Tag Archives: Advice Columns

From the The Palo Alto Medical Foundation — Is Veganism for You?

Posted on by
Reply

What do former President Bill Clinton, Ozzy Osbourne and Ellen de Generes have in common? They’re all vegan. Let’s take a look at this diet and lifestyle, which is becoming more popular.

For many reasons, some people choose to eliminate all animal products and adopt what’s known as a vegan diet. In 2008, a survey for the Vegetarian Resource Group reported that .5 percent of Americans, or 1 million people, called themselves vegans. The recent documentary, “Forks Over Knives,” has brought new popularity to the vegan diet.

What is veganism? It’s strictly defined as the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products in any form. This includes eliminating all animal products from the diet. For strict vegans, who adhere to veganism as a philosophy of treating all living beings ethically, this also means not wearing clothing or shoes made of animal products, including leather, wool and silk.

What food can you eat in a vegan diet? Most vegetable dishes are vegan, or can easily made to be so. Plant-based proteins include beans and legumes, tofu and other soy products, and nuts. There are now widely available non-dairy milk substitutes made of soy, almonds and coconut. Soy and nut yogurt and cheese substitutes are also available.

What foods are prohibited in a vegan diet? Strict vegans eliminate any food containing meat, seafood, eggs or dairy products (milk, yogurt and butter). They may also avoid honey and gelatin.

What are the benefits of the vegan diet? Nutrition research has provided robust evidence that a diet composed mainly of vegetables, fruits and whole grains has great health benefits. Or as Michael Pollan put it, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” A large nutrition study known as the China Study proposes that most chronic diseases affecting adults (obesity, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes and cancer) can be prevented or reversed by following a vegan diet.

Is there any harm in following a vegan diet? A carefully planned vegan diet can be very healthful, but there are a few micronutrients that aren’t easily obtained from plant sources of food. These include vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and possibly iodine and omega-3 fatty acids. The first two of these will usually need to be taken in vitamin form, but the others can be found in a carefully planned plant-based diet. So long as a diet includes a variety of nuts, soy products and legumes, getting enough protein is usually not an issue.

Helpful resources and websites:

www.TheChinaStudy.com

Forks Over Knives (documentary and book based upon The China Study)

www.VeganHealth.org (nutrition information written by a vegan registered dietician)

www.ivu.org/recipes (more than 3,000 vegan recipes from around the world)

 

— Linda Shiue, M.D.

Dr. Linda Shiue is an internal medicine physician at the Redwood Shores Health Center of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation.

The Palo Alto Medical Foundation and column editor Arian Dasmalchi provide this monthly column.

Situations Requiring a Veterinarian’s Care

Posted on by
Reply

As any pet owner will tell you they have each had at least one occasion where their dog or cat just didn’t seem quite right. Maybe the animal is exhibiting signs of not feeling well; perhaps the animal is vomiting, or just plain doesn’t seem right. And, every pet owner will ask themselves if this is an emergency or should they take a wait and see approach or take their animal to the vet.

I always advise clients if something does not seem quite right with your dog or cat, to err on the side of caution. Listen to that little voice in your head and if it is telling you to take your animal to the vet, I always tell clients to do so. Better to be safe than sorry.

However there are certain situations that are always an emergency and require a veterinarian’s care. If any of these signs or symptoms are present, run don’t walk to your vet!

 

  • Seizures: Convulsions: Seizures can be caused by poisoning, head trauma or epilepsy.
  • Arterial Bleeding: Bright red, spurting blood is present with arterial bleeding.
  • Trauma: Any trauma to the head, chest, or abdomen
  • Fractures: Can be due to falls, vehicle accidents or just plain exercise
  • Poisoning: Bring the container of the suspected substance with you to the vets’ office because different types of poisoning require different types of treatment.

 

Next month I will give you the rest of my list of emergency situations requiring a vets’ expert care.


–Jan Brown

Jan is the Owner of Jan’s Pet Sitting and is a Pet Tech Pet First Aid Instructor.

