VENTURA COUNTY
CONEJO VALLEY
MALIBU
WEST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
Cancer Awareness OCTOBER 2014 www.ctwmag.com
OVARIAN CANCER: KNOW THE SIGNS PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF ORAL CANCER RACHEL SHUR OF UCAAN CHRONIC INFLAMMATION: CAUSE & EFFECT HYPNOSIS & GUIDED IMAGERY
CTW FALL HEALTH EXPO
2014
OCTOBER 5TH!
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Holistic Dentistry
Biological Dentistry
Estrella Natural
IV Therapy
Massage Therapy
Dental Fillings
Amalgam Removal
Approaching dentistry with the overall health of the mind, body, and spirit.
Recognizes the impact of toxic materials and relates it to dental and physiological health.
Oral Care Products developed by Dr. David himself, provides a natural approach to your oral home care.
Intravenous therapy is the infusion of liquid substances directly into a vein.
Healing the disharmonies between internal organs and blockages to the circulation of Chi, or energy, through meridians.
Live without the added physical burden of unsafe metals.
Safe metal filling removal is imperative for preserving your health.
805-375-2233
1000 Newbury Rd., Suite 225 • Newbury Park, CA 91320 www.CentersForHealing.net
Dr. David Villarreal Owner and Formulator of Estrella Natural Oral Care Products
Contents
CANCER AWARENESS OCTOBER
DEPARTMENTS
22/
06/ PUBLISHER’S LETTER
Memories in a Bracelet
2014
26/
28/ NATURAL APPROACH Are You on Fire?
by Dr. Sharon Norling
28/
36/
44/ BEYOND GREEN LIVING Cancer and Our Chemicals— Russian Roulette
by Jan Tucker, MBA
48/ DIRECTORY LISTING 10/ CONNECTION 1
PMIR Strives to Heal the Whole Body—Physically, Mentally, Physiologically
by Alicia Doyle
FEATURES 14/ CONNECTION 2 Ruth Swissa – Clinical Aesthetician Specializing in Natural-Looking Permanent Makeup and Skin Care
by Alicia Doyle
18/ CONNECTION 3
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Vibrance Medical Group—Restoring Vibrant Health Naturally! by Alicia Doyle
CTW MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2014
22/ HEALTH VIEW 1
Ovarian Cancer – Raising Your Awareness
by Dr. Mirela Cernaianu
26/ HEALTH VIEW 2
Combat Oral Cancer With Prevention and Early Detection
Q & A with Dr. Steven Greenman
32/ MIND & SPIRIT 1
Quitting is Not an Option
by Wayne M. Levine, MA
36/ MIND & SPIRIT 2
The Healing Powers of Hypnosis & Guided Imagery
by Cher Bodner, CHt
40/ FROM THE HEART
United Cancer Advocacy Action Network – Bridging the Gap between Cancer Patients & Their Immediate Needs
by Alicia Doyle
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SINUS INSTITUTE Alen Cohen M.D., F.A.C.S.
Board-Certified Nose and Sinus Surgeon
2013 Los Angeles Magazine Super Doctor Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery, UCLA
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PUBLISHER’S LETTER
MEMORIES IN A BRACELET
MEMORIES IN A BRACELET Earlier this year I took some time to visit Rachel Shur, the founder of UCAAN—the United Cancer Advocacy Action Network—and to see her office in Thousand Oaks.
ANN K. CASTLE FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & PUBLISHER
As I predicted, the space is filled with color, comfort and the many faces cancer has touched. It is framed by the essence of love and commitment she provides to our community. She showed me every picture, memory and symbolic piece of art that lovingly covers each wall. As we sat on the sofa and chatted about various personal and business issues, she suddenly stood up and said, “I feel that I have something that you should have.” A bit curious, I watched as she took a bag filled with bracelets. These bracelets are lovingly hand made by Rachel and staff members. They shine with colored beads and tiny cancer ribbon charms— each one as beautiful as the next. She reached in the bag and pulled out a very special one. It had silvergrey beads with a purple hue and a small charm that says Hope—my mother’s name. “This one,” she said. Well, that did it. I certainly understood the significance. My mother died of level 3 meningioma (brain tumor) and my brother of pancreatic cancer. The grey cancer awareness ribbon is devoted to brain cancer and the purple to pancreatic cancer. How bitterly sweet in symbolism and how did she remember? She cares for so many in the community and yet she remembered this. In this issue we proudly introduce the wonderful team at Pain Management and Injury Relief (PMIR), Ruth Swissa Professional Permanent Makeup & Skin, and Vibrance Medical Group. We also provide vital information about ovarian and oral cancers; the causes and treatments for chronic inflammation and how hypnosis and guided imagery works. Of course we have a heartfelt story about Rachel Shur of UCAAN and much more! In September and October I place myself into a state of quiet remembrance for the passing of my mother and brother, and I will wear the beautiful bracelet from Rachel at the upcoming CTW Fall Health Expo and Speaker Series Sunday, October 5 at the Hyatt Westlake. When you see me at the expo, ask to see the bracelet—I will gladly share my memories with you. With Peace, Love, Blessings and Gratitude,
Ann
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CTW MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2014
FIFTY PLUS Are you fifty plus and want to stay on the path of healthy aging? Then the November issue is for you! Available in stands near you or online November 1st at www.ctwmag.com
FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, PUBLISHER
ANN K. CASTLE
MARKETING DIRECTOR AND WEBMASTER DUSTIN SOEKER CREATIVE DIRECTOR JODY L. LEVITAN COPY EDITING JAN TUCKER, MBA ACCOUNTING DONNA BRYANT PHOTOGRAPHY MARY MYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CHER BODNER, CHT MIRELA CERNAIANU, MD, FACOG ALICIA DOYLE WAYNE LEVINE, MA SHARON NORLING, MD, MBA JAN TUCKER, MBA COVERAGE AREA INCLUDES MONTHLY TO VENTURA COUNTY, WEST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, MALIBU AND THE CONEJO VALLEY; AGOURA HILLS, CALABASAS, CAMARILO, MOORPARK, NEWBURY PARK, NORTHRIDGE, OAK PARK, OXNARD, SIMI VALLEY, THOUSAND OAKS, VENTURA, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, WEST HILLS, WOODLAND HILLS
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES MARIAN GREEN marian@ctwmag.com 818.943.0751 EDITORIAL INQUIRIES ANN K. CASTLE ann@ctwmag.com or 805.341.2972 ALL OTHER INQUIRIES info@ctwmag.com
ADVISORY BOARD
ANDREA DOCTOR, LCSW, DCSW Home Health Administrator for Buena Vista Palliative Care and Home Health 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.CTWMAG.COM 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.
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CTW MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2014
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CONNECTION 1
PMIR - PAIN MANAGEMENT AND INJURY RELIEF
DR. MAHYAR OKHOVAT DR. BRADLEY SPIEGEL
DR. INSUN LEE
PMIR STRIVES TO THE WHOLE BODY PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY AND PHYSIOLOGICALLY story by Alicia Doyle photography by Mary Myers
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CTW MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2014
DR. ALEXANDER P. HERSEL
PAIN MANAGEMENT AND INJURY RELIEF MEDICAL CENTER IS ON A MISSION TO EASE THE SUFFERING ASSOCIATED WITH CHRONIC PAIN.
HEAL
“We use state-of-the-art equipment and innovative procedures to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of your pain—in addition to associated conditions—and customize the most effective treatment plan for you,” said Dr. Alexander P. Hersel, who founded the center in 2003.
available, including non-narcotic and minimally-invasive procedures.
“Throughout the process, we encourage and empower you to be a collaborative partner in your recovery process.”
The practice is also home to medical doctors Mahyar Okhovat, MD, Bradley Spiegel, MD and Insun Lee, MD. “Dr. Hersel, Dr. Spiegel and Dr. Lee are anesthesiologists who have extensive training in pain management,” McLaughlin explained.
Dr. Hersel founded the practice—also known as PMIR—to offer patients in pain a comprehensive pain solution. Today he is among four physicians who are up-to-date on the most advanced, leading-edge techniques
“Our specialists are medical doctors who customize treatments to each individual’s needs and have dozens of options from which to choose,” added Linnea McLaughlin, physician liaison.
Dr. Okhovat, a neurologist, uses a multidisciplinary approach to OCTOBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM
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CONNECTION 1
Tobacco Related Cancers PLEASE JOIN US FOR THIS FREE SYMPOSIUM Saturday, October 25, 2014 • 7:30 am - 1:00 pm
Ventura Beach Marriott 2055 East Harbor Blvd., Ventura
The annual Cancer Symposium offers presentations by leading physicians and specialists on a variety of topics about Tobacco Related Cancers including the latest guidelines, debates and stories. 7:30 a.m. 8:15 a.m.
Registration & Light Continental Breakfast Opening Remarks
8:40 a.m.
Head and Neck Cancer: How Tobacco Plays a Role
9:00 a.m.
Cancer of the Esophagus & Stomach
9:20 a.m.
Cancer of the Lung
9:40 a.m.
Lung Screening Using Low Dose CT
Thomas Fogel, M.D., Moderator David Hantke, M.D. Tesu Lin, M.D.
PMIR
diagnose and treat patients with peripheral neuropathy and neuromuscular disorders. He has specialized training in electromyography and nerve conduction tests that aid in the diagnosis and treatment of the various conditions affecting nerves and muscles. “I am passionate about coming to work every day, knowing that I can impact my patients’ lives in a positive way,” Dr. Okhovat said. Dr. Spiegel, a pain management specialist and anesthesiologist, uses a multidisciplinary approach to pain management that he developed during the course of his professional life, including the time he spent as chief of anesthesia at Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, and as associate clinical professor at UCLA. “My philosophy involves educating my patients about their pain process so they can take an active role in their treatment plan,” Dr. Spiegel said.
C U S T O M I Z E D , I N T E G R AT I V E T R E AT M E N T PMIR doesn’t just relieve patients’ pain. These experienced physicians from top-tier universities are trained pain management specialists and neurologists who have extensive training using the most advanced, leading-edge equipment, diagnostic procedures and techniques available today. “Our medical doctors work closely with our patients to pinpoint the underlying cause of their pain and its side effects,” Dr. Hersel explained. “We then offer customized, integrative treatment plans and dozens of treatment options using the safest, most effective pain management techniques.”
11:15 a.m. Bladder Cancer
The continuum of care team focuses on all aspects of a patient’s pain to heal the whole body: physically, mentally and physiologically. “We target the source of your chronic pain to provide relief with a wide variety of treatment options,” Dr. Hersel continued. “Our medical center is compassionate, professional and attuned to patients’ needs. Our focus is on providing exemplary care, enhancing patients’ experience and providing the best possible care.”
11:40 a.m. Tobacco Discussion
LEADING-EDGE PROCEDURES
Robert Bernstein, M.D. Irwin Grossman, M.D.
