This part of my website is for you. I want to help you get and stay healthier. I want to expose you to new ideas, medical issues, upcoming events in my practice and around  town, places you can go for more information and new things that might be helpful to you. I am you partner, teacher and coach in your health. I am here for you. We are a team.

  • July 21, 2021

    Your Concierge Doctor Warns of COVID Infection Surge

    COVID vaccines prevent death and severe disease but some vaccinated people are still getting covid. Unvaccinated are at high risk now with the more contagious delta variant. The covid hospitalizations and deaths are going back up again with the restrictions being lifted.
    When with unvaccinated or with a lot of people please wear your mask. Remember you are most likely to catch it through breathing the sick person’s exhaled breath and their droplets and secretions. If you are with people singing, yelling, talking, exercising, or breathing hard it is more risky. Indoors is more risky. Protect yourself and wear a mask.Don’t forget to wash your hands.If you develop symptoms get tested for COVID. Several urgent care centers offer drive up testing. It is a good idea to have a thermometer and oxymeter at home. You can buy a pulse oxymeter to measure oxygen in the blood for around $30 at a pharmacy or online.

    Continue reading →
  • Your Concierge Doctor Invites Diabetics to an Excellent FREE Educational Online Conference 2/27/2021 given by www.TCOYD.org February 5, 2021
    WWW.TCOYD.ORG (take control of your diabetes) is a nonprofit started and run by my classmate from medical school, Dr. Edelman. He is diabetic and has written over 200 articles, 5 books and numerous videos on diabetes for doctors and patients. He is funny, engaging and smart. He is dressed up as the red head- check out what he really looks like at www.tcoyd.org.
    If you have any diabetics in your life this group is fantastic and this free conference has very topical subjects as well as access to lots of diabetic products. Please pass the info along.
    The group also does education for doctors if you know any doctors. Check out www.tcoyd.org for more information and videos.

    As your concierge physician I welcome you questions, comments and suggestions.

    Continue reading →
  • Your Concierge Doctor Invites You to Try Grateful Living Practices April 8, 2020

    Daily Grateful Living Practice Ideas

    This is from www.gratefulness.org

    Here are 30 Daily Grateful Living Practices for you to try. These practices range from actions that will take you only a moment to those that will take a larger commitment of your time. If there is one practice on this list that you would like to try every day, do so. Or try a new one each day. Or switch it up. What matters is that you do something every day to build the habit of intentionally directing your attention to notice and appreciate the gifts of your life.

     

    1. Close your eyes. Take a few, very deep breaths – all the way out and all the way in. Notice how your breathing so often takes care of itself…just breath moving itself through you – keeping you alive – just keeping you alive. Commit to NOT taking this miracle for granted.
      Every night before you go to sleep, take an inventory of the things for which for which you are grateful. Let them percolate through your mind and calm your body. Write down at least five things that matter to you.
      3. Engage in an act of kindness today. Notice if you are pulled toward kindness for a stranger more than someone close to you, or vice-versa. Either way, offer your kindness with no strings attached and no need for recognition. Truly. Notice the completeness and fullness of letting go of needing something back.
      4. Bring to mind someone for whom you are grateful. Savor this image or memory. Try to allow the image to be held by all the cells of your body, not just in your mind. Notice what happens in your emotions and body when you do this.
      5. At any point during the day, reflect upon one important thing that you have learned in this day. Write down what you have learned.
      6. Send an e-cardor card letting someone know that you are thinking of them today. Expect nothing in return. Just share appreciation and acknowledgement.
      7. Sit quietly and allow a sense of peace to enter your heart. From this place, light a (virtual) candle or a candle in your space. Create a grateful intention and settle into the peace of residing in gratefulness for a few, precious moments.
      8. Start your day with an intention to show up absolutely whole-heartedly to everything you do today. Notice at the end of the day if anything changed because of this intention.
      9. Send an e-card or written message of peace and well-wishes to someone.
      10. Make the decision to see your most challenging moments today as opportunities. What might be making itself known or available to you in hard times? How can you cultivate even small sentiments of gratefulness for the gifts that come from struggle? Reflect on this at the beginning and the end of the day.
      11. Turn all of the “waiting” moments of the day into moments of heightened awareness. Try to be fully present in these moments to what might be blessings in disguise. Notice that time “between” things is a huge gift. Enjoy the gift.
      12. If you share a meal with others today, before or while you eat, ask each person to share something for which they are grateful. If eating alone, bring to mind something for which you are grateful and dedicate your meal to that “great fullness.”
      13. Choose a poem that speaks to you and read it a few times in a day. Let it awaken a new experience each time you read it. Notice how no poem is the same poem twice if you read it with true presence. Share the poem with someone.
      14. Notice your hands. Think of all they do for you. Can you imagine what it would be like to offer them your true appreciation at a host of moments each day? Notice how much they help to facilitate what you love in life. Take care of them.
      15. Reach out to someone you know is going through a difficult time. You do not have to have the right things to say, just connect in a meaningful way.
      16. Send an e-card thanking someone for simply being in your life.
      17. Watch Br. David’s video “A Good Day.” Share it with a friend.
      18. Enter the meditative space of a labyrinth, or walk a short path meditatively somewhere near you. If you move as a mindfulness practice, you can go back and forth on the same path and it will always generate new horizons. Notice how amazing it is to move – no matter how you do that.
      19. Before you eat, take a moment to feel grateful to all those who contributed to creating your meal. The farmer who grew the vegetables, the hens that laid the eggs, the workers who harvested the wheat and stocked the food, etc.
      20. While racing somewhere, take 30 seconds to stop, take a breath, and look at the sky, or at the environment around you. What was begging for your attention?
      21. Do something truly generous for someone else today. Expand into your most full-blown expression of generosity. Give as if your life depended on it, and then try giving a little more. Stretch into your capacity. Seek nothing in return.
      22. Each time you turn on the tap, pause to feel grateful that you have access to running water, unlike so many in the world today.
      23. Tell someone whom you love that you love them – and offer that comment a larger context by spelling out some of the reasons why you are grateful for them.
      24. Ask someone a sincere question. There is hardly a more precious gift than true inquiry and deep listening. Where is gratefulness in this?
      25. Make a financial contribution to a non-profit organization doing work that you value. Accompany that gift with a note of appreciation for how hard people are working to advance missions in which you believe. Feel interconnected.
      26. Ask “What is the opportunity for gratefulness in this moment?” Try this when things are not going as you had planned.
      27. Give someone a grateful hug. Actually give the hug – don’t take a hug. Ask first.
      28. Pick out five things that you do not need anymore, and give them away with joy.
      29. Put a bag in your pocket, go for a walk, and make a corner of the world more beautiful by picking up the litter along the way. Your appreciation of the earth will be contagious to others.
      30. 775 million people in the world are illiterate. Feel your good fortune as you read this sentence, and as you read anything today.

    While we are all staying home to keep from spreading or getting the COVID19 give one of these ideas a try.

    As your concierge physician I welcome your questions, comments and concerns.

    Stay safe

    Continue reading →
  • Your Concierge Physician Invites You to Enjoy FREE Zumba and Yoga June 6, 2019

    Beach Cities Health District is sponsoring FREE Zumba in the park June 10,17 and 24 at 6:30 PM in Alta Vista Park  Julia Field, Redonda Beach.

    FREE Mindful Yoga is being offered south of the Manhattan Beach Pier July 1,8,15,22 and 19 at 6:30 pm. It will also be offered at Valley Park in Hermosa Beach on August 5,12,19 and 26 at 6:30PM.

    Register online at bchd.org/freefitness.

    As your concierge doctor I welcome your comments, suggestions and questions.

    Continue reading →
  • Your Concierge Physician Encourages You to Properly Dispose of Unused Medications October 19, 2018

    The best way to get rid of expired or unused medications is to bring them on Saturday Oct. 27, 2018 from 10 am to 2 pm to one of the participating National Take Back sites. Locations include Torrance Memorial Hospital, Palos Verdes Police, Los Angeles Sheriff Lomita Station, Redondo Beach Police Annex, Torrance Police Department Main Lobby, Hermosa Police Department, Manhattan Beach Police Department, El Segundo Police Department, and Gardena Police Department. There are more sites available if you are not near one of these listed. Visit DEATakeBack.com for more information. This is anonymous. NO questions asked. Medications do not need to be in their bottles.

    If you cannot bring your medications to this event the DEA recommends that you take the medication out of the bottle and mix with something unappealing like used cat litter or coffee grounds and seal them in a bag or disposable container and throw that away.

    For more information visit DEATakeBack.com.

    As your concierge doctor I welcome your questions, comments and suggestions.

    Continue reading →
  • Your Concierge Physician Shares The Wisdom of an 86 Year Old August 15, 2018

    My favorite 86 year old wrote this about growing old:

    I am grateful that I am growing old. It is a privilege that many have been denied.  Awareness of this mercy gives fresh wonder to every day. I am thankful for the joys I now can grasp because age has pried my fingers loose from trivial things– for simpler life, for swallows skimming over sunlit meadows, for unhurried moments to nourish faith on thoughts of past mercies, for sacred instants when all things that once seemed disjointed, fall into place and the sad things of earth are swallowed up to holy joy.

    I am aware of the beauties of life’s autumn, a time of fulfillment and harvest,  May age be seen as  part of the design for the world and for us, so that the years may rest less as a burden and more like a benediction.  Spare us from self pity that shrivels the soul. Though our wrinkles multiply and bodies tire, may there be no withering of our spirit.  May every day witness some rebirth of beauty, some eager exploration of a new unspoiled hour. If appetite for food should fade, may our eyes still savor tenderness in others, consume the dawn, feast on starlight.   Though our money may be limited, let us be spendthrifts with love.  And grant us some moments living on tip toes, just beyond the hills of time.

     

    As your concierge doctor I welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. I hope we all can age with such wisdom and gratitude.

    Continue reading →
  • Your Concierge Doctor Says Check the Maker of Your Valsartan- Recall of Some Generic Valsartan Pills July 20, 2018

    IMPORTANT NOTE: Valsartan medication recall

     

    Several common drugs that contain valsartan, used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, have been recalled due to an impurity — N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) — in the drug that poses a potential cancer risk.  The presence of NDMA is thought to be related to changes in the way the active substance was manufactured, according to the FDA.

     

    Keep yourself safe and take these steps:

    • To determine whether the specific medicine you are taking has been recalled, look at the drug name and company name on the label of the prescription bottle. If the information is not on the bottle, please call our office or contact the pharmacy that dispensed the medicine. The recalled medications are as follows:
    Valsartan Major Pharmaceuticals
    Valsartan Solco Healthcare
    Valsartan Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd.
    Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) Solco Healthcare
    Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd.

     

     

    • If your medicine is included in this recall, do not stop taking the medication until we have prescribed a replacement product for you. Because these medicines are used to treat serious medical conditions       — heart failure and high blood pressure — you can put yourself at risk of harm if you suddenly stop taking it. Please call our office to discuss alternate treatment options.

     

    For more information:

    https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/19/health/valsartan-recall-explainer/index.html

     

    https://health.usnews.com/health-care/articles/2018-07-19/affected-by-the-valsartan-heart-drug-recall-heres-what-to-do

     

    https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm613532.htm

    As your concierge physician I welcome your comments, concerns and questions.

    Continue reading →
  • Your Concierge Doctor Reminds You to Watch for Your NEW Medicare Card and Don’t Fall for the Scams June 21, 2018

    Medicare is in the process of issuing new cards to all Medicare enrollees. These cards will NOT have your social security number. Please watch for the new card. When you get your new card please give us a copy at your next office visit.

    Watch out for the scam phone calls telling you to give them a credit card so you can get your new Medicare card.  This is a scam. Medicare will NOT call you. You will get a card automatically to replace your old card.

    If you have any questions please call the office.

    As your concierge physician I welcome your comments, questions and concerns.

    Continue reading →
  • Your Concierge Doctor Invites Families with Children ages 7 to 13 to FREE Nutrition and Fitness Classes February 27, 2018

    Free Kids Fitness program 1 Free Kids fitness torrance 2018

    Torrance Memorial Lundquist Cardiovascular Institute, South Bay Children’s Health Center, The South Bay Galleria and and the YMCA are sponsoring FREE classes for families with children ages 7 to 13 to promote healthy lifestyle choices by providing useful information and practical tips through hands-on learning and fun activities.

    Please note there are 2 locations, one in Torrance and one in Redondo Beach.

    For more information contact 310-602-4905 for the YMCA program in Torrance and 310-517-4638 for the Redondo Beach program.

    As your concierge physician I welcome your comments, questions and suggestions.

    Continue reading →
  • Your Concierge Doctor is Excited to Share an eCourse “Gratitude for Educators” January 30, 2018

    In March there will be an online course, “Gratitude for Educators.” This will be taught by Owen Griffith, author of “Gratitude a Way of Teaching.”  There will be a network set up for those who take the class. The link is https://learn.gratefulness.org/product/gratitude-way-teaching.

    The link to Owen Griffith’s blog is http://spirituallyteaching.blogspot.com/

    This five-session eCourse will include practical, research-based activities and a new gratitude curriculum shared by educator and author, Owen Griffith. Owen’s book, Gratitude: A Way of Teaching, will offer structure to help guide the course as we create opportunities for educators to explore gratitude as a way to improve class culture; academic and social success for students; and satisfaction and resilience in students and educators alike. We will start a network of educators using gratitude and answer the following questions:

    • How can gratitude transform our schools, classrooms, and our lives?
    • How do we challenge the culture of complaining and replace it with gratitude?
    • What are the barriers to implementing gratitude in our classrooms and lives?
    • How can we cultivate balance in our classrooms and our lives with mindfulness?
    • What can we do to prevent burnout and instill resilience?
    • How can we replace materialism and entitlement with gratitude and altruism?
    • How can we spread gratitude to the community?

    The class doesn’t start until March, 2018, but please check out this link and feel free to share it:
    https://learn.gratefulness.org/product/gratitude-way-teaching/.

     

    As your concierge physician I welcome your comments, questions and suggestions.

