Currently operating on one floor and serving 11 families, the nonprofit aims to raise $35 million to renovate its location at the former Hilgard House Hotel and triple its operation. There is currently a waitlist of 38 families wanting to be housed.

Before opening in 2025, UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital was the only children’s hospital in California that did not have a Ronald McDonald House. Hosting families from around the country and the world who face barriers to finding a residence while their children receive long-term clinical care, Ronald McDonald House Westside Los Angeles offers one hot meal every day, laundry services, a kitchen and community spaces to families in addition to free housing. 

“There’s a huge impact based on being open for one year,” Emily Juarez, development manager of Ronald McDonald House Westside Los Angeles, told the Courier. “You see families in the house, and you can see the stress on their faces the minute they walk into the house go down.”

Families receiving clinical medical care for a child at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Saint John’s Health Center are eligible to be housed at the Ronald McDonald House Westside Los Angeles for the duration of their child’s care.

The March 18 panel included Cedars-Sinai senior vice president and chief advancement officer Arthur Ochoa, J.P. Morgan Wealth Management managing director Tracey Gluck, California Landmark Group founder and president Ken Kahan and UniHealth Foundation president and chief operating officer Jennifer Vanore on topics ranging from the lack of housing aid for medically affected families to the value of philanthropy.

“We’re in an environment where resources for health care and reimbursement for health care providers continue to shrink and get squeezed in every way possible,” Ochoa said. “We are lucky to be in this part of town served by two extraordinary world-class academic medical centers, and at the same time, there is absolutely no reimbursement for the health care provider, for patients or their families for housing when people have to travel all the distance to receive care, and so the insurance companies aren’t paying for that, government isn’t paying for that, nobody’s paying for that. So, the idea that a group of committed philanthropists can help support the mission of Ronald McDonald House in providing that kind of support for people in the toughest times of their lives is pretty extraordinary.”

Proximate housing services are key in reducing a family’s stress while going through one of the most difficult experiences imaginable, Vanore said.

“When you look at stressors and stress being a satellite killer, the number two causes are a loss of a loved one or dealing with a catastrophic event related to health, and then the second is financial insecurity,” she said. “Nowadays, more and more parents are actually two-income families, and they’re very reliant on those incomes. So, if you have a family or a parent that has to be in that home for a year, they’re not able to work, that is a massive impact on their income for their family. It’s a sacrifice, and so being able to have a free place to stay really helps alleviate those stressors and those long-term mental health impacts on both the parents and the child.”

Gluck emphasized the lasting impact of philanthropy for both the receiver and the donor.

“Philanthropy as part of a wealth strategy,” she said. “I’m at J.P. Morgan, and we deal with high-net-worth individuals. Everybody can afford philanthropy, so making it a part of the strategy, along with involving the children and their children in the giving process, is very important because there’s a legacy, and they need to know what their family is focused on.”

Dr. Theodore Moore, a pediatric oncologist at UCLA, spoke after the panel and said that Ronald McDonald Houses not only provide urgent housing services to families, but can be essential for a patient’s care.

“We have a lot of therapy where you need to come for that therapy, but then you need to stay in the area for a minimum of 30 days of follow-up. Where do the families find a place to stay in Westwood or Beverly Hills or an area where they can afford and be with their whole family?” he said. “When you take care of a patient, you take care of the entire family, and Ronald McDonald Houses do this so well, the counseling, the play therapy, everything that’s there. You’re not going to get this with the family staying in a hotel somewhere. The whole family needs to be treated to be whole.”

The services provided by Ronald McDonald House are so impactful that families often have a difficult time leaving the community they’ve built with other families experiencing similar challenges when they are discharged from the house, said Kelly Herman, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Westside Los Angeles. Wheeler Hadden, director of operations of Ronald McDonald House Westside Los Angeles, remembered one moment between a family from Mexico and a family from China living in the house at the same time.

“Both families had a 7-year-old daughter who was receiving treatment and was inpatient when they first came, and now is outpatient. And they have both been there about the same amount of time, 10 or 11 months,” he said. “And you saw them in the kitchen, and the parents were cooking food respectively, in their own spaces. And the two girls started interacting. One girl asked her mom if she could share some of her food; her mom was cooking classic Chinese food, and the other girl shared home-cooked Mexican food. And they started sharing their food, the two girls. So just seeing that, it was beautiful.”  

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They are wrong. 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., yet fewer than half of women recognize it as their greatest health threat. Among the most alarming trends: The number of women 35 to 54 experiencing heart disease and heart attacks is increasing.

For decades, heart attack death rates declined sharply, thanks to improved research, standardized treatment guidelines and widespread use of effective medications and procedures. While heart attack deaths are still much lower than they once were, the increase in heart problems among younger adults is worrying.

Multiple factors are driving this shift. Low levels of physical activity and high levels of sedentary behavior are major contributors, along with the growing diabetes and obesity epidemic, socioeconomic stressors, and environmental factors such as poor air quality, natural disasters and other influences.

Still, there is good news: Heart disease is largely preventable. And for women in particular—who may not experience obvious symptoms or whose symptoms are subtle—knowledge is a powerful prevention tool.

Here are five things every woman needs to know to protect her heart.

More women die of cardiovascular disease than all cancers combined

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the U.S., causing one in three deaths each year. While men tend to develop cardiovascular disease earlier, women are more likely to experience poorer outcomes.

Historically, younger women with heart disease were less likely to receive evidence-based treatments such as statins and more likely to be told they were “too young” to have heart disease—or simply advised to lose weight. These delays and dismissals have had serious consequences.

Landmark research, including the Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) study, which I led for the National Institutes of Health/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, helped reveal how heart disease often presents differently in women and prompted important changes in diagnostic and treatment guidelines. Despite these advances, women with heart disease are still more likely to be misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed or undertreated—sometimes delaying care that could save their lives. Knowledge can help women advocate for themselves.

Women often experience different heart attack symptoms than men

The so-called “Hollywood heart attack”—tingling in the left arm that leads to sudden, crushing chest pain—is common in men and can occur in women as well. But many women experience subtler symptoms, including shortness of breath, nausea, unusual fatigue, back or jaw pain, or chest discomfort that doesn’t feel severe or dramatic. 

Because these symptoms don’t match common expectations of a heart attack, they also have historically been overlooked or minimized. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Heart attacks can occur even if your arteries are clear

An increasing number of heart attacks are occurring in people without significant blockages in the major coronary arteries, a pattern seen more often in women. While men’s heart disease more commonly involves blockage of large arteries, women are more likely to experience dysfunction of the heart’s smaller blood vessels. This condition can lead to ischemia—a critical reduction in blood flow to tissues or organs—with no obstructive coronary artery disease, or INOCA. 

Even women who are physically fit can develop INOCA. In the past, if a woman had heart attack symptoms but a “normal” angiogram that showed clear major arteries, her condition might not have been recognized. Continued awareness and ongoing education around INOCA are helping clinicians better diagnose and treat these patients.

Heart disease develops silently over time

By the time someone has a heart attack, the disease process may have been underway for a decade or more. While heart disease can be managed with highly effective treatments, the most powerful strategy is prevention.

An estimated 80% of heart disease cases are preventable with lifestyle modifications. These include staying current with annual health screenings and knowing cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, exercising at least 30 minutes daily, getting up from sitting throughout the day (a sedentary lifestyle is considered as strong a risk factor as smoking), managing stress, getting seven to nine hours of sleep, avoiding smoking and maintaining a nutritious diet.

Also, certain life stages and conditions unique to women, such as pregnancy and menopause, can affect long-term cardiovascular risk and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Prevention is about good habits, not deprivation

A Mediterranean, plant-based diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, whole grains, healthy fats such as olive oil and lean proteins is recommended for heart health. Think of it as a diet of freshness, abundance, color and beautiful foods. Parents are encouraged to help ensure their children make healthy food choices, too.

Heart health isn’t about deprivation—it’s about building habits early that can prevent disease down the road.  

C. Noel Bairey Merz, M.D., is director of the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center, the Linda Joy Pollin Women’s Heart Health Program, the Erika J. Glazer Women’s Heart Research Initiative and the Preventive Cardiac Center in the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai. She also is professor of Medicine and the Irwin and Sheila Allen Trust Chair in Women’s Health Research at Cedars-Sinai. 

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Over 30 million people worldwide now use AI mental health apps, with usage accelerating throughout 2025. Not surprisingly, younger people are leading the charge. About 36% of Millennials and Gen Z say they’re open to trying AI for mental health support, compared to 28% of older generations. For many younger people, chatting with an app feels less intimidating than sitting across from a therapist. These apps are always available. Feeling anxious at 2 a.m.? The app responds in under 30 seconds. No waiting rooms, no scheduling conflicts, no sitting in traffic.

It’s important to distinguish between AI chatbots designed specifically for mental health—like Woebot, Wysa, and Youper—and general-purpose AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini that we have discussed in the past. Mental health apps are built with clinical frameworks (like CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), tested in peer-reviewed studies, and designed with safety protocols for crisis situations. General AI chatbots, while often providing excellent general advice, aren’t trained in therapeutic techniques and lack the specialized safeguards needed for mental health support.

The AI mental health market is exploding. From $1.8 billion in 2024, it’s expected to reach nearly $12 billion by 2034. Investors are pouring in money—over $6 billion in the first half of 2025 alone—with most going to AI mental health startups. These apps have found sustainable business models through monthly subscriptions (usually $30-40), partnerships with insurance companies, and integration into telehealth services.

Several platforms have emerged as favorites:

Woebot Health uses CBT techniques in a chat format. Think of it as texting with a therapist who specializes in helping you challenge negative thought patterns. Clinical studies show users experience less depression within just four weeks. It’s even partnered with CVS Health.

Wysa serves over 3 million people in 65 countries and works with major healthcare systems like the UK’s National Health Service. About 80% of conversations happen entirely with AI, though you can add human coaching if you want. Users report feeling significantly less anxious after regular use.

Replika started as a general AI companion but has become popular for combating loneliness, especially among older adults. With over 10 million downloads, it keeps people engaged 48% longer than typical social media apps.

Youper connects with your fitness tracker to understand how your physical state affects your mood. Users who stick with it see a 48% decrease in depressive symptoms and 43% reduction in anxiety.

These apps are now available in over 30 languages worldwide. In Australia, 28% of people have tried AI mental health support. Many mental health professionals (43%) use AI tools themselves for tasks like notetaking and research.

California tech companies have been early adopters. Several Silicon Valley firms report 28% fewer burnout-related absences and about $380 saved per employee yearly after adding AI mental health tools to wellness programs. Even traditional California industries—from entertainment to agriculture—are piloting these programs. The Department of Veterans Affairs is testing Woebot for PTSD treatment with promising results. Schools use chatbots to give students confidential support. Even the Red Cross deploys AI chatbots after disasters to help survivors.

The research is encouraging, with studies showing people using AI CBT programs experienced 64% better outcomes than control groups. AI can even analyze patterns in patient records to predict suicide risk with 80-90% accuracy, potentially saving lives through early intervention.

The catch? Only a few apps like Woebot and Wysa have been rigorously tested in peer-reviewed studies. Most haven’t been studied beyond eight weeks, so we don’t know much about long-term effectiveness.

Privacy concerns loom large. No algorithm can replicate human empathy or adaptive intuition. AI chatbots frequently misinterpret complex emotions and must direct users to human support during crises.

Algorithmic bias threatens inclusivity. AI models trained primarily on Western data may poorly serve diverse cultural or linguistic contexts, potentially reinforcing existing inequities rather than reducing them.

California is leading the national charge to regulate this emerging industry. In October 2025, Governor Newsom signed a bill establishing the nation’s most comprehensive AI chatbot safety law, effective January 1, 2026. The law requires AI companions to clearly disclose they’re not human, implement suicide prevention protocols, protect minors from sexually explicit content, and remind users every three hours that they’re interacting with AI—not a licensed therapist.

As of October 2025, three U.S. states—Illinois, Nevada, and Utah—have enacted laws banning or severely restricting AI therapy without human oversight. Illinois and Nevada comprehensively prohibit AI chatbots from providing or advertising therapy without licensed professional intervention. Utah imposes strict disclosure and privacy requirements.

Internationally, the EU, UK, Australia, and Japan are considering regulations focused on transparency, risk assessment, and mandatory oversight.

The field is evolving at breakneck speed. Apps that exist today may look completely different in six months, and regulators are struggling to keep pace. What’s considered safe and effective practice is still being defined in real-time. If you’re considering an AI mental health app, verify it’s still available in your state, check recent reviews, and confirm any clinical claims are current—yesterday’s research may not reflect today’s version of the app.

AI therapy won’t replace human therapists, but it’s becoming an integral part of mental health care. For millions without access to traditional therapists, these digital tools offer something previously unavailable: immediate, affordable support when one needs it most. The question isn’t whether AI belongs in mental health care, but how we ensure it serves everyone safely and effectively.

Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with more than 30 years’ experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the founder of the Bekindr Global Initiative, a movement to bring more kindness in the world. She is the co-author of “The Beauty Prescription” and “The Concise Guide to Marriage and Family Therapy.” She is also the co-founder of the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit that pairs women with disabilities with award-winning photographers creating art exhibitions to raise awareness. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA, and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.

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This holiday season, I hope you give yourself the gift of a pause, a time to reflect and make wise decisions about how to spend your energy, time, and resources in 2026. What are your overarching goals? Did you move forward in 2025? What are you most grateful for? What brought you happiness?

Then, be brave and flip the coin. What didn’t go as planned? What adversities did you face? When did you stumble? What lessons did you learn?

The answers to these questions help guide us so that next year can be better. Yes, each year can surpass the last! How can we create our best year yet? The answer shouldn’t be left to chance. While luck may play a role, sustained effort, education, and endurance are crucial for most of us.

I often reflect on my friend Kerry Gruson, whose life changed drastically when she was strangled and left for dead by a stranger. She now lives with Post-Traumatic Parkinson’s Disease and can hardly move, and her voice is a mere whisper. Yet, in the 52 years since her assault, she has led an extraordinary life, competing at the highest level of sports with her able-bodied partner. Kerry’s voice is quiet, but her message is loud and clear: “Together We Can.” Kerry and Caryn Lubetsky have earned three Guinness World Records and have been featured in multiple documentaries for their remarkable athletic achievements.

These women embody what psychologists call a growth mindset, the belief that our abilities and emotional resilience can expand with effort and intention. Developed by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck through decades of rigorous research, the growth mindset is the understanding that our most fundamental abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Intelligence and talent are not fixed traits but capacities that can evolve throughout our lives. Those with growth mindsets embrace challenges, persist through setbacks, and view effort as essential to mastery. At 78, Kerry’s life keeps getting better and better.

The growth mindset contrasts with a fixed mindset, which assumes our character and intelligence are static. People with fixed mindsets often avoid challenges, give up easily, see effort as fruitless, ignore useful feedback, and feel threatened by the success of others. The practical truth is this: when we believe we can grow, we actually do, and the reverse is also true. As Henry Ford said 100 years ago, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, either way you are right.”

The transition into a new year creates a “fresh start effect,” allowing us to see ourselves differently. This psychological clean slate enhances our motivation and makes us more likely to pursue goals. The New Year acts like a reset button for our brains, giving us permission to begin again.

When we enter January with a growth mindset, we actively create conditions for our brains to rewire themselves. We’re opening new neural pathways, strengthening connections that support new behaviors, and becoming different individuals than we were the year before.

A growth mindset thrives not on perfection but on awareness. If 2025 brought challenges, whether personally, professionally, or emotionally, you are not alone. Viewed through a growth mindset lens, discomfort becomes useful. The questions shift from “Why is this happening to me?” to “What is this teaching me? What skills are required? What strengths am I discovering?” In short, how does this challenge help me grow?

Self-compassion is vital to a growth mindset. Harsh self-judgment for unmet goals or mistakes anchors us to a fixed mindset. Letting go of unfruitful projects, relationships, or habits is not about minimizing pain; it contextualizes it. A growth mindset is grounded in resilience, marking the difference between being a victim of circumstance and a student of life.

Letting go doesn’t mean giving up; it clears space for what better aligns with your goals. Neuroscience illustrates this through synaptic pruning, where unused connections are trimmed to make room for stronger ones. You’re allowed to prune as well.

Traditional resolutions focus on doing: exercising more, earning more, or dieting. While worthy, they often fail because they lack a foundation in identity and sustainability. A growth mindset asks, “Who do I want to become in 2026?” The variations of this identity are endless. Perhaps you want to become someone who values curiosity over certainty, who leads with kindness, who finds joy in the small moments, and who provides optimal conditions for their body and mind.

People often struggle to change because they aim for dramatic reinventions. A growth mindset works through ongoing micro-experiments aligned with personal goals. These are easy, low-pressure behaviors that are more sustainable. Small steps, like five-minute meditations or reading two pages of a book, allow for progress without the overwhelming pressure of trying to reimagine everything overnight. Micro-experiments reduce fear and increase confidence, creating opportunities for your brain to forge new pathways. Be creative in your approach.

