CTW Magazine SEPTEMBER 2014

VENTURA COUNTY

CONEJO VALLEY

MALIBU

WEST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

CALABASAS DENTAL SPA

SEPTEMBER 2014 www.ctwmag.com

DARIA JADE SALON & MEDSPA HOW TO LOOK YOUNGER– NATURALLY! CHRONIC SINUSITIS: DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT HEALTHY OPTIONS FOR HAIR DYES & COSMETICS

Beauty Issue

www.drmoza.com

Kapil Moza, MD Board Certified Spine & Neurological Surgeon Personalized, Patient Focused Care Dr. Kapil Moza has earned multiple awards at patients choice.org and is the highest ranked spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in the region. In 2007, Dr. Moza was the first Neurosurgeon in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties to complete a Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement. Of the nation’s 870,000 active Dr. Kapil Moza doctors, Dr.Moza is among the top 1% who have received the Vitals Top Ten Doctor Honor from their patients in 2014. Vitals Top Ten Doctor is part of the Vitals Awards & Recognition Program, where patients rate and Vitals Top Ten Doctor Honors 2014, Vitals Patients Choice Award 2012, 2013, Vitals Most Compassionate Doctor 2012, review their doctors. DR. MOZA SPECIALIZES IN MANY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING:

• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery • Cervical and Lumbar Disc Disease • Anterior Cervical Discectomy • Artificial Disc Replacement • Spinal Instability • Spinal Fusion Description • Spine Fractures • Cervical Spinal Stenosis

• Cervical Laminoplasty • Lumbar Spinal Stenosis • Gamma Knife Radiosurgery • Brain and Spinal Tumors • Cerebrovascular Disease • Arteriovenous Malformations • Aneurysms • Chiari Malformations

PROUDLY SERVING VENTURA & LOS ANGELES COUNTIES SINCE 2005 THOUSAND OAKS OFFICE: 2

Diplomate, American Board of Neurological Surgery • Fellow, American Association of Neurological Surgeons

CTW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2014

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Contents DEPARTMENTS 06/ PUBLISHER’S LETTER INNER-MAKEUP

BEAUTY SEPTEMBER 2014

18/

30/ NATURAL APPROACH

How to Look Much Younger Than Your Real Age

by Dr. Sharon Norling

30/

22/ 26/ 34/ BEYOND GREEN LIVING

“Natural Beauty” Without Chemicals by Jan Tucker, MBA

34/

40/ DIRECTORY LISTING 10/ CONNECTION 1

Dr. Tania Baker Calabasas Dentist Offers Technologically Advanced Care in Spa-like Environment

by Alicia Doyle

14/ CONNECTION 2

Daria Jade Salon and Medspa - Bringing Out One’s Inner Beauty by Alicia Doyle

CTW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2014

FEATURES 18/ HEALTH VIEW 1

The Quest for Perfect Hair: To Dye or Not to Dye? by Jodai Saremi, DPM

22/ HEALTH VIEW 2

Managing Chronic Sinusitis—Is In-office Balloon Sinuplasty or Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Right for Me?

26/ MIND & SPIRIT Who Are You?

by Wayne M. Levine, MA

SEPTEMBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

INNER-MAKEUP

INNER-MAKEUP The female gender is remarkable and complex—from our DNA structure to our emotional makeup that sometimes makes life and all its experiences challenging. Women have been battling for our place and function in societies across the globe for quite some time. Well into the 21st century the battle continues. ANN K. CASTLE FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & PUBLISHER

Women are not only of beauty but of strength. Our bodies hold the precious gift of carrying a life to full term and nurturing the family unit. We work outside the home on both professional and charitable levels, care for our aging parents and yet through all life’s experiences—both joyful and painful—women live longer than men. The feminine gender holds so much strength within. This intrinsic beauty, laced with strength, naturally reflects outward. Others notice where we are within—that constant, flowing energy, created over a lifetime of experiences becomes apparent. It is our inner makeup. In this issue, discover the beautiful people who offer professional touches for our outer beauty—Dr. Tania Baker of the Calabasas Dental Spa and Dr. Masoud M. Azizad of Daria Jade Salon and MedSpa in Moorpark. Explore vital information on healthy approaches to building your beauty from the inside out plus new, up-to-date approaches to skin care and much more. There is so much to celebrate as women. Continue to embrace who you are, release anger, allow forgiveness—even for yourself—and take care of that beautiful temple of yours. It is indeed a gift to yourself and others. With Peace, Love, Blessings and Gratitude,

Ann

CTW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2014

CANCER AWARENESS Everyone has been touched in one way or another by cancer. See what is happening to battle this disease in our October issue – available in stands and online October 1st at www.ctwmag.com

People are always talking about Dr. V behind his back. Thank you! Anthony Virella, MD, FACS Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons Graduate, UCLA Department of Neurosurgery

“Gave me my life back” “Best in the area” “Well Mannered, Understanding and Sympathetic” “Caring and Compassionate” “I highly recommend” “Truly Grateful” Complex Spine & Brain Specialists

www.dr-virella.com 32144 Agoura Road, Suite 220 • Westlake Village, CA 91361 805.449.0088 office • 805.449.0046 fax 1687 Erringer Road, Suite 206 • Simi Valley, CA 93065 805.955.8898 office • 805.955.8828 fax New Valencia Location 24510 Town Center Drive, Suite 180 • Valencia, CA 91355 661.388.5281 office • 805.449.0046 fax

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

ADVISORY BOARD

ANDREA DOCTOR, LCSW, DCSW Home Health Administrator for Buena Vista Palliative Care and Home Health

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ALICIA DOYLE WAYNE M. LEVINE, MA SHARON NORLING, MD, MBA JODAI SAREMI, DPM JAN TUCKER, MBA

STEVEN GREENMAN, DDS Specializing in Advanced Cosmetic, Implant & Sedation Dentistry, Snoring & Sleep Apnea

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

SHARON NORLING, MD Board Certified OB/GYN, Holistic/Integrative Medicine, Medical Acupuncture, Nutrition & Functional Medicine

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

HILDA MALDONADO, MD Specializing in Functional Medicine, Anti-Aging Medicine & Hormone Therapy

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.