    Continue reading →
  • Your Concierge Doctor Invites You to Learn About Endorphin Deficiency and Pain October 6, 2017

    Louise Connolly MD is board certified in Integrative Medicine and in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is  in private practice in Redondo Beach. Visit her website www.LouiseConnollyMD.com for more information. You can contact her at 310-372-4706.

    She has written many articles on various aspects of pain and she has allowed me to share them with you. This is another one of her articles.

    Endorphin Deficiency Too Little Feel Good

    Low Dose Naltrexone And More

    By Louise Connolly MD

     

    Yes you can dampen a pain signal, numb the nerve with lidocaine, zone it  out.

    But then the nerve is just numb, it’s supposed to function. What if the problem isn’t too much pain, just too little relief.  What is there is something wrong with your feel good signaling system? What if it is under active? You may need replacement therapy not a pain killer.

     

    Just what is our pain/ pleasure system anyway? And what makes it work or not work? Well, the pleasure signals are called endorphins. One of their biggest stimulators is exercise.  One of their biggest inhibitors is stress. This endorphin system stimulates our “opioid” receptors, a term which I find unfortunate. Opioids are not natural compounds.

     

    If you are under stress, your endorphins can actually turn from promoting relaxation to promoting pain through their absence.

    How does this happen? Stress made your endorphins go down. Usually your endorphins stimulate immune balance by increasing regulatory T cells. Lose endorphins and you lose immune balance leaving your body open to inflammation. Inflammation, especially in the brain’s microglia, lead to amplified pain signaling. A Q-tip becomes a needle.

    Narcotics:

     

    The problem with man made opiates (morphine, demerol or percocet) is that they are NOT bioidentical to endorphins although they hit the same receptors. These drugs have vastly different effects than our own endorphins. At first narcotics work, but then all regulation goes haywire. Endorphins are down regulated, Regulatory T cells aren’t stimulated and the end result is a prolongation of inflammation followed by opioid resistance. So you end up needing more and more.

     

    It just isn’t nice to fool Mother Nature.

     

    Opioid receptors were never meant to be exposed to narcotics. Opioids dampen pain, endorphins promote pleasure. It’s as if your thyroid was under active, and instead of replacing it with bioidentical thyroid, we used an amphetamine, would you get more energy? Yes. Is it the right answer? No. Side effects would be horrendous and there is an addiction potential. Same thing with endorphins and narcotics.

     

    What we need is bioidentical endorphins, only we haven’t figured out how to make them yet. So what we’ve got to do is increase our own production of endorphins. Exercise and a good night’s sleep help are a start. Anything we can do to decrease stress in our lives also helps. But what else?

    DLPA:

     

    This is really just phenylalanine, a derivative of the amino acid tyrosine (as found in aged cheese). It is a precursor of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter.  Dopamine is all about reward and the pleasure you get from feeling rewarded. On a biological level, DL phenylalanine stops an endorphin-like molecule (enkephalin) from breaking down. Keeping this natural feel good chemical around longer resulted in less depression and less pain.

     

    That’s where we got the basis for the combination anti-depressants/anti-pain drugs called Effexor, Cymbalta, and  Savella. Me, I’d rather just up my consumption of DL phenylalanine.

     

    DLPA has synergistic effects with Kratom. This is an evergreen tree native to Malaysia and Thailand.  There will be more about Kratom in a future post. It’s not for most people’s use.

     

    Low Dose Naltrexone:

     

    Naltrexone was discovered in the 1980’s.  It’s traditional use is to block the opioid receptor so narcotics couldn’t have an effect.  This would save lives from drug overdoses in the ER.  Dosing for traditional naltrexone use  was high, 100 mg.

     

    Very soon thereafter, an interesting effect was found with low dose naltrexone. We are

    now talking about 3 mg, NOT 100 mg! This low dose naltrexone would only block opioid receptors for a few hours.  Your body then thinks that it’s low in endorphins and makes more. But by this time, the naltrexone is gone, and your receptors are flooded with newly made endorphins. Regulatory T cells surge, blocking chronic inflammation creating a win/win for you. Less pain, more healing.

    Low dose naltrexone works well for many central sensitivity syndromes and autoimmune diseases which involve pain. Studies support use in everything from Chrohn’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis to IBS, Migraines, and Fibromyalgia. Low dose naltrexone is well tolerated, safe and can have surprisingly beneficial effects. Get it? It doesn’t act like a drug, it just helps your body produce more of it’s own “feel better” chemicals while damping both central and peripheral inflammation.

     

    If you want, come in, I’ll prescribe some, and see for yourself. There’s no risk here. Please note, you can’t take low dose naltrexone and narcotics at the same time.

     

    For questions on this article please contact Dr. Connolly at 310-372-4706 or visit her website www.LouiseConnollyMD.com.

    As your concierge physician I welcome your comment, suggestions and questions.

    Continue reading →
  • Your Concierge Doctor Shares a Post on Surviving Complicated Grief September 27, 2017

    Dr. Sydell Weiner is a psychologist in private practice in Torrance, California.  Her website, www.sydellweiner.com, has her blog on other topics related to mental health that you might find interesting. She has shared this posting with me to share with you. Her phone number is 310-292-2538 if you would like to contact her.

    Surviving Complicated Grief

    By Sydell Weiner, Ph.D

    The hospital smells of disinfectant, unable to mask the presence of illness and grief. I walk into my husband’s room and give him a hug. I hold on tight, and even though he’s too weak to reciprocate, I relish the familiar touch and feel of his skin. How, I wonder, will I find the strength to witness his decline. He promised he’d never leave me, that he’d love me forever. But now he has cancer and promises are a thing of the past.

    Six weeks later my sweet husband, Rex, passes peacefully at home. Even though I’m with him when he takes his last breath, I just stare in disbelief. Grief takes on many forms, and for now I feel like I’m watching a scene in a really bad play. I walk through the funeral, burial and reception like I’m a robot. I engage in conversation but I’m not really present. There’s a blanket between me and the rest of the world and nothing’s getting through.

    When the feelings start to come they are complicated and not what I expected. The anger kicks in first. I tear through Rex’s tools and start packing them away. When I find corroded duplicates, I go to the dump and toss them out frantically. I call in a friend to take down the walls of his make-shift office in the garage. I clean out the space with a vengeance, furious at the mess that he left behind. If I’m going to be alone then I’ll do what I want, so don’t get in my way.

    My kids are both grown with families of their own, and I don’t want to burden them unnecessarily. But toughing it out on my own is harder than I thought. Out of nowhere, with Rex gone 6 weeks, the tears start to come. They come at the supermarket when I can’t decide between peaches and plums. They come when the light turns red and I’m going to be 5 minutes late. I cry when the gas tank hits empty and I’ve forgotten to fill the tank. And again when the dishes pile up in the sink and the dishwasher hasn’t been unloaded. It doesn’t take much, but for the next 8 months the tears feel like they’re never going to end.

    And then the fear kicks in. I’m 69, but suddenly I feel very old. How will I navigate this next phase of my life on my own? Will I be lonely for the rest of my days? What if I get in an accident and nobody knows about it until it’s too late? Will I have enough money to live comfortably if I need long term care? Who can I talk to when I’m feeling worried or sad or even happy and excited? Rex was my heart, the one I shared everything with, and now I have no idea where I’m supposed to turn.

    I’m independent to a fault and resist reaching out, until I see a card from The Gathering Place. It’s run through Provident Little Company of Mary, and they’re offering a “Loss of Spouse” Grief Support Group. Even though I’m not Catholic, it’s close to my home so I agree to give it a chance. I go to the group for nine weeks and start connecting with other women. I start to make friends and suddenly I’m surrounded by people who understand. “How did you deal with Social Security?” “Do you have to take your husband’s name off the mortgage to set up a trust?” “What are you doing with his clothes?” “Who do you talk to when you are feeling hopeless?” And most importantly, “Tell me about your husband, what was he like?”

    It’s almost a year since I lost the love of my life, and although I’m still grieving I have begun to have hope. I journal every morning to stay in touch with my feelings. I honor my husband by sending him loving prayers throughout the day. I’ve learned to reach out and ask for help when I need it. I know who I can really talk to and who just wants me to move on. But mostly I’ve learned that I have not been abandoned. I have been loved and cherished by a man I adored, and that love gives me the strength to make it on my own.

    As your concierge physician I welcome your comments, suggestions and questions.

     

     

     

    Continue reading →
  • Your Concierge Doctor Gives The New Phone Number For Doctors Abe, Eltawil and RAsic June 13, 2017

    John Abe, MD, Khalid Eltawil, MD and Anthony Rasic MD have moved and have a new phone number. They are now located at

    2841 Lomita Blvd, Suite 235, Torrance, CA 90505.

    The new phone number is 310- 517-8950

    New fax is 310-326-6054

    They continue to practice pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine.

    As your concierge physician I welcome your feedback, questions and comments.

    Continue reading →
  • Your Concierge Doctor Congratulates Torrance Memorial Medical Center for Earning Four Stars April 27, 2017

    We are very fortunate to have excellent local hospitals. Torrance Memorial Medical Center has now earned FOUR STARS **** from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as a result of the positive responses former patients provided on the hospital consumer assessment of healthcare providers and systems survey. This survey includes 32 datapoint measuring patients’ perceptions of their hospital experience. The survey time period was for discharges from July 2015 through June 2016.
    This places Torrance Memorial Medical Center in the top 13% of hospitals in the state. During this period 37 hospitals out of 292 in California achieved either four or five stars.
    Congratulations to Torrance Memorial medical Center and it’s staff and doctors. I am proud to be part of Torrance Memorial Hospital.
    As your concierge physician I welcome your comments, questions and suggestions.

    Continue reading →
  • Your Concierge Doctor Invites Families With Children 7-13 to Join a FREE nutrition and Fitness Program March 15, 2017

    kids-nutrition-and-fitness-class-2017

    This 6 week class meets on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7 pm at the YMCA, 2900 W. Sepulveda Blvd in Torrance.

    The program promotes healthy lifestyle choices with hands on learning and fun activities. It is taught by registered dietitians and fitness specialists. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. This class is for families with kids aged 7-13.

    While enrolled in the 6 week class the family receives a free membership to the Torrance- South Bay YMCA.

    If you have questions or would like more information please contact Isaac Gardner at 310-602-4796 or isaacgardner@ymcala.org

    This is sponsored by Torrance memorial Lundquist Cardiovascular Institute and the YMCA.

    As your concierge physician I am available for your questions, comments and suggestions.

    Continue reading →
  • Your Concierge Doctor Reminds You of Cold and Flu Symptoms January 19, 2017

    cold-flu-symptoms

    No one likes being sick. It is easy to want to find a quick fix to get over a cold or flu. Remember that these illnesses are caused by viruses. Symptoms like fever and sore throat tend to resolve in about 4 days while the cough can persist for weeks. Antibiotics do not work for viruses. For the true influenza there is  anti-viral medication that works best if started early.

    As your concierge physician I welcome your questions, comments and suggestions.

    Continue reading →
  • Your Concierge Doctor Wants to Inform You About Local Hydrofluoric Acid Dangers September 16, 2016

    Hydrofluoric acid, HF, is a very potent acid that can cause severe burns, lasting internal organs damage and death whether inhaled, absorbed through the skin or swallowed. HF is used in our two local oil refineries. These are the only refineries in California that use HF. The Torrance refinery has 250,000 pounds of modified hydrofluoric acid in the refinery. If there is an accidental release of just 50,000 pounds (one fifth of their stored HF) on a calm day there would be a 7.7 mile radius of death for most with short-term exposure and a 13.7 mile radius of irreversible and serious health effects. This area includes all of the area from Seal Beach to Santa Monica to downtown LA, including all of the South Bay. This is where we all live and work. We have been fortunate that there has not been a major accident. There have been close calls.
    Other refineries use sulfuric acid instead of HF. Sulfuric acid remains a liquid on the ground and is not released as a cloud in the air the way HF would be. The refineries could be changed to use sulfuric acid. This would be much safer.
    There is a local group that is working to raise the awareness of this danger and to get the EPA or the state of California to ban HF use in California. The group is called the Torrance refinery action alliance. Their website is
    www.safeTorrancerefinery.org. They meet on the first and third Monday of each month from six to 7:45 PM at the Sizzler restaurant, 2880 Sepulveda  Boulevard, Torrance. The contact is info@safeTorrancerefinery.org.

    Monday Sept. 19 at 10 am there is a meeting with the US EPA and the Southern Calif Air Quality Management district at the Ken Miller Center in the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance to demand that the refineries give the EPA the true dangers involving HF. You can read the article in the Daily Breeze http://www.dailybreeze.com/government-and-politics/20160914/why-are-torrance-refinery-activists-unhappy-over-long-awaited-meeting-monday?source=most_viewed .

    As your concierge physician I welcome your comments, questions and suggestions.

     

    Continue reading →
  • Your Concierge Doctor Would Like to Give You a Present of Onions August 31, 2016

    Homegrown, fresh onions taste fantastic! I was skeptical of this until we grew our own. I would like for you to experience incredible onions.

    Onions are good for you. They help prevent cancer, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, protect the heart, increase bone density, decrease inflammation and prevent infection. Onions have been called the chef’s assistant”. Look through cookbook and you will see that almost any soup recipe and almost all recipes will have onions. It’s been said that there would be no cuisine without onions only food. Onions are not usually allergenic. They do not contain oxalates or purines so they can be enjoyed by those with gout and oxalate kidney stones. Onions contain a high concentration of polyphenol, quercetin, vitamin C, manganese, molybdenum, vitamin B6, fiber, folate and potassium.  Onions fresh from the garden are an incredible treat, raw or cooked.

    I would like to enable you  to experience this healthy treat and teach you to grow onions yourself. As a gift to my patients, I will order onion plants and give them to you to plant and teach you how to grow them. In southern California  we plant the baby onion plants the beginning of December to harvest them around April. Onions grew well in sandy soil. If you have clay soil you want to mix your soil with peat or use containers for growing the onions. Please let me know by October 15 if you would like to have me order onions for you. I will order extra if you forget to RSVP.