Free Your Chi: 7 Ways to Put the Spring Back in Your Step

Posted on by
Reply

Here comes spring — time to kick it into gear, get out, and get going. Not feeling the juice? It’s likely you have at least a few things blocking your energy. Here are 7 ways to set it free:

1. Lighten Up

Of course we need food for fuel, yet digestion takes energy. Try smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day — keep your proteins lean and your fats light and healthy. Try a day or two of only smoothies using fruits, vegetables, low-fat yogurt and/or healthy protein powders such as whey, pea or rice — sweeten with liquid stevia. For the more adventurous, explore juice fasting for 3-7 days.

2. Go Green

Green food contains chlorophyll, which feeds our blood and gives us energy. Try a day or two of “green smoothies,” which are primarily fruit and leafy greens and taste surprisingly good (Google for ideas). Chlorophyll is also available as a minty liquid and in gelcaps.

3. Clean up relationships

Invest in those that are energizing and re-evaluate those that drain. Maybe it’s time to let the latter go. If that’s not realistic, think about how you can limit the drain — clear the air around a conflict, spend less time with those people, or ease the tension with shared group activities.

4. Move it!

Moving your body speeds up your metabolism and lifts your mood and energy. If you’re not an exerciser, start small and realistic. Walk around the block a few times. Park the car further from your destination and pick up your pace on the walk. Move a bit faster up those stairs. Jog in place for 3-5 minutes or do 20 jumping jacks first thing in the morning — repeat mid-day and before dinner. Move your body, and I guarantee you’ll want to move it more and more.

5. Boost your diet

Start with good hydration (clean water, fresh juice), healthy proteins (organic eggs, poultry, lean meats, fish and/or dairy), good fats (olive oil, fish oil, avocado, raw nuts and seeds) and unprocessed carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, sprouted grains). Then explore safe supplements or superfoods that can add some lift to your life: extra B vitamins, CoQ10, D-ribose, green food powders, berry powders, bee pollen, and/or adaptogenic herbs like rhodiola, ginseng, etc.

6. Get your zzz’s

Most of us need 7-9 hours of restful sleep for proper repair and rejuvenation. Last month’s Pilot had a great article on how to get a better night’s sleep by Darcie Ellyne (page 18). Check it out!

7. Balance your hormones

If you still can’t find the spring in your step, look into thyroid, adrenal, and/or sex hormone imbalance with your doctor. These problems are epidemic and often undiagnosed or mis-diagnosed. Deficient or unbalanced hormones can make you feel like you’ve fallen and just cannot get up.

 

Spring Forward!

— Lauren Picciani, MA, Health Educator & Coach

Travel Column: Two Hidden Gems in Australia and New Zealand

Posted on by
Reply

Every vacation is highlighted be finding a location to relax and explore that suits you to perfection. South Pacific islands have a number of notable offerings, but none as ideal as Hayman, Great Barrier Reef. Hayman is Australia’s most celebrated private island with new Beach Villas, world-class dining, and a pampering spa offering Hayman’s signature Ocean Massage. Activities abound with sea kayaking safari’s, sailing, tennis as well wildlife and nature exploration — whales, green backed turtles, flying foxes and wallabies are some of the islands local residents. The Great Barrier Reef marine park running over 1,600 miles is a once in a lifetime adventure, seeing the reef both by air and by sea is a must.

Another tucked away treasure is Kauri Cliffs in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Set on 6,000 acres of ocean-front land Kauri Cliffs is both a working farm and a luxury lodge of the highest caliber. As you drive through the gates, a private road winds alongside sheep-filled paddocks to a stunning lodge overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It’s a very secluded experience with only 22 awe inspiring suites. Dining is an exquisite affair in the main dining room, on the terrace, or at a barbeque on Pink Beach. Be sure to meander through the Kauri forest and hike the miles of trails. For golfers it is sheer perfection with challenging and quiet fairways overlooking the Cavalli Islands. If no day is perfect, one at Kauri Cliffs is about as close as you can get.

— Linda Margolin

To book contact Linda Margolin, Premier Aussie Specialist & New Zealand Specialist: Tel 650-591-9112 / /www.lindamargointravel.com

Fashion Forward

Posted on by
Reply

“Only Her Hairdresser Knows For Sure.”