Your psychological ecosystem matters as much as your habits. Emotions and mindsets are contagious. For 2026, consider spending more time with curious rather than critical individuals. Seek mentors who challenge you kindly. Join groups that inspire learning and reduce exposure to those who reinforce a fixed mindset through limiting beliefs. One positive change I made in 2025 was joining a local Rotary club. My inbox now fills with invitations to volunteer and uplifting photos from events even when I can’t attend. This community of do-gooders has brought me a warm and wonderful feeling of belonging.

Think of the new year as a blank page, not an exam. You don’t need to prove anything, just explore, learn, and continue evolving into a better version of yourself. Embracing a growth mindset for 2026 means prioritizing progress over perfection, compassion over criticism, and curiosity over fear. It embodies the knowledge that you are, at any age or stage, capable of learning, expanding, healing, and transforming. Your brain is designed to grow, and the new year presents a unique opportunity to harness that capacity.

This year, may you strive toward becoming the person capable of achieving your dreams, shaped not by pressure but by possibility. Here’s to a beautiful 2026, one where your brain’s remarkable capacity for growth harmonizes with your heart’s deepest intentions. Embrace the journey and allow yourself to transform and I hope you have your best year yet!

“Becoming is better than being.” — Carol Dweck 

Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with more than 30 years’ experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the founder of the Bekindr Global Initiative, a movement to bring more kindness in the world. She is the co-author of “The Beauty Prescription” and “The Concise Guide to Marriage and Family Therapy.” She is also the co-founder of the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit that pairs women with disabilities with award-winning photographers creating art exhibitions to raise awareness. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA, and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.

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Anthropologist and neuroscientist James Rilling and his colleagues at Emory University used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to capture real-time brain activity by measuring blood flow changes. Thus, they were able to peer directly into the minds of grandmothers as they processed images of family members and strangers. 

Fifty grandmothers volunteered to be placed inside an fMRI scanner where they viewed a series of photographs in four categories: images of their grandchildren, unknown children of similar ages, their adult children (the same sex as the grandchild), and unfamiliar adults.

As grandmothers gazed at photos of their grandchildren, the scientists observed robust activation in areas associated with emotional empathy. These neural networks enable us to literally feel what another person is experiencing. 

When a grandchild experiences joy, the grandmother’s brain lights up in ways that mirror that happiness, and she feels the same delight. When a grandchild is in distress, the grandmother’s neural pathways fire with corresponding concern. This pattern of activation suggests that grandmothers are neurologically wired to experience their grandchildren’s emotions as if they were their own.

When grandmothers viewed images of their adult children, something different happened. Rather than activating those same emotional empathy regions, these encounters triggered neural networks associated with cognitive empathy. These are our brain regions involved in understanding others’ thoughts, intentions, and mental states rather than directly sharing their emotions. It’s the neural machinery we engage when we’re trying to figure out why someone feels a certain way or what they might be thinking, rather than automatically mirroring their emotional state. 

These findings suggest that while most grandmothers remain deeply attached to their adult children, their brains process these relationships through a more cognitive lens, understanding rather than directly experiencing their adult children’s emotional states. 

When grandmothers viewed images of unknown children of similar ages to their grandchildren, as well as unfamiliar adults, their brains showed relatively little activation in either emotional or cognitive empathy regions. While grandmothers often feel general warmth toward children in general, the intense empathetic responses appear to be more easily triggered by their own children and grandchildren. 

These findings suggest that grandmothers’ brains have been specifically designed to recognize and respond to their own family members with remarkable precision and intensity. Most likely, thousands of years of evolution have created this intimate neurobiological connection. 

Unlike most mammals, human females often live for decades beyond their childbearing years. “The grandmother hypothesis,” put forward by anthropologist Kristen Hawkes, offers an explanation for this evolutionary puzzle. According to this theory, grandmothers who invested in their grandchildren’s welfare provided significant survival advantages to their families, leading to the evolution of extended human lifespan and the unique role of grandmothers in human societies.

Studies spanning continents and cultures have validated this hypothesis showing that grandmothers’ involvement correlates with improved outcomes for their grandchildren: better nutritional status, more stable and nurturing household environments, enhanced educational opportunities, and ultimately, higher survival rates into adulthood.

Research has also demonstrated that active, engaged grandmothers enable their daughters to have children more frequently and at younger ages, while also increasing the likelihood that these grandchildren will themselves survive to reproductive age and continue the family legacy. These factors create a powerful evolutionary advantage that has shaped human family structures across thousands of millennia. 

In our contemporary world, where life expectancy continues to increase and medical advances enable people to remain healthy and active well into their later years, the potential impact of grandmothers is growing. Today’s grandmothers often enjoy decades of healthy, engaged involvement in their families’ lives, bringing wisdom, emotional stability, and financial support that can profoundly influence future generations.

Although many modern families are separated by geography, this research offers tremendous hope. The neural activation patterns observed in the study occurred in response to mere photographs of grandchildren, suggesting that visual connection alone can trigger these powerful connections. 

Photo sharing through social media and messaging apps enables grandparents to witness and emotionally participate in their grandchildren’s daily lives and milestones despite the distance. Video calls through platforms like Zoom and FaceTime allow for face-to-face conversations that can also activate those crucial neural pathways and foster and nourish this special connection.

This important and heartwarming study reminds us that the special role of grandmothers appears hardwired in our brains to optimize human potential. Rather than viewing grandparents as peripheral figures whose primary value lies in occasional babysitting, hosting holiday gatherings, or funding education, we might better understand them as essential, unique components of healthy family systems occupying a very special evolutionary role. We are wise as individuals and a society to respect, nurture and support the vital role of grandmothers. 

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Incorporating a play, “UnRavelled,” written by Jake Broder, into the overall program of education about the brain and how the arts can be used to temper the inevitable, usually swift decline in cerebral function experienced in this particular form of dementia, Broder wrote his play using the singular case of Anne Adams. She was a talented biologist at the University of British Columbia who took a break from her career to nurse her son back from a devastating accident. As time went on, she was less and less compelled to return to the lab and began painting. Her husband, Robert, a mathematician at UBC, was less than enthusiastic. Anne was an unremarkable artist and they needed her income. Not to be deterred, she continued on her chosen path. Not long after her scientific retirement, she started experiencing word finding difficulties and subtle cognitive declines, something that coincided with a blossoming of her artistic creativity and prowess. Her dreams were inhabited by stories of the composer Maurice Ravel, with whom she began to feel a hallucinatory connection. It has been suggested that Ravel suffered from FTD and his music, especially “Bolero” was infused with the kinds of repetitions that Anne was showing in her increasingly accomplished paintings.

Although the exact nature of Ravel’s decline has never been established, he suffered from a cognitive impairment, some would say madness, that perplexed his doctors. An interesting, unprovable supposition, his appearance in Anne’s dreams suffuses her paintings with relatable repetitions and increasing depth. But this isn’t really about Anne or her art, interesting side lights. This is a story about empathy, care and relationships because, even though the illness, eventually diagnosed as FTD, was Anne’s, the burden was also Robert’s, one he bore with patience, love and empathy. The role of the caretaker is fundamental to the interactive exhibits presented by the Brain Health Festival.

The needs of those with dementia are similar, whether it be Alzheimer’s, Lewy body dementia, dementia brought on by Parkinson’s or FTD. There are no cures, although medical science, including some of the panelists at the festival, promise that there is help on the horizon. But the greatest message brought forward was one of hope, help and care. As explained in their FTD Pocket Guide, “Quality Time is Quality Care” and “Perception is Reality” whether that of the normal brain or that of the diseased brain. Do not expect a person with dementia to be what they were; accept them for how they are now. It matters little which area of the brain is affected or the kind of dementia. What does matter is that the caregiver finds the right resources for help and understanding. Although Robert, in the play and in real life, scoffed at a support group, he eventually found a path to understanding his role, strengths and limitations in assisting his wife and himself. Robert Adams was in the audience on Friday night; a panel, including their son Alex, the playwright and renowned neuroscientists from UCLA and UCSF, spoke following the play.

Besides the play and the interactive exhibits, the Brain Health Festival sponsored workshops on storytelling, music, movement and visual art. Acclaimed UCSF neurologist Bruce Miller, founding director of the Global Brain Health Institute, one of the post play panelists and a leading expert on FTD, presented the case of Anne Adams at a specially convened Grand Rounds at Cedars-Sinai.

An important resource for information about dementia, how to find a caregiver and things you can do to understand and lessen the burden can be found on the website fortheirthoughts.org. The goal of the For Their Thoughts Foundation is to help families find a community, and, to quote from their website: “equip caregivers, cultivate empathy and lift the stigma.” The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (aFTD) lists state by state resources, including a help line: www.theaftd.org. And, although Alzheimer’s and FTD are different types of neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, alzheimersla.org, is a good source to know about.

Do not hesitate to contact your doctor for advice and help. It’s out there. You are not alone. Knowledge is power.

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Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board President Rachelle Marcus and Board Member Russell Stuart addressed the commission on health matters concerning district students. Stuart said that the board received numerous complaints from parents regarding dust and dirt plumes emanating from construction of the One Beverly Hills project across the street onto the campus of El Rodeo Elementary School. In response, property developer Cain International met with board members and installed air quality detectors across the construction site and assured the board that the plumes were not harmful. The developers measure the air quality every five minutes and will notify board members if it reaches a certain threshold, Stuart said, adding that the site will need to be continuously monitored.

Stuart said the district’s new vape and smoke detectors have been effective. He did not give specific details on the number of students detected or the disciplinary consequences involved, but said the results were significant.

Stuart also highlighted technology initiatives, including the implementation of artificial intelligence within the district. BHUSD recently purchased two Apple Vision Pro AI headset devices, which have aided students in different subjects—such as science, media, athletics and robotics.

Commissioner Erica Felsenthal brought up concerns about implementing AI in education without conclusive research on how AI affects brain development and about possibly needing consent from students when it comes to using physical AI headsets. However, Stuart said the importance of getting up to date with the technology outweighed the potential costs.

“Where it can take someone’s mind and say, ‘I’m going to give you the greatest education that you’ll never get unless we put this headset on you,’ I think not exploring it would be a detriment to [what] our kids can learn,” he said.

BHPD Lt. Kevin Orth reported on August and September crime statistics, including previous year comparisons. Every type of crime in Beverly Hills decreased or stayed the same from 2024-25 except for aggravated assaults and major vehicle thefts, which saw a 17% and 2% increase, respectively. Fifty-four robberies were reported in Beverly Hills up until Oct. 19, 2024 while only 30 have been reported so far in 2025. The city also saw a decrease from 738 larceny thefts to 566 during the same time span. Orth attributed the decrease in crime to the BHPD’s Real Time Watch Center, a hub of the city’s surveillance tools established in 2022. He also said that neighboring cities are not experiencing similar decreases in crime. 

“Overall, our crime has been decreasing steadily,” he said. “Our arrest numbers are still increasing, which indicates that we have officers making proactive self-initiated activity … We’re a couple years into our Real Time Watch Center. All of our cameras, [automated license plate reader] systems, drone systems, all those have led to a decrease in crime in the last several years.”

Orth added that police officers, traffic control officers and private security will be on the scene on Walden Drive and Carmelita Avenue and that officers may shut down the streets depending on the amount of foot traffic. Orth also reminded the community that the city prohibits the use of silly string and shaving cream during Halloween hours.

Beverly Hills Fire Department Deputy Chief Alfred Poirier provided an incident comparison from September of 2024 and 2025. Poirier said that incident numbers have generally remained consistent across years, though emergency medical service calls decreased from 461 to 380.

Another important matter on the agenda concerned the Nov. 9 evacuation drill in the Trousdale neighborhood directed at 68 homes in a high fire severity zone. Residents north of Sunset Boulevard are encouraged to evacuate to Will Rogers Park via designated routes and are urged to prepare to-go bags. The drill will take place from 1-4 p.m. and police, city and fire officials will be stationed throughout the area to assist and direct traffic. Participation in the drill is encouraged by the city but not mandatory.

BHFD Fire Marshall Trevor Richmond shared two videos with the commission—from the Oakland Firestorm in 1991 and from the Palisades fire in 2025—which displayed the total chaos and danger during both evacuations and illustrated the urgent need to prepare for potential fire evacuations. Tens of thousands of people in L.A. County were under evacuation orders during the January wildfires.

“The only way to prepare for chaos is to train,” Richmond said. “The purpose of the drill—we want to be disaster ready. We want to increase community awareness through public education. We really want to exercise the operational component between the Beverly Hills Fire Department and Beverly Hills Police Department.”

Richmond added that another main goal of the drill is to improve communication between officials and residents. Residents can receive alerts through the city’s outdoor warning system and digitally through Nixle and BHPD Alert. Evacuation routes and details on what to pack in the case of an evacuation can be found on the city’s website. The “6 P’s” is a helpful way to remember what to pack—people and pets, prescriptions, papers, pictures, personal computers and money in the form of plastic or cash.

Richmond added that he will return to the commission later with a report on the efficacy of the drill. 

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President Trump’s declaration of peace between Israel and Hamas, formalized at a signing ceremony in Egypt with dozens of world leaders, has sparked an unusual wave of bipartisan celebration. Even longtime rivals like Hillary Clinton have praised the process, calling for global commitment to peace, security, and stability. Whether this fragile peace endures remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the moment itself provides a rare opportunity for us individually and collectively to shift our thoughts from fear to hope.

Deep within your brainstem lies a network of neurons called the Reticular Activating System (RAS). Think of it as your brain’s executive assistant, filtering the millions of sensory inputs flooding your consciousness each second and deciding which deserve attention. Your RAS prioritizes what you’ve trained it to value most. This process begins in early childhood and continues throughout life, largely out of our awareness. 

Our brains are wired with a negativity bias, a tendency to notice bad news before good. One critical comment can outweigh 10 compliments; a distressing headline keeps our focus longer than an uplifting one. Since Oct. 7, 2023, news from the Middle East has reinforced this bias, heightening expectations of conflict and despair and causing ripple effects of unrest around the globe, tearing apart friends, families, co-workers and classmates. 

If we are to thrive in our fast-paced, interconnected world with so much suffering, we must train our RAS to look for examples of kindness, compassion, caring and connection. This week finally brought that sort of news front and center. So, let’s seize the moment.  

We can attempt to do this by retraining our RAS. Whatever you repeatedly think about, discuss, or visualize gets tagged as “important.” Once tagged, your brain filters the world to confirm it. Believe humanity is dangerous, and you’ll find endless proof. Believe positive transformation is possible, and your brain will begin to notice evidence everywhere.

Brain imaging shows that witnessing or hearing about acts of kindness, such as peace agreements, triggers activity in the reward system, releasing dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. These feel-good chemicals enhance trust, motivation, and social connection. Psychologists call this experience “moral elevation.” It is that subtle warmth in your chest when you witness goodness. It’s your mirror neurons lighting up, inspiring you to want to help others. 

So how do we use this moment to reshape our thinking?

• Start your mornings with positive intentions. Ask yourself, “What kind act can I notice or create today?” This primes your RAS to filter for goodness throughout the day.

• Keep a kindness journal. Each evening, record three kind acts you witnessed or performed. Studies show that this simple practice rewires the brain toward optimism and gratitude.

• Practice mindful listening. Paying full attention to someone quiets your RAS and strengthens empathy. Presence itself becomes a form of kindness.

• Curate your media diet. The attention economy thrives on outrage because fear activates our ancient survival circuits. By seeking positive new stories, such as “Modern Love” weekly column in the NYTimes, you reinforce neural pathways of hope.

• Use visual cues. Post reminders of peace and positivity where you’ll see them often, such as T-shirts, coffee mugs, Post-it Notes. Such cues keep your focus and your RAS anchored in what truly matters to you.

In an era when countless forces compete for your attention, remember that you retain agency over one of the most powerful tools you possess: your focus. The RAS follows the training it has received through our genes, our childhood and our adult experiences. Feed it fear, and it will find danger. Feed it hope, and it will highlight opportunity. 

This week, world leaders were able to come together and sign an agreement ending suffering in the Middle East and quelling anxiety around the globe. Whatever the future holds, that moment happened. That experience now lives in our shared consciousness. The shift from “impossible” to “possible” is no longer merely a theory. We have evidence that positive change can occur and is worth working towards.

The question is: For how long will your RAS allow you to focus on it? Will you let this breakthrough recalibrate your expectations for what humans can achieve when they choose dialogue over division? Or will the next round of negative news pull you back in and decrease your hope for the future?

By choosing where we direct our attention, we can participate in the world’s healing: one thought, one conversation, one act of compassion at a time.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

– Gandhi

Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with more than 30 years’ experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the founder of the Bekindr Global Initiative, a movement to bring more kindness in the world. She is the co-author of “The Beauty Prescription” and “The Concise Guide to Marriage and Family Therapy.” She is also the co-founder of the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit that pairs women with disabilities with award-winning photographers creating art exhibitions to raise awareness. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA, and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.