    As your concierge physician I encourage your comments, suggestions and questions. Please call me at 310-373-5566

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  • Your Concierge Doctor Encourages Medicare Patients to Get Physical Therapy August 31, 2016
    Medicare allows each patient to have about 15 out patient physical therapy visits each CALANDER  year (Jan. 1 to Dec 31). If you have not used up your physical therapy benefits with Medicare for this calendar year and would benefit from therapy please make an appointment with me. Physical therapy can help pain, balance issues, falling, dizziness, strength, bone strength, urinary incontinence and the like. We have only 12 more weeks in 2016.
    AS your concierge physician I welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions. Please call the office at 310-373-5566.
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  • Your Concierge Physician Invites Caregivers and Those With Mild Dementia To Attend the Memory Club Series August 9, 2016

    Memory Club 2016

     

    Note that this series of classes is for a person with MILD dementia ( mild cognitive impairment) and one caregiver. The classes have sessions for both the caregiver and the person with memory issues. You must call to reserve a spot. This has been an excellent series in the past. Please pass this information to anyone you know who would benefit. This is FREE

    As your concierge doctor I welcome your comments, questions and suggestions.

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  • Your Concierge Doctor Invites Caregivers to a FREE 6 Week Class August 9, 2016

    Caregiver Tools Class

    I have received excellent reviews of this class in the past. If you know of any caregivers please pass the information along. please be sure to call to reserve your spot.

    As your concierge physician I welcome your questions, comments and suggestions.

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  • Your Concierge Doctor Invites You To Watch a Talk on Gratitude July 22, 2016

    This lecture was given by Owen Griffith about his new book ” Gratitude: A Way of Teaching.”

    As your concierge physician I welcome your comments, questions and feedback. I am thankful to be your doctor.

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  • Your Concierge Physician Invites You to a FREE Lecture on Gratitude by the Author of ” Gratitude: A Way of Teaching” July 8, 2016

    LIVING WITH GRATITUDE

    With Owen Griffith, teacher and author of

    ” Gratitude: A Way of Teaching”

    July 18, 7 p.m. — 8 p.m.

    St. Margaret Mary Church

    St. Joseph Center

    25511 Eshelman Ave.

    Lomita, CA

    “When it comes to life the critical

    thing is whether you take things for

    granted or take them with gratitude.”

    – G. K. Chesterton

    Recent research has shown that practicing gratitude in

    our lives can make us happier, as well as helping us

    improve our emotional and physical health.

    Owen Griffith, teacher, educational consultant, and blogger will read

    from his new book

    Gratitude: A Way of Teaching

    as well as explain and

    demonstrate practices that anyone can use to improve their life with

    gratitude.

    I practice gratitude and welcome ways to expand my gratitude. I encourage all to be thankful in everything. I hope to see you at this lecture. As your concierge doctor I welcome your comments and questions.

     

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  • Your Concierge Doctor Invites You to Meet the Author of ” Gratitude: A way of Teaching” July 8, 2016

    Come to

    Owen M. Griffith’s

    Book Signing for

    Gratitude: A Way of Teaching

    Wednesday, July 20, 2016 – 5-7 PM

    Barnes and Noble Long Beach

    Marina Pacifica Mall

    6326 East Pacific Coast Highway

    Long Beach, CA 90803

     

     

    This valuable book provides solution-based methods and resources to help improve everyone’s life with gratitude. For educators, this book helps improve classroom culture, while enabling schools to elevate students’ engagement and academic achievement. Grounded in scientific research, Gratitude: A Way of Teaching delves into numerous integral aspects of gratitude and its application in life. This book features success stories and step-by-step instructions to successfully implementing gratitude in daily life. Activities are provided to combat materialism and entitlement with gratitude and altruism, help teenagers utilize gratitude successfully, and encourage entire families to embrace gratitude and make it a permanent part of their lives. Gratitude: A Way of Teaching will inspire everyone to stay energized with gratitude throughout their lives.

    As your concierge physician I practice gratitude and encourage gratitude in all our lives and everything we do. I welcome your comments and questions.

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  • TORRANCE FEMALE RESIDENTS: Your Concierge Doctor Encourages You to Take Self Defense Training June 15, 2016

    The City of Torrance is offering a FREE12 hour self defense course for women. I took this class last year. It is excellent. The Friday, July 8 6-9-PM, night session is informational. The Saturday July 9 session lasts 8 to 5. You will learn self defense techniques to deal with lots of different situations ( like being grabbed from behind, forced to the ground, grabbed on your arms, someone on top of you…). When I took this class I realized that I had never hit someone and being able to learn how to hit and kick against well padded peace officers was good. At the end of the day you practice what you learned. It is intense but very important.

    There were women as young as 14 and as old as 84. The space is limited so be sure to sign up early and sign up only if you will attend. Once you take the course you can go back to practice. I am planning to go back to practice. It just might save my life. I hope to see you there.

    I highly recommend this opportunity. If you do not live in Torrance please call your police department and find out when they offer a class like this.  Please pass this information to the women you know who live in Torrance.

    To sign up go to the site https://www.torranceca.gov/Survey/TakeSurvey.asp?SurveyID=34I397136lmMG.

     

    This is the official notice from the Torrance Police:

    The Torrance Police Department is offering a free 12 hour Women’s self Defense Seminar. The seminar will be on Friday, July 8th from 6-9 PM and Saturday, July 9th from 8 AM- 5 PM. This course is a comprehensive class for women that teaches awareness, prevention, risk and risk avoidance. There will be hands on self-defense techniques taught.

    This seminar is reserved for residents, employees or members of civic groups in the city of Torrance. The class is restricted to attendees 14 years of age and older. For those ages 14 & 15, a mother or other female guardian must attend the class as well (or at minimum be present during the class). For those 16 & 17 years old, a parent or guardian must sign a waiver, but need not be present.

    The first class session will be a classroom presentation and the second day will be the practical application. Wear comfortable clothing like sweats or leggings to cover the knees, and athletic shoes.
    This program is instructed by certified members of the Torrance Police Department and is held at the Torrance Police Department. For more information on this program, contact Lieutenant Chris Roosen croosen@torranceca.gov.

    To sign up for the course click the following link:

    https://www.torranceca.gov/Survey/TakeSu…

    ***Please note if you sign up to make sure you are able to attend. There is limited space in the class and we want to give those who are committed the opportunity to attend. In the last few sessions we had several people drop out last minute and would like to avoid this. Please be mindful of the date and only register if you are sure you will be able to attend. 

     

    As your concierge physician I encourage your feedback and suggestions.

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  • Your Concierge Doctor Invites You to Celebrate National Cancer Survivors’ Day 6/8/2016 April 26, 2016

    Torrance Memorial Hospital is celebrating National Cancer Survivors’ Day June 8, 2016 with a dinner, survivor tributes and an hour talk by Shelley Smith, Emmy Award winning sports journalist for ESPN and a multiple cancer survivor. She made a documentary, “Triumphant,” about her recent cancer journey, including her care at Torrance Memorial. She will share her inspirational story.

    The celebration is free for cancer survivors and their family and friends. Space is limited and reservations are required.

    Dinner will be at 5:30 PM

    Tributes and Shelley Smith’s talk 6:30 to 9 pm.

    Please register by June 3 at torrancememorial.org/CancerSurvivors or call 310-517-4660

    If you would like to receive information about this even in the future please call 310-517-7077.

    Please pass this information to the cancer survivors in your life.

    As your concierge physician I welcome your comments, suggestions and questions.

    Nancy Griffith MD, MPH

    310- 373-5566

     

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  • Your Concierge Doctor Encourages You to Get Rid of Unwanted Medications April 30 April 5, 2016

    On April 30, 2016 from 10 to 2 the City of Torrance POLICE station will collect unwanted medications. Please do not flush meds down the toilet. Bring them to a collection site for proper disposal.

    As your concierge physician I welcome your questions, comments and suggestions.

    Nancy Griffith MD, MPH

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  • Your Concierge Physician Invites You to a Workshop on Early Memory Loss April 5, 2016
    Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles, USC Memory and Aging Center and the Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Research will put on a community workshop for people with early memory loss and those who care for them at the Skirball Center Sunday April 10.
    9am to 3:30pm
    THIS FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2016
    General admission $25
    844-HELP ALZ (844-435-7259)
    Please pass this along to friends and family that it might help
    As your concierge doctor, I welcome your input, suggestions, comments and questions.
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  • Dr. Nancy Griffith, Concierge Physician, Gives Foam Roller Instructions December 10, 2015

    Nancy Griffith MD, MPH, concierge doctor, shows how to use a foam roller.  I encourage everyone to get a foam roller and use it regularly.

    As your concierge physician, I welcome your comments, questions or suggestions.

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  • Nancy Griffith MD, MPH, Concierge Doctor, Shows How to Use Nasal Spray December 10, 2015

    in this video, your concierge physician,  shows how to use prescription nasal spray.

    If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions please contact me.

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  • Your Concierge Physician Shows How To Make Your Own Hot Pack December 2, 2015

    t

    Dr. Nancy Griffith, a Concierge Physician, in Torrance, CA shows how to use a sock and raw rice to create a reusable hot pack.

    This hot pack is nice for sore muscles, especially around the neck, or warming up your bed on a cold night. Unlike a heating pad, this bag cools off after it is removed from the microwave, reducing the risk of burn if you fall asleep on it.

    As your concierge doctor I welcome your questions, comments or suggestions.

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  • Your Concierge Doctor Has Onions For You To Grow December 2, 2015
    Mature onions at the end of the season 2012
    This is what your onions will look like in spring. Pick them up now for planting
    Continue reading →
  • Learn useful massage techniques that you can do by yourself at home! November 6, 2015
  • Your Concierge Physician Reminds Medicare Patients about Physical Therapy October 12, 2015

    Medicare allows each patient to have about 15 out patient physical therapy visits each CALANDER year (Jan. 1 to Dec 31). If you have not used up your physical therapy benefits with Medicare and would benefit from therapy please make an appointment with me. Physical therapy can help pain, balance issues, falling, dizziness, strength, bone strength, urinary incontinence and the like.

    As your concierge doctor I welcome your questions, comments and suggestions.

    Continue reading →
  • Get your flu shot…Not the flu September 30, 2015
  • Your Concierge Physician Encourages You to Try a New Fitness Activity For FREE September 22, 2015

    Beachcities free fitness weekend

     

    The Beach Cities Health District is offering FREE classes in partnership with local studios Friday Oct. 9 and Nov. 13, Saturday Oct. 10 and Nov 14 and Sunday Oct 11 and Nov 15.  Register and get the full info on the classes at beachcitiesgym.org/ffw. Click on the above insert for the abbreviated schedule.

    These classes include, cycling, yoga, whole body conditioning, crossfit, dance, poise, pilates, tae bo, zumba,  vinyasa flow and self- defense.  There is something for everyone and it is FREE.

    I hope to see you at one of the classes. Keep moving.

    As your concierge doctor I welcome your comments, questions and suggestions.

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  • Your Concierge Doctor Encourages You to Get Rid of Unwanted Medications September 22, 2015

    On September 26 from 10 AM to 2 PM the Manhattan Beach Police Department will accept expired, used and unwanted prescription drugs at the south lobby, on 13th St. in Manhattan Beach. The Manhattan Beach Police Department also offers medication drop off in a secure collection bin located in the front lobby of the police department 24/7. The service is free and anonymous. No questions will be asked.
    Take in the medications that you no longer want or use and have them disposed of properly

    As your concierge physician I welcome your comments, questions and suggestions.

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  • Beach Bag Essentials From Your Concierge Physician July 9, 2015

    BEACH BAG ESSENTIALS

    If you are heading out to the park or the beach, have a well-stocked beach bag to take along with you. Include the following items:

    1. Sunscreen and lip balm Make sure you put on sunscreen often and liberally. Protect lips with lip balm sunscreen.

    2. Hats and sunglasses A hat provides protection from the sun and keeps your scalp from getting sunburnt. Protect your eyes from both UVA and UVB with sunglasses.

    3. Snacks and drinks Make sure to have bottled water and nonperishable snacks like nuts and protein bars.

    4. First aide kit Your kit should include Band-Aids, tweezers, pain medicine such as Tylenol or ibuprofen, safety pins and hand sanitizer.

    5. Waterproof plastic sealable containers Tupperware containers are good for storing your phone, money, camera and the like. You don’t have to worry about getting them wet.

    6.  Ziploc bags and plastic bags Use plastic bags for your wet clothing and Ziploc bags for the treasures that you will find.

    7. Cash and coins Keep some cash and coins in a Ziploc bag in the bottom of your beach bag. It will come in handy.

    8. Hand wipes It is nice to be able to wipe your hands when you are out.

    Enjoy the summer! As your concierge doctor I welcome your comments, questions and suggestions.

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  • Your Concierge Doctor Encourages You To Eat Healthy Fish April 21, 2015

    The bottom line is that fish is good for you. Eat less swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, shark, tuna, albacore and ahi. Fish that are better for you include salmon, shrimp, crab, tilapia, perch, whitefish, Pollick and catfish.       Bon appétit

     

     

    Seafoodwatch.org is part of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Their website constantly updates the information about which fish are better to eat given the environmental concerns. You can click on this link for the pock guide for California.

     

    mba-seafoodwatch-west-coast-guide

    As your concierge physician I welcome your questions, comments and suggestions.

     

     

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  • Your Concierge Doctor Encourages You to be an Attentive Driver. Just Say NO to Distracted Driving April 17, 2015

    This may save your life or the life of someone you love

    Distracted driving is driving while engaging in another activity like talking on the phone, watching videos, reading, texting, looking after children or eating. All of these activities take the driver’s attention away from the road. All distractions
    compromise the safety of those in the car, those in other cars and pedestrians. Distractions maybe visual,( taking your eyes off the road), manual (taking your hands off the wheel) or cognitive (when the focus is not directly on the act of driving). Technology ( texting or talking on a cell phone) has made distractions even more dangerous because it involves a combination of visual, manual and cognitive attention. Also the person who you are talking to is not aware of what is going on while you are driving and cannot pause in the conversation when needed because of traffic. Driving with a dog or a caged animal can be a constant distraction.
    Certain foods and drinks can be dangerous distractions. Coffee was the worst because it tends to spill even if it has a travel lid. Hot soup, tacos, chili, hamburgers and barbecue food were the next most dangerous. Eating is messy and may mean that you are not watching the road.
    Numerous studies show that distraction is a factor in a majority of accidents and traffic deaths. Talking on the cell phone even hands-free while driving put you at about the same risk as driving drunk.
    Make a commitment that you will not be a distracted driver. Turn off your cell phone and place it out of reach to avoid the urge to dial or answer. If there is a passenger in the car they can handle any calls or texts. Adjust your mirrors and air conditioning before traveling. Preprogram your favorite radio station. Have a passenger help with directions or if driving alone map out your destinations in advance. Avoid food and beverages, at least foods that are hot or messy. Be sure that food and drinks are safely secured. Do not under estimate how distracting children can be while you are driving. Teach children to behave in the vehicle. Do not make phone calls or text to someone who is driving. Call them back when they are not driving.