10:00 a.m. Break/Exhibit Tables/Tobacco Bus of Horrors Tour 10:55 a.m. Kidney Cancer & Partial Nephrectomies Seyed Khoddami, M.D. Marc Beaghler, M.D. Thomas Fogel, M.D.
12:00 p.m. Question & Answer: Expert Panel Discussion 1:00 p.m. Adjourn/Tobacco Bus of Horrors Tour (available to 2:00 pm) Sponsored by:
The symposium is FREE, but space is limited. Please call Brown Paper Tickets at 800/838-3006 or visit cmhshealth.org/rsvp 12
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CTW MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2014
Dr. Hersel and his colleagues work closely with a network of health care professionals to maximize the efficacy of each treatment. These procedures are FDA-approved and covered by insurance. “We employ some of today’s most cutting-edge procedures in the management of chronic pain, including Botox for tension headaches and migraines,” McLaughlin said. “We also perform interventional procedures including epidural steroid injections, facet blocks, nerve root blocks, morphine spinal pump implants and discography.” With offices in Santa Monica and Thousand Oaks, PMIR offers a boutique-style environment where each doctor personally spends time with every patient to understand their pain, diag-
nose their pain condition and customize a treatment plan for relief.
drugs or a short-term fix for a longterm pain problem, PMIR offers a comprehensive, integrated approach to pain management.
“This personalized approach is critical to our success for long-term pain relief and patient satisfaction,” McLaughlin added. “We can help any patient suffering from acute and chronic pain, whether it’s from a long-term injury or from a recent accident. We treat neck, back, knee, hip, foot, wrist, elbow, tailbone and head pain.”
ods—trigger point injections, PRP (platelet-rich plasma injections) and Botox injections.” PMIR believes optimal pain relief is attained when patients take an active role in their pain management. “Using a team approach, our doctors and specialists collaborate with our patients throughout the treatment process, increasing their sense of control over their pain while helping to decrease the feelings of isolation that often accompany chronic pain,” Dr. Hersel concluded. “Our ultimate goal is to get patients back to work, back to life or back in the game as early as possible.”
“We understand that chronic or acute pain are complex conditions affecting your body, mind and spirit,” Dr. Hersel continued. “Our physicians work with our patients to tailor treatment plans specifically to their individual needs.” PMIR takes a comprehensive and conservative approach to pain management and offers long-term solutions to pain relief.
PMIR serves people ranging from teens to seniors from Ventura and Los Angeles counties, including college and professional athletes or weekend warriors who have any type of deep, sharp, throbbing, shooting, constant or dull pain.
“We take a multimodal approach that incorporates physical therapy, acupuncture and other complementary alternative therapies with our minimally-invasive procedures,” he added. “We recommend minimallyinvasive procedures as well as other non-narcotic pain relief meth-
LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS F O R PA I N R E L I E F While some clinics offer quick pain relief through prescription
Pain Management and Injury Relief is located at 1120 Newbury Road, #150, in Thousand Oaks; and 2336 Santa Monica Blvd. #208 in Santa Monica. For more information visit www.paininjuryrelief.com or call 855.PMIR.MED (855.764.7633).
YHC_HERA_Halfpage4-21-14_Layout 1 4/21/14 9:20 PM Page 1
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OCTOBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM
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RUTH SWISSA
RUTH SWISSA
CLINICAL AESTHETICIAN SPECIALIZ NATURAL-LOOKING PERMANENT MA story by Alicia Doyle photography by Mary Myers
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CTW MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2014
I am especially gratified of my work with breast cancer survivors, whom I have helped recover not only physically but emotionally
RUTH SWISSA, A PROFESSIONAL PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST AND SKIN CARE SPECIALIST WHOSE FAMILY HAS BEEN IN THE AESTHETICS FIELD FOR THREE GENERATIONS, TAKES GREAT PRIDE IN CREATING A FRESH, NATURAL LOOK USING STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNIQUES, COLOR ARTISTRY AND SOUND JUDGMENT. “Permanent makeup is a nonsurgical microprocedure known as micropigmentation,” explained Swissa, a member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals and the American Academy of Micropigmentation. The way it works: “Tiny droplets of custom-blended colors are skillfully deposited into the dermal layer of skin to simulate natural-looking or well-defined makeup,” Swissa said. “Since the color is only infiltrating the dermal layer of the skin, the per-
manent makeup will not last forever, nor will it spread over time like a generic tattoo.” This process is a selective art form of traditional tattooing whereby the natural features of the face are enhanced and defined in the form of permanent eyebrows, eyeliner and or lip liner and color. “The results are beautiful and most importantly, natural,” Swissa said. “My goal is to make everyone feel and look better, and more positive about themselves.”
A FRESH, NAT U R A L L O O K First and foremost an artist, Swissa specializes in permanent makeup using organic ingredients to give clients a fresh, natural look. With locations in Agoura Hills and Beverly Hills, Swissa’s services include eyebrows, eyeliner, lips, scar camouflage and cosmetic hair follicle replication. “Using all organic colors, I work with each individual, customizing
a color based on their skin tone and hair,” Swissa said. “Permanent cosmetics not only save you precious time and money, they also work wonders for your self-image, giving you a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.” Clients range from hardworking business women who don’t have the time to apply makeup, to people who have vision problems or allergies to makeup. “I also get many burn victims, breast cancer survivors, and patients who suffer from alopecia [hair loss],” Swissa said. “Swissa’s artistry and talent far surpass that of any other,” said Dr. Sarmela Sunder, founder of Sunder Plastic Surgery. “Ruth has a true gift for this art form, but what makes her truly exceptional is her understanding of the science behind the products she uses and endorses,” Sunder said. “Swissa is as equally gifted in her reconstructive work as she is with her cosmetic work,” Sunder added. “I have seen far too many individuals who have obviously drawn in
ING IN KEUP AND SKIN CARE OCTOBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM
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RUTH SWISSA
blue-gray eyebrows, but Ruth’s results are nothing short of natural results,” Sunder said.
A R E O L A TAT T O O Swissa also donates her time to breast cancer survivors, providing areola reconstruction and tattooing. “Many of these clients report a renewed sense of self-esteem and confidence,” Swissa said. “This is a realistic looking areola tattoo specifically for those who do not want permanent makeup just yet— only something temporary yet realistic,” explained Swissa. The temporary areola works like a non-permanent tattoo by placing it on the designated spot, wetting the back of the paper while holding it down, and slowly pulling the paper away.
Left to right: Kristen Collins, Kaela Dopkin, Ruth Swissa, Linda Miller, Jennifer Morris, Susie Patey
cal micropigmentation procedures such as areola repigmentation for the area surrounding the nipple of the breast, scar camouflage, and vitiligo treatment. Vitiligo is a progressive skin disorder that manifests with smooth white spots on different parts of the body.
“It is a safe, quick, and an easy way to achieve a look that many usually pay hundreds for,” said Swissa, further noting that this temporary, high-quality tattoo is expected to stay on skin for at least one week. “This not only boosts morale, but gives the patient a feel for whether they would like to get a medically-tattooed areola.”
“I am especially gratified of my work with breast cancer survivors, whom I have helped recover not only physically but emotionally,” Swissa said.
JOY OF REINVENTING Swissa studied abroad at a fine arts school for eight years, completing extensive courses in drawing,
Swissa works extensively with plastic surgeons who refer patients for medi-
Health Essentials for natural living
• Group and private cooking classes • Nutritious and delicious personal chef services • Heavenly Heat far-infrared and traditional saunas • Multi Pure water filters • Austin Air filters • Natural Candle collection
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818.706.1888 | 800.653.8881 dianeaddison@aol.com www.dianeaddison.com 16
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CTW MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2014
painting, sculpture, calligraphy and photography. “My grandmother taught me the art of permanent makeup at a very young age and since then other family members have learned the skill of performing permanent makeup in Europe and the U.S.,” said Swissa, who has two nieces with private permanent makeup businesses in Paris. Not only does Swissa enjoy the actual work of applying and reinventing, “the joy I get from a pleased customer is a reward of its own.” In addition to permanent makeup, Swissa also offers a full line of skin services including peels, radio frequency skin tightening, acne treatment, microdermabrasion, oxygen treatment, micro-needle and a 24K gold facial. Above all, Swissa loves to see the emotional transformation from a client before and after any procedure. “You would be surprised how a simple eyebrow procedure can impact a person’s self-esteem,” Swissa said. “However, the most gratifying part of my profession is to see that smile on a breast cancer patient who has just undergone an areola medical tattoo. It’s just priceless.” To book an appointment at the Agoura Hills location, call 818.735.8818; for the Beverly Hills location, call 310.777.0288. For more information about Ruth Swissa, visit www.ruthswissa.com.
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VIBRANCE MEDICAL GROUP
DARREN F.X. CLAIR, MD, FOUNDER AND MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF VIBRANCE MEDICAL GROUP, HELPS PEOPLE OPTIMIZE THEIR CURRENT HEALTH TO MINIMIZE ANY HEALTH CHALLENGES. DR. CLAIR’S PROGRAMS ARE BASED ON 30 YEARS OF MEDICAL EXPERIENCE.
VIBRANCE MED RESTORING VIBRANT HEALTH story by Alicia Doyle photography by Mary Myers
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He emphasizes we need to focus on what we want (health), not what we are trying to avoid (sickness). “My goal is to shift the paradigm of medical care from sick care to health care, from treating illness to promoting health. Our current medical system is hugely successful at treating disease but rather poor at keeping people healthy.” He explained, “I don’t want patients to think of Vibrance as an alternative version of their current MD.” Dr. Clair encourages patients to have a regular doctor for times he cannot keep them healthy. “I don’t treat symptoms but use them as clues to the imbalances and/or deficiencies that led up to the symptom.” Dr. Clair said. “By addressing these imbalances many symptoms that drive people to doctors fade away.” For instance, by getting people to deal with their weight issue, their sleep apnea may resolve and the high blood pressure they’ve developed because of their sleep apnea might return to normal, thereby decreasing their risk of heart disease and the need for the blood pressure medication. Also, women approaching menopause often experience insomnia, premenstrual tension, migraines and bloating. This can reflect an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone—called estrogen dominance. By supplementing with small amounts of natural progesterone the woman feels 100 percent better. As an important side effect, her risk
of breast cancer decreases and she doesn’t need antidepressants, water pills or migraine medication.
