraiser for the Bakersfield Homeless Center.

adults, $25 for runners age 17 and younger and $15 for the Lil Gobbler run. This walk/run will benefit the Bakersfield Homeless Center. For information, visit bakersfieldturkeytrot.com Kick off Thanksgiving Day by participating in the annual Pie Run that takes place at Hart Park on Nov. 27. There is no fee to attend but runners, walkers and joggers are encouraged to bring a treat, such a cookies, doughnuts or pie, to share with participants afterwards. The location will be at Section 7 and participants should arrive before 6 a.m. to join the starting line. Runners, walkers and joggers dash one mile or beyond.

Get ready to rumble Compiled by B Well Magazine he annual fitness fundraiser the Rio Bravo Rumble returns in January to raise money for Bike Bakersfield. The Rio Bravo Rumble starts at 9 a.m. Jan. 17 at Rio Bravo Ranch, 15701 Highway 178. Participants can cycle or run at the beautiful private property near the Kern River Canyon. Organizers give thanks to the ranch and Nickel family for permission to use the property for the event. The event is presented by Glinn & Giordano Physical Therapy with support from Clifford & Brown, Leo Mark Hinds, Guinn Construction, Wonderful Pistachios, Fiji Water, POM Wonderful, Paramount Citrus, Wonderful Halos and Multi-Business Systems. Race categories are individual and team biathlons (10K run followed by a 20-mile bike ride) for $50 or $80, respectively; an almost half-marathon (12 to 13 miles) on fire roads for $45; and free kid races that start at about noon. For information, visit ggphysicaltherapy.com/rio-bravo-rumble.

B Well Magazine · November 2014

Youngsters off to a quick start during last year’s Rio Bravo Rumble.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

OUT & ABOUT / b connected

Cyclocross converges at Hart Park in December Compiled by B Well Magazine two-day cyclocross racing series will roll through Hart Park on the first weekend in December. The racing starts at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 6 and 7, as part of the SPYclocross and SCNCA Series Finals. Organizers say the SPYclocross Series consists of five events and seven racing days throughout southern California. Hart Park is a challenging, classic Eurostyle course that includes grass, dirt and pavement. Cyclocross is an extremely spectator-friendly form of bike racing and food and drinks will be available.

Craig Chaney makes it to the top of this hill during a time trial for charity last year at Hart Park at the California State Cyclocross Championships.

Several race categories will be offered; register online at usacycling.org or tinyurl.com/cyclocross-hartpark. Fees range from $30 to $35. A valid USA cycling license is required to compete. A one-day license is available with pre-registration or on race day for $15. Juniors (youth) race for free with a USAC license. Online registration closes Dec. 3, but same-day registration is offered with a $5 fee per category. For more details, visit facebook.com/spyclocrossseries, sambarn.com or scnca.org.

Local teacher raises money Breakfast with Santa to save family pets Saturday, December 6, 2014 8am- 10am

Compiled by B Well Magazine Highland High School math teacher spent his summer participating in the ninth annual Top Dog & Cat Competition to benefit Brown Dog Foundation. Scott Clare and his dog, BuckO, joined 15 other individuals who spent eight weeks seeking support for the Brown Dog Foundation to help pet owners avoid the decision between putting food on the table or providing critical care needed to keep their pet alive and healthy. The foundation receives countless requests from families facing the agonizing decision of unnecessarily euthanizing their family pet simply because they

$10 Children 2 and under FREE lack the cash or credit line to cover the cost of veterinary care. While the foundation assists an average of two families each week, their efforts only scratch the surface of this massive need. Clare and Buck-O have a very unusual story to tell. Buck-O was born with a congenital heart condition called tricuspid (heart) valve dysplasia and frequent ventricular arrhythmias. He was the first pooch to undergo cardiac ablation for ventricular arrhythmia. Dr. Kathy Wright at MedVet in Cincinnati is the only surgeon in the country trained to perform this surgery. Buck-O is now back home, healthy and playful with a solid heart rhythm.

at the Marketplace Enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa Purchase tickets NOW by calling 616-9122 All proceeds benefit

November 2014 路 bwellmagazine.com

EXPERT CONNECT

“I need help at home. What do I do?” 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.

“W

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. • 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?

Darlyn Baker, RN has been published in four nursing journals and has served as a guest speaker at two national private duty conferences. She was chosen as the 2009 Nurse Leader of the Year by the Association of California Nurse Leaders, and was a 2011 Beautiful Bakersfield award recipient.

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.

This article is brought to you by Interim HealthCare.

B Well Magazine · November 2014

4801 Truxtun Ave. 395-1700 mybakersfieldhealthcare.com

Erase 5 years in 55 minutes for $99!

[

before treatment

[ E DF D

after treatment

If your skin isn’t becoming to you... you should be coming to us! Gift Certificates Available 661-324-FACE(3223) www.rejuvenationskinstudio.com

OUT & ABOUT

Save the

DATE 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $18-$50 plus fees. ticketmaster.com or call 800-7453000.

Tues., Nov. 11

Veterans Day at CALM

9 a.m. to 4 p.m., CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. $9; $7 seniors; all veterans with ID are free. 872-2256.

Thurs., Nov. 13

Classic Film Festival, "Chicago"

7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. Saturday, Maya Cinemas, 1000 California Ave. $6. 636-0484.

Fri., Nov. 14

Sat., Nov. 22

8 a.m., Yokuts Park. Chose from one-miler, 5K or 10K. Preregistration $25 adults, $20 children 17 and younger; late registration $30 adults, $25 children 17 and younger; packet pick up at Soul 2 Soul 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 21, 9000 Ming Ave. bakersfieldturkeytrot.com

Sun., Nov. 23

"The Witches of Westchester"

Disney's "Beauty & the Beast"

7:30 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $32.50-$62.50 plus fees. ticketmaster.com or call 800745-3000.

Thurs., Nov. 20

Classic Film Festival, "To Kill a Mockingbird"

7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. Saturday, Maya Cinemas, 1000 California Ave. $6. 636-0484.

Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra

Popular classics of the Dust Bowl Era: "The Plow that Broke the Plains" and "Billy the Kid," 4 p.m., CSUB, Doré Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway. At the door: $10; $5 seniors, students with ID. 301-3390.

7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 587-3377.

Mon., Nov. 17

Turkey Trot Walk/Run benefitting the Bakersfield Homeless Center

P P P P P P P P Sat., Nov. 8

Disney on Ice: “Worlds of Fantasy”

Can’t-miss events from November to February

B Well Magazine · November 2014

P Fri., Nov. 28

12th annual HolidayLights at CALM

See over two million dazzling lights, 5:30 to 9 p.m. daily except Christmas day until Jan. 3, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. $12; $10 seniors and children ages 1317; $6 ages 3-12. Receive $2 off all tickets on Dec. 1-4 and Dec. 8-11. Tickets at vallitix.com, 3225200, 872-2256 or at the gate at CALM.

Holiday Parties Whether you are entertaining clients, thanking your employees or celebrating with family and friends, KRUSH Wine, Bar and Restaurant is the premier holiday party venue. Choose from our gourmet menu, notable wine list, craft, bottled or draft beers, and spectacular specialty cocktails made with premium spirits.

Premier Menu Packages Accommodates 12 to 75 Guests Priced from $16 to $50 per person Create your own distinctive holiday event. Our Executive Chef, Certified Sommelier and Mixologist are available to guide you in food, wine, beer or specialty drink choices to personalize your holiday experience. Our friendly and capable serve staff adds to your festive occasion; making your event unforgettable. Book Your Reservation Today 661-695-8018

KRUSH WINE, BAR AND RESTAURANT 10500 Hageman Rd, Bakersfield, Ca

P P P P P P P P P P P P Fri., Nov. 28

Annual Feast for the Beasts

A donation from items listed will admit one person: two large bags frozen blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries; two large bags frozen mixed vegetables; five pounds apples; two pound jar peanut butter, jam or honey; five pounds frozen chicken thighs or breasts; three pounds pecans, walnuts, or almonds (without salt or flavoring) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. 872-2256.

Mon., Dec. 1

Taft annual Christmas Parade, "It's a Roughneck Christmas"

6 p.m., begins on the west end of Center Street, Taft. 765-2165.

Tues., Dec. 2

Christmas Wreath Design Class

Fri., Dec. 19

“A Very Empty Christmas”

8 p.m., The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Tickets are donations. Visit www.esonline.org or call 327PLAY(7529).

Fri., Dec. 19

“Winter Wonderettes”

6 p.m., Stars Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. Ticket prices vary depending on meal selection. Visit www.bmtstars.com or call 3256100.

Thurs., Jan. 22

So You Think You Can Dance — Live Tour

8 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $37-$63 plus fees. ticketmaster.com or call 800-7453000.

6:30 p.m., Log Cabin Florist, 800 19th St. $85. 327-8646.

Sat., Dec. 6

Annual Christmas Dinner & Dance Fundraiser

Presented by Bakersfield Chinese Women's Club; no host bar, raffle, silent auction, 5:30 p.m., Panda Palace, 118 Oak St. $35. 343-7766.

Sun., Dec. 7

BEFORE

CoolSculpting is the cool new way to remove unwanted fat and bulges. No needles, no surgery, no downtime. How cool is that?!

Brian Regan

JOIN US FOR A LIVE COOLSCUPLTING DEMO!

8 p.m, Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $48 at the box office window only. vallitix.com or 322-5200.

Sun., Dec. 7

"Mark 209”

Presented by Bakersfield Community Concert Association, 3 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $80 for six concerts. 589-2478.

Fri., Dec. 12

“Gaslight Holiday Extravaganza: A Christmas for Santa Claus”

7 p.m., Gaslight Melodrama Theater and Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $25 general admission; $23 seniors and children. 587-3377.

Fri., Jan. 23

Monday, November 24th 5:00 - 7:00PM Free to attend. RSVP required Monster X Tour

7:30 p.m. Friday; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $40-$10 plus fees. ticketmaster.com or 800-7453000.

Thurs., Feb. 12

12 WEEKS AFTER second treatment

Harlem Globetrotters

7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $21-$88 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or 800-7453000.

Botox • Juvederm • Voluma • Viora • Phentermine • Fatbuster • CoolScuplting • Laser Hair • Skin Resurfacing • B12 Injections 661-617-6101 • 1500 Haggin Oaks, Suite 100 Dr. Gregory Klis, M.D. April Cooper, R.N. • Tasha Brown, R.N. • Debbie Alteparmakian, R.N. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and CareCredit www.skinsationmedispa.com November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

H E A LT H Q U I Z

Outsmart those sneaky holiday pounds

By Cheryl M. Garone

n average, Americans gain approximately one to two pounds during the holiday season. While this weight gain isn't dramatic, research shows it tends to stick and accumulate over the years. With just a few strategies, you can avoid holiday weight gain while still enjoying friends, family and the holiday feast. In preparation for a big holiday party or feast, do not skip meals throughout the day. This can result in overeating later. It is especially important to eat breakfast. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, those who eat in the morning tend to consume fewer calories throughout the day. High-fiber foods will satisfy hunger and are lower in calories, so include fruits, vegetables and whole grains into your daily intake. Holiday meals tend to be large, buffetstyle affairs that can include second and third helpings. While most wouldn't consider eating an entire cake, a common mistake is eating large portions of foods that are healthy. Includ-

B Well Magazine Âˇ November 2014

ing healthy foods in your diet is great, just remember that these foods have calories too and should be enjoyed in moderation. There are many strategies to help you avoid overeating. Using a smaller plate allows you to put less food on it, thus encourages proper portion sizes. Also, start by filling your plate with vegetables and salad before going to the main entrees. Research conducted by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics supports the finding that eating a salad before your meal can help you eat fewer calories overall. Eat slowly and savor every bite, and before you go back for seconds, wait a few minutes to see if you really are still hungry. Exercising these simple steps at the holiday dinner table will allow you to maintain a healthful eating plan â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one that can even accommodate dessert. When it comes to drinking alcohol, satisfy your thirst first with a large glass of water. Experts agree that

drinking a mocktail (a non-alcoholic cocktail such as cider, punch, juice, diet tonic, etc.) in between alcoholic beverages can also help keep our waist and heads in better shape. Finally, after dinner, get some physical activity. This is a great time to go for a walk and catch up with family members, or you can play catch or a game of basketball with the kids. When your holiday feast ends, it is important to take steps to ensure food safety so no one gets sick from eating leftovers. Chill it promptly, reheat it right and use it within a few days or lose it. The holidays are a great time for celebrating with friends and family over food and drinks. With just a little organization and planning, you can keep off the extra holiday pounds and still enjoy all that the season has to offer. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Cheryl M. Garone is a registered dietitian who works at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital.

Test Your Holiday Nutrition Smarts 1. How much turkey should be on your plate? a. Turkey being the main attraction, half your plate. b. About three ounces, the size of a deck of cards c. None, it’s best to stay away from turkey.

2. How much stuffing should be on your plate? a. No minimum portion required. b. About 1 cup, the size of a baseball. c. About ½ cup, the size of an ice cream scooper.

3. Which is higher in fat? a. Dark turkey meat b. White turkey meat

4. Which drink has the fewest calories? a. Eggnog b. Apple cider c. Cranberry martini

5. Which dip has the fewest calories? a. Hummus b. Salsa c. French onion

6. Party foods can safely sit on the buffet countertop for three hours. a. True b. False

7. Should you skip dessert? a. Nothing good can come from eating dessert, always say, “No.” b. You can have dessert if it fits into your healthful eating plan. c. None of the above.

