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WELLNESS CONNECTION



Welcome to the Wellness Connection -- our blog section for California Health & Longevity Institute. Here, you'll find up-to-date articles and information on a variety of health and well-being topics, such as medicine, nutrition, fitness, life balance and spa. Our contributors are all accomplished experts in their fields. These trained specialists include physicians of Western and Eastern medicine, registered dietitians, exercise specialists, lifestyle consultants and spa professionals, all of whom share the belief that having current information is an integral part of any health and wellness program.

The Sun and Your Skin

By Ronald Moy, M.D., Director of Dermatology

August 19, 2010 - 3:30PM

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds and sun lamps, is a known carcinogen. So what is SPF and how can it help? It stands for Sun Protection Factor, indicating the ability of the product to deflect UVB rays (short-frequency UV rays), and is the most reliable way to avoid sun damage to your skin. Since sunscreen can range anywhere from SPF 2 to greater than SPF 70, with different UVA (long-frequency UV rays) blocking ability, it can be confusing to know what’s best for you. Regardless of your skin type, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum, water resistant sunscreen of at least a SPF 30 with both UVA and UVB protection for daily use. . . more

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Shape Up Snapshots: Bridge

By Laurie Streff, Exercise Specialist

August 10, 2010 - 3:19PM

Add this easy-to-do-anywhere stabilization exercise to your core routine, and you'll quickly feel the benefits, especially in the low back and hips. The bridge targets and strengthens the important deep tissue muscles that enhance your spinal alignment and lumbar region. These muscles are especially important when bending forward and when lifting. Start by performing the bridge 3 - 5 times, for 2 - 3 sets, holding each bridge for a count of 5. . . more

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Why is Vitamin D Important?

By Philip Barr, M.D., Clinical Director

August 02, 2010 - 2:30PM

If we were just discovering vitamin D today, it would be classified as a hormone. The beneficial effects throughout our body include a healthier immune system, more calcified bones, a healthier cardiovascular system and organs that are less susceptible to cancer. In one study, all cause mortality was substantially reduced by optimal levels of vitamin D, so we are just beginning to understand all the ways this hormone/vitamin helps us. . . more

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Eating for Healthy Skin

By Paulette Lambert, R.D., CDE, Director of Nutrition

July 23, 2010 - 8:30AM

Healthy skin is glowing, vibrant and younger looking than age dictates. How do we get that fabulous, young-looking skin? The answer is quite simple: Eat a healthy diet . . more

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Hydration and Its Impact on Skincare

By Ling Chan, Celebrity Facialist and Founder of Ling Skincare

July 16, 2010 - 11:00AM

Summer season is in full swing, which is a favorite time of year for many obvious reasons: vacations, backyard barbecues and pool parties are just a few of the most popular ways to have fun in the sun. In addition to sunscreen, hydration is an acknowledged key component for health and wellness during hectic summer months. However, the question remains, are you truly hydrated?
. . more

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Project Transformation Winner: Kristin Tignac

July 09, 2010 - 3:00PM

“After a recent health scare, I’m making it a priority.”

Project Transformation winner Kristin Tignac is a community volunteer and stay-at-home mom from Simi Valley, California. As a full-time mother to four children, Kristin applied to Project Transformation at California Health & Longevity Institute as a means to reduce stress and live healthier after a recent cancer scare.
. . more

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Project Transformation Winner: Kasi Beutel

June 28, 2010 - 3:00PM

“Part of why I need this transformation is to help me stay safe - so I don’t become a statistic.”

Kasi Beutel, one of our Project Transformation winners from Newbury Park, California, is similar in many ways to a comic book superhero. By day she is a soccer mom, taking care of her three young children. By night, she guards the community in the role of police officer with the city of Santa Barbara.
. . more

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Project Transformation Winner: Christy Routon

June 21, 2010 - 9:30AM

“I’m motivated to change the legacy of my life and show my daughters healthy habits.”

Project Transformation winner Christy Routon is an aesthetician who lives and works in Moorpark, California. As a single mother to two grown children and one very active 15-year-old daughter, Christy entered Project Transformation with a very personal goal. More than anything, she wants to be healthy and fit enough to go for a run with her youngest daughter, who is a cross country runner for her school. . . more

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Project Transformation Winner: Percy Vaz

June 17, 2010 - 2:00PM

“This is the perfect time to improve the quality of my life.”

