CTW Magazine APRIL 2014

VENTURA COUNTY

CONEJO VALLEY

SLEEP APNEA Cause, Impact, &

MALIBU

WEST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

SPECIAL SLEEP ISSUE

APRIL 2014 www.yhconnection.com

Treatment Options

THERAPY SERVICES PLUS IN AGOURA HILLS

SID SOLOMON, D.D.S. OF CCIND • IS YOUR MATTRESS TOXIC?

TREATING INSOMNIA WITH ACUPUNCTURE

OSA: TESTING & DIAGNOSIS • MIDTOWN CAFÉ IN VENTURA

People are always talking about Dr. V behind his back. Thank you! D, FACS Virella, M . A y n o Anth

“Gave me my life back”

“Caring and Compassionate”

“Best in the area”

“I highly recommend”

“Well Mannered, Understanding and Sympathetic”

“Truly Grateful”

Complex Spine & Brain Specialists

www.dr-virella.com

32144 Agoura Road, Suite 220 • Westlake Village, CA 91361 805.449.0088 office • 805.449.0046 fax 1687 Erringer Road, Suite 206 • Simi Valley, CA 93065 805.955.8898 office • 805.955.8828 fax 2

CTW MAGAZINE APRIL 2014

APRIL 2014 YHCONNECTION.COM

Contents

SLEEP APRIL 2014

DEPTARTMENTS

14/

06/ PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Sleep Patterns

20/

09/ PHYSICIAN PROFILE

Sid Solomon, DDS of Center for Cosmetic, Implant & Neuromuscular Dentistry

28/ NATURAL APPROACH

Good Sleep is a Life Saver (Everything you wanted to know about sleep but were too tired to ask.)

by Dr. Sharon Norling

28/

24/

32/ COMPASSIONATE EATING

Midtown Café - Serving up Sustainable Business Practices Raw Vegan Cuisine & More by Bianca Rose Martinez

36/ BEYOND GREEN LIVING

The Wonder of Yoga—Beyond the Poses—Part II

by Jan Tucker, MBA

36/

FEATURES 14/ SPECIAL HEALTH BULLETIN

40/ DIRECTORY LISTING 10/ CONNECTION

Therapy Services Plus - A Center That Offers Healing Naturally

by Alicia Doyle

CTW MAGAZINE APRIL 2014

24/ EAST/WEST

Pin-pointing the Obstructive Sleep Apnea— Causes of Insomnia: Testing and Diagnosis How the Ancient Chinese by Dr. Maryum Merchant Practice of Acupuncture May Alleviate Your 16/ HEALTH VIEW 1 Sleep Disorders Obstructive Sleep Apnea by Sarah Doss and Treatments Interview with Steven 34/ MIND & SPIRIT Greenman, DDS The Sign on Our Clubhouse Reads: 20/ HEALTH VIEW 2 No Girls Allowed! by Wayne M. Levine How to Achieve Healthy, Non-Toxic Sleep

by Jan Tucker, MBA

“Professionial chef, mother of two boys. Very Active, on my feet all the time; runner, hiker. If it wasn’t for Dr.K’s procedure I would have never had my bunions done.” Jessica M.

Your community yoga & meditation studio specializing in therapeutic practices for children, adults & seniors.

28914 Roadside Drive, Suite 204 Agoura Hills, CA 91301 818 889 YOGA (9642)

APRIL 2014 YHCONNECTION.COM

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

SLEEP PATTERNS

SLEEP PATTERNS As a child, sleep was never an issue for me—I was always a deep sleeper. From high school through college, burning the midnight oil to study and still being able to get up early was not an issue. After all, like many teens, I was invincible! During the late 60s and into the early 70s (yes, I am dating myself) none of us worried that lack of sleep could potentially affect our health. We just powered through and caught up during the weekends by sleeping in. No big deal.

ANN K. CASTLE FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & PUBLISHER

After becoming a mom in my mid-30s, sleep became a challenge. This is when reality kicked in. After years of dealing with my fragmented sleep pattern and finding that I was not at my best when sleep-deprived, I turned to my primary care physician. The word hormones worked its way into the conversation—oh boy— another pinch of reality. Today I sleep well and deeply for the most part. Sometimes life has a way of putting one’s mind into fifth gear and the only thing that can override it is a cup of herb tea, deep breathing and meditation. Sleep disorders are not something to take lightly—the results can stem from fatigue, irritability and brain fog to type 2 diabetes and even heart problems. Whether you are dealing with mild or severe sleep disruption patterns, this issue is for you. We address the challenges of insomnia; properly diagnosing sleep disorders through testing, several approaches to treating sleep apnea, and how sleep disorders can cause several health issues. We also address how having the right kind of mattress affects our overall health, introduce you to the caring team at Therapy Services Plus in Agoura Hills, and much more. After you read this issue, have that cup of soothing tea before hitting your fluffy pillow! And may you have sweet dreams! With Peace, Love, Blessings and Gratitude,

Ann

CTW MAGAZINE APRIL 2014

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ANDREA DOCTOR, LCSW, DCSW Home Health Administrator for Buena Vista Palliative Care and Home Health KATIE GREELEY, DC United Family Chiropractic Specializing in Pediatric Chiropractic Care STEVEN GREENMAN, DDS Specializing in Advanced Cosmetic, Implant & Sedation Dentistry, Snoring & Sleep Apnea HILDA MALDONADO, MD Specializing in Functional Medicine, Anti-Aging Medicine & Hormone Therapy SHARON NORLING, MD Board Certified OB/GYN, Holistic/Integrative Medicine, Medical Acupuncture, Nutrition & Functional Medicine DENISE NOYER-EREZ, LAC, FABORM Licensed Acupuncturist Specializing in Women’s Health ALON STEINBERG, MD, FACC Board Certified Cardiologist JAN TUCKER, MBA Founder of Whitelotusliving.com Specializing in green living, environmental awareness & spiritual yoga DAVID VILLARREAL, DDS Centers for Healing Specializing in Holistic Dentistry

WWW.YHCONNECTION.COM BEFORE

AFTER

WEST COAST ULTRASCULPT 3625 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Suite 161 Westlake Village, CA

805 910 5376 www.westcoastultrasculpt.com 8

CTW MAGAZINE APRIL 2014

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual writer and not necessarily those of the publishers or management of YHC Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Publication of the name or photo of any person or organization in YHC Magazine should not be construed as an indication of that person’s expressed opinion. Advertisers and their agencies assume responsibility and liability for the content of their advertisement in YHC Magazine. Photographers whose work is published in any advertising or editorial content within YHC Magazine agree to indemnify and save harmless the publishers from all liability, loss and expense due to a photographer’s failure to gain a model release. YHC Magazine is not responsible for loss of or damage to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork, or any other unsolicited material. Unsolicited material will not be returned. YHC Magazine’s liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction. YHC Magazine does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein.

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

CTW

Physician Profile

Sid Solomon, D.D.S.

CENTER FOR COSMETIC, IMPLANT & NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY Description of Practice

Advanced Neuromuscular, Cosmetic, Implant Dentistry. Treatment of TMJ, headaches, and Full Mouth Reconstruction. Therapeutic and Aesthetic Botox and Dermal Fillers.

