February 2016

As humans, investors are naturally inclined to follow tendencies dictated by psychology. We extrapolate recent events into the future, and we are scarred by prior traumas. Sometimes, the two go hand in hand. More specifically, we have gotten to expect that markets go straight up, as they have done since March 2009 – but the minute that we see any deviation from those expectations, we anticipate a market meltdown like 2008. The reality is, though, that the future doesn’t always follow such extreme examples. And indeed, “extreme” is a word that can be used to describe both the disaster of the financial crisis and the tremendous bull market that followed, both almost without parallel.

In reality, though, the market is more inclined to follow a pattern seen throughout much of history. And that is one with more volatility than we have seen in the past seven years, and one that might neither go straight up nor straight down. We must recognize the tradeoffs that dictate the fact that, with higher potential reward comes the necessity to undertake more potential risk. And risk often means losses from time to time, in a way that is neither extraordinary nor necessarily predictive of looming calamity.

Yes, there are problems in the world. However, we can instead offer a few questions for you to consider. And importantly, in order to help you answer these questions, your financial adviser has the tools you need to help you in your financial life journey.

What should you do? For our clients, a likely answer may be to simply make no changes at all, as their United Capital financial adviser may have already established the investment strategy most appropriate for them. It is important, or perhaps we might even say, imperative, that you recognize the instinct to “do something” ignores the most basic principal that we may be merely returning to an era of more “normal” volatility.

And more volatility is indeed normal. According to Ned Davis Research, stock market volatility over the last thirteen weeks through January 10this at the low end of the range of what is considered normal and typical. In fact, over the long span of time, the market experiences a decline of at least -10% once every 72 trading days on average. We haven’t experienced such a decline in a far longer period.

Might a Different Strategy Be Better for Me?
Consider discussing with your financial adviser. He or she can work with you, utilizing some of the industry’s innovative technologies to find where your portfolio should be positioned. If you do want a strategy that is designed to attempt to exit the market, or at least reduce risk exposure, during periods of substantial and sustained downturns, we do offer Tactical strategies. These are designed to help limit, but not avoid altogether, severe losses during a downturn. As we mentioned earlier, however, an increased focus on downside avoidance necessarily comes with decreased upside participation. As we at United Capital often say, “More of something often means less of something else.”

So have a conversation with your financial adviser. He or she is well equipped to help you handle market volatility. And above all else, a return to normal need not necessarily be feared.

Mr. Kelly Trevethan is a Certified Investment Management Analyst & Registered Financial Consultant. He is a Managing Director with United Capital Financial Advisers LLC, a national private wealth advisory firm with 79 offices across the nation. He can be reached at 415-418-2101. To obtain your free copy of the New York Times Bestselling book “The Money Code”, email him at Kelly.trevethan@unitedcp.com.

Disclosures
The information contained herein is intended for information only, is not a recommendation to buy or sell any securities, and should not be considered investment advice.  All data herein are obtained from sources believed to be reliable, however their accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. There are no investing strategies that guarantee a profit or protect against a loss. Tactical Asset allocation strategy is not for every investor due to its potential higher tax liabilities.

© 2015 United Capital Financial Advisers, LLC. All Rights Reserved
www.unitedcp.com

The following is a brief review of the illness referred to as sleep apnea; its definition, causes and treatment options. There are two types of sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea.

OSA is more common and can result from many factors including excessive weight, a large neck, small mouth, large tongue, nasal congestion, a long soft palate, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, alcohol or sedatives which relax the muscles of the airway, and smoking. OSA is more common in older males although it can even be present in children and infants.

Central sleep apnea is more associated with the brain. With OSA you cannot breathe, but with central sleep apnea you just don’t breathe. This kind of sleep apnea is usually associated with middle age, heart problems, strokes and opioid pain medication.

Snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea, but the actual obstruction is often further down the airway, and the use of over the counter anti snoring appliances may prevent correction of OSA.

What are some of the symptoms of sleep apnea?
• Loud snoring usually accompanied by episodes of breathing cessation and gasping.
• Abrupt awakening mostly associated with Central Sleep Apnea
• Insomnia
• Morning headaches
• Daytime drowsiness and irritability
• Cognitive difficulties such as memory loss and problems with attention.
• Awakening with dry mouth or sore throat.
• Sleepiness when driving.
• Excessive movements during sleep.

