South Bay Health & Fitness

Harsh health lesson was a good one

When I was a child, the word for anyone who was overweight was “fat.” Under-five-year-olds were called “Chubby.” By the time I was in kindergarten, I was called “Fat Betty.” There was no such thing as political correctness.

I first heard it on the playground when some members of my class were playing baseball. When I came to bat, one of the other players — Marvin Hansen, a fat boy at that—said, “There’s Fat Betty” so everyone could hear. Never a shy girl, but especially incensed by his remark, I ran over to where he was standing and hit him. 

 Memory doesn’t serve to record the consequences of my assault. I don’t think I was sent to the principal and my parents didn’t chide me, but memory does serve to ingrain that experience on my mind forever, which is why it’s still fresh as the day it happened.

 I carried the apt description through elementary school, because my parents saw nothing wrong with my size — fat was healthy in their minds. But one of my mother’s friends offered to take me for a couple of weeks. “I’ll get some of that weight off,” said a confident, skinny, childless Aunt Merle. My mother, who was fat herself, declined the invitation.

 Since I didn’t look like other children my age, I was shunned by most of my classmates. Well, there was a girl named Hazel Shock. She had a field of blackheads sprinkled across her nose and greasy skin. We were a great pair of rejects.

After school on many days, we walked to her house where her mother gave us Wonder Bread smothered with butter and topped with a thick layer of sugar. On other days, my mother picked me up at school because we lived more than a mile away.

 No one lived as far off as I did. But there was a boy named Archie Gardener, who attended parochial school. He lived next-door, and occasionally we would kick a ball around. He never called me “Fat Betty,” but I knew what he was thinking.

No one else called me “Fat Betty” during those impressionable years, so by the time I started high school, I weighed 155 pounds and took a size 20 in the Women’s Department, which didn’t cater to kids who looked like me.

However, once I got to high school, my life changed forever in Geometry Class. And it’s not just because I got a D, which I also vividly remember. Another forever memory is the day our teacher, Miss Eloise Voorhis, in describing the various geometric shapes, looked at me and said, “Here is a globe.”  I ran from the room crying while all my classmates sat in stunned, silent accord.

I cried to my mother, but she never had a “talk” with Miss Voorhis about her remark. But I did have a silent conversation with myself. And that summer after my sophomore year during the two weeks where my parents unfailingly rented a cottage at Devils Lake, Michigan, I went on a diet of my own. It consisted of peach pies, which I baked for our several visitors, lots of swimming and rowing to the raft a football field from the cottage. Not the most scientific of rituals, but it worked.

 By the time school started, I had lost 35 pounds and was suffering from secondary anemia. But I was a perfect size 13. My back-to-school wardrobe came from the Juniors’ Department. I had a new permanent wave, and started wearing lipstick.

That first day of school, while I was walking down the hall in search of my new classroom, Miss Voorhis saw me. I didn’t make eye contact, but she came over to me as soon as she saw me, and said, “You look wonderful.” The thing about this experience that is so unusual is that she was as unappealing in her own way as was I: She was hunch-backed.

I can’t remember whether I replied, but at that moment I felt very sure that the reason I went on a diet is because I needed to show Miss Voorhis. The question that has plagued me ever since is this: Did she make that original remark in a mean-spirited way or was it to provoke me into doing something about my appearance?

 The result in either case was obvious. Girls made friends with me. Boys — at least a few — asked me out, and even though my junior prom date wore plastic gloves — for sanitary reasons — when he ate his hamburger after the dance, I had begun a normal-looking life.

And so it is that I am tempted to repeat Miss Voorhis’ comment to me when I see all those fat youngsters trailing their mothers in shops or sitting on the sidelines at playgrounds. I don’t. But somebody has to.

 Obesity is a major health problem in this country. It even exceeds smoking as a hazard to health. More than health, however, is the inner pain and personality problems that can and often do occur as they mature.

 I don’t recommend my bizarre diet, but it worked for me. And I’ve silently thanked Miss Voorhis every day of my life for what she said.

