Health & Fitness

By Gaejeong Lee

The Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation (CELF) held its second Student Sustainability Summit and once again, it supported like-minded young students in their efforts to produce feasible, sustainable solutions to environmental concerns. Sixty high school students from 19 public and private schools across Westchester and New York City participated in the summit. Group leaders led focus groups in discussions, providing possible directions and suggesting resources.

Co-leaders presented their groups’ Collective Action plans to the entire Summit audience. The Education & Activism and Human Rights groups showcased their education project to implement recycling centers at schools and teach elementary school kids about the importance of “Reducing, Reusing and Recycling.”

As part of their effort to assist schools in achieving energy efficiency, the Enacting Real Change, Energy and Transportation groups described a website that would rank schools based on their electrical energy efficiency, and a plan for distributing pamphlets in school parking lots regarding transportation efficiency for Earth Week.

The Food & Gardens and Water groups described school fundraisers for LifeStraws, devices used in developing nations to filter dirty water as it is sucked through a straw.

The Nature & Biodiversity and Climate Changes groups planned to make videos for both younger children and high school students to educate them about endangered creatures.

Lastly, The Sustainable Design and Zero Impact groups designed efficient composting bins with a compartment on top for growing flowers growing that they could construct on school campuses.Another idea was to expand “Earth Hour” to a monthly “Earth Period” at schools, when everyone would turn off lights and electronics for the duration of an entire class.

It was a valuable experience for everyone, especially students, who are enthusiastic about using their skills to improve society in a meaningful and significant way.

Gaejeong Lee is a junior at Horace Greeley High School.

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.

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.

By Phil Altman, R.Ph.
Are you experiencing symptoms of menopause? Have you considered some form of hormone replacement therapy and still not sure what is most effective for relief? Consider “bio-identical hormones.” Bio-identical hormones are an exact replica of the hormones that are naturally produced by the body. They have a molecular structure that is identical to hormones that are naturally produced by the human body.

The difference between bio-identical hormones and synthetic hormones is that, although both are created in labs, synthetic hormones are not identical to the hormones naturally created in your body, whereas bio-identical hormones match your body’s hormones molecule by molecule.

Synthetic hormones are manufactured in a lab and are not identical to the hormones your body uses. Synthetic hormones can act as toxins because their chemical makeup cannot be metabolized properly. Some non-bio-identical hormones are obtained from the urine of pregnant horses, and have long been known to cause bone loss, osteoporosis and serious health risks.

Bio-identical hormones are made from soy, yams and other plant extracts. BHRT is sent to a Compounding Pharmacy where they have the ability to customize dosage forms to fit each individual’s needs. Using a compounding pharmacist to help you decide what dosage form to use, will be key in having a successful therapy. Forms BHRT can come in are: Transdermal (syringe, pump or jar), Lozenges, Drops, Capsules. Pills, Vaginal Suppositories, Vaginal Creams and Liquids.

For over a decade, Phil Altman, R.Ph, a compounding pharmacist at The Healthy Choice in Chappaqua, has helped thousands of women manage hormone-related health issues associated with menopause. He is one of the leading authorities in Westchester on women’s health issues and a resource for alternative health approaches for women and physicians.