What can happen if you don’t get help?
• Incidence of Heart Disease and Cancer increase many fold.
• 200% increase in Alzheimer’s
• Increase in fatal auto accidents.
• Increase in morbidity.
• Loss of bed partner

What can be done? There are many approaches to the treatment of sleep apnea, the most common being the CPAP. Although there have been big improvements in making the CPAP more comfortable, there remains a lack of acceptability. Surgery is occasionally used and varies from implanting a tongue controlling device, to nasal and palatal surgery or maxillofacial surgery which advances one or both jaws forward. The jaw advancement is wonderful if the patient has an underdeveloped chin. The apnea is reduced and the patient’s appearance is greatly improved.

In my practice we have experienced a very high degree of correction with dental sleep appliances. One very recent success was a wonderful 88 year young lady who suffered severe OSA. Her apneas were reduced to zero with the use of the appliance. I personally wear this appliance and enjoy the correction immensely.

Where do I start? Most treatments are covered by your insurance. At my office, the initial exam is complementary, whether or not you are treated by us, and my staff is expert at checking insurance benefits and arranging sleep tests.

It is important to no longer delay. Every day that you deprive your body of proper sleep, damage is being done. One very recent research finding revealed that unless you achieve deep sleep, which doesn’t occur with OSA, your brain cannot release toxins as well.

Advanced Oral Diagnosis & Treatment Center in Danville www.aodtc.com or 925-837-8048

One of the most common sentiments that my patients share with me is “don’t get old.” They tell me that “it’s no fun,” “it’s not for the faint of heart” and such. I completely understand this lament although I don’t know it firsthand. As a child, I daydreamed about the glamorous life of an adult. I assumed that life would be easier and less complicated once I’d finished my education and had a family and job of my own. Now I realize that was the folly of childish ignorance. The disagreeable truth is life gets more complicated and more difficult as we endure it. My personal belief has become that it’s most important to learn how to navigate and survive life’s turbulence and become a stronger, wiser, more tolerant person because of it. There will always be obstacles to overcome and there’s no shortage of physical, emotional and financial hardships that will remind us of the fragile human beings we are.

I enjoy hearing the musings of people who are more experienced than I am. I find that the sagest advice is gleaned when the person imparting the wisdom isn’t really trying to do so. Usually the lesson comes in the form of someone thinking out loud or sharing what they might think is a worthless anecdote. I have a patient who turned 82 not long ago. I remember the first day that she came into my office. She told me that she was still that same blond 24 year old on the inside although her physical appearance and capabilities no longer were. Our goal was to try to more closely align her physical being with her spiritual being by achieving better pain control. Mrs. K came to my office, for the first time in almost a year, last week. Unfortunately, she had suffered some acute illnesses requiring hospitalization, but had finally turned the corner and was doing well again. When I saw her, she was actually beaming with rosy cheeks and a big smile.

After reviewing her medical updates we chatted casually. I realized that a major positive impact on her health came from an unlikely source. The Golden State Warriors had brought her back to life. She is a season ticket holder and had not been able to attend any games until recently. She was loyally watching on TV throughout her convalescence and her only wish was for them to win on her birthday (they did).
Last week she was finally feeling well enough to again attend the Warriors game and her son escorted her there. Normally, she and her husband would go; however, having her son there made for a special memory as they bonded over a new experience together. As she told me the story, she twinkled like a young girl reminiscing about her first magical prom night. She told me how she was the only “little old lady with a cane” in the stadium, but everyone there was happy, courteous and positive. At one point she tripped as she climbed the stairs, but she never felt the ground because at once, arms were all around her holding her up and saving her from harm. Mrs. K was literally buoyed by the goodwill and harmony that was filling the Oracle Arena.

I believe that most people in the Bay area have been positively affected by the success of the Golden State Warriors. To many of us, they represent much more than a basketball team. Just when I thought that professional athletes were no longer fit to be role models, here come the Warriors! We are as proud of them for being personable, respectful and thoughtful people as we are of their near perfect record. They have become embodiment of what we can achieve as a community if we as individuals work hard in an unselfish way with a team effort. In short, they are gentlemen and leaders who exemplify what we are capable of at our very best. Whether they’ve won or lost, they have been gracious, patient and magnanimous. They help us feel young and give us hope of the possibility of a better day and a better world. The Warriors have taught us that life challenges are hard, but if we communicate with each other, give our best effort, protect each other and help each other, we can go far and further than otherwise would have been predicted.

I believe that Mrs. K’s emotional well being was affected by the “Warrior Positivity” which in turn benefited her physical well being. The more positivity you know, the more positivity you can imagine—even at 82 and despite life’s conflicts.