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CTW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2014

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CONNECTION 1

CALABASAS DENTAL SPA

DR. TANIA BAKER

CALABASAS D TECHNOLOGICALLY-ADVANCED IN A SPA-LIKE ENVIRONMENT story by Alicia Doyle photography by Mary Myers 10

CTW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2014

UNDERSTANDING THAT GOING TO THE DENTIST IS NOT ON MOST PEOPLE’S WISH LIST, DR. TANIA BAKER CREATED A PRACTICE IN CALABASAS OFFERING THE MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY-ADVANCED CARE IN DENTISTRY IN A SPALIKE ENVIRONMENT.

“I want you to love your new smile and enjoy the process,” said Dr. Baker, DDS, founder of Calabasas Dental Spa. “That is why I created a dental practice with a delightful balance of high quality dentistry and spa pampering.” Calabasas Dental Spa offers full body massages using the latest design in massage chairs as well as foot massages to help patients relax. “Normal dental office anxiety can raise patients’ blood pressure and increase the production of adrenaline,” Dr. Baker explained. “Massage can offset these undesirable effects.” Other soothing services include scented paraffin hand treatments, warm scented towels and sound or music therapy. “We offer bottled water, juice or even snacks you can enjoy…in our state-of-theart comfortable dental chairs,” Dr. Baker said. Clients can also enjoy music, watch their favorite show or even see a movie snuggling under a blanket during their treatment.

T H E M O S T A DVA N C E D S E RV I C E S Dr. Baker is proud to be the first dentist in the area and one of a few hundred dentists in the country to offer laser dental treatments to

E NTAL SPA DENTAL CARE SEPTEMBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM

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CALABASAS DENTAL SPA

a bad rap. “This inspired me to create a dental practice with focus not only in high technology but with a good feel and great experience for my patients,” Dr. Baker said. Calabasas Dental Spa reaps great satisfaction from helping individuals maintain optimal oral health with the most technologically-advanced and minimally-invasive procedures available. “Our practice is devoted to holistic dental care, meaning we don’t just treat a patient’s teeth, but the whole patient,” Dr. Baker said.

Left to right: Angela Robinson, (front office), Bahareh Girakhoo, (hygienist), and Veronica Vargas, (clinical assistant).

X-ray diagnostics, lasers for the LANAP nonsurgical gum treatments and BIOLASE hard tissue lasers for treatment of decay.

her patients, from laser teeth whitening to painless gum treatments and no-drill laser fillings. “I take great pride in focusing on each individual and treating them with great respect in regard to their time and how they feel before, during and after their visit,” said Dr. Baker, who graduated in 1980 from an academy of dental medicine in Europe and received her California dental degree through Loma Linda University. She specializes in general dentistry with her emphases in cosmetic, holistic and minimally-invasive biocompatible dentistry using the latest in technology. This includes infrared technology for early detection of decay, Logicon digital 12

CTW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2014

After an initial diagnostic consultation, patients have a full range of services available, including teeth cleaning, teeth whitening, veneers, periodontal disease treatment, cosmetic dentistry, laser dentistry, compatibility testing for dental materials and much more. During the initial diagnostic consultation all patients are screened for sleep apnea, periodontal disease and oral cancer. “When you come to Calabasas Dental Spa, you can expect a welcoming

Her practice also offers CAD/CAM Cerec technology for one-visit crowns, sleep apnea and CPAP intolerance treatments, biocompatibility testing for dental material, oral cancer screening, Invisalign and full mouth rehabilitation. Patients range from 6 to 86 years old and are mainly from Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Malibu and the surrounding areas. “I want to change the way you feel about going to the dentist and change the way you feel about your smile,” Dr. Baker said.

A HOLISTIC APPROACH Dr. Baker founded her practice after realizing dentistry as a profession has

staff, a guilt-free environment, and the most advanced dental care available,” Dr. Baker said. “My goal is to change people’s mind about dentistry one patient at a time.” Calabasas Dental Spa is located at 4937 Las Virgenes Road, Suite 203, Calabasas. For more information visit www.calabasasdentalspa.com or call 818.880.5520.

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CONNECTION 2

DARIA JADE SALON AND MEDSPA

DR. MASOUD M. AZIZAD

DARIA JADE SAL BRINGING OUT ONE’S story by Alicia Doyle photography by Mary Myers

CTW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2014

HAVING AN INTEREST IN THE COSMETIC ASPECTS OF MEDICINE FOR AS LONG AS HE CAN REMEMBER, DR. MASOUD M. AZIZAD HAS EARNED A REPUTATION FOR INCORPORATING THE BEST, SAFEST AND MOST REWARDING ASPECTS OF COSMETIC MEDICINE TO ASSURE A HEALTHY, BEAUTIFUL AND SATISFIED CLIENT.

“My goal is to inspire people to feel better about themselves,” said Dr. Azizad, who is board-certified in internal medicine and specializes in cosmetic procedures including fillers, Botox, laser treatments, thermage and liposuction. At Daria Jade Salon and Medspa, Dr. Azizad and his staff provide everything a client needs to bring out their inner beauty. “Featuring a board-certified physician, we offer clinically safe and proven medical innovations to enhance your beauty and diminish the signs of aging,” said Dr. Azizad, who founded the practice in 2007, naming it after his daughter, Daria Jade. The practice is known for Lipomatic Vibroliposuction— considered the number one device in Europe for more than 14 years. Dr. Azizad was one of the first physicians in California to perform this form of liposuction. “Not only does Lipomatic Vibrolipo assure better results than conventional lipo, but it also provides a level of safety that cannot be achieved with conventional lipo,” Dr. Azizad

ON AND MEDSPA INNER BEAUTY

SEPTEMBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM

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DARIA JADE SALON AND MEDSPA

• Epicuren Glycolic Peels, available in both 5 and 10 percent strengths, encourage the deposition of collagen.

Left to right: Carol Robinson, Sarah Lawson, Dr. Masoud Azizad, Kim Cizek and Crystal Tate.

explained. “We are able to perform the procedure with a minimal amount of pain and without the use of general anesthesia.”