8. Which nut is highest in fat? a. Peanuts b. Almonds c. Chestnuts

9. Candy canes, cookies and cakes make your kids hyper. a. True b. False

10. Holiday plates piled high, how can you minimize the negative health impact of the meal? a. Rest. b. Do nothing, one high fat meal won’t hurt you. c. Wake up early the next morning to exercise. d. Walk for 45 minutes after your meal.

Answers: 1. B; 2. C; 3. B; 4. B; 5. B; 6. B; 7. B; 8. C; 9. B; 10. D

Adult Family Home Agency (AFHA)

work from home? Would you like to are bedroom? Do you have a sp earn extra income? Would you like to

nnect with loving We would like to cooffer a Quality Living families willing tot with DD Option for an adul

Minimum Family Home Qualifications: • 21 year or age or older • Calif Driver’s License with reliable transportation and valid insurance • Successfully complete background check • Bilingual a plus • Successfully complete our ongoing training

CALL NOW

5102 Park Drive Ave (661) 833-4050 • (661) 833-4056 www.mycreativeconnectionsinc.org November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

S M A R T H E A LT H

Local numbers on health in Kern County How Kern County adults rate their current health

14.8%

2.1%

Poor

12%

Excellent

Fair

36.6%

Good

34.5%

Belong to health / fitness club or gym

100,165 in 2011 106,021 in 2012 101,094 in 2013 104,356 in 2014 5.8% of Kern County adults bought medications for weight loss in the past 12 months.

Very good

Source: Scarborough Research (March 2014)

B Well Magazine 路 November 2014

Delano Surgical Group Hair today, gone tomorrow! FR EE N TATIO CONSUL

Cosmetic Services: Prices As Low As $40

Cosmetic Laser Hair Removal and Skin Treatments • Upper Lip • Chin • Underarms • Forearms • Lower Legs • Bikini Line

Appointments available Monday - Saturday Financing available with approval based on credit status.

661.725.4847 1205 Garces Hwy, Suite 303 Delano, CA 93215

OUT AND ABOUT / get to know

Owners of local gym CrossFit Frenzy Compiled by B Well ver since the CrossFit craze hit Bakersfield, Angie and Rafael Guijarro have led the charge to be healthy and active at their gym CrossFit Frenzy. The gym opened in March 2011 and has developed quite the following over the past four years. The Guijarros originally discovered CrossFit after getting bored with their normal workouts. “A friend told us about this cool new workout called CrossFit. We were sold,” they said. As they raise their two daughters, Gabriella, 11, and Sofia, 8, the couple is on a mission to prove that any type of person can do these challenging workouts and see results.

“Members at my gym don’t know this, but they inspire me on a daily basis.” — Angie

Rafael, 40, moved to the U.S. when he was 18 years old after growing up in Caracas, Venezuela, and becoming a Venezuelan National swimmer. He was also a Division II collegiate swimmer here in Bakersfield. CrossFit is a huge part of his life and he recently competed in the 2014 CrossFit games in the Mens’ Masters Division. When he’s not in the gym, Rafael loves spending time with his family and catching up on episodes of “The Voice” and “The Walking Dead.”

“Anyone can do CrossFit with the right coaching and programming, and you will surprise yourself with what you can do.” — Rafael 24

B Well Magazine · November 2014

PHOTO BY SCOTT HISLOP

Angie and Rafael Guijarro

Angie, a 39-year-old Bakersfield native, deemed herself a “college nomad” after attending two junior colleges and three universities. Luckily, she ended up at Cal State Bakersfield at the same time as Rafael. Angie loves to travel, and, “as a young adult, I would drop anything for a good adventure,” she said. Angie caught the CrossFit bug and now adheres to the paleo diet along with her husband. She also enjoys a good glass of wine and an episode of “Scandal.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF ACTION SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY INC.

Ryan Reed prepares for a practice session inside his car.

Beating Back Diabetes

By Kelly Damian

iabetes is a serious disease and a diagnosis of diabetes can be scary. But many people manage the disease and continue to thrive. Meet three Kern County natives who live with diabetes and have made positive changes in their lives.

Challenging the red flag

When he was 17 years old, NASCAR driver Ryan Reed found out he

B Well Magazine 路 November 2014

Silia Gonzales watches her diet to manage her diabetes and has shed weight since her diagnosis.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPHANIE MURPHY

Three Bakersfieldians keep up the good fight in the face of diabetes

had Type 1 diabetes. The news was “a tough diagnosis,” but when the doctor told Reed he would never race again, the prediction was unimaginable for someone who had been going around racetracks since age 4. Reed sought a second opinion and found Dr. Anne Peters, an endocrinologist, who told him that he could continue racing so long as he followed all her instructions. A strict diet and exercise regimen was a given, but Peters also required Reed to use a continuous glucose monitor when racing. The monitor measures glucose levels in the tissue via a small electrode implanted in the user’s skin. The electrode sends data to a screen that looks much like a cellphone. Reed keeps his monitor mounted on his car’s dash, so during each race he can check his oil pressure, water temperature and blood sugar levels. But keeping himself behind the wheel was not enough. Reed formed a foundation called Ryan’s Mission and is collaborating with the American Diabetes Association and Lilly Diabetes to promote diabetes education. What does the 21-year-old driver see in his future? “I hope to be racing at the highest level,” he said. “And I’ll still be involved in the diabetes community.”

The Baker Family

When it matters most, count on us! Personal care or nursing care at home

H E A LT H C A R E

When Mom or Dad can no longer live alone, call BAKERSFIELD SENIOR PLACEMENT Darlyn Baker RN & family owned

Energetic once more

When Robert Georgi was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, he felt not shock, but relief. He had been feeling extremely sluggish for months and often struggled to stay awake and alert. He was glad to know what the problem was so he could deal with it. In the past year, he has transformed a lifetime of bad habits. Fried food, soda and red meats are out. Instead of quickly grabbing a bite to eat, Georgi focuses on eating sensible portions. He also incorporates fish and vegetables in his diet. In the face of temptation, he has learned to tell himself, “That looks good, but not for me.” The hard work has paid off. The 66-year-old has lost 20 pounds and is full of energy again. Diabetes is now a fact of life for Georgi, but he hopes that others don’t have to go through the difficulties he has. “This disease is extremely dangerous, but you have a choice. It’s totally avoidable if you live healthy,” he said. Georgi, who teaches at Bakersfield Adult School, used to referee soccer games for his older kids. Now, he’s considering putting the stripes back on next season for his youngest daughter, who is 11.

395-1700

Darlyn Baker, RN Bryon Baker and Chuck Baker

4801 Truxtun Ave.

(661)395-1700

www.MyBakersfieldHealthcare.com

Part of a community

Diabetes runs in Silia Gonzales’ family. Her mother, father, brother and paternal grandmother all died of complications due to diabetes, so when she was diagnosed with diabetes, it felt like “a death penalty, like ‘this is it.’” However, she found strength and encouragement from her clients (she was a barber at the time) and from her community at church. “If it wasn’t for God, I wouldn’t be here,” she said. In the past year Gonzales has lost 70 pounds. She is careful to include protein and vegetables in her meals and watches how many carbohydrates she eats. Candy and soda are no longer a daily staple, but rather an occasional indulgence. And she exercises religiously in the most literal sense of the word. Three times a week she attends church and an hour of standing, clapping and swaying to the music gets the retired barber’s heart pumping. Gonzales, 68, gets support and encouragement from her family and her church, but she has to keep herself motivated. “Nobody can make you do it,” she said. “You have to do it for yourself.”

November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

HUNTER-GATHERERS AMONG US A dietitian’s take on the paleo diet

By Kira Wiggins, RD, CDE Director, Community Wellness San Joaquin Community Hospital

he “Paleolithic Diet,” also known as the “hunter-gatherer diet,” is a modern way of eating designed to imitate the diet of humans who lived during the Paleolithic era (a period lasting around 2.5 million years that ended 10,000 years ago). Followers of this diet suggest humans’ nutritional needs evolved specific to the foods available at that time. The diet of our “paleo” ancestors supposedly centered primarily on meats, vegetables, some fruits and nuts. What you don’t see on this list is anything processed, such as table sugar, soda, Cheetos or Twinkies — can I get an “Amen” to that! But, what you also don’t see on this list are legumes (peanuts, lentils, beans, peas, etc.), whole grains or dairy — this is where some concern creeps in. So the question remains, is it possible our

B Well Magazine · November 2014

metabolism has been unable to adapt fast enough to handle many of the foods that have become available since the advent of agriculture? Welcome to the latest debate on the “best diet for humans!” Evolutionary biologist would argue that the human digestive system has, in fact, evolved in many ways, adapting to the foods produced through modern agriculture. Additionally, much of the digestion that happens in our gut is done by bacteria (yes, bacteria) that evolve very quickly. There is a very strong argument that the bacteria making a home in the modern gut do not at all resemble the bacteria that lived in the gut of our Paleolithic brothers and sisters. It would also be argued that most of the foods considered “acceptable” on the modern Paleo diet, genetically, do not resemble the foods our ancestors ate due to agricultural practices. And so the debate rages on. Well, nutritionally, the greatest aspect to following the paleo diet is the removal of

processed foods, but these came with the advent of “industrial foods,” not “agricultural foods.” If we remove legumes, whole grains and dairy, we also remove the main contributors of calcium, magnesium and folate in our diet. Could it be that the “best diet for humans” existed before we began eating industrial/processed foods? If trying the paleo diet stops you from eating the processed foods that provide excess calories, sodium, saturated fat and preservatives, this may be a good choice. If you choose to go this route though, it will be important for you to eat lots and lots of dark leafy greens as they are good sources of calcium, magnesium and folate. Also add meats with healthy fats such as salmon and sardines (also a good source of calcium). Lastly, you might consider acting as a “rebel paleo” jumping forward a couple thousand years to add ancient grains, such as quinoa, millet and amaranth, to give your diet a little zing (and a nutritional boost with very little calories). Happy hunting and gathering!

The power of plants Doctor shares lessons, love of healthy eating By Dr. Benjamin Ha Photos by Scott Hislop

Dr. Benjamin Ha improved his own health by adopting a whole food, plant-based diet.

very day my patients ask me for advice on what they should eat to be healthy. What most patients don’t realize is that I, along with the majority of physicians, received very little education on nutrition during medical school. For most of my career, other than general advice to eat more fruits and vegetables and less fried foods, I provided my patients very little evidence-based guidance on this topic. Within three years of beginning my career with Kaiser Permanente in 2003, I had gained 15 pounds. Busy with work and starting a family, I exercised little and ate the standard American diet with a high intake of meat, sug-

B Well Magazine · November 2014

ary desserts, fatty foods and refined grains. I began having excruciating attacks of gout, typically after overindulging at a weekend barbecue or a buffet. In spite of these issues, I continued to eat whatever I wanted. In 2012, I was encouraged by a patient whose husband died of cancer to read the book “Eat to Live,” by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. After reading the book, along with “The China Study,” and watching the movie “Forks over Knives,” I realized that my understanding of nutrition and its effect on health and chronic disease was inadequate. Given my own health issues and empowered by this new knowledge, I slowly transi-

tioned to a whole food, plant-based diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and beans with a minimal amount of sugar, processed flour, dairy, eggs and animal protein. Over the next year I lost 20 pounds, cured myself of gout, and dramatically improved my health. I also discovered that changing a lifetime of unhealthy eating habits isn't easy, even when you fully understand how it affects your body. My family now spends more time shopping for produce at local farmers markets and cooking meals together at home. When dining out, we choose restaurants with menus that Continued on PAGE 32

Tips to get started Books “The China Study,” by Dr. T. Colin Campbell “Eat to Live,” by Dr. Joel Fuhrman “In Defense of Food,” by Michael Pollan

Movies (Documentaries) “Forks over Knives” “The Weight of the Nation” “Food, Inc.”

Online Forksoverknives.com 21daykickstart.org nutritionfacts.org

• Personal Care • Bathing Services • Homemakers Service • Care Management • Meal Preparation • Transportation • Alzheimer’s & Hospice Care • Emergency Monitoring • Hospital Attendant • Bonded & Insured

We personally match our caregivers to each client and their needs. Our dependable caregivers are experienced, drug-alcohol screened, background checked, bonded and insured. 24 -Hour Service Call today for your FREE In-Home consultation!

(661) 631-2036 2029 21st Street • Bakersfield, CA 93301

Dr. Benjamin Ha enjoys a wholesome meal with his wife Nina and their children Ashley and Benjamin Jr.

Established by Jeanne Schamblin in 1990 • Serving Bakersfield for over 21 years. November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

Continued from PAGE 30

include healthier, plant-based options. As parents of two young children, my wife Nina and I are now more mindful of the quality and types of foods we choose to eat and feed our children each day. A typical day of meals for me consists of steel cut oatmeal or a green smoothie for breakfast, a kale salad or quinoa bowl with beans and salsa for lunch, and brown rice, steamed vegetables and grilled tofu for dinner. I consider myself a flexible vegetarian, or flexitarian, and try to limit my intake of animal protein and dairy to no more than two meals a week, primarily choosing a small serving of organic eggs, free-range chicken or wild salmon. However, I do not consider any foods to be completely forbidden or off-limits. I occasionally have old favorites such as pizza or barbecue when dining out. Improving my health and eating habits is all about progress, not perfection. I am convinced that a whole food, plant-based diet is a powerful prescription for optimal health and wellness. I prescribe it for all of my patients, especially those who are overweight or have diabetes or heart disease. If you choose to follow my advice and adopt a whole food, plant-based diet, too, don’t be surprised if your friends, family and even your physician begin to ask you for nutrition advice. May you live long and thrive! Dr. Benjamin Ha is a family physician and an assistant medical director for Kaiser Permanente in Kern County.