If you are suffering from a pinched nerve or herniated disc, you know how debilitating it is and how the pain slowly leaks the vitality from your life. Since 1999 when Align Healing Center opened its doors, we have been specialists in treating pain naturally; whether it’s back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain or any other pain, we have been there to awaken the healing potential in the body and relieve the pain.

That being said, we are always in search of miraculous new ways to relieve pain without the use of drugs, invasive procedures and certainly without inducing more pain. If you or someone you care about suffers from a pinched nerve or disc related pain, it is worthwhile to explore the exceptional, non-invasive, natural therapies that are available today.

Can I heal my pain without drugs or surgery? Yes, here’s how:

1. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy
Non-surgical spinal decompression is a state-of-the-art treatment that has been helping thousands of patients with chronic neck or low back pain, sciatica, and herniated, bulging or degenerated discs. This is an entirely different treatment from traditional chiropractic adjustments. Many of the patients who are candidates for this procedure have already tried chiropractic, physical therapy, injections, and/or were told they would need surgery.

This breakthrough treatment works by gently separating the vertebra which decompresses the disc, thus causing the bulging material to be drawn back into the disc. It does this by reversing the internal disc pressure, thus creating a vacuum effect. According to the Journal of Neurosurgery (vol. 81, 1994), decompression was found to substantially reduce the pressure inside disc, therefore allowing water and nutrients to be absorbed and initiate the healing process within the disc itself. Non-surgical spinal decompression is very effective, has a high success rate, and can be utilized for both neck and low-back disc injuries.

2. Class IV Laser Therapy
Laser treatments at Align Healing Center are done with the K-laser Cube Class IV Laser. Class IV Laser therapy gets to the root of the injury and treats it at the cellular level, providing energy to the cells so they can heal. This laser does not cut or burn but is gently absorbed by the tissue. During each painless treatment, laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area.

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.

There is hope!
We have found that a combination of Class IV laser therapy and spinal decompression offers outstanding results in healing stubborn pain due to a pinched nerve, bulging disc or spinal degeneration.
As a general rule, most patients experience significant changes in symptoms within one to three sessions. Occasionally, a more advanced degenerative condition or multiple level herniated discs may take 8-10 sessions before realizing a major decline in symptoms. Relief response varies according to age, body morphology and the degree of severity.

This unique combination of non-invasive therapy offers a chance for realizing a permanent cure for back or neck pain. This eliminates the long-term care commitment forced upon patients by other symptomatic back pain treatments, such as drugs, injections or surgery. With proper care and rehabilitation of your spine you can be back to your healthy self quickly!

For more information about Dr. Niele Maimone, DC or to set up a complimentary consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com.

Okay friends, you have been with me long enough to know my love for “good food.” This is not just savory, sweet, spicy or even umami. This is food the way nature intended us to eat. Wholesome (organic) free of GMO and pesticides, ready to eat and ready to make a healthier you. With the rise of farmers’ markets and Super Markets with organic sections, the challenge has never been how to eat that way at home or even predominantly in your life, but rather the ability to get that type of food with trust and on the go. The wait is over.

The Organic Coup is the very first American USDA Certified Organic fast food restaurant. The very first—and they have done it right!

I met the restaurant’s founder, Erica Welton, when I wondered into the first location in Pleasanton behind Pick 6 Sports Bar. In conversation she quickly told of her epiphany while making her child’s baby food, that she and the rest of us were eating all wrong. Of course my love affair with her concept and food began right there, as my wife had the same epiphany that resulted in our forever- changed eating habits.

As with most business formed out of the passion to move masses to a better way of living, food was only the catalyst for Erica to spawn a movement of consumers she lovingly refers to as “Coup National Ambassadors.” Hence the name “Coup” (not coop), and yes, the chicken reference was intended. She believes her customers ”are changing the status quo by transforming the conventional and unsustainable food system through vision and action and the simple act of buying a certified organic sandwich makes you an agent of change.” It goes deeper than that. She believes in her staff and pays them a “livable wage” so they are free to speak about being part of the movement with natural passion.

Here is what struck me first about my times here: They kept it simple to start. Getting Certified Organic is no easy task, and once done, could (and often has) led to proprietors bombarding the public with 100 choices. This is counter-productive. When a patron wants to experience something new, the last thing they need, or want, is 100 choices of how to do it. Show us one way. Erica has done this. Same chicken, same slaw prepared as a sandwich, wrap or bowl. Perfect!

The soda fountain is stocked with all natural sodas and the various sauces, so your meal prep is lip smacking. The side dishes are as un-complex as the menu: Tenders (for the kids) or popcorn—again, perfect!

