The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Inside Press

World-class Karate: For a Balance of Mind, Body & Spirit

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By Vicki de Vries

With an eye to a new summer activity, how about karate lessons? Shades of The Karate Kid and other martial arts movies aside, karate, which means “empty hand” in Japanese, is actually a safe martial art. After all, an empty hand carries no weapon and also is able to help others. “Sounds nice, but do I have to schlep to Manhattan?” No need to, since World Seido Karate, owned and operated by Grand Master Kaicho Nakamura, opened in Elmsford this past February.

Celebrating its 35th year in October, World Seido Karate still has its headquarters (Honbu) in Manhattan, but the attractively renovated building in Westchester is considered the “spiritual center.” Anyone who wants to learn karate and improve one’s self is welcomed.

What differentiates traditional Japanese Seido karate from the dozens of other karate styles? Its focus on meditation as part of the training. The effect is a balance of mind, body, and spirit. Said Nidaime A. Nakamura, Kaicho’s son, who studied architecture before joining the family-owned school, of which he is the designated “successor:”

“We teach our students to develop self-discipline and to focus on the moment, which is called kejime (kay-gee-may) in Japanese. This is especially important for kids–who can start as young as age four at Seido–to learn. I tell kids that when they’re doing stretching exercises, they should focus on that; when they’re studying, they should study. And when it’s time to play, they should play!”

Kids also need boundaries and a safe place, both of which World Seido provides. Said Nidaime: “We don’t judge people here. You work at your own pace. Everyone is treated the same and wears a white uniform.” Students remove their jewelry for safety reasons and also as a way of reducing distinctions. “In karate, cultivating a healthy ego is an important thing.”

Last but not least are the appreciable physical health benefits. Said Meg Nakamura, Kaicho’s daughter and General Manager: “This is for anyone who wants to get more in shape at his or her own pace and in a positive and encouraging environment. Whether you’re looking to lose five pounds, 15, 50 or more, Seido can help you. The lessons teach you techniques that require you to constantly use your balance muscles.”

“How soon could I achieve black-belt status?” Anywhere from four to ten years of continual practice, but basically, “there’s no guarantee of how long it will take,“ said Nidaime. “It’s up to the individual’s physical and psychological readiness.” Kaicho and Nidaime determine that readiness and oversee the promotions through the various ranks–white, blue, yellow, green, brown, and black.

Before leaving World Seido Karate, you will put on the shoes you entered with, but you don’t leave the same. Besides the sense that time has stood still, you know that in the same breath, your body and mind have had an exhilarating work-out.

Vicki de Vries is a writer/editor and educator who has a new appreciation for karate, but is not quite ready to trade in her exercise bike.

Pet Health Pointers

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By Maggie Mae…with Ronni Diamondstein

I recently visited the veterinarian when I was feeling fine. My owner said it was a check-up. That got me thinking about staying healthy and I wondered, “What are some ways that dogs can stay well and when should you go to a veterinarian?” So, I thought I’d go back to see my veterinarian, Megan Duffy, DVM at Katonah Bedford Veterinary Center for the answer.

“An annual exam is important to see if a pet is healthy or not,” says Dr. Duffy. She listens to my heart, looks in my ears and at my teeth. Something could be wrong and my owner doesn’t know it. She says when you catch a disease early you are more likely to get well sooner with a successful treatment plan. Young animals, like me only have to go once a year, but as animals get older she says bi-annual exams are important since they may have disease issues. As a puppy I went more often for vaccines to booster my immunity and protect me from diseases. She weighs me too. “We can also monitor body weight and discuss changes in diet if needed,” says Dr. Duffy. She advises us about eating good quality food that is nutritious. Two years ago when I weighed over ten pounds she said I needed to go on a diet. I did and now my owner measures my meals and I get one biscuit a day–in pieces–so I keep my trim nine pound frame. I love taking walks and that is a good thing because Dr. Duffy says that dogs need at least thirty minutes a day of exercise–and that more is even better.