As a real estate developer from Westlake Village, California, Project Transformation winner Percy Vaz spent the past 30 years of his life contributing to the community by building affordable housing for a living. In addition to a busy career, Percy raised four daughters who are now grown. Currently, as he approaches retirement and begins to think about the next phase of life, he wants to concentrate on making healthy changes. With his wife, Lux, and his daughters’ support, he knows that it is finally time to focus on himself. . . more

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Project Transformation Winner: Dave Fugleberg

June 10, 2010 - 8:00AM

“I need the energy and the strength to go forward for the next 30, 40, 50 years.”

Project Transformation winner Dave Fugleberg is an aerospace and mechanical engineer from Westlake Village, California. Dave grew up in the Panama Canal Zone and was very active as a child, participating in many outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and racing canoes. He attended college at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, where he achieved his pinnacle of fitness by participating in crew for a short period of time during his freshman year and the rugby team throughout his junior and senior years. Upon graduation, he took a job refueling nuclear reactors all over the U.S. and Europe, a position that also required a high level of fitness. . . more

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Project Transformation Winner: Sophia Fischer

June 03, 2010 - 7:00PM

“I want to inspire others in the same situation as me to change their lives.”

Sophia Fischer, one of our eight Project Transformation winners, is a freelance journalist from Oak Park, California. As a mother to four grown children, Sophia spent most of her adult life caring for her family and focusing all of her energy on them. For many years, her personal health and wellness came second to the needs of her husband and children. Work and sitting at a computer for long hours also contributed to her situation. She applied to Project Transformation at California Health & Longevity Institute as a means to put her own personal health and well-being first. . . more

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Project Transformation Winner: Bill Lowry

May 26, 2010 - 11:29AM

“Now is the time to change. I’m ready.”

Bill Lowry, one of our eight Project Transformation winners, is a business owner and geologist who lives in Ventura, California with his wife, 13-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son.

The main reason that Bill applied to Project Transformation at California Health & Longevity Institute was to become a positive role model for his children and his nephew, whose father (Bill’s brother) died from a sudden heart attack at the age of 40. For Bill, having a brother die so young was a huge wake up call. It was a signal that it’s now time to change both his and his relatives’ health habits to ensure that chronic disease will not affect his entire family. . . more

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Project Transformation Winner: Jackie Slutske

May 12, 2010 - 12:00PM

After an extensive selection process, eight winners were chosen to embark upon a six-month journey to improve their personal health and wellness as part of Project Transformation. Each winner began the program with an extensive medical assessment with California Health & Longevity Institute doctors as well as personalized consultations with our experts in nutrition, fitness and life balance. From that point, a customized six-month program was provided to each winner based upon their personal heath history, goals and lifestyle. As part of the program, the winners participate in ongoing personal training, nutrition consultations, health strategies recommendations, complementary and alternative medicine treatments (acupuncture, energy healing, hypnotherapy), hands-on cooking experiences in the Wellness Kitchen, therapeutic treatments in The Spa at Four Seasons, group workshops and more. . . more

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Extraneous Radiation

By Terry Schaack, M.D., Medical Director

April 22, 2010 - 5:00PM

One of my colleagues recently went on a fact-finding visit to a nationally recognized clinic in the field of preventive and executive medicine, and he shared his experience with me as part of our internal improvement program. One of the services he believed he had done was a heart scan to check for calcium in his arteries. He was quite happy to find out that his arteries did not contain any calcium, a good indicator that he does not have plaque forming. . . more

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Shape Up Snapshots: Floor Plank

By Laurie Streff, Exercise Specialist

April 05, 2010 - 5:00PM

Try this exercise that you can do anywhere to strengthen the power-house of your body, your core. Core exercises are essential for maintaining good posture and spinal integrity. Start with performing 3 planks a day, 4-5 times a week, for 10 seconds at a time. Progress gradually so that you are able to hold your planks for up to 30 seconds. You may also add a balance challenge while performing your planks by lifting one leg off the floor at a time. . . more

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The Eating Habits of Men and Women

By Paulette Lambert, R.D., CDE, Director of Nutrition

March 19, 2010 - 1:30PM

Finding it hard to find common ground with your partner or spouse regarding what to eat? Scientific research now backs what many of us have known; there are clear gender differences in food preferences. With today's focus in eating healthier for weight and health concerns, many men and women try to support each other in making better choices, only to find a difference in opinion on what they want to eat. . . more

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An Alternative Approach to Overcoming Sleep Disorders

By Barbara E. Savin, C.HT, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Energy Healing Specialist

March 05, 2010 - 6:00AM

Having a sleep disorder can be disruptive to everyday life. Sleep-deprived people are usually excessively tired, irritable and emotional. Alternative methods can help you approach sleep disorders, such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome in a non-invasive way.