Adia assist for caregivers

What is Compassion Fatigue in Family Caregivers? Compassion fatigue is a syndrome seen in people who care for others with severe needs, such as hospice and elderly. The syndrome can manifest in small, but powerful ways. The family caregiver may feel depressed, irritable, resistant to offered services, negative about their relationship with the elderly love-one and less willing to work in teams. There is a risk of the negative feelings spilling over to other areas of life. Compassion fatigue is the “consequence of emotional burden.”  How do you reduce this risk?  Hire a professional caregiving company with a large staff of caregivers, managed and supervised by healthcare experts like Adia LLC   www.adiacares.com Call for Free Assessment 310-370-0555.

Art of Happiness series

Are you ready to feel good?  Learn how to enhance the quality of your life, set yourself free from conflict and despair over unwelcome events in your life, find meaning in your life, appreciate your life even if everything you thought would be is not, transcend hopelessness, take control of your life, find joy, freedom, peace.  Dr. Wendy Treynor, a 35-year-old inspirational speaker, cancer survivor, University of Michigan-trained scientist, psychologist, and author, will present this first of a four-part lecture series, The Art of Happiness. 7:30-9 p.m. at The Crowne Plaza, Redondo Beach, 300 N. Harbor Dr. Redondo Beach. Upcoming dates are 3/4, 3/18, 3/25. For tickets, call 310-YES-LOVE/310-937-5683 or visit www.iCanHeal.com.  $25/talk at the door or $15/talk ($60) for all 4 talks paid in advance. 

To learn more, visit www.HealingConsulting.com.

The Bar Method now in Palos Verdes

The Bar Method is now open in Palos Verdes. It’s a one-hour, total body workout that begins with free-weight exercises and push-ups and moves on to intense leg and seat work at the bar, then abdominal work at the bar and on mats. Every exercise is followed by stretching to elongate your muscles. The exercise creates a lean, firm, sculpted body by combining the muscle-shaping principles of isometrics, the body-elongating practice of dance conditioning and the intense pace of interval training into a powerful format that reshapes and elongates muscles. We focus on effectiveness, safety, and body awareness. We’re uniquely trained in healthy patterns of movement, body connection, mental focus, and posture. Come take advantage of our $100 Unlimited New Client Special today.

429 Silver Spur Road, Suite 2E, Rolling Hills Estates. (310)629-5245.

Bay Harbor Podiatry keeps you on your feet

Most people suffer from some kind of foot disorder — from athlete’s foot or ingrown nails to bunions, hammertoes, or corns. Tight fitting or high-heeled shoes are often the culprit, but heredity, poor foot care, injuries or medical conditions can also cause problems. We specialize in foot and ankle problems, successfully treating ailments such as: Toenail Fungus, Bunions, Heel Pain, Ingrown Toenails, Warts, Arthritis/Joint Pain, Diabetic Ulcers, Bone Spurs, Hammertoes, Neuromas and Sports Injuries. Call for your consultation

 21250 Hawthorne Blvd. Suite 160, Torrance. (310)  540-1213

Beach Cities Dermatology for skin, hair, nails

Beach Cities Dermatology Medical Center has been providing specialized dermatologic care to the South Bay for nearly 20 years. We treat all skin, hair and nail diseases. We specialize in Skin Cancer and Mole removal, providing Mohs Microscopic Surgery, and complex closures and grafts. We have the most current lasers to treat, among other conditions, acne scars, psoriasis, vitiligo, melasma, rosacea, hair removal, broken capillaries, sun damage, and wrinkles. In addition, we provide, Botox, Dysport, Restylane, Juvéderm, Radiesse, Perlane, and Sculptra. With several offices, extended and weekend hours, we can accommodate busy schedules. With our staff, Dr. Wickwire, Dr. Ammar, both certified by the American Board of Dermatology, Fariba Seraj, RNP/PA-C, Jennifer Hamaguchi, Medical Aesthetician, and Shelby Reed, Medical Aesthetician, we provide care for all your skin care needs. (310) 798-1515