V I TA M I N / M I N E R A L THERAPY Vibrance offers a range of services including vitamin infusions, hormone balancing, the S.H.A.P.E. Program for weight loss and PEP stem cell therapy. “These services are offered elsewhere but not in the same way or from the same philosophical standpoint,” said Dr. Clair. “Our patients are looking for something different—natural—and something that works.” Vitamin /mineral therapy is an example. Although Dr. Clair believes the best source of vitamins and minerals is the wholesome, fresh, ideally organic food we hopefully eat every day, people can sometimes benefit from supplemental nutrients in an intramuscular or intravenous injection. “In these highly stressful times we often don’t get the nutrition we need due to increased requirements or decreased nutrient delivery— because our foods are grown at a distance in depleted soils resulting in vitamin and mineral losses,” he goes on. “Depending on our digestive system’s health we may not absorb the vitamins and minerals in our food.” Vibrance offers intramuscular injections of B12, B complex, B5, B6 and C. Intravenous vitamin/mineral supplements include the Myers’
cocktail, the ImmunoBoost infusion and a detox infusion including glutathione. Dr. Clair individualizes the infusions for patients with specific health challenges. “Many medical conditions respond favorably to IV or IM vitamin/mineral therapy,” Dr. Clair reports.
S . H . A . P. E . P R O G R A M The S.H.A.P.E. program for weight loss expands on the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) diet to include some of the major reasons people gain weight—adrenal stress or poor thyroid function. “The basis of the S.H.A.P.E. Program is the very successful hCG diet which has helped thousands lose weight since the 1950s,” Dr. Clair noted. A natural hormone, hCG is produced in large quantities during pregnancy. Very small amounts of hCG can help non-pregnant women as well as men safely lose unwanted body fat. Participants eat healthy foods during the diet and take hCG to lose fat and maintain the weight loss. Patients eat fruits, vegetables and lean protein—not expensive, prepackaged, low calorie frozen foods that often contain health-depleting, nutrient-poor food additives and artificial sweeteners. Dr. Clairs provides advanced thyroid testing and treatment for those with subclinical hypothyroidism, Subclinical hypothyroidism is a condition where thyroid function is normal by blood test results but the patient has many symptoms of an
DICAL GROUP NATURALLY! OCTOBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM
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VIBRANCE MEDICAL GROUP
underactive thyroid gland, including difficulty losing weight. “We see patients frequently during the diet phase and throughout phase 2 where their weight loss is made permanent—so they don’t regain the weight they have lost,” Dr. Clair states.
STEM CELL THERAPY Many experts feel stem cells are the future of healthcare. These are specialized cells with the unique ability to repair worn out or damaged tissues anywhere in the body by changing into any damaged cell type and multiplying until the damaged tissue is fixed. “Stem cells are found in the earliest stages of development of the embryo and in adults, in certain tissues such as bone marrow and fat,” Dr. Clair explained. “Also, some very small cells—particles circulating in our blood—can be either very primitive dormant stem cells or contain properties that can convert other cells to behave like embryonic stem cells.
Left to right: Bianca Alvarez, Emelia Zimmerman, Darren F X Clair MD, Megan Scheiern, Alex Espinoza
re-introduced back into the same patient,” Dr. Clair explained. Patients usually note improvement in their symptoms within days. Benefits may continue to accrue for the next few weeks to months.
from a spiritual standpoint,” said Dr. Clair. “I believe the universe gives us what we focus on so it is important to focus on health—not lack of illness. If we focus on the illness or lack of it, we will always get ill.”
“Depending on what is being treated, the process may be repeated once or twice for maximal benefit,” said Dr. Clair, adding there is no down-time or prolonged, painful healing. “There is also no significant risk, since these cells are your own. There is no danger of any serious reaction—although bruising or other minor complication may temporarily result,” he said.
“The tools our bodies need are present naturally; after all, we evolved before the onset of modern medicine,” he laid out. “It’s like learning to ride a motorcycle—the correct way to ride is by focusing on your destination down the road, not on the potholes you wish to avoid,” he said. “If you focus on the potholes you will invariably end up in one.”
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION
He’s impressed that our bodies always have the systems in place to fix an imbalance or deficiency. “We need to work with this amazingly complex and sophisticated system rather than against it as so much of modern medicine does.”
Born in New York and raised on Long Island, Dr. Clair completed his internship and residency at UCLA after graduating from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. These particles can be harvested from a blood sample, avoiding invasive, painful bone marrow aspiration or liposuction procedures.” Dr. Claird continued, “Hundreds of millions of these activated particles can be used to repair damaged tissues. This is more effective than the other sources of adult stem cells, and much safer than embryonic stem cells from an unknown donor with an unknown health status.” “Patients come in, have their blood drawn, the blood is processed as part of the activation step, and the separated plasma fraction is 20
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CTW MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2014
Practicing medicine for the past 30 years in the L.A. area, he’s been actively involved with proactive and anti-aging medicine since 1998. He was a co-investigator on an FDAapproved investigation of human growth hormone as an anti-aging agent and has published an article on human growth hormone in the Journal of Medicine. He’s frequently appeared on TV news segments and “The Doctors Show” and has published a variety of articles on healthrelated subjects. He believes in the creed: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. … But I don’t think that goes far enough
“It’s painfully obvious that our current medical care system is not only bankrupting our country,” Dr. Clair emphasized, “it is also doing a poor job of keeping us healthy, happy and fully functional. We spend $2 trillion each year yet we rank around fiftieth worldwide in many health statistics. On a deeper level, it’s important in terms of our own spiritual growth that we do a better job of taking care of this temple we call our bodies.” Vibrance Medical Group is located at 2772 Townsgate Road, Suite D, in Westlake Village. For more information visit http:/bevibrance.com or call 866.677.6919.
NUTRITIONAL ONCOLOGY
RESEARCH INSTITUTE Very little progress has been made since President Richard Nixon declared the war on cancer 43 years ago. Over 660,000 people will die of cancer this year in the US. Cancer rates are increasing and especially for children and younger adults. Endless requests for research dollars and promises of major breakthroughs just around the corner have made the public weary and disappointed. Is the conventional approach using toxic drugs, radiation and surgery outmoded and due for a completely different approach? Is there a better way to treat this disease without drugs that create horrendous side effects and diminished quality of life without significantly prolonging survival? Will there ever be a cure or an effective way to manage cancer by following the current narrow drugoriented medical model? The Nutritional Oncology Research Institute represents a unique and scientifically supported approach to cancer treatment that leverages nutrition and nontoxic compounds. NORI offers cancer patients an alternative or additional support for those who choose to follow the traditional approach. NORI works within the field of clinical nutrition and naturopathic medicine which is free of influence and control of the FDA and pharmaceutical industry. Diet has a direct influence on tumor growth and can be modified to starve cancer cells of essential nutrients. Cancer cells are metabolically distinct from normal cells and these differences can be exploited as therapeutic targets. NORI has devel-
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oped a diet that starves cancer cells of an essential amino acid (building block of protein) that can slow, halt or, in some cases, reverse the growth of tumors. There are thousands of natural and safe compounds that can selectively kill cancer cells without toxic side effects. The most potent compound is a form of selenium called sodium selenite. It can be used as a nontoxic form of chemotherapy. Numerous scientific studies support the use of sodium selenite as a chemotherapeutic agent but since it can’t be patented, there is no incentive to conduct clinical trials. Many opportunities have been lost to develop treatments because of economics alone. NORI is an organization of researchers and doctors dedicated to providing safe, effective, natural and low-cost options for cancer patients. Cancer can be prevented through optimal nutrition, avoidance of toxic chemicals and radiation, a health supporting lifestyle and effective stress management. If cancer arises, there are many alternative methods for treatment and management without the use of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. For more information, call 805.405.2031 or visit www.nutritionaloncology.net
OCTOBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM
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HEALTH VIEW 1
OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS
OVARIAN CANCER RAISING YOUR AWARENESS by Dr. Mirela Cernaianu
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Fortunately the majority of ovarian cysts found, even in women after menopause, are benign and not cancerous.
THE NINTH MOST COMMON CANCER AMONG WOMEN, OVARIAN CANCER, IS THE FIFTH LEADING CAUSE OF CANCER-RELATED DEATH AMONG WOMEN. IT IS THE DEADLIEST OF ALL GYNECOLOGIC CANCERS. A WOMAN’S LIFETIME RISK OF DEVELOPING INVASIVE OVARIAN CANCER IS 1 IN 72. A WOMAN’S LIFETIME RISK OF DEATH FROM INVASIVE OVARIAN CANCER IS 1 IN 100. OVARIAN CANCER RATES ARE HIGHEST IN WOMEN AGED 55 TO 64. Five-year survival rates, the percent of patients who live at least five years after being diagnosed with a particular disease, are commonly used to compare different cancers. Survival rates for ovarian cancer are much lower than those of other cancers affecting women. The relative five-year survival rate for all types of ovarian cancer is 44.2 percent compared to 89.2 percent for breast cancer and 81.5 percent for uterine cancer.
E A R LY D I A G N O S I S AND PREVENTION ARE THE KEYS Survival rates vary greatly depending on the stage of any cancer at the
time of diagnosis. Women diagnosed with ovarian cancer at an early stage (before the cancer has spread) have a much higher five-year survival rate than those diagnosed at a later stage. However, only 15 percent of ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed with early-stage disease. Cancer treatment is costly, difficult to tolerate, and usually involves toxic drugs that kill not only the cancer cells but the body’s healthy cells as well. Surgical invasive procedures are usually needed, but these carry the risk of complications and possible failure to completely remove or eradicate the cancer. No treatments for ovarian cancer address the actual cause of cancer, which remains unknown. Early discovery and cancer prevention are crucial if we hope to decrease cancer-related morbidity and mortality.
D I A G N O S I N G OVA R I A N C A N C E R The diagnosis of ovarian cancer relies on signs and symptoms like constipation, nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, early satiety, weight loss, feeling tired, developing ascites (fluid in the abdomen) or an enlarged ovary. Usually any ovarian mass or enlargement found in a woman after menopause should prompt additional testing. Fortunately the majority of ovarian cysts found, even in women after menopause, are benign and not cancerous. When diagnosed early (which happens infrequently), while ovarian cancer is limited to the ovary, the five-year survival rate is 95 percent. Compare this to 45 percent for cancers that spread outside the ovary and only 17 percent for cancers that have spread through the entire body at the time of diagnosis. Early diagnosis is crucial in avoiding the high mortality rate that accompanies late-stage disease. Imaging studies like ultrasound, CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis or MRIs are used frequently, but unfortunately by the time the majority of ovarian cancers have become
OCTOBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM
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HEALTH VIEW 1
OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS
symptomatic and the woman seeks care, the cancer has usually spread outside the ovary. An annual well woman exam is crucial because the doctor can identify a mass on the ovary quite easily with a pelvic exam. If a woman is overweight or obese, her extra layer of tissue can make the exam more difficult and less sensitive, in which case a vaginal ultrasound can be performed. A vaginal ultrasound, where a probe is placed inside the vagina, can detect ovarian cysts early. This exam is more sensitive than an abdominal ultrasound in detecting an ovarian tumor or a cyst. CA125A is a tumor marker that has been used for many years as an adjunct method for cancer diagnosis and follow-up. CA125 is a protein found in the blood that is elevated in women diagnosed with ovarian serous adenocarcinoma—the most common type of ovarian cancer. Its level can be used to monitor treatment and detect early recurrence in women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The marker has not been proven to be very useful as a screening test because other benign conditions like endometritis (implants of the inner lining of the uterus that develop outside the uterus) or uterine fibroids can cause the CA125 to be elevated. However the combination of transvaginal ultrasound and CA125 levels can be used in women at higher risk for screening purposes.
