September 2016
What if I have. . .
Depression
HEALTHY LIVING
IS A CHOICE Mindful Healing Anatomy of a Pinched Nerve
September 2016 1
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September 2016 3
Editor’s Note
Seek Your Wealth I am very honored to write an editorial for a magazine I have followed for a while now. As a psychology professor and a psychotherapist I dedicate my life to providing guidance and encouragement to people who are on a journey for a well lived life. I am also a big fan of healthy living. I love reading well being magazines and getting inspired by the articles and beautiful visuals. Today, in the modern world, we find ourselves absorbing information that is given to us by the media. We, the readers need to be picky about what we are taking in. Our contributing writers are chosen for their varying approaches to health and well being. Only you know what is best for your body and mind for a happier and healthier life and the Banzai team is here to support you and give you options. In our search for trends in well being, we look into both Western Medicine, Eastern Traditions and techniques, as well as news and trends from both worlds. We know when you have your health, that is your wealth, so we examine all kinds of information before we serve them to you.
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Please stay in touch and write to us. Share your experiences in search for health, wealth and happiness. Together we can design our lives better, healthier and maybe travel the world, exercise more, practice yoga, eat clean and live mindfully. Love always, Elif Angel Raynor
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PUBLISHER Meric Tunca
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Elif Angel Raynor
MARKETING Barbara Silver (561)-667-1356 (561)-567-4960
GRAPHIC DESIGN Don Horn
EDITOR-AT-LARGE Holly Johnson Lindsay Wynn
BEAUTY EDITOR Adam Revsen
CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS Angela Shaw Dr. Jonathan Chung Dr. Randy Laurich Ilyse August Jean Chalice Englund Julie Rothenberg
Krista Martinelli Lois Spatz Rolando Chang Barrero Sabeen Faquir
ART DIRECTOR Ferah Temel
PHOTOGRAPHY
Mancini Photography Lois Spatz Photography
banzainetwork.com
Banzaiwellness@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: Readers should not consider the information found in the pages of Banzai Magazine as professional advice or as a substitute for professional advice which can only be given by a licensed healthcare provider in a professional and personalized setting between a medical practitioner and a patient. The opinions and information expressed in Banzai Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the advertisers, advisory members, or the publisher. Banzai Magazine strives to present current and accurate information, although great care has been taken in compiling and checking information given in this publication to ensure accuracy, the authors, Banzai Magazine, the publisher and its agents shall not be responsible or in any way liable for the continued currency of the information or any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this magazine, whether arising from negligence or otherwise or for any consequences arising therefrom.
6 September 2016
September 2016 7
WHAT IF I HAVE…
Depression By Elif Angel Raynor, MS., MIBA. Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Depression is a mental disorder that affects mood, thoughts, behavior and therefore physical and mental health. It is the disorder that people avoid talking about because not many people understand depression very well. Some people even think that problems are all imagined or exaggerated and one can just simply snap out of it. Others put labels on people with depression and the stigma can be disheartening. Sometimes daily stress triggers depression and people slowly forget the coping skills that they have. Their problems may not seem compelling enough to build up to depression, but not having the tools to cope with daily stress can easily lead to depression. Depression may happen once or could be a repeating event. When it is chronic, a serious treatment or therapy may be needed. People at any age can be affected by depression. Medication and therapy are both available and effective. There are some alternative treatment like supplements, meditation, yoga, art and music therapy, etc. which can also be effective. Medications Only your psychiatrist (a medical doctor) can prescribe medication for your depression. First choices are usually Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft or Lexapro. Other medications may include Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) such as Nardil, Parnate, etc. Doctors may also prescribe Lithium in some cases. Psychotherapy Your psychologist or psychotherapist (also known as mental health counselor) can start your therapy, which is vital, especially if taking medication. There are several types of therapy and therapists. One needs to find the right method and the right person to be their therapist. Every therapeutic relationship is different. Your therapy might be Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychoanalysis or
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Psychodynamic Therapy, Integrative Therapy, and many others. This would be a decision between the client and the therapist. Alternative Treatment For people who are following a more holistic approach in life, there are some alternative to medication that have great results. Supplements like St. John’s Wort, SAMe, 5-HTP, Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Saffron are the some of the most common. St. John’s Wort works very well as an antidepressant if the depression is moderate or mild. SAMe is actually a chemical substance that humans produce but taken as supplement shows effective as an antidepressant. 5-HTP is needed by the human body to produce serotonin which is needed for a variety of psychological body functions like mood, sexual desire, sleep, etc. Omega-3 Fatty Acids which can be found in fish oil and in certain nuts are mood stabilizers and can be helpful in depression treatment. Saffron, is said to improve symptoms of depression, however more study is needed to confirm. Additionally, Traditional Chinese Medicine including acupuncture, herbal remedies, and massage can provide relief for depression. Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Meditation and Yoga are the best first choices when battling with depression. One of the most important but greatly forgotten remedy for depression is the right diet. While certain food types can provide great relief for depression, a certain diet, if followed closely, can totally boost your happiness level. Disclaimer: The comments and suggestions in this article are intended to be helpful in developing a treatment plan with the guidance of a physician. Please consult a medical doctor about which options would be best for you. Do not take any supplements or medicine without discussing the effects with your physician. The author is not responsible for any affects or the effectiveness of these treatments.