My owner brushes my teeth regularly. Dr. Duffy says brushing once a day is best and to use animal toothpaste since human toothpaste is not properly pH balanced for pets. I am proud of my beautiful coat and even though grooming is not my favorite thing it is important in keeping my skin and coat healthy. Once a month there is a pill mixed in with my food and my owner puts something wet on my back that makes me wiggle. Dr. Duffy says that prevention is the best medicine. She recommends monthly heartworm medication and Frontline to prevent ticks, lice and fleas to keep a dog from getting diseases like Lyme disease and parasites.

There are lots of things outdoors to watch out for that can cause health problems: salt on the ground in the winter and heat and hot pavement in the summer. Owners should check pets for ticks too.
I once got a hold of a salad that had currants in it. My owner had to call the ASPCA poison control hotline and, for a fee, she was told it was poisonous to me. I was rushed to the Emergency Veterinary Center to get it out of my system. (I have had pet medical insurance since I was puppy. It covers wellness visits, medications and emergencies and came in handy for this visit.) There are many foods that can make dogs sick. “Most people know about chocolate as a toxin,” says Dr. Duffy “but they do not know about raisin/grape ingestion and how it can cause kidney failure. Other things to avoid are macadamia nuts and Xylitol which is found in sugar free gum. Easter lilies can cause kidney failure too.”
I wag my tail whenever I hear Dr. Duffy’s name and I like to ride in the car to see her. My owner says it’s important to have a veterinarian you can trust and feel comfortable talking to about your pet and your concerns. Thanks to good care from my owner and my veterinarian, I am on a path to wellness and hope my article helps all dogs and their owners to follow one too!

Email Maggie Mae Pup Reporter

Maggie Mae lives in Chappaqua with her adoring owner Ronni Diamondstein, who, when she isn’t walking Maggie is a freelance writer, PR consultant, award-winning photographer and a School Library Media Specialist and teacher who has worked in the US and abroad.

Tips for You Newly Single Gents

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By Ann Lindsay

No matter what your age, income, hair line or stage in life, if you are newly single, there are plenty of women out there looking for you! Most of them are pretty, smart, and successful in their own right and would make a great partner. However, there may be a bit of “spring cleaning” you need to do to catch the attention of the very best ones, and ensure that you look as reciprocally attractive as the gal you would like to meet.

What’s your physical state? Is it time to employ a work-out regimen, or are you lean and mean? There are magnitudes of men who lament letting their heart or blood pressure health slip and now are on medication that severely limits their sexual activity. You are most attractive to any woman when you are healthy and (if possible) medication free. Even if that means a few less steaks, eggs and martinis. Your life (style) will thank you for it!

How do you keep yourself? Regardless of what nature handed out are you well groomed? Shaved closely, hair trimmed into a good cut, two individual eyebrows, good teeth, clean cared for nails (toes too guys–at least for those of you who don’t want to be celebate!), and a fresh, clean scent.

What do you have on? She is going to make a judgment about who you are based on what you are wearing. Show up in baggy “dad” jeans and a Redsox hoodie and you’ve made a statement about your sense of style (and how much you care). Show up on a Saturday night in a three piece suit and you’re clearly trying too hard. Most men do not have a solid “social” wardrobe. Yes, there is a world of attire that lives between the office and the sofa! Don’t forget the details, a good watch and great shoes.

Where did you suggest to meet? Let’s start off on a better note than a coffee date. There is something considerably sexier to an intimate chat over a glass of wine perched on two bar stools. Choose a place that is quieter however, a larger restaurant bar, or better yet a good sized hotel bar.

What did you talk about? There is a vicious circle of missed conversation cues you need to know about. Women are socially trained to not let “empty space” or gaps in the conversation occur, and they will ask open ended questions to get you to fill them. Men oblige, and end up talking the entire time about themselves. At the end of the date they have learned nothing to spark their interest about the woman, and the women considers him a bore for talking about himself the whole time! She will appreciate you taking the lead on this and viewing your conversation like a tennis match: she asks a question, you answer it and bat the question ball back to her–back and forth.

On the date, be yourself, add some humor, and definitely toss a few compliments her way. And when it’s over, take a moment to ask yourself what felt right, or wrong about the encounter. Enjoy yourself more and more as you get back into the dating world, and as we ladies pick up on your positive energy, we’ll be enjoying you right back!