T H E B E S T S T R AT E G Y Even with these tests it is unclear whether the chance of dying from ovarian cancer is lowered significantly. Until we have better treatment and early effective screening techniques, preventing this high mortality cancer remains our best strategy.
Researches have recently discovered that ovarian serous carcinoma does not begin in the ovary at all, but in the lining of the fallopian tube—a conduit that connects the uterus and the ovary. This tube catches the egg once it is released by the ovary at ovulation. It allows the sperm to progress and move towards the egg, fertilize it, and then transfer the fertilized egg into the uterus for implantation. One of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States is a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). Once the uterus is removed the fallopian tubes serve no further purpose, as they are only involved in the fertilization process. In the past, during a hysterectomy, if the ovaries were preserved, then the fallopian tubes would normally be severed at the junction with the uterus, and would be left behind, right next to the ovary. Knowing that ovarian cancer begins in the fallopian tube has prompted surgeons to change this practice. Now the fallopian tubes should be removed at the time of the hysterectomy even if the ovaries are preserved. Being aware of this new research empowers women who are considering a hysterectomy to discuss with their physicians in more detail the planned procedure—specifically whether or not they are planning to remove the fallopian tubes. Another common surgical procedure is tubal ligation (also known as having your tubes tied), often performed with the laparoscope. The fallopian tubes are cut, cauterized or clipped during this operation. It might be beneficial to have a complete removal of the tube instead—called a salpingectomy, but only when sterility is the desired outcome. A bilateral salpingectomy is permanent and irreversible.
OVA R I A N C A N C E R RISK FACTORS Being aware of risk factors for ovarian cancer is very important. Women who are most at risk for ovarian cancer are: • Those who have never had children. • Women who have received hormonal therapy. • Women who have other family members with ovarian cancer, especially women with certain genetic mutations like BRCA. However most DNA mutations related to ovarian cancer are not inherited but instead occur during a woman’s life. Practicing the following lifestyle precautions might help prevent the oxidative changes and the mutations that can lead to cancer in general: • A healthy lifestyle—eating a well balanced anti-inflammatory diet. • Regular exercise. • Avoiding exposure to toxins and chemicals known to be harmful. • Possibly taking supplements that enhance the antioxidant capacity of the body. Knowledge is power when used properly. Now that you are aware of the symptoms and risks of ovarian cancer, be on the lookout for early symptoms especially if you are in the higher risk category. Make sure to schedule your well-woman exam regularly and ask how your pelvic exam turned out. Don’t forget to take care of your health on a daily basis by eating well, supplementing your diet, exercising, and reading labels on the food you eat and products you use to avoid chemicals.
Dr. Cernaianu is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and integrative and holistic medicine. Her private practice - HERA Health Care - is located in Westlake Village, at 910 Hampshire Road, Suite A. For more information you can call 805.379.9110 or visit www. herahealthcare.com.
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Julie Kraus, Agent • 805.529.8190 julie_kraus@us.aflac.com • CA Insurance Lic #0C47103 OCTOBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM
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HEALTH VIEW 2
ORAL CANCER
ORAL CANCER PREVENTION AND EARLY DETECTION WE LEARNED SOME CRITICAL INFORMATION ABOUT ORAL CANCER AND SCREENINGS IN THE FOLLOWING Q&A SESSION WITH STEVEN GREENMAN, DDS.
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Q: What are the statistics for oral cancer survival? A: Although it is a disease we don’t think about much, oral and oral-pharyngeal (throat) cancer is prevalent with 42,000 Americans being diagnosed this year. It will cause more than 8,000 deaths, killing roughly one person every hour. The five-year survival rate is only slightly greater than 50-50 (it is 57 percent). This is a number which has not significantly improved in decades. Prevention and early detection are keys to better treatment, outcomes and higher survival rates. Q: What can be done to reduce the risk of contracting oral and oralpharyngeal cancer? A: There are known factors that can increase your risk of mouth cancer. These include tobacco use of any kind including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff, among others. Thus avoidance of tobacco products is the key to prevention. Another common factor is heavy alcohol use—moderation is the key here. Excessive sun exposure to your lips can cause lip cancers, particularly in fair-skinned individuals. Fortunately sunscreens and sun blocks are effective. A sexually-transmitted virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) has now been definitively linked to oral and oral-pharyngeal cancer (via oral sex). Besides the obvious, there is now a vaccination for HPV. A disease thought to be an autoimmune process called lichen planus is another suspected risk factor for oral and oral-pharyngeal cancer. Unfortunately there is no known cure, however palliative (pain-relieving) measures are effective in reducing the spread and severity of the lesions and thus reducing the likelihood of malignant transformation. Q: What are the statistics for early detection and treatment?
A: Fortunately, outcomes are dramatically improved for early detection and treatment. The five-year survival rate when the disease is localized is 83 percent as opposed to only 32 percent when the disease has spread to other parts of the body. Q: What should I look for in my own mouth? A: Any discoloration, swelling, The VELscope provides a beam of fluorescent light to optiminze spots, ulcers or lumps on the the detection of any oral abnormalities. gums, lining of the cheeks, tongue or even the throat A: In addition to traditional COE, we that have been present longer have employed tissue fluorescence than two weeks should be checked for several years. The name of the out thoroughly even if there is no device we use is the VELscope. presence of pain. This type of cancer is often discovered late and after it Q: What is VELscope and how effechas spread to the lymph nodes of tive is it? the neck. Early detection is effective when patients follow their regular A: It is a handheld wireless device dental care regimen. approved by the FDA, Health Canada and the World Health Organization Q: How can my dentist help with that provides a beam of fluorescent early detection? light to optimize the detection of any oral abnormalities. The VELScope A: You should expect a thorough examination in conjunction with clinical oral examination (COE) at the COE provides a thorough health each continuing care/check-up visit. screening. Dental hygienists often perform this procedure. The COE should include both a visual examination and palpation of the oral structures and the corresponding lymph nodes. Q: Is COE the best method of early detection? A: COE is currently the standard of care. However, studies show that incorporating a simple, non-invasive examination using tissue fluorescence technology along with COE increased the detection rate by 62.5 percent. A recent study examined 85 male and female patients considered at risk for oral and oral-pharyngeal cancer. COE detected eight cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions, while the exam which incorporated fluorescence detected 13. Q: Tell us about your practice, Dr. Greenman. What is your protocol for detecting oral and oral-pharyngeal cancers?
Q: How much does it cost? A: We believe so strongly in the benefits of tissue fluoroscopy that we do not charge extra for using the VELscope. It is used for all new patients of our dental hygienist practice, and annually thereafter. Q: Is your practice offering any specials for our CTW readers? A: Yes, all CTW readers can receive a no-charge COE and VELscope examination.
For a no-charge consultation and examination, 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. OCTOBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM
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NATURAL APPROACH
ARE YOU ON FIRE?
ARE YOU ON
FIRE? by Dr. Sharon Norling
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Acute inflammation is a protective immune response that helps our body fight off infections and repair injuries.
ONE OF THE BIGGEST FACTORS IN CHRONIC, LOWLEVEL INFLAMMATION CAN BE THE FOOD YOU EAT EVERY DAY. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT. SO DON’T BE FAST, CHEAP, EASY OR FAKE. Nutrition is the most important tool for staying mentally and physically fit. It is by far the most underused tool. When you think about it, the only way we live and get healthy is by the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. It’s as simple as that. Chronic inflammation either causes or exacerbates all major illnesses: cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, arthritis, heartburn and reflux, mood disorders, insomnia, auto-immune diseases, obesity, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and more. Most, if not all diseases are related to chronic inflammation.
Why Do We Have It? Acute inflammation is a protective immune response that helps our
body fight off infections and repair injuries. Chronic inflammation is when the inflammatory response fails to shut down as it is constantly trying to heal and repair. The immune system then produces free radicals which cause oxidative stress. These free radicals damage blood vessels, cell membranes, nerves, joints and multiple tissues in the body. Inflammation is regarded as a risk predictor for metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors that raise your risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke and other serious health issues. The free radicals not only cause us to age inside but outside as well. According to a recent article published in “The Journal of Gerontology,” June 2014, aging is characterized by a low-grade inflammation now referred to as inflammaging. We become wrinkled and damaged. And who needs that?
How to Identify Chronic Inflammation The good news is inflammation can be reversed. How? Not necessarily by taking an anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drug, but by first pinpointing the root cause of the inflammation. How can you treat something if you don’t know what is causing it? If you are suffering from an -itis you are inflamed. Perhaps you have sinusitis, neuritis (headaches), arthritis (joint pain), myositis (muscle stiffness or pain), esophagitis (heartburn or reflux), or gastroenteritis (irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation). Do you have trouble focusing, remembering names and your daily schedule? How about keeping track of objects like your glasses or keys? Do you get easily distracted? Do you feel you are losing the mental clarity that you once had?
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NATURAL APPROACH
ARE YOU ON FIRE?
Have you asked yourself recently, “Am I losing it?” or “Do I have the beginnings of Alzheimer’s?” The loss of memory and mental sharpness is not a natural part of aging. It is an accumulation of causes, deficiencies and chronic inflammation through the years. Certain conditions such as asthma, allergies, arthritis and autoimmune disorders have an obvious inflammatory component. However, chronic, low-level inflammation (sometimes referred to as systemic or silent inflammation) has now been linked with diseases ranging from heart disease, diabetes and cancer to depression, Alzheimer’s and osteoporosis. Did you know that social rejection, fear and depression all can increase inflammatory markers and cause inflammation which, in turn causes diseases? A study of 124 healthy individuals exposed to socially stressful situations, by Shelly Taylor, PhD at UCLA, reported the increase of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, both known bio-markers of inflammatory activity. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is another common biomarker for inflammation. Have your doctor order these bio-markers for you, your brain and your health!
Take Control of Your Life For the sake of your brain and your health, learn techniques to minimize the effect you permit these stressors to have on you. Delegate, meditate, breathe and let go of stressors that are other people’s responsibilities. This is good health. 30
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If you are carrying around a few extra pounds, your risk of inflammationrelated illness is magnified. Fat cells produce inflammatory chemicals at a rate far greater than other cells. When you gain weight (or fail to lose it), you are putting your body under an additional inflammatory burden that increases your risk of disease and accelerates the aging process. The threat is double-edged, because excessive inflammation also makes it difficult for you to lose weight! Here is a partial list of items that cause inflammation: • Processed foods and sugar. • IgG hidden food sensitivities . • Gluten sensitivity (Cyrex is only lab that is consistently accurate). • Hidden gastrointestinal infections. • Toxins. • Stress, anxiety, depression. • Neurotransmitter imbalance. • High cortisol. • Metabolic diseases such as thyroid gland diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and lung, liver or kidney failure.