Educational Background

UCLA, B.S. Psychobiology 1985 Magna Cum Laude

University of Pacific Dental School D.D.S.1988

Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies, LVI Post Graduate 2002

Location of Practice

1620 Westwood Blvd. LA CA 90024

1655 East Thousand Oaks Blvd. Suite 204 Westlake Village, CA 91362

23101 Sherman Place, Suite 502 West Hills CA 91307 855-327-2923

Personal & Professional Perspective Website

www.tmjdentistla.com www.timetosmile.com

Why did you choose this career in path?

Seeing a patient walk out with a beautiful smile remains the most important reason that I continue to thrive in my profession. I value the opportunity to help my patients live life pain-free. What sets you apart from other physicians/specialists in your field?

I am a Neuromuscular Dentist and part of only 2 percent of the nation’s leading practitioners in this field. I believe in comprehensive dentistry and provide everything to my patients from general dentistry to single visit crowns to Invisalign to TMJ treatment and even Botox. What do you think the future holds for your practice?

The future is an ever-changing and fast moving wave that I plan to ride with continuing education and impeccable patient care. I plan to educate as many people as I can about the symptoms and treatments of TMJ. I plan to help my patients live life pain-free - one patient at a time. APRIL 2014 YHCONNECTION.COM

CONNECTION

THERAPY SERVICES PLUS

THERAPY SERVICES PLUS A CENTER THAT OFFERS HEA LING NATURALLY by Alicia Doyle

AFFLICTED WITH POLIO AT A VERY YOUNG AGE, ELOISE BUCKNER CANNOT RECALL THE DETAILS OF THE HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES THAT HELPED HER OVERCOME A HIS TORICALLY DEVASTATING DISEASE THAT WAS VIRTUALLY ELIMINATED FROM THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 20TH CENTURY. “I WAS JUST A LITTLE KID SO I DON’T REMEMBER MUCH,” RECALLED BUCKNER, WHOSE MOTHER CHOSE NATURAL REMEDIES TO TREAT HER CHILD. “WHAT I KNOW IS IT WORKED AND I HAVE NO SIDE EFFECTS.”

CTW MAGAZINE APRIL 2014

thing — we need to have blood work done, we need to have hormones checked; we need breast exams and we need colonoscopies,” said Buckner, a certified colon hydrotherapist. “I would just like it if we didn’t have to use as many pills to mask what’s really going on. People can’t just leave it to the magic pill to fix everything.…I like people to take some responsibility for their health.” Therapy Services Plus is a unique “one-stop shop” that offers yoga, chiropractic services, colon hydrotherapy, Clinical Nutrition approaches and Intravenous Therapy— among other signature offerings.

YEARS LATER AS AN ADULT, when her mother suffered a massive heart attack and was given a short time to live, Buckner treated her mom with a combination of homeopathy, colon therapy and Chinese herbs. As a result, “she lived about 10 years longer than expected,” Buckner said. “Whatever the process was, it worked.” These firsthand experiences were the start of Buckner’s desire to help people achieve overall health naturally. As the founder of Therapy Services Plus in Agoura Hills, she does just that through a range of holistic care, from colon hydrotherapy to Reiki. “My whole intent is just to help people stay well physically, spiritually and mentally, and help them get in touch with who they want to be.”

“There are other places that offer similar services,” Buckner said. “But what makes us unique is that we are people who really love to help people. We’ve been doing what we’re doing for a very long time…we’ve become the best within our field. And it’s all based on our love and passion for doing the work.”

TRUE ART OF JOYFUL LIVING Located in Agoura Hills for two decades, Therapy Services Plus is all about the love of the work, Buckner re-emphasized. “The idea is to create joy in people’s lives—if people live a joyful life, there’s less drama, less frustration, less sadness,” she said. “What I teach is the true art of joyful living—it is an art; when you get yourself into a balanced place, you wake up and you feel joy in your heart, and everything you do, you do with the utmost passion in your heart.…I just want everyone to have a joyful life.”

DR. CLINTON POMROY Another specialist, Dr. Clinton Pomroy, practices natural health care with over 24 years experience. A graduate of National College of Naturopathic Medicine, he formed New Horizons Naturopathic Clinic in Fort Collins, CO in 1996 and moved his practice to California in 2004. “Naturopathic medicine emphasizes wellness through natural holistic

Born and raised in Malibu, Buckner began her career as a classical and studio musician. She studied biochemistry at UCLA and entered the holistic health field full time after a serious auto accident ended her musical touring career.

“ O N E - S T O P S H O P” For the past 25 years, she has been working with a range of clients using colon hydrotherapy and nutrition to improve their health and manage the side effects of medical treatments. “I think Western medicine definitely has its place and it’s a very useful

APRIL 2014 YHCONNECTION.COM

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CONNECTION

THERAPY SERVICES PLUS

Vendelbosch said. “Real results matter. And that means not just treating the symptoms alone, but the true cause of your pain in the first place.”

REIKI MASTER BALADEV Reiki Master Baladev received his first degree in Reiki in 1981 and his second degree in 1982 from Reiki master/teacher Beth Grey. He received his third degree and teaching certificate in 2011. Left to right: Cara Sorkin, Reiki Master Baladev, Eloise Buckner, Dr. Clinton Pomroy, Sri Hari R. Moss

health care,” Dr. Pomroy explained. “Doctors of Naturopathy are trained from day one, in the art of integrated medicine, blending many modalities of medical care into a thoughtful approach for the patient.” Dr. Pomroy specializes in chronic and acute conditions, heavy metal and toxic burdens, lyme disease, chronic fatigue and pain, obesity and weight loss, hormonal imbalances, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, and non-surgical joint restoration. Dr. Pomroy uses Clinical Nutrition approaches, Intravenous (IV) Therapy, Electro-dermal Screening, Neural Therapy, Prolotherapy, Homeopathic and Herbal treatments, as well as many other modalities to assist in health recovery. Specialized laboratory techniques are used to investigate underlying conditions to help identify where problems lie within the body. “No two people are alike; each requiring individualized health care to get to the roots of the problems,” Dr. Pomroy further emphasized. “I take time with patients in order to understand the dynamic forces that are influencing their health.”

DR. MIRIAM VENDELBOSCH Enter Dr. Miriam Vendelbosch, who helps people at Therapy Services Plus with her special brand of chiropractic care that provides lasting relief for pain and other health problems. “I see a lot of needless suffering on a daily 12

CTW MAGAZINE APRIL 2014

basis, much of which is caused by basic health principles not being followed,” said Vendelbosch, a certified clinical nutritionist whose specialties include contact reflex analysis, biokinetics, injury rehabilitation, weight loss and personal fitness. “I know I can help these people and feel deeply satisfied to be able to do so.” Her desire to enter this particular field sparked while she was studying in college to become a molecular or genetic biologist. “But I always had an interest and passion in natural healing, belonged to all the natural healing organizations…would go to their seminars and conventions.” This interest magnified when she was involved in a severe auto accident while going to Yosemite. “I was in constant pain in school,” recalled Vendelbosch, who sought help from a chiropractor. “She was a miracle worker for me…not only helped correct the problem causing the pain but inspired me that I, too, could become a chiropractor and incorporate all my philosophies of natural healing in my practice.” Today, the foundation of her beliefs lie in what she calls the “triad” of health: how chemistry (nutritional status), structure (muscles and bones) and mental (emotional) state all affect one another and must be addressed for lasting health. “I don’t just treat joints and muscles, but find out the root cause of the problem and gently guide your body to a state of optimum health,”