    You wouldn’t drive drunk. Don’t drive distracted.
    Being an attentive driver may save your life or the life of someone you love.

    As your concierge physician I welcome your comments, questions and suggestions.

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  • Your Concierge Physician Offers You Green Bean Seeds April 17, 2015

    I hope you are out enjoying this beautiful weather. Even though we had a very mild winter the beautiful weather invites us to go outside and move around. It is a good time to go for a walk around the neighborhood or at the beach, ride a bike, play basketball, volleyball, tennis, soccer or softball, Garden, Or just sit outside and read a good book. Pack a nice picnic with our wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables and enjoy a local park or beach. Maybe I will see you at one of the farmers markets. We are already enjoying green beans. If you would like to grow Kentucky Wonder string beans I would be happy to give you the beans and even a 5 gallon pot you can grow them in. These like to grow up a pole. They do not take up much space along the ground but need to be able to climb. As you pick the beans more will grow. Please let me know if you would like to pick up some beans and if you would like a 5 gallon container. If anyone can use some cold packs or Styrofoam coolers please let me know as my vaccines get shipped in the use and I would like to have people use them rather than have them end up in the landfill.

    As your concierge doctor I welcome your questions, comments and suggestions. Please let me know if you would like beans and a container.

    Enjoy the spring.

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  • Alzheimer’s Caregiver Class February 19, 2015

    FREE 6 week course for people taking care of a family member with Alzheimer’s disease is being offered by the Alzheimer’s Association at Silverado, 514 N Prospect Ave, Redondo Beach. The classes meet Tues nights from 6 to 8 pm.

    By attending you will learn about Alzheimers and the stages, how to help your loved one and how to take care of yourself as a caregiver.

    For more information call 800 272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/socal and look for SAVVY CAREGIVER.

     

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  • Meet Your Concierge Physician’s Team February 13, 2015

     

    The Holiday Season helps us all slow down and truly give thanks. We are all so blessed and have so much to be thankful for. I am grateful that I get to be your doctor and that you share your lives with me. Thank you for that privilege. I am thankful for the wonderful women I work with. They make coming to the office a pleasure. You have met them in the office and spoke with them over the phone.  I have asked each to introduce themselves to you:

    Becky
    I have been in the medical field for 18 years and I enjoy what I do. I have been married for 34 years to the most wonderful man, Jim. We have a son, a daughter and two dogs. I became a grandma in June of this year. What a joy! I can’t see her enough! I love to craft, scrapbook, bake, sew, garden and dance. Join me for line dancing on Monday and Wednesday nights.

    Julie
    I was born and raised in the south bay, attending the local schools. I have been married to my high school sweetheart  for almost 40 years.  We have four great kids and three terrific grandkids. I have been in the medical profession for 35 years, working in both the hospital and office environments. Most recently I retired from managing a busy practice.  I enjoy sewing, cooking, line dancing, and spending time at our river shack, but most of all I enjoy spending time with my grandkids. I am happy to have this opportunity to work part time so that I do have extra time to spend time with my family.

    Nika

    I am practically a native of the South Bay area, having lived here since the age of one.  I’m the oldest of four children and have two hilarious nieces with whom I love to spend time.  I have worked in medical offices since 1998 in the fields of Ophthalmology, Dermatology, OB-GYN, Sleep Medicine, and Family Practice.  I now find myself working for doctor that took care of me as a youngster.Having grown up in Redondo Beach, I attended local schools.  My favorite course of study turned out to be Spanish and in 2005 I had the privilege of traveling to South America for a real cultural immersion.  Last year, I also made it over the Atlantic for an intro to the Irish culture. I enjoy learning about and experiencing many different cultures including the music, food, and languages, but especially the people.  I also like cooking, dancing, volleyball, tennis, and bike riding and my favorite book is the Bible.  If I could have one super power, it would be the ability to breathe under water.

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  • Heart Month: Patient Education and Nutritious Recipes February 3, 2015

    heart

    February is American Heart Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; one in every three deaths is the result of heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 deaths per day.

    In an effort to promote awareness, I have compiled useful information to help my patients learn how to protect themselves from heart disease and stroke by understanding the risks and taking the following steps:

     

    Try to be physically active for as few as 30 minutes a day to:

    – Improve your cholesterol profile
    – Lower your blood pressure
    – Increase your energy and stamina
    – Boost your bone strength
    – Prevent weight gain
    – Enhance your mental well-being

     

    Heart-Healthy foods to include on every shopping list:  Incorporate these foods – high in vitamin, minerals and nutrients – into your diet to help decrease the risk of heart disease and other conditions.

    – Salmon, fish & fish oil                        – Sweet potatoes
    – Almonds & walnuts                            – Apples
    – Berries (especially blueberries)           – Avocado
    – Garlic                                               – Spinach
    – Broccoli                                            – Tomatoes
    – Olive oil                                            – Beans
    – Eggs                                                 – Dark Chocolate (in moderation)

     

    To incorporate these heart-healthy foods into your diet, consider the following recipes:
    (Click the name of the recipe to receive the necessary ingredients and cooking instructions).

    soup
    Soup:
    Mexican Chicken Soup
     

    salad
    Salad:
    Mango, Avocado and Black Bean Salad
     

    couscous
    Side Dish:
     Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Chickpeas


    salmon

    Main Dish: Crunchy-Crusted Salmon Fillets

     yogurt
    Dessert:
    Banana Split Berry Yogurt Parfait

     

    For more information about heart disease and stroke prevention please visit:
    http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease
    http://www.heart.org

    We are making enormous progress in the battle against cardiovascular disease and stroke – the CDC reports a 30% decrease in death rates in the last decade.  At its heart: an increased awareness about healthy living. February is a perfect time to recharge your personal prevention plan…consider me your partner wholly dedicated to keeping your heart at its vital, healthy best.

     

     

    Continue reading →
  • Your Concierge Doctor Discusses 3D Mammography and Who Benefits From It December 2, 2014

    You may have seen articles about 3-D mammography and wondered whether it is a test that you or one of the women you know need. Regular screening mammograms show the radiologist a two-dimensional picture of the breast. 3-D mammography lets the radiologist see the breast tissue one layer at a time, making it possible to detect early stage tumors that might not be able to be picked up with traditional mammography alone. Instead of seeing all of the breast tissue in a single flat image, the 3-D mammogram allows the radiologist to examine a series of high resolution, 1 mm thick slices at a time. It is easier to see the fine details and determine what is suspicious and what is normal. Dense breast tissue may cause false positive and false negative results on a standard mammogram. A false positive result means that the test says there is a problem when there is not. A false negative result means that the problem is missed. In the case of mammograms we are talking about missing breast cancer or causing a woman to worry that she has breast cancer or getting more testing when she does not have cancer.

    This is critical for women with dense breast tissue because their risk for breast cancer is three times higher than those with lower density tissue. Early diagnosis can allow for less invasive treatment and pick up cancer early before it has spread to other parts of the body. If detected in the earliest stages the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 98%. The 3-D mammogram finds more invasive or lethal cancers than a standard mammogram. Fewer women get called back for more views because the radiologist can see the breast tissue more clearly. The actual examination is very similar to a traditional mammogram. Very low energy x-rays are used as with traditional mammograms. Women with dense breasts should talk with their doctor to determine if they should get a 3-D mammogram. If you do not know if you have dense breasts you should ask your doctor. Your previous mammogram report should say if you have dense breasts. As women get older their breasts become less dense. Torrance Memorial Hospital is the only local facility to  have 3-D mammography available. The cost for a 3-D mammogram is the same as a traditional mammogram. Routine mammography screening for breast cancer is important for women. Make sure you or the women in your life get their screening tests whether it be traditional mammography or 3-D mammography for women with dense breast.

     

    As your concierge physician I welcome questions, comments, suggestions and ideas.

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  • Your Concierge Doctor Has the Newly Recommended Prevnar Vaccine for patients 65 and older November 26, 2014
    There are two vaccines for pneumonia. The PPSV 23, PNEUMOVAX23, protects against 23 types of pneumococcus. This is the vaccine that we have been giving to everyone over 65 or those under 65 with immune problems, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, smokers or people who have had cancer.
    The second pneumonia vaccine is PCV 13, PREVNAR 13. This vaccine protects against 13 types of the bacteria pneumococcus.
    It is now recommended that all adult 65 years of age or older receive a dose of PCV 13 and PPSV 23.
    If you have been vaccinated for pneumonia, you most likely had the PPSV 23. If you had this at least one year ago you should get PCV 13.
    If you had not had any pneumonia vaccine it is recommended to first get the PCV 13 and wait at least  six months for the PPSV  23.
    If you had the PPSV23 before you were 65 then it is recommended to get the PCV 13 at 65 and wait at least six months to get another PPSV23 ( provided it has been at least five years from the last PPSV 23).
    Medicare is covering both pneumonia vaccines.
    Pneumococcal pneumonia kills about 1 of 20 people who get it. Pneumococcus in the blood ( bacteremia) kills 1 in 5 people who get it and meningitis kills 3 in 10. Some strains of this bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. This makes prevention of the disease even more important.
    Protect yourself with both vaccines if your are 65 or older or have health issues.
    Please call for your appointment for your vaccine.
    As your concierge physician I welcome your questions, comments, suggestions and recipes ( just checking if you are awake).
    Continue reading →
  • Your Concierge Physician Invites You to Try ThanksLiving Ideas from Owen Griffith’s Blog November 26, 2014

    Turning Thanksgiving into ThanksLiving

    Tomorrow is my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. For me, it is not about eating a lot of turkey or watching football, although those are both fun. Thanksgiving is about being with family and being Thankful, being profoundly grateful for all we have and all we are. If we embrace gratitude and make it part of our daily lives, we turn it into ThanksLiving, enjoying it every day of the year.
    Here is a fun activity for Thanksgiving a student just gave me. She said her family will celebrate Thanksgiving by writing down a gratitude on a piece of paper. Then, they put them in a jar and mix them up. Finally, each person picks one out and tries to guess who wrote the gratitude.
    Another Thanksgiving activity I am going to take part in tomorrow is writing a gratitude letter to someone I never properly thanked and then delivering it. Calling them or mailing the letter works well, if you won’t see them face to face. I have a wonderful sister who consistently writes these kinds of letters and reminds us all how powerful a hand written letter can be.
    Read this report from the Harvard Health Publication on the happiness this act will bring for up to month after Thanksgiving:
    ”Dr. Martin E. P. Seligman, a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, tested the impact of various positive psychology interventions on 411 people, each compared with a control assignment of writing about early memories. When their week’s assignment was to write and personally deliver a letter of gratitude to someone who had never been properly thanked for his or her kindness, participants immediately exhibited a huge increase in happiness scores. This impact was greater than that from any other intervention, with benefits lasting for a month.”

    Check out the entire article at:
    Last, here are 30 Gratitude Activities from www.gratefulness.org to turn Thanksgiving into ThanksLiving. My son and I just picked out an activity from this list and sent our first Thanksgiving E-card to my wife.
    Daily Grateful Living Practice Ideas
    Here are 30 Daily Grateful Living Practices for you to try. These practices range from actions that will take you only a moment to those that will take a larger commitment of your time. If there is one practice on this list that you would like to try every day, do so. Or try a new one each day. Or switch it up. What matters is that you do something every day to build the habit of intentionally directing your attention to notice and appreciate the gifts of your life.