Removing the cause or causes is the key to the relief of inflammation. Healthy lifestyle habits such as exercising regularly, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and minimizing stress all help to reduce inflammation. Nutrient intravenous therapies are very effective in removing inflammation and toxins. Use natural amino acids and supplements whenever possible. Vitamin D supplementation helps decrease cardiovascular disease by decreasing the level of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) according to the research of 924 participants by Chen, et. al., in “Nutrients,” 2014. Soy isoflavones have been shown to reduce CRP significantly among postmenopausal women. Dong, et. al., “Menopause,” 2011. Multiple studies have shown that turmeric and ginger reduce inflammation. It is important to get the best quality supplements and consider liquid nutrients for the best absorption. Eat well, decrease your inflammation, remove toxins, exercise and laugh! You and your body deserve to feel its best.
• Nutrient deficiencies. • Insomnia. • Smoking. • Drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter. As a result of a poor diet and/or lifestyle, our bodies tend to overproduce inflammatory chemicals. At the same time we don’t get enough of the nutrients that naturally reduce inflammation.
Dr. 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, hormone imbalances and toxins. Get the personalized care you deserve. Call Dr. Sharon Norling in Westlake Village at 818.707.9355; www.drsharonnorling.com.
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MIND & SPIRIT 1
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QUITTING IS NOT AN OPTION
CTW MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2014
To be men of integrity, we must make commitments, be held accountable to those commitments and honor those commitments by not quitting.
It was a simple and clear concept. And it was brand new to me. I had never considered myself a quitter. After all, I had been an A student, I was successful in my business and I had a wonderful wife and two kids. I didn’t look like much of a quitter to me! But then I looked closer. Well, the men forced me to look closer by getting the truth out of me and reflecting back what they heard and saw. I learned that I quit when things became too uncomfortable for me. I quit by complaining. I quit by blaming. I quit by being lazy. I quit when something wasn’t convenient for me. That’s when I learned the true meaning of commitment.
Commitment A commitment isn’t something thrown out casually to please someone, to avoid conflict or to look like a hero. It isn’t a promise. A commitment is your word. It represents who you are. And honoring your commitments determines whether you are trustworthy. To be men of integrity, we must make commitments, be held accountable to those commitments and honor those commitments by not quitting. That’s a bold, masculine statement. There’s no wriggle room. It’s black and white. In this very complicated world, I for one appreciate when my choices are as clear as black and white. But that takes work! So let’s take a look at the commitments you’ve made in your life (or
perhaps need to make) to see where you might be quitting.
Men Making Commitments Here are some of the commitments made by the men in our men’s groups. Are they yours as well? I am faithful to my wife. I exercise three times a week. I am home on time for dinner or call well in advance. I honor my daily spiritual practice. I welcome feedback. I do not argue. I do not hide out at work to avoid issues at home. I ask for help. I am sober. I do what’s in the best interest of my kids, even if they disagree. I tell the truth. These commitments, or as I call them, non-negotiable, unalterable terms (N.U.T.s,) are pretty clear. They’re easily identified and obvious when compromised. Though they’re clear on paper, honoring them is often challenging.
When They’re Challenging for You, What Do You Do? Do you rationalize why today isn’t a day you need to work out even though you’re committed to it? Do you blame her for starting the argument even though your commitment is to not argue? Have you shut down your kids or employees because your ego got in the way and you didn’t want to hear what they had to say, even though you’re committed to welcoming feedback? Did you compromise your relationship with your woman (porn, hookers, an OCTOBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM
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MIND & SPIRIT 1
QUITTING IS NOT AN OPTION
affair, online chatting, etc.) despite your commitment to faithfulness? If you’re guilty of any of these offenses, know you’re not alone. Most of the men you see daily, whether they reveal it or not, are battling with the same lack of commitment someplace in their lives. Many men are so unconscious to what ails them and their relationships that the commitments they ought to make have not even occurred to them—too much pain, too much resistance.
Authenticity For those of us who can muster the courage, we can push through that powerful resistance that lives deep within our fear-based perspectives on life. The only reason we have those perspectives is because of the trauma of our early lives. Once we allow ourselves to see the connection between those early experiences and our current behaviors we can free ourselves, discard those old truths and start living authentic lives. Authenticity includes those aforementioned commitments and the intention to never quit on who we are, whom we love, and what we stand for. The road toward this clarity, this sense of black and white which comes with honoring our commitments, is often a very confusing journey. The black and white nature of the road is often obscured to us while we’re on it. That’s why we shouldn’t make that journey alone. I’m fortunate to have a large circle of men who care about me, and with their honest questions and guidance, keep me centered on my path toward authenticity. As far as I’m concerned, for those men who support me, quitting is definitely not an option.
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.
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Physician’s Profile
Dr. Anthony Virella VIRELLA NEUROSURGERY
Board-Certified, Fellowship trained Neurological Spine Surgeon with advanced training in the management of complex spinal disorders. Description of Practice Specializing in the treatment of complex spine and brain disorders with an emphasis on Minimally Invasive Surgery. Dr. Virella is a nationally recognized specialist in the field who has authored numerous articles and lectured nationally and internationally in the field of complex and minimally invasive spine surgery. He is also considered a specialist with extensive training in the management of cerebrovascular disease, including cerebral aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVM’s).
Educational Background Medical School: Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 1996 Internship: (General Surgery) Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 1997 Fellowship: (Resident-Infolding) (Complex Spine Surgery) Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 2003 Residency: (Neurological Surgery) University of California, Los Angeles, CA 2004 Fellowship: (Complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery) University of California, Los Angeles, CA 2004
Personal & Professional Perspective Website & Locations
Why did you choose this career path?
www.dr-virella.com
I chose neurosurgery and spine surgery while at Columbia University as a medical student. I had the honor of a mentorship program under Dr. Bennett Stein, one of the world’s most prominent and influential neurosurgeons. He took me under his wing and the rest is history.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE Spine and Brain Center
32144 Agoura Rd., Suite 220 Westlake Village, CA 91361 Office: 805-449-0088
SIMI VALLEY Spine and Brain Center
1687 Erringer Road , Suite 206 Simi Valley, CA 93065 Office: 805-955-8898
VALENCIA Spine and Brain Center
24510 Town Center Drive, Suite 180 Valencia, CA 91355 Office: 661-388-5281
What sets you apart from other physicians/specialists in your field? I am a perfectionist. My patients mean the world to me and I am often up at night thinking about how to solve a particular patient’s problem. I don’t sleep until the problem is fixed and my patients feel better. Unlike many of my colleagues, I use mostly minimally invasive techniques which means that my patients often get home the same day after surgery and back to work within one or two days.
What do you think the future holds for your practice? I think the future is full of bright, new technologies which center around minimally invasive spine techniques. Long hospital stays and big incisions are a thing of the past. Virella Neurosurgery is strategically positioned to lead the way in these new and exciting minimally invasive spine techniques!
OCTOBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM
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MIND & SPIRIT 2
HYPNOSIS AND GUIDED IMAGERY
THE HEALING POWERS OF
HYPNOSIS AND GUIDED IMAGERY by Cher Bodner, CHt
FOR THIS MONTH’S CTW ISSUE ON CANCER AWARENESS I AM EXCITED TO OFFER YOU SOME NEW POSSIBILITIES TO HELP YOU CONQUER YOUR HEALTH ISSUES THROUGH HYPNOSIS AND GUIDED IMAGERY.
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Although hypnosis has typically been associated with smoking, weight loss and the fear of flying, it can help you overcome many problematic mental and physical issues. It can help you to change for the better, but realizing a need to change and doing it is not an easy process.
Everything that happens, everything you have learned and experienced since birth is recorded and kept deep in your subconscious mind.
It is well documented that most disease starts with stress. But we often ignore the signals our bodies give us. We continue to carry with us the same stresses and bad habits we know are not good for us. We try to change but most of the time it doesn’t work. After all, we follow the path of least resistance don’t we? You see, deeply rooted in our subconscious mind is where the majority of our behavior is governed, so in order to effectively change, the hypnotherapist must work with your subconscious mind.
What Exactly is Hypnosis? Some people might imagine an evil-looking man trying to take over your mind, while others think about a stage show they’ve seen where the hypnotist makes people do silly things. Not to worry—hypnosis is a natural state of deep focus and mental concentration. In that state one feels a wonderful sense of calm and relaxation. YOU ARE NOT ASLEEP! The body is very comfortable and the mind is very alert—more than during your normal state of awareness.
Does Hypnosis Work? Many scientific discoveries have been made throughout the decades regarding hypnosis, but it did not become evident that hypnosis absolutely works until World War II when wounded soldiers were successfully treated on the battlefields with hypnosis when morphine wasn’t available. Today, with devices such as MRIs and PET scans, we can see inside the brain in real time what is hap-
pening to someone during hypnosis when using suggestions and guided imagery. “American Health Magazine” published a Mayo Clinic study where groups of people experienced different types of therapy for the same issues. The findings were impressive. Psychoanalysis: 38 percent recovery after 600 sessions. Behavioral Therapy: 72 percent recovery after 22 sessions. Hypnotherapy: 93 percent recovery after six sessions.
How Does Hypnosis Work? The brain cannot tell the difference between good and bad, right and wrong, or what is real versus imagined. The brain only responds as if an event is actually happening. If a person is given a hypnotic suggestion that there is a pain in their right hand, the part of the brain that controls pain in that hand will light up on a scan as if they are in real pain. Have you ever wondered why, when you have the conscious thought, “I’m going to change this habit or behavior”—that you find it resurfaces shortly after? This is because the conscious mind cannot compete with the subconscious mind. The subconscious mind will win almost every time due to old limiting belief systems we carry with us. To truly understand how the hypnotic process works one must understand how the mind works. The conscious mind contains the rational and analytical parts of the mind, including your willpower. Willpower requires conscious effort—but the conscious mind only constitutes very little of our overall daily thinking—about 12 percent. OCTOBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM
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MIND & SPIRIT 2
HYPNOSIS AND GUIDED IMAGERY
The subconscious mind makes up the other 88 percent. This is where your emotions are stored. Everything that happens, everything you have learned and experienced since birth is recorded and kept deep in your subconscious mind. For example, when you learn to drive you use your conscious mind, but once you learn it, this knowledge is part of your subconscious mind. If you need to hit the breaks or gas pedal you do so automatically without any conscious decision—you are reacting from your subconscious mind. The same applies to beliefs. If you were told as a kid you will grow up with low self-esteem and struggle with success. Imagery is the way the brain—the mind—learns. We learn in images but we tend to listen to the little voice in our heads that tells us to focus on being analytical and logical. In imagery, you are guided deep down into your subconscious mind where all of your emotions, intuitions, memories, values, belief systems and more are stored. The client’s imagination can bypass the conscious/critical part of their mind and come up with their own creative problem solving. Hypnosis and guided imagery are used quite often in dealing with cancer and pain management, since pain is the most commonly feared symptom in patients. Worldwide studies have been conducted on the positive effects of these mind/body approaches. They all have a direct physiological effect in reducing stress, pain levels as well as controlling the other emotions related to cancer. One can reduce the feelings of depression, anger, guilt, or low selfesteem. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the whole immune system in general. Understanding that there is a definite mind/body connection is the key to the healing process. The knowledge of how the mind works—the struggle between the conscious and subconscious— and the understanding that perception is everything—WILL change you because LIFE OPENS UP WHEN YOU DO!