“A beautiful characteristic of Reiki is it has the ability to harmonize energies that may normally be incompatible and can create the best possible outcome, therefore Reiki enhances anything we do,” Master Baladev explained. “Reiki is being embraced by many prestigious hospitals where it is offered as part of standard care.” Other experts at Therapy Services Plus include Yoga Upstairs, a complete and comprehensive yoga studio open Monday through Sunday with a wide variety of classes for all levels; Cara Sorkin, a certified Iyengar yoga instructor who studied well-being anatomy and physiology at Woodburn University; and Sri Hari R. Moss, a certified yoga instructor and shiatsu anma massage practitioner. For more information about Eloise Buckner and Therapy Services Plus, call 818.707.2139. Therapy Services Plus is a full-service clinic located at 5308 Derry, Suite K, in Agoura Hills. They are currently offering a 10 percent discount on all services for new clients as well as unlimited yoga classes for new students for $30 for one month. For information about chiropractic and nutritional counseling, please call Dr. Vendelbosch at 818.865.6247. To contact Dr. Clinton Pomroy, call 818.224.2404 or visit www.drpomroy.com To contact Reiki Master Baladev, call 818.889.5189 To contact Yoga Upstairs, call 818.889.8018 or visit www.yogaupstairs.com

APRIL 2014 YHCONNECTION.COM

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SPECIAL HEALTH BULLETIN

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

by Dr. Maryum Merchant

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA TESTING AND DIAGNOSIS SLEEP APNEA IS A SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITION. LEFT UNTREATED, IT CAN IMPACT YOUR LIFE SIGNIFICANTLY.

CTW MAGAZINE APRIL 2014

WHAT HAPPENS DURING SLEEP APNEA Normally during sleep, air moves through the throat and in and out of the lungs at a regular rhythm. However, in a person with sleep apnea, air movement is involuntarily diminished or stopped. This happens because the tissues in the back of the throat collapse and close during sleep. Obstructive apnea occurs when the airway is completely blocked. Hypopnea occurs when the airflow is diminished through partial collapse of the airway. A person may have both hypopnea and apnea during sleep.

TESTING The diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is confirmed with a sleep study. During the study your sleep is monitored. In people with OSA, the recordings demonstrate repetitive episodes of breathing pauses despite efforts to breathe.

UNDERSTANDING THE RESULTS The apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and oxygen desaturation levels are used to indicate the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. AHI is the number of apneas or hypopneas recorded during the study per hour of sleep, generally expressed as the number of events per hour. Based on AHI, the severity of OSA is classified as follows: None/minimal AHI < 5 per hour. Mild: AHI ≥ 5 but < 15 per hour. Moderate: AHI ≥ 15 but < 30 per hour. Severe: AHI ≥ 30 per hour.

IMPACT ON HEALTH In addition to a drop in oxygen saturation with each apnea, an arousal state occurs when the person moves from a deeper to a lighter state of sleep. This often sends signals to the brain that are translated by the body as stress signals. This causes surges in blood pressure and abnormalities in metabolism. When left untreated, these repeated episodes can, over time, strain the

heart and increase the risk of developing heart failure, irregular heart rhythm and elevated blood pressure. In a person with hypertension, presence of untreated OSA can make their blood pressure more difficult to control. There is also compelling evidence that OSA increases the risk of stroke. Reduced sleep duration resulting from this sleep fragmentation exerts adverse effects of glucose metabolism. Hence, there is an increased risk of developing diabetes, or existing diabetes can be more difficult to control. Indeed, a few studies have demonstrated that optimal treatment of OSA leads to improved control of blood sugars in diabetic patients with OSA. Excessive daytime somnolence or sleepiness is the most noticeable and serious complication of sleep apnea. It places people at risk for developing depression, irritability, sexual dysfunction, learning and memory difficulties, or falling asleep during work or while driving. Based on one study, motor vehicle accidents were two to three times more common among people with OSA. OSA sufferers are also more likely to experience added complications following major surgery due to breathing problems—especially while lying on their back. Studies have shown that patients with untreated, severe OSA (i.e., with AHI ≥ 30 events per hour) have a two- to threefold increased risk of sudden premature death, compared to individuals without OSA, independent of other risk factors such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. The good news is, successful treatment of OSA may reduce many of the above risks. If you or your loved one

have these symptoms, consult with your primary care physician immediately to be referred for a sleep study. You may save someone’s life or your own.

Dr. Maryum Merchant worked as a private practice hospitalist in Southern California for three years after completing her residency in Internal Medicine at UCSF-Fresno in 2007. She earned a fellowship in Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She has significant experience managing patients with sleep problems and advanced lung disease, including transplant, chronic obstructive lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, and interstitial lung disease. She is currently a clinical instructor of medicine at David Geffen-UCLA School of Medicine. Member: American College of Chest Physician (ACCP) and American Thoracic Society (ATS). Board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine and critical care medicine. Contact her clinics at 818.271.2400 (Porter Ranch), 805.418.3500 (Thousand Oaks) or 805.494.6920 (Westlake Village). APRIL 2014 YHCONNECTION.COM

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HEALTH VIEW 1

SLEEP APNEA AND TREATMENTS

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA AND TREATMENTS AN INTERVIEW WITH STEVEN GREENMAN, DDS WE LEARNED A LOT IN THE FOLLOWING Q&A SESSION WITH STEVEN GREENMAN, DDS, A LOCAL DENTIST WHO OFFERS AN ALTERNATIVE TO CPAP WHEN APPROPRIATE.

CTW MAGAZINE APRIL 2014

Dental oral appliances not only are effective, they have higher compliance rates and higher subjective satisfaction than CPAP.

Q: What is obstructive sleep apnea? A: The term apnea comes from the Latin word meaning without breath. There are two types of sleep apnea— obstructive (OSA) and central. The obstructive type is by far the most common. It occurs when the base of the tongue and soft palate relax and collapse the airway. Central apnea occurs when the central nervous system fails to signal the body to breathe. Q: Why is this condition so harmful to one’s health? A: When apneas occur, sleep is interrupted as we become aroused and begin to breathe again. Usually we don’t awaken; however, this sleep pattern disrupts the proper stages of sleep that help to rejuvenate the mind and body naturally. Sleep apnea sufferers typically complain of excessive daytime fatigue, trouble concentrating and moodiness. The lack of sleep can lead to accidents—both occupational and traffic-related—causing injury and even death. In addition to the harm caused by sleep deprivation, sleep apnea sufferers typically experience oxygen deprivation. The blocked and restricted airway limits the airflow into the lungs, which results in the potentially dangerous low blood oxygen levels. The damaging effects to the body’s organs are significant. Oxygen deprivation due to sleep apnea over a long period of time can very likely cause stroke, diabetes, coronary artery disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease, obe-

sity, GERD (gastric reflux), and erectile dysfunction. Q: Is snoring the same as sleep apnea? A: No. Snoring is the sound of the soft palate vibration heard when the airway is partially collapsed. The difference between snoring and sleep apnea is oxygen deprivation; however snoring is not benign, and despite the way it is depicted in comedy, it is no laughing matter. Chronic loud snoring has been linked to transient ischemia attack (TIA) which occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops for a brief period of time, causing stroke-like symptoms for an hour or two. Furthermore, the bed partner suffers from second-hand sleep deprivation and all of its consequences. Q: What is CPAP and how does it work? A: CPAP is a machine that helps a person with sleep apnea breathe more easily during sleep. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. The machine is attached to a flexible hose, which has either a mask or a nasal attachment. CPAP increases air pressure in the throat to keep the airway open, enabling a normal breathing pattern. If you are currently using CPAP and experiencing good results, you should continue to use it. CPAP is considered the gold standard for the treatment of sleep apnea. However, just like any other voluntary treatment regimen, compliance APRIL 2014 YHCONNECTION.COM

| 17

HEALTH VIEW 1

LASIK • CATARACT SURGERY IMPLANTABLE CONTACT LENSES

SLEEP APNEA AND TREATMENTS

is an issue. There are numerous news reports of people dying from heart attacks in the early morning hours while their CPAP sat unused in the closet or on the night stand. Q: Is there an effective alternative to CPAP?