When this slogan was first introduced by Clairol in the 50’s, it spoke to the intimate relationship a woman had with her hairdresser.  This relationship remains to this day one of the most personal in a woman’s life.  However the question now is “Does your current hairdresser know “for sure” about you and your needs when it comes to your hair?  

Even though I am not a hair stylist, our hair is an integral part of our overall image. In order for us to look our very best, our hair must reflect who we are at every stage of our life. In order for our stylist to give us the best service and for us to feel like we are spending our “maintenance dollars” in the best possible way, we must be honest with our stylist and/or if our stylist isn’t asking the right questions of us, we must take the initiative and introduce the subject(s) that are troubling us.  With that in mind, here are a few tips and teasers to get you thinking about what you might want to discuss with your stylist at your next appointment.  

1.  Does she ask about your hair?  “How is this cut working for you?”  “Tell me what’s going on with your hair since you were in last.”

2.  Do you have a thorough discussion with her about what’s required in order to achieve the look you think you want? Are you willing to use the proper products and take the time necessary for the style, or is it too much of a bother? She should be willing to honestly discuss whether a style is appropriate for your face shape and lifestyle, as well as whether the color you want is actually achievable and, as important, appropriate for your coloring.

3.  Does your stylist deep condition your hair (not just the quick condition when they are washing your hair?) This is especially important if you are doing any kind of processing on your hair, whether it is color, bleach, permanent or straightening.

4.  Does your stylist allow enough time for the overall treatment of your hair – including color, conditioning and cut? Sometimes it’s easy to feel like we’re being rushed through the salon, and some things (like color, for instance) just can’t be hurried. Likewise, have YOU allowed enough time in your schedule so you’re not pressuring the stylist to hurry through the process?  (Sometimes, we’re our own worst enemy with our over-booked calendars, yes?!)

5.  Are you doing your part?  Just like with our skin, our hair (and nails) reflect our diet.   Don’t forget your vitamins too – besides your multivitamin, both biotin and primrose oil can be a big boost to your hair and nails.  Are you using the proper equipment (like a boar bristle brush?) Are you deep conditioning once a week – putting a shower cap on and heating it up with your dryer for 10 minutes or so, so the conditioner can penetrate?  Maybe your stylist has given you other guidelines to help maintain the condition and style of your hair – are you following them?

6.  Are you willing to adapt your style and color as you age? Just as we have to modify our color palettes for our clothing somewhat as we age, the same is true for our hair and make-up.  The style and color we’ve always worn just may not be appropriate for us twenty years later. Are you open to discussing this with your stylist so that she can use her talents to make suggestions?

Breaking Up Is Hard to Do…

 Lastly, if you’re not satisfied with your current stylist, maybe you should try someone new.  It’s difficult for us women to even think about “cheating” on our stylist, but it’s also important that we feel we’re getting the very best care and advice possible.  Don’t forget our part in this: we have to be honest with our stylist about our needs and limitations, what we are and are not willing to do, what we are and are not willing to pay. When the communication and cooperation is a two-way street, truly your stylist can know you “for sure” and you’ll be all the happier for it.

— Adena DiTonno

Adena is owner of adenaDesigns, a fashion and wardrobe consultancy in Redwood Shores.

Finding the Right Pet Sitter

Posted on by
Reply

Last month the headlines in the local newspaper were ablaze with ‘Dog Walker Gets 35 Years to Life’. The so-called dog walker was found guilty of burglary from some clients.

My heart fell because I knew that this news would only serve to put pet sitters in a bad light. From what little research I did on the internet, there was no reference to this dog walker or to their company, telling me this person is what we commonly refer to as a ‘hobby sitter’.

So, you ask, what should you the conscientious animal owner look for when hiring a pet sitter or a dog walker?

At the top of my list, ask if the company is insured, bonded and ask if they have a business license. Do they show you proof of liability insurance and bonding when they meet with you? (Be aware that there is no formal licensing for pet sitters. If you hear of a pet sitter advertising they are ‘licensed’ it is only a business license and nothing more.)

Ask how long the person has been in business.

Do they have a website? While not all pet sitters will necessarily have a website, having a website can be an indication you are dealing with a legitimate company.

Does the company perform background checks on their employees?