September 2016 9
The Optimal Exercise, Stretching, and Home Care Program For All Athlete’s
By Dr. Randall Laurich Over the last 17 years I have had the opportunity to work with a combination of novice athletes to some of the best in the world. It has been an amazing opportunity to learn the complexities of the sport and the injuries that go along with it. The following is a breakdown of the most common injuries, ways to strengthen, stretch, and home care to help prevent injury and ways to come back from certain injuries. The Bosu ball is a great way to work on balance and core strengthening The Bosu can be used to perform multiple exercises, it’s inexpensive, and it challenges your core. Obviously, all the exercises can be done without the bosu but it does help with stabilizing the core and increasing agility.
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Using a Rope or TRX to exercise. The latest and greatest exercise fad is a system called the TRX, but most of the exercises that use the TRX can be performed with a regular, properly tied rope. TRX is also known as suspension workouts. Below you will see different demonstrations on how the TRX and even a waterski rope can be used. The first picture below shows one step of the exercise recommended at our office. You should start in a position with one foot forward and then switch to the squat, then switch to the initial position with your opposing foot forward. Continue for 10 reps. This suspension training allows you
the ability to do multiple exercises without so much stress on your joints. It gives you the ability to perform with good form and a reduction in your body weight to allow you to increase repetitions. Most of you should have an old rope lying around. Some of the exercises may need two ropes. Also, tractioning from a ski or properly tied rope hung above you can help decompress the spine. Pelvic and Sacral Instability Because some sports involve different posturing and positioning, it can often cause pelvic or sacral instability. Add weight, horsepower, or true horse power and you have some substantial torque and twisting on the spine leading to injury, if the body is not prepared. If the Sacrum and Pelvis is stabilized with strengthening and stretching then the rest of the spine will follow suite. If it can be determined which side of the sacrum or pelvis is out of position changes can be made by using a small stress ball to re-align the area. Obviously, chiropractic care can also help to restore the position of the pelvis and the sacrum.
The above images show how the superman can be performed on the belly or in a kneeling position. These help to stabilize the sacrum, pelvis, and the lumbar spine. These are some of the most effective ways to stabilize the lower spine. Warm up by doing active dynamic movements. Stretch after you exercise not before.
Home Care Ice is every athlete’s friend, make sure you ice your sore joints after your workout. Use The Wellness Experience spinal corrector to help stabilize your sacrum. Instead of using over the counter antiinflammatories consider some natural ones, which include, Tumeric, and
Pineapple. In most extreme sports, the best thing you can do to heal is get the correct sleep and take the proper amount of time off to rest your muscles, bones and joints.
Listen to your body, and realize as we age recovery does become more challenging. Always know that if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us at The Wellness Experience. 561-441-4221 CALL TODAY, FEEL BETTER TODAY!!! September 2016 11
Photography By Danielle Jonas
LOCAL HOSPITAL CEO TAKES BLOOD PRESSURE TO HEART Approximately 80 million US adults have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Even though it typically has no symptoms, high blood pressure can have deadly health consequences if not treated and controlled. “The healthier our community is, the more we can accomplish” stated Robbin Lee, CEO of Wellington Regional Medical Center, when asked about her passion behind the mission of the American Heart Association. “We all
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knottttw that knowledge is power. The first step in preventing and controlling your high blood pressure is to educate yourself and your loved ones about this disease.” The American Heart Association has joined forces with Wellington Regional Medical Center to impact blood pressure in Palm Beach County. Robbin Lee sits on the American Heart Association Palm Beach County Market Board and when the board announced blood pressure control as
a local priority she and the hospital immediately stepped up to supported this effort. What is high blood pressure, and what happens in a person's body that makes it dangerous? Over time, if the force of the blood flow is often high, the tissue that makes up the walls of arteries gets stretched beyond its healthy limit and damage occurs. What do the numbers in a blood pressure reading mean? The two numbers (top and bottom number) tell you the amount of force pushing against your artery walls when the heart is contracting and when the heart is at rest. The top number in your blood pressure reading is called the systolic number and refers to the highest blood pressure measured in the arteries and occurs during the pumping phase of the heartbeat. The bottom number in your blood pressure reading is called the diastolic number and measures the lowest blood pressure in the arteries. The lowest blood pressure occurs when the heart muscle relaxes between beats. Both are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). What is ideal blood pressure? According to the American Heart Association, ideal blood pressure is less than 120/80. How do I know if I am at risk? Your risk increases even more if you have high blood pressure along with other risk factors: - Age - Heredity (including race) - Gender (male) - Overweight or obesity - Smoking - High cholesterol - Diabetes - Physical inactivity It is important to monitor and control your blood pressure because high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke and many other health deficits. Take action today. You can also have your blood pressure checked for free at the Palm Beach County Heart Walk, just stop by the Wellington Regional Medical Center tent.