Natural treatment modalities can lessen the effects of sleep disorders. These methods include: proper diet and nutrition, herbs and supplements, relaxation and sensory techniques, meditation, hypnosis CDs or behavioral and cognitive strategies. Often, people use a combination of these approaches to help alleviate the symptoms of their sleep disorders. Take a closer look: . . more

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Heart Disease Awareness

By Michael Brazeal, M.A., Director of Fitness

February 26, 2010 - 9:16AM

February is Heart Disease Awareness Month. To remain heart healthy, one of the areas you can proactively address is lifestyle change. At the forefront is exercise. It is well documented that regular exercise has powerful benefits and is proven to be effective at reducing health risk.

With aggressive exercise, heart disease can be held in check (and even reversed). . . more

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A Matter of Habit

By Claudia Dunn, M.A. OTR/L, Lifestyle Consultant

February 19, 2010 - 4:22PM

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle

Habits are a funny thing. Research shows that up to 90 percent of all our actions are a product of habit. We perform them automatically, almost mindlessly; yet, over time our habits determine our destiny.

. . more

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Fish and Its Safety

By Paulette Lambert, R.D., CDE, Director of Nutrition

February 16, 2010 - 3:10PM

Health experts agree that a diet high in fish is beneficial to overall health, in particular, the prevention of cardiovascular disease. There is some concern, however, about fish consumption and safety risks. At this time, the consensus is that the benefits outweigh the risks.

At California Health & Longevity Institute, we have devised the following guidelines to improve your health and ensure your safety (based on the latest studies and recommendations). . . more

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Myofascial Release

By Michael Brazeal, M.A., Director of Fitness

February 05, 2010 - 1:59PM

Feeling sore, stiff and tight after your workout? Can’t make it to the spa for a relaxing massage to soothe those aching muscles? Try one of the best kept secret in the fitness industry - foam rolling - to reduce tender spots and trigger points caused by myofascial pain. . . more

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Helpful Tips for Visiting a Spa

January 29, 2010 - 6:00AM

Whether you’re visiting a spa for the first time or as a seasoned spa-going pro, some helpful tips and answers to frequently asked questions can help you maximize the enjoyment of your spa experience. . . more

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Map Out the New Year

By Petra Beumer, M.A. and Susi Warmé,OTD, OTR/L

January 22, 2010 - 10:50AM

It's the first month of 2010 and time to map out this year's goals. What aspirations do you have for yourself? How can you make this year better than last? Take a moment to reflect on these various areas of your life: career, finances, family and friends, spirituality, romance, health and fitness, fun and self-care and personal development. Learn how you can pick a goal and see results through following these simple steps. . . more

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Kick That Holiday Sugar Habit

By Paulette Lambert, R.D., CDE, Director of Nutrition

January 14, 2010 - 6:00AM

Many of us have experienced it: the not so quiet voice in our heads that drives us to finish the leftover holiday cookies that we know we have had way too many of or to buy a candy bar on January 2. Sugar cravings are intense and can make us feel "addicted" or out of control when it comes to limiting the intake of this non-nutrient sweetener. Are we really addicted? . . more

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Conquering Fear

By Barbara E. Savin, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Energy Healing Specialist

January 08, 2010 - 5:00PM

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by fear that it prevented you from doing something you wanted to do? Fear has the power to hold you back from taking risks, following your dreams or becoming successful at anything you attempt to do. If you allow fear to control you for long enough, it can eventually erode your quality of life and keep you locked in a prison of inactivity. . . more

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The Skinny on Abdominal Fat

By Laurie Streff, Exercise Specialist

December 22, 2009 - 8:30AM

'Tis the season for abundance and indulgence. Unfortunately, this usually refers to our eating habits during the holidays and not our fitness routines. It might be Santa's look to have "a little round belly that shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly," but excess belly fat comes at a high price. . . more

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Staying Balanced During the Holidays

By Petra Beumer, M.A., Lifestyle Consultant

December 16, 2009 - 6:00AM

With the holidays upon us, you may find yourself having expectations of how "things should be." There is pressure to find the perfect gift, send holiday cards out on time or keep from indulging in too much decadent food. Staying balanced while still maintaining a sense of holiday cheer can be a challenge. It is important, amidst all of the chaos and confusion, to pause and ask yourself: Am I expecting too much of myself? Am I allowing myself to enjoy the spirit of the holidays? Am I feeling balanced? . . more

