Taking Care of Ourselves
…and Others
by Marc Hopkins

A wise person once said “Don’t go to the mechanic to fix your toothache, and don’t ask your dentist to fix your car.” I never asked if they figured this out on their own or if it was experience, but it should be common sense. Unfortunately all too often we end up asking the wrong person for important medical advice. Be it a neighbor, an infomercial, or someone who knows someone who knows it is a fact that rubbing two river rocks together will cure a headache. Yes, I just made that up, but see how easy it can be to get misled?
There are several solutions out there including home remedies, homeopathic medicines, over the counter drugs, and prescriptions to name a few. In the rush for a quick fix in pill form people often over look the importance of a good foundation. Are we exercising, eating proper, and avoiding stress? It is amazing how reducing caffeine or working to reduce stress will fix many problems. A positive change in diet can dramatically improve the way we feel and reduce fatigue. Exercise, even for just 20 minutes, releases endorphins and can dramatically improve mental attitudes, increase energy levels, and reduce chronic pain.
Whether the solution is a change to a healthier lifestyle or requires some form of medication, it is best to not ask the mechanic, your neighbor, or anyone else who is not qualified to answer. Below a few of the professionals seen in Out & About have taken the time to provide a few health tips or review some of the services they provide. Please feel free to contact them and ask them for more information about these or any of the other services they may provide. Whomever you may call for information on how you can improve your health into the New Year and beyond, make sure they are a qualified professional and you will find yourself feeling better already!

BodyWorks of Morgan Hill offers custom exercise programs for singles, couples and small groups of up to six people. We train men, women and children. Our programs are designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, endurance, flexibility and balance. We also design programs for those who’ve had an injury or surgery, have finished with physical therapy and are ready for the next step: a structured program that picks up where physical therapy left off.
BodyWorks offers instructed circuit training classes for 3 to 6 clients. Your trainer keeps time and coaches you to perform excercises correctly. People of different strength and conditioning can work in the same class because the trainer gears the intensity of the exercise to the individual.
BodyWorks offers conditioning based on the exercises of Joseph Pilates. The Pilates method builds strength without bulk, teaches good posture and promotes flexibility and balance. BodyWorks of Morgan Hill is unique in offering programs that integrate Pilates instruction with traditional weight training. Our programs offer you the best of both worlds or allow you to focus on either traditional or Pilates exercise.
Phyllis Kaiser, who has 25 years of conditioning and weight lifting experience, established BodyWorks in 1998. After retiring early from the IBM Corporation, she attended San Jose State University to obtain a Masters degree in kinesiology. She has also attended classes in the use of Pilates for rehabilitation of injuries and has designed many programs for those recovering from injuries. Visit www.BodyWorksMH.com for a complete description of our trainers, programs and prices.

Bodz by Camacho
Bodz by Camacho is a great place to start your New Year’s resolution fitness training, and David Camacho is excited to help you get started. “Don’t wait for your Doctor to tell you to start exercising” he says. “Be proactive, start a program and get ready to feel better than you ever have before!” Fitness at any age is an important priority, and with all the membership and personal training specials being offered for 2008, it couldn’t be any easier to start getting in shape now. Bodz by Camacho is a fitness center for all ages and welcomes you in 2008 and always.

Daniel’s Riches
At Daniel’s Riches our mission is to bring nutrition, health and wellness to a sick & hurting world through education and consultation. There are many stressors in our daily lives that may be causing weight problems, health issues, and disease. We will work with you to adjust your lifestyle and identify the stressors that are affecting you. With direction you can improve your health through better foods, exercise, and supplementation. Our philosophy is that we are all responsible for our wellness and should be 100% involved in decisions involving our health. Make today the start of a healthier you. We offer a Free Nutrition class on Friday nights. Call to schedule a consultation or visit our website at: www.mynsp.com/4urhealth.