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14 September 2016
I am
living proof. I was a passenger in my wife’s car when my heart stopped and I lost consciousness. Fortunately, my wife didn’t miss a beat. She drove me straight to the ER at Wellington Regional. Her quick thinking and the fast response I received at the hospital saved my life. And the sophisticated cardiac treatments the doctors gave me in surgery prevented any disabling effects to my brain and other organs. Sadly, nine out of ten people who experience sudden cardiac arrest die, but not me. I’ve got a lot more living to do! I am living proof that Wellington Regional is the right choice for emergency and cardiac care.
Pete Saltonstall Miracle Man
To read more of Pete’s story, visit ER / Cardiac Program
WellingtonLivingProof.com
Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Wellington Regional Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. September 2016
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Photography By Meric Tunca
HEALTHY LIVING IS A CHOICE
By Elif Angel Raynor
Lindsay Wynn is a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with Signature Int’l Premier Properties. She has been in the real estate industry helping others to find beautiful homes the last six years… She grew up in Boca Raton and has a passion to serve locals and the community. Since she has been helping people to realize their dreams, when it comes to the home
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environment we asked her: “What can we do to create healthy homes so we can shape a happy life?” “ Home is our sanctuary, our inner sanctum, our escape. Our haven of repose and rejuvenation. The place where we cultivate and nourish relationships with friends and family. Since we spend such a substantial amount of time and energy here, our
home can be considered the single most important environment that shapes our perceptions on quality of life. It’s important to understand the connection between your health and your living environment. A healthy home provides a sense of wellness and security while decreasing hazards and facilitating necessary balance. As a result, how we create our personal
‘safe space’ outwardly influences and contributes to a happy, healthy life.” “ What should be our approach to start this process then?” “ We should take a holistic approach to identify and resolve threats to our health and wellbeing. Here are 7 important steps to start doing immediately to maintain and improve your living space: 1. Go “Green” The term is so common and cliché these days yet what does that really mean to you? The U.S. Chamber of
Commerce Small Business Nation defines going green as simply taking steps to “conserve energy, reduce pollution and save money.” Sounds overwhelming and I’m sure are you thinking “Okay, where do I start?” My advice- a little goes a long way. A few tips to start doing immediately: Use energy efficient products, appliances and bulbs and turn off water and lights when not in use. Reduce pollution by recycling – Make this a habit. If you have children, turn it into a reward system to teach your kids.
home kit with a small investment of $10-$30. These kits cannot test for everything, but they can detect lead, arsenic, pesticides, and bacteria. Be in the know. Furthermore, if there is a concern, proper filtering options can increase water quality and possibly decrease contamination. 4. Limit Landscaping Chemicals Pesticides and fertilizers can be harmful to humans and pets. Look for local alternatives and “green” lawn care services. Landscape with native vegetation to reduce the need
Even if you start by only recycling plastics, that will make a difference. 2. Create Light Giuseppe Chisesi, Home Builder with the Sopra Group, recommends, “It is important to be cognizant of the position and exposure of your home, window design, and window treatments in relation to sunrise and sunset. Allowing sufficient light to enter your living space can drastically affect your daily mood.” So open the windows and let light in. 3. Ensure your drinking water is safe. Our body needs water to function properly. Is your water safe? Did you know many water utilities across the country make their annual water quality reports available online? You can access these reports on the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website as well as other resources on water including testing. You can test your water yourself with a
for pesticides and fertilizers. These chemicals can also be easily be tracked into your home. You do use these products, be sure to remove your shoes before entering the house. 5. Smart Cleaning One of the most important rooms to battle bacteria is the kitchen and it’s surfaces. Sanitize sponges by tossing them into the microwave or dishwasher. Make sure countertops and cutting boards are nonporous, and clean them regularly. Also, look for cleaning products that are made from plant sources rather than petroleum and that are free of chemicals that can irritate (such as chlorine) or pollute (such as phosphates). Avoid products that contain synthetic fragrances. Choose eco-friendly products. Make it yourself solutions are easy and will also save you money: a. For streak-free windows, use a solution of half water and half vinegar. September 2016 17