Cher Bodner is a certified hypnotherapist and master guided imagery practitioner. Her office is located at 18607 Ventura Blvd, #300,Tarzana. Contact Cher at 818.324.1082 or CBodner Hypnosis@gmail.com and visit www.livinglifelivingwell.com. 38
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“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.
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FROM THE HEART
UNITED CANCER ADVOCACY ACTION NETWORK
UCAAN
UNITED CANCER ADVOCACY ACTION NETWORK
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN CANCER PATIENTS AND THEIR IMMEDIATE NEEDS by Alicia Doyle
AT AGE 26, RACHEL SHUR THOUGHT SHE HAD EVERYTHING FIGURED OUT.
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UCAAN is unique because we are one organization that doesn’t say no when a patient asks for help. Instead we find a way to help them through one of our programs.
“That was until I was diagnosed with the big C,” recalled Shur, who had been diagnosed with terminal leukemia. “From there everything changed, but it was all for the better, not only for me but also for others I would soon meet because of it.” A car accident right before Christmas had saved Shur’s life when she discovered she had 85 percent cancer cells and her platelets were almost at a deadly level. “I had final stage Leukemia,” Shur said. “I had no idea because at the time I didn’t feel sick. I just had welt-sized bruises all over me, but I was clumsy so I figured it was nothing.” The next two and a half years involved a drug-induced coma. “I had to relearn to walk, read and write—followed by a heartbreaking relapse, brain surgery and a stem cell transplant,” Shur said. “All this while losing my independence, my job, my stability, my friends, and having to deal with multiple rounds of chemo and total body radiation.” But the experience as a whole broke Shur out of her introverted shell, prompting her to share her cancer experience with schools, businesses, government agencies and non-profit organizations. “I’ve met my share of awesome patients and people since diagnosis and we’ve all shared similar stories and similar direct effects from treatments, most of which we were never warned about: dental deterioration,
bone death, infertility, memory loss, neuropathy, lymphedema and more,” Shur said. “We shared a common bond, we all had cancer, we all struggled in our own way and we were all there to support one another.” Another realization they had come to was that it was difficult to find the help—to find the organizations offering the support they needed. “There was no excuse for that. It should have been easier, and I was determined to make it so.” Shur said.
Inspiration and Hope Now 34, Shur is a self-proclaimed cancer survivor extraordinaire and the founder of United Cancer Advocacy Action Network—more commonly known as UCAAN—a nonprofit based in Thousand Oaks. “We focus on finding solutions for cancer patients in need with any form of cancer, any age, anywhere across the country. Eighty-five percent of the patients that contact us live outside of California,” Shur said. “UCAAN is unique because we are one organization that doesn’t say no when a patient asks for help,” Shur said. “Instead we find a way to help them through one of our programs. We hope as we continue to grow, with the community’s help we will be able to start more programs that will help more and more people.” UCAAN offers customized resources based on the needs of the individual, with an extensive database comprised OCTOBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM
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FROM THE HEART
UNITED CANCER ADVOCACY ACTION NETWORK
of more than 1,800 organizations to refer them to. In the case no organization exists, UCAAN has a personal fundraising program that empowers patients to raise the money for themselves and they are given custom pendants made by UCAAN staff to aid in reaching their goal. The nonprofit also offers gas cards for patients to get to treatments and a preventive dental program to address dental deterioration. “Above all we provide inspiration and hope,” Shur said.
Filling a Need After Shur’s diagnosis she volunteered for an organization associated with cancer. “But there were things I experienced while volunteering that I just didn’t like,” Shur recalled. For instance, she once heard a speaker ask, “How many patients are here who raised money?” “For me, this was the opposite of what I thought should have been said. Why didn’t they ask how many patients were there that beat cancer?” Shur said. “As time went on, I saw nothing better than to start my own organization that had the values and goals I had envisioned.” Shur launched UCAAN because she struggled so much with her personal battle with cancer. “I couldn’t understand why it was so difficult to find the help,” Shur said. “I saw so much money going into cancer and couldn’t fathom why more financial assistance wasn’t available.” “UCAAN is vital in a time when more people are diagnosed with the disease and the larger nonprofit organizations are providing less assistance to aid patients in need,” Shur added. “Our goal is to help as many cancer patients as we can locally and nationwide. Over the past year, the gap between patients and the help is even bigger and more difficult to find. Because of this, patients are struggling daily to get the help they desperately need.” 42
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Presidential Volunteer Service Award Today, Shur is 95 percent cured. “But I go to get testing every three to four months for a defective chromosome that causes the form of leukemia I had,” she said. “I’m still dealing with the detrimental direct effects of my treatments that affect all aspects of my life.” In June, Shur received the National Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award from the president of the United States for her volunteer work with UCAAN. Shur was nominated for the award by one of the patients she’s been working with during the past year and a half. Her nonprofit also received a grant from Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Woodland Hills for their UCAAN CARE (Caries & Restorative Education) Dental Program which allows UCAAN to educate the public, doctors, medical professionals and patients about dental deterioration caused by treatments. “The grant will allow us to help about 70 cancer patients between West San Fernando Valley and Ventura County per year to get the dental preventive care they need,” Shur said. “The total grant amount of $24,869.40 will be dispersed over three years and is earmarked for this program only—we are so thankful to have been one of the charities chosen.”
A New Charity Program for Small Businesses Meanwhile, UCAAN remains in need of support from the community, including donations to cover foundation expenses. “We’re starting a unique program for small businesses, individuals and companies that would be interested in getting involved and supporting us,” Shur said. “We are looking for financial advocates who would make a once a year donation to UCAAN for as little as $150 or more that would help us save lives.”
Infrared Sauna Ceragem Massage Beds Sonic Life Vibration $39 1-1/2 hrs of BLISS Burn calories! Lower stress! 3625 E.Thousand Oaks Blvd #221 Westlake Village, CA 91362 (805) 777-8122
Financial advocates will have their information included in all promotional and marketing material including event flyers, brochures, press releases, website and media outlets. Interested parties can call 805.479.1032.
A Worthwhile Venture Looking back on her journey, Shur can’t think of anything else she’d rather do with her life. “Every day at UCAAN is a new adventure; I find more and more ways to help those we serve. Plus it’s never work when you love what you do,” Shur said. “UCAAN focuses on finding solutions for cancer patients in need and helping to improve their quality of life.” For more information visit www.ucaan. org; email ucaanorg@yahoo.com; or call 805.796.6090 or 805.479.1032. To reach Rachel’s blog visit www. CancerRockedMyWorld.blogspot.com OCTOBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM
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BEYOND GREEN LIVING
CANCER AND OUR CHEMICALS
CANCER AND OUR CHEMICALS RUSSIAN ROULETTE by Jan Tucker
MANY PEOPLE ARE FULLY ON BOARD, BUT OTHERS STILL SHRUG THEIR SHOULDERS ABOUT HARMFUL CHEMICALS IN OUR PRODUCTS. THEY EITHER DON’T WANT TO CHANGE OR THEY DON’T BELIEVE THERE’S A REAL PROBLEM.
The Silent Problem The harm chemicals do to our body blind-sides us over time. It’s a silent problem—this is one reason some choose to ignore the warnings. If you knew you’d use your tile cleaner one day and end up with asthma or cancer the next day, without hesitation you would find a safer way to clean your tile. You would refuse to use Tilex. But reality is different. Because cancer doesn’t appear until well after we contact its cause (it has a long latency period), scientists don’t know what causes many of the more than 200 types of identified cancers. That’s why manufacturers can say their products are safe, regardless of the chemicals used. The truth is, we are exposed to a matrix of chemicals in our homes
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through our products. Although a smidgen of a chemical in a single product may or may not cause an issue for us now (allergic reactions) or down the road (long-term damage to our health), the combination of all the chemicals together is proven to be harmful to our health. In this month’s cancer issue, I’m presenting good reasons you should use only natural products with safe ingredients. And I don’t mean the many products labeled natural, green or organic that still include harmful, potentially harmful or suspected harmful chemicals. Those are not safe to use.
Statistics and Scientific Commentary
told you, “Go ahead and use it—we’ll find out later whether it will give you cancer or not,” would you dive right in and eat it, smooth it on your body, use it to clean something or cook with it? Or would you give that person a few choice words and show them the door with their mystery product in hand? When we use products containing chemicals without questioning their safety— trusting the manufacturer— we’re playing Russian roulette. We’re using products every day without knowing how they can harm us. We do this because: 1. Chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer are still ingredients in our everyday products.
Kenneth Olden, PhD, director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) states, “One in two men and one in three women will develop cancer at some point in their lifetimes.” Did you realize the odds are that high?
2. Most chemicals in our products have not been tested for safety. Of more than 85,000 synthetic chemicals used today, only 7 percent have been tested.
Further, “Many…chemicals have been identified as known or suspected causes of cancer. Today, much of what we know about chemicals causing cancer in humans we have learned from workers exposed at their jobs.”
According to Breast Cancer Action, “The U.S. government has no adequate chemical regulation policy. This allows companies to manufacture and use chemicals without ever establishing their safety in humans. As the use of chemicals has risen in the U.S. and other industrialized countries, so have rates of breast and other cancers.”
Does this sound backwards and unfair to you—even cruel? It means we essentially play Russian roulette with cancer and other serious diseases. Millions of consumers have been lulled into complacency, thinking they’re safe—even while this kind of daily experimentation occurs. We learn what chemicals harm us by exposing workers to them and noticing if they have serious reactions? Think about this! Would you treat your pet this way? If someone placed an undefined chemical on your kitchen table and
Scary, isn’t it?
It’s time to show manufacturers that claim their products are safe—while still including known harmful chemicals and untested chemicals—to the door rather than allowing them to sell us their Russian roulette products. What Ingredients Do Cause Cancer? Do we know what causes bone cancer? According to the American Cancer Society, not the exact cause of most bone cancers. Do we know what causes kidney or pancreatic cancer?