Dr. Manalili
Proper oral hygiene does not just save your teeth and gums, it could save your life. The bacteria from gum disease enters the blood stream and contributes to the clogging of arteries in the heart. Researchers have found people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease. Studies have also shown periodontal diseases are linked to strokes and those who suffered from a stroke were more likely to have an oral infection. Taking the time to properly brush and floss has a direct effect on the rest of your health.
Often people with missing or problem teeth automatically opt for a bridge or similar solution. The problem is in order to do this the surrounding teeth are compromised and at greater risk for their own problems. Choosing an implant fixes the affected tooth without a negative impact on the surrounding teeth. When considering the affects it will have on surrounding teeth, the long term costs associated with fixing those problems, and the more natural look and feel of an implant can prove to be a wise choice.
For those who need a crown, new technology in our office means a crown replacement can be done in one visit and often in less than 45 minutes. So if you’ve been putting it off your excuses are gone!
Please give us a call to see how you can improve your oral hygiene, review available treatment options, or get that crown done quickly! Or visit us on the web at: morganhillsmiles.com/

Gilroy Pharmacy
Over 200,000 people each year are hospitalized for the flu, millions suffer the agonizing effects and possibly miss time from work. But there are ways to prevent spreading and catching the flu. Everyone should get the flu shot, especially young children and older adults as they are at the greatest risk. It is best to get vaccinated by November, but the shot can be effective taken as late and February. If you do get the flu, cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and avoid going to work, school or other places you can spread it. Healthy eating and exercise habits will help fight off the flu naturally, but the best prevention is washing your hands with soap or using an anti-bacterial gel when washing is not possible. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with hands that have not been washed. For more information on the flu vaccination, general health tips, or information on medications please call or drop by!

Hazel Hawkins Hospital
We provide a Cancer Detection Program that includes Cervical and Breast, a Child Health and Disability Program offering physicals and immunizations at no cost through Medi-Cal, and Comprehensive Perinatal Services Including labor and delivery educational classes. We offer a full on-site staff including Family Practice, Orthopedics, Urology, Cardiology, Ob/Gyn, and a General Surgeon. We also have onsite Nurse Practitioners and a Physician’s Assistant. In addition to Medi-Cal services we do offer a financial assistance program that works on a sliding fee scale based upon income verification. We are an appointment clinic with office hours of operation Monday thru Friday 8am - 8pm, Saturday 8:15am-5pm, and Sunday 8:15am-12:00pm. We do offer same day appointments and accept walk-ins. The staff is bilingual.

Healthy Inspirations
Women only, come join us at our weight loss and exercise facility. We offer a friendly, comfortable environment. We are part of a large franchise so you can work out at other Healthy Inspiration locations, yet we are small enough that we welcome everyone by name. You can join as “exercise only” and take advantage of the circuit training, treadmills, ellipticals, and exercise bikes, or also become a part of our individualized weight loss program. The weight loss programs provide education on how to read labels at the grocery store to understand nutritional values and menus are based on food you can get at the grocery store. As if that was not enough you can spend time in the relaxtion chair or get a body wrap to detoxify your body. We also offer air-brush tanning so you can enjoy a tan without harmful UV rays. Meet your health and fitness goals in a safe and fun environment!

MiracLens Optometry
Are you nearsighted and tired of wearing glasses or contacts? Have you thought about LASIK but found it too expensive? The doctors at MiracLens Optometry have a solution for you: Ortho-K (short for Orthokeratology).
Ortho-K is a safe, effective, and FDA approved procedure for reducing—even eliminating—nearsightedness and astigmatism. Without surgery! Rather than removing tissue from your cornea using a laser, with Ortho-K we gently reshape the cornea using contact lenses, similar to the way an orthodontist shapes your smile using braces. Best of all, the lenses are worn at night while you sleep, so you don’t have to wear anything during the day!
Because we use a gentle technique, the reshaping process can take several weeks, and once finished, a retainer lens is worn each night so your eye holds the new shape. If you ever decide that you don’t want to do it anymore, simply stop wearing the retainer. Because this is a safe, gentle, and non-surgical procedure, Ortho-K works especially well for children, and our doctors have successfully fitted children as young as 5!
Imagine your child going to school without having to wear glasses. Imagine being able to swim or participate in sports without glasses or contact lenses. With overnight Ortho-K, you can.
We offer glasses and regular contact lenses as well, and each of our doctors has well over 20 years of experience. To find out more please drop by our office or give us a call at (408) 779-3400. You can also visit us online at www.miraclensoptometry.com/.