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A: Yes. Dental oral appliances not only are effective, they have higher compliance rates and higher subjective satisfaction than CPAP. Following is the published position of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) regarding dental oral devices: “Oral appliances (OAs) are indicated for use in patients with mild to moderate OSA who prefer them to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, or who do not respond to, are not appropriate candidates for, or who fail treatment attempts with CPAP. Until there is higher quality evidence to suggest efficacy, CPAP is indicated whenever possible for patients with severe OSA before considering OAs. Oral appliances should be fitted by qualified dental personnel who are trained and experienced.…” The most common and widely-studied oral appliance is the mandibular advancement splint (MAS). It is a retainer-like device that fits on both the top and bottom jaws. The lower jaw is gently held in a forward, protruded position, thus maintaining an open airway by limiting or preventing the tongue from dropping back.

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www.DoughertyLaserVision.com 18

CTW MAGAZINE APRIL 2014

MAS therapy is most effective for mild to moderate, nonobese OSA sufferers. Often there is a body position component to OSA which also must be addressed. Q: Why is MAS subjectively preferred to CPAP? A: Comfort and convenience seem to be the most cited reasons by our patients. With MAS there is no restriction of movement. Most appliances allow you to speak and drink water. Unlike CPAP, MAS does not have to be disconnected and removed in order to get out of bed at night. Another great advantage is there is no need to create a seal around the face or nostrils as with CPAP. Some of the most common complications of CPAP include air leaks, mask discomfort, claustrophobia, chest discomfort, sores on the face caused by the mask seal, eye irritation from airleaks, and swallowing air. The most common side effect of MAS is mild tooth and jaw soreness and transient bite changes. These side

effects are primarily noticed in the morning upon removal of the MAS. Fortunately they usually disappear within 20 to 30 minutes. A dentist experienced in MAS therapy can reduce the occurrence of side effects and properly manage them if they occur. Our patients tell us that the side effects are minor— much easier to deal with than CPAP—and usually disappear within a few weeks or months. Most tell us the common side effects are a small price to pay for how much better they feel! Q: Why should you want a dentistfabricated custom MAS rather than the prefabricated type you see online or on TV? A: There are several reasons. A custom-fabricated MAS provides a huge comfort advantage. Custom MAS is considered durable medical equipment and is designed to last years. Furthermore, your dentist will carefully and incrementally position your lower jaw to the optimal position. There are fewer side effects with custom MAS therapy. Q: Are there alternatives to in-lab sleep studies? A: If you have been avoiding a sleep study because of the inconvenience and cost, there is an alternative. Home sleep testing is becoming more and more common. Many insurance companies require home testing before approving in-lab testing. Many home test devices are very simple to use, but provide a great deal of information—enough to enable a valid diagnosis.

With copayments and premiums going up, and insurance-covered services going down — there’s never been a greater need for Aflac. Aflac pays cash benefits to help cover things that major medical doesn’t — like out-of-pocket medical costs and everyday living expenses. Call Julie today!

Julie Kraus, Agent • 805.529.8190 julie_kraus@us.aflac.com • CA Insurance Lic #0C47103

Q: Will my medical insurance cover MAS? A: MAS is covered by most PPO insurance plans and Medicare.

For a no-charge consultation and examination to determine if you are a good candidate for MAS therapy, contact Dr. Greenman’s office at 805.496.9555 or visit www.drgreenman.com. His office is located at 1240 S. Westlake Blvd, Suite 223 in Westlake Village. APRIL 2014 YHCONNECTION.COM

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HEALTH VIEW 2

NON-TOXIC SLEEP

HOW TO ACHIEVE HEALTHY NON-TOXIC

SLEEP by Jan Tucker

SLEEP IS REQUIRED TO SUSTAIN LIFE, AND QUALITY SLEEP IS CRITICAL TO VITAL AND ABUNDANT HEALTH. ONE OF THE MOST OVERLOOKED RELATIONSHIPS IN ACQUIRING QUALITY SLEEP—NEGLECTED BY CONSUMERS AND MANUFACTURERS ALIKE—IS THE ROLE PLAYED BY OUR MATTRESS.

CTW MAGAZINE APRIL 2014

Fitness, Facials & Massage

Sleep is important. It is the third leg of the wellness stool along with exercise and nutrition. Unfortunately, most of us, including our children, sleep on mattresses laced with toxic chemicals and many of them have so much wear they no longer offer the support we need (if they ever did). Both situations harm our health. And both can be remedied with the proper bed.

WE SLEEP ON A MASS OF CHEMICALS In the past, mattresses were made primarily of cotton padding and steel springs. But after 1950 and the invention of plastics, polyurethane, latex and foams (made from petroleum-based products), the modern mattress experienced many evolutions—from waterbeds to today’s memory foam offerings. These materials emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which continue to off-gas for the life of the mattress. According to the EPA, exposure to VOCs has been linked to respiratory irritation, asthma and other major health problems such as cancer. To compound the issue, in 2007 the U.S. federal government mandated that every mattress manufacturer include a fire barrier in the mattress so it would self-extinguish if caught on fire. Mattresses and other furniture must pass a flame test to prove they are safe. As a result, most mattresses now contain cost-effective chemicals such as PCDEs and boric acid— known carcinogens. During this same time period, sleep issues have risen to almost epidemic proportion. This move to newer materials causes unintended

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THE FACTS Doctors tell us the ideal mattress should: • Support the spine properly. • Reduce pressure and encourage deep, healing sleep. • Be made of safe, non-toxic materials. • Wear properly. Our modern mattress has the following problems regarding these guidelines: Alignment support: The hip and lower torso weigh more than the shoulder area. To provide proper support the mattress must push the hips up into alignment, level with the shoulders. Foam materials like memory foam and latex do not do this. Neither does air nor water. Memory foam beds are the fastest growing segment of the mattress market. These soften with use, further diminishing alignment support. Pressure Relief: Synthetic foams wear much faster than cotton, and over time they are unable to rebound. Thus we find body impressions in our beds. Independent testing of mattress foams show they wear out in three to eight years depending on the amount and type of foam used. Buyers expect their mattresses to last for the warranty period of 20 plus years like their old cotton mattresses did. But the fine print limits the

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HEALTH VIEW 2

NON-TOXIC SLEEP

warranty coverage to the normal wear pattern of the foam. As a result, many of us continue to sleep on worn out mattresses, contributing to poor sleep and misalignment. Off-Gassing: Synthetic foams emit noxious fumes, off-gassing as they wear. Memory foam is made from polyurethane foam plus an additive to make it rebound slowly. Almost every modern mattress uses polyurethane foam which contains carcinogens. New research links PCBs like polyurethane to the rise in childhood cancer, ADD, asthma and autism. Many adults report severe allergic or immunerelated reactions after sleeping on new mattresses made with synthetic foams. Infertility and neurological impairments are also linked to these chemicals. See www.chem-tox.com for more information. Fire Blockers: Many of the materials used to retard fire also contain known carcinogens. By federal law, mattress manufacturers are required to prove their products will extinguish an open flame. They do not have to reveal to the consumer the materials used. The least expensive way is to use chemical sprays containing PCBs similar to asbestos, and boric acid. So even more toxic materials are added to the polyurethane foam in almost every modern mattress. In January of this year, California took the first steps to end the use of 22

CTW MAGAZINE APRIL 2014

these flame retardants in foam furniture and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s products, but so far, due to pressure from the chemical industry, manufacturers are not required to meet the new standards until January 2015. Also, the standards do not prohibit the use of chemical flame retardants. The new rules basically change the flame test into a smolder test, making it easier for manufacturers to meet the requirement.