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Research shows female athletes are up to eight times more likely than their male counterparts to experience an ACL tear. These injuries often require surgery and a 9-12- month recovery period. For any kind of athlete, that kind of setback can be physically and emotionally devastating. The good news is that with proper training, awareness and early intervention, many of these injuries can be prevented or treated effectively to avoid long-term damage.

The ACL is one of four primary ligaments in the knee. It helps keep the knee stable and protects the meniscus and cartilage when an athlete changes direction, pivots or lands from a jump.

Why are young female athletes more likely to tear this ligament? Several factors are involved. 

Anatomically, females tend to have a more “knock-kneed” alignment, which puts greater stress on the ACL, especially during awkward landings or sudden direction changes. On average, females also have less muscle mass around the knee compared to males, which means they have less natural support for the joint. 

Hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, may also affect ligament looseness and stability. In adolescent females, hormonal fluctuations during or after puberty may further increase the risk of injury. Research from Cedars-Sinai and other institutions suggests that certain phases of the menstrual cycle, when estrogen levels are high, may be linked to a higher likelihood of ACL injuries.

Sports that require cutting, pivoting and jumping are the most common culprits in knee injuries. These movements can put sudden, intense strain on the ligament, particularly in athletes who haven’t learned proper landing mechanics.

Some ACL injuries are dramatic—athletes may hear a pop, experience immediate swelling and feel their knee give out. Other injuries are more subtle, especially when the tear is the result of a non-contact incident. In those cases, the most telling symptom is a persistent sense of instability, particularly when trying to cut or pivot.

Diagnosis involves a clinical exam and is confirmed with imaging, usually an MRI. In most young, active patients, surgery to reconstruct the ligament is the best option. We typically use a tendon graft from the same leg to replace the torn ACL. While walking and basic activities often feel normal within a few weeks, returning to sport takes much longer—as much as a year for the graft to integrate and strengthen.

Prevention, however, is where we can make the biggest impact. ACL prevention programs—incorporating strength training, neuromuscular control drills and jump-landing instruction—are essential. These can be as simple as bodyweight squats, hamstring-strengthening movements and plyometric drills that teach athletes to land with knees aligned and under control. When done consistently, often as part of a warmup, these programs significantly reduce injury rates.

For athletes returning from ACL surgery, my advice is always the same: be patient. The knee may feel strong after a few months, but the biology takes time. Returning too soon risks reinjury, which can be heartbreaking after months of rehab. 

Once an athlete has torn one ACL, their risk of tearing the other is about four times higher. Not only does the athlete carry the same anatomic risk factors in the healthy knee, the individual also is likely to overcompensate. Imbalances in knee strength and the nervous system effectively make the healthy knee perform overtime, increasing the risk for injury.

All of this is why prevention training is not just a pre-injury strategy—it’s a lifelong habit for any athlete who wants to stay healthy and competitive. And even if reinjury does occur, it’s not the end of a sports career. With proper treatment, revision surgery and dedicated rehabilitation, many athletes successfully return to their sport stronger than ever.  

Michael Banffy, M.D., is chief of Sports Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics, specializing in joint preservation, cartilage restoration and advanced hip, shoulder and knee arthroscopy. He serves as a team physician for the Los Angeles Rams, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Loyola Marymount University Athletics.

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The program will convert four tennis courts to 16 permanent pickleball courts to accommodate the growing interest in the sport over the past few years. Specifically, tennis courts 7, 8 and 12 at La Cienega Park and court 1 at Roxbury Park Tennis Facility would be converted to pickleball courts. Staff received direction from the Recreation and Parks Council Liaison at its Feb. 27 meeting to conduct an additional sound study to consider other court configurations, secure official court measurements and finalize the proposed rules and regulations. The recommendation also calls for implementing new reservation software and adding staffing to support expanded hours. 

The Pickleball Pilot Program was initially launched in 2020 by the Recreation and Parks Commission to gauge public interest in the sport from the Beverly Hills community. Two tennis courts at the La Cienega Tennis Center and one at Roxbury Park Tennis Facility were converted into pickleball courts using temporary overlay lines and portable nets. However, the program was put to a halt due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and resumed in 2021 when facilities reopened to the public. 

By 2022, the city began receiving noise complaints from neighbors near La Cienega Park, which prompted the Recreation and Park Commission to move pickleball from courts 13 and 14 to courts 1 and 8. In response to the noise complaints, city staff commissioned professional studies, which found that noise levels on some courts exceeded Los Angeles County standards, while others remained within acceptable limits. 

Despite challenges over the sound, and the delay in program roll-out during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program demonstrated strong growth and community support. However, some public feedback remained mixed, with approximately equal numbers supporting and opposing the program at community meetings—reflecting the tension between pickleball enthusiasts and tennis players concerned about court availability.

At the Aug. 5 Study Session, residents echoed similar concerns and sentiments from past meetings.  

During public comment, several pickleball players voiced their enthusiasm for the sport and encouraged the council to finalize the Pickleball Pilot Program. However, some tennis players believed there were too many tennis courts being converted for pickleball and would attract players from outside Beverly Hills.

Jessica Smash, president of the Los Angeles Tennis Group, recognized the benefits of pickleball, but spoke on behalf of the tennis players who “don’t want to lose any more tennis courts.” 

In a letter sent to the council prior to the meeting, Daniel Fink, a Beverly Hills resident and physician, cited recent published research on the adverse health effects of pickleball noise on nearby residents. He argued that just as Beverly Hills pioneered smoking restrictions, it should protect residents from “unwanted noise exposure.”

During council discussion, Councilmember Mary Wells said she supports the staff recommendations, but suggested that the council revisit its noise ordinance for residential areas because of the rise in popularity of pickleball. Councilmember Craig Corman similarly agreed with the staff recommendatwions but inquired about the possibility of putting a sound blanket on a given fence to combat the noise issues. 

Later that evening, at its Regular Meeting and Parking Authority Meeting, City Council voted to approve a contract with Trueline Construction & Surfacing, Inc. for the tennis courts resurfacing project, which includes the conversion of the four tennis courts into 16 pickleball courts at Roxbury Park Tennis Facility and La Cienega Tennis Center.  

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Our culture, obsessed with youth, often discounts the value and vibrancy of aging and this is a mistake. Science and technology continue to enhance not only our lifespan but also our “healthspan,” defined as the years of our lives free from chronic illness or disability that affect the quality of our lives. Now our “golden years” can extend beyond rest and relaxation and become some of our most treasured. 

In the 1950s, the average lifespan was approximately 65 years. Today, with an average life expectancy of around 80, we are gifted with the possibility of many additional “golden years.” With the average age of retirement at 66, many of us will have decades to explore other interests. This elongation invites us to view aging as an opportunity and a chance to reinvent ourselves and embrace the possibilities that come with more time, more freedom and often more money. David Bowie optimistically proclaimed, “Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you should have been.” 

Examples abound of people thriving in what I call “the last third,” ages 60 to 90. My Aunt Mikki loved to say, “My highest-earning years were my 80s.” Speed walker Stephanie Singer, at 78, just finished the women’s Nike half-marathon, and has completed 17 marathons since turning 60. Ira Glick, at 88, plays full-court basketball four times a week. When Eli Levy’s son asked him if he was going to slow down his full-time psychology practice now that he turned 80, Eli shot back, “No, the opposite, I need to speed up. I have so much to do.” And, just this week, actress Kathy Bates, 77, made Emmy history by becoming the oldest nominee in the category of actress in a lead drama. 

Advances in medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle choices can play a crucial role in how our later years are experienced. Recent research published in Nature (2024) reveals that those who engage in regular aerobic exercise and maintain a Mediterranean diet can extend the length of their cellular telomeres. These telomeres are the protective caps on chromosomes and are linked to aging. The length of our telomeres may actually be a better predictor of health and longevity than our birth date. 

The landscape of aging is being revolutionized by technological innovations. AI-enabled health monitoring devices now track vital signs, detect early risks, and help manage chronic conditions, predicting potential issues with remarkable accuracy. Digital tools like brain-training apps and virtual reality programs help maintain cognitive function, delaying decline and keeping our brains sharp. Social robots, such as ElliQ and PARO, provide companionship, reducing loneliness and enhancing emotional well-being. Meanwhile, breakthroughs in genomics enable personalized prevention plans based on individual genetic risks, opening new horizons for tailored healthcare.

With more time for self-care, studies show around 40% to 50% of those over 60 engage in regular physical activity. Roughly 20% to 25% do muscle-strengthening activities that have shown to be crucial to combat age-related decline. Rates of smoking, drinking and drug use all decrease as we get older, reducing health risks. 

Psychological and emotional growth often flourishes with age. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center study, 80% of Americans aged 65 and older report feeling more emotionally calm and confident than in their earlier years. Hormonal highs and fluctuations diminish in later years, often leading to more peace and tranquility. 

Many older adults report a renewed sense of purpose. A 2022 AARP survey noted that 75% of retirees felt more engaged and fulfilled as they embraced activities that had previously been sidelined. With years of experience, accepting change becomes easier. Letting go of control, forgiving others, and trusting in one’s judgment nurture a peaceful outlook. Greater mental flexibility lets us see solutions from multiple perspectives, and independent thinking empowers us to follow our passions without undue influence.

Older adults often report that people are kinder and more willing to help, a reflection of societal respect and the richness of matured relationships. This support system, combined with an improved ability to assess risks and prioritize self-care, creates a foundation for living joyfully and intentionally.

Lastly, spirituality increases and often becomes a vital coping mechanism as we grow older. We may move from the more materialistic phase of life when we are acquiring and building, to a more reflective time where we seek a deeper understanding of our lives and the role we play in the universe.  

Certainly challenges abound as we grow older and you may recall, Mae West famously quipped, “Aging isn’t for sissies.” Yet, as our wisdom and resources have multiplied, we can demonstrate equanimity and resilience that might have eluded us during our younger years in the face of increasing challenges. Having encountered loss and illness as we age can also deepen our appreciation for life.  

As we look forward to a future where longevity is paired with increased vitality, let us remember that every day is a gift offering us a chance to grow and live our fullest lives. If we strive to maintain our optimal health over the years, we can continue to enjoy our best years yet.  

“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.” 

—Eleanor Roosevelt  

Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with more than 30 years’ experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the founder of the Bekindr Global Initiative, a movement to bring more kindness in the world. She is the co-author of “The Beauty Prescription” and “The Concise Guide to Marriage and Family Therapy.” She is also the co-founder of the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit that pairs women with disabilities with award-winning photographers creating art exhibitions to raise awareness. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA, and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.

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Tennis great Naomi Osaka captured global attention by temporarily stepping away from her competition to regain her mental health as her drive for perfection was taking too great a toll. “The Substance,” the story of a woman who uses a product promising physical perfection, only to suffer horrific consequences chasing unrealistic beauty ideals, was a 2025 Oscar-winning film. And Kris Jenner, a self-proclaimed “perfectionist,” is recovering from extensive plastic surgery which has once again transformed her appearance. 

Pursuing excellence and achievement can be healthy and meaningful when in the right doses and places. But when does it cross the line and become too much? Problems arise when the focus detracts from other aspects of one’s life, mistakes are intolerable, standards are unrealistically high, or there is an excessive dependence on approval, praise, or recognition from others. Some may get trapped in the cycle of curating the perfect image and obsessively seek “likes” on social media, hoping that external recognition will boost their self-esteem. When validation is received, it brings a temporary high, removing the feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt that may have been lurking and fueling the perfectionism. Athletes who haven’t gained their internal confidence may obsessively hunt the next win to validate their sense of themselves. 

Social comparison is rampant due to social media, especially among adolescents searching for identity and acceptance during this crucial developmental period. Adolescents are appropriately asking themselves, “Who am I?” and “Where do I belong?” They may compromise their authentic selves, instead displaying what they feel will make them popular and hiding qualities they perceive as flaws. It has been well documented that increased social media use correlates with higher levels of anxiety and depression and lower levels of self-esteem and empathy. 

According to clinical psychologist Dr. Stephanie Lechich, “Unhealthy perfectionism and an over-reliance on external validation are central features of a collective narcissism that has been growing in the context of extreme usage of social media. Developing an acceptance of mistakes and imperfections fosters more stable self-worth, greater emotional resilience, and better relationships.”

This obsession with flawlessness can also restrict creativity and risk-taking. It can foster avoidance and procrastination or perpetuate rigid and distorted beliefs or behaviors characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. In relationships, the effort to conceal imperfections blocks authentic connection. 

Thankfully, overcoming unhealthy perfectionism and achieving more stable self-worth is possible. With time and practice, we can build a healthy sense of ourselves that relies more on internal validation and frees us from these dangerous and misleading comparisons. 

Here are 10 steps to take:

1. Identify the problem: Recognizing that you are suffering from perfectionism is an important first step. What areas of your life is this trait showing up in? What is it blocking you from experiencing? Are you willing to take steps to try to overcome it?

2. Be compassionate with yourself: Perfectionism is an easy pothole to stumble into. Developing self-awareness, self-kindness and eventually self-love will assist you. 

3. Embrace imperfection: Welcome the idea that imperfection is human. Speak to yourself kindly, especially during setbacks when the urge might arise to chastise yourself. Love yourself for your strengths and weaknesses. We all have many. 

4. Set realistic goals: Instead of aiming for perfect outcomes, focus on achievable and meaningful objectives. Break large tasks into manageable steps and celebrate small victories along the way. This reduces feelings of being overwhelmed and helps build confidence.

5. Challenge distorted thoughts: Become aware of all-or-nothing thinking (“If it’s not perfect, it’s a failure”) and catastrophizing (“If I mess up once, everything is ruined”). When these thoughts arise, question their validity. Ask yourself if your standards are realistic or if you’re setting yourself up for unnecessary stress. Often, reframing these thoughts to recognize effort and growth can help foster a healthier mindset. Use techniques of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and substitute negative self-talk with positive thinking: “I learned a lot from this experience which will give me an opportunity to do better in the future.” 

6. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity: Shift your perspective to see mistakes not as signs of inadequacy but as inevitable and valuable parts of growth. Remember, no one is perfect; every successful person has faced setbacks. When failure occurs, ask yourself, what lessons can be learned? And how you can use those experiences to improve? Strive to be your own best friend, not your harshest critic during challenging times. Talk to yourself like you would your best friend and offer comfort and guidance and forgo harsh criticism. Remember the words of the famous football coach Vince Lombardi, “It is not how many times you fall, it’s about how many times you get back up.”

7. Limit social comparison: Reduce exposure to social media platforms if you find it triggers your perfectionist urges. Focus instead on your personal journey. What are your unique strengths and accomplishments? What are the areas you can look forward to growing into?

8. Stay in the moment: Engage in mindfulness exercises to reduce anxiety. Meditation and deep breathing soothe our nervous system. Try to stay present and observe your thoughts without judgment. This practice can help you recognize perfectionistic tendencies as they arise so you can choose more compassionate internal responses.

9. Develop internal validation: Work on affirming your worth internally rather than relying on others’ approval both in times of challenge and success. Focus on how you feel about yourself and your efforts. As we develop our internal compass, we free ourselves from the need for external validation. 

10. Seek professional support: If perfectionism causes significant distress or interferes with daily life or your relationships, consider consulting a mental health professional. Therapy can help identify underlying beliefs and develop strategies to foster a more balanced outlook. In particular cases, medication may be indicated to help you overcome perfectionistic tendencies if they are significantly disturbing your life. 

I hope these tips help you embark on a journey to greater self-love and self-acceptance. This work will pay dividends. As I love to hear in my yoga class, “progress, not perfection.” Savor the journey, not the destination. 

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Let’s take a look at this age-old problem that is on the rise. 

The term “narcissism” comes from Greek mythology, where a young, handsome man named Narcissus gazed into a pool of water and fell in love with his reflection. Unable to look away, he ultimately died staring at himself. Flash-forward to this social-media filled world we are in, and it’s no wonder so many people are struggling.  Gazing out has never been so easy. 

Since 1980, psychiatrists have used the term “Narcissistic Personality Disorder” (NPD) to describe a condition in which individuals experience a deep sense of emptiness inside, hoping to find fulfillment but never quite reaching it, much like Narcissus gazing at his reflection. While the cause remains unknown, a combination of factors including genetics and environment seems to be at play. 

NPD is estimated to affect between 1% to 6% of the population and is slightly more common in men. Research suggests narcissistic traits and possibly NPD may be more prevalent among those in positions of power, so encountering it more often in places like Beverly Hills isn’t surprising.

Social media has contributed to the rise of narcissistic tendencies. By constantly looking at curated images of seemingly perfect lives, many feel less than or inadequate. When such feelings occur frequently during important developmental phases like adolescence, they can hinder growth, leading to excessive anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. The constant social comparison can also lead to emotional numbing and an inability to develop empathy for others. 

As we discussed previously, seeking external validation is a normal part of development, but as you mature, the goal is to learn to rely more on internal validation as you build your values and moral compass.  Self-love and self-direction free us from excessive reliance on others’ opinions. Failure to do so can leave you trapped in the cycle of seeking excessive validation then feeling deflated when you don’t receive it.  