Juvenescence
Do you have trouble falling asleep at night? Do you wake up too early? Do you have trouble staying asleep? Do you feel tired during the day? Are you worried about premature signs of aging?
You are not alone. According to sleep experts sixty seven to eighty percent of the population are sleep deprived. Poor sleep is a sign of a body out of balance, causing deterioration in our health as well causing severe mood swings. It may be our #1 debilitating “disease,” our most widespread health problem.
Sleep is an essential recharging process for your mind and body. Crucial cellular repairs are made only through restorative sleep. Unfortunately, there is no magic pill. Sleeping pills don’t cure insomnia because they don’t treat the causes. They also don’t allow your body to get all the levels of sleep critical for restoration.
My motto has always been to grow young. Restorative sleep is the key. Eating habits, stress, hormonal changes, sleep environment, sleep hygiene, activity levels, attitude about sleep, and medications all contribute to a lack of restorative sleep. Shakespeare referred to sleep as “…great nature’s second course, chief nourisher in life’s feast.” Juvenescence, LLC will soon be specializing in restorative sleep for women through comprehensive programs that restore the body back into balance. Call 408.779.8363 or visit www.juvenescence.net for more information.

Mario Marroquin
Dr. Mario Marroquin was born and raised in the beautiful port city of Acapulco Mexico. He began his practice in Acapulco and was soon chosen as the exclusive private dentist for the Sitmar Cruise Lines. He also provided dental services to the Princess, Cunnard and Royal Viking Cruise Lines.
In 1986 he decided to further his dental career and education by moving his young family to San Francisco. He received his Doctorate from the University Of The Pacific School of Dentistry in 1989.
He chose Morgan Hill to practice dentistry because he liked the family town atmosphere. Dr. Marroquin purchased an established dental practice in 1990. Within the last ten years he has expanded his practice and moved to a larger, new facility.
Dr. Marroquin practices general dentistry for children and adults with emphasis in implants, cosmetic dentistry and restorative metal free dentistry. Dr. Marroquin can be reached at 408.779.3464.

Morgan Hill Centennial Recreation Center (CRC)
When you walk into the Morgan Hill Centennial Recreation Center (CRC) you immediately realize that it is more than just a fitness center. The CRC experience begins with a welcoming lobby that invites you to meet and visit with friends and family before or after a workout.
The CRC is a place to have positive experiences with your whole family and offers many family friendly features: a Kids Zone, family changing rooms, the opportunity to work out with your children age 9 and above, a teen center, a senior center with senior nutrition program, indoor pool with water slide, and party packages for the perfect birthday celebration.
The CRC also offers strength and cardio equipment, FitLinxx (providing you instant feedback while you workout), a group exercise studio, a full compliment of classes from yoga to group cycling, onsite massage, nutrition consulting, personal training, and many other fabulous programs and classes for both members and non-members.
Complete Wifi access rounds out your experience by making the CRC a productive place to sit and work. No matter why you visit the CRC, our welcoming staff is always available to assist you!

San Benito Health Foundation
San Benito Health Foundation located at 351 Felice Drive in Hollister offers quality healthcare for all people regardless of their ability to pay. Committed to the principles of serving as a dedicated and professional provider of medical, dental and social health services for San Benito County.
We offer a variety of services including: Medical and dental family practice, preventative medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, family planning, pediatrics, immunizations and health screening services, nutrition counseling, and HIV/AIDS testing and counseling. We also offer WIC – Women Infants and Children, the program that provides nutrition education and food assistance to pregnant women, postnatal women, and children under the age of five. Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm and alternating Saturday Appointments. Call 831-637-5306 for further information

Santa Teresa Dental
Are you missing one or more teeth? Dr. Andrew Huang of Santa Teresa Dental is extensively trained in implant dentistry. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically anchored into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. The benefit of replacing missing teeth with dental implants is that implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support. They are permanent and stable. Most importantly, dental implants look and feel like natural teeth! Depending on your specific condition and the type of implant chosen, Dr. Huang will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs. Implants can replace a single tooth, replace several teeth, or replace all your teeth! Call or drop by today. Visit our website at www.stDental.com for more information.

Sharon Halloway
It is amazing what massage therapy can do to heal the body and mind. It helps relax the body as a preventative measure, removing stress and soothing muscle tension. Therapeutic massage for occupational pains and other physical therapy are available for those who may be currently suffering. In addition to massage therapy biological technology is available to aid in healing. A certified technician uses very low level lasers to nourish and repolarize cells and membranes. It also stimulates APP production providing more energy to cells. With over 20 years of experience I can answer questions about your health and how bioenergy technology or massage therapy can help. You can also see me at local health fairs and working with local hospitals.