A dinner of fresh vegetables, fruit and grains at the Ha house.

We empower dogs and people to live healthy, happy & productive lives. Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue is a nonprofit organization that rescues, rehabilitates, trains and re-homes death row dogs from Kern County’s high-kill animal shelters. In addition to saving their lives, we utilize our rescue dogs to help transform people’s lives. Through the great potential of the human-canine bond, we empower dogs and people to live healthy, happy and productive lives. Our current focus is on low-cost spay and neuter clinics, scheduled throughout the year. This, and educational programs targeting our community’s youth, lay the foundation for positive change that

begins in Kern County and reaches far and beyond! Visit our website to become a member of the Mutt Militia today. And join us in making the world a better place, one dog at a time!

WEBSITE: www.marleysmutts.org FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/marleysmuttsdogrescue TWITTER: @MMDogRescue EMAIL: inquiries@marleysmutts.com 32

B Well Magazine · November 2014

What do I need to know about fillers? EXPERT CONNECT

What is a Non-Surgical Volumizing “Facelift”?

What are Fillers made of?

JOSEPH JOSEPH H CHANG, CHANG, MD MD M.D., Emor y University, Atlanta, GA Re Residency, sidency, Ophthalmology Ophthalmology / O Ophthalmic phthalmic and O and Oculoplastic culoplastic Surgery, Surger y, Jules Jules Stein Stein Eye Eye Institute Instit ute / UCLA UCLA %RDUG &HUWL¿HG 2SKWKDOPRORJLVW with subspecialty emphasis in Oculoplastics eyelid P Performed erfor med T Thousands housands of of successful successf ul eyelid ssurgeries urgeries and and facial ffaacial injections injections for for over over the the ppast ast 15 15 years years

What makes this treatment like no other?

What are the differences between the Fillers?

Em Empire pire Ey E Eye ye & Laser Laser Center Cen C enter Empire Center Daniel D aniel H. HEye . Chang, Ch&aLaser ng , M M.D. .D. 4101 Empire Drive, Ste 120 Bakersfield, CA 93309 PH: 661 325 3937

4101 Empire mpire Drive, Driv ve, Ste Ste 1 120 4101 Em E 20 Bakersfield, 93309 Bakersfield, CA 9 93 3309 Montecito Aesthetic Institute 1150 H Coast P PH: H: 661-325-EYES 6 61Village -325Rd - EYES ((3937) 39 3937) Montecito, CA 93108

JJoseph oseph H. H. Chang, C h a ng , M M.D. .D.

empireeyeandlaser.com em pireeyeanPH:d805 las565 err.5700 com • theeyeliddoc.com tth heeyeliddoc.com

DEFYING THE ODDS

Back in the saddle after spine injury Rider returns to competition only six weeks after surgery

Tammy Davis feels "amazing to be competing again" after surgery.

By Daniel Goldberg, Gold Medical Communications Photos by Scott Hislop

“M

y first thought was that I was paralyzed,” recalled competitive horse rider and barrel racer Tammy Davis. Bakersfield native Davis, 56, was shoeing a horse on Jan. 10 when suddenly, the horse bolted, knocking her to the ground. Davis tried to cover her head while the horses’ hooves mercilessly scraped across her body. Davis could barely move and thought the horse had fractured her hip, but MRIs and X-rays showed no damage. After such a horrifying incident, Davis was terrified that she would never compete again. Davis has been riding horses for 47 years and competing in barrel races for the last two. Before her accident, she ranked 4th in the American Computer Barrel Racing Association and 10th in the West Coast Barrel Racing.

B Well Magazine · November 2014

Davis eventually contacted neurosurgeon Dr. Anthony Virella in Westlake Village, who identified Davis’ real problem: her spine. “Many times, pain in the hips and legs is actually the result of a spinal nerve impingement. In Davis’ case, this was caused by the physical trauma of her being knocked over by the horse,” Virella said. If left unresolved, Davis would not even be able to saddle, let alone ride a horse. Virella wanted to perform surgery immediately, but Davis was frightened that recovery would take too long and she would miss too many races. “Tammy is a competitor, and like all competitors, their main goal is returning to their sport,” Virella said. To ease Davis’ worries, Dr. Virella let Tammy know about his

expertise in minimally invasive spine surgery, which would cut down on recovery time. Instead of opening the usual 6- to 8-inch incision in Davis’ back, Virella would use microsurgical tools to access Davis’ spine and make a less than one-inch incision. Davis agreed to the surgery, but in the days leading up to it, the ordeal took a mental toll. One morning, Davis attempted to feed her horses. “I took a few steps and realized that I could not walk without excruciating pain. I laid on the floor and just cried. The feeling of not being able to provide for my horses was just as bad as the physical pain,” Davis said. Davis hesitantly elected to have a friend race her horse for her in a competition, but it was not an easy decision. “I had spent years training my horse and there was a unique bond. Seeing someone else on my horse just did not feel right,” said Davis. Hoping and needing to get back to racing, Davis underwent an L4/L-5 microdiscectomy procedure on Feb. 17 to decompress her spinal nerve. The surgery was a success, and miraculously, only six short weeks after her surgery, Davis was back on her horse competing again “Tammy’s competitive spirit is incredible and it is this spirit that allowed her to do what she needed to do to ride again,” Virella said. Currently, Davis is back climbing the ranks in both the American Computer Barrel Racing Association and the West Coast Barrel Racing. “It is amazing to be competing again and riding to my full potential. It feels like I never even had surgery,” Davis concluded.

Dare to Bare your décolletage! The Ultherapy® treatment is now FDA-cleared to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the décolletage. • Non-invasive • No downtime • Single treatment • Safe ultrasound • Builds new collagen

Tammy Davis' horse Rocky breaks into a gallop.

November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

H E A LT H W AT C H

Q&A with local experts in their medical field Brian Monroe

Q: How can a diabetic person benefit from physical therapy?

Physical Therapist

the keys to treating diabetes.

Glinn & Giordano Physical Therapy

mends 30 minutes of moderate exercise five

A: Physical activity, diet and medications are The American Diabetes Association recomdays a week. Your physical therapist will perform an evaluation, including a review of your

Laurie Wallace

Dietitian

Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

Q: What is a good way to control calorie intake and high blood sugar during the splurging holiday season? A: For most, holidays are a time for joy and fellowship and lots of good cheer. Unfortunately, it is also a time for weight gain and poorly controlled blood sugar. With

holiday “binging” just around the corner, use these tips to get through this season unscathed: 1. Exercise more, as in every day, even if only for a few minutes. Climb the stairs, park farther away, and walk during your breaks. The time of year when you are likely to eat more should not be the same time that you exercise less. 2. Stick to zero calorie drinks. Calories in drinks have few redeeming nutrients and won’t fill you up. Save the calories for the party food. Stick to sparkling waters, herbal teas and skinny lattes. 3. Limit your choices and portion sizes in the buffet line. Don’t feel like you have to eat full portions of every dish on the table. Choose

the three to four of the best-looking foods and try to eat less than half of each tempting item. 4. Don’t skip meals. Even though your intentions of eating fewer calories in a day are good, skipping meals often leads to eating larger portions of fattening holiday items. Try to stick to smaller meals every three to four hours instead of one to two very large ones. 5. Avoid the holiday baking trap. Skip the baking altogether if you can and give non-food gifts. If you can’t skip it, chew gum, eat breath mints, or give yourself a face-tightening facial on baking days to limit your “tasting.” Be sure and give all of the baked items away to save yourself a few pounds.

Our other experts

Darshan Shah, MD, FACS Plastic/Cosmetic Surgeon

Javier Bustamante, MD Pediatrician

B Well Magazine · November 2014

Vinh-Linh Nguyen, MD Hematologist/Oncologist

B WELL FILE PHOTOS

medical history and medications. They will then prescribe an individualized exercise program and help you manage exercise precautions. The result will be better-managed blood glucose levels. Physical therapists also use special tests to check the sensation in your feet, evaluate and care for skin ulcers that are slow to heal, and show you how to protect your feet if they have lost sensation.

average to maintain a healthy weight is important. Eating a variety of nutrient rich foods from all food groups is recommended. We should all limit our intake of sugar and processed food products and focus more on

Kiersten Melendez

whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, chicken, fish,

Physician Assistant

legumes. Cutting back on

PA-C

foods containing partially

Q: What healthy foods or diets should a person consider to reduce their risk of heart problems?

oils and limiting sodium

lean meats, beans and

hydrogenated vegetable

A: A healthy diet and lifestyle is a choice you can make to help fight against cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association has always stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy weight. Knowing what that number on the scale is for you and how many calories you can consume on

Cheree Wilhelmsen, OD Optometrist

intake are also heart healthy choices. To lower blood pressure, the American Heart Association recommends eating no more than 2,400 milligrams of sodium per day while aiming for 1,500 milligrams of sodium intake for optimal blood pressure lowering benefit. Of course, don’t forget aerobic exercise for helping maintain cardiovascular wellness and your healthy weight goals.

Michael Thurman, DDS, MSD Dentistry/Orthodontics

Edmund Fisher, MD, FACS Ears/Nose/Throat

H O L I S T I C H E A LT H

Eat well to live well Healthy eating starts with holistic consuming

“L

By Dhaval Buch, president and owner of AUM Physical Therapy & Yoga Center

et thy food be thy medicine and let thy medicine be thy food” said Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. In Hippocrates’ days, natural healing was emphasized through vegetables, herbs, fruits, exercise and hydrotherapy to activate the body’s natural defense mechanisms. In today’s technological age, where all kinds of free advice and information is available for any subject on the Internet, there is often confusing and conflicting data, which can cause a lot of stress for someone looking to improve their dietary habits. My goal in this article is not to add to that mix and increase reader’s anxiety. Rather, I would like to present some general guidelines to healthy eating and living in the simplest way possible. A strong immune system, active lifestyle, efficient digestion and adequate relaxation/rest are the main components of a healthy body, mind and spirit. Food digestion can be divided into five functional phases: preparation, consumption/eating, digestion, assimilation and elimination. Preparation implies that we should wash our hands and face, sit down to eat, relax for a couple of minutes and, if possible, observe a minute of silence before starting to eat. During the silence, a prayer may be incorporated to express gratitude and bless or consecrate the food, as is observed across many cultures and religions. This helps prepare the body and mind for one of the most important tasks necessary for our sustenance. Making the conscious choice to eat nutritious, properly cooked food is equally important. It is also advisable to maintain silence and refrain from excessive talking while eating to really enjoy your food. Eating slowly is the first step to ensure proper digestion of food consumed. Always remember that it is very important to thor-

oughly chew solid food to a liquid pulp and mix liquids with saliva because our saliva contains enzymes which help break down food particles for efficient digestion. I always tell my kids that your stomach does not have teeth, so you better chew your food well. The first and second phases of food digestion, preparation and consumption, are very much under our control at every meal. The remaining three, digestion, assimilation and elimination, are pretty much on autopilot, governed by the type of food consumed and our digestive system’s capability. However, the latter three can be primed by leading a moderately active lifestyle that includes yoga, pilates, brisk walking, light jogging, sports, gym exercises, etc. There are specific yoga postures and breathing techniques that can remarkably improve the functioning of our digestive and immune systems when practiced correctly over a period of time. Vegetables and fruits that are in season are a natural, easy source of energy and nutrition, and they are a lot easier to digest. Staple fruits like bananas, grapes and cantaloupes are as high in antioxidants and other minerals as, for example, the açai berry from the Amazon, and they are a lot more economical. Buying inseason fruits and vegetables is also a good way to support our local farmers. One choice that is often detrimental toward one’s health is the excessive use of supplements. They are often marketed as being essential for a healthy lifestyle. In fact, studies done at top medical institutions like Harvard have conclusively determined that the consumption of supplements is not as beneficial as claimed. A health-conscious person would rather rely on whole foods for nutrition. Finally, we should always remember that we eat to live and not live to eat. November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

M E N TA L H E A LT H

A look at seasonal affect disorder Beating the winter blues By Daniel Burke, LMFT

onica, 28, has trouble getting out of bed in the morning and her thought processes are

“foggy.” She feels she is moving in slow motion when getting her children to school and herself ready for work. This was not a problem in September. However, as the winter months roll in, she becomes sleepy during the day, struggles to find pleasure in doing things she normally enjoys, and has trouble keeping up at work. Her appetite slowly increases over the fall and winter months. By February, she has gained several pounds, and as the spring months approach, her energy begins to return. Monica is experiencing seasonal affect disorder (SAD). SAD usually begins in October or November and subsides in March or April. It is characterized by symptoms of depression with daytime fatigue, lethargy, over sleeping, overeating and carbohydrate craving recurring cyclically during specific seasons, most commonly in the winter months. Seasonal affect disorder is not any of the following: Dysthymic Disorder – Feelings of depression and loss of interest or pleasure in one's activities that lasts over several months regardless of the time of year. Symptoms are less severe than in major depressive disorder. Major Depressive Disorder – Profound feelings of sadness or despair, anhedonia, sleep and appetite disturbances, and associated feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and hopelessness.