W H AT C A N Y O U D O ? Sleep is important. It is the third leg of the wellness stool along with exercise and nutrition. You have learned a great deal about the dangers of inadequate sleep in this issue. You know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to do everything you can to ensure your sleep is healthy. A new category of wellness quality mattress and sleep products is beginning to emerge as a result of our new knowledge. One company, Advanced Comfort Technologies, has answered the call to develop sleep wellness mattresses to solve the problems inherent with our modern beds.

For more information on where to find mattresses that will provide you and your children with healthy, nontoxic sleep every night, visit www.whitelotusliving.com/blog/ category/healthy-sleep.

Being the Man You Want to Be In Your Relationships and in Your Life

Get out of the problem and into the solution. Men all want the same things. We want to feel joy and passion, be happy in our relationships, feel of value, and spend our days making money in a way that fulfills us. We want to not be so angry, jealous and resentful, know that we’re good enough as men, fathers and husbands, and we want to feel the confidence necessary to live without doubt and fear. With more than 20 years experience in guiding men through all conceivable life challenges, I’ll coach you through your problems, and help you find the solutions to become the happy and successful man, father and husband you want to be, and your family deserves. n n n

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EAST/WEST

ACUPUNCTURE AND SLEEP DISORDERS

PIN-POINTING THE CAUSES OF INSOMNIA Acupuncture May Alleviate Your Sleep Disorders by Sarah Doss

DO YOU SUFFER FROM RESTLESS NIGHTS, TRYING ALL THE SLEEP-INDUCING METHODS, TAKING MELATONIN SUPPLEMENTS, DRINKING A WARM CUP OF MILK BEFORE BEDTIME, COUNTING SHEEP, BUT TO NO AVAIL? DO YOU GET NO RESPITE FROM SLEEPING PILLS?

CTW MAGAZINE APRIL 2014

If so, you are among millions in America. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the average adult needs about eight hours of sleep a day, but only 35 percent of American adults consistently get this amount of rest.

SHEKINAH HEALTH HEALS T H E B O DY NAT U R A L LY Shekinah Health, located across from the Westlake Promenade in Thousand Oaks, is a wellness center offering chiropractic and acupuncture services and techniques in addition to corrective exercises, lifestyle advice, nutritional counseling, massage therapy and posture screenings. The Shekinah team of wellness providers uses acupuncture for a number of health issues such as insomnia to balance the body’s internal energy, or Qi (pronounced chee). They vow all your sleep problems can be cured with just a few needle insertions. Head physician at Shekinah Health, Joseph K. Kim, DC, LAc, pursued a balanced blend of both Eastern and Western well-being practices. He attained his doctorate in acupuncture in 2008 and practices an integrated holistic approach to overall health. Like most acupuncturists, he believes when your Qi is imbalanced your body cannot properly function. “Acupuncture should always be your first line of defense,” said Dr. Kim. Placing a few thin needles in just the right places can stimulate the autonomic nervous system, which promotes healing and regeneration of every living cell in the body.

WHY AM I AWAKE ALL NIGHT? Insomnia has many different causes. Variables such as stress and anxiety, side effects from medi-

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EAST/WEST

ACUPUNCTURE AND SLEEP DISORDERS

cation and hormonal imbalance can keep us staring at the ceiling when we should be dreaming of lying on a sunny beach in the Caribbean. “With acupuncture treatment along with some herbs, we can calm down the nerves and work to rebalance your Qi,” said Dr. Kim. “During our session, I find out why you have sleep issues and how we should address the problem for your individual needs.” According to Dr. Kim there are two types of insomnia: in one, the person can’t fall asleep; in the other, the person can’t stay asleep. In the first case, the insomniac feels tired but cannot drift to sleep no matter what, often being resigned to watch late-night television and bad infomercials for hours. In the second case, the insomniac has no trouble falling asleep but wakes up multiple times for no apparent reason, often having a hard time going back to sleep right away. Dr. Kim says when an insomniac cannot fall asleep at bedtime it is because Qi in the liver is not settling. For those who wake up numerous times per night, Dr. Kim says the Qi in their liver is settled, but the Qi in the kidneys is not holding long enough. PERMANENT INCH LOSS SMOOTH AND TIGHTEN THE SKIN ELIMINATE CELLULITE DETOX We now offer wellness programs for: FIBROMYALGIA CANDIDA WEIGHT LOSS ACNE EXCEMA/PSORIASIS IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME IRREGULARITY CELLULITE ELIMINATION

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CTW MAGAZINE APRIL 2014

“The heart is a physiological organ, but it’s also emotional, like when we feel heartbreak—you are depressed or irritable—you can’t eat or sleep. In the same way, your other organs have emotional levels too, and can control how well your body functions as a whole,” said Dr. Kim. If you spend hours awake at night, your troubled liver is controlling your mind and causing you stress. Kim suggests that certain hours of the night correspond to certain organs, so if you’re always waking up at 4

a.m., for instance, you could have imbalanced Qi in your lungs.

WESTERN VERSUS EASTERN APPROACHES TO INSOMNIA You don’t have to take Dr. Kim’s word for it. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, acupuncture appears to be an effective treatment of insomnia. “The mechanism of acupuncture treatment may be regulating yin and yang to reinforce health and eliminate the pathogenic, thus improving sleep.” Western, or traditional medicine has been known to treat the symptom and not the cause of health issues. If you go to your general practitioner with the message that you can’t sleep, the doctor usually prescribes medication to treat the problem. Eastern and alternative wellness providers would say, therein lies the real dilemma. “When you take Ambien, you sleep but your mind is not clear; you’re drugged and you get stressed— it’s a vicious cycle,” said Dr. Kim. He adds, “Medications in Western medicine that have side effects hinder your ability to sleep. If you’re sick with one thing and you get medications that cause side effects, your doctor gives you more meds to cure those side effects, and so on.”

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK? If you have imbalanced Qi in your liver, Dr. Kim normally applies his acupuncture needles around the big toe, the meaty part of your thigh, or maybe your ears. These localization points are called channels and have a direct route to the function of your organs.

Your kidney channels are in the meaty party of your heel and in the back of the leg. However, the diagnosis and acupuncture session are entirely based on the individual, so your acupuncturist may address other Qi channels depending on specific issues. For example, the heart channels can calm anxiety, which is often a cause of insomnia. Each acupuncture session at Shekinah Health lasts about 30 to 40 minutes. Dr. Kim suggests you make appointments twice a week for the first couple of weeks, then once every other week. The period of time you’ll need to have acupuncture treatments depends entirely on your unique combination of issues. One patient may only need to have a few treatments, while another more severe insomniac may need months of sessions.