Identifying a narcissist can be challenging at first because they can be very seductive.  They are used to drawing people in. External validation is like oxygen to them. It is best to learn the telltale signs and protect yourself, as engaging with narcissists can be painful. If you are fueling their self-esteem, they may be reluctant to let you go. As you read these traits, don’t worry if you recognize a bit of yourself in some of them. NPD only occurs when there is a maladaptive and pervasive pattern of these behaviors, and they interfere with your ability to function in a healthy manner.     

Here are some red flags: 

1. A Charming Start 

Narcissists often have a magnetic charm. They know how to flatter, compliment, and make you feel special. They may be the “life of the party,” but behind closed doors another version emerges. We have heard of “love bombing,” when a date showers you with compliments or gifts early on. Remember the adage, “When something feels too good to be true, it probably is.”  

2. Excessive Self-Promotion

Narcissists tend to focus heavily on themselves, constantly seeking to prove their worth, share their achievements, or display their knowledge. While sharing successes is natural, narcissists often go overboard, making everything about themselves. For example, they might interrupt a conversation about your promotion to highlight their career accomplishments. Name-dropping is another way narcissists may try to show off their importance.  

3. Self-Referential Thinking

Those with NPD lack empathy for others, as they are wrapped up in their own feelings.  They struggle to listen or care about your experiences, often redirecting conversations back to themselves. You might notice them changing the subject when you discuss personal problems or showing little interest in your achievements. For example, you might enjoy sharing your joy from a trip, only to have them talk about their own travels.

4. Entitlement

Narcissists display an overinflated sense of entitlement. They expect special treatment, whether it’s prioritizing their needs, getting the best seat, or expecting others to handle their tasks. When they don’t receive it, their self-esteem may suffer, and they often lash out. 

5. Reacting Explosively 

Narcissists may react disproportionately to feedback, criticism or challenges. Their fragile sense of themselves can easily get deflated. This leads them to defensiveness, anger, or dismissiveness, usually directed toward the person who triggered their uncomfortable feelings. This might manifest as an outburst or the silent treatment. 

Protecting Your Emotional Well-Being

If you find yourself dealing with someone exhibiting narcissistic traits, consider these steps:

1. Don’t Take It Personally

Remember that a narcissist’s behavior stems from their deep-seated insecurities. Their reactions are more about their internal struggles than about you.

2. Communicate Calmly and Clearly

When engaging, use calm, assertive “I” statements. Avoid blame or criticism, which can trigger defensiveness. Instead, express your feelings honestly and respectfully. For example, “I am sorry you are disappointed in the hotel room. Let me see if I can do anything to improve the situation.”

3. Set Firm Boundaries

Clearly define your limits and enforce them calmly but assertively. If they try to overstep, politely but firmly state your boundaries, like, “I’m not comfortable doing that, but I can help with this instead.” Consistency is key here.

4. Evaluate the Relationship

Maintaining a relationship with a narcissist in personal or professional contexts can be exhausting. It’s vital to assess whether the dynamic is healthy by checking in with your own feelings. If a relationship is depleting you or makes you feel uncomfortable, consider ways you can improve it or step back. You are responsible for your emotional health and are entitled to make adjustments to protect your well-being and happiness.  

5. Seek Support

Many books and podcasts deal with these issues as narcissism is on the rise.  Don’t hesitate to talk to a mentor or therapist. Professional guidance can help you develop strategies to cope with or leave a challenging situation.  

Recognizing narcissistic tendencies early allows you to take proactive steps to protect your well-being. Understanding the difference between occasional narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder empowers you to navigate interactions more effectively. Remember, your emotional health and self-respect are worth safeguarding, and you deserve relationships grounded in respect, understanding, and balance.

“The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others. Protect your boundaries and remember, you deserve relationships that respect and uplift you.” 

—Dr. Brené Brown  

Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with more than 30 years’  experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the founder of the Bekindr Global Initiative, a movement to bring more kindness in the world. She is the co-author of “The Beauty Prescription” and “The Concise Guide to Marriage and Family Therapy.” She is also the co-founder of the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit that pairs women with disabilities with award-winning photographers creating art exhibitions to raise awareness. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA, and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.

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Our sympathetic nervous system—often called our “fight or flight” response—is deeply ingrained in our brains. It’s fast, automatic, and vital for survival. Our prehistoric ancestors, who were best at spotting danger, passed these traits to us through evolution. Today, we can’t help but scan our environment for threats, even when they are distant or unlikely. 

The media recognizes this innate human tendency. In the 1950s, outlets like the National Enquirer began exploiting it by showing graphic images that grabbed our attention. This strategy has since become standard across the industry. As the saying goes, “If it bleeds, it leads.”

When we watch horrifying acts or disasters, our bodies secrete cortisol, the stress hormone. Cortisol heightens focus, making it difficult to look away.  In moments of real danger, hyperfocus is essential, motivating us to take action. The mind and body prepare for battle, a way of life for our ancestors. The primitive part of our brain kicks in and we have an overwhelming urge to “fight, flight or freeze.” But when there’s no immediate threat, this urge is counterproductive, and the release of cortisol serves us poorly.  

Our ancestors didn’t need to worry about distant threats. Instead, they stayed alert to immediate dangers and recovered during quiet moments in nature. Today, with our interconnected world and 24-hour news cycle, bad news is constantly at our fingertips. 

This creates a vicious cycle: the more negativity we consume, the more our stress levels rise, leading us to seek out even more alarming stories. It’s a self-perpetuating pattern that fuels both the news industry and our mental health crises.

Understanding why we are attracted to negative news is the first step toward regaining balance. We must recognize our natural negativity bias—our tendency to focus more on threats. Once an adaptive trait to keep us safe, it is now often maladaptive, overestimating dangers and preventing us from feeling safe, enjoying the present and engaging our frontal lobe to truly solve the complex problems we are facing. The constant flood of distressing news and subsequent cortisol release keeps us in a state of hypervigilance, impairing our ability to relax, think clearly and work toward solutions.

Our personal habits and social environment worsen the problem. Smartphones, social media, and never-ending news feeds make it nearly impossible to escape negativity. We often scroll through snippets of alarming stories during moments meant for rest or connection—commutes, before bed, or mealtimes. Without realizing it, we condition ourselves to seek out negativity, perhaps even craving that adrenaline rush or distraction from our own struggles.

To protect ourselves, we must cultivate conscious media habits:

Limit exposure: Set specific times for checking news rather than scrolling mindlessly.

Choose sources wisely: Focus on outlets that report with integrity and provide context, not just sensationalism. Reading news is less jarring to the nervous system than watching it.  

Redefine what it means to stay informed: You don’t need to consume every detail of distressing events. Instead, focus on topics that matter most to you. Learn about issues, and then take proactive steps such as volunteering, donating, or advocating for solutions. Our nervous system is designed for action; engaging in meaningful efforts can foster a sense of empowerment rather than helplessness and despair.

Focus on the present moment: Ask yourself, “Am I safe right now?” In Beverly Hills, the answer will most likely be yes.  If you are safe, then you must bring your nervous system into proper alignment by shifting out of the state of hyperarousal.  Turn off the news.  Enjoy your life. Rather than making you callous, this strategy helps you to think clearly so you can solve problems and give to others who are more in need. 

Be aware of your emotional responses: Notice how certain stories make you feel—anxious, angry, overwhelmed—and acknowledge these feelings without judgment and limit exposure accordingly.  It is your job to protect yourself. 

Activate your parasympathetic nervous system—nicknamed the “rest and digest,” or “tend and befriend.” Our nervous systems are designed to be in balance.  This side counteracts the stress response by stimulating positive chemicals. Practice techniques like deep breathing, meditation, connecting with loved ones and mindful eating to foster this relaxation response.

Consume positive media: Stories of kindness, progress, and resilience happen every day. It just won’t save your life to read about, so you may find you aren’t as compelled to read them.  Yet viewing, liking and sharing these stories can help restore your faith in humanity and remind you of all the positivity in the world. 

Seek professional help: If you feel overwhelmed by media coverage and its effects, reach out. Mental health professionals can help develop tailored strategies for managing anxiety, building resilience, and establishing healthy boundaries around news consumption.

By actively choosing how we engage with the world’s news, we will be better equipped to solve the complex problems we are facing. “Fight, flight or freeze” won’t fix them except in the rare moments of extreme danger. I urge all of us to move away from our innate, simplistic, primitive responses.  When we activate the opposite side of our nervous system, we can engage our modern, sophisticated brainpower located in our frontal lobe.  The world is incredibly complex, and we need to come together thoughtfully to solve the problems we are facing.  

Case in point, I planned to address the issue of loving ourselves discussed last week, but felt it best to address the stress caused by the overwhelming amount of bad news. We must detoxify ourselves this week from the pernicious effects of too much cortisol. When we can reclaim our sense of safety and security, we can continue to explore more complex psychological themes.  

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” 

-William James

Psychologist, Philosopher, Educator  

The post Why We Can’t Look Away: Understanding Our Attraction to Negative News and How to Regain Control appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“External validation” in psychology refers to the process of seeking approval, affirmation or recognition from others—to confirm one’s self-worth, feelings or beliefs. These external affirmations can boost our self-esteem and make us feel connected and accepted. Have you noticed that even ChatGPT has been trained to externally validate us? 

“Internal validation” is the flip side of the coin. It’s the ability to see our own worth without needing others to tell us. It’s the feeling you get when you finish an article and say inside. “I like it. This is the one.” Developing internal validation is a lifelong process. It is like cultivating a deep, unwavering love for ourselves—rooted in self-awareness, self-compassion and self-trust. 

Throughout life and on most days, we toggle between our innate need and desire for external validation and our developing ability to internally validate. 

Children learn by seeking approval which works well when life is simple. As babies and young children, caregivers are your whole world. Your feeling of hunger is remedied when you are fed. You feel cranky, and someone puts you to bed. As you grow, their approval, smiles, and their hugs help you learn how to navigate your feelings and the world around you. When a parent says, “I’m proud of you,” it’s more than just praise—it’s a building block for your sense of identity. A child who hears “Good job!” after drawing a picture or tying their shoes experiences a burst of pride which motivates them to keep going. Children who receive consistent external validation learn to feel safe and confident and their development soars.

School-age children learn thorough external validation from a widening group of parental figures who serve as teachers, coaches and tutors. They will receive feedback in comments such as: “Yes, 2+2=4. Great job on the spelling test. Thank you for taking turns in class. Boy, you ran fast on the soccer field today.” These forms of external validation guide and motivate them.  Kids given positive feedback will develop a healthy sense of themselves. 

As we grow into teenagers, the landscape shifts. Rather than seeking the validation of parents and parental figures, teens may “rebel” against these values as a way to separate and create their own identity.  My father, a wise child psychiatrist, said, “parents are like the dock, and teens shove against them to gain momentum to move into their own lives.”  

Adolescents start experimenting with different identities, trying on different “selves” to see what fits. They seek the opinions of friends and peers as the main source of external validation. Their sense of worth often depends on whether they’re part of the group, get enough likes or feel accepted by their peers. Think about how much time teenagers spend checking their social media accounts—seeking likes, comments and validation from followers. It can feel crushing to a teenager to be disliked by someone or have a friendship or dating relationship end.   

Teenagers are also developing their ability to internally validate and soothe themselves rather than coming to parents/adults for comfort. They are gaining an internal awareness of who they are and what matters to them.   

This time of life can be confusing, balancing the desire for external recognition from peers with the need to develop inner confidence. The key is that adolescence is a transitional period, a time when both types of validation are influential.  

As we move into adulthood, life becomes more about finding your own values and working to create a life that is right for you. Issues become complex and often there is no “right or wrong” answer. Where to live, what career path to pursue, to have children or not? These are questions that only you can answer and your internal feeling must become your guide.

Gradually, we learn to acknowledge and accept our own feelings. “That feels right to me and that doesn’t feel right to me” can become your guiding light. You develop your own internal compass. Learning to love your choices, celebrating your strengths, valuing mistakes as opportunities for growth and trusting your own judgment are signs of maturity. By consciously affirming your value, recognizing your achievements, and practicing self-compassion, you gradually shift from seeking approval outwardly to embracing yourself. Some call this “self -confidence or self-esteem.” Or, for music lovers, think of Frank Sinatra’s classic hit “I did it my way.”

Internal validation isn’t about ignoring others or denying the importance of social connections. Instead, it’s about fostering a healthy sense of yourself: appreciating recognition when it comes, but not relying on it to know who we are or to feel good about ourselves. If we fail to develop a healthy sense of ourselves, we end up with excessive narcissism, continually seeking external validation and in extreme cases, with narcissistic personality disorder.  More on that next week.  

Here are some practical ways to nurture internal validation:

– Practice mindfulness and self-awareness: Take time to notice your thoughts and feelings without self-judgment. When you catch yourself seeking approval excessively, gently remind yourself that your worth isn’t dictated by others. You already matter!

– Celebrate your strengths: Cultivate an internal sense of pride when things go well. Enjoy small victories and don’t postpone joy waiting for the big win. Recognize yourself in a meaningful way and don’t rely on others to acknowledge your success. 

– Engage in self-compassion when “mistakes” or less than optimal outcomes occur: They are a valuable part of life and are inevitable. Speak to yourself as you would to a good friend. Forgive yourself. With time these incidents can become gifts and teach us valuable lessons.  

– Keep a gratitude or affirmation journal: Write down things you love about yourself or moments when you felt proud of your actions.

– Set personal goals: Focus on what matters to you, not what others expect or value. Make them attainable. Review and update monthly. 

-Be realistic: If you constantly find yourself falling short, reassess the bar you have set for yourself.  We live in a hyper-driven society. Forget “keeping up with the Joneses.” Chart your own course. 

-Be patient: Developing self-confidence is a lifelong journey with bumps along the way. “Progress, not perfection “is an empowering mantra. 

– Limit social media use: Take breaks or set boundaries to prevent comparing yourself to the carefully curated and oftentimes unrealistic images. 

– Seek real connections: Focus on authentic relationships based on mutual understanding and support, rather than superficial approval.

Over time and with practice, we can move away from our younger tendency to seek external validation and nurture our growing internal wisdom. While external validation will always play a role and give us brief moments of happiness, lasting fulfillment comes from loving yourself within. 

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” 

– Ralph Waldo Emerson 

The post From Looking Outside to Loving Within: How Our Need for Validation Evolves Through Life appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

What we can be certain of is that AI is offering us incredible tools to improve the quality of our lives right now. It is exciting to almost instantaneously summarize a book I am interested in, plan a vacation down to nuanced details, or create a meal plan and shopping list for the whole week. I have stopped saying “I don’t know” and now say, “Great question, let me look it up.” I realize this is just the tip of the iceberg, and I hope to find time this summer to take a deeper dive.  

If you are new to AI, begin by addressing your privacy concerns. Take precautions: check data usage policies, limit private data, use pseudonyms or generalities, disable chat history, delete conversations, create a separate email address for AI, or run offline AI models. When you are ready, use your browser to access ChatGPT, Anthropic (Claude.ai), Grok, Google Gemini or Perplexity AI. All have a free version. The AI landscape is changing quickly; today’s worst AI platform/app may be tomorrow’s best. In general, you can visit just about any major AI platform, ask almost anything you can think of, and prepare to be amazed.

Here’s a list of ideas to get you started or on the next step of your personal AI journey to make the most of your summer.  

1. AI for Outings 

ChatGPT can create a personalized itinerary, recommend activities, suggest restaurants and even help with day-to-day plans. Microsoft 365 Copilot integrates with your email and calendar to help plan social events, meetings and travel, organizing everything from the smallest detail to larger projects. AI-enhanced platforms like Wander let you preview museums, spas and even hiking trails in Virtual Reality before visiting. AI-powered apps like Eventbrite, Fever and TimeOut suggest concerts, rooftop events, gallery openings and pop-ups happening in real time. Apps like Yelp, ReciMe or TheFork use AI to learn your tastes and suggest new, trending restaurants or exclusive chef’s tastings.

2. AI for Meal Prep 

Yummly offers personalized recipe recommendations based on your dietary preferences, allergies and available ingredients. Mealtime provides easy meal plans with grocery lists, so you can cook with ease and efficiency.

3. AI and Gardening 

PictureThis or PlantSnap uses AI to instantly identify plants, weeds and pests via photo. Smart gardening assistants like Gardenia and Planta use AI to create personalized watering, fertilizing and light schedules based on your garden setup and local weather. iScape helps you visualize landscaping ideas, suggesting plant combinations and layouts based on sun exposure and soil conditions. And particularly useful in our dry climate are irrigation systems like Rachio that use AI to optimize water usage depending on plant needs and forecasted rainfall.

4. AI and Hiking 

AllTrails and Komoot use AI to suggest routes based on difficulty, scenery, user reviews and your fitness level. Maps AI-enhanced provides optimized paths, elevation changes. Smartwatches with AI (like Apple Watch or Garmin) track your heart rate, oxygen levels and pace while learning your habits to suggest ideal hiking times or rest intervals.