Does the pet sitting company belong to any professional pet sitting organizations or local pet sitting network groups?

Does the pet sitting company provide references?

Is their staff trained in pet first aid/CPR?

While your pet sitter may not have all of these items listed, it should serve as a good starting point for clients looking for a pet sitter. At the very least your pet sitter should be bonded and carry liability insurance.

It may seem attractive to hire someone with little or no credentials, but sometimes you get what you pay for. The pet sitters I know are honest, hard-working and ethical. To the pet owning public, please do your due diligence when looking for a pet sitter.


–Jan Brown

Jan is the Owner of Jan’s Pet Sitting and is a Pet Tech Pet First Aid Instructor.

The Therapist’s Corner

Posted on by
Reply

I’m often asked how someone can get rid of anxiety. The answer is simple: we can’t and nor should we try. Anxiety is normal. It helps to protect us, and can optimize our performance in a multitude of situations. Any driver has had this experience: you’re driving on the freeway and suddenly you notice the car next to you coming into your lane. Your heart beats faster; your breathing becomes more rapid. You react quickly, swerve out of the way, and hopefully drive off safely. Without some anxiety propelling you into action, the outcome of such a situation may be very different. There are many other, far less dramatic examples of how anxiety helps us, such as in taking a test, in a job interview, and in playing sports.

There is, of course, a tremendous difference between normal, healthy anxiety and that which warrants being defined as a disorder. While forty million adults are believed to suffer from anxiety disorders, children are by no means immune to it. In fact, the Anxiety Disorders Association of America notes on its website that anxiety disorders affect 1 in 8 children. Left untreated, anxiety disorders in children may contribute to substance abuse, social difficulties, and academic problems.

Kids may not always be able to put words to their feelings, and so as parents it is especially important to be mindful of signs which could indicate the presence of an anxiety related problem. These include: physical symptoms such as persistent headaches, stomach aches and fatigue, as well as concentration problems, avoiding school, shyness, social isolation, sleep disturbance, nightmares, crying spells, and bedwetting. In addition, behaviors such as tapping, nail biting, skin picking, pulling out of one’s own hair, counting and excessive hand-washing all can be signs that anxiety is causing problems.

For most kids these symptoms will be transient and often will go away on their own without any intervention. Just as for adults, however, there is reason for concern when the symptoms persist and begin interfering with normal functioning. In addition, it is important to know that anxiety disorders come in many different forms. These include: separation anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, phobias (i.e., social anxiety, fear of heights), and posttraumatic stress disorder. Identifying which may be present is often a complicated process and is best explored with a professional, such as the child’s pediatrician, or a mental health clinician.

As with many psychiatric problems, people with anxiety often experience considerable shame and may suffer in silence without sharing their fears with anyone. This is no different with children. Knowing the warning signs is an important step in identifying a problem before it becomes a more significant issue. Fortunately, anxiety disorders are generally quite treatable, whether through counseling, medication or a combination of the two.

— Scott M. Granet

Scott Granet, LCSW is a long-time resident of Redwood Shores, and is director of the OCD-BDD Clinic of Northern California in Redwood City. He would like to hear your suggestions for future columns, and can be reached at 650-599-3325 or .

Are Your Animals Prepared For A Disaster?

Posted on by
Reply

Since this month’s issue of The Pilot is devoted to disaster preparedness, it is only fitting I address the topic of animals and disasters. As humans, we’ve been told to have enough food, water, flashlights, battery powered radios and the like. But, for pet owners, it is also imperative you have a plan in place for your animals!

Let me take you back to a little more than 22 years ago — October 17, 1989 — the day Loma Prieta struck. In 1989 I was living in San Francisco. I arrived home to find some broken glass, some plaster that had fallen, and no electricity. My damages were minimal compared to what other people suffered that day.

As any good pet owner did, I promptly put my cat in his carrier as I did not want him stepping in the broken glass. Within two hours my nice, docile cat managed to chew his way out of his carrier (yes, it was a corrugated-type carrier), and my only working flashlight died on me. (Luckily, approximately 4 hours later we had our electricity back on.)

The Loma Prieta quake only served to illustrate how unprepared I was, especially when it came to the welfare of my beloved animal.