Developmental Grief (aka bereavement) – The period of mourning and grief following the death of a beloved person or animal, which is characterized by periods of sadness and crying, difficulty sleeping, and changes in appetite. It is usually triggered by remembrance of the loss. Holidays, birthdays or the anniversary of a specific loss can trigger these memories. How to manage SAD

First, become aware of the symptoms and acknowledge the changes that you are experiencing. Second, seek assessment from your local mental health professional, psychiatrist and/or primary medical doctor. And third, begin treatment. Treatment options include light therapy, anti-depression medication (short term) and/or psychotherapy. During light therapy, or phototherapy, patients sit a few feet from a special light therapy box so that they are exposed to bright light that mimics natural outdoor light. This appears to cause a change in brain chemicals linked to mood. Light therapy is one of the first line treatments for fall-onset SAD. It generally starts working in a few days to two weeks and causes few side effects. Antidepressants can be prescribed short term during the course of SAD and can be stopped in the spring season. Psychotherapy can be used to address the negative thoughts and feelings that are associated with SAD. Daniel Burke is a licensed marriage and family therapist.

B Well Magazine · November 2014

FA B F I N D S

Local Gifts & Treats Watch where you’re going

Seeing clearly Aqua Sphere goggles are everything you need from a great pair of goggles, comfortable, durable and good at keeping your eyes dry. Prices range from $16 for children’s to $22-plus for adult pairs. Find them online or at local sporting good stores.

The perfect present Holiday gift card special, with every $100 gift card purchase you receive a $20 bonus card to keep for yourself or give away. Privato Salon & Spa, 9500 Brimhall Road, Suite 306. 581-2566.

If you are a runner, hiker or cyclist and like to keep track of your weekly activities and progress, then consider the Garmin Forerunner 220. Available in two colors for women and men, this lightweight watch comes with a GPS built-in feature to track your mileage. If you are a swimmer, consider another Garmin Forerunner model. Forerunner 220 available in most local sports stores. $220.

Hot pants for cool days Brooks Infiniti Capri III for women. These ultra-comfortable running capris are perfect for fall and winter exercise. The compression fabric offers great support and wicks away moisture, keeping you dry during your workout. A draw-string at the waist ensures a perfect fit. Also available in a longer tights length for more warmth. Sold in various colors and sizes XS to XL. Starting at $34.00. Available from sporting goods retailers.

Scent-sational new smells If you love The Naked Bee organic skin care line already, you'll absolutely love this new scent. Bleu Lavender now carries TNB grapefruit blossom honey lotion and perfume. It has a refreshing smell and is just as moisturizing as the others. Other scents include green tea, pomegranate and honey, lavender and more. Bleu Lavender Boutique, 1520 19th St. 322-8800. Facebook at Bleu Lavender Boutique.

November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

DIET DIARY

Get Fit Weight-Loss

CHALLENGE Taking on the lifelong challenge

In the midst of a demanding year, Brandon Thompson lost weight and kept it off.

B Well Magazine 路 November 2014

Compiled by B Well Photos by Michael Lopez

n the scheme of one year, nine months is a long time. But nine months is also a short time to change a lifetime of health habits. This year’s weight-loss challenge candidates Brandon Thompson and Reggan Scrivner faced big life changes as they set out to get in shape with the help of Tim Gojich, owner and trainer at Fit for Life Gym. Thompson opened up about the tough times he faces as he tried to better his health while also prioritizing the needs of his family and his work obligations. Scrivner did not turn in a final diet diary. Though Thompson didn’t achieve the results he aimed for, his body fat percentage dropped from 28.2 percent to 21 percent even as life’s demands piled on him. In the long term, Gojich said he has confidence that Thompson and Scrivner can conquer their weight-loss goals. Tim Gojich

The commitment for Reggan and Brandon has come to an end. As I look back at the start for these two, I do feel that they have come a long way. They both learned how to put meals together. They both learned a lot about their abilities to push themselves. I was also satisfied in their adherence to eating good nutritional foods versus processed or fast food. These two factors are very important. When you know how to work hard in the gym and you have bought into eating meals from home rather than relying on fast food, you are in a great position to change for the better. With both Brandon and Reggan, they started off with the right energy and enthusiasm needed to commit to a ninemonth program. They both came out swinging. I saw a foundation both physically and mentally forming. At the same time, they were working against some bad habits that had formed in their lives leading into the program There were some hiccups along the way. That is to be expected with anyone that is trying to become healthy in a short window of time. Life can shut that window pretty fast when things come into our lives. Brandon and Reggan had some issues arise with their families that kept both of them out of the gym for the later part of their commitment. They both continued to

Brandon Thompson

make decent decisions in how they ate and that helped them keep some of the weight they lost off their bodies. In fact, Brandon ended at 21 percent body fat and down 25 pounds of fat. I do believe that if they had been able to make the last three months, they would have accomplished their goals. In fact I believe that once they are both settled in to their lives, they will both make another push towards their overall goals. I am proud of them for stepping up and taking on this challenge!

Brandon Thompson

Many changes have occurred within the last few months that have really brought into focus the things that are truly important in my life. A person has many

priorities and commitments which they must sort through and carry out on a daily basis. To me, nothing has a higher priority or holds stronger commitments than my family. When they need me, I am there. It is my job to provide for my family while my wife stays home with our youngest until she returns to work. Because of the “To me, importance of this, my nothing has a commitment to my work is placed equally as high as higher priority or holds it is my family. With the many hours of the day stronger dedicated to work, from commitments sun up to sun down, the than my time I get to spend with my family is precious. The family.” preciousness of this time with family, and the commitment to my work has led me to view my other commitments differently. One of those commitments has been this challenge. I was at the tipping point with my fitness and strength just around the time I elected to abandon my journey. I had built a healthy and strong foundation for my body, and the real transformations were just about to begin. I had gotten to that point with a commitment to be at the gym fiveplus days a week. Utilizing group training and small group personalized training, I had dropped my weight to 237 pounds, which was almost 30 pounds lighter then when I first restarted going to Fit for Life Gym in Continued on PAGE 42

Fit for Life Gym owner and trainer Tim Gojich pushed Brandon Thompson to get in better shape this year.

November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

Continued from PAGE 41

November 2013. I have all the confidence in the world that with Tim’s help and the support of the group of guys I was working out with, I would have totally hit my goal of 225. I had turned my 4-cylinder body into a strong V6, and was about to swap that with a V8. I was able to maintain my weight during the last two and a half months with the help of the dietary plan we put into place early on in this challenge. My workouts turned into evening walks with the family around the block at late hours, just to get our daughters to bed. I feel proud that I was able to keep the weight off as much as I did. The last few months have been some of the most joyous and the most stressful of my life. I would like to thank Tim for choosing me and also apologize to him for not holding up my end of the bargain. We had numerous talks, he understands my personal commitments. He understands the value I place on my family. I look forward to restarting my personal journey with him once the world allows me to. I would like to thank and praise my wife Laura for being the fantastic partner and mother that she is. She was there pushing me to keep going, when the going got tough. She has been the support my family needs while I have been working to support them. We will continue our fitness journey together as we continue the journey of our family. I hate to lose. I hate to fail. I am glad to report I did not fail as a husband. I did not fail as a father. I did not fail as a provider to my family nor as an asset to my company. However, I feel I failed at this. But it will be this hatred to fail; this hatred to lose that will propel me to complete my journey. While it may not fall within the timeline of this magazine challenge, it will happen. Stay tuned.

B Well Magazine · November 2014

EXPERT CONNECT

Dealing with diabetes? Get expert help! Q. I am 45 years old and was diagnosed with diabetes. My doctor put me on insulin, but my blood sugar is still uncontrolled. What are my options? A: You most likely have Type 2 diabetes, which can be managed with oral medication in most cases. You need to get some special labs done to determine whether it is Type 1 (insulin dependent) or Type 2 diabetes because treatments are different. Q. How could I have prevented diabetes? A: Type 2 diabetes can be prevented and controlled by weight loss, diet management, and staying physically active. It is advisable to have a fasting blood glucose test every year if there is diabetes in the family or if you have symptoms such as blurred vision, excessive thirst and frequent urination, fatigue and fluctuations in weight. It is also possible to have diabetes for many years and not know it. The sooner you take action the better the outcome. Once you are diagnosed with diabetes, please see your doctor every three months or as directed. Your doctor will know the right medications for you. Learn all you can about diet and exercise. At PrimeCare Physicians Medical Group, we provide

comprehensive diabetes and weight loss management, which we compliment with education. Diabetes is a chronic and progressive disease. This means that it does not go away and it changes over time. The outcome of its progression is up to you. So, the more you know the better, the better you can control the disease. Q. Now that I have diabetes, what should I watch out for? A: Look out for any sign of diminished peripheral circulation, make sure you have your eyes checked and pulses checked every year by your doctor. Blood tests are imperative, especially HGA1C every three months and cholesterol every six months to one year. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, kidney failure and amputations. I advise that you keep regular visits with your physician.

PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Dr. Arun Softa answers your pressing questions about diabetes.

Q. Is the outcome that bad? A: Fortunately we have so many tools and technological advances today to fight diabetes so that all diabetics can live a normal life and their life expectancy can be like any other non-diabetic. Q. Why then, is there so much noise about diabetes? A: We are seeing an epidemic of diabetes in the U.S. which is increasing alarmingly, and the complications of untreated diabetes are devastating. But, the good news is that it is preventable.

9900 Stockdale Highway, Suite 200 716-2600

November 2014 路 bwellmagazine.com

FIT FOODIES

Rütz Açai and Cafe Rütz Açai and Cafe 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 2409 Brundage Lane* 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, 2409 Brundage Lane; 5 to 8:30 p.m. Liberty Park, Jewetta Avenue and Brimhall Road 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at Haggin Oaks Farmers Market, 8800 Ming Ave. 665-6709 *Locations change, please visit facebook.com/rutzacaiandcafe and rutzacai.com for current locations. Clockwise from top, Rütz Açai and Cafe's Starter, Deluxe and Caveman bowls won't leave you hungry.

Compiled by B Well Magazine / Photos by Greg Nichols

ood trends are sometimes slow to make their way to Bakersfield, but thanks to two young entrepreneurs, we can now say that our city has caught the açai wave. Justin Cummings, a Brazilian jiujitsu fighter and father of six (soon to be seven), developed a taste for the açai bowls at tournaments. He and a childhood friend, Dr. Josh Fenderson, rekindled their connection over a shared passion for the fruit and started Rütz Açai and Cafe. They began dishing out açai bowls around town this spring. Cummings often serves up the bowls at the bright red mobile cafe and he is happy to share his love for açai with hungry customers. The bowls build on a foundation of sustainably-sourced açai berry sorbet, which is vegan to boot. The mobile cafe offers three bowls, Starter, Deluxe and Caveman, topped with fresh fruit, granola and other toppings. Hungry health nuts can add coconut shavings, flaxseed, honey, peanut butter or chocolate

B Well Magazine · November 2014

chips for just 50 cents. The cafe can be found at different spots during the week; Rütz Açai’s proprietors primarily set up in Mr. Tuxedo’s parking lot at the corner of Brundage Lane and A Street on weekdays. On Sunday, you can find them at the Haggin Oaks Farmers Market. However, they are looking for additional sites to park the trailer so follow their Facebook page by visiting facebook.com/rutzacaiandcafe for updates on locations. Our fit foodies were impressed by how filling and tasty these bowls proved to be on a recent lunch date. Now that they’ve had a taste of açai, they’ll be on the look out for Rütz Açai and Cafe. Nicola’s take: Heading to Rütz Cafe for lunch was a new experience for all of us. I ordered the protein bowl as I had just finished my morning workout. Like the other bowls, the protein bowl includes Sambazon açai, which is rich in powerful antioxidants and healthy omegas. The açai has a rich berry fla-

vor and is a much healthier choice than sorbet with much less added sugar. What makes the protein bowl different than the rest is the chocolate whey protein and the peanut butter (which can be switched for almond butter on request), increasing the protein content and giving it an even richer flavor. Topped with granola, banana and strawberry, this bowl definitely filled me up. It’s a great healthy alternative for breakfast, lunch, post workout snack or even an afternoon treat for the family. I will be heading back to Rütz Cafe for sure! Joel’s take: I dove into the deluxe bowl at Rütz Açai and Cafe. The bowl starts with an authentic Brazilian all-organic Sambazon açai base with just the right texture and consistency topped with crunchy granola, juicy strawberries, banana and blueberries, then piled with shaved coconut and drizzled honey. I am very pleased with this new healthy addition to the Bakersfield food scene. The açai berry is the fruit of the açai palm

tree. Açai has come to be known as a superfood full of antioxidants, amino acids and omega fatty acids that boost energy, the immune system and metabolic function, and slows down the aging process. More please! Açai bowls are a traditional Brazilian breakfast that has become popular among surfers in Hawaii. Açai restaurants are also becoming popular in Southern California. The bowls are a healthy alternative to sorbet and ice cream. Rütz Açai blends up the best açai bowl around. This amazing treat is the perfect addition to any day! The bowl was refreshing and delicious and the experience had me craving more. Leigh’s take: What a surprise and treat it was to have lunch at the Rütz Açai and Cafe. When I looked at the menu I thought it looked more like a treat and thought I would still need to eat lunch. I was wrong! I had the Caveman and was completely full and satisfied. I had no room left to have more for lunch. The delightful blend of the frozen açai treat (it almost seemed like a mix of ice cream and sherbert, but was not dairy) with flaxseed, banana, coconut shavings and almond butter was a very refreshing, nourishing, and filling lunch. I will definitely be heading back to have more of this delicious and healthy treat. Benjamin’s take: I've strolled past the Rütz Cafe trailer parked at the Haggins Oaks Farmers Market every Sunday at Kaiser Permanente on Ming, but never stopped to try their açai bowls. I now realize that I've been missing out on one of the tastiest and healthiest treats in town! I ordered the seasonal pumpkin bowl which is the basic starter bowl of açai, granola, banana and strawberry topped with a hearty scoop of raw pumpkin seeds. Açai berries are rich in anthocyanins, a form of plant antioxidant associated with the ability to lower cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. Pepitas (Spanish for pumpkin seeds) are heralded as a great plant-based source of protein, magnesium, zinc, potassium and iron. These choice ingredients complement and balance each other perfectly to provide an ideal combination of sweetness and crunchiness without overpowering the taste buds. I definitely won't miss an opportunity to indulge in another Rütz Açai bowl the next time I spy their distinctive fire engine red trailer in my neighborhood!