b. For laundry, add a cup of vinegar to brighten whites and remove odors. c. For tubs and sinks, create a cleanser mixture by mixing a small amount of baking soda and castile soap. d. Freshen the air naturally by using vinegar or baking soda. Not only do they clean well, but they also neutralize odors. 6. Limiting Dust You can reduce the amount of dust in your living space by choosing easy to clean window treatments. Heavily textured draperies and blinds tend to collect more dust. Better choices are cotton and linen fabrics. Minimize dust mites in the bedroom by putting allergy control covers on pillows and mattresses. With your smart cleaning laundry solutions, was the bedding weekly in hot water and high heat. A smart investment and upgrade is a vacuum which includes a true HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter that removes 99.97% of all particles with a diameter of 0.3 microns or more. 7. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors Most likely we have a smoke alarm installed in our home, but what about the importance of having a carbon monoxide detector (CO)? CO is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, but highly toxic. Common sources of CO are from a gas clothes dryer, furnaces, gas range/stove, water heater, portable fuel-burning space heaters, fireplaces, generators and wood burning stoves. In poorly
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ventilated or closed environments, the concentration of carbon monoxide can rise to lethal levels. It shouldn’t even be a question to install one or not for peace of mind from this hazard.” “ This information is really important, thank you for that again. Although a lot of us are aware of this, it is hard to get the process started. Do you have any advice on how to begin?” “ Healthy living is a choice. Your home is the foundation of that and an extension of who you are. You are a magnificent individual and owe it to yourself to take good care. So believe it, act on it, and let that carry over to everything you do. Personally, I feel good when I take care of myself as well as those around me. These simple actions above can make life more manageable and result in many
positive benefits. It may take extra awareness and effort to get there, but the results will be worth it. So next time you sit back on that sofa, kick your feet up (leaving shoes at the door of course), turn on some music and breathe in your home’s fresh, clean filtered air conditioning, feel a sense of accomplishment for taking care of yourself, your family and your pets, and creating a happy, healthy home environment. “ “ You made it sound so easy. Thank you so much for this information. I think it is obvious that our readers can get in touch with you not only when they are in a market to buy real estate but also about to how to make what they purchase their sanctuary. We appreciate the recommendations...
September 2016 19
Judy Berens:
Horse Woman Turned Wildcat Conservationist By Angela Shaw It all started 20 years ago when Judy Berens decided to adopt an ocelot as a pet. As an equestrian, she owned a large ranch, which seemed fitting to house a wildcat. After much research, she learned cat ownership is fairly complicated and that it would require a state license, several forms and over 1000 volunteer hours at zoos and other animal facilities. Perhaps it was the ocelot’s keen searing eyes, satin smooth coat or beautiful symmetrical markings that made her want one so. All the red tape was worth it and she became the owner of her first ocelot named Sabrina. Of course, one ocelot is never enough, so Cody and Macho followed. Sometime thereafter, she took in a confiscated ocelot and a sickly cougar cub that had been in a garage in Loxahatchee. Thus began Ms. Berens’ menagerie of felines whose population has grown up to 26 in number. These exotics include cheetahs, jaguars, clouded leopards, pumas, bobcats, caracals, leopards and servals, all residing on her preserve called Panther Ridge. What began as an admiration for one ocelot has turned into a mission of animal conservation and education on the plight of the species. The ocelot community, for example, has dwindled to a mere 35 in the US. At one time their pelts were coveted to make luxury coats. The fact that it took 200 ocelots to make one coat severely depleted their population. I first met Judy in the kitchen of her compound where she was preparing snacks for a tour. A smart safari hat, crisp khaki shirt, and pearl stud earrings gave her the air of not just tour guide, but Chief Magistrate of her Pantherinae Colony; Queen Supreme of her Kitty Kingdom. Though she acted as their royal ruler, she was truly their humble servant. For here she was prepping meals in their spacious kitchen catering to her loyal whiskered subjects.
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While chopping stew meat, she explained a wildcat’s diet. Stacks of silver bowls dotted the table. One bowl in particular caught my eye. Fuzzy yellow chicks and furry mice spilled over the rim. They weren’t moving. “Are these their appetizers and small plates?” I asked. “Tapas,” she quipped. “The main course is beef, salmon, turkey and other fish as well as zoo-prepared foods.” Trying not to feel sorry for the bowl of chicks and mice, I asked who her food supplier was. “Cheney Brothers and Costco.” She then held up a zip-lock bag containing a fresh portion of salmon. “I got this at Costco. No Kibble for these guys!” “Oh,” I said, “I’m actually headed to Costco after this to pick up a filet of salmon for company tomorrow.” (For us humans, it’s salmon for special occasions. For these cats, it’s daily fare)! On top of this Grade-A meal, she sprinkled fish oil, bone meal, probiotics and digestive enzymes to promote health and ward off pancreatic problems, which can be an issue. If the cats get sick, they see Dr. Stephanie Johnson at an Animal Clinic in Lake Worth. “She’s a wiz!” Judy added.