520 N Prospect Avenue, Suite 302, Redondo Beach. 827 Deep Valley Drive, Suite 101 , Rolling Hills Estates. 3831 Hughes Ave. Suite 504-B, Culver City

Centre for Cosmetic Surgery

Patients cite five elements that set Dr. Todd M. Gerlach apart from the rest: natural results, safety, speedy recoveries, and a caring surgical team. Dr. Gerlach is a board certified plastic surgeon. He specializes in cosmetic surgery to the face, neck, breast and body contouring. He approaches every procedure, small or large, with the same attention to detail, personally administering every injection (Botox, Restylane etc.) as well as patient follow-up appointments. His “Before and After” books speak for themselves, featuring the breasts, tummy-tucks, liposuction, facial and eyelid surgeries he performs in his own AAAASF Certified surgical suite. Dr. Gerlach has earned his reputation not only for surgical skills, but also for his compassionate bedside manner, attentive care and patient education. He stresses confidentiality.

4201 Torrance Blvd., Suite 150, Torrance. ( 310)540-0144. www.DoctorGerlach.com.

Delio Orthodontics for

the smile you deserve

Welcome to Delio Orthodontics, a longtime staple in your orthodontic care community. Located in Rolling Hills Estates, Dr. Damien Delio has been creating beautiful smiles since 1994. We utilize the latest technological advances in the industry, such as invisible ceramic braces and Invisalign, along with the latest in computer technology (digital imaging and advanced computer graphics) to ensure that you receive the most effective care possible. We recognize that every patient has different needs, and we pride ourselves in the courteous service we deliver to each person who walks through our doors. Whether you’re an adult, adolescent or child, our knowledgeable doctor and staff are committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve — a healthy, beautiful one.

827 Deep Valley Drive, #302, Rolling Hills Estates. (310)-377-6895. www.deliorotho.com

Hollywood Riviera Medical SPA

offers a wide variety of services including, but not limited to: Botox, Dysport, Juvederm, Restylane, Latiesse, Laser Hair Removal, Photo Rejuvenation, Weight Loss Programs and Management, Facial Serums, and Facial Masks. At Hollywood Riviera Medical SPA we understand that age is only a number but wrinkles are something else, they keep multiplying so it is our mission to provide our clients with a convenient yet affordable way for you to look as young as you feel.  Dr. N. Nikakhtar, M.D., the Medical Director of Hollywood Riviera Medical SPA.is an American trained and California licensed physician who has several years of training in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, including fellowships in Cosmetic Surgery, Hand Surgery, and Reconstructive Burn Surgery. Dr Nikakhtar is also a Board Certified Disability Analyst as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor.Dr. Nikakhtar provides all medical care to her patients personally and does not use nursing personnel for the Medical Spa’s treatment procedures.

Hollywood Riviera Medical Spa

24462 Hawthorne Blvd

Torrance

310-373-6169

www.HollywoodRivieraMedicalSpa.com

 Janet Lee New Internist in South Bay

Dr. Janet Lee is a board certified internist.In November,  Dr. Lee started a new internal medicine practice in Torrance in order to serve patients in the South Bay. Dr. Lee has special interests in geriatrics, Woman’s Health, Diabetes, and Heart Disease.  Dr. Lee is also a strong believer in preventative care making sure all of her patients stay current on vaccination, cancer screening and various age/gender appropriate health screenings.  In addition, Dr. Lee emphasizes health maintenance through life style modification. Dr. Lee is welcoming new patients, accepting most insurance plans including Medicare, PPO and HMO: Health Care Partners and THIPA.  She is currently on staff at Torrance Memorial and Little Company of Mary Medical Center.

4201 Torrance Blvd., #790, Torrance,

 310-370-4558
    www.DrJanetHLee.com

Lazer Image

If you are looking to be educated on the latest non-invasive cosmetic procedures, the expert staff at The Laser Image Company is ready to provide answers. Their results driven medical staff include some of the top experts and professionals in the field. They specialize in laser hair removal, IPL treatments, laser vein removal, skin tightening, cellulite reduction, Botox, peels, photo rejuvenation and even professional make-up to highlight some of the many procedures available.As technology expands so does The Laser Image Company. They stay up-to-date on everything and all of their lasers are FDA approved. Comfort is their main concern. Call for your complimentary consultation today.