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Be Happy Now

By Barbara E. Savin, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Energy Healing Specialist

December 08, 2009 - 3:00PM

Are you still waiting for your circumstances to change before you'll allow yourself to be happy? Do you have preconceived ideas of what would make you happy and refuse to be satisfied until those things happen? The problem is that even once specific things happen in our lives, we're rarely satisfied with them. Instead, we shift our focus to something even bigger and better, believing "it" will make us happy (or happier). We never allow ourselves to reach the point of contentment.
. . more

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Boosting Your Immunity Through Salads

As Seen on E! "That Morning Show" by California Health & Longevity Institute and Dole Nutrition Institute

December 03, 2009 - 7:00AM

The following healthy salad tips by the Director of Nutrition at California Health & Longevity Institute, Paulette Lambert, R.D., CDE, are designed to improve your nutrition and help you get to your goal of 7-10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. . . more

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Mindful Eating and the Joy of the Holidays

By Paulette Lambert, R.D., CDE, Director of Nutrition

November 27, 2009 - 6:00AM

Here come the holidays! They are a time for family, celebrations and, of course, eating. In an environment that has holiday treats in abundance, does it mean that we have to succumb to the dreaded weight gain? Is there a way to enjoy delicious foods and not gain those five pounds? You do have a choice. You can enjoy the holidays and avoid gaining weight if you practice mindful eating. This is more than just watching what you eat. Mindful eating is being more aware of how, when, and why you eat, not just what you eat. Yes, the holiday celebrations are laden with special foods that lead many of us to use the excuse "it's only once a year." The reality, however, is that most of us can have whatever we want any time of the year. Remind yourself there will be another holiday soon (Valentine's Day, for one). If you really crave something special, you can buy or bake it another time without waiting for the next holiday to come up on the calendar. . . more

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Calming Chamomile

November 21, 2009 - 3:00PM

Many people enjoy the soothing benefits of chamomile in tea to relax at bedtime. Chamomile has been used for centuries to aid with sleep and digestion. In addition to its commonly recognized use for relaxation, chamomile (also known as earth apples for its sweet bouquet), possesses many therapeutic properties to revitalize the skin. In fact, German chamomile is valued for its anti-inflammatory properties and is excellent for regenerative skin care. . . more

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Change Your Thoughts.  Change Your Life.

From the book One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way by Robert Maurer, PhD

November 13, 2009 - 10:00AM

Fear is a prime player in the lives of successful, emotionally healthy people. Sound surprising? Well, successful people know how to recognize fear, how to negotiate it and how to make it work for them. According to Robert Maurer, PhD, "Fear is nature's gift to awaken us to the possibilities, to alert you that something important is happening - a threat, a challenge or an opportunity. It prepares you for action."

"Our life is what our thoughts make it"
--Marcus Aurelius Antonius
. . more

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Pumpkin Smoothie

November 06, 2009 - 4:00PM

Fall produce inspires us to use some of our favorite fall flavors which can even be transformed into healthy treats! Our Pumpkin Smoothie is so easy to create at home that you might want to enjoy it year-round. This flavorful treat packs a nutritional punch with doses of beta-carotene, antioxidants, calcium and fiber for breakfast or a healthy snack. . . more

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What is Body Composition?

By Michael Brazeal, M.A., Director of Fitness

October 29, 2009 - 9:00AM

There is a pervasive obsession with vanity and body weight throughout our culture. This obsession contributes to a billion-dollar weight loss industry with countless products and programs that promise to unlock the secret to losing weight. Let's face it: thin is in and fat is out. . . more

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Ten Tips for Sleeping Well

October 21, 2009 - 3:30PM

According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), anywhere from 50 to 70 million people suffer from sleep disorders. California Health & Longevity Institute offers clinical sleep studies in addition to a medical consultation regarding sleep habits. As part of the Sleep Well program offered at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, California Health & Longevity Institute experts created the following list of suggested tips for getting a good night's rest. . . more

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Smart Investment for Organizations:  Health of Their Workforce

By Siobhán M. Palmer, R.N., Director of Medical Operations

October 13, 2009 - 11:00AM

Even in the midst of this economic downturn, organizations in the know are still investing in wellness programs. Why is that? Positive return on investment. Research has shown that for every one dollar invested in wellness programs, the ROI is between $3 and $6.