Same answer. Do we know what causes one out of every 450 children to be diagnosed with cancer before age 15? Most of the time—no. If this is true, and our chemicals are untested, it’s smart to practice the precautionary principle and avoid them—because we can. Do we know what causes breast cancer? According to Breast Cancer Action, 70 percent of breast cancer patients don’t have the known risk factors. Also, “Non-industrialized countries have lower breast cancer rates than industrialized countries. People who move to industrialized countries from countries with low rates develop the same breast cancer rates of their new country.”
Can the writing on the wall be any clearer? The National Institutes of Health states, “Exposure to a wide variety of natural and man-made substances in the environment accounts for at least two-thirds of all cases of cancer in the United States. This number may be even higher.” There are 246 substances on the U.S. federal government’s list of cancercausing agents, published by NIEHS. Based on studies, 58 are proven to cause cancer in humans and 188 are reasonably anticipated to cause cancer. Money isn’t available to study most substances we use. Only those with high exposure are chosen. Europe has prohibited 1,373 substances and Canada has prohibited or restricted 793 ingredients—from cosmetic products alone. The U.S. has prohibited only eight and restricted three cosmetic ingredients. The Breast Cancer Fund provides a catalog of chemicals and physical agents linked to breast cancer (www. whitelotusliving.com/blog/2014/09/ cancer-and-our-chemicals).
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BEYOND GREEN LIVING
( C O N T. )
Following is a sample of these commonlyused chemicals: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): in grilled meats and cigarettes. UV filters: in sunscreens. Endocrine disrupter octyl-methoxycinnamate is in more than 800 sunscreens; homosalate is in more than 400). Triclosan and triclocarban: antibacterial chemicals and known endocrine disruptors in cosmetics, soap, deodorant, sponges, toothpaste, cutting boards, shoes, towels, clothing. Alkylphenos: in hair products, personal care products, spermicides, cleaning products, detergents, indoor air and dust
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Bovine growth hormone: Monsanto’s genetically-engineered hormone injected into cows to increase milk production. Found in milk, ice cream, buttermilk, cheese, yogurt, other dairy products. Hormones: in personal care products— hair relaxers, hair dyes and anti-aging creams. Parabens: in preservatives for food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA): in non-stick cookware and stain-resistant coatings. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
You Have Control Over This Problem Many governments, businesses and schools use the precautionary principle, substituting natural products across the board for those containing synthetic chemicals. You should do the same. I make it easy for you. I’ve already done the legwork to find the best truly natural products that work.
Jan Tucker is founder of White Lotus Living, whose vision is all about positive thinking, returning to basics, tuning in with nature, unifying the world with compassion, and through all these principles— ultimately—world transformation. It’s about truth. www.whitelotusliving.com is also a place for consumers to learn about and gain access to truly green, natural products. 46
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Physician’s Profile
David Villarreal, DDS
Board-Certified Biological Dentist at the Centers for Healing. Description of Practice Specializing in the holistic approach to dentistry
Educational Background USC Dental School Graduate in 1984 IABDM Board Certified by Dr. Hal Huggins – Elite Dentist
Educational Background 1000 Newbury Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 805.375.2233
Personal & Professional Perspective Website
Why did you choose this career path?
www.centersforhealing.net
To make a difference in people’s health choices.
What sets you apart from other physicians/specialists in your field? I enjoy educating my patients on all their alternatives when it comes to dental materials, safe and proper removal of heavy metals, along with a beautiful smile! It’s not just about oral health but one’s overall physical health. I practice mind, body, spirit dentistry.
What do you think the future holds for your practice? Leadership in the future of holistic and biological dentistry.
Personal side: Single with two sons in college, and enjoys surfing, skiing, yoga and meditation.
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DIRECTORY
GET CONNECTED
Directory Get Connected, Stay Informed and Be Empowered!
ALTERNATIVE, FUNCTIONAL & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
Westlake Village, CA 91362 818.707.WELL (9355) www.drsharonnorling.com
818.620.2335 hello@yogaeveryone.com www.yogaeveryone.com
Dr. David Villarreal, IV Therapy 1000 Newbury Road, Suite 225 Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 805.375.2233 info@centersforhealing.net www.centersforhealing.net
Nutritional Oncology Research Institute
Dr. Pearl Zadeh
Duben Holistic Chiropractic Center
Oasis Wellness Center
Centers for Healing
Alen Duben, DC & Lindsay Erickson, DC 3625 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite 172 Westlake Village, CA P: 805.494.1339 C: 805.300.1696 DrDuben@docduben.com www.docduben.com
Family Psychiatry
Sabira Saifuddin, MD, Board Certified Adult, Child & Teen Psychiatrist, & Addiction Specialist 5655 Lindero Canyon Rd., Suite 405 Westlake Village, CA 91362 805.341.3416 www.cuttingedgepsychiatry.com
Steven Gre man, DDS
Snoring & Sleep Apnea 1240 S. Westlake Blvd., Suite 223 Westlake Village, CA 91361 805.496.9555 www.drgreenman.com
HERA Healthcare Medical Practice
Mirela Cernaianu, MD, FACO 910 Hampshire Road, #A Westlake Village, CA 91361 805.379.9110 www.herahealthcare.com
Mind Body Spirit Center
Dr. Sharon Norling 5655 Lindero Canyon Road, Suite 401
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Mark Simon 805.495.5708 info@nutritionaloncology.net www.nutritionaloncology.net 3625 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., #221 Westlake Village, CA 91362 805.777.8122 www.oasiswellness.com
Shekinah Health Chiropractic & Acupuncture Dr. Joseph Kim 650 S. Westlake Blvd. Suite 200 Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 805.777.8154 www.shekinnahhealth.com
Therapy Services Plus Eloise Buckner 818.707.2139 Clinton Pomroy, ND 818 224.2404 Miriam Vendelbosch, DC 818.865.6247
5308 Derry, Suite K Agoura, CA 91301 www.therapyservicesplus.com
Vibrant Health Services Darren F.X. Clair, MD 2772 Townsgate Rd., Suite D Westlake Village, CA 91361 866.677.6919 www.bevibrance.com
Yoga Everyone
Samantha Kinkaid 28914 Roadside Drive, Suite 204 Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Pearl Zadeh, DDS 6325 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 311 Woodland Hills, CA 91367 818.716.6722 drpearl@pearlzadehdds.com www.pearlzadehdds.com
CHILDREN Yoga Everyone
Samantha Kinkaid 28914 Roadside Drive, Suite 204 Agoura Hills, CA 91301 818.620.2335 hello@yogaeveryone.com www.yogaeveryone.com
Center 4 Special Needs
Gina M. Giambi Peters 1337 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., #202 Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 P: 805.379.1681 C: 805.338.1378 info@center4specialneeds.com www.center4specialneeds.or
CHIROPRACTIC Duben Holistic Chiropractic Center
Alen Duben, DC & Lindsay Erickson, DC 3625 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite 172 Westlake Village, CA P: 805.494.1339 C: 805.300.1696 DrDuben@docduben.com www.docduben.com
CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE (Surgery • Urgent Care • Plastic Surgery)
Community Memorial Hospital 147 N. Brent St. Ventura, CA 93003 805.652.5011 www.cmhshealth.org
Foot & Ankle Alliance
Dr. Alireza Khosroabadi 289 W. Huntington Drive Suite 204 Arcadia, CA 91007 626.447.2184 877 foot911 info@fixmyfoot.com www.NoBunion.com
Kofi Kessey, MD
Virella Neurosurgery
Dr. Anthony Virella, board certified neurosurgeon 32144 Agoura Road Suite 220 Westlake Village, CA 91361 805.449.0088 www.dr-virella.com
Neurosurgeon
DENTISTRY
Thousand Oaks Office: 351 Rolling Oaks Drive, Suite 204 Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Anacapa Dental Art Institute
Simi Valley Office: 2876 Sycamore Drive, Suite 305 Simi Valley, CA 93065 P: 805 379 3368 www.thecenterforneuroscience.com
Khanna Institute of LASIK Dr. Rajesh Khanna 179 Auburn Court, #1 Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 805.230.2126 www.khannainstitute.com
Kapil Moza, MD
Board Certified Neurosurgeon 313 S. Moorpark Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91361 805.497.3622 • www.drmoza.com
Pain Management & Injury Relief (PMIR) Santa Monica office:
2336 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 208 Santa Monica, CA 90404
Thousand Oaks office: 1120 Newbury RoadSuite 150 Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 P: 855 PMIR-MED www.paininjuryrelief.com
Southern California Sinus Institute
Alen N. Cohen, MD, FACS 7345 Medical Center Drive Suite 510 West Hills, CA 91307 818.888.7878 drcohen@cvsurgicalgroup.com www.socalsinus.com
Sarmela Sunder, MD Facial Plastic Surgeon
Encino Location: 16311 Ventura Blvd. Suite 600 Encino, CA 91436 818.501.3223 Ruth Swissa Med Spa Location 29020 Agoura Road Agoura Hills, CA 91301 818.735.8818 www.sunderplasticsurgery.com
Saj Jivraj, DDS, MS, ED
Oxnard Location: 2821 N. Ventura Blvd, Bldg. H Oxnard, CA 93036 805.604.5811 Woodland Hills Location: 6325 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Suite 513 Woodland Hills, CA 91367 818.839.7419 www.dentalimplantsventura.com
Centers for Healing
Dr. David Villarreal IV Therapy 1000 Newbury Road Suite 225 Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 805.375.2233 info@centersforhealing.net www.centersforhealing.net
Steven Greenman, DDS
Advanced Cosmetic, Implant & Sedation Dentistry 1240 S. Westlake Blvd. Suite 223 Westlake Village, CA 91361 805.496.9555 www.drgreenman.com
Dr. Pearl Zadeh
Pearl Zadeh, DDS 6325 Topanga Canyon Blvd.Suite 311 Woodland Hills, CA 91367 818.716.6722 drpearl@pearlzadehdds.com www.pearlzadehdds.com
FINANCIAL Center 4 Special Needs
Gina M. Giambi Peters 1337 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., #202 Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 P: 805.379.1681 C: 805.338.1378 info@center4specialneeds.com www.center4specialneeds.org
Senior Concerns
Andrea Gallagher, president 401 Hodencamp Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Goebel Senior Adult Center 1385 E. Janss Road Thousand Oaks 91362 Simi Valley Senior Center (by appointment only) 3900 Avenida Simi Simi Valley 93063 Moorpark Senior Center (Wednesdays only) 799 Moorpark Ave. Moorpark 93021 Agoura Hills Recreation Center (third Wednesday only) 30610 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Agoura Hills, 91301 Senior Concerns Mobile Caregiver Center (call for times and locations) 805.497.0189 info@seniorconcerns.org www.seniorconcerns.org