A few other people joined us as the tour started. Other than that, the complex was practically void of homo sapiens. Yet, the grounds were impeccably maintained. Mulch covered the animal spaces and walkways. The dark wood fencing was freshly painted; the black chainlink enclosures in perfect condition. Garden chairs and Adirondack seating areas were strategically placed, enhancing the park-like setting. I asked about her staffing. She has one full-time keeper, two interns, and a few valuable volunteers. “Besides that, it’s just me–slave labor.” Ms. ‘Slave-Labor’ is hardly at that caliber, and she chose her post of loving service intentionally, eyes wide open. Born in Minnesota, she was educated at Vassar, and then achieved her MBA at the University of Miami. A resident of Wellington since 1994, she has been active in the equine community showing horses. As if it wasn’t enough to house, feed and care for these numerous cats, Judy Berens also donates to other organizations and programs that help cats in the wild. It is her goal to educate people about the incredible depletion of the species that she is witnessing. “Unless we all get involved, these iconic animals will be gone in the next 20 years.” Judy Berens is living out her passion for exotic feline preservation and promoting awareness to save the wildcat world. To continue reading Judy’s story, please visit www.aroundwellington. com Join Judy’s mission. For more information and ways to get involved, visit her beautiful compound at 14755 Palm Beach Point Blvd, Wellington, FL 33414. Tours can be scheduled at the Panther Ridge website www.pantherridge.org.
DR. BRYAN E. ALING Board Certified Optometrist
CREATING ART CAN BE YOUR PATH TOWARDS CREATING A HEALTHIER LIFE
By Jeanne Bootz
The benefits are numerous; from the physical muscle building that you experience if you decide to learn to throw pots on the wheel, to discovering your innate connection to a particular type of art, such as painting with acrylics, watercolors, creating with clay or any other form of art expression. This connection allows you to expand your mind by communicating and expressing ideas that you are passionate about. As you create art, your mind shifts to levels you have not yet explored and getting in touch with that inner potential is just the first step to better health. Let’s start by exploring the physical benefits. If you want to explore the art of pottery, for example, you will need to build muscles in your back, legs, arms and hands as you work the clay, giving the lump of clay the form you envision. But what about while drawing or painting? Where's the physical benefit, you may think, because you are only sitting, right? Good posture can be the key to maintaining an effective view of your subject for an extended period of time while at the same time increasing your confidence, opening up your airways and increasing your energy. Another benefit of creating any type of art is the development of good hand eye coordination which in turn improves cognitive skills. If you ever decide to create art somewhere outside of your studio, you will appreciate the additional physical benefits you will get from all the lifting and juggling of all your supplies! Goodness, the best workout comes from setting up your tent and artwork at various art shows. Those artists are in GREAT physical shape, let me tell you!
(561) 433-8448 bryan@alingeyes.com
2601 S. MILITARY TRAIL, #23 WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33415
September 2016 21
Shocking Truths About Insurance Law Friends and neighbors, I want to share my personal experience to hopefully prevent this from happening to you. My mother won’t break the policy she holds on me, but I hope to shed some light on this issue and possibly affect some change. There is an extremely interesting, and depending upon your perspective, somewhat troubling issue that exists in the world of insurance as it relates to close family members. Many of you have probably never contemplated the issue that I'm going to raise and discuss in this article, however, if the issue were to ever directly affect you or one of your close family members, it could quickly increase its importance. The issue that I intend to discuss is obtaining life insurance on a family member, particularly insuring the life of a child, without the insured person's permission – both at the time the insurance policy is acquired and perhaps many years hence. Normally, in order to obtain an insurance policy on the life of another, one would need to have a "insurable interest" in the life of that other person, the insured. This is typically brought about in two separate contexts: First, the insurable interest
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that a family member has in the life of another based upon co sanguinity or their marriage into one's family predicated upon the assumption that these relationships have a foundation based upon love and affection; and secondly the insurable interest that one person has in the life of a business partner because the first party has a pecuniary interest in the life of the insured – meaning that the first party would suffer some kind of financial loss if the insured were to die. In this article, I am only going to focus on the first circumstance: Insuring the life of another in a family relationship, particularly that of a parent insuring the life of a child. Under current insurance standards, and the law, a parent may obtain an insurance policy on the life of a child even without that child's knowledge or consent. So, using as an illustration the circumstance in which a minor child's life is insured by a parent, this insurance policy may and will be obtained without the child's consent. In the circumstance of a minor child, that child is not even at the age of majority when that child could properly consent to such an insurance policy any-
By Bedonna Flesher
way. What happens, then, if that child (the insured) and the parent that has purchased the insurance policy (and is also the beneficiary of that same insurance policy) become estranged? What would happen, according to both current insurance standards and the law, if this parent and child not only became estranged but developed a tremendous animosity towards one another? Is there anything that the child (the insured) can do to terminate or cancel such an insurance policy? The answer to that question, to this writer's great dismay, is that there is nothing that can be done to terminate or cancel such an insurance policy. The underpinning of this social policy which permits such an insurance policy is the assumption that the love and affection between family members ought to preclude the purchaser of such a policy from having the motivation to murder the insured simply to reap a financial benefit. But if no such love and affection exists, why should it be permissible, according to current insurance standards and the law, for a family member to have such a financial interest in the death of the insured? Not only that, but why
