Column

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with the idea of marriage. What would my dress look like? How would I wear my hair? Who would I invite? Would I marry the man of my dreams on a tropical island, at a romantic winery, or in a beautiful church with exquisite stained glass windows?

I never could pick one clear path, so I wrote out each of my fantasy weddings in full detail, in a blue binder labeled, “Kristina’s Wedding,” with pretty stickers and red felt marker hearts. If only I would’ve known then what I know now, that binder that I spent years building would have been done in less than a week—and without all of the accessories. You see, all my life I have been told how wonderful weddings are, and I can’t just blame my family and friends for this miscommunication, oh no, my complaints go a lot further than that.

As a newly-married woman, I have decided to take a stand for all of the engaged women in the world who, like me, have preplanned and daydreamed what their wedding day will be. For those who have no help, and those who have too much help with all of the details, I vow to tell you everything “they” don’t want you to know about “the wedding day,” and the so called “blissful,” first year of marriage. I didn’t have anyone willing to keep it “one hundred percent real” with me, so I figured I would help my fellow woman as she walks down the isle of her American dream.

Let’s get straight to it: Getting married is the best and worst experience of your life. Now I know this statement sounds a little harsh, but trust me, as an engaged woman, you spend so much time planning out every detail of that special moment—like which, of the over 200 shades of white, you want your dress to be; how the napkins should be folded, or whether you want to have the dry chicken or unseasoned salmon as your main course during the reception.

You spend many tiring hours, pouring out your hearts’ desires, rummaging through wedding magazines, all for a twenty to thirty minute ceremony and a reception that you will hardly remember having. Not to mention that you are throwing a huge dinner party that will cost you thousands of dollars for a bunch of guests who you won’t even remember were there until you see your pictures.

The night is busy, and let me just say, you are incredibly lucky if you even get to eat more than two bites of your food during dinner, because all of the nice, excited people want to take your picture and ask you a bunch of overwhelming and intrusive questions about when you’re going to pop out kids, when you haven’t even consummated your marriage yet. It’s like being one of the animal attractions at Six Flags. You’re highly annoyed, hungry, and sleepy all at the same time.

Am I saying that there aren’t any good moments? Of course not. You do experience the moment when all eyes are locked in on you as you sashay down the aisle in a fabulous designer gown, the incredibly magical moment of your vows to your handsome husband, and the first kiss as a married couple that completely steals every breath in your body.

There are those moments when you enjoy shaking your groove thang on the dance floor and realizing that you are no longer a single lady, because he put a ring on your finger. You found your prince charming and get to transition from Miss to Mrs. It’s one of the best moments in your life, and you will remember it forever; it’s just that you will also remember the drunk bridesmaid that passed out at the reception and slept under the head table during the toasts to the bride and groom.

So who’s to blame for these unrealistic expectations of the biggest day of our lives? Is it Cinderella, Twilight, or Pinterest for enticing us to fall in love with ideas of weddings and marriage that is only twenty percent accurate? Or do we blame our families and friends for trying to relive their marriages through ours, so much so, that on that day we stop caring about the details of it all, and are just glad that it’s over?

No, the truth is, it doesn’t matter that someone planted the seed and watered it, or even that it grew wildly in the forest of our minds. The real issue is that no one came to prune these delusions so they became out of control. Well, I’ve got great news: I just went to Home Depot and bought a pair of the cutest red shears. I’ve got

These days, luxury is offered in cars from every corner of the earth. The levels and even definitions of luxury may vary; however, they all claim extreme comfort with commanding handling, performance and in 2014, the cream-of-the-crop models highlight technology. Of course, typically, the more advanced and complete the packaging is reflected in how many tens-of-thousands of Benjamin’s one must lay down for the privilege of driving such a car!

One of the offerings from Japan, or perhaps I should rephrase to say; one of the top models, comes in the form of the 2014 Lexus LS sedan. Its price tag may not be on everyone’s list, but the overall driving experience is what we dream of at night.

The 2014 Lexus LS is available in the following line up: LS460 Rear-wheel drive ($73,050), LS460 All-wheel drive ($75,995), LS460 L Rear-wheel drive ($79,350), LS460 L All-wheel drive ($82,835), and LS600h L Rear-wheel drive ($120,970).