FITNESS 805 Get Fit
In-home personal training, weight loss, nutritional counseling, yoga and pilates Doug & Michelle Waldman 805.231.1644 info@805getfit.com www.805getfit.com
Dance 4 Wellness
Maria Durant 2360 Townsgate Road Westlake Village, CA 91361 805.991.6113 info@dance4wellness.net www.dance4wellness.net
Joe & Clara Pilates Inspired Health Club
Stacey Philipsen, Romina Laygo, Gaby Lawrence 2282 Townsgate Road, Suite 1 Westlake Village, CA 91361 805.496.2929 club@joeandclara.com www.joeandclara.com
My Health Studio
Esta & Scott McIntyre 31139 Via Colinas, Suite 303 Westlake Village, CA 91362 818.889.3737 getfit@myhealthstudio.com www.myhealthstudio.com
Yoga Everyone
Samantha Kinkaid 28914 Roadside Drive, Suite 204 Agoura Hills, CA 91301 818.620.2335 hello@yogaeveryone.com www.yogaeveryone.com
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DIRECTORY
GET CONNECTED
HEALTH PRODUCTS Centers for Healing
Simi Valley Senior Center (by appointment only) 3900 Avenida Simi Simi Valley 93063
NUTRITION & SUPPLEMENTS Alen Duben, DC 3625 E. Thousa ks Blvd., Suite 172 Westlake Village, CA P: 805.494.1339 C: 805.300.1696 DrDuben@docduben.com www.docduben.com
White Lotus Living: Natural products without Chemicals
Moorpark Senior Center (Wednesdays only) 799 Moorpark Ave. Moorpark 93021 Agoura Hills Recreation Center (third Wednesday only) 30610 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Agoura Hills, 91301 Senior Concerns Mobile Caregiver Center (call for times and locations) 805.497.0189 info@seniorconcerns.org www.seniorconcerns.org
Dr. David Villarreal Estrella All Natural Dental Care Rroducts 1000 Newbury Road, Suite 225 Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 805.375.2233 info@centersforhealing.net www.centersforhealing.net
Jan Tucker 805.222.5102 jan@whitelotusliving.com www.whitelotusliving.com
HOSPICE CARE Buena Vista Hospice
Bonnie Olsen 143 Triunfo Canyon Road Westlake Village, CA 91361 805.777.1133 www.buenavistahospicecare.com
INSURANCE Aflac
Julie Kraus 15066 B Varsity Street Moorpark, CA 93012 P: 805.529.8190 C: 805.404.9157 Julie_kraus@vs.aflac.com www.aflac.com
Insurances for Life’s Transitions
Long term care planning with plan options Carol Knowles, Broker 1642 High Valley Ave. Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 805.405.2589 Toll-free 855.405.2589 Ltc.insurance@yahoo.com www.carolknowles.com
LEGAL Center 4 Special Needs
Gina M. Giambi Peters 1337 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., #202 Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 P: 805.379.1681 C: 805.338.1378 info@center4specialneeds.com www.center4specialneeds.org
Senior Concerns
Andrea Gallagher, president 401 Hodencamp Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Goebel Senior Adult Center 1385 E. Janss Road Thousand Oaks 91362
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Duben Holistic Chiropractic Center
Nutritional Oncology Research Institute
Mark Simon 805.495.5708 info@nutritionaloncology.net www.nutritionaloncology.net
ORGANICS MASSAGE Centers for Healing
Massage Therapy 1000 Newbury Road, Suite 225 Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 805.375.2233 info@centersforhealing.net www.centersforhealing.net
Healing Oak School of Massage
Myrna Simpson 4356 Eileen Street Simi Valley, CA 93063 805.581.2542 massage@healingoak.com www.healingoak.com
MENTAL & EMOTIONAL HEALTH BetterMen Coaching
Snoozzz Mattress
Sharon Cook 2920 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 P: 805.379.2400 C: 805.377.1944 snoozzzmattress@aol.com www.snoozzzmattress.com
SALONS / SKINCARE MED-SPAS BioCell Beauty
Cathy Castelazo Organic Body Wraps 2695 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 805.732.3267 biocellbeauty@gmail.com www.biocellbeauty.com
Daria Jade Salon & Medspa
Wayne M. Levine, MA, Life Coach / Director 5030 Chesebro Rd., Suite 102 Agoura Hills, CA 91301 818.879.1600 info@BetterMenCoaching.com www.BetterMenCoaching.com
Dr. Masoud Azizad 6593 Collins Drive, Suite D9 Moorpark, CA 93021 805.532.9930 dariajade@yahoo.com www.dariajade.com
Center 4 Special Needs
Deborah Hjerling 2695 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 805.370.5365 www.slimbodywraps.com
Gina M. Giambi Peters 1337 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., #202 Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 P: 805.379.1681 C: 805.338.1378 info@center4specialneeds.com www.center4specialneeds.org
Living Life Living Well
Cher Bodner, C Ht. 818.324.1082 cbodnerhypnosis@gmail.com
White Lotus Living
Jan Tucker 805.222.5102 jan@whitelotusliving.com www.beyon oses.com
Suddenly Slimmer Bodywraps
Ruth Swissa Permanent Makeup & Skin Ruth Swissa 29020 Agoura Road, #A6 Agoura Hills, CA 91301 818.735.8818 www.ruthswissa.com
West Coast Ultrasculpt
Wendi Jones 3625 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite 161 Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
805.910.5376 westcoastultrasculpt@gmail.com www tcoastultrasculpt.com
SENIOR CARE & SPECIAL NEEDS Senior Concerns
Andrea Gallagher, president 401 Hodencamp Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Goebel Senior Adult Center 1385 E. Janss Road Thousand Oaks 91362 Simi Valley Senior Center (by appointment only) 3900 Avenida Simi Simi Valley 93063 Moorpark Senior Center (Wednesdays only) 799 Moorpark Ave. Moorpark 93021 Agoura Hills Recreation Center (third Wednesday only) 30610 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Agoura Hills, 91301 Senior Concerns Mobile Caregiver Center (call for times and locations)
805.497.0189 info@seniorconcerns.org www.seniorconcerns.org
dcreiki@sbcglobal.net www.celestialenergycenter.com
UCAAN
Healing Sanctuary
United Cancer Advocacy Action Network Rachel Shur 1459 East Thousand Oaks Blvd., Bldg E Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 Office: 805.796.6090 After Hours: 805.479. 1032 rachel@ucaan.org www.ucaan.org
Ilonka Di Aura, certified practitioner Energy Healing for adults, children and pets 2866 Marvella Court Camarillo, CA 93012 805.208.0883 ilonkaroot@yahoo.com www.healing-sanctuary.info
Sandalwood and Sage
Yoga Everyone
Samantha Kinkaid 28914 Roadside Drive, Suite 204 Agoura Hills, CA 91301 818.620.2335 hello@yogaeveryone.com www.yogaeveryone.com
SPIRITUAL & ENERGY WORK Celestial Energy Center
Rev. David Castle Reiki Master/ Teacher, Biosonic Repatterning, sound and crystal therapy practitioner. 818.521.3638
Cherí Cooper Reiki Master – Energetic Healing 3725 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., #208 Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 818.395.6076 by appointment only cheri.reiki@gmail.com www.cherireiki.wix.com/ sandalwood-and-sage
Yoga Everyone
Samantha Kinkaid 28914 Roadside Drive, Suite 204 Agoura Hills, CA 91301 818.620.2335 hello@yogaeveryone.com www.yogaeveryone.com
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
Wayne M. Levine, M.A. Life Coach/Speaker & Author of the best-selling ® “Hold On to Your N.U.T.s: The Relationship Manual for Men”
Coaching Men, Couples & Boys Weekly Men’s Groups In Office & Phone
BetterMenCoaching.com BetterMen Coaching 5030 Chesebro Rd., Suite 102 Agoura Hills, CA 91301 (818) 879-1600
OCTOBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM
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SAVE THE DATE
Fall
Health Expo
2014 40 Vendors from Various Professional Healthcare Specialties Providing: Health & Well-being products & services • Fitness & Beauty consultations • Health screenings • Free samples and much, much more!
PLUS a new Speaker Series! Speakers covering not only different aspects of a healthy lifestyle, but providing an emphasis on children and teens of ADD, ADHD and Autism.
MAIN EXHIBITOR’S HALL Free Admission
SPEAKER SERIES
Go to www.ctwmag.com to purchase tickets and reserve your seat. Series packages available. 50% of the profits to benefit the Center4SpecialNeeds
Where: At the Hyatt Westlake Plaza’s Grand Ballroom When: Sunday, October 5, 2014 Time:
10:00am to 4:00pm
CTW Fall Health Expo Speakers Sonia E. PinzonArellano, MD, FAAP, ABIHM
Children’s Total Wellness, Inc. Specializing in Integrative Holistic Pediatric Medicine Topic: “Nutritional Deficiencies in Autistic and ADHD Kids, from a Biochemical Perspective” • What we know so far about Autism and ADHD • How diet and digestion is an environmental contributor
Samantha Kinkaid
Director of Yoga Everyone – specializing in therapeutic practices for children, adults and seniors; working with youth with autism and sensory and social learning challenges, as well as with individuals of all ages with trauma, anxiety and depression. Topic: “Compassion in Relation to Health and Well-Being” • Challenges and the Nature of Stress
• Understanding the biochemical imbalances occurring
• Awareness and Insight
• What you can do to help your child
• Kindness and Compassion
• Frustration and Exhaustion
www.childrenstotalwellness.com
www.yogaeveryone.com
Dr. Gary E. Erkfritz, DC
John Chen, DDS
Topic: “How to Cure Your Allergies and Prevent New Ones”
Topic: “Meeting the Dental Needs for Your Child with Special Needs”
Gary E Erkfritz, D.C. Specializing in Wholistic Allergy Elimination
• Why our immune systems are over-reacting to foods and external substances at an increasingly alarming rate? • How does inflammation occur as a result of allergies, and how does this lead to more serious diseases – including auto-immune conditions – down the road?
At Ocean Adventure Pediatric Dentistry in Agoura Hills
• Why choose a Pediatric Dentist? • What to expect at your child’s first visit? • How to prepare your child for their first trip to the dentist. www.oceanadventuredentist.com
• What role does histamine have in allergy symptomatology, and what can one do naturally to balance this vital neurotransmitter.
To purchase speaker series tickets, visit www.ctwmag.com
• How to correct your own and the allergies of your loved ones without needles or drugs, and how to prevent your future generations from having allergies.
Seating is limited, so log in and make your reservations today!
www.balancedimmunesystem.com OCTOBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM
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This walk gets us to the finish line faster.
When you walk and fundraise in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, you help the American Cancer Society make the greatest impact and save more lives in more communities, through groundbreaking research and programs like clinical trials matching and free rides to treatment. Walk with us, because you can help us finish the fight.
MakingStridesWalk.org/Ventura Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Ventura October 11, 2014 - 8 a.m. Harbor Cove Beach Š2014, American Cancer Society, Inc.