PRACTICE SET APART Dr. Azizad graduated with honors from the University of California system in 1995, then entered the New York Medical College of Valhalla, New York. Graduating from medical school in 1999, he began an internship at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara in 2000. After completing his internship in 2002, Dr. Azizad entered private practice. Dr. Azizad also has a private practice in Northridge, and previously served as Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Northridge Hospital. While services at Daria Jade can be found elsewhere, Dr. Azizad’s practice is set apart by his expertise in liposuction, fillers and laser treatments. “Our facility ultimately serves anyone looking to better their self-esteem, or enhance their natural beauty,” noted Dr. Azizad. 16

CTW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2014

MEETING A NEED Dr. Azizad originally opened the salon for his mother to offer services including haircuts, color and color correction, toners, Brazilian Blowouts, perms, hair extensions, makeup applications and Glo Minerals. “But then I realized there was a need for the medspa in this community as well,” Dr. Azizad said. “Daria Jade is a full-service salon and medspa that caters to the people in this community.” Other signature services at Daria Jade include Thermage, Botox/Dysport, Juvederm, and the Brazilian Butt Lift using fat transfers from other parts of the body. Fat transfers can also be used to augment other areas of the body. Daria Jade also features a range of professional-grade peels. For instance: • A pumpkin enzyme peel has naturally occurring beta-carotene and vitamin C.

• The Bio-Active Peel, a combination of lactic acid and TCA, exfoliating, and targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. For Dr. Azizad and his staff, satisfaction lies in the results experienced by his clients. “I like making people beautiful and in turn they feel better about themselves,” he said.

Daria Jade Salon and Medspa is located at 6593 Collins Drive in Moorpark. For information call 805.532.9930; email support @dariajade.com; or visit www.dariajade.com.

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HEALTH VIEW 1

THE QUEST FOR PERFECT HAIR

TO DYE OR NOT THE QUEST FOR PERFECT HAIR by Jodai Saremi, DPM

CTW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2014

TO DYE? Today, ‘natural’ means whatever the consumer perceives it to be. The label is your best means of figuring out what’s in these products, but it’s by no means perfect.

THERE COMES A TIME IN EVERY WOMAN’S LIFE WHEN SHE IS FACED WITH THE DECISION WHETHER TO COLOR HER HAIR, EITHER BECAUSE A FEW STRANDS HAVE BEGUN TO GRAY OR BECAUSE HER BEST FRIEND WENT FROM BRUNETTE TO BLOND BOMBSHELL OVERNIGHT AND SHE WANTS TO SEE WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE DIFFERENT. BUT CHANGING HAIR COLOR IS NOT SOMETHING TO BE APPROACHED LIGHTLY SINCE MANY CHEMICALS USED IN THE PROCESS ARE DAMAGING OR EVEN TOXIC. Though dye technology experienced a huge renaissance in the 1800s with the discovery of chemicals that permanently change hair color, henna (Lawsonia inermis) is still the product of choice for those who prefer natural dye solutions that don’t damage the hair.

A NAT O M Y O F H A I R Hair is made of the protein keratin and grows from special pores called follicles in the skin. As the hair extends from the surface of the skin, the protein hardens. The outside covering of the hair, the cuticle, protects the soft inside cortex where color molecules, eumelanin (dark — brown and black) and phaeomelanin (light — red and blond), can be found. The natural color of hair depends on the ratio and quantities of eumelanin and phaeomelanin in each shaft. To permanently change color, melanin molecules must be chemically altered.

DYE ACTION The first step in changing hair color permanently requires that the cuticle be made porous with ammonia to allow other chemicals (such as hydrogen peroxide and dye) to penetrate inside. If ammonia is not used, then the natural color pigments in the hair remain protected and unchanged. As one of the most common lightening agents, peroxide is the developer or oxidizing agent that removes pre-existing color. According to NIH chemistry research on permanent hair dye, this is an irreversible chemical reaction. Melanin is still present, but the oxidized molecule is colorless. The pale yellow tint of bleached hair is due to the natural color of keratin, the structural protein in hair. Since peroxide reacts more readily with the dark eumelanin pigment than with the phaeomelanin, some gold or red residual color may remain after lightening.

SEPTEMBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM

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HEALTH VIEW 1

THE QUEST FOR PERFECT HAIR

With semi-permanent dyes, the hair cuticle is not opened with ammonia; the final color of each strand depends on its original color and porosity (which allows some dye to enter the strands), so there will be subtle variations in shade across the whole head. Temporary hair dyes are nonoxidative and include colored compounds that stain hair but don’t enter the shaft or destroy the melanin molecules. Henna is one such item.

PETROCHEMICAL PROBLEMS Unfortunately, the very ingredients that offer so many color options and such reliable color retention are also the same ones that many feel are toxic to the body. According to www. cancer.gov, more than 5,000 different chemicals are used in hair dye. Although hair dye formulations from the early to mid-1900s contained aromatic amines that were found to cause cancer in animals, in the mid- to late 1970s, manufacturers changed the components in dye products to “eliminate some of them.” Studies link hair dyes to an increased risk of certain cancers of the blood and bone marrow, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and leukemia, while other studies of the same ingredients have not shown such links. Breast and bladder cancer research have also produced conflicting results. Some felt that this was due to the variation in use of dye and length of time used: risk was apparently greatest among those who had used permanent dyes for longer durations (15 years or longer). Dye ingredients’ allergenic properties are also of concern. The most recent notice released in 2007 from the SCCP warned against the potential for allergic sensitization to hair dye ingredients, separate from toxicological attributes. Signs of allergic reactions include redness, burning, itching, pain, blisters/sores, swelling, and even asthma, as a result of being exposed to hair dye. If consumers experience any of these problems during hair processing or even a few days later, they should discontinue use and see a dermatologist for patch testing.