1728 S. Catalina Ave., Suite #4

Redondo Beach

310-543-9073

 www.newlaserimage.com

Women’s Heart, Stroke Seminar

In celebration of National Heart Awareness Month, Long Beach Memorial invites you to a full day women’s heart and stroke lectures and screenings, Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011. Blood pressure, carotid ultrasound, cholesterol and blood glucose (non-fasting) screenings will be provided throughout the day. Screenings begin at 7:30 a.m. and lectures will start at 9 a.m. Cost: $20. For more information or to register for the seminar, call (888) 794-9466 or visit MemorialCare.org/heart. The seminar will be at

 Long Beach Memorial in Houssels Forum

 2801 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach.

Free Super Bowl Sunday Kids 5K, Fun

Sunday, Feb. 6. Registration: 7 a.m. 5k: 8:30 a.m. Free Kids Fun Run: 9 a.m.

UCI pediatric residents are hosting a Super Kids Sunday 5K & Fun Run at Belmont Olympic Pool Plaza to help raise awareness of childhood obesity, and promote a day of fitness and wellness. A Health, Nutrition and Fitness Expo, just for kids and their families. Interactive booths teaching kids to eat smart and make staying fit fun. Walkers and runners of all ages and experience are welcome.

Register Today: MillerChildrens.org/5k.

Orthopaedic Institute Medical Group

wrote the book on orthopedic surgery

“Can An Orthopedic Surgeon Fix You?” is a common question I receive from patients needing shoulder surgery, knee surgery, ankle fusion surgery, wrist surgery, neck surgery, hip surgery and other orthopedic. Without a doubt, there is great value in orthopedic surgery and with the ever-expanding array of techniques and new technology available to surgeons like myself, there is a lot we can do to ease people’s pain and give them back their lives. I have also found that, unfortunately, while it can correct many problems, there are some things that orthopedic surgery cannot fix. Some things just aren’t fixable. My book, “The Patient’s Guide to Orthopedic Surgery” is a manual designed to answer these questions, or lead you to getting the answers, while raising your level of understanding, confidence and security. Learn more and find out how to order your own copy at orthopedicsugerybook.com. —  Stuart M. Gold, M.D.

Orthopaedic Institute Medical Group. 19000 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 100, Torrance. (310) 542-3472. Orthoinst.net

Peninsula Physical Therapy

expedites healing process

Peninsula Physical Therapy has been treating patients on “the hill” for over eight years.  They are dedicated to delivering the best available therapy you can find. Whether it’s a joint replacement, spinal fusion surgery or an ankle sprain, Peninsula Physical Therapy will spend a significant amount of time with each patient, with no waiting time. It’s their goal to expedite and optimize the healing process and rehabilitation so that you can quickly return to your life. The finest orthopedic entrust their patients to them, so you will be very safe in their hands, literally.

550 Deep Valley Drive, Ste 297, Rolling Hills Estates. (310) 544-6264.

Providence Little Company

Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance is a national award-winning hospital across multiple categories. It received the 2010 Premier Award for Quality for achievements in patient care, putting it in the top one percent of 4,000 eligible US hospitals for this category.

In addition, Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance was named one of the 50 top cardiovascular hospitals in the US in a study by Thomson Reuters. It is the only community hospital in California to receive this honor. The study examined the performance of 1,022 eligible hospitals by analyzing outcomes for patients with heart failure and heart attacks and for those who received coronary bypass surgery and percutaneous coronary interventions such as angioplasties. 