O T H E R N AT U R A L WAY S T O A L L E V I AT E S L E E P I S S U E S Shekinah Health recommends several methods such as herbs and meditation to bring balance to your yin and yang, and help you sleep more soundly. Renowned naturopath and medical doctor Andrew Weil suggests several other methods of curing insomnia naturally, such as checking your mattress for signs of wear and changing your pillows. Dr. Weil also recommends turning off all electronics long before bedtime and meditating with conscious breath to help release your anxious thoughts. He also says it’s important to eliminate caffeine and alcohol, especially before bedtime— both can increase sleep disturbances. Once you have incorporated these healthy habits into your nightly routine, you are guaranteed to sleep tight. And of course, don’t let the bed bugs bite—but that’s a different article.

Dr. Kim’s office is located at Shekinah Health, 650 South Westlake Blvd., Suite 200 in Thousand Oaks. Call 805.777.8154 or visit www.shekinahhealth.com. APRIL 2014 YHCONNECTION.COM

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NATURAL APPROACH

GOOD SLEEP IS A LIFE SAVER

GOOD SLEEP is a Life Saver by Sharon Norling, MD, MBA

DO YOU LONG TO FALL ASLEEP AS SOON AS YOU GO TO BED? DO YOU WANT TO SLEEP PEACEFULLY THROUGHTOUT THE NIGHT WITHOUT INTERRUPTION? WOULD YOU LOVE TO WAKE UP WITHOUT AN ALARM CLOCK, ALERT AND FULL OF ENERGY FOR YOUR DAY? OR IS THIS ALL A DREAM?

CTW MAGAZINE APRIL 2014

If you tend to lie awake at night watching the ceiling while everyone else is in la-la-land you are not alone. Insomnia occurs in all age groups. Sleep is the most basic biological activity. Its purpose is protective and restorative. At age 70 the average person has spent cumulatively 20 to 25 years asleep! Are you so sleep-deprived you can hardly stay awake in the afternoons? Being exhausted is miserable but insomnia can also be life-threatening. Problems with falling asleep or daytime sleepiness affect approximately 35 to 40 percent of the U.S. adult population and are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Sleep problems are 1.5 times more common in women. Insomnia impacts daytime alertness and performance. Patients usually complain of an impaired daytime functioning with a feeling of fatigue, sleepiness, irritability, risk of mistakes, difficulty focusing and shortterm memory loss.

Health Risks Associated with Sleep Disturbances Insomnia can affect not only your energy level and mood, but also your health. The impact can be cumulative. People with chronic insomnia are more likely than others to develop psychiatric problems such as depression or anxiety. And sleep is critical for our immune function. Lack of sleep has been shown by research to increase gastrointestinal symptoms. People with irritable bowel disease have sleep disturbances even when they do not have symptoms. This is due to inflammation. According to Sleep Medicine Review in 2005, increased inflammation causes difficulty sleeping and increases high sensitivity C-reactive protein. The journal, Hypertension, in 2000, reported that short sleep causes high blood pressure. Individuals getting less than five hours of sleep significantly increase their risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The sympathetic nervous system is stimulated with poor sleep.

Trying to lose weight? You need to sleep better. A recent study documented impaired glucose control, increased cortisol, increased insulin resistance, and increased diabetes in participants with inadequate sleep. The journal, Sleep Medicine Clinics, in 2007, published that decreased sleep increased hunger by 24 percent and appetite by 23 percent, resulting in 33 to 45 percent higher carbohydrate intake compared with those who sleep well. Lack of sleep also raises the body mass index (BMI). Good health and happiness are impossible when we are robbed of sleep for very long. According to the journal, Sleep, in 2002, “Compared to good sleepers, severe insomniacs reported more medical problems, had more physician-office visits, were hospitalized twice as often, and used more medication. The Sleep in America survey, sponsored by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), found that 40 percent of adults are so sleepy during the day that they have difficulty carrying out their responsibilities. Severe insomniacs had a higher rate of absenteeism, missing work twice as often as good sleepers. They also had more problems at work (including decreased concentration, difficulty performing duties, and more workrelated accidents).”

Sleep Deprivation Results in More Accidents Drowsy driving is an underestimated risk factor in official statistics. As many as 15 to 30 percent of today‘s traffic accidents are related to drowsiness, making it is an even greater risk factor than alcohol. Drowsy drivers suffer from inattention, impaired concentration and may even fall asleep at the wheel. Accidents during dozing result in three times as many fatalities as other accidents. About 100,000 policereported accidents site fatigue as the cause. NSF reports that 1,550 people die each year as a result. A whopping 62 percent of drivers drive when they are tired. Studies show sleepimpaired drivers’ reaction perfor-

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NATURAL APPROACH

GOOD SLEEP IS A LIFE SAVER

mance skills are as poor as those of alcohol-impaired drivers! According to a study in the Journal of Sleep, research on the association between sleep and fatal occupational accidents concluded that “self-reported disturbed sleep is a predictor of accidental death at work.” Accidental death was nearly twice as likely in subjects who reported difficulty sleeping during the previous two weeks. Lack of sleep also slows your problemsolving skills and may make you take unnecessary risks.

Don’t give up hope! You can sleep naturally. All of this might be hard to take, but take heart—part of the problem is that although one adult out of four complains of insomnia, only one insomniac out of four brings it to the attention of their practitioner during a visit to solve another problem. Only one out of 20 schedules a visit to discuss specifically the problem of insomnia. Insomnia may be considered an ordinary complaint (after one poor night) or as a chronic disease. Only a few patients with insomnia take a treatment for it and many times they self-medicate with over the counter products.

What to Avoid

Some potential causes are:

Pharmaceutical drug companies are always looking for the next expanding market for drug development. Lunesta reached $329 million in sales this year, second only to Ambien with $2 billion in sales for its sleep medication.

1. Neurotransmitter imbalance; low esrotonin, high nor-epinephrine, low GABA

Drugs rarely produce restful sleep and are plagued with numerous side effects such as next day drowsiness, sleep-walking and confusion. When mixed with alcohol, other medications or drugs can be lifethreatening. In March, 2007 the FDA issued new warnings for prescription sleep medications.

Associated Causes of Poor Sleep

Slow-wave (deep sleep) and REM (rapid eye movement or dream sleep) are important for a good night’s rest. If you are not dreaming or are dreaming too much, you may not be sleeping well. If you have teenagers or are caregiver, you may not be sleeping well. Insomnia is not a single disease but is a symptom of a wide range of problems. It’s important to bring your problem to the attention of your doctor to help determine the cause and appropriate remedy.

2. Restless leg syndrome; related to high dopamine. 3. Adrenal fatigue. 4. Anxiety. 5. Depression. 6. Blood Sugar swings. 7. Stress. Concerns about work, school, health or family can keep your mind too active, making you unable to relax. 8. Societal and family demands. 9. Stimulants. Prescription drugs, including some antidepressants, high blood pressure and corticosteroid medications, can interfere with sleep. Many over the counter (OTC) medications, including some pain medication combinations, decongestants and weight-loss products, contain caffeine and other stimulants. Antihistamines may initially make you groggy, but they can worsen urinary problems, causing you to get up more during the night. 10. Change in your environment or work schedule. Travel or working a late or early shift can disrupt your body‘s circadian rhythms. Research has shown a higher incidence of cancer in individuals who work the night shift. 11. Long-term use of sleep medications. If you need sleep medications longer than several weeks, talk with your doctor, preferably one who specializes in sleep medicine. 12. Medical conditions that cause pain such as arthritis, fibromyalgia and neuropathies. 13. Eating too much, too late in the evening. Having a light protein snack before bedtime may help you sleep better. Some people wake up at night because of low blood sugar. 14. Physical disorders such as kidney disease, heart failure, asthma, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, Parkinson’s disease and hyperthyroidism.