NAT U R A L A LT E R NAT I V E S Hair stains offer a different coloring option. They aren’t as long-lasting or as consistent, but they are safer for the skin and don’t require the use of toxic petrochemicals. Henna, a plant chosen by the ancient Egyptians, Persians and Indians for its red-orange color and deep-staining properties, is still the most popular ingredient in natural hair coloring products. In its pure, unadulterated form, henna leaves are dried and ground up into a greenish-gray powder that makes a paste when mixed with hot water (100 g henna/300 ml water). Compound henna though, may contain henna with undesirable ingredients such as lead acetate, silver nitrate, copper, 20

CTW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2014

nickel, cobalt, bismuth and iron salts. Dyes with lead acetate gradually deposit a mixture of lead sulfide and lead oxide on the hair shaft. Lead is a neurotoxin and should be avoided. Note that henna always colors the hair red or reddish orange. When mixed with other plants, called rangs, it is possible to get a variety of natural shades. Brown can be achieved by adding woad (a flowering plant or the blue dye it produces), walnut, amla (Indian gooseberry) or indigo (blue or purple dye from the indigo plant). Yellow or blond effects result from the addition of chamomile, saffron, Cassia obovata and rhubarb root. Normally, henna paste is left on the hair from 15 minutes to two hours. If the hair fibers are covered with waxy or oily substances (such as silicone-based or paraffin-containing styling products, olive oil, etc.), the process takes longer and has much more variable results because the stains may not stick to the hair fibers. Conversely, dry or previously processed hair is more porous and will allow color molecules to penetrate the cuticle. People with allergies to any of the plant extracts should be aware of these added components to henna packaging. For example those with nut allergies should not use ground walnut hulls with henna.

C O L O R T R E AT M E N T S U B S T I T U T E S AND TECHNIQUES For shiny hair or treatments that “re-invigorate dull, lifeless color,” options include natural rinses containing lime or lemon juice or vinegar. These acids help remove residue build-up on the hair cuticle so the light-reflective properties of the cuticle are more noticeable. If lemon juice is left on the hair and the hair is exposed to sunlight, a moderate amount of lightening will occur over time due to the effects of UV radiation on melanin proteins. Dr. Anne Marie Helmenstine recommends various color application techniques that may reduce direct contact with dyes. Highlighting, where sections of hair are treated with lighteners, and low lighting, where sections of hair are treated with darker hair color, use foil or plastic film to separate the hair to be colored, thereby sparing the scalp. A perforated plastic cap on the head where hair strands are pulled through with a hook may also protect the skin.

IS HENNA SAFE? In studies conducted by the SCCP on Lawsonia inermis, no skin irritation or dermal toxicity was ever noted when the dye was applied for 24 hours under an occlusive dressing on both humans and rats. However, in tests where animal and human cells were exposed to the isolated dye molecule, lawsone was shown to have “genotoxicity/mutagenicity potential in vitro [tests conducted outside the body] and in vivo [tests con-

C H E M I C A L S T O AV O I D IN CONVENTIONAL HAIR DYE • Main oxidation dye ingredients: PPDs (e.g., 2,5-diaminotoluene), oxidant (peroxide), ammonia, lead, toluene.

• PPDs (para-phenylenediamines, aka coal tar): creates color and is widely thought to be carcinogenic. Primary dye intermediates include the para dyes: p-phenylenediamine, p5-toluenediamine, p-aminodiphenylamine, and p-aminophenol, which form a quinone, monoimine or diimine upon oxidation.

• Couplers: petrochemical compounds that define the color of dye. 1. Red couplers: phenols, naphthols. 2. Yellow-green couplers: resorcinol, 4-chlororesorcinol, benzodioxoles.

• Alkaline agents other than ammonia: ethanolamine and sodium carbonate. ducted inside a living organism] and ... no safe threshold for lawsone can be established.” As it stands, henna is still available worldwide, but scientists need to conduct more tests to determine if the dye is completely safe for people to use for long periods of time and whether it poses any risks for unborn babies or causes cancer.

THE SMALL PRINT Sheila Zahn from the National Cancer Institute believes that “Based on what we now know, natural hair dyes are a safer choice. But avoid products with coal tar (PPD), which has been found to contain human carcinogens.” On the other hand, hair coloring choices are not as straightforward as some would have the public believe; John Bailey, PhD, director of the FDA’s color and cosmetics program warns, “Today, ‘natural’ means whatever the consumer perceives it to be. The label is your best means of figuring out what’s in these products, but it’s by no means perfect.” John Corbett, PhD, vice president of the CTFA’s scientific and technical affairs committee, says, “If a natural product contains words like amino, nitro or phenyl or names of colors starting with the letters HC, the product is not natural.” Therefore, it isn’t just a question of whether a product has chemicals in it or what type of plant/vegetable dye extract is being used. Be an informed consumer and read the findings on dyes. Make your decisions based on your own interpretations of the data available. SEPTEMBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM

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HEALTH VIEW 2

MANAGING CHRONIC SINUSITIS

MANAGING CHRONIC SINUSITIS IS IN-OFFICE BALLOON SINUPLASTY OR ENDOSCOPIC SINUS SURGERY RIGHT FOR ME? 22

CTW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2014

SINUSITIS IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS PREVALENT IN OUR COUNTRY AFFECTING 37 MILLION PEOPLE AND RESULTING IN 20 MILLION ANNUAL PHYSICIAN VISITS. ONE IN 10 AMERICANS SUFFER FROM THIS DEBILITATING CONDITION AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER. SEVEN MILLION PEOPLE IN THE U.S. SUFFER FROM CHRONIC SINUSITIS, WITH SYMPTOMS LASTING FOR MORE THAN 12 WEEKS. Dr. Alen Cohen, Director of the Southern California Sinus Institute (SCSI) in West Hills and a board-certified Nose & Sinus Surgeon, sheds light on this debilitating condition and discusses many of the new and minimally-invasive treatment options.

W H AT A R E S I N U S E S A N D W H AT DO THEY DO? The sinuses are air-filled pockets in the face located around the eyes, teeth and nose. They are an important component of the upper respiratory tract and serve various functions. Most importantly, they filter and humidify the air we breathe through our nose. They help prevent infection going directly from the nose to the eyes or brain. They also act as air bags in case of trauma to the head to prevent injury directly to the brain.

W H AT I S C H R O N I C SINUSITIS? This is a condition where one experiences any of the following chronic symptoms for more than12 weeks: • Facial pain over the sinuses. • Purulent nasal discharge (containing pus). • Nasal congestion. • Low-grade fevers. • Cough. • Mouth breathing. • Other symptoms.