    1. Close your eyes. Take a few, very deep breaths – all the way out and all the way in. Notice how your breathing so often takes care of itself…just breath moving itself through you – keeping you alive – just keeping you alive. Commit to NOT taking this miracle for granted. 
    2. Every night before you go to sleep, take an inventory of the things for which for which you are grateful. Let them percolate through your mind and calm your body. Write down at least five things that matter to you.
    3. Engage in an act of kindness today. Notice if you are pulled toward kindness for a stranger more than someone close to you, or vice-versa. Either way, offer your kindness with no strings attached and no need for recognition. Truly. Notice the completeness and fullness of letting go of needing something back.
    4. Bring to mind someone for whom you are grateful. Savor this image or memory. Try to allow the image to be held by all the cells of your body, not just in your mind. Notice what happens in your emotions and body when you do this.
    5. At any point during the day, reflect upon one important thing that you have learned in this day. Write down what you have learned.
    6. Send an 
    e-card or card letting someone know that you are thinking of them today. Expect nothing in return. Just share appreciation and acknowledgement.
    7. Sit quietly and allow a sense of peace to enter your heart. From this place, 
    light a (virtual) candle or a candle in your space. Create a grateful intention and settle into the peace of residing in gratefulness for a few, precious moments.
    8. Start your day with an intention to show up absolutely whole-heartedly to everything you do today. Notice at the end of the day if anything changed because of this intention.
    9. Send an 
    e-card or written message of peace and well-wishes to someone.
    10. Make the decision to see your most challenging moments today as opportunities. What might be making itself known or available to you in hard times? How can you cultivate even small sentiments of gratefulness for the gifts that come from struggle? Reflect on this at the beginning and the end of the day. 
    11. Turn all of the “waiting” moments of the day into moments of heightened awareness. Try to be fully present in these moments to what might be blessings in disguise. Notice that time “between” things is a huge gift. Enjoy the gift.
    12. If you share a meal with others today, before or while you eat, ask each person to share something for which they are grateful. If eating alone, bring to mind something for which you are grateful and dedicate your meal to that “great fullness.”
    13. Choose a 
    poem that speaks to you and read it a few times in a day. Let it awaken a new experience each time you read it. Notice how no poem is the same poem twice if you read it with true presence. Share the poem with someone.
    14. Notice your hands. Think of all they do for you. Can you imagine what it would be like to offer them your true appreciation at a host of moments each day? Notice how much they help to facilitate what you love in life. Take care of them.
    15. Reach out to someone you know is going through a difficult time. You do not have to have the right things to say, just connect in a meaningful way. 
    16. Send an 
    e-card thanking someone for simply being in your life.
    17. Watch Br. David’s video “
    A Good Day.” Share it with a friend.
    18. Enter the meditative space of a 
    labyrinth, or walk a short path meditatively somewhere near you. If you move as a mindfulness practice, you can go back and forth on the same path and it will always generate new horizons. Notice how amazing it is to move – no matter how you do that.
    19. Before you eat, take a moment to feel grateful to all those who contributed to creating your meal. The farmer who grew the vegetables, the hens that laid the eggs, the workers who harvested the wheat and stocked the food, etc. 
    20. While racing somewhere, take 30 seconds to stop, take a breath, and look at the sky, or at the environment around you. What was begging for your attention?
    21. Do something truly generous for someone else today. Expand into your most full-blown expression of generosity. Give as if your life depended on it, and then try giving a little more. Stretch into your capacity. Seek nothing in return.
    22. Each time you turn on the tap, pause to feel grateful that you have access to running water, unlike so many in the world today. 
    23. Tell someone whom you love that you love them – and offer that comment a larger context by spelling out some of the reasons why you are grateful for them.
    24. Ask someone a sincere question. There is hardly a more precious gift than true inquiry and deep listening. Where is gratefulness in this?
    25. Make a financial contribution to a non-profit organization doing work that you value. Accompany that gift with a note of appreciation for how hard people are working to advance missions in which you believe. Feel interconnected. 
    26. Ask “What is the opportunity for gratefulness in this moment?” Try this when things are not going as you had planned. 
    27. Give someone a grateful hug. Actually give the hug – don’t take a hug. Ask first. 
    28. Pick out five things that you do not need anymore, and give them away with joy.
    29. Put a bag in your pocket, go for a walk, and make a corner of the world more beautiful by picking up the litter along the way. Your appreciation of the earth will be contagious to others. 
    30. 775 million people in the world are illiterate. Feel your good fortune as you read this sentence, and as you read anything today.
    You can read all Owen’s entries and subscribe to his blog at spirituallyteaching.BlogSpot.com
    As your concierge doctor I welcome your questions, comments, suggestions, and input.
    Happy Thanksgiving
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  • What Did You Say? Your Concierge Doctor Encourages You To Get A FREE Hearing Test October 10, 2014

    Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss

    FREE HEARING TEST call 310 802-7933

    Studies show that people with progressive hearing loss wait an average of 5 to 15 years before seeking treatment. During those years there can be a significant deterioration in overall health and well-being. Studies have linked untreated hearing loss to: Reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety Fatigue, tension, stress and depression Alzheimer’s symptoms Impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks Reduced language comprehension Reduced job performance and earning power Seeking a hearing professional is a major step forward. Choosing to neglect your hearing health, results in a seriously reduced quality of life and reduces the effectiveness of future treatments. Over time the brain forgets how to hear because it loses its ability to recognize every day sounds. The audiologists at Southbay Hearing are offering my patients,  their families and friends a free hearing test. Please call 310-802-7933 to arrange for your free hearing test

     

    HEARING LOSS LINKED TO

    ACCELERATED BRAIN TISSUE LOSS

    Release Date: 01/22/2014 Johns Hopkins Medicine

    Although the brain becomes smaller with age, the shrinkage seems to be fast-tracked in older adults with hearing loss, according to the results of a study by researchers from Johns Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging. The findings add to a growing list of health consequences associated with hearing loss, including increased risk of dementia, falls, hospitalizations, and diminished physical and mental health overall.

    For the study, Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D., and his colleagues used information from the ongoing Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging to compare brain changes over time between adults with normal hearing and adults with impaired hearing. The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging was started in 1958 by the National Institute on Aging to track various health factors in thousands of men and women.

    Previous research from other studies had linked hearing loss with marked differences in brain structure compared to those with normal hearing, both in humans and animals. In particular, structures that process information from sound tended to be smaller in size in people and animals with impaired hearing. Lin, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins University schools of medicine and public health, says it was unknown, however, whether these brain structural differences occurred before or after hearing loss.

    As part of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, 126 participants underwent yearly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to track brain changes for up to 10 years. Each also had complete physicals at the time of the first MRI in 1994, including hearing tests. At the starting point, 75 had normal hearing, and 51 had impaired hearing, with at least a 25-decibel loss.

    After analyzing their MRIs over the following years, Lin and his colleagues, reporting in an upcoming issue of Neuroimage, say those participants whose hearing was already impaired at the start of the sub-study had accelerated rates of brain atrophy compared to those with normal hearing. Overall, the scientists report, those with impaired hearing lost more than an additional cubic centimeter of brain tissue each year compared with those with normal hearing. Those with impaired hearing also had significantly more shrinkage in particular regions, including the superior, middle and inferior temporal gyri, brain structures responsible for processing sound and speech.

    That structures responsible for sound and speech are affected in those with hearing loss wasn’t a surprise, says Lin — shrinkage in those areas might simply be a consequence of an “impoverished” auditory cortex, which could become atrophied from lack of stimulation. However, he adds, these structures don’t work in isolation, and their responsibilities don’t end at sorting out sounds and language. The middle and inferior temporal gyri, for example, also play roles in memory and sensory integration and have been shown to be involved in the early stages of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.

    “Our results suggest that hearing loss could be another ‘hit’ on the brain in many ways,” Lin explains.

    The study also gives some urgency to treating hearing loss rather than ignoring it. “If you want to address hearing loss well,” Lin says, “you want to do it sooner rather than later. If hearing loss is potentially contributing to these differences we’re seeing on MRI, you want to treat it before these brain structural changes take place.”

    Lin and his colleagues say they plan to eventually examine whether treating hearing loss early can reduce the risk of associated health problems.

    The research was supported by the intramural research program of the National Institute on Aging, the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (K23DC011279), a Triological Society/American College of Surgeons Clinical Scientist Development Award and the Eleanor Schwartz Charitable Foundation.

    Susan Resnick, Ph.D., of the National Institute on Aging was the study’s senior investigator. Michael A. Kraut, M.D., Ph.D., of Johns Hopkins; and Luigi Ferrucci, M.D., Ph.D., and Yang An, M.S., both of the National Institute on Aging, also contributed to this research

     

    As your concierge doctor I encourage you to get your hearing tested. If you have any questions please contact me

     

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  • Your Concierge Physician Invites You to Join Her at Local Free Concerts September 24, 2014

    Listening to music is good stress management. We are fortunate locally to have four series of free classical music concerts. The music has been outstanding and parking is easy. Two are given at the First Lutheran Church in Torrance, 2900 West Carson St. It is on the south side of Carson Street just east of maple. The upcoming concerts in this series are  Oct. 25,  Nov 15, Jan 24, Feb 21, March 21, April 18, May 16 and June 20. These are at 3:30 PM. Also at the First Lutheran Church, From 12:15 to 12:45 PM on Fridays Oct 3, Nov 7, Dec 5, Feb 6, March 6, April 3, May 1, and June 5. there is a one half hour performance of Bach  music. They also have free coffee and fruit. At the Rolling Hills United Methodist Church at 26438 Crenshaw Blvd.(northeast corner of Crenshaw and Palos Verdes Drive North) Sundays at 2 PM on Oct 5, Nov 9, Jan 11, Feb 8,  March 8, April 12, May 3 and June 8. The concerts feature outstanding young musicians. Each month The South Bay Chamber Music Society puts on the same concert each month at the Pacific Unitarian Church and at Harbor College. The Pacific Unitarian church is located at 5621 Montemalaga in Rancho Palos Verdes. The concerts at the church are at 3 PM on  Oct 12, Nov 16, Jan 18,March 1, March 22, and April 26. The concerts at Harbor College are given in the music department Recital Hall, 1111 Figueroa, Wilmington on Friday night at 8 PM on  February 14, March 14 and April 14. If you would like to subscribe to a free email newsletter listing classical music in the South Bay you may do so by emailing jeninger@yahoo.com.

    Look for me at these concerts.

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  • Your Concierge Doctor Reminds You to Get Your Flu Shot September 24, 2014

    COME IN FOR YOUR FLU SHOT

    The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone over 6 months of age as soon as it is available. The protection will last throughout the flu season.

    If you are under 65 I have the preservative FREE quadrivalent ( 2 A and 2 B types) vaccine. If your are 65 or older I have the preservative FREE HIGH dose vaccine. If you get your flu shot at a store,  pharmacy or work please make sure they are giving you these  types. Make sure you are getting  the maximum protection. Please call 310-373-5566 to get your flu shot.

    • Flu vaccination can keep you from getting sick from flu. Protecting yourself from flu also protects the people around you who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness.
    • Flu vaccination can help protect people who are at greater risk of getting seriously ill from flu, like older adults, people with chronic health conditions and young children (especially infants younger than 6 months old who are too young to get vaccinated).
    • Flu vaccination also may make your illness milder if you do get sick.
    • Flu vaccination can reduce the risk of more serious flu outcomes, like hospitalizations and deaths.
      • A recent study* showed that flu vaccine reduced children’s risk of flu-related pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission by 74% during flu seasons from 2010-2012.
      • One study showed that flu vaccination was associated with a 71% reduction in flu-related hospitalizations among adults of all ages and a 77% reduction among adults 50 years of age and older during the 2011-2012 flu season.
      • Flu vaccination is an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions. Vaccination was associated with lower rates of some cardiac events among people with heart disease, especially among those who had had a cardiac event in the past year. Flu vaccination also has been shown to be associated with reduced hospitalizations among people with diabetes (79%) and chronic lung disease (52%).
      • Other studies have shown that vaccination can reduce the risk of flu-related hospitalizations in older adults. A study that looked at flu vaccine effectiveness over the course of three flu seasons estimated that flu vaccination lowered the risk of hospitalizations by 61% in people 50 years of age and older
    • You may get more information on flu and the vaccine at www.cdc.gov/flu.
    • As your Conciderge Physician, I urge you to call 310 373-5566 for your appointment for your flu vaccine.
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  • Grow Onions With Your Concierge Doctor September 24, 2014

    Your concierge doctor invites you to enjoy fresh sweet onions

    Onions are good for you. The help prevent cancer, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, protect the heart, increase bone density, decrease inflammation and prevent infection. Onions have been called the chef’s assistant”. Look through cookbook and you will see that almost any soup recipe and almost all recipes will have onions. It’s been said that there would be no cuisine without onions only food. Onions are not usually allergenic. They do not contain oxalates or purines so they can be enjoyed by those with gout and oxalate kidney stones. Onions contain a high concentration of polyphenol, quercetin, vitamin C, manganese, molybdenum, vitamin B6, fiber, folate and potassium.  Onions fresh from the garden are an incredible treat, raw or cooked. I would like to enable you experience this healthy treat and teach you to grow onions yourself. As a gift to my patients, I will order onion plants and give them to you to plant and teach you how to grow them. I will order onions for planting. Here we plant the baby onion plants the beginning of December to harvest them around April. Onions grew well in sandy soil. If you have clay soil you want to mix your soil with peat or use containers for growing the onions. Please let me know by October 31 if you would like to have me order onions for you.

    As your concierge physician I welcome your comments and questions at ng@drngriffith.com and (310) 373-5566.

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  • Helpful medical website links September 8, 2014

    Good medical website links:

    American Academy of Family Physicians www.aafp.org

    American Association of Poison Control Centers www.aapcc.org

    American Cancer Society www.cancer.org

    American Diabetic Association www.diabetes.org

    American Dietetic Association www.eatright.org

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov

    Official U.S. Government Site for Medicare www.medicare.gov

    Web MD – a reliable site for health information www.webmd.com

    Harvard University http://www.health.harvard.edu/

    Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-care-and-health-information

    Stanford Medicine http://healthlibrary.stanford.edu/

    NY Times Health and Wellness blog http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/?module=BlogMain&action=Click&region=Header&pgtype=Blogs&version=Blog%20Category&contentCollection=Health

    Note: I know this is a long hyperlink, but the content is superb!

    US National Library of Medicine http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/

    American Heart Association http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/

    American Cancer Association www.cancer.org

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/

    Merck Manual http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/index.html

    Cleveland Clinic http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/default.aspx

    National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine http://nccam.nih.gov/

     

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  • Your Concierge Physician Has a FLU SHOT for YOU August 20, 2014
    The new flu shots are available. Please call the office 310 373-5566 and let me know when you would like to come in.
    If you are under 65 I am giving the quadrivalent, preservative FREE flu shot. This has 2 strains of A and 2 strains of B. The old shots had only 1 strain of B.
    For 65 and older you will get the high dose, preservative FREE, flu shot. This gives our mature patients better immunity against the flu.
    The CDC recommends that everyone over 6 months of age get a flu shot as soon as is practical. It is not too early.
    Flu shots save lives as well as saving missed time from life. Even healthy young people die of the flu. Protect yourself and others by getting your flu shot.
    If you have any questions please call, email or text me. As your concierge doctor I welcome your input, questions and suggestions.
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  • Your Concierge Physician Invites You to “Walk With Your Doc” Wed Aug 6 at 4 pm August 5, 2014

    Please join me on Wed. Aug 6 for a walk. We will meet at my office at 4 pm. Wear your sunscreen and hat.  Come and exercise and chat.

    As your concierge doctor I welcome your questions, comments and suggestions by text, phone, email and in person.

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  • Your Concierge Doctor Shares 12 Tips for a Happy and Meaningful Life July 24, 2014

    My brother, Owen Griffith, shares his insights on attitude and spirituality on his blog spirituallyteaching.BlogSpot.com. This is his post. Please visit his blog for other interesting and helpful information.