So, here is a list of some of the things you should have in place before you need them:

  • Sturdy carriers (one for each animal)
  • Enough food and water for 7 days
  • A photograph of your pet
  • A copy of your animal’s vacation/medical history
  • Extra medicine if your animal requires medicine
  • An extra leash, collar and identification tag
  • Extra litter box
  • A pet first aid kit
  • Take a pet first aid class

If you focus on completing one item at a time your task will not seem so overwhelming. And in no time you will be well-prepared for your animal.


–Jan Brown

Jan is the Owner of Jan’s Pet Sitting and is a Pet Tech Pet First Aid Instructor.

Fashion Forward: Preparing for Disaster – Day In and Day Out

Posted on by
Reply

There are a couple of paths to take when preparing for disaster when it comes to your clothing. There’s DISASTER – when you might literally have nothing to wear when a physical disaster occurs. Then there’s Disaster – when the hem in your skirt starts to unravel as you’re preparing to walk into an important meeting. We’ll deal a bit with both here – starting with:

DISASTER!!

Living in an earthquake-prone part of the country (although with earthquakes striking in Washington, DC, perhaps the entire country may be considered earthquake-prone), most of us have come to terms with a certain state of disaster-readiness in our lives. Certainly this issue of The Pilot may spur us to greater depths of preparedness. In general, we tend to think of being “ready” in terms of food, water, flashlights, etc. One area that you may not have thought through, though, is your preparedness in terms of clothing. Here are a few suggestions you may want to consider:

1. A friend who survived the Northridge quake some years ago shared his “aHa” moment. When the shaking stopped, as he was scrambling to get out of bed, he realized his floor was covered in broken glass and his shoes were in the closet. Since that time, he always keeps a pair of shoes under his bed for easy retrieval. It’s a small thing, but very practical and easy to implement.

2. Set aside one set of clothing per person in the household, packed in a medium-sized duffel. Ideally it will be of durable fabric and consist of layers, such as long-sleeved thermal undershirt, short-sleeved tee-shirt, rugged pants, jacket, rain poncho, hat, gloves and sturdy shoes. You may have to do more walking than you are used to, in uneven terrain, so good walking shoes could be very important. Don’t forget underwear and socks. You may need to wear this clothing for several days, so think in terms of comfort and durability.

3. While a blanket and/or sleeping bag isn’t technically clothing, it is an item that can certainly function as an extreme outer layer of protection from the elements. Make sure you have several for your family.

For the lesser “Disasters” of modern day life, here are a few things to keep on hand for quick fixes:

  • Duct tape – good for taping up the aforementioned skirt whose hem has decided to unravel. Hollywood Fashion Tape is a daintier staple to keep on hand for closing the gap in fine fabrics.
  • Sewing kit – the kind you get in hotel rooms are fine and dandy for quick repairs and are small and easy to stash in your desk drawer or glove compartment.
  • Safety pins – no explanation needed. When you need one, you need one.
  • Small lint roller – for stray pet hair, etc. Duck tape or scotch tape rolled back on itself will also work in a pinch.
  • Bandaids – for the blister that sometimes arises when wearing new shoes or the same pair of shoes for hours at a stretch.

Come to think of it – with the exception of the lint roller, you may want to include all of these in your DISASTER kit above.

— Adena DiTonno

Adena is owner of adenaDesigns, a fashion and wardrobe consultancy in Redwood Shores.

Send Your Kids With A Disaster Snack Pack

Posted on by
Reply

As part of September’s National Preparedness Month, help your child create a snack packet to keep in the classroom, in case students need to stay at school for several hours after a disaster or other emergency. Write your child’s name on a 1-gallon Ziploc bag, fill it with 5-7 of the following non-perishable items, and take it to your child’s teacher. We suggest packing the following:

  • Commercially packaged dried fruit, fruit rolls, fruit snacks, granola bars, cereal, cereal bars, protein bars, crackers
  • A comforting item, such as a family photo or small toy

Do not include drinks, try to avoid high-sodium foods, and pack unopened items that will be likely to last for the entire school year.

— Kathy Lee & Linda McDaniel, Sandpiper Elementary School