By the time patients come to see a rhinologist (nose/sinus specialist), their conditions usually have been refractory (resistant or unresponsive) to multiple medications.

W H AT C AU S E S CHRONIC SINUSITIS? The most common cause, chronic allergic rhinosinusitis, is commonly known as allergies. Environmental allergies cause swelling of the nasal/ sinus mucosa which obstructs the sinus openings leading to stagnant mucus and recurrent infections. Other causes include toxic fumes, smoking, fungal processes, autoimmune disorders, inhaled drugs, over-the-counter drugs (e.g., Afrin), polyps, and any process that causes inflammation in the nose. This is an inflammatory process and not an infectious process as previously believed.

W H AT A R E T H E OPTIONS FOR T R E AT M E N T O F CHRONIC SINUSITIS? A number of options are available to treat chronic sinusitis. First line medical treatment options include nasal steroid or nasal antihistamine sprays, nose/sinus saline rinses, oral SEPTEMBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM

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HEALTH VIEW 2

MANAGING CHRONIC SINUSITIS

antihistamines, oral decongestants, oral steroids or extended oral antibiotic regimens. If medical treatment options are not successful then in-office Balloon Sinuplasty™ or Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (MIGSS)™ are options routinely performed at SCSI. It is critical for your rhinologist/sinus surgeon to select the appropriate procedure for you. Both procedures provide excellent relief to patients suffering from chronic sinusitis for years with little discomfort or downtime.

W H AT I S B A L L O O N S I N U P L A S T Y ™ ? Balloon Sinuplasty™ has gained a significant amount of press during the past three years as a non-invasive option for patients with chronic sinusitis. During this simple, in-office procedure a balloon is inserted into the blocked sinus openings or ostia and then dilated gently. This is a great treatment option for patients with mild to moderate chronic sinusitis, recurrent sinus infections or chronic sinus headaches. This procedure can usually be done in the office under local anesthesia in about 30 minutes by Dr. Cohen. Patients return to work the following day. No packing or bleeding follows the procedure and people are amazed by the ease of their experience.

CTW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2014

Ballon Sinuplasty can usually be done in the office under local anesthesia in about 30 minutes.

W H AT I S M I G S S ™ ? Patients who are not candidates for Balloon Sinuplasty™ or who have more advanced sinus issues undergo a Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (MIGSS)™ as a simple outpatient procedure. These procedures are performed routinely at SCSI with amazing results by Dr. Cohen, one of Los Angeles’ most sought after and experienced sinus surgeons.

Alen N. Cohen, MD, FACS, founder and director of SCSI and a recognized leader in the field of nasal and sinus surgery is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology/ Head and Neck Surgery and assistant clinical professor at UCLA. Dr. Cohen specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of patients with all nasal and sinus disorders including nasal obstruction, deviated septum, acute and chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps and sinus headaches. He maintains a full membership in the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) and the American Rhinologic Society (ARS). He is presently Chief of Surgery at West Hills Hospital & Medical Center in addition to many other accolades. He was recognized in 2013 and will be again in 2015 as one of the Best Sinus Surgeons in Los Angeles by Los Angeles Magazine.

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LOG ON TO THE NEW CTW WEBSITE!

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MIND & SPIRIT

WHO ARE YOU?

WHO ARE YOU? by Wayne M. Levine

CTW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2014

Re-Balance Don't know what’s WRONG?

Age disappears as the wisdom is shared. The older men father the younger ones while the younger men remind the more mature men what they’ve lost along their way.

IT’S A SIMPLE ENOUGH QUESTION: “WHO ARE YOU?” HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER IT? You might start with your name. Maybe you’d share your marital status, family details and what you do for a living. But really, who are you? Has anyone ever asked or demanded that you search within to offer an authentic and meaningful response? At our annual men’s retreat this October in Santa Barbara I will read a poem called, “The Invitation” by Oriah Mountain Dreamer. It begins:

“It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.”

This poem forces us to go deeper, to consider why we’ve come to such a gathering, and to reveal what it is we truly want for ourselves in this short life.

Get Yourself Tested To accurately diagnose and help guide treatment of ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Insomnia, and Mood Dysregulation, we are now offering

NEUROTRANSMITTER TESTING Entails testing for abnormalities in Brain chemistry. By correcting Brain chemistry with medications and natural supplements we can bring the balance back, thereby ensuring optimum emotional and physical well being.

Get Your life in balance. Get tested today.

“It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dreams, for the adventure of being alive.”

Men of all ages—21 to late 70s—have been coming to our retreats for years from all over the world. Age disappears as the wisdom is shared. The older men father the younger ones while the younger men remind the more mature men what they’ve lost along their way. And sometimes the wisdom from the young men is so powerful it’s seared into our memories forever.

“It doesn’t interest me if the story you’re telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul.”

Every man comes to our men’s weekend with a story. It’s a story of his life and why it all played out as it has—the good and the bad. He believes that story through and through. To be quite honest, most

FAMILY PSYCHIATRY A Division of Westlake Wellness Center

Sabira Saifuddin MD Medical Director

805-341-3416 www.cuttingedgepsychiatry.com 5655 Lindero Canyon Road, Suite 405 Westlake Village, CA 91362 SEPTEMBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM

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MIND & SPIRIT

WHO ARE YOU?

men are very convincing when they tell their stories. Unfortunately their stories are flawed. Each man has come to believe the accuracy of the story he tells himself about who he is. After all, the evidence is overwhelming—at least from his perspective. But the truth is that it is merely a story—one he has created himself and has the power to change once he can trust the other men and their support.

“I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, be realistic, or to remember the limitations of being human.”

Many men can’t remember when they last experienced joy. Between raising a family, building a career or business and trying to survive and thrive in a difficult economy, they have quit the activities that once filled them with excitement, adventure and just plain fun. These poor guys are dying inside, disconnected from the source of their own power and disconnected from the community of men born to mentor and love them.

“It doesn’t interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done for the children.”