Ann Lindsay of Style of Success Image Consulting for men works to increase your social confidence and charisma as supported by your appearance. Go to www.sosformen.com or call 1-800-798-1643 to find out how she can give you a significant dating advantage.

RX for a More Vibrant You

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By Dr. Lydia Evans

It seems to happen to almost all of us. We glance in the mirror or look at a photograph and wonder “when did that happen?”

While aging of our skin is inevitable, there is much we can do to make the process more tolerable.Collagen fibers are the building blocks of your skin; they provide basic structural support, while elastin fibers create elasticity.

These fibers begin to deteriorate in our 30’s, a process that is accelerated by sun exposure and smoking. The breakdown of these fibers leads to fine lines, and then deeper wrinkles and sagging. Discolorations, also from sun exposure, add to the melee. Individual attitudes about these changes vary widely. Some want to do something, or everything, to turn back the clock, others are content to allow changes to proceed.

What is important for everyone is to attend to your skin’s health. This means regular use of a UVA/UVB sunscreen. And if you smoke, try to quit.

Beyond these important solutions, it is a question of how pro-active you wish to be. Facial products that contain alpha hydroxy (glycolic) acids, or retinoids can stimulate collagen production and lighten discolorations.

Superficial chemical peels and microdermabrasions, performed in a series of three to six treatments and not very aggressive, can make the skin look fresher.

More significant improvements occur with injected agents, including: Botox for expression lines, fillers (Juvaderm, Restylane) for lines that remain when your skin is relaxed, and Sculptra for adding volume to areas that have “sunk-in.” Lasers like V-beam for blood vessels and Fraxel for lines and brown spots can change the skin’s appearance rather dramatically, while deep ultrasound treatments with Ulthera significantly improve sagging.

There is no doubt, when you look better, you feel better. Whatever you choose, it is never too late to care for your skin.

Lydia Evans, M.D., a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the consulting dermatologist to L’Oreal since 2000, has practiced dermatology in Chappaqua since 1993.

The Wedding Writer

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From a new novel about weddings, women, and the world of work…
By Susan Schneider

Known to wedding industry insiders as the Angel of Bridal, Sara Mason, fashion editor of Your Wedding magazine, takes her seat at the Vera Wang show. Sara is uncomfortably aware of Keith Harvey, a man who has aroused something quite new in the hard-working, unmarried editor’s heart.

“She feels no peace until she settles into her chair in Vera Wang’s showroom. Works of art float by: a blush tulle number with three huge bows–one at the waist, one at the shoulder, and one at the hem–and a lilac faille mermaid silhouette dress with a draped bodice. She’s mesmerized by a sumptuous ball gown in black taffeta–utterly unbridal in the usual sense–that today strikes her as daringly sexy, beautiful in a vampirish sort of way that leads her thoughts back to the evening she’d spent in Keith Harvey’s loft.

It’s as if that night, months before, were last night. She can’t forget about him, the way she’d melted into his arms, forgotten everything. She slips her hand into her purse and touches his business card; she’d put it in the little pocket that holds her lipstick and compact for quick access. But now that she’d seen him with that awful model, she knows she won’t call him.

‘Sit back, for goodness’s sake, I can’t see the train,’ she hisses at her assistant, Courtney. Courtney ignores her. The last several dresses have gone by without Sara even noticing. Her mouth is dry, and she pops in a stick of gum, lets the sweetness burst. Of course, it won’t last. She keeps her eyes fastened on the surreally slender, melancholy girls wafting by, wearing the most romantic dresses on earth. As each model rounds the bend, there’s a whisper-soft, lush rustle. You have to listen for it, you have to make an effort to notice it beneath the soft clicking of the cameras. It’s the sound of this world’s soul, its very fabric, a secret revealed to only a few of them. It’s as familiar to Sara as the whisper of her own breath.”

St Martins Press Pub date:
June 7, 2011 Available by preorder on amazon.com, www.susanschneiderauthor.com, facebook.com/TheWeddingWriter.