4101 Torrance Blvd., Torrance. ( 310) 540-7676. www.providence.org/torrance

Skinner’s Pharmacy

Wish List: I wish there were a pharmacy like there was when I was a kid — you know, a mom and pop-type store. I wish I wouldn’t have to pay any more than I do at the giant drug store I go to now. I wish I didn’t have to wait an hour or two for a simple prescription. Now, I’m really getting wild! I wish it would be a place where they know my name and are anxious to help me. Do I dare wish that they would drop an order off at my house if I asked? Well, wish no longer. We’re here and we’ve been here since 1961.  Come on in and introduce yourselves.  We’ll do everything we possibly can to make your wishes come true.

Skinner’s Pharmacy, 905 Deep Valley Dr., Rolling Hills Estates. (310) 377-4871

Smart Life

Smart for Life “Cookie Diet” Weight Management Products are all natural, nutritionally balanced mini meals that satisfy your hunger and suppress your appetite by keeping your metabolism in a constant fat burning mode. Eat 6 cookies a day, eat a healthy dinner meal, follow our counseling and lose 12-15 lbs a month. Smart Cookie Menu: Chocolate, Oatmeal Cookies, Cranberry, Banana-Chocolate Granola Squares, Carrot Cupcakes, Veggie Soups, Crunchy Cereals, Gluten Free Bagel Chips plus Diet Delicious Salad Dressings and Marinades…enjoy free tasting. Doctor Supervised Programs include HCG Hormone Diet, Prescription Appetite Suppressants and Vitamin Injections. Weigh-In and Body Fat Analysis always free. Five year anniversary in Torrance. M-F 8-5, Sat 10-3. 

22330 Hawthorne Blvd

310-378-7171

www.smartforlifesocal.com

Embrace life, no matter what,

Says State Farm’s Suzy Zimmerman

The more you enjoy life and prepare for the unexpected, the fewer regrets you may have. While no one can possibly do everything on a lifetime to-do list, there are plenty of ways to show people you care. One way is to make sure your family has the financial means to continue living their current lifestyle if you are no longer around. Life insurance is one way to do just that. A strong economic foundation includes adequate life insurance coverage; enough to cover a mortgage, college tuition or outstanding debts. There are many online sites, including statefarm.com, that provide calculators to determine your life insurance needs. A qualified insurance professional can help you choose a policy to meet your needs and fit in your budget. Once a policy is in place, you can revisit it, especially during different life events, to make certain the coverage is still appropriate.

Knowing you have provided for your loved ones will give you peace of mind so you can enjoy doing the things you’ve always wanted to do.

Suzy Zimmerman

State Farm® Agent

310-377-9531

Torrance Memorial Medical Center

Miracle of Living lectures

For nearly four decades, Torrance Memorial’s Miracle of Living has been providing vital health information from experienced physicians and other healthcare providers to the South Bay. To date, more than 400 Miracle of Living lectures have explored a wide variety of topics, including: Stroke, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease, Osteoporosis and Arthritis.

Miracle of Living lectures are held the third Wednesday of the month (except December) at 7 p.m. in the Torrance Memorial Health Conference Center.  No reservations required.  For more information, call 310-517-4711.

Upcoming lectures: “The Latest Advances in Cardiology: What’s New in 2011,” Wednesday, February 16, 2011. 7 p.m. Speaker: Ben Rosin, M.D., Cardiologist.

March 16:  GERD/Upper GI

You Can Dance to health, happiness

Swing in the New Year with Ballroom Dancing. Jazz up your exercise with dance.

Burn 250-850 calories per hour, strengthen your heart and muscles, increase circulation and flexibility. Ballroom dancing engages your mind by learning new steps and involves body–rhythm-partner-space coordination. You acquire new skills and confidence. Dancing, as an aerobics exercise, unleashes a flood of feel-good endorphins. You Can Dance Studio, in Hermosa Beach, offers a variety of Dance and Fitness programs for all ages; kids and adults. We have group classes every day of the week and Saturdays, we provide private instructions and social parties every Friday. Ballroom and social styles include: Salsa, Swing, Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and more. Couples and singles welcome. Let’s start dancing today!

Call 310-374-5222. www.YCDstudio.com. PEN

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