So what happens to our men who are overwhelmed, depressed, self-medicated and feeling completely alone in their battles to provide and survive? Quite often they lose their way, lose their passion, lose their businesses, and most tragically, lose their families.

“It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away. I want to know if you can be alone with yourself, and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.”

Well, do you? The men who will attend our retreat next month will return home with a much clearer understanding of who they are and what they can do daily to become more and more the men, fathers and husbands they were born to be. That’ll be good for them, but it’ll also be good for their wives and children. If more men would do this work, fewer sons would have to attend their own retreats when they become men like their fathers.

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. 28

CTW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2014

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!

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NATURAL APPROACH

HOW TO LOOK MUCH YOUNGER THAN YOUR REAL AGE

BEAUTY FROM THE INSIDE OUT HOW TO LOOK MUCH YOUNGER THAN YOUR REAL AGE by Dr. Sharon Norling

CTW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2014

ONE REASON OUR SKIN AGES AND WRINKLES IS THE DECLINE OF OUR NATURAL HORMONES AND SUBSEQUENT DECREASE OF OUR COLLAGEN LAYER, CONNECTIVE TISSUE AND MOISTURE. AS AGE ADVANCES, THE SKIN BECOMES MORE FRAGILE AND LESS ELASTIC. YOU LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND A LOOK OF SURPRISE IS WHAT YOU SEE. WHAT’S HAPPENED? YOU LOOK LIKE YOUR MOTHER—AND NOT YOUR YOUNGER MOTHER.

We have all heard the saying, “Beauty is only skin deep.” But nothing could be further from the truth. Our skin is a reflection of our health. You have seen the radiant, beautiful skin of a healthy infant or a child. His eyes sparkle and her skin is glowing. You know the pale face of someone who is ill, the wrinkles and dry skin of someone who smokes or has a body filled with toxins and poor nutrition. You have seen the face of someone who is stressed, tired or depressed. We can greatly accelerate or slow down the rate of skin aging. Achieving beautiful skin can be as easy as getting the right vitamins and nutrients. It may also be as easy as applying estrogen to the skin. The first time I heard about this was 30 years ago

So while estrogen creams have been used for many years in the vagina to promote healthy, moist, elastic tissue, it appears the face is new location for this application. when I spoke with a gynecologist in Switzerland. As a practicing OB-GYN at the time I thought, “He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” During the last 30 years I have come to realize that many times when people think something in medi-

cine is not right they are the ones who are not as knowledgeable in advanced practices. During the last 20 years research has documented the benefits of topical estrogen. There are still physicians who are not aware of this practice and are not aware that the topical estrogen can be used without raising estrogen blood levels.

Estrogen Promotes Youthful Skin For several years mainstream medical journals have cited studies that show topical estrogen exerts potent anti-aging effects on the skin. There is a strong correlation between decreased skin collagen and estrogen deficiency in menopause. Edward Lichen, MD, author of the “Textbook of Bio-identical Hormones” notes that using estriol (an estrogen hormone) topically did not result in estriol in the blood measurements. In a review of 45 scientific studies published in “Alternative Medicine Review,” estriol was found to be effective and safe with fewer side effects. In a study published in the journal of “Fertility and Sterility,” a research report showed that the severity of wrinkles in 11 facial locations was 40 percent less in women on hormone replacement than in women who were not.

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NATURAL APPROACH

HOW TO LOOK MUCH YOUNGER THAN YOUR REAL AGE

So while estrogen creams have been used for many years in the vagina to promote healthy, moist, elastic tissue, it appears the face is new location for this application.

The Critical Role of Nutrition In one year the average person eats 29 pounds of french fries, 23 pounds of pizza, 24 pounds of ice cream and consumes 53 gallons of soda, 24 pounds of artificial sweeteners, 2.736 pounds of salt and 90,700 milligrams of caffeine. Do we really think we can create health in such a toxic environment? Dr. Mark Hyman, who has dedicated his career to identifying and addressing the root causes of chronic illness through an approach known as functional medicine, shares other average annual intake data: 632 pounds of dairy, 85 pounds of oil and 63 pounds of beef. Do we really think we can have beautiful skin and hair while eating processed food, saturated fat and preservatives? Many women experience hair loss. A normal cycle of hair growth is two to three years, growing about a half inch per month. Ninety percent of hair is growing while 10 percent is resting. After about two to three months, the resting hair falls out. Approximately 30 million women have noticeable hair loss. Hair loss may be due to illness, medications, and/or hormones. Hidden food allergies and gluten sensitivity are common root causes of hair loss. For healthy hair and skin good nutrition is essential. Vitamin A helps to secret sebum. Vitamin E increases circulation. Vitamin B keeps hairs firm on the scalp. If you have crackling, scaling skin you may be deficient in vitamin B3 32

CTW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2014

(niacin). In addition to skin and hair, B3 is important for energy, digestion, the nervous system, and the eyes and mouth. It helps to eliminate toxins and support the production of sex hormones. B3 is found in beets, brewer’s yeast, meat, poultry, fish, seeds and nuts. Vitamin B6, biotin, folate and pantothenate are good for your skin. Sixty percent of individuals have a genetic modification which impairs their ability to convert folic acid into folate, which helps the body detoxify heavy metals and other toxins. Therefore, folate should be methylated (a methyl group should be added) to help our bodies use it properly. Do you have dry skin and hair, eczema or psoriasis? This can be due to low vitamin E. Vitamin E should consist of mixed tocopherols for best results. It’s important to eat an adequate amount of excellent quality fish oil, vitamin D, omega 3 and omega 6, olive and avocado oil, nuts and seeds—for your brain, body and beauty. If you are healthy and eating well but still experiencing hair loss, this could be due to low stomach acid. Fifty percent of people 50 years or older and 85 percent of people over the age of 80 have low stomach acid. Obviously, 100 percent of individuals on antacids have low stomach acid. Stomach acid is important for two reasons: one to digest your food, and two to kill off the bacteria, viruses and parasites we eat on a daily basis. According to the “Journal of the American Medical Association,” if you have low stomach acid, not only will nutrient deficiencies cause more problems with your skin and hair, but all the organs in your body will be affected.