CTW MAGAZINE APRIL 2014

15. Environmental conditions such as noise levels, extremes in temperature and changes in sleeping locations and time zones.

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In spite of all the negative information about sleep deprivation, the International Classification of Sleep Disorders distinguishes more than 80 different disorders which can be effectively treated. Here are a few ideas to help you sleep more soundly until you visit your doctor: • Minimize your consumption of caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. This includes coffee, colas and chocolate. It is advised to restrict consumption after 3 p.m. • Balance your hormones and neurotransmitters without pharmaceutical drugs.

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• Establish a consistent, positive routine. Stick to a schedule. Go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time. • Eat a small healthy snack with protein before bed to prevent low blood sugar from waking you. • Have sex as it releases hormones that enhance sleep.

• Take time for yourself and keep your schedule reasonable. Your life depends on it.

• Your bedroom should be dark, quiet, relaxing and climatecontrolled. • Use the bedroom only for sleep. Watching TV contributes to insomnia. • Use an eye mask or ear plugs as needed.

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• Relax to prepare for sleep. Listen to calming music or meditate.

• Exercise 20 to 30 minutes a day, preferably 4 to 5 hours before sleep. • Remove animals from the bedroom—many people resist this and choose to sleep with their animals rather than sleeping well. • Gentle supplements promote restful sleep. Calm the mind and relax the muscles. Melatonin, seratonin support, valerian or magnesium are some to consider. • Speak to a knowledgeable professional before using herbal products, supplements or hypnotherapy to help you sleep. You deserve a good night’s sleep every night. Your life depends on it.

Dr. Sharon Norling brings a lifetime of education, training and passion in both conventional and natural medicine. Using specialized testing she finds the root cause of symptoms and illnesses and uses effective natural medicine whenever possible. She is the author of “Your Doctor is Wrong.” Her advanced medicine practice is located in Westlake Village. Call 818.707.9355 or obtain a free report at www.drsharonnorling.com.

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COMPASSIONATE EATING

MIDTOWN CAFÉ

Midtown Café

Serving up Sustainable Business Practices, Raw Vegan Cuisine & More

(Don’t worry your omnivore friends will love it too.) by Bianca Rose Martinez

IN A HEALTHFUL TWIST OF FATE, MIDTOWN CAFÉ (FORMERLY CRAZY DOCTOR CAFÉ) OPENED ITS DOORS JUST BLOCKS FROM VENTURA COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER IN VENTURA LAST YEAR. IT IS SUCH A WELCOMED ESTABLISHMENT WITH SO MANY PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK AND ATTEND COLLEGE IN THE AREA AND OFTEN HAVE LIMITED ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOOD ON THEIR SHORT LUNCH BREAKS. PLUS HAVING A FRESH JUICE BAR ACROSS FROM THE CANCER CENTER MAKES SO MUCH SENSE! Vegan chef Nick White has been busy creating an amazing menu that offers something for every diet and lifestyle. Along with some traditional favorites like bacon and eggs, Midtown offers tofu scrambles, tempe bacon and a variety of vegetarian wraps, an acai breakfast bowl, sandwiches and raw vegan dishes. This tasty variety makes Midtown unique in that it brings people together despite food preferences. Nick was happy to say that the café will be sourcing more organic foods from local distributors and will be extending their hours to 7pm thanks to popular demand. After switching to a plant-based diet a few years ago Nick says, “Food can change you in ways you would never expect.” He reports feeling many benefits from his choices including, better sleeping patterns, more energy, a deeper sense of spirituality, compassion for animals and even shifts in consciousness.

CTW MAGAZINE APRIL 2014

He shared that “Using sustainable business practices and finding ways to share that with the community” is very important to him. That also translates into sustainable life practices such as moving closer to the café which has saved him from burning as much fossil fuels. Also sourcing organic food as much as possible helps support healthier farming practices and healthier people! The café even has a local community member who takes the veggie scraps from the restaurant for compost to grow wheatgrass. Midtown plans to continue serving up their customers favorite menu items while offering more daily specials such as soups, salads and sandwiches of the day. Nick shared his gratitude for owner Dale P. who has allowed him to be a creative force in the forming of the menu and the business itself. Nick believes in the healing power of food and intends to share that with as many people as possible. I asked him what his favorite foods were and he said that he loves curry and using fresh herbs and anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric. Midtown café also offers fresh smoothies (the paradise potion is amazing!) fair trade coffee, lattes, tea and fresh juices. With all the delicious healthy choices available here, we may even see a decrease in heart disease, diabetes and cancer in the surrounding area! Wouldn’t that be wonderful? Midtown Café is located at 2991 E. Loma Vista Road, Suite C in Ventura. 805.643.0800 / www.midtowncafeventura.com Bianca Rose Martinez is an artist, public speaker and author of the book Compassionate Eating Conscious Consumption for Mind, Body Spirit & Planet. She also teaches organic vegan cooking classes in Ventura, CA. For free recipes, class schedule and registration please visit compassionateating.com

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MIND & SPIRIT

NO GIRLS ALLOWED

THE SIGN ON THE CLUBHOUSE READS:

NO GIRLS ALLOWED! by Wayne M. Levine

CTW MAGAZINE APRIL 2014

“I’D LOVE TO BE A FLY ON THE WALL AT ONE OF YOUR MEN’S GROUP MEETINGS.” MORE THAN ONE WOMAN HAS EXPRESSED THIS TO ME DURING THE PAST 20 YEARS. “I’LL BET YOU WOULD,” I’VE REPLIED, AS WE’VE SHARED A KNOWING GLANCE THAT IT WOULD NEVER HAPPEN.

Warning: This topic is highly charged and not likely to gain me friends in the world of the politically correct. Nevertheless, I choose to go where smarter men dare not. If you can’t handle the truth, or at least my truth, please feel free to turn the page now. Can anyone out there tell me why women are verboten at a men’s group meeting? Well, yes, then it wouldn’t truly be a men’s group meeting. But let’s dig a little deeper. As a man, and as a leader of men, I would like to reveal something about men that may shock you. Yet however shocking, trust me when I say that what I’m about to share is an absolute, universal truth.

The Shocking Truth Women ruin everything! — Just kidding. But when it comes to the focus men have while participating in a men’s group, the appearance of a single female will derail—and I mean every single time—whatever the men are doing. Let me give you an example. I was once leading a men’s group as we were focusing our attention on one man who was trying to figure out how to properly parent his teenage son who was being rather defiant. It was a serious topic and he had the attention of every man in the room. Suddenly, a fairly attractive woman opened the door to our room mistakenly thinking it was her destination. Within a second or two, she realized her mistake, excused herself and closed the door. This entire interaction took perhaps three seconds. How long do you

think it took for me to get the men to redirect their attention back to this guy who was in the middle of getting some fathering advice? Too long. And here’s why. When we men see a woman who is even remotely attractive to us, our minds immediately go to imagining what we might do with her if we had the opportunity. There, I’ve said it. Terrible, isn’t it? But I’m not making it up. It’s the truth. Say what you will about our tendency to objectify, but this process isn’t going away. Plenty of men deny this. But experience has shown me that those men are either lying to you or are so disconnected from their true feelings, they’re lying to themselves. This isn’t something men are necessarily happy about. It can be a terrible distraction. But it also is not something to be ashamed of. We can’t dictate how we feel. The best we can do is to choose to behave appropriately. This dynamic does not only happen— as you may have guessed—exclusively at men’s group meetings. This is simply what happens—everywhere. Tell me, ladies, that you haven’t been aware of this in bars, restaurants or in the boardroom. This biological phenomenon is one of the reasons it’s very difficult for some men to share the workplace with women. Many men do act in a mature fashion and productively work side by side with women. But some men lack a level of impulse control. Combine that with everyone’s personal issues, competing agendas, professional pressures, etc., and you can begin to understand why some unfortunate interactions take place.