Rütz Açai and Cafe co-owner Justin Cummings prepares a heaping bowl for hungry, health-conscious customers.

Fresh strawberries and bananas are prepped for yummy açai bowls.

You can often find Rütz Açai and Cafe parked on Brundage Lane on weekdays and the Haggin Oaks Farmers Market on Sundays. Check facebook.com/rutzacaiandcafe for the latest locations.

Fit foodies Leigh Pozas, Joel Livesey, Nicola Wright and Benjamin Ha enjoy their last lunch together at Rütz Açai and Cafe.

November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

H E A LT H Y I N D U L G E N C E

Creating healthy dishes during holidays can be a treat

By Chuck Naus

healthy. So, what are we supposed to do when our favorite holidays that revolve around the food and family come around? We would like to share a simple, delicious and healthy recipe that will be sure to put a smile on your guests’ faces. Holiday or not, it’s more important now than ever to live a healthier lifestyle and to choose healthier food alternatives. Our family is not only lactose intolerant, but my wife, Wendy, like so many others, is gluten intolerant (celiac) as well. Needless to say, gluten-free items have become a staple in our home, especially when it comes to baking. Gluten-free products consist of any bean or grain, except for wheat and barley, such as

PHOTO BY EDGAR QUISPE

t’s that time of the year when the leaves are beginning to turn to beautiful fall shades with a slight chill in the air. The holidays are just around the corner, and our ovens beckon us to delight in the art of baking. At the same time, we tend to slow down and the fight to keep off the dreaded “winter weight” begins. Additionally, many of us are challenged with a variety of food allergies that prevent us from eating what we want, or sometimes what we should. In a day and age when we are challenged to understand the origin and process from which our food is derived, we simply want something that reminds us of Mom’s home cooking, while at the same time, is

brown rice, fava bean, coconut, sorghum, etc. Unfortunately, it’s been difficult to find the perfect gluten-free recipes or products that don’t taste like the box that they came in. One of our favorite holiday desserts is the gluten-free vegan spicy pumpkin walnut cake. Each of the ingredients listed in the following recipe can be found right here in Bakersfield at Nature’s Food Market & Juice Bar, 2000 H St. Chuck Naus and his wife Wendy have been the owners of Nature’s Food Market & Juice Bar for over five years. They have been active health educators in the community in a variety of venues, including lectures, cooking schools and demonstrations, health fairs and event smoothie bars for over 34 years.

Gluten-Free Vegan Spicy Pumpkin Walnut Cake Ingredients 1 bag Namaste spicy cake mix 1 15 oz. organic pumpkin 1/3 cup grade B pure maple syrup 1 cup walnuts 1 stick Earth Balance soy free buttery stick 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 egg replacer servings (takes place of 3 eggs)

Garnish Chopped walnuts 1 teaspoon pure maple sugar 1 teaspoon coconut sugar Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl gently. Do not over mix. Pour into 9-by-13-inch, lightly greased baking dish. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts, maple and coconut sugar. Bake at 350 F for 35 to 40 minutes. The gluten-free vegan spicy pumpkin walnut cake is a perfect healthy dish to share during the holidays.

B Well Magazine · November 2014

CALORIE COUNT

Healthy holiday cocktails Stay slim with these skinny sips By Marissa Lay

older weather is on the way, but that doesn't mean all the hard work you did to get in shape during the summer has to vanish with the sun. To keep the winter weight off, try these takes on favorite holiday cocktails without all the calories.

Eggnog

Mulled Wine

You can turn this seasonal favorite into “Skinny Eggnog” simply by using alternative ingredients. Switching whole milk to skim milk and replacing heavy cream with cornstarch can eliminate the unwanted fat in this rich drink, according to Everydayhealth.com. Try this recipe from Everydayhealth.com.

You don’t have to pass on the holiday classic mulled wine anymore. Health.com suggests substituting all the added sugar with a greater emphasis on the cinnamon, cloves, and orange flavors. Check out this recipe from eatingwell.com.

Ingredients 2 cups skim milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 large eggs 1/3 cup sugar 1 teaspoon cornstarch Heat 1 1/2 cups milk and vanilla in saucepan. Whisk eggs, sugar, and cornstarch together in separate bowl. Slowly add milk mixture to egg mixture, continually whisking. Place combination back into saucepan over medium heat, stir, and eggnog will thicken after about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat, immediately add the last 1/2 cup of milk, pour into a pitcher and chill until ready to serve.

Ingredients 1 bottle dry red wine 1 cup water 1/4 cup sugar, or sugar substitute 3 whole cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom Pinch of ground allspice 2 strips fresh orange peel 2 strips fresh lemon peel Combine all the ingredients into a large saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes for a mulled wine with just 104 calories.

November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Getting to know your doctors Ralph Garcia-Pacheco, MD GMA Healthcare Providers Where did you earn your degree and practice medicine?

I was born in Peru and graduated from medical school at Peruvian University Cayetano Heredia in 2001. I served my residency in internal medicine at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, completed my fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine, and am now board certified in internal, pulmonary and critical care medicines. I am also the Medical ICU Director for Dignity Health at Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield.

What does your job as a physician entail?

I share my practice between the outpatient setting, taking care of internal medicine and pulmonary patients, and the inpatient setting,

focusing on critical care and pulmonary consultations. How do you relax?

When I’m not at the office, I enjoy the company of my wife, Maribel Castaneda, and our twins, Bianca and Adrian. We like traveling and enjoying the culinary specialties of the countries we visit. When we return home, we enjoy re-creating many of our favorite dishes from our travels.

How do you live a happy, healthy life?

I exercise by running, lifting weights and playing different racket sports. I love cars and motorsports; they are my passion.

Dr. Shaun Shambaugh, Medical Oncologist, CBCC Medical Director, HCBB How long have you been practicing medicine?

I have been practicing medicine at the Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center for 21 years, and have been the medical director at Houchin Community Blood Bank for five years. I grew up in Wasco. My wife, Teri, was born and raised in Bakersfield. After spending 10 years away for medical school, residency and specialty training, we were fortunate to come back home.

What do you enjoy most about your work as a physician?

One really enjoyable aspect of working in the oncology field is all the active research going on that leads to new treatments for various cancers. New scientific discoveries are

B Well Magazine · November 2014

being made all the time. What makes your practice/office special?

At CBCC, no patient waits more than 15 minutes without being seen, or at least updated on the status of their visit. We really try to put the patients first.

When you aren’t hard at work at your office, what do you do to relax?

I enjoy watching college football and college basketball. I appreciate my quiet reading time. My wife and I have been married for 29 years. We have four children, the two youngest are still in college. I enjoy living and working in Bakersfield.

Sarabjeet Singh, MD, FACC, Bakersfield Heart Hospital

Where did you earn your degree?

I received my medical degree in India. I went to John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, where I researched cardiac stem cell therapy. I then completed an internal medicine and cardiology residency at the University of Chicago. At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, I held an internal medicine faculty position and became certified as an interventional cardiologist. I also received advanced interventional cardiology training to become certified in structural heart disease.

What inspired you to practice medicine?

I come from a family of physicians. My parents are both doctors. My brother and sister are both doctors and so are their spouses. I am the youngest and, you guessed it, my wife is also a doctor.

Why did you want to practice medicine in Bakersfield?

Cardiovascular disease and diabetes are very prevalent in Kern County. Out of Califor-

nia’s 58 counties, Kern County ranks at the top in the incidence of heart disease and diabetes; so my wife and I came to where we felt the need was the greatest. I also wanted to be part of a good community while providing cutting-edge technology and the best care to my patients. I joined the experienced cardiologists of Central Cardiology Medical Clinic, which is the largest cardiology group in Kern County, and the Bakersfield Heart Hospital because of my desire to work with the best. What do you enjoy most about your work as a physician?

I enjoy getting to know my patients and meeting their families. I feel connected to them. My heart and soul are with them when I do their procedures. In an emergency situation, you can literally rescue the patients and give them life — it’s very rewarding. Performing these specialized cardiovascular procedures and improving outcomes is a gratifying feeling.

What makes your practice special?

In most of the training programs across the

county, interventional cardiologists are trained to place stents in the valves of the heart and the carotid arteries in the neck to avert strokes, and to take care of clogged arteries such as in the legs, which are common in smokers and diabetics. Structural heart disease interventions have emerged as a new field in interventional cardiology over the last decade. In my daily practice I’m not only seeing patients with blocked arteries, I am also coming across patients with muscular, valve and congenital heart defects, as well as abdominal aortic aneurysms. My goal is to provide state-of-the-art, optimal care in treating cardiovascular disease in Kern County. How do you practice living a happy, healthy life?

I eat healthy, exercise and enjoy time with my family. I have a son, Ishmeet, who is 6 years old, and a daughter, Amrita, who is 2 years old. My son and I are learning to play tennis, which is fun. My wife, Jasleen Duggal, is a successful endocrinologist here in Bakersfield. We met in Chicago and she also trained at Cedars-Sinai. November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Kiersten Melendez, PA-C Comprehensive Cardiovascular How long have you been practicing medicine?

I have been a physician assistant since 2008 and have worked in cardiology for the past four years.

Where did you earn your degree and practice medicine?

I earned my degree from the Stanford University’s Physician Assistant Program.

What inspired you to practice medicine?

I have always been interested in the science of medicine and I enjoy taking care of people. I decided that I wanted to be a nurse when I was a teenager, and once I became a

nurse, I knew that I wanted to know more about medicine. What do you enjoy most about your work as a physician assistant?

I enjoy working with my patients and making a difference in their overall health and well being. I love it when my patients make meaningful changes and adopt healthy habits as a result of our interaction and the education we provide them.

How do you practice living a happy, healthy life?

I try to make healthy food choices, avoid fast food and make exercise a part of my daily routine.

Viral Y. Mehta, MD Comprehensive Cardiovascular How long have you been practicing medicine?

I began a private practice as an interventional cardiologist in 1994. I have been working in medicine for 20 years.

What inspired you to practice medicine?

At a very early age, I realized that no matter how successful you are, if you are not healthy, everything else is irrelevant. With a career in health care, I can make an important contribution to people’s lives.

Why did you want to practice medicine in Bakersfield?

I did a large part of my training in Southern California, but I wanted to avoid a big city

B Well Magazine · November 2014

like Los Angeles. I was looking for a smaller community with culture, closeness and family values. I couldn’t think of any place better than Bakersfield. What do you enjoy most about your work as a physician?

As an interventional cardiologist, I feel that my work is very rewarding and gratifying. When a patient comes in with a heart attack and I perform an intervention, I could save that person’s life.

How do you practice living a happy, healthy life?

I try to balance work, personal life, entertainment, recreation and hobbies. I try not to overindulge in any one specific area.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Nasser Khan, MD Comprehensive Cardiovascular How long have you been practicing medicine?

I have been practicing medicine in the United States for 21 years.

Where did you earn your degree and practice medicine?

I trained in internal medicine and cardiology at State University of New York in Syracuse, and then as an interventional cardiologist at the University of Connecticut in Hartford.

What inspired you to practice medicine?

I have always felt called to be a doctor. I want to care for people when they are most vulnerable, and solve the intricate puzzles of their diagnoses.

Why did you want to practice

medicine in Bakersfield?

I wanted to practice in a diverse community with a hard working population like Bakersfield, and Bakersfield has a climate similar to that of my home country, Pakistan.

What does your job as a cardiologist entail?

I primarily diagnose and treat patients with cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. I specialize in opening clogged arteries of the heart and legs with balloons and stents.

How do you practice living a happy, healthy life?

I relax by reading books and traveling to the beach or mountains with my family. I play tennis to stay in shape.

Becky Sutton, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Comprehensive Cardiovascular How long have you been practicing medicine?

I started working as a receptionist and medical assistant at Comprehensive Cardiovascular when I was 19. I went back to school and graduated in 2001 as a registered nurse. In 2013, I received my family nurse practitioner degree.

Where did you earn your degree and practice medicine?

Holy Names University in Oakland, master’s of science in nursing with an option for preparation as a family nurse practitioner. My nursing background is in the intensive care unit.