doesn't the insured simply have some kind of right to choose who can hold and own an insurance policy insuring his or her own life? The issue is quite different if one spouse is purchasing a life insurance policy on the life of the other spouse. Courts in different jurisdictions have been split on the issue of whether or not the knowledge and consent of one spouse (the insured) is required in order for the other spouse to purchase a life insurance policy on the first spouse. The statutory and case law authority in a majority of states requires the knowledge and consent of the insured spouse. Some states require the consent and knowledge of the insured to any life insurance policy procured by either a parent or a child. This rule, however, does not apply to a child who is very young. With very young children, there is no such requirement for knowledge and consent. What ought to happen if the nature of the relationship between a parent and a child were to change such that a strong argument could be made that no insurable interest would exist any longer? Illustratively, one can easily see that if a spouse purchases a life insurance policy, predicated upon love and affection between the two married persons, upon the occurrence of a divorce the insurable interests predicated upon love and affection ceases to exist. However, notwithstanding the occurrence of a divorce, many states follow the rule that the insurable interest analysis needs only be considered at the time of the inception of the insurance policy, not at the time of the insured's death. This means that even after the ugliest of divorces a former spouse could still maintain a life insurance policy on the other spouse. The rationale against such an insurance policy ought to be quite clear: Even in the midst of tremendous animosity between two former spouses where there is no further love and affection to prevent the thought of terminating the former spouse's life, one spouse may stand to gain a significant amount of money upon the death of his or her formerly betrothed. The rationale and argument against allowing a parent to maintain a life insurance policy on an estranged child, particularly where there are tremendously negative
feelings towards one another, should be no different. Why should a parent continue to have a financial interest in the death of a child if there is no more love and affection between the two? How do the insurance standards and the law treat that specific situation? The unfortunate reality is that most states continue to uphold the same rationale previously mentioned be-
as would be required when a business purchases a life insurance policy on one of its key employees. Many states would not terminate an insurance policy on a key employee even after that employee has ceased working for the company that purchased the life insurance policy. Again, the same analysis is used: The insurable interest analysis is only used at the
tween two divorced spouses: That the insurable interest analysis need only take place at the time of the inception of the insurance policy, not at the time of the insured's death. The requirement of a love and affection insurable interest is supposed to prevent wagering contracts between family members and providing an incentive in the early death of the insured. So, in the instance of an insurance policy purchased on the life of a child of tender years, such that knowledge and consent would not be required from the child in any state, and the subsequent deterioration of the relationship between the parent and the insured child, there is absolutely nothing the insured child can do to terminate or cancel the insurance policy previously obtained that now provides a significant incentive for the parent to have in the premature death of the child! Furthermore, in such a situation, the parent may have absolutely no financial interest in the ongoing life of the child,
time of the inception of the insurance policy, not at the time of the insured's death. Some courts have held that the insurable interest in a key employee does not survive the termination of the business relationship between the employee and the employer. While this rationale seems logical, there is no corresponding policy governing the end of a loving and affectionate relationship between a parent and a child. If you find this practice appalling, please go online and sign my petition; hopefully we can get the insurance companies to take note of this unjust practice and create a way to break insurable interests with special circumstances: https://www.change.org/p/ help-protect-individuals-from-having-unwanted-life-insurance-policies-placed-on-them Special thanks to attorney Dave Roy of Dave Roy and Associates, P.A. for his research assistance. September 2016 23
Mindful Healing By Jean Chalice Englund, M.S. Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern A good therapist is like a good parent, they try to work themselves out of a job. As a practicing mental health counselor and yogi, the ultimate goal is to teach healthy coping strategies which promote self efficacy, and increase a client’s ability to manage future challenges without assistance. Techniques that generalize and are easily implemented once mastered are ideal choices for treatment. For this reason utilizing techniques akin to Yoga Mindfulness, Meditation, Deep Breathing and Self Compassion are paramount to therapeutic success. When we ruminate on the past we become depressed, when we fixate on the future we become anxious. Depression and anxiety are two of the most common motives for individuals seeking therapeutic services. Each represents a deviation from the present, which leads to distorted thinking and harmful perceptions. Rather than mentally wrestling situations that cannot be changed, or focusing on potential obstacles that have not yet occurred, mindfulness increases clients’ ability to remain in the present moment. In yoga we learn to approach our practice from a non-judgmental stance, accepting where we are today, not criticizing ourselves for past failures or unrealized expectations. Learning to remain mindful honors the only time anything can truly be done to alter a situation, which always rests in The Here and Now.