Lexus redesigned the LS for the 2013 model year and delivers the 2014 version with a slightly more aggressive stance and additional standard features on the LS 460, including heated and cooled front seats, navigation, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, Bluetooth audio streaming and rearview camera.

Many features are controlled using the Lexus’ Remote Touch – a mouse-like controller that allows the user to manipulate the infotainment functions including radio, heating and cooling, navigation and more. It works fairly well; although, it doesn’t take much to accidentally bump into it and find yourself going from ’80’s alternative rock music to classical jazz.

Speaking of music, the LS460’s sound system is a Mark Levinson entertainment system that offers 19-audio channels, 450 watts of power, and an 8GB of hard-drive space for music. Other major features include massaging rear seats, Blu-ray DVD entertainment system, climate-controlled, ottoman-style backseat and a rear cooler box. Plus, new for 2014 is the “Siri ™ Eyes Free Mode,” which integrates Apple’s Siri voice command system with the car’s infotainment system.

While previous generations have been characterized as having conservative styling, the 2014 Lexus LS generates more of a buzz with its new “Spindle” corporate grille that blows back into the creases of the hood. As part of the 2013 redesign, Lexus also reworked the rear-end adding a strip of chrome that runs over the license-plate area and connects to the new tail lamps.

There is plenty of passenger room, especially for the rear occupants. Comfort is delivered with ultra-high-quality leather and beautiful wood trim throughout the cabin. For those seeking even more interior room, Lexus offers the LS460 L model that adds 4.8-inches to the wheelbase and overall length. Talk about having plenty of legroom for even an NBA player!

Performance is driven from a single powertrain source – the 4.6-liter V8 that is mated to the world’s first eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine with rear-wheel produces 386 horses at 6,400 rpm and 367 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. The 4.6-liter with AWD drops the numbers to 360 horses and 344 lb-ft of torque. The EPA numbers are rated at 16 City and 24 Highway (RWD) and 16 City and 23 Highway (AWD).

Cool Features:

• Siri ™ Eyes Free Mode
• Integrates Apple’s Siri voice command system with the car’s infotainment system
• AWD option

Safety on the 2014 LS460 comes standard with dual front, knee, side and side-curtain airbags, traction and stability control systems, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. Rear-side airbags are available as an option. Other optional safety features include a Pre-Collision Safety system with Collision Avoidance Assist, which is designed to help the driver avoid or mitigate collisions with vehicles and pedestrians.

In Summary – The 2014 Lexus LS460 offers luxury buyers all of the bells and whistles in many forms including, for the economically minded folks – a hybrid version. It handles wonderfully, has a smooth and powerful engine and an interior that is loaded with comfort and high-tech gadgets. The LS offers an F-Sports package that increases  edginess and includes a number of aesthetic and performance upgrades to the inside, exterior, and suspension.

Specifications

2014 Lexus LS460 4-Dr Sedan

Base price:               $72,140 as driven: $81,179 (including destination and optional features)

Engine:                       4.6-liter eight-cylinder

Horsepower:            386 @ 6,400 RPM

Torque:                       367 @ 4,100 RPM

Transmission:          8-speed automatic

Drive:                           Rear-wheel Drive

Seating:                       5-passenger

Turning circle:         35.4 feet

Cargo space:              22.2 cubic feet

Curb weight:              4,233 pounds

Fuel capacity:             14.5 gallons

EPA mileage:              City16/Hwy 24

Wheel Base:               116.9 inches

Warranty:                   4 years/50,000 miles powertrain limited

Also consider:            BMW 7-Series, Jaguar XJ, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class

 

 

In my private practice, over the last nine years, I’ve helped many clients step into the “Winner’s Circle” by offering them practical tools to nourish, water, and prune their colorful “inner gardens.” An “inner garden” is the place where a person’s innermost thoughts and emotions come together. Now, just as a cared-for “outer garden” feels good when we come home to it (and relax into a comfy lounge chair)—a nourished and cared-for “inner garden” can also feel good when we “come home”…and relax into it (ah-h-h).

By contrast, when we don’t take the time to nourish our “inner gardens,” we may lose touch with what our soils/souls are longing for. Often, when we are out of touch with our innermost thoughts and feelings, we “act out” our emotions in unconscious ways, like compulsively overeating.

Unfortunately, if this habit becomes a “mainstay of our diets”—we are likely to become overweight. Meanwhile, with unhealthy food temptations lurking around every corner, it would take TRUCKLOADS of willpower to resist all the junk food enticements!