What do you enjoy most about your work as a family nurse practitioner?

I really enjoy interacting with patients and

their families. Cardiovascular disease can be a scary diagnosis. I love being a knowledgeable resource for my patients and family members. What does your job entail?

I see patients for their follow-up appointments, respond to patients’ messages and review lab/test results that come in.

What makes your practice special?

Our staff — we have physicians and employees that really care about the patients and about each other.

How do you practice living a healthy life?

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband, two sons and our church family. We love the outdoors, hiking, and I sneak in reading whenever I can.

November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Moksedul Habib, M.D. Comprehensive Cardiovascular How long have you been practicing medicine?

I have been practicing medicine in the United States since 1998. My specialty is in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and cardiac electrophysiology.

Where did you earn your degree and practice medicine?

I did my training in cardiac electrophysiology at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles.

What inspired you to practice medicine?

I went into the specialty of cardiac electrophysiology because I wanted to help people

who were suffering from cardiac arrhythmia, heart failure, and syncope, which is when patients lose consciousness due to a fall in blood pressure. Why did you want to practice medicine in Bakersfield?

I started practicing cardiology in Bakersfield in 1999. I fell in love with the people of Bakersfield and decided to stay and serve the residents of this area. How do you practice living a happy, healthy life?

I believe in God, and my faith inspires me to keep active and healthy.

Supratim Banerjee, MD Comprehensive Cardiovascular How long have you been practicing medicine?

I have been practicing medicine for 17 years. I spent 14 of those years treating cardiovascular disease, which I now specialize in.

Where did you earn your degree and practice medicine?

I earned my degree in cardiovascular diseases at the University of Louisville in Kentucky, and then taught medical residents and students at Kern Medical Center. I am now involved in the latest cardiovascular research and clinical trials.

What inspired you to practice medicine?

I started practicing medicine because there

B Well Magazine · November 2014

was a need for more physicians and found it to be very rewarding and fulfilling. Why did you want to practice medicine in Bakersfield?

I wanted to practice medicine in Bakersfield because there is a huge need for cardiologists that treat cardiovascular disease.

How do you practice living a happy, healthy life?

I exercise regularly every day, eat a balanced healthy diet, and get regular check-ups.

When you aren’t hard at work at your office, what do you do to relax?

I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling around the world.

Vinod Kumar, MD, Medical Director of Vascular and Leg Center of Bakersfield

Vinod Kumar, MD is the Medical Director of the Vascular and Leg Center of Bakersfield. His vision for the development of the center is to provide vascular and vein therapies to the people of Kern County in a state-of-the-art outpatient setting. Dr. Kumar has been in private practice in Bakersfield for over 20 years. Where did you earn your degree?

I completed an internal medical residency at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. I was then blessed with the opportunity of a fellowship in cardiology from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. After completing that fellowship, I obtained a lifelong dream of a fellowship in interventional cardiology from the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles. I have been recognized as one of the top physicians in Kern County. I am board certified in interventional cardiology as well as vascular and endovascular medicine.

What makes our practice special and different?

I believe people can receive care at any office, but we offer a different atmosphere. At our office, we take pride in delivering the utmost personal care in a caring and compassionate manner. We take pride in knowing our patients needs before they do. In our office, we are fortunate to have all the necessary equipment to perform accurate testing with sameday results.

What do you love most about your work as a cardiovascular specialist?

The most rewarding aspect of my job is when a patient walks in and says, “Dr. Kumar, thank you.” My goal is to reduce the amputation rate in Kern County by decreasing the number of untreated residents and increasing the awareness of vascular disease. We educate the community on vascular disease, the risk factors,

and, most importantly, what the symptoms are and how to treat the condition. When you aren’t hard at work, what do you do to relax?

I love to play golf and tennis. I believe yoga and meditation have an important role in maintaining positive physical well-being. I am also a dedicated family man with a beautiful and loving wife and three children, one of whom is actually in med school himself. I am involved with a variety of community events, as well as charities and organizations near and far.

Any last piece of advice you would like to give out?

Yes, stay in tune with your body. If something does not feel right or seem right, don’t ignore it. There is never a concern your doctor should not know about. Eat healthy, laugh every day and live each day to your fullest.

November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

REAL SUCCESS STORIES

The incredible shrinking couple

Together, James and Jen Burger have shed more than 80 pounds.

B Well Magazine 路 November 2014

PHOTO BY SCOTT HISLOP

Family taps app for weight loss victory

PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMES BURGER

Stay connected Live, streaming video programming on Bakersfield.com

James and Jen Burger on their honeymoon in 2011.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

By Chelsea Brewer

n a holiday road trip in 2012, Jen Burger and her husband James were having normal conversations about life and such while their two young children slept peacefully in the back of the car. Jen, a journalism lecturer at Cal State Bakersfield, felt it was the perfect time to address a lingering concern: their unhealthy weight. Both measuring in at 5-feet-7-inches, the Burgers were unhappy with their weight. Jen, who had always been a little overweight, weighed in the 180s. James, a reporter at The Bakersfield Californian, had been an avid swimmer and water polo player in high school, but had reached an unhealthy 220 pounds. After having two children, the couple felt it was time to get their health under control. Jen told her husband, a self-admitted technology geek, about a new app she had discovered called MyFitnessPal. “I knew he could geek out on an app,” Jen said. MyFitnessPal is an app that helps users lose weight by counting calories. All you have to do is enter what you’re about to eat for any meal or snack, and the app lists and tracks the amount of calories. The app’s database has more than 3 million foods listed and a bar code scanner. So no matter what or where you eat, you can enter or scan whatever it is you’re about to enjoy, and the app will keep track of the calories. Whenever you exercise, no matter what kind of activity or how much you do, you can enter that, too. The Continued on PAGE 56

November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

app will keep track of all of your progress. “This app is the center of the thing that works for me,” James said. “I’ve been able to stay on the wagon for over a year and a half. It works. Why stop?” Together, the couple began counting calories, started planning healthy meals, and dropped their sugar intake. “We still eat sweets, carbs, pretty much anything we want, but we do it in context of a budget of calories,” said James, 44. “You can’t have a big dessert every night.” A few years ago, Jen led a project called Get Fit Bakersfield, where teams of four dedicated themselves for one year to getting healthy under the supervision of a personal trainer, a nutritionist, and a therapist. Jen, 38, picked up tips and tricks from the experience that she still uses today. “Eat corn instead of flour tortillas. I don’t buy refried beans. I buy cans of beans and mash them,” she said. Another important lesson Jen learned is, “If you didn’t plan on eating it, don’t eat it.” It’s the perfect mantra for those pesky (yet tempting) treats that come in the form of an office potluck or kid’s birthday party. “I really try not to eat food if it’s just there,” she said. As far as exercise is concerned, the couple makes time for evening family walks. “Once the kids are older, we’ll be able to exercise more,” Jen said. Together, the Burgers have lost more than 80 pounds. “One thing you have to do, almost without trying, is start being healthier just because,” James said. “Ultimately, it’s about health.”

B Well Magazine · November 2014

Jen and James Burger with their daughter Abby, 2, and son Derek, 6.

PHOTO BY SCOTT HISLOP

Continued from PAGE 55

EXPERT CONNECT

How can I regain my confidence after a mastectomy? Studies have shown that 232,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected for women last year. Among many of these cases, mastectomies or lumpectomies will need to be performed to beat the cancer. I have just had a mastectomy, and I miss my body. What can I do?

Depending on the type of surgery that you have had, a mastectomy or lumpectomy, there are multiple options. Replacement of the entire breast or part of the breast can be done. If reconstructive or plastic surgery is not an option for you, breast prostheses are available. Almost 90 percent of postmastectomy patients choose this option, which involves a non-invasive breast form that can be sized to best match your body proportions.

What is a breast prosthesis?

An external breast prosthesis is an artificial breast form that can be worn after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It helps to balance the body and secures the bra from riding up in the mastectomy region. This will prevent back and neck pain and a sagging shoulder. Breast prostheses are custom-designed for most women, made from several different types of materials (such as silicone gel, foam and fiberfill) that are of similar weight and feel to natural breast tissue. Some prostheses adhere directly to the chest area, while others fit into pockets of mastectomy bras to hold the prosthesis in place. Prostheses can also be made with an artificial nipple or a special shape depending on a woman’s preference. Having these options allows for a greater wardrobe selection and reduces your awareness of the addition to your body.

How can I get the most out of my breast form?

After surgery, it has been suggested that you wear camisoles. These garments function to manage drainage that can result from the healing incision, while allowing you to wear clean clothes and feel comfortable in public. Six to eight weeks after surgery, your doctor may then prescribe a breast prosthesis. For the initial evaluation with your mastectomy fitter, be sure that the region under surgery has completely healed and is free of swelling, stitches, draining or radiation treatment. During initial evaluation, your mastectomy fitter will ask a series of questions based on your daily activity level, what your goals are with the new prosthesis, what kind of bras you like, and other questions. After you have received your new look, it is important to keep the breast form clean and to prevent damage. Once or twice a year, you should make a follow-up appointment with your mastectomy fitter to ensure continuous functionality and comfort.

What does Achilles have to offer me? Achilles Prosthetics and Orthotics, Inc. offers the widest selection of breast forms and bras to meet any and all of your post-mastectomy needs. Our mastectomy fitters are highly experienced and compassionate professionals who will spend as much time as needed to properly size, fit and evaluate you for the breast form and bra that is right for you. At Achilles, our goal is for you to feel completely comfortable and confident with your new look. We are here to be a continuous source of support and a resource for your ongoing care.

2624 F Street · (661) 323-5944 · ACHILLESPO.COM November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

YOUR BODY

Myth 1: Body fat is only under the surface of the skin. While body fat near the surface of the skin, which is known as subcutaneous fat, may be most noticeable, body fat is actually accumulated throughout the body. Organs can accumulate fat, and this internal fat, known as visceral fat, can wrap around the heart and marble muscle. According to Dr. David Haslam, clinical director of the National Obesity Forum, visceral fat can be toxic and unhealthy. When people begin to exercise, they burn away this visceral fat and the results are often noticeable shortly after an exercise regimen begins. Myth 2: Muscle turns to fat without exercise. Muscle and fat are two separate entities, and one cannot become the other. People will gain weight after they stop exercising because fat will begin to accumulate more readily because it isn't being burned. Fat may mask muscles that were once there and are no longer as pronounced. However, the muscles will not turn to fat. Upon returning to regular exercise, a person can regain his or her physique.

Busting the fat myths with facts

By Metro Creative Connection

ody fat is often considered the enemy for those looking to get fit. People will try many types of diets and exercise in an effort to rid their bodies of excess fat, and such regimens produce varying degrees of success. Part of what makes fat so confounding is the misconceptions surrounding this natural component of anatomy. By separating the myths from the facts, men and women might find their efforts to banish body fat that much more successful.

B Well Magazine 路 November 2014

Myth 3: Body fat develops from eating fatty foods. Fat in food will not necessarily turn to fat on the body. That piece of bacon will no more turn into a spare tire around your midsection than would a banana. Fat is formed from excess calories. When the body takes in more calories than it uses for energy, that excess is stored as fat reserves. Whether calories come from a lean protein or fatty gristle, if the calories are all used up they will not turn into fat. Myth 4: Starving oneself will burn fat. Depriving the body of calories may initially force it to burn body fat stores. However, if the calorie restriction is so marked, the body may actually go into "starvation mode," where it

breaks down fats more slowly. Also, when food is reintroduced, the body may store more fat in anticipation of future deprivation. This can cause a person to gain more weight and body fat than if he or she had just adhered to a moderate diet all along.

Myth 5: A person can lose body fat from just one area. There are a number of exercises purported to burn fat from a specific area of the body. For example, doing hundreds of crunches will banish belly fat. However, fat will not diminish in just one spot from targeted exercise. The body burns fat evenly so that one portion is not depleted more than another, resulting in an area of the body that is not naturally insulated by fat. Therefore, a diet and exercise plan will produce gradual shedding of body fat all over the body. Yet, the appearance of diminished fat may be visible in particular areas more so than others. Myth 6: Fat modulates body temperature. Scientists used to believe that body fat was instrumental in regulating body temperature. New information suggests that it is actually muscle that helps regulate body temperature, although it is not entirely understood why. According to a report published in Nature Medicine, muscle protein called scarlopin is believed to help regulate body temperature. Muscle contractions also help to generate heat. Myth 7: Fat weighs less than muscle. Muscle and fat weigh the same. A pound of bricks will weigh the same as a pound of cotton. Muscle is more dense than fat, so if a person is exercising and building muscle while shedding fat, he or she may not notice a big change in weight. Body fat is often shrouded in mystery, but understanding the science behind body fat can make shedding it that much easier.