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Meditation has been scientifically proven to have beneficial effects on the structure of the human brain. We have learned our brain is not fixed, and that neural pathways contain some degree of plasticity. This means learned ways of approaching and coping with difficult situations, previously thought to remain engrained, can
system, decreasing cortisol levels, and regulating the heartbeat. When clients engage in sustained meditation and deep breathing practices they are better equipped to handle stress provoking situations. One of the greatest gifts an individual can extend to themselves is self compassion, as it carries the message of understanding. Many clients who seek counseling struggle with debilitating views of the self, engaging in harsh criticism, negative self talk, and unfair judgment. Working with clients on enhancing self compassion can be difficult, as many feel they are unworthy of love, forgiveness, acceptance, or whatever it is their spirit craves. As a clinician drawing from yogic teachings, we assist clients in recognizing that everything in life is a process. Being compassionate
Photography By Elif Angel Raynor actually be ‘re-wired’ when our brain is trained to respond differently. Meditative techniques introduced in therapy are aimed at helping clients to ‘quiet the mind’ when presented with situations that provoke the fight or flight response. Maladaptive coping styles are replaced with more adaptive approaches as the brain changes its structure. Deep breathing becomes an integral component in this process, as it blankets the sympathetic nervous
with ourselves, we learn to be kind and patient with our
process. This in turn manifests itself in our relationships, as our new level of understanding is extended to others. Change may not occur overnight, but with the help of a therapist who champions these techniques, manifesting a happier and healthier life is attainable. For more information, please contact Jean@CaringTherapistsofBroward.com
What’s The Structural Difference? ...it’s having patients drive from Broward and fly from Aruba ...it’s gentle care applied with precision that you can feel AND see the differencehe difference ...it’s the trusted name for equestrians and athletes post-concussion
561.247.0044 September 2016 25 420 S. State ROAD 7 #107, ROYAL PALM BEACH, FL 33411
ANATOMY OF A PINCHED NERVE By Dr. Jonathan Chung
When someone gets an acute pinched nerve, it can be amongst the most painful problems that afflict human beings. Pinched nerves can leave people in lying in bed with an inability to work, exercise, sleep or play. When it happens people take on really strange and awkward postures to try to avoid the pain. But there’s a lot of misconceptions about what a pinched nerve actually is. A lot of people feel like if their neck or back has a pinching or stabbing type pain, then it’s likely a pinched nerve. However, multiple types of neck pain can lead to a pinching type of pain. A true pinched nerve involves multiple factors. 1. A Tissue Offender There are several different types of tissues that can pinch a nerve. Bone, muscle, tendons, and calcified ligaments are all compress nerve tissue throughout the body. Even tumors can cause pinched nerves, but those are in much more rare circumstances. The overwhelming majority of pinched nerve pain stems from a problem you’re probably familiar with. The slipped/herniated disc. Tearing of the outer part of the disc allows for a gel like material to spew out into a small space where a nerve travels.
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When a disc breaks down and leaks a hard fluid on top of the nerve, the nerve can become pinched between a rock (bone) and a hard place (disc) Image Credit: Can Stock Photos
Most herniated discs don’t cause problems. I can take an MRI of 100 random people with no pain and chances are high that many of them will have a disc herniation. The herniation only becomes problematic when it is large enough, or you move in a way to force this gel into the nerve against some of the other hard structure in the spine. 2. Soft and Sensitive Nerves Nerve tissue is soft and sensitive. Even small amounts of pressure against a nerve can make it go haywire. They are like the iPhone charging cables of the tissue world. Just a little bit of stress and the whole thing comes unraveled. That’s why your body protects the most sensitive nerve tissue (brain,
spinal cord, spinal nerves) in a case of bone called your skull and your spine. But it’s not just sensitive to pressure. It’s also sensitive to chemical signals like inflammation. Which brings us to the third important piece of anatomy. 3. Inflammatory Chemicals Inflammation from a torn or damaged disc can build up around the nerve and stimulate the nerve to create a pain response. This is especially true when you injure a disc very suddenly….like in a car accident or picking up a heavy box. Cells from your immune system rush to the site of damage and try to clean up the mess. The result is a large number of inflammatory molecules called cytokines and substance P fills that area and can trigger a pain response from the nearby nerve. I always compare the body’s use of inflammation to a fire/burning process. When your body uses inflammation it is like using a fire to burn away germs or damaged tissue in the body. The main problem with fire is that it can sometimes cause damage your own body too. This is especially problematic when inflammation affects a nerve. When a Pinched Nerve is a Serious Problem The pain from a pinched nerve can be excruciating. It’s not uncommon for someone with pain from a fresh pinched nerve to go to a hospital to get checked for something serious. With that said, the pain from a pinched nerve is not the worst thing that can happen. The worst case scenario for pinched nerves are a loss of function. If you have a pinched nerve and you start to have things like weakness and complete loss of feeling in your arm, legs, or hands, then it can be a serious issue that needs to be addressed by a surgeon. In cases of pinched nerves in the lower back, sometimes the nerves can affect bowel and bladder function leading to a condition called Cauda Equina syndrome which is a medical emergency. If left for too long, your muscles can begin to atrophy and you may never get full function back. These are scenarios that shouldn’t be trifled with.