5. AI-Based Fitness Coaches  

Fitness apps like Freeletics use AI to personalize workout plans based on your fitness level, preferences and goals. It adapts your training as you progress, ensuring you’re always challenged without being overwhelmed. Aaptiv offers audio-based workouts guided by certified trainers, covering a variety of fitness styles from yoga to HIIT.

6. AI-Assisted Learning 

Duolingo adapts language lessons to your learning pace, making language acquisition fun and interactive. Khan Academy uses AI to recommend personalized lessons in a variety of subjects from mathematics to history.

7. AI for Art 

DALL·E generates images from text prompts, turning your ideas into unique visual creations. Midjourney is popular for stylized, artistic and imaginative images and is great for fantasy, fashion and moody aesthetics. Adobe Firefly—integrated into Adobe tools—generates images, styles and templates from prompts with a user-friendly interface. AutoDraw helps convert rough sketches into clean icons or shapes. Krea.ai turns sketches into full artworks using prompts and is popular with concept designers.

8. Photo Editing and Style Transfer 

Runway ML is an AI-powered video and image editing model, including background removal and style transfer. Prisma turns photos into paintings using famous art styles (like Van Gogh or Picasso). DeepArt also uses style transfer to apply well-known art styles to your photos.

9. AI Animation and Video 

Kaiber generates music videos or visual storytelling animations from static images or text. Pika Labs AI video generator is known for surreal, creative short clips.

10. AI for Generative Design and Fashion 

Artbreeder lets you blend and evolve images, faces, landscapes or anime-style art. Designify is an image editing tool that transforms ordinary photos into professional-quality visuals. 

11. AI Stylist 

ShopLook or Smart Closet helps you plan outfits for events and find similar designer items in local boutiques. Stylebook helps you organize your wardrobe, plan outfits and track what you wear. Smart Closet uses AI to auto-categorize clothing, suggest outfits and help you pack for trips. ACloset is a free app with AI-powered outfit suggestions based on weather, occasion and personal style. Zyler enables you to try on clothes virtually using a photo and get personalized fashion suggestions. AI Stylist by Fashable offers AI-driven outfit generation based on user-uploaded items and style preferences. Amazon StyleSnap lets you upload a photo, and AI will find similar products across Amazon Fashion. With Google Lens Fashion Search, you can take a picture of an outfit and AI will find similar items online. The Yes (by Pinterest) uses AI to learn your preferences and curate daily style recommendations. Lyst uses AI to track fashion trends and suggest deals across thousands of brands. 

12. Personalized Music Playlists 

Music has long been recognized as a powerful tool for improving mood and reducing stress. Imagine having a personal DJ who knows exactly what tunes will help you relax, energize or elevate your mood based on your current emotional state. Endel uses real-time data (such as heart rate, weather and location) to create personalized soundscapes designed to boost focus, relaxation or energy. AiMi dynamically adjusts its playlist based on your listening history, providing a seamless and evolving soundtrack tailored just for you.

13. AI-Powered Journaling 

Journaling helps us process emotions and make sense of our thoughts. AI-driven apps like Replika offer an AI companion that engages in conversations and helps you reflect on your emotions. It adapts to your needs and can help with everything from stress management to personal growth. Daylio is a micro-journal that allows you to track your mood and activities. Over time, the app identifies patterns, helping you recognize emotional triggers.

14. AI-Enhanced Meditation and Mindfulness 

Calm uses AI to recommend tailored breathing exercises, sleep stories and meditations based on your emotional state, helping you relax and unwind. Headspace provides customized meditation techniques to improve focus, reduce stress and manage anxiety. Ebb, its AI companion, offers emotional support by guiding you through mindfulness practices.

15. AI-Powered Sleep Assistants 

Sleep Cycle tracks your sleep patterns and wakes you during your lightest sleep phase, leaving you feeling refreshed. Pillow provides detailed insights into your sleep quality and even helps you create a better sleep environment by offering suggestions for temperature adjustments and soundscapes.

16. Virtual Reality Therapy 

Virtual Reality (VR) has evolved beyond gaming into a powerful therapeutic tool. Apps like Realize Music: Sing offer users a fully immersive VR experience for stress relief and emotional wellness. DIY music therapy through VR reduces stress hormones and stimulates your brain’s reward systems.

17. AI for Psychotherapy 

Woebot uses AI to offer cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, guiding users through mood tracking and offering coping mechanisms for anxiety, depression and stress. Wysa provides mental health support through chat-based therapy, offering strategies based on evidence-based techniques such as CBT and dialectical behavior therapy. Please note that these apps should serve as an augmentation for your psychotherapy and not as a replacement for evaluation and treatment with a trained professional.

I hope something on this laundry list caught your attention and that you feel inspired to lean into the positive aspects of AI. I have no doubt that our lives will look quite different in the upcoming years due to this powerful technology.  We can’t lose sight of the negative potential, and you can even ask AI how you can prepare for what lies ahead.  Their prediction is likely to be as good as ours, as we are entering uncharted territory! So, as the great minds around the globe ponder how to harness the unprecedented power of AI, I hope we can all benefit from its myriad of potential applications to live our best lives now.
 

The post Embrace AI This Summer: New Tools to Enhance Your Life and Well-Being appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The cohort of this year’s Off the Chart award recipients work in a wide variety of medical branches, from oncology to neonatal care, and occupy various positions including nurse coordinator and nurse practitioner. 

Award recipient Laura Alfonso Guerra, an inpatient oncology nurse navigator from UCLA Health, said that receiving the award was “an unexpected honor.”

“To be included amongst so many people that are so passionate and caring about the nursing profession is really such an honor and privilege,” Guerra told the Courier. “It really does inspire you and make you reignited into the nursing profession and the reason why we all started to be nurses in the first place.” 

Guerra entered the nursing profession 13 years ago, saying she always liked helping people and nursing just suited her personality. Working in oncology, she noticed the need for patients to receive support as they transition from the hospital to outpatient clinics. 

Executive Director of Off the Chart, Rachel Barchie, highlighted additional stories of some of the award recipients, including those who entered the profession through unconventional paths. One nurse left school to become a caregiver, eventually navigating her way through the healthcare system as an immigrant who only spoke Spanish. Another nurse, motivated by his upbringing with his grandparents in Taiwan, entered the field of behavioral health to serve the particular needs of the Chinese American elderly community. 

By sharing nurses’ stories and experiences, Off the Chart hopes to “bring increased visibility and attention to nursing expertise,” said Barchie. 

The Off the Chart campaign began in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the global need for nurses was increasingly becoming more urgent despite a declining workforce. This especially concerned Co-Founder of Off the Chart, Victoria Mann Simms, who experienced the extraordinary care of nurses when her father fell ill nearly 30 years ago.

Through recognizing nurses excelling in their field, Off the Chart aims to shine a light on their often under-recognized work in hopes of reversing the declining workforce trend. 

Johnese Spisso, President of UCLA Health and a registered nurse herself, spoke with Mann Simms and Nurse Economist Shawna Butler about a 2025 report from the International Council of Nurses. The report cited a chronic underinvestment in the nursing workforce and thus, investing in nurses would yield a greater return on investment, healthier populations, and a stronger local economy as a result. 

Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Off the Chart’s health system partners faced extraordinary challenges this year, particularly when mammoth wildfires devastated parts of Los Angeles in January. 

For example, City of Hope had to relocate their infusion centers due to wildfire smoke but continued to provide infusions to cancer patients. Nurse practitioner and award recipient from Keck Medicine of USC, Jacquelyn Kauilani-Paige, continued to provide support to patients, despite losing her home during the wildfire. UCLA Health’s Lindsay Calac, also an award recipient, worked to devise new plans for patient transfers during emergency situations, such as the wildfires. A fraction of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s staff was forced to evacuate or lost their homes.

“It’s been heavy on our minds, and people are still recovering or still homeless,” Cedars-Sinai Chief Nursing Executive, David Marshall, told the Courier. “It makes it a little sweeter this year to have this recognition.” 

Despite these challenges, the campaign’s health system partners continued to make their partnership with Off the Chart a priority. 

“We’re hoping that people will open their minds and open their thoughts to the importance of nurses,” Mann Simms told the Courier. “We rely on them for lots of stuff and we don’t realize it. They’re very overlooked.”

“Our goal is to move nurses from invisible to invaluable,” said Mann Simms. 

The post Off the Chart Recognizes Nurses with $10,000 Awards appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

In times of stress, the human body releases a hormone called cortisol. This biological response, evolved over millions of years, prepares us to stay alert in the face of perceived danger. While cortisol is vital, prolonged exposure can lead to digestive issues, muscle tension and pain, cardiovascular problems, sleep disturbances and cognitive difficulties. Chronic stress can also contribute to immune system dysfunction, making individuals more susceptible to infections and inflammatory conditions. The cumulative effects of stress on the body extend beyond mere discomfort, impacting overall health and quality of life.

As an ophthalmologist and retina specialist, I diagnose and treat the ocular effects of chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels, known as Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR). Prolonged cortisol exposure causes leakage from small blood vessels at the back of the eye. This leads to abnormal fluid accumulation under the retina, disrupting photoreceptor function and causing painless blurring of central vision. The amount of fluid correlates directly with the degree of vision loss and the patient’s stress levels: the greater the stress, the higher the cortisol levels, the more fluid accumulates under the retina and the worse the vision becomes. If left untreated or unrecognized, recurrent episodes of CSR can lead to permanent retinal damage and long-term visual impairment.

Since March 2020, I have seen an average of five patients per week with this condition, spanning a wide range of demographics. Despite their differences, these patients share one commonality: overwhelming stress. What has been particularly striking over the past eight years is that many patients are unaware of their own stress levels. It is often only after careful discussion and self-reflection that they recognize how much chronic stress has impacted their health.

In early March 2020, a husband and wife visited my Los Angeles office. While discussing the husband’s diagnosis of Central Serous Retinopathy, he denied experiencing stress, much to his wife’s disbelief. She reminded him of his recent emergency room visit, where he had been diagnosed with a panic attack—a clear indication of stress overload. This scenario is not uncommon; many patients initially dismiss stress as a contributing factor, only to later acknowledge its pervasive influence on their well-being.

One of the most gratifying aspects of treating CSR is that, in 90% of cases, no medical or surgical intervention is necessary beyond stress reduction. As stress diminishes, cortisol levels decrease and the retinal fluid resolves. While researchers have yet to identify the most effective stress-reduction methods, I commonly recommend exercise, adequate sleep, meditation or even listening to music. Spending time in nature, engaging in creative activities and fostering social connections can also help alleviate stress. It is incredibly rewarding to see patients at follow-up appointments where I can show them, through advanced eye imaging, the resolution of retinal fluid as their stress levels decrease. Witnessing this tangible improvement reinforces the profound impact that stress management can have on both ocular and overall health.

CSR is frequently misdiagnosed as other retinal conditions, such as macular degeneration. I often see referred patients arrive in my office in tears, having been told they were going blind due to macular degeneration. It is profoundly uplifting to inform them that they do not have macular degeneration, and that stress reduction can resolve their vision problems. This highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and increased awareness about CSR, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate guidance and reassurance.

We all lead stressful lives, and the global pandemic has only amplified this reality. Recognizing the toll stress takes on our bodies and relationships is crucial. While many people understand the connection between stress and conditions like heart disease, few realize that stress can also affect vision. I hope this piece has shed light on the importance of addressing stress for our overall well-being. By prioritizing stress management and self-care, we can take meaningful steps toward preserving both our vision and long-term health. 

David Lazar, M.D., is a board-certified ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in medical and surgical diseases of the retina. Dr. Lazar completed fellowship training in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery at the Lahey Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. While there, he also served as Clinical Associate at Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Prior to his fellowship, he was Chief Resident at the LSU/Ochsner Clinic Foundation program in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dr. Lazar serves the Southern California community from his practice, Lazar Retina, in West Los Angeles.

The post Stress Can Cause Vision Loss appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

When global disasters strike close to home, it’s even more challenging. We want to be thoughtful when so many of our neighbors are without homes, neighborhoods or loved ones. At the same time, it’s important to allow ourselves to experience positive emotions when our own lives are going well. Understanding the difference between sympathy and empathy—and practicing each appropriately—can help us maintain joy while helping those in need.

Sympathy is, according to Merriam-Webster, “the feeling that you care about and are sorry about someone else’s trouble, grief or misfortune.” It’s a recognition of another’s pain but doesn’t necessarily invite deeper emotional involvement. For example, sending a sympathy card or making a financial donation is a kind act while maintaining emotional distance. Your investment may be minimal, yet the recipient will likely feel supported.

Empathy, however, goes further. It’s “the ability to understand and share another person’s experience and emotions.” Empathy involves stepping into someone else’s shoes and feeling their pain, which creates a deeper connection. It allows the receiver to share their feelings in a safe space, promoting healing. Dr. Gabor Maté says, “Trauma is what happens inside a person in the absence of an empathic witness.”

Mirror neurons play a vital role in how we connect emotionally. These neurons allow us to understand and feel the emotions of others by mirroring their experiences in our own brains. Essentially, when someone experiences joy, sorrow or pain, our mirror neurons help us feel those same emotions, fostering empathy and connection. This biological mechanism explains why we feel a sense of shared joy or sorrow when witnessing others’ experiences. Experience and intention shape the number of mirror neurons in our brains, affecting how in tune we are with others.

When we express sympathy, our mirror neurons may remain dormant. While sympathy can suffice in more casual relationships or in response to distant tragedies, empathy is essential for deeper human connections. But practicing empathy requires emotional resilience and healthy boundaries—without which we risk burnout. Offering empathy can feel draining, and it’s important to maintain boundaries. When many people are suffering simultaneously, as with wildfires, empathy can quickly become overwhelming, leading to counterproductive responses like survivor’s guilt.

For those whose lives were close to crisis but spared, survivor’s guilt can creep in. “Why wasn’t I stricken? Why were they?” These questions reflect a natural desire to find meaning and order in times of chaos. Survivor’s guilt is often experienced in the first month or two after a tragedy and typically resolves on its own. If it lingers or disrupts functioning, professional help may be needed. Survivor’s guilt can be reframed as an opportunity for gratitude and giving back. Instead of being paralyzed by guilt, we can channel that energy into meaningful action—volunteering, donating or offering a listening ear. When we actively give, we feel good, creating a “helper’s high” or a “giver’s gain.”

It’s not just OK to feel joy during difficult times—it’s essential. Joy doesn’t diminish the significance of the world’s pain; it offers balance, resilience and the emotional resources necessary to help others. Experiencing joy isn’t about ignoring suffering; it’s about finding moments of light amidst the darkness, helping us be better equipped to support others in need.

When we allow ourselves moments of happiness—whether through a heartfelt conversation, an inspiring show, or a joyful dinner with friends—we replenish our emotional reserves. This renewal strengthens us, allowing us to face adversity with greater clarity and purpose. Joy doesn’t have to be fleeting; it can be anchored.

Anchoring joy means intentionally choosing to hold onto good moments, to let joy root in us even when the storm rages outside. It’s about creating practices or habits that help us return to joy when we need it most—whether that’s through rituals, mindfulness or simply remembering what we are grateful for. The act of anchoring joy helps us emotionally recharge, enabling us to give and give often, staying present for both ourselves and those around us.

Resilience lies in embracing the full spectrum of human emotions—joy and sorrow alike. It’s possible to hold grief in one hand and hope in the other without invalidating either emotion. By acknowledging this duality, we honor our humanity and foster deeper connections with others. Joy and sorrow are not mutually exclusive; they coexist as part of the human experience—the yin and yang of emotions.

It’s important to recharge your emotional battery, whether you’re in a stressful situation or simply supporting someone in one. That way, you can give and give often, remaining emotionally strong for both you and others. Recognizing when you’re approaching emotional burnout and taking steps to recharge—whether through self-care, healthy boundaries or mindfulness—helps you stay equipped to offer support and empathy without exhausting yourself.

Experiencing a full range of emotions is key to living an optimal life. When we get stuck in an emotional state, disease can set in—depression, mania, prolonged grief or post-traumatic stress disorder. While we can’t always control the emotions we experience, we can regulate how we respond to them. The first step is awareness—recognizing our feelings as they arise. Mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or journaling help us gain perspective and choose how to act, rather than reacting impulsively.

So, when faced with the question, “How are you?” consider responding with depth, allowing your answer to reflect emotional complexity. Sharing both your struggles and moments of joy builds authenticity and connection. Then, turn to your neighbor, friend or family member and genuinely ask them, “How are you?” Listening with an open heart allows a unique opportunity for both of you.

“Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.”

— Dalai Lama 

The post Finding Light in the Dark: Why It’s Important to Feel Joy During Troubling Times appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The emotional toll of last week’s events has been just as intense as the physical destruction for many in and around the LA area. Fear, uncertainty, grief and anger have been widespread, leaving many people feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. In times like these, it’s crucial to protect not only our physical safety but also our mental health.