W H AT H A P P E N S W H E N

What happens when your child is obese

By Dr. Javier Bustamante of Bustamante Pediatrics

besity can be hard to face for children or their families. Even harder still is tackling the issue in a way that addresses what matters most: health. Childhood obesity can stack the odds against a child for the rest of his life in the form of diabetes. Early onset Type 2 diabetes is lifelong. There is no cure as of now, so once a person (adult or child) develops diabetes, the condition remains with him for the rest of his life. This condition requires daily attention and that alone can be frustrating or tiring for most people. In the short term, diabetes causes fatigue, severe thirst, and frequent urination. In the long term, a condition like diabetes complicates other medical problems that may arise later in life, kidney problems and loss of vision are common. Finally, it limits treatment options for some serious conditions such as cancer. Perhaps you’ve heard standard responses, but not much is said about what you can do to deal with childhood obesity right now. So if you’d like to start making a difference today, there are a few places you can start. Is your child’s level of activity matching her level of food intake? Simply put, if a child is active enough, she will be using up all the energy gained from the food she’s eaten. This doesn’t mean that every child needs to be running miles every single day (not every family has the time for that). So why not approach the problem from the other side? Lower food intake. If a child eats less, then she will not need the same amount of exercise in order to use up the calories. This doesn’t mean less saturated fats, less carbohydrates, or even less sodium. This really means less food in general. Can it really be that simple? Let me explain a bit more. It all began when the fat content misconception in

B Well Magazine · November 2014

foods became a concern decades ago. Naturally, food companies lowered fat content in their foods, or eliminated it altogether. This is why there are so many low-fat or non-fat options at your grocery store. Yet obesity still exists. How could that be? Well, food without fat tastes terrible. So, many companies found a great replacement for fat in all their foods: sugar. That is the culprit. It is a highly addictive ingredient in most foods, and you may know it by another name: high fructose corn syrup. When it comes to obesity, these two are exactly the same. Limiting sugar is simply the best way to tackle obesity. Here’s why: sugar contains glucose and fructose. Glucose circulates through your body and feeds your muscles and organs. It is necessary. Even plants need glucose. Fructose, on the other hand, goes straight to your liver, the only place it can be metabolized. On top of that, your liver can get overworked and just end up turning much of the fructose into fat, which is then stored and can cause problems down the line. Could the answer be as easy as eliminating all sweets in your diet? If so, why is it so hard? This is because no poisonous food has ever been found to contain fructose in nature. Humans have known for thousands of years that if food tastes sweet, then it is safe to eat. Limit-

ing sugar intake can be very difficult, but trust us, it’s the best change you can make for your child. This means not just eliminating candy, but also regular sodas, ice cream and, most importantly, juice cocktails and flavored beverages. Stick to 100-percent fruit juice and water. Lastly, if limiting sugar proves to be more difficult than you imagined, there’s still a way to ensure a healthy heart, even if weight loss isn’t involved. Walking. Just 30 minutes of walking every day benefits anyone, including a child fighting obesity.

LIFE’S QUESTIONS ANSWERED

What are the effects of crash diets?

Careful when considering quick fixes, fad diets

By Stacy Eldridge, MS RD and Angie Kurtz, RD, Kaiser Permanente

here is no evidence that fad diets improve long-term weight loss, and the weight-loss industry earns $50 billion per year on people looking for a quick fix. Studies have shown many products and programs that promise a quick fix are without evidence to back their claims. According to the authors of “Intuitive Eating,” chronic fad dieting has been shown to promote the development of eating disorders. Registered dietitians have been telling patients for years that there is no magic pill, shake, or food. Weight loss and weight maintenance comes down to balance, variety, moderation and exercise. During the holidays, moderation and exercise are often put on hold until New Year’s resolution time. According to The Journal of Nutrition, science is showing that foods consumed in excess, such as sugar, salt and fat, especially during holidays, prompts a powerful release of the pleasure brain 62

B Well Magazine · November 2014

chemical dopamine. Evidence is showing that frequent exposure to large amounts of these foods can change the brain in ways comparable to drug abuse. This can rewire the brain to stimulate compulsive overeating and loss of control. According to Susan Albers, multitasking while eating can cause us to over eat. To avoid this, we need to participate in “mindful eating.” This involves being more aware of our eating, when we eat and the thoughts and emotions we have about and around food. Being healthy is an ongoing challenge that requires long-term commitment to making changes in eating and exercise habits. Experts recommend a sensible weight-loss program that offers a change in eating habits that you can follow for the rest of your life. The changes should be as close as possible to your own tastes and provide all the nutrients your body needs to keep you from being hungry or unusually tired.

In addition, it is important that the changes allow you to eat away from home without feeling like a social outcast. You can also seek education from qualified experts with credentials in nutrition, exercise and behavior change to teach you about portion control, healthier food choices and exercise. Stress management is also important during the holidays. Stress management is often overlooked but is an essential component of weight loss and weight maintenance. Research from Obesity Review shows that social support (one-on-one or in a group setting) is an effective way to manage stress. Kaiser Permanente offers long-term weight management programs that are open to the community. These programs offer expert staff including registered dietitians, therapists, nurses, lifestyle educators and experts in physical activity. If you are interested in these programs, call 661-664-3712.

LIVING GREEN

Dreaming of a green Christmas Ways to green your holidays

By Katelynn Camp

then throw it away; this can be a waste economically and literally. Thankfully, Bakersfield will be recycling gift wrap this year. Place your wrap in your blue recycle bin, making sure to remove all non-recyclable tape and ribbons beforehand. Party ware – Apple cider and hot chocolate may symbolize the holidays, but resist purchasing non-compostable styrofoam cups. The best alternatives are actual mugs, and hosts can PHOTO BY ALEX HORVATH

ccording to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, household waste in the U.S. generally increases 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day — about 1 million extra tons. Guess where all of that waste goes? It isn’t a pleasant thought. Here are some suggestions to reduce that waste and green up your holiday season. Gift wrap - Rip it to shreds,

Members of the city of Bakersfield's Solid Waste Division log the numbers of blue recycling carts. Local residents can dispose of any recyclable waste in these specific carts.

pool mugs from different households for large parties. However, if scrubbing dishes after cooking Thanksgiving dinner is too much, buy paper or plastic party ware with a certified recycle symbol. “Always be asking yourself how something was made or packaged,” said Jessica Felix, community relations specialist for Keep Bakersfield Beautiful. Food – Cooking and eating 15-pound turkeys and famed Christmas hams consumes tons of energy. To reduce this, Jay Escover, Lassen’s Natural Foods and Vitamins Store Manager, suggests opting for a vegetarian alternative, or at least purchasing locally because it improves freshness and supports small farms in the area. Year-round, local farmers markets feature a wide variety of organic, locallygrown produce and can be a great, eco-friendly addition to your table. Stop by the Bakersfield Valley Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, 3201 F Street; or the Haggin Oaks Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, 8800 Ming Ave.

New ways to wrap Some gift wrap is covered in unrecyclable glitter or laminate. The following are eco-friendly alternatives: • Brown paper bags. Grocery stores like Trader Joe’s and Lassen’s will pack your groceries in brown bags, which you can then turn into DIY wrapping paper and throw into your blue bin after use. • Newspaper. Maybe your loved one loves Charlie Brown comics? The local sports page? Find the perfect newspaper section and wrap away. • Cloth gift bags. Plastic bags are becoming a thing of the past, so why not use non-recyclable gift bags? You can continually use cloth bags for various holidays and celebrations. Jo-ann Fabric and Craft and Hobby Lobby carry reusable fabric bags.

November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

GARDENING

Plant in fall for a great spring Plenty of gardening choices are at your fingertips this fall

beautiful spring show. Plus, fall brings great weather, calling your name to spend time outdoors. Gardening is the hobby of health, and this is a great time to rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. The physical activity as well as satisfaction in watching something grow brightens us and our children. If it is edibles that you are looking to plant, they can be in a dedicated garden area or intermingled in a landscape. Here are some fall edible options for you: all leaf lettuces, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage onions, beats, and kale. Sustainable edibles: citrus and other fruit trees (apple, cherry, plum, persimmon, apricots, etc.) and berries (blueberries, black berries, boysenberries, strawberries, etc.). Yum! Artichokes, asparagus, rosemary and much more are also great to plan this time around.

A bounty of brightly colored flowers offered at White Forest Nursery.

B Well Magazine · November 2014

Eric White shows off red ornamental cabbage, a colorful and edible plant that is a great choice for gardening or landscaping.

You can plant from containers (getting a head start on the rooting system) or plant from bare root in December through February. Edibles intermingled within a regular landscape can be quite attractive. The beautiful purple of

PHOTO BY SCOTT HISLOP

pring forward. Fall back. With our busy lives, it seems that when it comes time to plant our gardens, we are out of sync with the seasons. When school starts, we are ready to plant pumpkins, but oops, too late! It’s time to de-stress, reset the clock and begin again. Fall is the best time to plant most everything. Why is planting in fall the best time? It gives the plants a head start. Planting now gets the roots established before the plant goes dormant when it gets cold. In the winter, the roots of your plants slowly keep growing and developing all winter long, so when the plant is ready to wake up in the spring, your plant has a large root system to support and grow your plant large and healthy for a

PHOTO BY SCOTT HISLOP

By Rita White, co-owner of White Forest Nursery

kale. Blueberries or rosemary make a great bush or hedge. Citrus trees are great garden art. Those beautiful orange trees give a great color burst to a landscape, are green year round and taste great! Properly prepping you planting area is vital. In the soil, till in good mulch (harvest supreme or azalea mix for acid-loving plants), top the soil with GardenMax, which infuses the soil with all the microbiology needed for healthy root development, and plant through these mixes. If you are thinking about nonedible plants, then consider flowers such as pansies, snapdragons, violas and roses. Trees for shade and flowering are also great to cultivate, as well as bushes, this season. Another important tip, plant a root ball one-quarter above the surrounding soil level (roots need to breathe) and the water will drain away from the stem.

GOOD HEALTH FOR

EVERYONE

For convenient care you can count on, stop by the Care Corner. ™

Visit us at your local Walmart at 5075 Gosford Road in Bakersfield. Telehealth services available to both members and nonmembers.* No emergency services available.†

*The private telehealth visit is not a covered service for Medicare beneficiaries. † If you reasonably believe you have an emergency medical condition, which is a medical or psychiatric condition that requires immediate medical attention to prevent serious jeopardy to your health, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. For the complete definition of an emergency medical condition, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage.

kp.org/kerncounty November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

Dr. Sonia Kamath, right, walks with her patients once a week at The Park at River Walk.

Local doctor leads by example on walks with patients

By Julia Bae, M.D.

xercise is the best medicine; this has been shown time and again. However, many of us do not exercise on a regular basis. The daily schedules of work and life just may get in the way of exercising. “A sedentary lifestyle is one of the major risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD),” said Dr. Sonia Kamath, a board-certified nephrologist at Kaiser Permanente. Other risk factors include smoking, high lipids, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. CVD, in turn, is the leading cause of death in adults aged 65 and older. Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of developing CVD. “It has been shown to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol, help lose weight and improve blood sugar controls, as well as control blood pressure,” Kamath said. “People who exercise regularly also have lower levels of stress and anxiety, and it also helps improve self-confidence.” Despite all the positive impacts of exercise, a significant per-

B Well Magazine · November 2014

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

B THE CAUSE

cent of our population still does not exercise on a regular basis. Kamath wanted to incorporate exercise into her practice. So, she and her medical office assistant Novelyn invited their patients to gather at a local park once a week to walk. Many bring their family and four-legged friends. For most, this is a step in their journey toward a healthier life and an opportunity to exercise with their doctor and others who are facing similar medical issues. Once everyone arrives, they begin to walk on the scenic path around the lake at The Park at River Walk. Some move at a slower pace, enjoying the assistance of Kamath or Novelyn. Others break ahead of the pack as they proceed a bit more swiftly and independently. “I was hesitant at first,” said Allen Hatley, who has stage 3 kidney disease, diabetes and received a partial foot amputation. However, he hasn’t let his medical issues stop him from being a regular on the walks. “My health is improving and I get to talk to the friends I have made,” Hatley said. “How can I feel sorry for myself when I see others out here walking who have had kidney dialysis or who have had heart surgery?” Hatley said he is glad that Kamath invited him to walk with her and he looks forward to it every week. Kamath looks forward to spending time with patients outside of the medical office. “I build a strong bond with my patients and enjoy participating with them in taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle,” she said. Walking is usually well tolerated by most people. However, Kamath advises that you speak to your physician before beginning any exercise program. Improving your health can begin with something as little as taking a walk around your block. Julia Bae, M.D., is the medical director for Kaiser Permanente Kern County.

SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL

The DeCarlo family from left, Levi, 4, Dominic, Lexie, 13, Meredith, 7, Kenadie, 15, and mom Becky.