As a certified clinical hypnotherapist, I offer “guided imagery” and find it to be one of my most effective tools. “Guided imagery” helps weight-loss seekers harness the power of their unconscious minds—instead of trying to succeed on their conscious willpower alone. Now, you may be wondering, what is guided imagery and how does it work?

First, guided imagery gently guides people to relax and calm their minds and bodies. Then, they simply listen to some positive suggestions that nourish and support them on a deep level. In this way, unhealthy eating habits are addressed by engaging the wisdom of the unconscious mind. And this is where it gets really interesting—based on studies from Stanford University, the University of Connecticut, and Washington University, research shows that guided imagery can DOUBLE the success of a weight-loss program!

Now in case you missed my EXCITING NEWS last month, here’s a recap: After three years of development—with the help of an extremely talented team—I’ve created a weight-loss program that offers guided imagery as its central tool. Our program is designed to help people step into the “Winner’s Circle” for weight-loss success. Our web-based program is called:

~ Weight Loss 18 Minutes ~

We chose this name because it takes about 18 minutes a day—to use the program’s “primary tools.” As you’ll see in my illustration

the primary tools of Weight Loss 18 Minutes are:

• DAILY GUIDED IMAGERY (about 11 minutes of listening)
• A DAILY EMAIL that offers support and TIPS…designed to empower personal success (about 1 minute to read)
• Downloadable “SELF-CARE” FORMS (about 5 minutes to use)
• ARTsy INSPIRATIONS…sprinkled generously throughout our program (a few seconds to enjoy!)

These primary tools provide a solid “Circle of Support” to help people stay focused on their weight-loss goals as they patiently move forward, one-step and one-day at a time.

Now I must tell you, to introduce our weight-loss program, I had my first experience of “starring” in a video. Eric Johnson, the publisher of this magazine and owner of ALIVE MEDIA, produced the video. He and his team did an amazing job showing what sets Weight Loss 18 Minutes apart from other programs—and helped me bring my “personal story” to life. (Thank-you Eric and Michael!)

I’ll be honest here, prior to filming I was quite nervous about being “on camera” and especially about telling my story—including my own struggles with food. Thank heavens, my passion for sharing these important tools helped me overcome my camera shyness and avoid becoming a “deer in the headlights!”

So, on that note, I hope you enjoy seeing my video and hearing more about our program’s powerful tools! If you’re ready to embrace the healthier body you’ve been longing for and experience our “Circle of Support”—then don’t miss out on getting your 10-Day Free Trial. Simply go to: www.WeightLoss18minutes.com and click the purple gift box.

“I feel supported throughout my day using the tools. Best of all—I’m changing my relationship with food—and am losing weight!”  Maureen

Trina Swerdlow, BFA, CCHT, is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, an artist, and the author of Stress Reduction Journal. Trina has a private practice in downtown Danville. You can reach her at: (925) 285.5759, or info@TrinaSwerdlow.com.

Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy services in California can be alternative or complementary to licensed healing arts, such as psychotherapy.

 

 

Custom Foundations Are A Perfect Match.

A foundation is one of the most important beauty accessories to have for the majority of women.  It is the coveted beauty accessory and understandably so – it makes the skin look flawless, youthful and healthier, but only with the correct color foundation will you achieve the most natural looking skin.

A customer with beautiful blond hair and rosy cheeks came in to our beauty boutique. She complained that she couldn’t find anything to conceal her red cheeks and that everything made her skin look pale. When questioned on what she was currently using, we soon realized why the redness in her skin had not disappeared. It was clear to us that she was using too much. Her morning ritual began with a “one shade fits all” foundation tint, a cream concealer, followed by an application of a green stick pen and a mineral based powder. She was using products that had very little coverage, not to mention her skin looked pale and cakey and too made-up. We suggested a custom foundation with AB coverage, with a warmer shade tint mixed with a beige undertone, followed by a mica powder with 45 percent pigment, by Fleur Visage, thus leaving the skin perfectly matched with full coverage to hide the redness. She was elated that her skin looked so smooth and beautiful, flawless and very natural. Walking out the door radiating her new-found beauty, she was ready to conquer the world with confidence.