    I hope you all are having a good summer

    A Summer Spiritual Tune-Up – 12 Tips for a for a Happy and Meaningful Life

    Well, we are midway through summer and here is your chance for a spiritual tune-up.  Personally, I try to spend a little time every day to incorporate some spiritual tools in my life to stay spiritually fit.  Some days it works better than others.   But, when I am in a good place spiritually, everything else in my life feels right.

    A few years ago, a friend gave me a copy of something called 9 Timeless Secrets of Being Happy.  I enjoyed it and shared it with my students.  But after I went over it with my class, I realized that I should update it to include more spiritual tools.  So, I expanded it, edited it and rewrote it to be more encompassing, not just addressing happiness, but also encouraging us to develop serenity and a meaningful life.

    Take a little time to go over the following tips.  I give this list to my students at the beginning of each year. They highlight 3 things to work on throughout the year.  Then, they post it on their agendas or in their lockers at school and on their refrigerators or mirrors at home where they see it daily.  This way, it is a gentle reminder to keep working to stay spiritually fit.

    So, here are a dozen simple spiritual tools.  Like my students, please choose a few to focus on, print them out or put them on your computer or iPhone and work on them until they become a habit. Celebrate the little victories and the baby steps as you practice and enjoy the growth they bring to your life.  Real change is challenging and a slow process, so be patient with yourself.  Remember, a baby tries an estimated 2,000 times before it takes its first step.

    1. Be a Giver/Help Others

    In big and small ways, help others as much as possible.  Feel the profound joy of giving freely with no expectations.  It all comes back to you in countless ways.  People who volunteer or care for others consistently are happier and less depressed.

    Altruistic giving has been shown to increase positive neurotransmitters in the giver, receiver and anyone observing the act of giving.  So, give to someone close to you and also practice those random acts of kindness.  A simple suggestion is to tell someone you love how much you love them and why you treasure them in your life.  Do someone a good turn today and don’t get found out.

    2. Savor the Moment/ Be in the Moment

    All I have is this moment, but much of the time I waste by ruminating over the past of stressing over the future.  To live deeply in this moment and breath in the miracle of all that is available to us now is truly living.  But, I must be present and be here now. Cultivate mindfulness by giving attention to whatever you are doing.  When you feel your mind wandering, take a deep breath and gently bring it back to the moment.  If you are washing the dishes, be present washing the dishes and enjoy the warm water and the slick feel of soap.  More importantly, be present to those around you by really listening.

    3. Embrace Silence

    Take time to sit quietly every day without electronic distractions in order to get a better perspective on life.  Even just a few moments of pure silence can refresh a stressed soul.  Personally, when I stopped the chatter of having the radio on constantly in the car and the TV on constantly at home, I was able to feel a deeper peace and enjoy life much more fully.   Try to set a timer for 1 minute, read something inspirational, a prayer or a poem, and then sit comfortably in silence for that 1 minute.  If you can do this daily for a week, increase the time to 2 minutes and so on, up to 10 minutes.  In the race to get through each day, slow down and notice the deep peace in silence.

    4. Try New Experiences/ Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes

    Don’t let yourself get caught in a rut.  The only difference between a rut and a grave is how deep it is.  Stay out of survival mode.  Be spontaneous, adventurous and play every day.  My 5 year old gives me lessons in this daily.  Get out of your comfort zone and remember you always have a safety net.  Don’t listen to the lie that you don’t have enough time or energy.  New experiences create energy and allow us to find more time for everything.  In addition, I have found that perfectionism paralyzed me.  But, a wise boss once told me, “I know you are not trying new things because you aren’t making any mistakes.”  Fearlessly try new things and learn from those mistakes.

    5. Forgive/ Let Go of the Past

    Harboring resentment only hurts you.  I like the saying that resentments are like stray cats, if you don’t feed them, they go away.  Another great saying is that keeping resentments is like when I drink poison thinking it will kill you.  Don’t let others rent free space in your head.  Forgive and let go.  If you let go a little, you get a little relief.  If you let go a lot, you get a lot of relief, and if you let go completely, you are FREE.

    6. Be Responsible for Yourself

    Don’t blame others for things lacking in your life.  Don’t give them that power.  Take responsibility and take action.  We are not victims, we are volunteers.  I tell my students we control 3 things and they all start with the letter A: attitude, action and awareness.  Blaming others and harboring self-pity steal our energy and joy.  Be the change you want to see in the world..  This works in and outside the classroom.

    1. Build Relationships

    People who have one or more close relationships lead happier lives, according to a study by Dr. Martin Seligman.  Seligman goes on to say that it doesn’t matter how many relationships you have, one is enough.  The important aspect of any relationship is that you are supportive, you cooperate and you share personal feelings.  These relationships can be with a friend or family member.  If you have even one person who cares about you, you are truly blessed.  If you don’t have anyone, build a new relationship by really listening to someone and being helpful to them.

    1.  Be Grateful

    Cultivate an awareness of all the gifts given to us constantly.  If you are reading this, you are fortunate to have a computer, a connection to the internet and the ability to read.  Realize that a vast majority of the population of the planet would change places with you in an instant.  Start a gratitude list to increase your awareness of the gifts surrounding you.  You are what you focus on.  So, if you focus on what is missing, your life becomes empty.  Focus on all you have on the inside and outside and watch it all grow.  Take more action; write a gratitude letter to someone who has helped you.  Deliver it in person and let that person know how much they mean to you.

    9. Work Through Fear

    Fear holds us back from truly living our lives.  You can generally unmask your fear by asking two questions: 1. Are you afraid you are going to lose something you have?  2.  Are you afraid you won’t get something you want?  Once you are aware of the fear, then focus on some action you can take to help.  For example, if you are afraid you won’t have enough money, do some research or reach out to others for ideas about saving money or generating some income.  It is OK to feel the fear, but don’t allow it to paralyze you.  Walk through the fear and feel it dissipate.  Also, if you share a fear with someone you trust, it feels like you cut it in half. There is power in just getting it out of your head and letting it go.  Writing about it by keeping a journal can also help us keep perspective on fear.  Here are some acronyms that help us understand fear:

    FEAR = Failure Expected And Received, False Evidence Appearing Real, False Expectations Appearing Real, Forget Everything And Run (Polite Version), Face Everything And Recover, Frantic Effort to Appear Real, and my favorites-Forgetting Everything’s All Right, and Fear Expressed Allows Relief

    10. Be Aware of Your Internal Dialogue

    Listen to what you are saying to yourself.  So many of us have tape recordings going on in our heads we are not even aware of, like “You will never find someone to love you” or “You are not pretty enough” or “You can’t make anything work in your life.”  First, be aware of these negative messages, and then start to say the opposite to yourself, like “I am a beautiful child of God” or “ I will keep working on myself and love will become abundant in my life,” or “I will make a difference in someone else’s life today and improve myself.”  Start writing your own script for your future.

    11. Quit Taking It Personally (acronym – Q-TIP)

    Don’t let anything people say steal your serenity.  Most things aren’t personal and even when comments are made that are designed to hurt you, try to not take it personally.  If that person is really trying to hurt you, don’t allow them to succeed.  It is OK to create healthy boundaries, but don’t waste extra time and energy by trying to extract an apology or get revenge.  Remind yourself you don’t need anyone’s approval.  Learn to laugh at yourself and let it go.  Try to keep your ego small enough that no comments can hit the target.  If you can become more immune to what others say, then you will not be the victim of unnecessary suffering.

    12. Choose Kindness-Always

    Be kind to yourself and others in all circumstances.  One of the hardest things to do in this world is to be kind when someone else is not kind to you.  Today, look for a situation in your life when you are presented with negativity and choose to give kindness.  It may be in your family, at work or even driving.  Don’t be afraid to look into the other person’s eyes, smile and respond in kindness.  Feel the true strength in authentic kindness.  See how this makes you feel and the power it has to transform a situation and improve your spiritual condition.

    Here is a link to 9 Timeless Secrets of Being Happy by Brian Vaszily that inspired this blog post.  Check it out if you have time and don’t miss the beautiful PowerPoint that presents the ideas a little differently.

    http://www.intenseexperiences.com/being-happy.html

    Here are a couple quotes to end the blog:

    Pick the day. Enjoy it – to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come… The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present – and I don’t want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future.

    – Audrey Hepburn

    When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.

    -Helen Keller

    Posted by Owen Griffith 

    As your concierge physician I welcome your comments, suggestions and questions. Please call, write, email, text or visit me in person.

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  • Your Concierge Doctor Warns You ” Don’t Believe Everything You Read on the Internet” June 2, 2014

    More patients and doctors are using the Internet to find medical information. A recent study was done by the American Osteopathic Association looking at information on Wikipedia on the top 10 most expensive medical problems in this country and comparing this information to what was available in peer-reviewed articles. These medical problems were hypertension, COPD/asthma, osteoarthritis, trauma related problems, mental disorders, heart disease, diabetes, cancer,  hyperlipidemia and back problems. They found that there was incorrect information on Wikipedia on all of these conditions.
    One needs to be careful when getting information from the Internet. Use peer-reviewed articles as opposed to Wikipedia.

    As your concierge physician I welcome your comments and questions.

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  • Your Concierge Doctor Invites You to Try Free Zumba or Boot Camp Classes in June, July and August June 2, 2014
    Come and try Zumba for free. The Beach Cities Health District is offering free Zumba classes taught by Monica Griffin-Victorino.
    The Zumba classes will start Monday, June 2 at 6:30 PM at Alta Vista Park in the Julia Field located at 801 Camino Real in Redondo Beach.
    The classes will be offered every Monday until July 28. From July 7 until July 28 the weekly Zumba classes will be held at Lincoln elementary school, 2223 Plant Ave., Redondo Beach.
    There will be a free  fitness series featuring “Boot Camp” at Valley Park, 2521 Valley Dr. in Hermossa beach Monday nights from 6:30 PM starting August 4 until August 25.
    As your concierge physician I welcome your comments, questions and suggestions.
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  • Your Concierge Physician Invites you to Cancer Support Groups May 2, 2014

    Cancer Support Groups 2014

    Please click on the above caption for the information. For more information call 310 517-4665

    As your personal doctor I welcome your comments, questions and suggestions.

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  • Your Concierge Doctor Invites You for FREE Yoga, Zumba and Boot camp May 2, 2014

    With web

    The beach cities health district is offering three free fitness series of exercise classes. The classes are Monday night 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
    The current yoga class is taking place on Manhattan beach just south of the Manhattan Beach pier.
    Through May 19 this series is yoga. June 2 through July 28 will be June back. August 4 through August 25 will be eight Boot Camp.
    You can register online or at each class. For more information go to BCHD.org\free fitness.

    As your concierge physician I welcome your questions, comments and suggestions.

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  • Cancer Suvivorship Nutrition Series May 14 5:30 to 8 pm Thriving After Cancer: Eating Healthy For Life RSVP 310 517-4660 April 29, 2014
  • Your Concierge Doctor Invites You to Walk With your Doc Wed May 7 4 pm April 29, 2014

    Come walk with your personal physician Wed may 7 4 pm. Meet at my office. All walkers welcome- fast and slow.

     

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  • Your Concierge Physician invites you to ” How Healthy is your Gut” Lecture Wed May 7 6:30 to 8 pm April 29, 2014

    Dietitian Diana Lipson Burge will be speaking on “How healthy is your gut?” Learn how to heal your G.I. system. How much fiber is enough or too much? What foods help digestion and what foods cause more bloating and discomfort? What is a low residue diet? Come and ask your questions about your digestive system.
    Chef Casey will be making hummus with vegetables and pita bread.
    Join us on Wednesday May 7 6:30 to 8 PM at 3701 Skypark Dr. Suite 230. This is upstairs in my office building.
    Please RSVP by email or by telephone to 310 373-5566

    As your concierge doctor I welcome your comments and questions.

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  • You Concierge Physician Invites you to a Free Women’s Support Group March 19, 2014

    Women Empowerment Support Group

    On the third Monday of the month from six to 7:30 PM Lori Glover will be hosting a woman support group. This is for women who are starting over at any age or any circumstance in life. If you have had a death in your life, a divorce, empty nest syndrome, middle life crisis or just trying to reinvent yourself please attend this free group. For more information call 310-896-3100 this will be held at Silverado beach cities, 514 North Prospect Ave., Redondo Beach

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  • Your Concierge Doctor Invites You to a Fall Prevention Class 3/24/14 11 am March 19, 2014
    Proactive  fall prevention
    Presented  by: Brian W. Lewallen, Fall Prevention and Fitness Professional
     
    Thursday, March 27, 2014
    11:00am – 1:00pm

    Falls can be dangerous  because of the immediate and long term injuries they may cause. The proper  techniques and advice can go a long way toward preventing falls and making it  safer for at-risk individuals to get around.

     

    Join us at Silverado  Beach Cities for an informative session from Brian W. Lewallen, a consultant  with years of experience in fall prevention, who will speak on a variety of  common fall causes and ways to prevent them.

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  • Your Concierge Physician Asks ” How Are Your Onions Growing?” March 11, 2014

    Many of  my patients have been showing me how the onions that I gave them are growing. Just a friendly reminder to water more in this heat. My husband fed the onion plants some compost and worm casting. Get ready with more recipes to enjoy fresh onions soon.

    As your concierge doctor I welcome your questions, comments and suggestions at 310 373-5566 or by email.

    Onions growing after 3 months

    Onions growing after 3 months

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  • Your Concierge Physician Helps You Eat Healthier With Quinoa Recipes February 14, 2014

    Quinoa has been called a superfood. Quinoa is very high in protein. It is actually a complete protein. It is a good source of dietary fiber, phosphorus, magnesium and iron. It it’s gluten-free and is considered easy to digest.
    If you do not rinse quinoa before you cook it it will be a little bitter. Experiment with using quinoa in other recipes that you might use rice, wheat, pasta, barley or oats and see what you like. Try eating more quinoa and less animal sources of protein for your health.

    Please share your favorite quinoa recipe with us by email.