B Well Magazine 路 November 2014

Serving as a safe place Foster family finds meaning in caring for children

PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO

By Diana Greenlee

n a Sunday afternoon, “J.J.” bustled around the living room of her family’s home. The toddler’s deep brown eyes twinkled with excitement as she tended to her baby doll with the fervor of a doting mom. The 2-year-old foster child landed in the home of Dominic and Becky DeCarlo. J.J., not her real name, shares her parents with the couple’s three daughters, Kenadie, 15, Lexie, 13, and Meredith, 7, and son, Levi, 4, who was adopted. The DeCarlos have been married 19 years and have called Bakersfield home for 14 years. Dominic, 40, is a branch manager for Lewis-Goetz and Becky, 39, is a full-time mother with a preschool teacher background. The couple went through rigorous coursework to qualify as foster parents, and then joined Koinonia Family Services, a statewide adoption and foster care placement organization that works with county social service departments. Becky DeCarlo said her family finds their role rewarding – whether they are housing a child short term as “emergency respite care” or for months or years. Their foster children frequently return to their birth parents. “We’ll be a safe place for a season and watch them be re-unified with their parents,” DeCarlo said. The couple’s desire to promote and support foster parenting led them to become advocates for The Forgotten Initiative, an organization that provides mentoring and support to the foster care community. The faith-based group, in conjunction with local churches, organizations, high school clubs, and individual families, offers comforts for displaced children by giving out “journey bags” full

of items such as coloring books, clothes, and stuffed animals. It is one of the many services they offer. “(Foster children) usually leave with nothing but the clothes on their backs,” DeCarlo said “We’ve provided 800 journey bags over the last couple years.” The group also devoted time and money to decorating visitation rooms at the Kinship Center in south Bakersfield and donated tetherballs, toys and swings to the center. Crossroads Christian Fellowship, the DeCarlo family’s church, has also stepped up in support of The Forgotten Initiative. DeCarlo said the church provided gift cards with personal “The longer messages of congratulawe’re in the tions to 82 foster youth who graduated from the foster care Kern High School Disworld, the more trict this year, attemptwe realize how ing to fill some of the very lost and void created by absent broken our parents. “The longer we’re in world is.” the foster care world, the more we realize how very lost and broken our world is,” DeCarlo said. “These biological parents — some are young and weren’t parented well — they don’t know any better.” DeCarlo said some parents have substance abuse issues, but many children are removed because of neglect. The DeCarlos maintain a sense of humor and try to model good parenting; they know meeting the children’s needs and providing unconditional love has long-lasting effects. “It’s never wrong to love a child. That’s the best thing for them, however long we have them,” DeCarlo said.

November 2014 · bwellmagazine.com

B SEEN

The Heart Never Forgets Event Oct. 2 Held at the home of Wes Bradford Photos by Carla Rivas

Mark Hall, Denise Welte, Lynn Deats, Georgia Moore and Al Welte

Patty Flores and Sandy McDaniel

Jennifer Chaffin and Tanya Carruesco

Jeanette and Matt Leon

Andy Zaninovich and Tom Mestmaker

Andrew and Katie Allen and Tom and Kathy Harlan

Brooklyn Gutierrez and Terri Agcaoili

B Well Magazine 路 November 2014

B SEEN

American Lung Association Holiday Poinsettia Campaign Kickoff Gloria Rivera and Joy Invina

Landon Riley, Evan Berry, Casey Garcia and Josh Pavletich

Oct. 22 Held at Bakersfield Association of Realtors Photos by Rod Thornburg Nicole Dixon and Susanne Campbell

Elissa Valdovinos and Cody Brown

Lucy Helm, Elena Galvan, Liza Hasta and Dianna Martinez

Lisa Burgess and Nicole Dixon

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

David Taylor, Rena Vargas and Priscilla Bacus

November 2014 路 bwellmagazine.com

B SEEN

ALS Walk Oct. 4 Held at The Park at River Walk Photos by Brian Coleman

Jordan Perez, Nick Flores, Ricki Perez, Susan Escolar, Zachehus Burnett, Isaiah Perez, Lauren Serrano and Elise and Audree Rodriguez

Barbe Mitchell and Susan Stussy

Brian Roe and Sue and Tom Abate

B Well Magazine 路 November 2014

Linda and Greg Gilli and Ruth Gentelia

Julie Didler, Faith Menendez, Carly Gifford and Alexis and Tyler Fidler

Larry Woertz, Leslie Shrubb, Debra Scott, Shana Eknoian and Derek Sebade

Kevin and Paul Wimberly and Dave LeFebune

Sue Morrow, Ron Gagner and Stacy Inman

B SEEN

Fairy Godmother Foundation Comedy Fundraiser Blanca Grimes and Kurt Dudley

Oct. 9

Kevin and Michelle Blankenship and Jay Lockridge

Held at The Nile Photos by Carla Rivas

Alex and Renee Romo

Tom Burgett and Robbie Boardman

Morgan Reyneveld, Jim Luff and Nicole Ghidinelli

Stephanie and Jeff Luff

Romie Espinoza-Lenares and Paul Lenares

Liliana Chapman, Cassandra Patrick and Heather White

November 2014 路 bwellmagazine.com

B SEEN

Party in the Park presented by CSUB Alumni Association Oct. 24 Held at CSUB Alumni Park

T.J. Jacques and Anthony Galagaza

Jerica Kasinger, Kyrstin Cordero, Bema Hartsock, Taylor Williams and Kelsey Eddings

Photos by Carla Rivas

Nyakundi Michieka, Richard and Diane Gearhart

Paulina Zarate and Raquel Perez

Corina Vasquez, Susana Calderon and Alison Gomez

Danielle and Douglas Wade and Colleen Dillaway

Susan and John Koulos and Sharon and Gary Crowe

B Well Magazine 路 November 2014

Steve and Monica Buchanan

B SEEN

Girl Scoutsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Women Inspiring Girls Luncheon Oct. 3 Cathy Ferguson and Jayne McCallister

Jenna Rasmussen, Erin Miller, Jordan King, Kendall Rudie and Adrianna Buenviaje

Held at Valley Baptist Church Photos by Olivia Garcia, Jordan King and Eloise Golden

Betty Finch, Cindy Pollard, Sue Benham and Geri Spencer

Erin Miller, Jenna Rasmussen and Kendall Rudie

Karen Goh, Jennifer Ellis, Lisa Green and LaMeka Ross

Jenna Rasmussen, Audrey Nail and Charolette Gianquinto

Mary Jo Anhalt and Rachelle Beavers

Erin Nail, Kiana James and Moya Robinson

November 2014 Âˇ bwellmagazine.com

T H E F A M I LY V E R D I C T

I work with a bunch of losers

By Katy Raytis

“From the minute I signed up, I was starving.”

work with a bunch of losers. I discovered this a few months ago when my co-workers and I signed up for a Biggest Loser contest at work. Of course, I don’t mean loser in the pejorative sense. (That wouldn’t even be a contest because everyone already knows who has earned that distinction at work). Our Biggest Loser contest was part of a corporate Olympics program that happened around town. Employees from different businesses competed in various sports and activities. There were prizes and awards, but mostly everyone just competed for bragging rights. “Yeah, you might have an awesome job with a great salary, but guess what? I work with a bunch of good bowlers, so there.” Even if weight loss isn’t an official Olympic sport, it's a corporate Olympic sport. If ever there was a sport for me, this was it. After all, the training preparation for weight loss consists of overeating, and I pretty much have that down to a science. I had a surge of Olympic pride when I signed up. I was sure someone was going to run past the printer and hand me a torch so that I could proudly parade down to the conference room. I was an Olympian, after all, albeit a corporate Olympian. However, in addition to being an Olympian, I am also the poster child for reverse psychology. From the minute I signed up, I was starving. On the morning of my initial weigh-in, I ate a John’s Burgers’ breakfast burrito covered in gravy followed by a maple bar from Smith’s. I justified this on the grounds that it was good strategy to have a higher starting weight. But the little hungry rebel in my head didn’t stop there. During the first two weeks of the competition, I ate fast food nine times and spent a full day at an all-you-can-eat barbecue

B Well Magazine · November 2014

event. Then I baked cookies for a local charity, but wasn’t able to donate them because I ate them all. It really started to look like the only thing I was going to lose was all of my work friends since I was single-handedly destroying our chance at victory. If only there was a Smallest Loser contest. You would have had to pry the barbells out of my hands and yank me off the treadmill by my hair. With only two weeks left to go in the competition, I realized that I had actually gained 5 pounds. But, for an Olympic athlete like myself, adversity is nothing new. I still had time. The contestants on “Survivor” start getting skinny after about two episodes, so I just needed to eat nothing but rice cakes until the final weigh-in. I also considered carving myself an immunity idol out of a protein bar. Ultimately, the disapproving glances of my co-workers proved highly motivating. As it turned out, our office was neck-and-neck with another local business for first place. Wouldn’t you know that the Biggest Loser event was one of the final contests to be scored, so it all came down to us. Great. During the final week, I prayed diligently to the “Avoid McDonald’s” patron saint, mustered enough Olympic spirit to choke down a rice cake, and pretty much starved myself for about four days straight. End result: I lost four pounds (which was actually nine pounds if you count the Katy Raytis five I gained during the program), I kept all my friends at work, and our office took first place. I guess that’s how losers go for the gold. Katy Raytis is a local attorney and mother of three. You can email her your comments at kraytis@beldenblaine.com.

November 2014 路 bwellmagazine.com

LIFE & HAPPINESS

Have a thrifty New Year Take these tax tips to save cash in the New Year By Andy Barkate

aking small changes in the way you think about money can add up to big dollars over the long term. So, this year in addition to pledging to lose weight or spend more time in the gym, make the promise to help yourself by making smart financial moves. One way to save big is to take advantage of every tax deduction you can. I’ve never met a tax deduction that I didn’t like. The more you actively look for all available deductions, the fewer of your dollars will go to the government. Tax deductions become keenly important when you're about to file your tax return. Most tax deductions are generated from one of your expenses. Frequently used tax deductions include mortgage interest paid and real estate taxes paid. But, there is another set of tax deductions that is even more powerful — tax deductions that you receive by saving, not spending. None of this is new, but I’m constantly surprised 78

B Well Magazine · November 2014

that many people don’t know the rules. Send money to your retirement account, not the government

If you contribute to an IRA, you might be able to deduct your IRA contribution. The deduction you’ll receive is based on your income and your eligibility to participate in your employer’s retirement plan. The maximum contribution/deduction is $5,500 ($6,500 if you’re older than 50) per year. Typically, you have until April 15th of the year following the year in which you will receive a tax deduction. Many deductions are only available if you itemize. The IRA contribution deduction is not an itemized deduction, and nearly everyone who qualifies for the deduction will benefit. If you’re self-employed, you’ve got choices

If you’re self-employed, in addition to investing in an IRA, you have several other choices available. Typically, the limits

for contributions to plans are much higher than those for IRA, often reaching the vicinity of 25 percent of your self-employment income. In some plans, you can go as high as $52,000 or 100 percent of your compensation. Self-employed retirement plans include SIMPLE-IRA, SEPIRA, 401(k), profit sharing, and solo 401(k) plans. Contributions to these plans are deductible as an "above the line" (not itemized) deduction and can save you a significant sum on your tax return. Retirement Saver's Credit

This is very cool and often forgotten. The government would love to have us save for our own retirement instead of relying on public assistance. In order to encourage this, they’ve made a particular retirement saving tax credit available to lower income tax payers. A tax credit is much better than a deduction. A dollar tax credit saves you a dollar in taxes, whereas a dollar tax deduction saves you some percentage less.

For lower income individuals who choose to save for retirement, the tax law provides for a “Retirement Saver’s Credit.” The amount of the credit depends on your income, so look up the details and you just might save some cash. Becoming financially independent doesn’t happen overnight, it takes years of consistently making correct, and sometimes difficult, decisions. So, for 2015 make a resolution that will pay off forever. As with most financial planning strategies, one size doesn’t fit all. Therefore, contact your retirement or tax advisor to determine which plan will benefit you most. Andy Barkate, MS, is the author of the book “Retiring in America” and president of California Retirement Plans, a local retirement and financial planning Andy Barkate firm.

{

I am unhappy with my cosmetic breast surgery results. What are my options?

}

CAPSULAR CONTRACTION A capsule is an envelop of fibrotic tissue that forms around the implants. The capsule is normally soft; however, in certain cases it becomes thicker, harder and contraction of the capsule occurs. When this happens the implant feels hard, and it’ s squeezed in a tighter space so it looks deformed. This condition will cause asymmetry of the breasts, and it progressively gets worse with time, even to the point of having breast pain. Fortunately, a relatively simple surgery can treat this problem, and Dr. K’ s office has been successful in getting coverage through most health insurance’s.

LEAKAGE OR RUPTURE OF IMPLANTS This condition can happen with either saline or silicone implants, and can be a sudden deflation or slow and gradual. It is recommended that correctional surgery be performed as soon as leakage or rupture of the implant is diagnosed to prevent asymmetry. Most implants have warranties, and Dr. K’ s staff is experienced in finding out your type of warranty and trying to cover the cost of your surgery through the manufacturer’s insurance.

CHANGING THE SIZE/STYLE OF IMPLANT Some patients desire to have a bigger size due to loss of their breast tissue with aging, and others may want to go with smaller implants because theirs is heavy and causing them back and shoulder pain as well as limiting their physical activities. Then there are patients who wish to remove the implant completely without replacement.

“BOTTOMING-OUT” OR MAL-POSITION OF IMPLANT Bottoming-out refers to cases when gravity has stretched the skin in the lower portion of the breast, and the implant is positioned too low in relation to the nipple. Other times the implant may be placed out of the ideal position. These cases can be corrected by capsulorrhaphy — a minor surgery in which the pocket where the implant is located is fixated to keep the implant in ideal position.

Dr. Farzin Kerendian has more than a decade of experience performing revision breast surgery procedures for women who are not satisfied with their original breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction or other breast enhancement procedures.

The recovery time for these surgeries is usually very easy and quick. Dr. Kerendian offers complimentary consultations to discuss the patient’ s condition and treatment options in detail so they can achieve their “desired beauty.”

We accept all PPO Insurance for medically necessary procedures.

Desired Beauty 2080 Century Park E. Suite 607 Century City, CA 90067

(310) 274-4900

SURGICAL & MEDICAL CENTER

desiredbeauty.com

2020 21st Street Bakersfield, CA 93301

(661) 327-4400