Employers cannot afford to ignore the fact that 87.5% of healthcare claims costs are due to an individual's lifestyle1. In the United States, where payroll is normally the highest expense an employer has, we face a trend of escalating healthcare costs. At some point, these costs could exceed payroll. This spiraling trend negatively impacts an organization's bottom line and the economy of the country as a whole, as companies continue to outsource labor and relocate to countries where healthcare is cheaper. . . more

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Influenza Update

By Jonathan Cole, M.D., Medical Director

October 07, 2009 - 9:30AM

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused by a virus and generally occurs between the months of November through April each year. Fever, cough, muscle aches and a sore throat are usually associated with the virus. Symptoms can last one to two weeks and have an impact on our ability to work, attend school, enjoy our hobbies and care for our families. . . more

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Breast Cancer: Take Prevention Into Your Own Hands

By Paulette Lambert, R.D., CDE, Director of Nutrition

October 02, 2009 - 1:30PM

In the last 10 years, scientific evidence has given women real hope that breast cancer may be preventable. We are no longer powerless to do anything to prevent the disease. Studies now indicate a healthy lifestyle plan that gives women of all ages strategies to defend themselves against breast cancer. Nutrition is emerging as one of the powerful tools to prevent this disease or to minimize its intensity. Although these changes provide no guarantee, they certainly give us a major start toward breast cancer prevention. . . more

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Citrus Grove Bath Oil


September 29, 2009 - 4:41PM

If you're not quite ready to say so long to summer, a soothing bath ritual might be just the remedy to extend the warm, sunny feeling a bit longer. Try this simple recipe for an at home spa experience. . . more

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Simple Strategies for Weight Loss

By Paulette Lambert, R.D., CDE, Director of Nutrition

September 21, 2009 - 1:00PM

Now that summer is over, we're getting into the swing of fall routines. The kids are back in school. Work might require an increase in business travel or other demands before the end of the year. Cooler weather and shorter days offer fewer hours to enjoy the outdoors. These changes in routine from summer to fall, combined with swimsuit season being a distant memory, can often affect eating habits which could contribute to weight gain. . . more

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Managing Stress and Its Impact

by Steven Tan, M.D., M.T.O.M., L.Ac., Director of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

September 14, 2009 - 12:00PM

Stress triggers changes in our bodies that prepare us for crisis and survival. Examples include elevated blood pressure, rapid heart rates, tense muscles, higher blood sugar and cortisol levels, brain activation, etc. These are good for acute and limited crisis management, but when they become persistent as we're seeing in modern times, we can have chronic health problems such hypertension, palpitations, pain, headaches, diabetes, and insomnia. . . more

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Healthy Eating is in Session at Oak Park Unified School District

September 08, 2009 - 3:00PM

Children and teens returned to school in the Oak Park Unified School District last week to find healthier options for school lunches, thanks to California Health & Longevity Institute Director of Nutrition Paulette Lambert, RD, CDE who developed more than 50 recipes for three elementary school cafeterias and a high school café. . . more

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Functional Fitness Training

by Michael Brazeal, MA, Exercise Physiologist, Director of Fitness, and Laurie Streff, Exercise Specialist

September 04, 2009 - 11:00AM

What is Functional Training? Simply put, it is exercise training that helps prepare you for your everyday functions, activities and movements of life. Do we really need washboard abs or buns of steel? This cosmetic approach has more to do with looks rather than function and performance. Most of us certainly don't have the enormous amount of time and energy it would take to achieve for a body builder's physique. . . more

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Lasting Change the Kaizen Way

From the book One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way by Robert Maurer, Ph.D.

August 31, 2009 - 5:00PM

Originally a Japanese philosophy, "Kaizen" is the technique of taking very small steps to achieve large goals, one of the most effective ways to achieve consistent levels of success in making lifestyle changes. This philosophy can be applied to many personal and professional situations to implement and sustain change. . . more

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Eight Glasses: Fact or Fiction?

by Paulette Lambert, R.D., CDE, Director of Nutrition

August 25, 2009 - 8:59AM

Are you constantly walking around with your water bottle, struggling to drink eight glasses of water a day? Most of us know that staying hydrated is good for our bodies. However, does it really improve our health, make us lose weight or improve performance?

Water, including flavored varieties, flushes out waste materials to detoxify the body - definitely an important function. . . more

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August 19, 2010 - 3:30PM

The Sun and Your Skin

By Ronald Moy, M.D., Director of Dermatology

August 10, 2010 - 3:19PM

Shape Up Snapshots: Bridge

By Laurie Streff, Exercise Specialist

August 02, 2010 - 2:30PM

Why is Vitamin D Important?

By Philip Barr, M.D., Clinical Director

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