Foundations are one of the most sought-after commodities in cosmetics today. It takes up to four years for a make-up artist to develop an eye for color. Most beauty counter sales girls do not have the experience or the know-how to choose the correct color for women. The “one shade fits all” foundation does not always work for everyone. Our client is a perfect example of incorrect products and wasted time and money. What women don’t know is that a perfectly matched foundation can make your skin go from dull and pale to a radiant glow in seconds.

At The Rouge they have been custom blending foundations for women for over 20 years. They are committed to excellence and ensure that their clients have the most updated cosmetics in the industry. They are available Tuesday through Saturday to help women select the right color foundation and they can color match their skin with the custom foundations they provide from Fleur Visage Cosmetics.

 

 

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is an irritation and swelling of the thick tissue (plantar fascia) on the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue originating on the bottom surface of the calcaneus (heel bone) and extending along the sole of the foot toward the five toes. The plantar fascia helps hold up the bones on the bottom of the foot, creating the arch. When this fascia becomes inflamed, it makes walking painful and difficult. The pain is usually felt on the underside of the heel and is often most intense with the first steps of the day. Plantar Fasciitis is commonly thought of as being caused by a heel spur, but research has found that this is not the case. On x-ray, heel spurs are seen in people with and without Plantar Fasciitis.

Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:

• Foot arch problems (both flat foot and high arches)
• History of low back pain or sciatica
• Tight Achilles tendon (the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel)
• Obesity
• Running, extended amounts of driving or repetitive stress to the foot or leg
• Sudden weight gain

What treatments are available for Plantar Fasciitis

Western medicine typically treats Plantar Fasciitis with oral and/or injectable anti-inflammatories. These may temporarily reduce the pain associated with Plantar Fasciitis but they do not treat the cause of the problem, and by no means heal it.

Long term correction of Plantar Fasciitis is a two step process.

First:  Heal the Damaged Fascia

Ending the pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis requires stopping the cycle of inflammation. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this, because it is presently the only modality that can both reduceinflammation and heal tissue simultaneously. Laser treatments at Align Healing Center are done with the K-laser 1200 a Class IV Laser.  This laser does not cut or burn but is gently absorbed by the tissue. During Laser Therapy the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level, increasing metabolic activity and improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This initiates the production of cellular energy (ATP) that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.

Second: Correct the Foot and Gait Mechanics

This involves rehabilitation ofspine as well as the arch of the foot. Arch rehabilitation is achieved by utilizing specific insoles and/or specific taping of the foot in order to re-establish proper motion of the arch while walking, then specificstrengthening and stretching exercises are used to rehabilitate of the musculature of the foot and lower leg to ensure lasting results.

At Align Healing Center we are having great success treating plantar fasciitis, sciatica, shoulder and neck pain, migraines, arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel, post surgical pain, sports injuries and more; even if it’s long-term residual pain. Even ar­thritis and degenerative disc disease sufferers can see long term benefits from this treatment without any of the negative side effects experienced with the long term use of medications.

Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the founder of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. To set up a complimentary consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com for more information.

Q. It has occurred to me that tomato cages should be cleaned somehow before placing them around a new plant. I’ve never done it before. Can tomato diseases over-winter on them?

A. I don’t believe you should be overly concerned about any diseases that might carryover from year to year. The surface of metal or painted tomato cages is quite sterile, so it’s very unlikely the right environment exist for any problems. With wooden supports or if there is organic debris still on the cages, there might be issues. Early and Late Blight is the primary diseases you’re looking to prevent. Cool to mild temperatures and wet conditions create the right condition for these diseases. The last time this could have been a problem was in 2010. That being said, it certainly would not hurt to disinfect your cages along with any plastic, and or wooden containers. You’ll need to remove any of the left over debris from last year, as the Blights requires visible plant residue to over-winter. Next wipe the supports down with a mixture of water and household bleach. The ratio for this simple disinfectant is nine parts water to one part bleach. You also could apply the solution with a pump spray bottle and then wash it off. The disinfectant should be dripping off the cages. Since your using bleach, it’s recommended that you wear old clothes and gloves. The cages should then be left to air dry in the afternoon sun, overnight. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes can be used for those cages already in place. And finally, a thick layer of mulch can prevent the fungal spores from splashing on the plants. With tomatoes, we don’t have to worry about planting them too deep, as they will produce roots off the buried portion of the plant.