Whether you’ve lost a friend or family member, your home, your neighborhood, or lived through the terror of the unknown, you are most likely experiencing a wide range of fluctuating emotions. Allowing yourself permission to fully feel these emotions can be an important first step in the healing process. Recovery will require time, patience, and support in large quantities. 

While most people gradually recover from the emotional aftershocks of a disaster, others will develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The following steps can help reduce the risk of long-term psychological sequelae:

1. Anchor Yourself in the Present Moment

Ask yourself: Am I safe right now? Are my loved ones safe right now? If the answer is yes, take a moment to fully engage with your surroundings. Notice the objects around you, listen to the sounds in your environment, feel the texture of what’s nearby, or taste the food you’re eating. By anchoring yourself in the present moment, you can calm your mind and reduce anxiety and allow for healing to begin.

2. Calm Your Nervous System

Simple activities like deep breathing, listening to soothing music, taking a warm bath or sipping tea can have a profound impact on your nervous system. These small gestures remind your body that you are safe and you can relax. Take time each day to engage in these acts of self- kindness as a powerful tool to help your nervous system recover.

3. Reestablish a Routine

Although the fires have disrupted our daily lives, finding small ways to maintain a routine can bring a sense of stability and control amid the chaos. Whether it’s mealtimes, exercise or sleep, consistency in daily activities can help ground you in the midst of uncertainty.

4. Talk About Your Experience

One of the most effective ways to process trauma is by sharing your feelings with trusted friends, family or a support group. Talking about what you’ve been through can help alleviate feelings of isolation and provide emotional relief. Remember: You are not alone in your pain.

5. Prioritize Rest

As we discussed last week, sleep is crucial for emotional and physical recovery. Aim to rest whenever possible, even if sleep proves elusive. Daytime naps can be particularly restorative if your nervous system feels frazzled. If insomnia persists, consider consulting a healthcare provider for guidance.

6. Recognize the Signs of PTSD

Trauma can harm us psychologically, not just physically. Intrusive thoughts, hyper-vigilance, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, flashbacks, and avoidance of certain situations or conversations may occur during the early days and weeks. If symptoms are debilitating or linger beyond the first month, seek guidance from a mental health professional. Like most diseases, prevention and early intervention are key. 

7. Find Professional Support

In addition to the resources mentioned last week, consider the following local services that specialize in treating people after disasters:

• California Hope: Provides crisis counseling and emotional support for disaster survivors (Call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746).

• Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health: Offers 24/7 crisis intervention and referrals (Call 1-800-854-7771).

• MySafe:LA: A nonprofit focused on fire prevention and recovery resources for affected families.

• Local Support Groups: Organizations like the Red Cross and United Way offer support groups and recovery events in affected areas.

8. Volunteer 

Helping loved ones and neighbors is crucial. By reaching out to others, whether through a kind word, a listening ear, or material support, we not only help those in need but also contribute to our own healing process. Many agencies need support in areas like firefighting assistance, recovery efforts, evacuation, and providing relief to affected communities. If you’re looking to volunteer in Los Angeles, explore the following agencies:

• LAFD Volunteering

• American Red Cross LA Volunteering

• LACoFD Volunteering

• California Volunteers

• Salvation Army LA

• California Fire Foundation

• Los Angeles Disaster Response    Volunteering

• L.A. Works

9. Donations:

Monetary donations are crucial in these times, and it’s important to give wisely. Use platforms like GuideStar and Charity Navigator to ensure your donations are going to reputable organizations with proven track records.

Places to Donate:

• California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund: Supports immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts.

• American Red Cross, Los Angeles Region: Provides shelter, meals and emotional support.

• Direct Relief: Supplies medical resources to healthcare providers.

• United Way of Greater Los Angeles: Aids displaced families and helps rebuild communities.

• California Fire Foundation: Offers financial support for firefighters and victims.

• LA Fire Department Foundation: Supplies equipment for first responders.

• World Central Kitchen: Delivers meals to fire-affected communities.

• GoFundMe: You can donate directly to individuals or families in need.  

As we continue to navigate the uncertainty of the upcoming days and weeks, let us prioritize self-care and treat ourselves and others with kindness and compassion. Together, we can overcome our current hardships and work together to build a safer future for all.

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”

— Albert Einstein  

Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with more than 30 years’  experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the founder of the Bekindr Global Initiative, a movement to bring more kindness in the world. She is the co-author of “The Beauty Prescription” and “The Concise Guide to Marriage and Family Therapy.” She is also the co-founder of the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit that pairs women with disabilities with award-winning photographers creating art exhibitions to raise awareness. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA, and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.

The post Minding Your Mental Health Amid the Flames appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The fear, confusion, and numbness we’re experiencing are natural responses to such an intense crisis. Our brains are simply not equipped to handle something of this magnitude all at once. These emotional responses—feeling disconnected, uncertain, or in disbelief—serve as a protective shield to help us cope with immediate danger. It’s OK if you’re not thinking clearly or feeling detached; it’s normal to feel this way when your body is in survival mode. It can be challenging to get your nervous system out of the state of hyperarousal.  Here are some steps you can take.  

1. Get to Safety

Above all, your safety—and the safety of those around you—must be the highest priority. If you are in an evacuation zone, follow the instructions of local authorities immediately. Fire spreads unpredictably and quickly, so don’t wait until it’s too late. Whether you’re heading to a shelter, a friend’s home, or a family member’s house, the key is to get to safety as soon as possible. Once you’re safe, find a secure, calm space to sit, breathe, and work on regaining your bearings. If you are not currently under evacuation orders, pack a bag with essentials and have it by your door. 

2. Stay Connected to Friends, Family and Neighbors

Connection is our lifeline in times of crisis. Reach out to those you care about via text, phone calls or social media. Knowing that others are thinking of you and offering support can significantly ease feelings of isolation and anxiety. Consider creating a communication plan with family and friends—perhaps having one point of contact outside the area to check in on everyone. Reach out to neighbors, even if you don’t know them well—sometimes, a simple “How are you doing?” can offer profound comfort.

3. Stay Informed, but Take Breaks From the News

While staying informed is crucial, constant exposure to distressing updates can heighten anxiety. Limit your news intake and check reliable sources (such as emergency services and official city updates) at regular intervals. It’s OK to step away from the media to focus on self-care and remember that your mental health is just as important as staying updated on the fire’s progression.

4. Avoid Alcohol, Marijuana or Other Numbing Substances

In stressful times, some people may turn to substances to numb their emotions. However, using alcohol or drugs to cope can actually worsen the situation. Alcohol interferes with sleep and hinders your body’s ability to process trauma, which you need to heal. It’s important to acknowledge the fear and pain you’re feeling, and if necessary, reach out to someone who can offer support.

5. Take Care of Your Children

Children process trauma differently from adults. They may not fully understand the situation, which can leave them feeling confused or scared. Provide reassurance and stability during this uncertain time. Try to maintain familiar routines and let them know that you are there for them. It’s also important to validate their feelings—if they are frightened, acknowledge their fears. Be patient if they show signs of regression, such as wanting to stay close to you or having trouble sleeping. If possible, explain the situation in simple terms, emphasizing that they are safe.

6. Care for Your Pets

Pets, too, are impacted by the stress of the situation. Animals are highly attuned to their owners’ emotions, so if you’re anxious, they may feel that way as well. Keep them close and provide comforting items like their favorite blanket or toy. If you need to evacuate, be sure to bring a pet carrier, leash, food and water to ensure they are safe and comfortable during the journey.

7. Avoid Major Decisions Right Now

In a crisis, our brains are flooded with stress hormones, which can impair our ability to make clear decisions. For now, avoid making major choices that can wait. It’s OK not to have all the answers right away. If you must make a decision, try to do so with the support of a loved one or trusted community member. Take things one step at a time—focus on the essentials and move forward carefully and calmly.

8. Sleep: Your Brain’s First Line of Defense

Sleep might feel elusive right now, with adrenaline and anxiety running high. But it’s essential to give your body and mind time to recover. If you can, find a quiet, dark space to rest. Even if you can’t fall asleep immediately, simply lying down and closing your eyes allows your body to process the stress. If you’re struggling to sleep due to anxiety, deep breathing exercises or meditation can help calm your nervous system. If sleeplessness continues, consider seeking professional help, as short-term medication may be helpful in managing overwhelming stress. And if you’re not eating, that’s OK for a short time as cortisol dampens our appetite—but address it if it persists for more than a couple of days.

9. Get Help When You Need It

Mental health experts are available to offer support during this trying time. Professionals trained in trauma care can help you process your feelings and navigate through this crisis. If you or someone you know is affected by a fire in Los Angeles and needs counseling, you can reach out to the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990 for 24/7 crisis support. You can also text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 to connect with a trained counselor. Dial 211 to access information and referrals for emergency services, including mental health support. Local resources for the Beverly Hills community include the Maple Counseling Center, which can be reached at 310-271-9999.

The situation we face in Los Angeles is tragic and unprecedented. By taking small steps, staying connected, and showing kindness to ourselves and others, we will get through it. The road to healing will take time, but remember that even in the darkest moments, we are designed to be resilient. Together, we will rise from this crisis and rebuild our community to the vibrant place we love. The fire will be extinguished shortly, but the spirit of our community will never be. 

The post Navigating the LA Fires: How to Stay Safe and Supported appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Our brains are designed to keep us alive, and evolution has shaped us to be on high alert for potential dangers—this is known as the “negativity bias.” Our ancestors lived in environments filled with threats, from predators to food scarcity. Being attuned to danger helped them stay alive. A rustling in the bushes might have been the wind—or it might have been a lurking predator. Those who erred on the side of caution were more likely to survive and pass on their genes.

Today, our surroundings have drastically changed, but our brains remain wired in much the same way. We no longer face saber-toothed tigers, but our brains are still primed to focus on threats and negative events, and the news takes advantage of this natural tendency. This bias means that negative experiences and emotions tend to be processed differently than positive ones. We might receive a dozen compliments, but it’s that one criticism that lingers in our mind. This tendency can create a mental environment where stress, anxiety and worry dominate.

The good news is that while our brains have this inherent bias, they are also incredibly adaptable. Thanks to a concept known as neuroplasticity, we can reshape our neural  pathways over time. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new connections. It allows us to navigate our changing environment, learn new skills, alter our thought patterns and recover from brain injuries.

By consciously shifting our focus from the negative to the positive, we can counterbalance the brain’s natural inclination toward fear. This process doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges or adopting a blind optimism, but rather, it means cultivating a mindset that is open to noticing and appreciating the good moments when they occur. In doing so, we can gradually tip the scales in favor of joy and well-being. Some call it “pragmatic optimism,” or a humorous friend describes herself as a “terminal optimist.” 

Anchoring joy involves deliberately focusing on positive experiences and allowing ourselves to fully absorb them. It’s about making a habit of noticing small moments of pleasure—a warm cup of coffee in the morning, the sound of laughter, a beautiful sunset—and giving those moments the attention they deserve. By doing this, we can train our brains to linger on positive emotions rather than allowing them to pass by unnoticed.

Here are a few ways to start anchoring joy in your life:

1. Savor the Small Moments: Instead of rushing through your day, take time to pause and truly experience the positive moments. When something pleasant happens, like enjoying a good meal or hearing your favorite song, take a few extra seconds or minutes to lean in. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let yourself feel the joy in that moment.

2. Practice Gratitude: Each day, make a habit of writing down three things you are grateful for. These don’t have to be major events—simple things like a kind word from a friend or a sunny day can be enough. By focusing on what you’re grateful for, you are training your brain to notice the positive aspects of your life. Making this part of your nightly ritual can also prime your brain for more positive dreams.  

3. Mindfulness: Take a few moments each day to simply observe your surroundings without judgment. Focus on the sensation of the sun on your skin, the smell of fresh flowers or the sound of birds chirping. This practice helps ground you in the present moment and appreciate the beauty that is often overlooked. You can reinforce these pleasant moments anytime you wish by closing your eyes and reviewing them in your mind’s eye. 

4. Celebrate All Wins: Don’t wait for big achievements to feel proud or happy. Acknowledge and celebrate the small wins in your life as well, whether it’s completing a task at home or work, making it through a difficult conversation, making the wise food choice or sticking to your exercise routine. By recognizing these moments, you reinforce a sense of accomplishment and positivity.

5. Plan Activities That Will Create Joy: While this may seem obvious, often times we get so caught up in day-to-day responsibilities we forget to make time for joy. Reflect on what makes you most joyful and try to integrate more of it into your routine. It can be something as simple as 10 minutes of comedy during your day or something complicated like a dinner party or vacation.  

6. Active Recall: Sharing joyful experiences with a family member, friend or journal reinforces these positive memories. Take photos of joyful moments and put them on your mantel as a visual reminder.  Buying a souvenir serves the same productive purpose so bring something home from the next joyful outing. It doesn’t need to be anything expensive just something to jog your memory. So, next time you go to a theatre or concert, grab that T-shirt and invest a few more dollars in savoring the experience. 

Anchoring joy is not only beneficial for our own well-being but also has a ripple effect on those around us. We tend to approach others with more kindness and understanding, creating a more positive atmosphere in our relationships and communities. The old phrase “When we smile, the whole world smiles with us” is scientifically accurate. We have mirror neurons in our brain that mimic what we see, so our smile directly impacts others. Thus, your practice can transform not just your emotional well-being but also your families, friends and co-workers as well. 

It’s important to remember that anchoring joy is not about achieving a constant state of bliss. Life will always have its ups and downs, and moments of sadness or frustration are a natural part of the human experience. Anchoring joy is about creating a mental habit that helps us weather the storms of life with a bit more grace.

For those of us living in a world that often seems to prioritize productivity and speed, anchoring joy can be a powerful reminder to slow down and appreciate the present. It is a way of saying to ourselves, “This moment matters. This feeling of contentment, however small, is worth holding onto.” And over time, as we continue to anchor these moments, we may find that joy becomes a more natural and lasting presence in our lives.

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”

Thich Nhat Hanh  

The post Anchoring Joy for the New Year appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Having practiced psychiatry for over 30 years, I’ve often observed that “good” news doesn’t always bring the anticipated outcome, while “bad” news often improves with time or reveals unexpected silver linings. I anticipate the same will be true as we move forward with Trump’s second term. Whether this moment feels exhilarating or deflating, the true impact—positive and negative—will become clear with time. 

For those riding the wave of euphoria, savor the victory, while remaining cognizant that much work lies ahead and many in our country are suffering. For those grappling with the lows of post-election disappointment, consider the Japanese word for crisis, “kiki (危機).” The first character means “danger (危),” and the second, “opportunity (機).” Take time to care for yourself, lean on family and friends, and find strength in your community. 

As we move beyond the initial excitement or shock, what steps can we take to reunite as a country? Our forefathers chose our nation’s name wisely. We must honor their intent if we are to thrive as the United States of America. 

We can all start by practicing understanding, empathy, and collaboration across political divides. We face significant challenges on multiple fronts and overcoming them will require creative solutions from all of us.

Here in Beverly Hills, in these days following World Kindness Day on Nov. 13, we can agree on a few fundamentals. We all wish to live in a peaceful and just society. We are ready to work together to build it. Kindness and cooperation hold immense power, creating ripples far beyond what we can see. We must choose our actions thoughtfully and responsibly. 

Once emotions have settled, here are a few steps to consider as you move forward:

1.    Humanize the other side: Those who differ politically are complex individuals who made their choices based on unique experiences. Avoiding demonization is crucial to maintaining civility.

2.    Engage with others: Speaking with people holding different views can foster understanding. Truly listening and considering other perspectives can teach us and may help ease our fears.

3.    Listen attentively: Empathy grows when we listen patiently and seek to understand others viewpoints. You don’t have to agree to appreciate their experiences. Remember, “Silence is golden, and duct tape is silver.”

4.    Agree to disagree: Political differences don’t have to end relationships. You can respect others without sharing their views.

5.    Find common ground: Look for shared values. Most people, regardless of political stance, are well-intentioned and want a better world. I found solace attending a Rotary Club meeting last Thursday evening. Despite our dramatically different post-election moods, we came together to plan a Thanksgiving food drive for those in need in our community.

6.    Identify real threats: Not everyone has the best intentions, and it’s important to set boundaries when necessary. Remember that excessive and prolonged fear can lead to paranoia, causing us to see danger where none exists. Remain alert and grounded in reality.

7.    Avoid complacency: Continued engagement in the civic process is important for those feeling victorious. Resilience is key for those feeling disappointed. Remember with focus and dedication oftentimes, “The comeback is greater than the setback.”

As we move forward, let’s remember that healing the hurt and division will take time and progress is rarely linear. In my years of practice, and among family and friends, I have watched people overcome challenges that seemed insurmountable. Our nation possesses this same resilience. Whether the election left you energized or deflated, we all have a role in shaping our future. By focusing on our shared humanity, practicing empathy, and engaging in constructive dialogue, we can bridge divides and foster a more resilient, united society.

Mahatma Gandhi said, “Unity to be real must stand the severest strain without breaking.” We are at that moment. With the election behind us, we can choose to come together with open hearts and a willingness to build a brighter future for all and honor the intent of our founders. 