Food Allergies The skin is a great detoxifier. We are familiar with signs such as a rash

from a virus or bacterial infection, or hives from a food allergy. Skin conditions are a sign something else in our body is out of balance, sick or toxic. Do you or your teenager suffer from acne? Acne is a common condition characterized by papules or pustules. Possible causes can be infection, tissue inflammation, plugged hair follicles, nutrient deficiencies and/ or hormonal imbalances. Nutrient deficiencies include zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C and selenium.

Here’s a surprise—antiaging skin care products often contain toxins that over time damage and age the skin.

According to Dr. Alan Gaby in 2011 in “Nutritional Medicine,” numerous investigators have reported that a hidden allergy or sensitivity to foods is a major contributing factor in some cases of acne. Exacerbations of acne can result from allergic reactions or from the effects of biologically active substances in certain foods (e.g., hormones in cow’s milk and possibly amines or other chemicals in chocolate). Food allergies can be detected in a lab easily by testing 90 different foods. The results can change your life by decreasing inflammation to improve your health and your beauty.

In one study, restricting sugar in soft drinks, fruit drinks, candy and cake resulted in an 84 percent substantial improvement or complete clearing of acne lesions. Like most signs and symptoms, skin conditions may have a combination of causes.

CALABASAS DENTAL SPA

GI Effects

NOT JUST AN OFFICE VISIT BUT AN EXPERIENCE...

If you are suffering from irritable bowel symptoms or are not experiencing any symptoms, you may have a hidden infection causing decreased digestion or absorption of foods.

WITH OUR TEAM

This can have a huge impact on your skin, hair, teeth and overall health. A specific gastrointestinal tract test that checks the DNA often is the key to restoring your health. You cannot afford to miss this diagnosis. Will Rogers said, “Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me—I want people to know why I look this way. I have traveled a long way and some of the roads weren’t paved.” Most people other than Will Rogers want fewer wrinkles. Wrinkles and photo-aging may result from age, sun, smoking, nutrient deficiencies, low stomach acid or toxic skin care products.

Toxins Here’s a surprise—anti-aging skin care products often contain toxins that over time damage and age the skin. Every half inch square of skin contains 500,000 cells, 32 inches of blood vessels, 100 sweat glands, 21 inches of nerves, 15 oil glands and 230 sensory receptors. Your skin is very effective in absorbing whatever you put on it, including toxins. Check www.ewg.org for the least toxic skin care products. Check the labels on your skin and hair products. Do not put anything on your skin you would not eat, because it is all absorbed into your blood stream. This means if it would not be safe to eat your toothpaste, shampoo or hair dye, then don’t use it.

HOLISTIC APPROACH TO YOUR DENTAL HEALTH

OUR PATIENTS RECEIVE

OPTIMAL CARE WITH THE MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND MINIMALLY INVASIVE PROCEDURES

• BIOCOMPATIBILITY TESTING • INFRARED AND DIGITAL DIAGNOSTICS • SAFE MERCURY FILLING REMOVAL • METAL FREE FILLINGS AND CROWNS • TREATMENT FOR SNORING, SLEEP APNEA AND CPAP INTOLERANCE • LASER DENTISTRY AND TREATMENT OF GUM DISEASE FOR A

FREE CONSULTATION CALL 818/880-5520

Beauty is more than skin deep! Smiles, a twinkle in your eye, clean living, laughter, natural products and hormone balance will make you healthier and happier—and that’s what beauty is all about!

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.

www.calabasasdentalspa.com 4937 Las Virgenes Rd. #203 Calabasas, CA 91302 Dr. Tania Baker

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BEYOND GREEN LIVING

NATURAL BEAUTY WITHOUT CHEMICALS

by Jan Tucker

IN OUR AGE OF WISDOM SOMETIMES WE’RE NOT SO WISE. GOOD THINGS CAN GET OUT OF CONTROL WHEN WE BECOME ENAMORED WITH THE RESULTS AND FORGET TO LOOK BACK AT HOW WE’VE ACHIEVED THEM.

CTW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2014

Let’s do a double take to sharpen our perspective and think about what we’re doing with the chemicals we use in our daily products and in our lives. The Breast Cancer Fund (BCF) in San Francisco exists to reduce the occurrence of breast cancer in our society. They remind us, “In the U.S., major loopholes in federal law allow the cosmetics industry to put thousands of synthetic chemicals into personal care products, even if those chemicals are linked to cancer, infertility or birth defects. At the same time as untested chemicals have been steadily introduced into our environment, breast cancer incidence has risen dramatically.”

It’s Not Just Breast Cancer Many of the current diseases and health problems we face today have turned into modern epidemics and chronic illnesses. It is telling that science has been unable to explain why this is happening. BCF says a major cause is our environment and the chemicals we use in our products. Just a few examples are reviewed below. According to the autism society, the prevalence of autism in U.S. children increased by 119.4 percent from 2000 (1 in 150) to 2010 (1 in 68). Previously from 1999 to 2001, there was a sevenfold increase.

Asthma and other respiratory illnesses have also skyrocketed. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that about 1 in 10 children (10 percent) had asthma and 1 in 12 adults (8 percent) had asthma in 2009. The CDC reports asthma prevalence increased from 7.3 percent in 2001 to 8.4 percent in 2010, when 25.7 million persons had asthma. An April 2011 article in “Scientific American” attempted to find the answer to why asthma is increasing. The article concluded, “…the short answer to the question of why asthma has increased, according to Pearce, von Mutius, Rodrigues and many others, is, ‘We don’t know.’ Pearce, in particular, wonders whether modernization in general or westernization in particular may play a role. ‘There is something about westernization that means people’s immune systems function in a different way,’ he says. ‘But we don’t know what the mechanism is.’” As reported by CNN, according to the World Health Organization, “cancer cases are expected to surge 57 percent worldwide in the next 20 years, an imminent ‘human disaster’ that will require a renewed focus on prevention to combat.” Much of this is due to our aging population, but science has not clearly identified or acknowledged the link between cancer and the chemicals we use. SEPTEMBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM

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BEYOND GREEN LIVING

NATURAL BEAUTY WITHOUT CHEMICALS

It’s Also Not Just Cosmetics or Cleaning Products

It’s Up to You to Heed The Message and Make the Right Decision to Avoid Chemical

The BCF website provides a clear picture of our exposure to toxic chemicals in all of our household products, plastics, our air and water, in the food we eat and in the technology used by Western medicine.