Q. I haven’t had any luck finding out how to prune an old fashioned lavender lilac. It’s a baby from one that would be about sixty years old now. I‘ve always taken the old or dead wood off but I need to find out how to get longer stems with the larger blooms?

A. Lilacs are not that difficult to prune they done require any special technique, as they’re pruned to shape. I would stand back and eyeball the plant to see what needs to be done. It is very subjective and they’re pruned in the spring after flowering. Lilacs bloom on the current year’s growth. Pruning and the time of the year it’s done shouldn’t have any effect on the stem length or the size of the blooms. These are genetic characteristics. Those plants propagated from another plant part will be identical to the parent. Those started from seeds will not. So, long stems and larger flower clusters may not be in this plant future if the original plant didn’t have them to start with. To encourage the growth, feed after pruning with 16-16-16 and then see what develops next spring, as there isn’t much else you can do.

Buzz Bertolero is Executive Vice President of Navlet’s Garden Centers and a California Certified Nursery Professional. His web address is www.dirtgardener.com and you can send questions by email at dirtgarden@aol.com or to 360 Civic Drive Ste. ‘D’, Pleasant Hill, Calif. 94523 and on Facebook at Facebook.com/Buzz.Bertolero

 

 

 

 

Sometimes life will guide you… if you let it.

More than thirty five years ago, being frustrated by my referrals to others for TMJ treatment, I attended a year long training to better my understanding of the disease. I had already taken many weekend courses, but felt more understanding was necessary. At that time, almost all the emphasis was placed on the way the teeth come together and how that related to the joint position.

At the time my two year old daughter was diagnosed with a very serious asthmatic condition and she received the standard medications, with side effects and limited effectiveness. At a local dental meeting there was a talk by an oral surgeon whose sister was saved from having near fatal attacks of asthma by alternative medicine. The oral surgeon was so impressed that he was retiring from practice to start an alternative treatment center in Idaho. I took him to lunch and, learning his story, became an enthusiastic student of alternative medicine. With this approach, I had my daughter asthma free within six months and she has gone on to become a world class athlete.

Incorporating a holistic approach to my diagnosis and to the establishment of a treatment plan has greatly improved treatment effectiveness. A simple two day course in acupuncture at UCLA, for example, helped me to discover that some migraines are related to colitis. Migraines are a good sized part of a TMJ practice and, in a non holistic practice, are usually treated with drugs.

In general, TMJ is a very poor term for a complex syndrome that can include a number of factors, the most common being myofacial pain, or pain in the muscles of the face, head, neck and shoulders. This pain can be so severe that it was necessary for me to refer one patient to emergency for attempting suicide.

Most of the time, it is just annoying, as it interferes with eating, talking and the general enjoyment of life. It can also be a true “pain in the neck,” with severe neck and shoulder pain. True TMJ or TMD is pain or dysfunction associated with the joint itself and can include popping or gravely sounding noises when moving the jaw, mild to severe pain and, sometimes, ringing in the ear.

The pharmaceutical industry would have us believe that the typical migraine is a disease to be treated with a drug, when it can be a symptom of an underlying disease. It’s like our body is crying out the only way it can for help, and the practitioner says, “shut up and take this.”

As I mentioned earlier, an irritated colon can cause migraine headaches. Crohn’s disease, which is a name given to colon inflammation, can be the underlying factor, but wait, Crohn’s is more a symptom, but is called a disease and, if only the symptom is treated, may continue to return and worsen.

In my practice several cases of this disease were caused by food sensitivities and in one case, by the body’s inability to handle raw vegetables. It was definitely not caused by a dietary prednisone deficiency, a steroid commonly used to treat Crohn’s “disease”.

I have not strayed away from the original subject, TMJ. My purpose for using this example of incomplete medicine is to demonstrate the importance of the TMJ specialist understanding more than the limited field of his/her specialty. That practitioner could be missing the opportunity to discover the underlying factors that are causing the patient’s body to cry out for help. Many continue to view TMJ as a bite problem, and it may be just that, although most of the world has some kind of bite problem with no serious TMJ symptoms.

A good working relationship with other experts not only can be of extreme, even life-saving value to the patient, but makes a potentially boring practice become enriching experience. Belonging to professional organizations outside the field of dentistry can truly not only be of great benefit to the patient, but stimulating and refreshing, always opening new doors for the practitioner.

None of this would have happened had my daughter not contracted asthma and I did not develop an interest in holistic medicine!