I’m not angling for sympathy for us men. But it is indeed, on occasion, a hostile environment for men. Biology can be a bitch!

Back to our men’s groups. Now that you have a clearer understanding of what I’ll call (tongue in cheek) our male attention deficit disorder, I hope it now makes sense why we must protect a male-only environment for our groups. During the last couple generations, men have not seen many examples of men-only activities, fraternal organizations or even witnessed their dads spending quality time with other men on a regular basis. Men talking with each other, trusting each other, and helping one another with our most challenging issues, has essentially disappeared from our daily lives. Fortunately, more and more men are now gathering in groups and fighting for a place to support one another to be better men, fathers and husbands. So ladies, although we can’t allow any flies on our walls, I hope you’ll support your man to spend this kind of quality time with other men. Don’t ask him what was said or done. Just be grateful that your man is one of the fortunate few who are benefitting from the wisdom, camaraderie and accountability available only from a circle of good men.

Wayne M. Levine, MA, is a men’s life coach and director of BetterMen Coaching in Agoura Hills. He teaches men to be the best men, fathers, husbands and leaders they can be through individual, couples and group coaching, both in-office and via the phone. Wayne is author of the best-selling book, “Hold On to Your N.U.T.s—The Relationship Manual for Men.” Find out more, get a copy of Wayne’s book and register for the BetterMen Weekend Retreat at www.bettermencoaching.com. APRIL 2014 YHCONNECTION.COM

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BEYOND GREEN LIVING

THE WONDER OF YOGA - PART II

THE WONDER OF YOGA Beyond the Poses Part II by Jan Tucker

CTW MAGAZINE APRIL 2014

Re-Balance Don't know what’s WRONG?

MOST PEOPLE CONSIDER YOGA A PHYSICAL EXERCISE THAT HELPS THEM FIND PEACE AND BALANCE, AND GAIN FLEXIBILITY, STRENGTH AND STAMINA. This is just one small part of the ancient, advanced eightfold path of yoga currently practiced by yogis across the globe—people who live a yoga lifestyle. (see http://www.yogananda-srf.org/the_eightfold_path_ of_yoga.aspx). In the January issue I explained a bit about the yogic process that brings yogis ultimately in touch with their soul— with God. The eightfold path may be centuries old, but it is fully applicable to modern times. Why? Because it is based on the unchanging principles of creation, sustenance and dissolution. Everything is born, is sustained and ultimately returns to its source. Yoga teaches that humans are subject to reincarnation, the feeling of separation from God (delusion), karma, life (on earth—otherwise known as Maya, which means delusion) and death. On the yoga journey we learn the teachings—the yoga principles of yama and niyama (bad and good actions— similar to the 10 Commandments). We then introspect— delving inside our psyche to compare our actions with the goal of purity. Once we make the comparison, we aspire to purify our thoughts and actions in order to attain the goal. In this way, we work out karma in our present lifetime so we can move on to the next level after death, or at least reduce the number of times we need to reincarnate.

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What is a Guru? Most importantly, yoga is an experiential rather than intellectual path. We learn best through experiences rather than books. Life is like this for each of us—yogi or not. Books contain static knowledge, but experience often produces many twists and turns. We learn best how to apply knowledge to life through trial and error. Yogis have gurus—teachers who have successfully trodden the path themselves and achieved enlightenment (the full experience of God). In Sanskrit, gu means dark and ru means light—a guru is one who leads his or her students from darkness to light. With this level of experience—enlightenment—a true guru is more than a teacher. Gurus have access to all knowledge

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because they live the experience of oneness (see December, 2013 issue). If all is one and there is no separation, then this access to all knowledge is simply a given. All, includes all knowledge.

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Once under the tutelage of the guru, life’s lessons speed up, making life more challenging. By passing the lessons, the yogi works out karma from past and present lifetimes in order to purify.

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The goal is to operate more and more from the soul and less from the ego, preparing for the moment of ultimate knowledge that he or she is an integral part of the one—with God—all knowledge—the universe. This moment is a remembrance, and again, an experience, rather than an intellectual learning. Once achieved, it can be achieved again. Enlightenment occurs in progressive stages.

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The guru accepts the responsibility of helping each follower progress on their path. And the follower commits to adhere to the teachings of the guru, regardless of the difficulty. The nature of the relationship makes it a very special, close one, the depth of which cannot be explained. It, too, is an experience. The yogi is free to continue on the path or leave the path at any time.

CTW MAGAZINE APRIL 2014

The Yoga Lifestyle The yogi’s ego must learn to take a back seat. Depending on the strength of the ego and the commitment to the path, the ego will rebel and attempt to maintain its hold. A strong ego puts up a strong fight, challenging the yogi to remain on the path. Sometimes the ego wins. An internal battle is fought by every yoga aspirant. Between soul and ego they battle it out, all the while guided by the guru who intimately knows each yogi’s thoughts and actions. The guru knows how to perfectly challenge the aspirant—in other words— what buttons to push—to help her meet the perfect challenges tailored for her, according to her karma. Once all tests are overcome, the yogi experiences the bliss of God connection. It is often a long and arduous road. Only those strongwilled and determined to reach the goal will continue. The promise is the most significant thing in their life. If they want it enough, they will continue to endure the battle to achieve enlightenment. Of course they also achieve encouraging rewards along the way—unmistakable, personal reminders of and recognition by God. Many special experiences are enjoyed along the path.

The Yogi’s Daily Life Each yoga branch has a different emphasis, appealing to the nature of the yogi, and requires a different focus. For example, Bhakti yoga is the path of love and compassion. Jnana (pronounced gee-yana’) yoga is the path of knowledge. Seva yoga emphasizes service to others. Maha yoga is the great yoga, incorporating all paths. Each path has so many layers it can take a lifetime or more to experience it all. The yogi can progress as much or as little as desired on any path or combination of paths and still attain a great deal. The yogi can choose to live in an ashram where the guru resides, or they can be a householder, continuing to live their normal existence while they follow the path. Not all gurus are still living—they can teach from the next plane like Yogananda, for instance. He teaches through his writings, through his ashram students and through his eternal connection with each yogi. In general, the yogi practices compassion for and service to others, and devotion to God on the eightfold path. They live a life of introspection and self-correction, in an attempt to move closer to becoming the ideal aspirant. Yogis strive to minimize their attachment to all material things to overcome the grasp of the ego which results in reincarnation.

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They strive to be kind, helpful, generous, non-judgmental, respectful and nonjealous in all their dealings. Yogis may or may not practice meditation or physical yoga, depending on the path. All yogis tend to have a daily practice of worship (called sadhana).

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