    Chef Casey Catering, 310 753-7198, prepared 4 excellent quinoa dishes for us at the lecture Tuesday. He is happy to answer your questions.  These are his recipes:

     

    Quinoa Meatballs – makes 3 dozen

    Ingredients

    1 cup washed and drained quinoa

    2 cups water

    2 pounds ground pork ( or chicken or turkey)

    1 cup diced shallots

    1 teaspoon garlic

    4 large eggs

    1 teaspoon black pepper

    1 teaspoon paprika

    1 teaspoon dried oregano

    1 teaspoon dried parsley

    1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

    1 tablespoon olive oil

    1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    2. Put the quinoa and water into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Once you have strong bubble action, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the water is absorbed, 15 minutes. Take the saucepan off the heat, transfer the quinoa to a medium mixing bowl, and allow it to cool for 10 minutes.

    3. In a bowl add ground pork and 4 eggs.  In a sauté pan add olive oil, shallots, garlic and remaining spices.  Sauté for 5 minutes stirring frequently then let cool for 7-8 minutes.  Combine shallot mixture and quinoa to pork and mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and well combined.

    4. On baking sheet roll meatballs in 1 oz (1/2 tsp) size.  Place them in even rows. Place in the oven and cook until slightly browned and crispy on top, 12 to 15 minutes. If you have a meat thermometer, the safe internal temperature for pork is 155°.

    Note:  you can use any color quinoa, I chose plain.

     

     

    Quinoa Pilaf (Red quinoa) – serves 8

     

    Ingredients

    3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

    2 large or 4 small shallots, chopped

    1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, deveined and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces

    ½ teaspoon crushed garlic

    1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

    1 teaspoon paprika

    1 teaspoon white pepper

    1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning

    2 cups quinoa (washed and drained)

    1/2 cup white wine, such as pinot grigio

    3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

    3 cups arugula and/or baby spinach, chopped

    1 cup slivered or sliced almonds, toasted

    1 cup chopped fresh mint

    1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced

     

    Directions

    To toast the almonds, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees oven until lightly toasted, 6 to 8 minutes. Cool completely before using.

    In a large sauce pan heat olive oil. Add the shallots, bell pepper, garlic and seasonings. Cook until the vegetables are tender, 5 minutes. Add the quinoa and cook, stirring constantly, until coated with oil, about 2 minutes. Add wine and simmer until evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add  chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cover the pan and reduce heat to simmer until all of the broth has been absorbed and the quinoa is tender, about 15-17 minutes. Stir the pan and recover letting sit for 10-12 minutes.  Then add the arugula, almonds, mint, and cucumber.  Mix and serve immediately.

     

    Tabbouleh – serves 8

    Ingredients:

     

    2 cups of quinoa (washed and drained)

    3 cups of water

    5 bunches parsley
    2 bunches mint
    1/2 cucumber
    1 bunch scallion (green onion)
    4-5 tomatoes

    Dressing:

    1 cup of lemon juice

    1 teaspoon of crushed garlic

    1 teaspoon of lemon pepper

    ½ tsp white pepper

    ½ tsp paprika

    pinch of kosher salt

    Directions:
    Bring water to a boil in a sauce pan. Add quinoa. Cover and return to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the quinoa is tender. Place into a mixing bowl of good size; since this is the bowl you will be putting all of the other ingredients in. wash all of the other ingredients. When they are dry, start chopping not to fine though, and add to quinoa. It does not matter what order you do this in. When all added, mix very well.

    In another bowl, add lemon juice, crushed garlic, lemon pepper, salt, white pepper, paprika and mix well. Add to vegetables and mix well. If more lemon juice is needed for your taste, then by all means add it. ENJOY!

    Recipe by Chef Casey Tibbitts

     

    Quinoa Salad with Asparagus and Fresh Basil – Serves 8

    Ingredients

    4 cups water

    3 cups rainbow quinoa, washed and drained

    2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

    2 pounds asparagus, steamed until tender and crisp, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

    ½ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed

    2 cups roasted red peppers, diced

    1 cup fresh basil, chopped

    1 cup fresh chives, minced
    or sliced green onions

    2-3 cups cherry tomatoes (optional)

    Directions

    Bring water to a boil in a sauce pan. Add quinoa. Cover and return to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the quinoa is tender. Place quinoa in a mixing bowl and toss with the olive oil. When the quinoa has cooled to room temperature, mix in the asparagus, lemon juice, red peppers, basil and chives. If still dry, add more lemon juice.  Add cherry tomatoes for garnish (cut in half if desired).

     

    As your concierge doctor I welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions by phone, text and email.

     

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  • Your Concierge Physician Lists the San Pedro SAFE Collection Center for Medication Disposal February 7, 2014

    In response to my email on how to dispose medications a patient wrote that we can take our meds to the local

    San Pedro SAFE collection facility.  They take medication except for controlled substances. The San Pedro facility is open every Sat & Sun 9am – 3pm

    This is the website listing all the collection sites for LA County:

    http://www.lacitysan.org/solid_resources/special/hhw/safe_centers/

    This is the website for the list of controlled substances:
    http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/

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  • Your Concierge Physician Advises You How to Dispose of Medications February 7, 2014

    medication disposal

    This was published in the Medical Board of CA Newsletter Winter 2014. Click on the words “medication disposal” above to read the instructions.

    If you have any questions, comments or suggestions please call, text or email me.

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  • Your Concierge Physician Invites You to a Lecture on “Debunking the Myths of Aging” Feb 11, 2104 January 30, 2014

    FREE LECTURE and Quinoa Tasting   Please RSVP

    “Debunking the Myths of Aging”   February 11th Tuesday    6:30 -8pm. Suite 230.  Attendees will learn about brain healthy lifestyles and how to develop strategies to age successfully in the golden years.  Chef Casey will have quinoa for all to enjoy. Save a little room to have some. Please RSVP my phone 310 373-556 or email ng@drngriffith.com.

    The workshop will be facilitated by David Hart, MS – a trained marriage and family therapist with 10 years of clinical and community health experience.  David is a faculty member in the Department of Counseling at Cal State Fullerton and the Director of Memory Care and Clinical Services at Always Best Care South Bay.

     

    You Are What You Eat – And That Includes Your Brain

    By David Hart, MS

    When it comes to overall physical health, the old saying you are what you eat has never been more relevant.  As researchers look for ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, a number of studies have found that diet plays a pivotal role in reducing one’s risk for the yet incurable disease.  This scientific development offers the world hope as we grapple with increasing numbers of people who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease – over 5 million individuals in the United States alone.  According to the Alzheimer’s Association, this number is expected to jump to over 16 million by 2050.  Although these numbers appear to be staggering, science is invested in identifying prevention strategies for people at-risk for developing the disease.  Who’s at risk?  All of us are.

    Certain dietary practices have been found to greatly reduce risk for Alzheimer’s disease.  For example, researchers at the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging found that seniors 65-94 who ate fish at least once weekly were at 60% less risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who ate fish rarely or never.  In another study, conducted by the Departments of Medicine and Neurology at UCLA, curcumin, the active ingredient in the curry spice turmeric, was shown to prevent formation of amyloid plaques, one of the hallmark neuropathological changes in Alzheimer’s disease.  Interestingly, India, where curry spice is a dietary staple, has the lowest prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in the world.  Finally, as published in the Annals of Neurology, when dietary habits of 2,258 elderly men in New York were followed across four years, researchers found that the rate of Alzheimer’s disease among those seniors who adhered most strictly to the Mediterranean diet was 40% lower than among those didn’t follow diet.
    The Mediterranean diet involves eating more fruit, vegetables, olive oil and cereals and less meat and dairy than the Northern European or North American diet.

    Diet is not the only risk reduction strategy on the market.  Science has delivered a number of key ways to reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Studies are now repeatedly demonstrating that physical exercise, cognitive fitness, and managing health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease are all effective ways to reduce risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

     

    As your concierge doctor I welcome your questions, comments and suggestions by phone, text, fax and email.

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  • Your Concierge Physician Reminds You It Is Still Important to GET YOUR FLU SHOT January 28, 2014

    If you have not gotten your flu shot yet I would encourage you to get a flu shot as soon as possible. The flu that is going around this season is very dangerous. I was reminded of that this morning when I was seeing a patient in the intensive care unit at Torrance Memorial. The patient in the next bed was 50 years old and is probably going to die from the flu virus. I know it seems like it only happens to other people but this is a reality and very preventable.
    The flu vaccine does contain the correct strain to protect against this deadly virus.
    Please make sure that you and your family and friends have gotten their vaccination.
    If you think you have the flu please contact me as there is medication that might be helpful.
    As your concierge doctor I welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. Please contact me by email, text or phone.

    Please call 310 373-5566 if you would like to come in for your flu shot.

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  • Your Concierge Physician Invites You for Easy Stress Management at Local Concerts January 23, 2014

    Easy Stress Management
    Listening to music is good stress management. We are fortunate locally to have four series of free classical music concerts. The music has been outstanding and parking is easy.
    Two are given at the First Lutheran Church in Torrance, 2900 West Carson St. It is on the south side of Carson Street just east of maple. The upcoming concerts in this series are  February 15, March 15, April 12, May 17 and June 21. These are at 3:30 PM.
    Also at the First Lutheran Church, From 12:15 to 12:45 PM on Fridays February 7, March 7, April 4 and May 2 there is a one half hour performance of Bach organ music. They also have free coffee and fruit.
    At the Rolling Hills United Methodist Church at 26438 Crenshaw Blvd.(northeast corner of Crenshaw and Palos Verdes Drive North) Sundays at 2 PM on February 9, March 9, April 6, and June 8 The concerts feature outstanding young musicians.
    Each month The South Bay Chamber Music Society puts on the same concert each month at the Pacific Unitarian Church and at Harbor College. The Pacific Unitarian church is located at 5621 Montemalaga in Rancho Palos Verdes. The concerts at the church are at 3 PM on  February 16, March 16th and April 13.
    The concerts at Harbor College are given in the music department Recital Hall, 1111 Figueroa, Wilmington on Friday night at 8 PM on  February 14, March 14 and April 14.
    If you would like to subscribe to a free email newsletter listing classical music in the South Bay you may do so by emailing jeninger@yahoo.com.

    Look for me at these concerts.

    As your concierge doctor I welcome your comments, questions and suggestions at 310-373-5566 and by email ng@drngriffith.com.

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  • Your Concierge Physician Offers New Years Resolutions You Will Like- to help you feel fabulous January 8, 2014

    Most Americans say they feel more relaxed when the bedroom has a pleasant scent. Certain fragrances, like lavender or rose, can be relaxing or calming me and help to fall asleep. Try different scents and see if there is one that you enjoy and helps you relax. Make a resolution to explore fragrances and see if you feel  better.

    Would you like to make it easier to lose weight? If you make it more difficult to get the food,  you will eat less. You can try putting the snack inside your drawer at work or sitting farther away from the food at the buffet. If you need to take the shells off of nuts or unwrap a piece of candy you will actually eat less than if the candy was unwrapped or the peanuts were already out of their shells. The more difficult that you make obtaining the food the less you will actually eat. Also the less variety that you have, the less you will eat. By putting the food away, and not being able to see the food, you will not be reminded of the food as often and eat less. Try making a resolution to put away the food you want to eat less of and see how it works.
    With food being so abundant and so much of our social activities revolving around eating we need all the tricks we can use to keep from gaining weight.
    Studies have also shown that people who began a meal with either a small one hundred calorie salad or a broth-based soup (not cream-based ) ate less calories overall compared with those who did not start with the soup or salad. Try a vegetable soup to increase your intake of vegetables. Either way, a salad or soup is a nutritious way to start your meal and to eat fewer calories overall.
    Try making a resolution to start your meals with a soup or salad. As you eat your meal listen to your body and stop eating when you feel full. This may be an easy method of weight management for you.

    As your concierge doctor I welcome your questions, comments and sugestions at 310 373-5566.

    Happy New Year!

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  • Onions Week 6- Growing Onions with your Concierge Doctor January 7, 2014

    The onion plants are growing. Make sure you water as we have nice warm weather and no rain.

    Please call, text or email me with your questions, concerns or comments.

    Onions Jan 5, 2014

    Onions Jan 5, 2014

     

    Onions Jan 5, 2014

    Onions Jan 5, 2014

     

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  • Your Concierge Physician Onion Garden Watch Week 4 January 7, 2014

    Slowly the onions are growing. If you have any questions about your onions please call me. There still is time to plant your plants if you have not had time

     

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  • Your Concierge’s Physician’s Onion Garden Week 3 December 17, 2013

    The onions are starting to grow. I am posting a photo from the end of last year’s season of onions to show you what you have to look forward to. There are still a few people who have not picked up their plants and I bought extra if you did not sign up but would like to try growing onions.

    We grow these in elevated beds with a drip system.

    If you have any questions please contact me.

    I wish you all a Merry Christmas.

    Mature onions at the end of the season 2012

    Mature onions at the end of the season 2012

    Onions week 3

    Onions week 3

     

    Onions week 3

    Onions week 3

     

     

     

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  • Your Concierge Physician’s Office will be CLOSED Christmas week and New Years Day. Your Concierge Doctor will be available for all your needs. December 9, 2013

    My office will be closed Christmas week (December 23 through December 28 ) and New Years Day to allow my staff time to celebrate with their families.
    I will be available for you by phone call, text or email. I am in town if you are sick and need to be seen. I will be available for all of your needs.
    I wish you and your family a very happy holiday season.

    If you have not received your flu shot there is still time to get your flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone over six months of age receives a flu shot. Please call the office if you would like an appointment for a flu shot

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  • Your Concierge Physician’s Onion Garden Watch Week 2 December 9, 2013

     

    Onions growing at Week 2

    Onions growing at Week 2

     

    The onions are already growing. If you have not picked up your onions please stop yby the office. Remember to water if we do not have rain.

    I  can’t wait for for spring to eat these onions.

    If you  have any questions please call me at 310 373-5566

     

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  • Your Concierge Doctor’s Onion Garden Week One December 3, 2013

     

    My husband planted our onion plants last week. They are already staring to grow. The black hose is the drip system. Hopefully the onions will get consistent watering and grow big to harvest next spring. I will post photos to show you the progress of the onions.

    I still have more plants to share with you. Come by the office to pick them up.