The post The Election Results Are In: How Do We Move Forward? appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The holidays are here, and the wish list of some of the city’s younger residents may have a surprising addition. That’s because an increasing number are considering Botox and other age-defying injectable treatments in an attempt to freeze the clock. 

It’s been over two decades since Botulinum toxin, or Botox as it’s more commonly known, was first approved for cosmetic use by the FDA.  Traditionally reserved for patients in their 30s and above, Botox is a neuromodulator that works by temporarily paralyzing muscle movement to reduce visible expression lines and wrinkles. 

But now, Botox is catching on with a younger crowd. Millennials and Generation Z have fast become proponents of preventative Botox, or “Baby Botox,” as it’s often referred to.

Carl M. Truesdale, M.D., is a facial plastic surgeon based on Rodeo Drive. He explained that Botox can be administered on a spectrum, from “treatment to preventative.” 

“As a prevention, Botox can be used if someone doesn’t have resting lines or signs of aging. The neurotoxin can weaken the muscle before lines develop. This is given over time, usually over the course of several years, so wrinkles do not form,” Truesdale said.

Such prevention typically involves using smaller doses on smaller muscle groups for a more subtle treatment effect. 

Natalia Guzman, a Beverly Hills-based aesthetic nurse practitioner, explained, “The FDA-approved average is 20 units of Botox in between the eyes or for the forehead, and then 12 units per side for the crow’s feet. But with Baby Botox, we’re only talking about something between 5 or 10 units, so it’s about one-third of the regular dosage.”

The smaller doses don’t tend to last as long as traditional Botox injections either. Guzman likes to remind her patients that “dosage equals duration.” This means the effects of Baby Botox generally wear off much more quickly.

The Rising Popularity of Cosmetic Interventions

Although the “baby” in “Baby Botox” often refers to the nature of micro-dosing (using smaller amounts), social media has also adopted the term to describe the increasingly younger age of patients seeking out this treatment. Last year, over 137,000 patients aged between 20-29 received Botox injections, according to figures from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). 

Botox wasn’t always as commonplace for this age group. 

In fact, research by the ASPS found a 71% increase in Botox treatments administered to individuals in their 20s between 2019 and 2022.

So, what’s behind the sudden ascent in popularity? 

“The rise of social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok, have meant awareness of Botox has grown exponentially,” said Urmen Desai, M.D., a Harvard-educated, double-board certified plastic surgeon based on Roxbury Drive. He has noticed a significant increase in younger patients requesting this treatment in recent years.

One such patient is Thomas Legrand, a 24-year-old who first started Botox and dermal fillers at 21. While he isn’t sure his parents would be accepting of a fresh round of Botox injections on his holiday wish list, he cites the pressure faced by his generation as a major influence in his decision. 

“Yes, I do feel like I’m too young, but I see it as something I’m doing for aesthetic purposes,” he told the Courier. “I’ll admit I am influenced by social media—TikTok and Instagram are full of people who look ‘perfect.’ It’s no secret that those who are aesthetically good-looking have a massive following. So, those are the people you naturally end up wanting to emulate and pay so much money to try and look like in some way.” 

There is no evidence to show the trend will die down any time soon either, with Botox also growing in prevalence for patients even younger than their 20s. The ASPS reported a 9% rise in Botox use for those aged 19 and under in the last year alone—a statistic evidenced across many of Beverly Hills’ top clinics. For instance, celebrity plastic surgeon Raj Kanodia, M.D., has patients as young as 16 years old visit him asking for Botox and other cosmetic procedures.

For Ben Talei, M.D., the increase in Baby Botox treatments is symptomatic of a wider overall trend of people opting for cosmetic procedures younger than ever nowadays. Talei, a dual board-certified plastic surgeon, sees many young people in his clinic, the Beverly Hills Center for Plastic and Laser Surgery, where he refers to Baby Botox as “MicroTox.” 

“Younger patients are trying to intervene early, whether it’s girls coming in for their lips or guys doing treatments like PRP to help prevent hair loss,” Talei said.

“They ask a lot sooner about Botox, starting from about 21 or 22 years old, in the hope of preventing aging around the forehead and eyes,” he added. This contrasts with a decade ago, when his youngest patients at the time tended to be in their late 20s. 

An Unnecessary Intervention?

“We tell most of the young patients who come in that no, you don’t need Botox yet. It’s not going to prevent any aging if you start so young,” Talei said.

In fact, early intervention may risk more harm than good for young people. While the short-term effects of Botox only last for two to six months, depending on the individual, facial muscles naturally weaken over time. As a result, starting early could lead to unintended consequences later down the line.

According to Kanodia, doing too much too soon may have a reverse effect and accelerate the aging process instead.  

“Repeated heavy Botox injections can make muscles become less active, resulting in a flatter or less dynamic appearance,” he said. “This leads to a lack of natural expression … which can make patients look older over time.”

Talei also warned about the risks of injecting a face that is still growing. “The skeletal growth around the jaw can change if someone, for example, botoxes the masseter [jaw] muscle too early in life.”

Many young people fall under the illusion that repeated Botox treatments when young are simply “maintenance” procedures and cause no harm.

“I don’t worry about [Botox] no longer working once I get older,” Legrand said. He plans to continue with repeated injectable treatments as a routine procedure now.

But Truesdale warned that overdoing it when you’re younger might impede how well Botox can work when patients reach an older age.

“It is always possible that you can develop antibodies to Botox that can cause it to become less effective. This usually happens over many years, but not always. If it does happen, you can take a break from Botox or switch neurotoxins,” he explained. 

When an individual builds up resistance to one neurotoxin like Botox, it stops working as well. In this case, it’s standard practice for these patients to switch to an alternative like Dysport, Jeuveau or Xeomin. 

However, with the long-term effects of Botox and similar procedures still generally unknown due to their relative novelty, it’s important to note that risks like building tolerance are very much dependent on the individual.

“I have many patients who started receiving Botox when it first came onto the market, and we haven’t seen any loss in efficacy over the years. If administered correctly, Botox can dramatically slow the signs of aging,” Desai said.

It’s not just Botox, though—many forms of cosmetic procedures carry greater risks for young people than they realize. According to Talei, lasers and radio frequency devices, which are also used as preventative treatments, can inadvertently speed up the aging process for younger faces.

“Young people are taking their beautiful, healthy, youthful skin and definitely aging it more rapidly by using lasers when they absolutely don’t need them,” he said. “Those are all devices that damage your skin in order for your body to repair, but the damage that you’re doing has to be worse than the damage you’ve already incurred in life, from sun exposure, aging, anything like that. And for a young person, that’s almost never the case.”

Baby Botox in Beverly Hills

Baby Botox is not a uniquely Beverly Hills phenomenon, but the city was amongst the first to catch onto the trend. 

The Motykie Med Spa, spearheaded by the renowned Gary Motykie, M.D., who featured on E!’s “Dr. 90210,” began offering Baby Botox several years ago in response to growing demand in the community. “Beverly Hills and West Hollywood are definitely at the forefront of this trend,” he told the Courier.

Motykie believes there’s less of a stigma around cosmetic treatments now in part due to social media, but also because of a growing emphasis on self-care in the city. “Younger individuals view these treatments as part of their overall wellness regimen rather than something to fix a problem later on,” he said. “There’s a culture of prevention when it comes to aging here.”

Many clinicians agree that Beverly Hills’ image-conscious reputation has a big role to play in explaining why the city’s younger residents feel the need to start cosmetic procedures so early. 

For Guzman, young people here feel the pressures of appearance not just from social media but also because of how normalized it is in their local environment. “I feel like younger girls are more worried about their appearance here because their friends or their moms are doing things like Botox, so there’s more exposure to it in Beverly Hills compared to Wisconsin or Tennessee, for example,” she said. “The environment here does push girls to do things younger and younger.”

And with the holiday season fast approaching, the injectors of Beverly Hills are now busier than ever.

“The holidays are the busiest time of the year!” Guzman said. “It’s a whirlwind of patients having emergency Botox because they have so many parties to attend, and all want to look their best.”

If you’re planning on some Botox to look party-ready this year though, remember to factor in recovery time. Most doctors advise giving yourself about two-and-a-half to three weeks before a big event to heal and allow any bruising or swelling to resolve.

Social calendar aside, the festive season also sees a rise in demand for Botox because it’s one of the only times of year when people can recover from such procedures in private.

“A lot of people have downtime where they’re off work or school, so they choose to do more involved procedures now in the hopes that nobody will notice,” Guzman said.

When to Start?

If you want to use the holiday down period to indulge in Botox injections for the first time, there are a few things to keep in mind.

While many doctors agree that the early 20s is far too young to begin receiving regular Botox injections, the matter of when to start if you want to slow down the signs of aging depends entirely on the individual. 

“If you’re somebody with darker, thicker skin, in general, you don’t need to worry about it until your 40s,” Talei said. 

Motykie believes there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to cosmetic procedures. “For most patients, I suggest considering Botox in their mid to late 20s if someone starts to notice fine lines or if they’re looking to prevent wrinkles from forming.” 

But as each treatment is personalized to the individual, the best way to know if you’d benefit from Botox is to schedule a consultation with an accredited doctor.

Josef Hadeed, M.D., Chair of the Patient Safety Committee at the ASPS, advises the following: “Always research the credentials of your practitioner and ensure they are board-certified, as well as having the requisite training and experience. Looking at before and after photos can be helpful to see what kind of results you can expect.”

According to Hadeed, there is no standard recommended age at which to begin Botox injections. “Every person ages differently, and everyone has their own specific aesthetic goals,” he said.

The ASPS also cautioned that it’s important to remember we still don’t know the long-term effects on people who start Botox at a younger age.

Regardless of the age one may start Botox injections, all medical treatments carry risks of which patients must be made aware. 

“Botox is relatively safe, but [there are] risks such as allergic reactions, over-weakening of muscles and headaches. The most common complication is ptosis, where the muscle is severely weakened causing a fallen eyebrow or eyelid,” Truesdale said.

According to Motykie, “Overuse or incorrect placement can lead to unnatural results, such as drooping or an overly stiff appearance.” 

But the doctors of Beverly Hills are unanimous that the best thing you can do for anti-aging isn’t an intervention found in any of their offices.

Rather, it’s simply giving your skin adequate sun protection and being consistent with applying a daily SPF. So, maybe a good-quality sunscreen might be a better holiday gift than Botox for the Gen Zers in your life. 

The post The Rise of Baby Botox in Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Valmont

Luxury Swiss skincare brand Valmont and French co-founders Sophie and Didier Guillon have opened the brand’s first freestanding boutique on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. La Maison Valmont specializes in The Rodeo Drive Red Carpet Treatment with a serious celebrity following and is exclusive to this location. It includes 90 minutes of IonixLight, Diamond Micro-Abrasion, Oxygen Therapy Infusion, Light Therapy, Microcurrent and Ultrasound, along with a sequence of targeted massages. Lamaisonvalmont.com/en/la-maison-valmont-beverlyhills

NEW Lounge

On the lower level of the Rodeo Collection, a fan-favorite Filipino beauty salon with over 17 locations has opened its first U.S. outpost in Beverly Hills. NEW Lounge is the spot for brow lamination, lash perms and tinting. “Beverly Hills represents the pinnacle of high-end beauty and wellness. Our top-notch service makes clients feel that elevated luxury experience,” owner Rachelle Bravo told the Courier. If you do not have time to visit the salon, the signature Filipino hospitality will come to you via their mobile services. Newloungeus.com

D’Lashes Lash & Wellness Spa

Dionne Phillips has been a driving force in celebrity eyelash extensions and faux lashes for almost two decades while working with clients from Victoria Beckham to Naomi Campbell, Renee Zellweger, Mary J. Blige and a host of others. Her retail brand D’Lashes is a collection of luxury lash products and DIY lash kits, which has won several awards.

Phillips has recently opened D’Lashes Lash & Wellness Spa on Wilshire Boulevard, just east of La Cienega Boulevard, to provide her lash expertise and in-house products with a full menu of wellness services. This approach is deeply personal for Phillips, who is a proud breast cancer survivor, and is hoping her journey can both inform and inspire other women to prioritize their health and well-being. Mention the Beverly Hills Courier to receive a 20% discount on a lash service. Dlashes.com

Pellequr

Korean body scrubs are not necessarily for the faint of heart. They typically require vigorous scrubbing followed by a water bucket poured over you in a communal setting. This isn’t the case at Pellequr in Beverly Hills, the Westside’s only upscale Korean scrub spa exclusively for women. You have probably driven by the blacked-out windows on South Beverly Drive, but never knew what goes on beyond the smokey glass. Pellequr offers a personalized, three-step treatment to unclog pores and excrete toxins, with a lymphatic drainage massage for relaxation and smooth glowing skin. The 75-minute combination starts with a French Vichy shower followed by a Korean full body scrub and wash, and a blissful CBD oil massage. For additional pampering, Japanese head spa services by a trichologist have been added to the menu. 

Owner Anna Margaryan has been in the beauty and wellness business for over 20 years and started frequenting Korean spas as a release for postpartum depression. She feels the Korean beauty trend started primarily because the culture takes skincare so seriously from head to toe. “It’s not about just putting on sunblock. We forget to hydrate and get rid of our dead skin—it gives you a youthful look,” she told the Courier. “It’s our largest organ and it is the first thing you see so you want a clean canvas, but you need to get rid of the buildup first.  You can slather on as many products as you want, but if your skin is not taken care of, it will not work.” Pellequr.com 

Head Spa Nagomi

Longtime local hair extension and color guru, Kazumi Morton, has opened a head spa a few doors down from her popular Salon Kazumi on South Santa Monica Boulevard. Head Spa Nagomi offers 30, 60 or 90-minute treatments, seven days a week. The procedure is recommended monthly, as the hair cell growth turnover is every 28 days. The idea is to stimulate blood flow and release buildup to promote healthy skin—just like a facial but for your scalp.

The process first involves a microscope scalp camera to examine for any buildup or troubled areas. Then the sensory journey begins, using traditional Japanese techniques such as essential oils to add a relaxing aromatherapy component with a Japanese charcoal-paste exfoliation to remove impurities. Next comes a nano steam to hydrate and remove buildup from hair follicles. A relaxing, extended scalp massage is followed by the cascading waterfall head bath, called toshinyoku. For the finishing touch, a steaming leave-in serum is applied to nourish the scalp. The 90-minute treatment includes a red-light therapy session to reduce inflammation and stimulate hair growth. A reparative, deep-conditioning hair mask add-on is also available during this process. Headspanagomi.com

Miniluxe

For new nail art offerings this winter, MiniLuxe on Canon Drive has just launched chrome services. This trend started with Hailey Bieber’s “glazed donut” nails and has skyrocketed in popularity ever since. The procedure uses a metallic chrome powder in the color of your choice to create a mirror-like, reflective or iridescent finish.

The brand’s lead designers have also added the highly sought-after “Cateye” service, which gives nails a reflective, dimensional look that resembles a cat’s eye. You can also request Blooming gel polish to spread out and create a unique watercolor or marble design and the look of a blooming flower. Transfer foils add a high-shine metallic finish to a gel manicure by placing thin, shiny sheets of foil over painted gel nails to create a full foil or broken glass style design. Other new services include ombre nails using two or more shades of powdered pigment over a chosen base color, nail jewelry in the form of rhinestones or studs or 3D gel that creates three-dimensional embellishments and decorations on the nails. Miniluxe.com/pages/beverly-hills

Soho House Holloway

For the first time, Soho House Holloway is offering facials by Australian brand RATIONALE, and non-members are welcome. The 75-minute treatment is performed by celebrity facialist Katie Matten, who focuses on hydration and repairing the skin barrier by infusing potent ingredients such as glutathione and vitamin C for a glass-like radiant skin effect. In-home treatments can also be booked. Us.rationale.com/pages/rationale-residency 

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Although election anxiety is a common experience in today’s politically charged environment, it doesn’t have to topple your emotional well-being. By understanding the factors that contribute to this anxiety and adopting effective coping strategies, you can navigate the upcoming election with greater emotional balance. Remember to focus on what you can control, engage in self-care, and seek support when needed. The election will come and go, and your mental health should remain a priority throughout the process. 

One of the most effective ways to manage anxiety is to redirect your focus toward what you can control. By taking action in meaningful ways, you can restore a sense of agency and reduce the feeling of helplessness.

1. Vote Early or By Mail

Taking the step to vote early or by mail (if your state allows it) can reduce some of the anxiety surrounding Election Day. Voting early allows you to avoid the crowds and potential stressors associated with long lines or the possibility of Election Day disruptions. Once your vote is cast, you may feel a greater sense of relief, knowing you’ve done your part.

If you’ve already voted, you can use this opportunity to encourage others to do the same. Whether it’s reminding friends and family or volunteering to help others navigate the voting process, you’ll feel more engaged and proactive, lessening the stress of waiting for the final outcome.