Robert Brown, DDS has a TMJ, orthodontia, and sleep apnea practice in Danville and thoroughly enjoys discussing holistic medicine. You can contact him at 925-837-8048, at info@aodtc.com, or visit his web site at www.aodtc.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Thyroid function is surprisingly complex, with hormones changing into other hormones, organs affecting other organs and the brain controlling it all. Because of this, effective treatment for thyroid imbalances just isn’t as simple as prescribing synthetic thyroid hormone and hoping for the best. More often than not, the standard medical approach is surprisingly ineffective after just a short time, leading to a slow (or fast) return of fatigue, hair loss and weight gain. My practice is filled with people who have the same symptoms before and after being treated this way.

Let’s take a patient at our clinic, Betsy, who didn’t suffer any symptoms of low thyroid whatsoever until she became pregnant five years ago. She then developed all the symptoms mentioned above, plus cold hands and severe constipation. After a confusing time with her doctors, who diagnosed her with depression, it was finally found that she had low thyroid function. She was put on Synthroid (levothyroxin) and felt a bit better, but only for about two months. Slowly all her symptoms returned, became much worse, and she had the additional problems of brain fog and insomnia. When I first saw her, she was so fatigued and un-functional that she thought she might lose her family, job and mind if something wasn’t done.

Our work up showed that her thyroid was functioning below par, in spite of taking prescription thyroid hormones. This was because of an under-conversion of T4 (thyroid hormone) to T3, the active form of the hormone that does all the work of increasing cell function, preventing fatigue and elevating mood. We then set to work correcting the problems she had with this T4 to T3 conversion. Using targeted supplements and a dietary change to decrease inflammation and alter the bacterial balance in her GI tract (the place where conversion happens) resolved her fatigue, brain fog and insomnia.

It is unfortunately very common that doctors (including most endocrinologists) don’t fully test all the indicators of possible thyroid problems. It turns out that there is a Thyroid Cascade–a series of steps–that must take place in order to synthesize thyroid hormone, and have it work affectively. These steps are listed below.

The 8 Steps of the Thyroid Cascade

1)      The brain (hypothalamus), realizing a need for thyroid hormone, sends messages to the pituitary gland.

2)      The pituitary gland sends a message to the thyroid to produce more hormone.

3)      The thyroid stimulates TPO to transport iodine to the thyroid.

4)      This leads to the production of T4 and T3.

5)      These hormones are then bound to protein (Thyroid Binding Globulin).

6)      The T4 is changed to a combination of T3 hormones in the liver.

7)      The gut bacteria change the inactive T3 hormones to active hormones.

8)      The unbound T3 hormones bind to the receptors of the target cells.

I won’t be able to describe the steps in detail in the space allotted, but the important take-away message here is that any of the eight steps of the cascade can bog down, leading to low thyroid output and that is why taking thyroid hormone (only step 4) usually doesn’t work. Betsy’s problem was with step seven, and if this wasn’t rectified, her condition would continue to degrade.

Each of these steps must be considered to fully understand the CAUSE of thyroid dysfunction, and this doesn’t even get close to addressing the important relationships with adrenal gland, glucose regulation, immune problems and gut function that can cause very similar symptoms. That’s why a comprehensive evaluation with very specific and comprehensive lab testing is required to discover the step or steps that are problems, and to outline your unique bio-individuality in order to fully understand the actual cause of your symptoms. The results can be long lasting and life changing. That’s what happened to Betsy, and hundreds of others who were willing to take the next step to wellness.

Dr. Don Davis, D.C., DACNB is a BOARD CERTIFIED CHIROPRACTIC NEUROLOGIST in Walnut Creek. He has been serving individuals with chronic pain for 30 years. For information about how you can get a free consultation with Dr. Davis, call (925) 279-4324 (HEAL). Visit us at WalnutCreekThyroidInstitute.com

 

I Believe in Miracles… Since I-Lipo Came Along!

With summer fast approaching, women and men alike are focusing on how to get their body in beach-ready condition. Diet and exercise are the obvious first choice when contemplating how to look best in beachwear, but we’ve got the best kept secret everyone should know about to help reduce fat and cellulite and help reshape your body without surgery. I know, it sounds like one of those “it’s too good to be true” scenarios, but believe me, it’s not.