    If you have questions please contact me at 310 373-5566

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  • Your Concierge Physician Invites You to the Asian Markets for Fresh Chestnuts for Delicious Soup December 2, 2013

    This is the season for fresh Asian chestnuts. We are fortunate to have two excellent Korean markets that not only sell the fresh chestnuts but also have a machine to remove the outer shell. Removing the shell is the most time-consuming part of cooking chestnuts.
    If you have not shopped at Market World, on the corner of Sepulveda and Maple in Torrance or S – Mart, on the corner of Crenshaw and Torrance Boulevards in Torrance you are missing a treat. In addition to having a wide variety of Asian foods both have an excellent produce department. They have organic and regular produce. Their prices are excellent. They both sell fresh chestnuts when they are in season. Once you pay for the chestnuts they will put them in a machine to remove the shells.
    By the way there are two Middle Eastern markets that also have good produce and a variety of Middle Eastern items. The produce selection is not as large as the Korean markets. Of course for produce that is in season you can’t beat the farmers markets. I posted the locations and hours of our local farmers markets in July. You can find that on my website.
    The Asian stores also sell disposable bags that look like teabags. I think the Japanese use them for a seasoning called Dashi.( We like to use dashi in flavoring greens and Kabocha squash.) You can use cheesecloth and tie up a little bag or you can buy these. I am including a picture so you will know what I am talking about.
    disposable bag and package

    disposable bad instructions

    This is my version of healthy chestnut soup:
    When I make this soup I make a big pot and share it with my family and friends. You may want to cut the recipe in half.
    I take the chestnuts that have been shelled and put about a pound and a half in a covered  glass bowl with some water,  in the microwave and cook for about eight minutes. Since the chestnuts will be cooking in broth you may be able to omit this step but I have not tried that.
    In a large pot on the stove I put chicken broth and 4 cups of chopped onions, 4 cups of chopped carrots, and 4 cups of chopped celery. I use enough chicken broth to have liquid to cook the vegetables in.
    In my little disposable pouch I put four large bay leaves, about 12 whole cloves, and about eight sprigs of parsley.
    I add the cooked chestnuts and flavoring pouch to the pot of vegetables and broth along with about a half cup of white wine and let it simmer for about an hour.
    I remove the flavoring pouch and blend the soup.  I usually add 2 cups of milk. If the soup is too thick I add more chicken broth. I add pepper to taste.
    I noticed that the recipes on the Internet use butter, flour, and heavy cream. We find this soup is incredible without these extra ingredients.
    You do not need to be precise with the quantities or proportions of ingredients and you may vary the ingredients to your liking. I hope you and your family and friends enjoyed the soup as much as we do.

    As your Concierge Doctor I welcome your comments and questions at 310 373-5566

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  • Your Concierge Doctor Has Onion Plants for You November 26, 2013
    In osbervance of Thanksgiving my office will be closed Thursday and Friday. I am available for you at 310-373-5566.
    I wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving.
    The little onion plants are now in my office ready to be picked up. I bought extra if you now realize you could try growing onions. Please come by the office to pick them up. If you would like me to tape the envelope to the door to pick up after hours please let me know.
    I have enclosed the instructions from Dixondale Farms but it is really easy:
    Once you have the soil ready ( if your soil is clay make it drain better with peat and vemiculite) put the little plants into the dirt about 1/2 inch- just enough to support the plant. If you plant it too deep the bulb does not grow correctly. Plant them about 6 inches apart to give them room for the bulb to grow
    Water the plants as needed..
    In March thru May the tops will get brown then you know it is time to harvest. Pull them up and let the dry for  a few days. If it is not too damp outside you can leave them on the dirt or bring inside.
    I made a short video showing this. This is my first attempt at a video. If you have any questions please let me know.
    Fresh onions taste so good. I know you will find it worth your effort to grow them if you give it  a try.
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  • Your Concierge Physician Invites You to FREE Local Concerts November 20, 2013

    Music is good for us physically and emotionally. It reduces stress and can help anxiety. It improves the immune system. Good music just makes you feel good.

    Locally, there are 4 series of FREE monthly concerts. Parking is free and easy. I have attached the schedules for this season. You can subscribe to a free  email newsletter giving other classical events around the area by sending an email to jeninger@yahoo.com.
    I have enjoyed these series and look forward to seeing you there.

     

    Fri concertsChamber Music Scheduleclassical Crossroads ConcertsSun concerts

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  • Your Concierge Doctor Reminds You to Get Your FLU SHOT November 17, 2013

    If you have not gotten your flu shot, it is time to get one. Please call the office at 310 373-5566 to arrange a time for your flu shot. All our flu shots are preservative free.

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  • Your Concierge Physician Invites you to Diabetic Education Tues Nov. 19 at 6:30 November 17, 2013

    Just a reminder, if you would like to attend the diabetic eduation class it is this Tuesday in the office at 6:30

     

    Please call me if you have any questions 310 373-5566

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  • Your Concierge Doctor’s Fall Newsletter is in your inbox October 30, 2013

    I have emailed the Fall newsletter. If you did not receive it please let me know.

    We are still walking on Wed.s at 4 pm- I welcome slow and fast walkers.

    Wed. Nov 6 at 6:30 is the talk on Mindful Eating for the Holidays. Please RSVP

    The second Diabetic education group will meet Tues Nov 19 at 6:30. Please RSVP

    As your concierge physician, I welcome your comments.

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  • Your Concierge Physician invites you to a lecture Nov 6 ” Mindful Eating Through the Holidays” and Diabetic Education Nov 19 October 17, 2013

    “Mindful eating through the holidays” Nov. 6, 2013 6:30pm  3701 Skypark Dr. Suite 230

    Are you approaching the holidays bracing yourself for the chaotic eating period—starting with Halloween candy and ending with the New Years Eve parties? Have you resigned yourself to an “inevitable” 5-10 lb holiday weight gain?

    Come learn the top 5 tools that has kept hundreds of people from gaining weight through the holiday craze with dietician Diana Lipson Burge. She is a registered dietitian and founder of The Energy Resource. She is recognized in Southern California as a leading expert in weight management, disordered eating, and sports nutrition. She is the co-author of the book “Un- dieting, Undoing the diet mentality and staying fit forever.”

    Please RSVP by phone 310 373-5566 or email ng@drngriffith.com

     

    Diabetes Education and Update Nov. 19, 2013 6:30pm 3701 Skypark Drive   suite 150

    Please RSVP by phone 310 373-5566 or email ng@drngrifith.com

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  • Your Concierge Physician shares healthy soup recipes October 14, 2013

    avgolemono

    We found a very nice heirloom garlic at Costco and Sam’s Club last week. It is
    called Monviso. We made a healthy garlic soup with it. We diced up about a
    dozen garlic cloves and put it in 4 cups of water along with the Bayleaf and
    two leaves of sage and some thyme. After that cooks for about 45  minutes I took out the sage and Bayleaf and
    whipped up some egg and added the egg to the soup.  It was a nice creamy soup without the cream.
    The garlic had a consistency of mashed potatoes. One batch we added a little
    bit of chicken broth. I think this will be even better as we get into the cold
    weather for winter.

    Another soup that I have been enjoying that is very healthy also uses egg for
    thickener. We chop up onion, celery and carrots. We put that in a large pot
    with chicken broth and chicken and rice. After that has cooked we mix up egg
    with lemon juice. We add the hot broth to the bowl of egg and lemon juice and
    then transfer that back into the soup. It is so good. Recipes on the Internet
    call for flower and margarine but I have left them out and I love this soup.
    This is actually a classic Greek lemon rice soup. I never get tired of this
    combination.

    If you have a favorite healthy recipe please share it with me.

    As your concierge physician, I encourage you to eat healthy and tasty foods. If you have questions please call me at 310 373-5566.

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  • Your Concierge Doctor invites RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME sufferers to an Educational Meeting Sunday Oct 20, 2013 1 pm October 8, 2013

     

    If you have an overwhelming need to move your limbs, or restless, nervous or creepy-crawly sensations in your limbs that start or become worse with resting you may have restless leg syndrome. These symptoms are relieved by movement, walking or activity. These symptoms may cause difficulty falling or staying asleep, leading to feelings of daytime tiredness or fatigue.

    The Southern California RLS Support Group is having an educational meeting Oct 20 at 1 pm at St. Mary Medical Center, 1050 Linden Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813. There is a $5 parking charge if you park in the structure adjacent to the building.

    Please RSVP by Oct 18 by calling 888-478-6279

    For more information contact Susan 310 792-2952 or email her at susan@rlsgroups.org. You may learn more at www.willis-ekbom.org

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • Your Concierge Doctor invites you to FREE events for www.greettheday.org for Cancer Patients and Survivors October 1, 2013

    www.Greettheday.org was started by a medical school classmate of mine after her treatment with breast cancer. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for people affected by cancer through education, oncology massage, and restorative skin care and bodywork.

    For October they are offering FREE classes and events to celebrate their 10th anniversary. If you have cancer or know someone who has cancer please look at the website and take advantage of their programs.

    As your concierge physician I am available for all your concerns at 310 373 5566 and by email ng@drngriffith.com.

    http://greettheday.org/communities/4/004/009/746/614/images/4582884459.jpg

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  • Your Concierge Physician invites Diabetics or family members of diabetics to interactive teaching Tues Oct 15, 2013 6:30 PM at the OFFICE October 1, 2013
    In my office on Tuesday, October 15 6:30 to 8 PM I will have a small group led by a diabetic educator 
    to discuss type two diabetes and ways you can make healthier eating choices and to stay active. 
    The actual topics discussed will depend on  the participants' interest.
    If you or a family member has type two diabetes this would be an excellent way to 
    further your understanding have diabetes, it's impact on your life and treatments.
    Please RSVP by email or by phone at 310-373-5566
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  • Your Concierge Doctor encourages you to eat before you shop September 30, 2013
    When you are going to go food shopping make sure you are not hungry. You will tend to buy items that you do not need and are not as healthy. Eat a high-protein snack or go shopping after you eat. You might want to keep nuts or jerky in the car for times you are hungry and need to shop.
    Please contact me with questions or comments at 310- 373-5566 or ng@drngriffith.com
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  • Your Concierge Doctor recommends that you make your appointment for your flu shot September 23, 2013

    influenza virusThe Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone over 6 months of age as soon as it is available. The protection will last throughout the flu season.

    You may get more information on flu and the vaccine at www.cdc.gov/flu.

    As your conciderge physician, I urge you to call 310 373-5566 for your appointment for your flu vaccine.

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  • Your Concierge Doctor Warns You to Prevent West Nile Virus September 9, 2013

    WEST NILE VIRUS FACT SHEET FROM THE CDC

    West Nile virus infection can cause serious disease. WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall. This fact sheet contains important information that can help you recognize and prevent West Nile virus.

    What Can I Do to Prevent WNV?

    The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.

    ▪ When outdoors, use repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, some oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol. Follow the directions on the package.

    ▪ Many mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.

    ▪ Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

    ▪ Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.

    What Are the Symptoms of WNV?

    Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About 1 in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.

    Milder Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected will have symptoms which can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days to as long as several weeks.

    No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all, but there is no way to know in advance if you will develop an illness or not.

    How Does West Nile Virus Spread?

    Infected Mosquitoes. WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite.

    Transfusions, Transplants, and Mother-to-Child. In a very small number of cases, WNV also has been spread directly from an infected person through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and during pregnancy from mother to baby.

    Not through touching. WNV is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus.

    How Soon Do Infected People Get Sick?

    People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito.

    How Is WNV Infection Treated?

    There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. In cases with milder symptoms, people experience symptoms such as fever and aches that pass on their own, although illness may last weeks to months. In more severe cases, people usually need to go to the hospital where they can receive supportive treatment including intravenous fluids, help with breathing, and nursing care.

    What Should I Do if I Think I Have WNV?

    Milder WNV illness improves on its own, and people do not need to seek medical attention for this infection though they may choose to do so. If you develop symptoms of severe WNV illness, such as unusually severe headaches or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. Severe WNV illness usually requires hospitalization. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are encouraged to talk to their doctor if they develop symptoms that could be WNV.

    What Is the Risk of Getting Sick from WNV?

    People over 50 at higher risk to get severe illness. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of WNV if they do get sick and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites.

    Being outside means you’re at risk. The more time you’re outdoors, the more time you could be bitten by an infected mosquito. Pay attention to avoiding mosquito bites if you spend time outside, either working or playing.

    Risk through medical procedures is very low. All donated blood is checked for WNV before being used. The risk of getting WNV through blood transfusions and organ transplants is very small, and should not prevent people who need surgery from having it. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor.

    What Is CDC Doing About WNV?

    CDC is working with state and local health departments, the Food and Drug Administration and other government agencies, as well as private industry, to prepare for and prevent new cases of WNV.

    Some things CDC is doing include:

    ▪ Coordinating a nation-wide electronic database where states share information about WNV

    ▪ Helping states develop and carry out improved mosquito prevention and control programs

    ▪ Developing better, faster tests to detect and diagnose WNV

    ▪ Creating new education tools and programs for the media, the public, and health professionals

    ▪ Working with partners to develop vaccines.

     

    What Else Should I Know?

    West Nile virus infects birds. In nature, West Nile virus cycles between mosquitoes and birds. Some infected birds can develop high levels of the virus in their bloodstream and mosquitoes can become infected by biting these infected birds. Some, but not all infected birds get sick and die of disease. One way health officials conduct surveillance for West Nile virus is by testing local birds. Finding dead birds may be a sign that West Nile virus is circulating between birds and the mosquitoes in an area. By reporting dead birds to state and local health departments, you can play an important role in monitoring West Nile virus. State and local agencies have different policies for collecting and testing birds, so check with your county or state health department to find information about reporting dead birds in your area.

    If you find a dead bird: Don’t handle the body with your bare hands. Contact your local health department for instructions on reporting and disposing of the body. They may tell you to dispose of the bird after they log your report.

    For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/westnile, or call CDC at 800-CDC-INFO (English and Spanish) or 888-232-6348 (TTY).

    If you have any questions or comments please contact your concierge physician, Nancy Griffith MD, MPH at ng@drngriffith.com or (310) 373-5566

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