90% of Pinched Nerves Can Be Addressed Conservatively That previous section wasn’t meant to scare you, but it’s a reality that we sometimes we have to face. The good news is that the vast majority of pinched nerves respond great to conservative care. That means things like physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, and decompression can all be helpful modalities in dealing with pinched nerves. All of the above therapies can provide some relief from the pain of a pinched nerve, but one thing that is important is addressing some of the biomechanical issues that lead to a herniated disc becoming a pinched nerve. A Delicate Balancing Act The spine has many functions. It protects the delicate spinal nerves, it’s the central attachment point for numerous muscles, and allows for a wide range of movement. Another key function is the way that it distributes force throughout the body. One of the key facets of Normal Structure is that it provides an ideal way for the human frame to distribute force evenly through the body’s muscles and joints. When we lose normal structure, we start to put more stress on some parts of the body over others leading to increased joint stresses in select areas. Want proof that your structure exacerbates pain from a herniated disc. Look at the way that people hold their posture. People with pinched nerves usually can’t stand bending their neck or back in a specific direction, so they lean towards one side over the other. You’ll also see that they avoid forward bending too. But why? Because bending forward and into the side of the pinched nerve. When your spine bends forward and to the right, it’s going to push that purple-ish goo further into the nerve
That’s why correcting the underlying foundation of the spine helps with pinched nerves because we can help the body naturally equalize the forces going into your discs. Sometimes the body will actually find a way to make the herniated disc go away! Although it’s not expected, the body is always going to move in a direction of healing itself, and sometimes that means getting rid of an offending disc problem. September 2016 27
Nutrition Suggestions for Scholastic Success
By: Julie Rothenberg MS, RD, LDN
It’s almost that time of year again. The time where crisp wide-ruled notebooks, freshly sharpened number two pencils, and shiny new backpacks make their annual debut. The time where students of all shapes and sizes gear up for a fresh start. Let’s make this fresh start a healthy one too! Eat a BALANCED breakfast: Yes, you’ve heard it, breakfast is in fact the most important meal of the day. However – this is not just grabbing a candy bar from the vending machine at school. Research shows eating a source of complete protein, complex carbohydrate and healthy fat with breakfast helps prevent head aches, fatigue, and afternoon binge eating as well as improves mood, attentiveness and academic performance! The following are some examples of a balanced breakfast: One scrambled egg + whole wheat toast + 2 Tbs peanut butter ½ cup oatmeal + 1 (5.3 oz) serving of Greek yogurt + handful of almonds or walnuts Protein Powered Breakfast Smoothie: 1 cup almond milk + plain (5.3 oz) serving of Greek yogurt + 2 Tbs peanut butter + 1 serving fruit (1 banana, ½ cup strawberries, ½ cup blueberries) + Optional: Add a veggie of your choice! Hydration is KEY: Research in young adults shows even mild dehydration can result in significant impairment in cognitive function! Children have a higher risk of dehydration because of their higher surface area to body mass ratio as well as their inability to recognize thirst cues as adults would. At school, they also do not have free power to do what they want – and water may not be readily available in the quantities they need. Data are from Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) Tables. Recommended Daily Allowance and Adequate Intake Values: Total Water and Macronutrient Tips to staying hydrated: Drink 1 – 2 glasses of water BEFORE school. Take a water bottle to school!
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Flavor your water with fresh fruit, spices or herbs. Replace juices, sports drinks and soda with water. Snack on Brainpower Superfoods! Eat your broccoli! There are some foods that are shown to improve your brain function and broccoli is actually one of them – broccoli is filled with vitamin K – which has been shown to help with cognitive function and improve brain power! Savor that salmon! The essential fatty acids found in fish (EPA and DHA) are important for many reasons, but research shows adequate intakes of EPA and DHA help control stress by boosting levels of a calming neurotransmitter, serotonin. Adequate intakes of EPA and DHA have also shown a decrease the risk of memory loss! Bring on the Blueberries: Some studies show that the phytochemicals in blueberries help to delay short term memory loss. A cup of blueberries a day may just keep those bad grade away! Want to learn more about nutrition or bring nutrition education to your school, team or organization? Contact Registered Dietitian / Licensed Nutritionist, Julie Rothenberg – owner of JuliENERGYnutrition LLC, for more information at julienergynutrition@gmail.com or find her at www.julienergynutrition.com
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