So what does it mean to be USDA Certified Organic? That means the food served has none of the following: GMO’s, antibiotics, added hormones, pesticides or chemicals. It means that the fuel for your body is clean and will result in maximum results.

Her expansion plans are huge; and mark my word: We will see The Organic Coup all across the nation soon—but for now, you must visit her in Pleasanton. Go now and be an agent of change. Your body will thank you and your taste buds will cheer for you!

4825 Hopyard Rd, Pleasanton, California 94588

Well, it is Oscar season again. I have been around so long, I still think Jimmy Stewart was robbed in 1939 when he did not win the Oscar for “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” So, instead of questions about the Oscar winners, how about the losers?
1. Some of our greatest actors never even got a nomination in stellar careers. One such should have been nominated for “Double Indemnity” and “Key Largo.” Who was he?

2. Another non-nominee was voted Queen of Hollywood the same time Clark Gable was named King. She played the wife of a sleuth in an outstanding detective series and was outstanding in “Best Years of our Lives.” Who was she?

3. Henry Fonda was one our most reliable actors, who finally won an Oscar in 1983, shortly before his death. He was nominated only one other time. What was the movie and year that he won?

4. Harrison Ford has had one of the most successful movie careers over the past 40 years, but has only been nominated once for an Oscar. For what movie?

5. Tom Hanks has won twice and been frequently nominated. He should have won again in 1999 for “Saving Private Ryan.” Who did he lose to and what was the movie?

6. Martin Scorcese should have won Best Director Oscars in 1980 for “Raging Bull” and in 1990 for “Goodfellas.” Both times he lost to actors turned directors. Who were the two directors and what were the movies?

1) A New Level Of Lux
For refreshed, glowing healthy skin use products that contain superior peptides. You want products that include Neuropeptides. This peptide is finer than others and is the key to a beautiful complexion. It penetrates the surface of the skin, repairing the cells, while reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving the surface of the skin. Use daily for maximum benefits.

2) Easy on the Eyes
The eye area is more delicate than the rest of the skin on the face, so be sure to use an eye cream that is specifically formulated for this area. Heavy creams can cause the eye area to dry out, causing unnecessary wrinkling. Lighter eye creams with nutrients are best. Our Ultra Firming Eye Cream by Ongrien is a helpful solution for dry, puffy, and dark circles around the eyes, furthermore, it smoothes fine lines and wrinkles, leaving the eyes looking youthful.

3) A Light Idea
With the colder months comes increased dryness. Switch to a more hydrated version of your favorite creams so skin doesn’t get dry and flakey. When skin gets dry it suffers and wrinkles appear. Using serums with peptides are essential for extra protection and hydration.

4) Screen Test
When you have sensitive skin you need to wear sunscreen every day. Look for sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. This type of sunscreen blocks harmful UV rays and won’t clog pores, plus it will not cause the skin to break out or bring about irritation.

5) Dare To Detox
Use a good clay mask to draw impurities out of the skin to detoxify the surface. A good masque will pull out debris from the skin and close the pores naturally. For optimum beauty everyone should detoxify the skin at least twice a month.

6) Get The Glow
Using a good exfoliant is part of an excellent beauty regime. Exfoliating the skin every day will help remove the top layer of the skin, irrigating topical layers and smoothing the surface. Moisturizers and creams can penetrate deeper into the skin for maximum hydration.

7) Here’s The Scoop
Antioxidants help protect the skin against free radicals. Free radicals cause havoc on the skin including fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. Protect your skin from free-radicals with a good topical cream with nutrients such as; Esther-C, Lipoic Acid, Q-10, and DMAE. By using these superb antioxidants they will help heal the skin and prevent further damage. Your skin will look years younger, smooth and beautifully youthful.

8) Skin Deep And A Youthful Complexion
Glycolic Acid is one of the most popular alpha hydroxy acids on the market. When applied to the skin it helps to exfoliate deeply, taking off dead cells, giving the skin a much younger appearance. What’s more, Glycolic Acid is a valuable addition to many of the super-antioxidant products on the market today.

9) Beauty Secrets
The secret to beautiful skin is all in the cleansing. If you use harsh products and do not cleanse the skin properly (nightly), your skin will suffer. Use cleansers and toners that are gentle, yet powerful enough to clean deep within the pores and the surface of the skin.

10) The Bottom Line
When cleansing the skin with superior products and using moisturizers with antioxidants and peptides, your skin will be able to repair itself. It’s never too late to start a good skin care program. Start this year with a positive outlook on your complexion, and take control of your skin’s future health. With all of the new technologies in skin care today… aging is optional!