Corporate America is not out to keep you and your family safe. In fact, for decades it has been doing nothing but producing more new chemicals to provide faster, cheaper (yet wildly profitable) ways for them to appeal to your obsessions—your desire to look younger and more beautiful (because you don’t want to grow older).

Regarding our products, BCF says: “We pay a price for all of our modern conveniences: Our homes are now filled with man-made substances that include all sorts of synthetic chemicals, some of which are known carcinogens linked to breast cancer. Everyday items such as furniture, cleaning products, paint and plastic dishes can introduce harmful chemicals into our environment and our bodies. And we’re exposed to lots of potentially hazardous substances that you might not even think of, from dry-cleaning chemicals to the non-stick surface on our [cookware and appliances]. To add to the problem, even though we normally equate clean with healthy, most commercial cleaning products take away dirt and grime but leave behind harmful chemicals.”

The problem is, the products being provided are doing untold harm to your body, your organs and your overall health. We enable manufacturers to get away with this grave and ubiquitous problem because the consequences of using the chemical-laden products are invisible to us. We can’t see that we are ever so slowly allowing Alzheimer’s, cancer, asthma, ADHD, skin diseases, allergies, autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, coronary problems, and more to take over our bodies because we are weakening ourselves with the very products we want to believe are helping us look and feel better.

We’ve been hypnotized, we drank the Kool-Aid. It’s Time to Wake Up It’s time and it’s crucial right now to take advantage of truly natural products. It’s time for us to heed the right messages that we are fine, worthy, healthy individuals in our natural state of beauty. We don’t need to ruin our health with chemicals to gain a temporary beauty advantage. I started my online company, www.whitelotusliving.com to provide you with healthy, truly natural, no-chemical alternatives to the products you use every day. I use these products in my own home and I do it to stay healthy. I’ve done the research. I know how chemicals are destroying our health. I’m here to share a more natural way of living with you. All the products I offer work as promised and I use them in my own life. They’re safe. The ones that have aromas smell like Mother Nature because they are from Mother Nature and that is so much better than synthetic chemical smells. At White Lotus Living you will find everything from personal care and cosmetic products to household items like cookware without Teflon, air purifiers that do not create ozone, steam cleaners that clean everything from bathroom fixtures to windows with a sparkling shine using only water, and even the best, easiest composter for your garden. It’s a very easy way to find the best products for your life in one convenient location.

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. 36

CTW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2014

Physician’s Profile

Sarmela Sunder, M.D. FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

Educational Background

The Johns Hopkins University Cornell University Stanford University

Locations of practice

Ruth Swissa Med Spa 29020 Agoura Road Agoura Hills, CA (818) 735-8818 16311 Ventura Blvd Suite #600 Encino, CA 91436 (818) 501-3223

Personal & Professional Perspective Website http://www.sunderplasticsurgery.com www.facebook.com/facialsurgeon

Why did you choose this career path? Facial plastic surgery allows me to combine two of my life’s interests: medicine and aesthetics. Having studied art early in life, I’ve always appreciated the beauty of the things around me whether it was in nature, in art, or in fashion. Through fillers, lasers or surgery, my profession lets me help others rediscover the beauty in themselves. I love it when people leave my office looking and feeling great! What sets you apart from other physicians/specialists in your field? I think it’s my relationships with my patients. I’ve been fortunate to have trained with some of the pioneers in the field of facial plastic surgery, which gives my clientele confidence in my skills and abilities. But I like to believe that I’m also able to provide a caring, comfortable environment in which to discuss their desires and concerns. In addition, being a female facial plastic surgeon allows me a unique outlook from which to approach my patients’ concerns. I find that having a woman’s perspective enables me to deliver more natural looking results. What do you think the future holds for your practice? Facial plastic surgery is becoming more commonplace and accessible. New products and procedures are constantly expanding the horizons of what we can do. More and more, people are taking pre-emptive steps earlier rather than wait years for major surgery. For example, many of my patients are having mini-lifts at a younger age, so that they can maintain their current appearance and have very natural looking results. SEPTEMBER 2014 CTWMAG.COM

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Physician’s Profile

Alen N. Cohen, MD, FACS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SINUS INSTITUTE Board Certified ENT/Head & Neck Surgeon Description of Practice Southern California Sinus Institute is the premier sinus center serving the greater Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley and Ventura County areas specializing in the comprehensive medical and surgical treatment of patients with all nasal and sinus disorders including nasal obstruction, environmental allergies, acute and chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and sinus headaches. We focus on the multitude of innovative medical and surgical treatment options available to patients with nasal and sinus disorders, such as In-Office Balloon Sinuplasty™ and Dr. Cohen’s break-through procedure, Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (MIGSS™).

Educational Background UCLA Medical Center Dr. Cohen obtained his BS in neuroscience after graduating summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa from UCLA and was awarded acceptance to the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, a top 10 school. He earned his MD degree with honors after four years and a thesis in ENT/Head and Neck Surgery. He was subsequently recruited to pursue a six-year ENT/ Head and Neck Surgical Residency at UCLA Medical Center, a top five program in the U.S.

Personal & Professional Perspective Website & Locations

Why did you choose this career path?

www.socalsinus.com

I love treating and helping patients with chronic nose and sinus problems. As a child and adolescent I suffered for years with these issues and was never treated appropriately. I feel I can have a lasting impact on my patients and help them improve their quality of life.

7345 Medical Center Drive Suite 510 West Hills, CA 91307 818.888.7878

What sets you apart from other physicians/specialists in your field? I listen to my patients, hear their specific complaints and formulate a comprehensive plan to uniquely and appropriately address all their issues. I always begin with the least invasive (in-office) option and recommend more invasive options only for select patients.

What do you think the future holds for your practice? During the next few years I plan to expand Southern California Sinus Institute to multiple locations within Southern California to help a larger group of patients.

CTW MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2014

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