Visiting Angels
Visiting Angels is the nation’s leading, nationally respected network of non-medical, private duty home care agencies providing senior care, elder care, personal care, respite care and companion care to help the elderly and adults continue to live in their homes across America.
Visiting Angels is a family alternative to nursing homes and in some cases, an alternative to or a supplement to assisted living facilities. Our caring and experienced caregivers provide up to 24-hour care in the comfort of your own home, at affordable rates. We make it possible for our clients to remain in their home instead of being placed in a nursing home or institutional facility or to give the elderly in an assisted-living facility some level of independence and some one-on-one attention.
The company puts a lot of energy, time and money in recruiting experienced caregivers and in matching the client with the caregiver they connect with. Visiting Angels prides itself on its comprehensive screening process and in ensuring that optimum care is provided, through a regular monitoring and communication process. Visiting Angels has an informal continuous education and coaching program, to further the professional development of its “Angels.”
The Visiting Angels team in this area provides care for people from South San Jose to Salinas and is run by Dorie Sugay, who has been in this area for over 13 years and has been involved in civic and community projects. For more information, visit www.visitingangels.com or call 408 846-2988.

Dr. Grifall
Dr. Mike Grifall is Morgan Hill’s Hometown Chiropractor! He grew up here and enjoys raising his family here. Dr. Mike’s interest in Chiropractic began in college when he suffered from a back injury. He consulted his former Live Oak coach who said, “You need a Chiropractor!” After just the first visit his condition improved dramatically and with a few more visits, his pain was completely gone and the injury in his lower back healed. This experience made an impression on Dr. Mike. He thought that helping people get out of pain and heal injuries to their bodies without drugs or surgery is truly amazing! He enrolled in Palmer College of Chiropractic and was honored with the “Clinical Excellence Award” at graduation.
Grifall Family Chiropractic is celebrating its 6th year in a beautiful new location! They have moved to the Venture Professional Center, 18181 Butterfield Blvd., Ste 175. Dr. Mike will continue to provide gentle chiropractic care for the entire family, as well as offer many new services

Dr. Moulthrop
Dr. Moulthrop’s practice is a perfect combination of cutting edge technology and personalized care. His energy, skill and philosophy of exceeding expectations have earned him a stellar reputation, making him one of the most sought after and respected dentists in Santa Clara County.
“My patients deserve the best and I am pleased that I can provide a unique setting, the most current equipment available and a superior staff who share my same high standard of care.” The patients will begin in a relaxing waiting area with a fireplace, water feature and stained glass and will continue into the treatment room where all operatories have a massage feature in each chair.
A native of Morgan Hill, he graduated from Live Oak High School in 1976, received his DDS from the University of Southern California, one of the top rated dental schools in the country, and continued his education with a hospital residency at Sepulveda VA Medical Center. He has also completed advanced training in Cosmetic Dentistry, Implantology, Prosthodontics, Endodontics and the treatement of Periodontal disease. He is a true “General Dentist” covering all aspects of dental care.
Dr. Moulthrop will be treating his patients in his brand new state-of-the-art facility at 18181 Butterfield Blvd. Ste. 160.

Dr. Vitto
With our move to Morgan Hill in April from our previous office in Gilroy, we now have over twice the space and are now providing state of the art neurological care for adults and children, not only from a basic clinical standpoint but also now with the addition of advanced neurodiagnostic equipment and testing. We are one of the few neurology offices in the Bay Area that provide digital EEG studies (seizure detection). Additionally, we can examine such common neurological problems as carpel tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathies, muscle disorders, and pinched nerves in the spine. We are one of the few offices in the Bay Area with tests to assess the neurological integrity of hearing, vision, and sensation. By using a transcranial doppler we can examine blood flow in brain arteries and are useful in detecting strokes emanating from the heart or other arteries, usually only performed at select academic stroke centers. All of this advanced technology is provided in a comfortable, warm, and nurturing environment in the new Butterfield Professional Center. Feel free to drop by for a visit anytime!

Individualized Physical Therapy
Individualized Physical Therapy is pleased to announce that Pilates Mat and Reformer Classes are now being offered. Our mat classes focus on building core strength in a small group atmosphere on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7:30PM and Saturday mornings at 9:00AM. Class size is limited to six students and provides a gentle, safe, and effective workout for the beginning Pilates student. This small group setting ensures that back, neck or other orthopedic concerns can be addressed as exercises are modified to suit individual needs. These classes are instructed by Julie Jensen, a Certified Pilates Instructor with seven years experience and is also a Certified Personal Trainer.
We also offer private Pilates Reformer and Apparatus Training. Sessions are personalized for either one or two clients. These one-hour sessions are available to both the beginning or more advanced Pilates student, day or evening by appointment only. Gift certificates are available.