I-Lipo by Chromogenex is a technology that was introduced to the US and approved by the FDA in 2012, and since its debut has become a hot commodity. Clinically proven technology, it originated in Wales in 1985 and has been a popular alternative to liposuction throughout the UK and South Africa since 1986. It provides a safe and effective method to achieve often immediate and measurable results in inch loss.

Using low level laser technology (AKA: cold laser), I-Lipo stimulates the body’s already natural process of releasing energy being stored to essentially shrink fat cells and create body shaping results that you are looking for. Each session is just 20 minutes with no downtime whatsoever; we recommend two treatments per week. There’s no freezing or anything invasive with this method, and once your session is over you can go about your day as you normally would. While there are no dietary restrictions or required supplements during the treatments, this is by no means an alternative to maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine; it is more of an assistant in speeding up your results. Not only does it help to reduce inches but it also has a tone and tightening affect. In addition, it’s the only FDA approved laser to combat human kind’s mortal enemy: cellulite.

This technology can target the love handles you’re not in love with, the double or triple chin waddle, the unwanted bat wings on the arms, those pesky saddlebags and that muffin top you’re not enjoying. Oh, and did I mention the laser therapy can target that extra fluff on your inner thighs, bottom and hips? Well, I-lipo can!

Most clients who come in to receive I-Lipo treatments understandably have many questions about how the laser may affect their body. We are here to answer them. The technology used is non-destructive and does not affect the use of any of your internal organs. The laser can be used on all skin types and on virtually any area of the body except the breasts and face. Prior to beginning treatments, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists to go over medical history and water intake and if she thinks you’re good to go, you can start treatments that same day. Certain serious medical conditions may disqualify individuals.

We offer several different options for I-Lipo treatment packages. Give us a call today and we’ll be happy to schedule your consultation and get you on the road to your new, slimmer shape.

For more information on I-Lipo: visit our website at www.healinghandssalon.net

Dear HSSS,

Please settle the debate between my husband and me. Can men and women be just friends?  P.B., Orinda

He Said: I could go on about the situations and scenarios where a man and a woman CAN be friends, but it really comes down to two things that have to exist for it to work: 1) They are not physically attracted to each other AND 2) They have never been intimate in the past. It’s as simple as that. I do not know of a healthy friendship between a heterosexual man and woman when either one of these conditions isn’t met. I must add, if your best friend is of the opposite sex, he or she is the one you should be in the relationship with, as all other relationships will be doomed. No exceptions!

She Said: The older I get, the more flexible my thinking. I used to feel as Shawn does, but now I see scenarios where men and women are friends, and it seems valid. A good example is people who work together. They see each other regularly, they start to share stories, offer advice, and maybe even get together socially. And what about your best friend’s spouse?  Surely being friends with that person is good for everyone. I also think it depends on the person. There are those who get along better with members of the opposite sex and if that’s always been the case, fine. But beware of those who say they have lots of friends of the opposite sex only to learn they’ve broken Shawn’s second condition, which I agree, eliminates them from the “just friends” category.

Dear SSHS,

Texting is a great way to convey a quick thought when a phone call isn’t necessary, but how about some text etiquette?  R.L., Alamo

She Said:  Textiquette?  Couldn’t agree more. Here are my simple rules:

1) No texting at the table. I don’t care whether it’s the family gathered around for dinner or whether you’re on a date. It’s rude and unnecessary.

2) No texting before the sun’s up or after 10 pm. This is simple consideration. Would you call someone on the phone before 7:00 am?  I think not, so don’t text them either!  A lot of us are doing without landlines these days, so cell phones must stay on in case of emergency. That little chirp at 6:05 am, informing the light sleeper that your flight is delayed and you’re bored, is of absolutely no interest at that hour.

3) If you’re going to write a tome, please consider using punctuation.

He Said: Everyone, including your grandmother, is texting nowadays — I agree, we need some guidelines. The most important rule: don’t text unless you can give it your complete attention. This means don’t pick up that phone if you’re driving, in class or a meeting, mid-conversation with anyone, during a meal, etc. And for heaven’s sake, enough with the abbreviations and misspelled words. LOL is about the only shorthand that should ever be in a text and even then, guys shouldn’t be using it at all. It’s emasculating.

Robin Fahr and Shawn Alikian host Conversations and He Said/She Said seen daily on Tri-Valley TV, Channel 30. Send your questions to www.AskHeSaidSheSaid.com.