2. Volunteer or Get Involved in Civic Engagement

Another way to regain a sense of control is by actively participating in civic engagement. Volunteering for a political campaign, local elections or nonpartisan voter turnout efforts or on Election Day can give you a constructive outlet for your energy over this final stretch. By contributing in these ways, you shift your attention away from the things that are outside your control and toward positive actions that can make a real difference. Even small contributions to civic life help empower you and create a sense of shared purpose.

3. Focus on Your Own Circle

In addition to engaging with the larger election process, you can focus on your immediate circle—your friends, family and community. Sharing helpful and fact-based information about the voting process with those close to you can empower others and strengthen your connections. Conversations with friends and family about voting, civic responsibility, or even the values that matter most to you can help create a sense of collective action.

While it’s tempting to argue or debate political opinions, especially on social media, these exchanges often escalate into more anxiety and division. Instead, focus on constructive and empathetic dialogue that acknowledges differences while seeking common ground. By fostering a supportive environment in your close relationships, you can reduce the pressure of political differences and focus on shared values.

4. Prepare for Post-Election Plans

Although the outcome of the election is beyond your control, you can make plans for what you will do afterward, regardless of the result. Preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for different scenarios can help reduce anxiety by giving you a roadmap to follow.

• If the results align with your hopes, consider how you will celebrate or take a moment to reflect on the outcome.

• If the results are not what you hoped for, think about how you will cope, including seeking support from friends, taking time for self-care, and engaging in actions that reflect your values moving forward.

Being mentally prepared for different outcomes doesn’t mean resigning yourself to a negative result, but rather acknowledging that, whatever happens, you have the resources and resilience to manage it.

5. Plan for Election Night and Beyond

Election night itself can be one of the most anxiety-inducing moments in the entire election cycle. As results start to roll in, emotions often run high, and the tension can feel overwhelming. To help alleviate some of this pressure, it’s important to have a plan in place for how you will manage election night and the days that follow. Taking proactive steps to create a supportive, calming environment can make all the difference in how you experience this potentially stressful time.

6. Set Boundaries on Media Consumption

One of the most important steps you can take is to decide in advance how much media coverage you will consume on election night. While it may be tempting to stay glued to the TV or check your phone constantly for updates, this can fuel anxiety. Election results often come in slowly, and with uncertainty around how long it may take to tally votes, especially with mail-in ballots. It’s easy to get caught up in the minute-to-minute updates.

Follow reputable sources: If you choose to stay informed throughout the night, stick to trustworthy, fact-based news outlets. Avoid sensationalist or inflammatory media that tends to heighten anxiety. Turn off social media notifications or mute specific accounts that you know will be overwhelming. Social media often amplifies anxiety as people react in real time with strong emotions, which can make your own feelings of stress worse.

7. Create a Calming Environment

To counterbalance the emotional intensity of election night, intentionally set up your physical space to promote calm and relaxation. Here are a few ways to do this:

• Lighting and ambiance: Soft lighting, candles or relaxing music can create a soothing atmosphere that helps you feel more grounded.

• Comforting activities: Engage in activities that you find comforting, such as knitting, cooking, drawing or reading a book. Having something to focus on that isn’t related to the election can help keep your mind occupied.

• Mindfulness practices: Consider practicing meditation, deep breathing or yoga throughout the evening to manage your stress response. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through short mindfulness exercises when you need them most.

8. Surround Yourself with Supportive People

Consider spending some or all of election night with supportive friends or family members who share your values and can provide emotional support. Whether in person or via video chat, being with people who understand your concerns can help reduce feelings of isolation. Together, you can create a supportive, non-anxious environment where emotions can be shared but not escalated.

Alternatively, if you know that election night will be stressful with certain individuals (due to political disagreements or heightened emotions), it may be better to watch the results alone or with others who won’t increase your anxiety. If you do find yourself feeling triggered by certain conversations, take a step back and set boundaries. Politely disengage and remind yourself that it’s okay to prioritize your mental health over political arguments.

9. Be Ready for Uncertainty

It’s important to prepare yourself for the possibility that election results may not be immediately clear. With the rise in mail-in ballots and the potential for recounts or legal challenges, final results may take days or even weeks to be confirmed. This uncertainty can prolong the feelings of anxiety, but acknowledging this possibility ahead of time can help you mentally prepare.

During this period of waiting:

• Stick to your routines: Maintaining your daily routine—whether it’s work, exercise or leisure activities—can provide structure and stability during uncertain times.

• Plan self-care activities: In the days following the election, prioritize self-care by engaging in activities that help you decompress, such as taking a walk in nature, journaling or spending time with loved ones.

• Reach out for support: If the uncertainty is particularly overwhelming, reach out to a therapist or counselor who can help guide you through your emotions and offer strategies for managing prolonged anxiety.

As the election approaches, anxiety is a natural and understandable response to the heightened political climate. By focusing on what you can control—such as voting, volunteering and staying informed in moderation—and creating a plan for election night, you can regain a sense of agency and reduce feelings of helplessness. By prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and surrounding yourself with support, you’ll be better equipped to manage the uncertainty and emotional intensity that often accompanies this time. Regardless of the outcome, taking proactive steps to care for your mental health is crucial for maintaining balance and resilience during these final days before the election and beyond. 

Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with more than 30 years’  experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the founder of the Bekindr Global Initiative, a movement to bring more kindness in the world. She is the co-author of “The Beauty Prescription” and “The Concise Guide to Marriage and Family Therapy.” She is also the co-founder of the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit that pairs women with disabilities with award-winning photographers creating art exhibitions to raise awareness. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA, and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.

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The commission also welcomed Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, a former Beverly Hills Unified School District student and Obstetrician-Gynecologist, to lead a presentation on the biology of menopause and hormone health at the meeting. Her presentation included statistics that showed that women often face discrimination at later stages of their lives due to symptoms of menopause and misdiagnoses.

According to her presentation, one in three women report their symptoms being dismissed by a healthcare provider. One in 10 women report discrimination at work.

To combat this, Gilberg-Lenz recommended implementing informational posters in public restrooms to increase awareness and discussion without requiring anyone to self-identify as a person going through menopause. But apart from women supporting women, she urged men to help break down the barriers that isolate them. She also agreed to work with the Health and Safety Commission in the future to find ways to increase conversation and support of menopause throughout the community.

In a report from the Beverly Hills Fire Department Human Services Division, Chris Paulson shared the progress he and his team made during the month of July. A previously mentioned resident of the city’s long-term housing, who has been trying to make a name for himself in the fine art community, has started leading an art therapy group that focuses on the fundamentals of painting. Paulson’s team also located the family of one of their residents and helped him visit his adult children and his grandchildren. By the end of July, all five beds at the People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) shelter were occupied, and the department helped transport a homeless man whose health was visibly deteriorating to a hospital where he is receiving medical care.

Paulson also noted that Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order in July for state agencies to clean up homeless encampments throughout California after the Supreme Court ruled that it is not unconstitutional to criminalize homeless encampments in certain parts of the city at certain times of the day. “The city of Beverly Hills is very much compliant,” said Paulson. “We have approached homelessness with a very humane approach and provided tons of outreach.”

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An estimated 6.9 million older adults in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and decades of research have helped us understand that the condition is tricky to treat. With people living longer lives, science-backed preventive measures offer a chance to help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease while we continue to seek a cure.

The latest research shows that up to 50% of dementia is preventable. By understanding your risk, adopting healthy habits and staying abreast of the latest treatment options, you can keep your brain in the best possible health at every stage of life.

What are the risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease?

There is solid scientific evidence that a number of factors can increase a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Health-related factors include uncontrolled diabetes, elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and unhealthy weight. 

A history of head trauma, chronic exposure to air pollution, or adverse childhood experience, such as a divorce or emotional or physical abuse, can also increase a person’s risk. A gene called APOE4 and a family history of dementia in a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, can contribute to individual risk.  

What can I do to reduce my risk? 

Almost everyone has something they can improve on. Physicians and healthcare providers recommend simple guidelines that benefit both the brain and the heart.

Engage in daily physical activity. Eat a varied diet of mainly whole foods with a focus on green leafy vegetables, nuts, olive oil, legumes and fish. Avoid tobacco products and recreational drugs and alcohol and get regular medical checkups. If your blood pressure or cholesterol levels are high, talk with your doctor about reducing them.

Seek professional help with behavior change, such as quitting smoking or improving your diet, as well as for help with depression or anxiety. You can also take steps to strengthen your social network of family and friends to avoid isolation and dabble in new or challenging hobbies to help keep your cognitive abilities engaged.

Research has found that preventive measures taken early and followed consistently could delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by as much as five to eight years.  

What tests determine individual risk?

There is no one blood or imaging test that will determine a person’s risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. A thorough risk assessment should include a comprehensive medical history, family health history, a detailed neurologic exam and cognitive testing. Physical examination including assessment of balance, muscle strength and gait is vital, given the connection between frailty and the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. 

To obtain accurate information on important risk factors such as blood pressure, sleep and physical activity, digital wearable technology provides continuous data that offers the opportunity for targeted intervention to reduce risk. Genetic testing and blood biomarker testing can provide additional information on future risk for Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 

What about the newly approved Alzheimer’s disease treatments?

In early summer, the Food and Drug Administration approved an Alzheimer’s disease treatment called donanemab, sold under the brand name Kisunla. This came roughly a year after the approval of a similar drug, lecanemab, sold under the brand name Leqembi. 

Both medications have been shown to reduce brain levels of beta-amyloid protein, a key factor contributing to Alzheimer’s disease. While donanemab isn’t yet available, patients are now being treated with lecanemab. 

The drugs are similar and have been shown to slow disease progression by around four or five months. Both are expensive and come with the risk of brain bleeding or swelling that could cause symptoms ranging from headache, dizziness, double vision or nausea to weakness and numbness or even seizures. 

One important difference between the drugs is that while patients stay on lecanemab for at least 18 months, donanemab treatment can be stopped once beta-amyloid levels have dropped below a certain threshold. So donanemab could be used to temporarily drive amyloid down while patients work on lifestyle factors or are treated with new drugs that might be developed. 

Even with successful treatment to slow the disease, there is no known way to reverse the memory loss or stop its progression, so for Alzheimer’s disease, prevention is always better than cure. 

Dr. Zaldy Tan is director of the Maxine & Bernard Platzer Lynn Family Memory & Healthy Aging Program at Cedars-Sinai. The program is open to those ages 40-60 with at least two Alzheimer’s disease risk factors and anyone over age 60 who wants to protect their brain health.

Dr. Sarah Kremen is director of the Neurobehavior Program and an associate professor of Neurology at Cedars-Sinai. She also leads the Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical Trial Program in the Department of Neurology at Cedars-Sinai.

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Financial Considerations: 

Financial security is key to retiring optimally. Plan ahead by spending, saving and investing wisely and you are never too young to start. Compounding interest works! Engage with a financial advisor early and create a retirement plan that includes not just day-to-day expenses but also healthcare costs, travel, hobbies, grandparenting responsibilities and any unforeseen circumstances. “Die With Zero” by Bill Perkins gives a useful overview of financial goals of each decade.

Many people choose to work long after they have achieved financial independence. The National Health and Retirement Study showed that one-third of those working at ages 62 to 70 can afford to retire but choose not to. 

Time Management:

Another big change with retirement is increased unstructured time. For some, this is a gift as they seek more time for hobbies, socializing or grandparenting. For others, it can be a source of stress and can take months or years to adapt to the lack of routine. Thoughtful planning can help avoid the pitfall of too much time on your hands. Adding new friends and interests in the years leading up to retirement can help smooth the way and make the prospect of retirement more appealing. Whether it’s learning a musical instrument, gardening, painting or volunteering, find activities that spark joy. Lifelong learning through classes, workshops and clubs can also be fulfilling, keeping your mind sharp and providing a way to meet new people with similar interests. We stimulate our brain most when we try something new.  So don’t be afraid to try and not be good right off the bat. Remember, it’s not work so have fun and follow your bliss. For many, it may be the first time in their life to experience this type of freedom.  

Physical and Mental Health:  

As we age, our ability to cope with biological stressors declines. We inevitably need more time for self-care and to attend to medical visits both for prevention and the ailments that are more likely to crop up. Having time to exercise regularly, eat well and rest as we age can make our later years much easier to traverse. 

Social Connections:

Our relationships are critical to emotional health and happiness at all ages and in retirement we may need extra time and effort to cultivate. Maintaining existing friendships and building new ones can prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness that can accompany retirement. Strong social networks provide emotional support, increase feelings of belonging, enhance quality of life and have even been shown to increase longevity. 

Technology can also be a great way to stay connected with family and friends, especially if they are geographically distant. Of course, tech is no substitute for in person and 60% percent of retirees express a desire to travel more. In fact, a survey by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies found travel to be the most common activity that people dream of after they stop working.  

Purpose: 

Transitioning out of work can leave a void if you have derived much satisfaction and meaning from employment. Planning ahead and finding alternative ways to feel relevant and connected can help mitigate the loss. Learning to see your value by contributing in other ways is an opportunity for growth that we miss if we stay at work our whole lives. 

Many retirees find fulfillment in giving back to their communities through volunteer work and about one in four volunteer on a regular basis. Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and can be highly rewarding. Whether it’s mentoring young professionals, participating in passion projects, or helping a neighbor or friend, there are countless opportunities to make a difference. Volunteering not only benefits the community but also enriches the retiree’s life, providing a sense of accomplishment and connection. Try it and see if you experience what has been called “Giver’s Gain” or “Helper’s High.”

Think about legacy and what you wish to leave behind. This can involve documenting family history, writing memoirs or creating photo albums. It can also mean contributing to causes you care about through charitable donations, volunteering or finally finding time to write the novel you have always dreamt about. 

Adaptability: 

Retirement, like any life stage, comes with its challenges. Being adaptable and open to new experiences is crucial. Embrace the changes that will inevitably involve health adjustments, lifestyle modifications, shifting family dynamics and an altered financial landscape. Flexibility and a positive attitude can turn these challenges into opportunities for expansion. Preparing in advance by reading and speaking with friends and professionals can help make the transition more graceful. Like any big change, the process takes two to three years to traverse so be patient with yourself as there are bound to be ups and downs. Do your best to remain optimistic that there is always more fun, learning and creativity to come as retirement can be the best years of one’s life. 

“Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.”

-Fred Rogers  

Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with more than 30 years’  experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the founder of the Bekindr Global Initiative, a movement to bring more kindness in the world. She is the co-author of “The Beauty Prescription” and “The Concise Guide to Marriage and Family Therapy.” She is also the co-founder of the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit that pairs women with disabilities with award-winning photographers creating art exhibitions to raise awareness. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA, and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.

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Cassidy-Eagle is a renowned professor of psychiatry who has published nearly 30 studies in behavioral science that focus on anxiety, insomnia and other factors that are known to affect sleep patterns. She attended the meeting virtually, where she led a presentation, discussing the negative impacts of not getting enough sleep and how to eliminate some of these detriments that people may not recognize in their daily life. She pointed out that a common impact people don’t know about is the ability for a person’s body to react to vaccines. “If you have disrupted sleep the week before you get your flu shot this fall, you will only develop 50% of the antibodies that you should develop when you get that shot,” said Cassidy-Eagle.

While there may seem like simple over-the-counter fixes for difficulty sleeping, she explained that relying on supplements does not address the underlying cause of poor sleep. “If someone said to me, ‘tell me one thing’ —if there was just one thing I could try, it would be to get up at the same time every day,” said Cassidy Eagle. She pointed out that reducing anxiety and stressors can also help individuals fall into a deeper sleep.

In an effort to reduce anxiety levels, Jamie Wozny, a coach and speaker who works with clients at large companies such as NBC and Hulu, led a virtual moment of mindfulness. Her work focuses on embracing authenticity and finding inner peace. “There’s science that shows us that the feelings that we’re in, the energy that we’re in, affects our cells, which affects our body,” said Wozny. She explained that every individual is made of energy, and their energy field extends up to 2 feet around them. “If we are in a self-loving space, we are actually affecting everyone around us,” she continued. She urged people to practice self-love by acknowledging whatever emotion they may be feeling and telling themselves either out loud, or in their head that it’s okay to feel whatever that emotion may be. Validating ourselves and practicing reflection, as she explained, can reduce cortisol levels throughout the day.

As cortisol levels dropped, BHPD was happy to announce that crime rates have decreased as well. Lieutenant Andrew Myers reported that in 2023, the city saw a record number of hate crimes, with 28 total hate crimes over just 12 months. In 2024, however, there have been nine reported hate crimes— a major decrease in just six months. The total number of aggravated assaults for the month of June was two, compared to six in May. Property crimes decreased from 119 in May to 113 in June. BHPD’s response time also decreased by 13 seconds, for an average time of two minutes and 30 seconds. Myers reminded the commission that applications are still open for individuals who are interested in helping these rates decrease through the Citizen Police Academy. Applications close on Aug. 13.

The Human Services Division is also accepting applications for this year’s Day of Wellness, which will take place on Sept 22. Those interested in leading a session or having a booth can apply now through Aug. 20. In a positive update, Human Services Administrator Christopher Paulson announced a 0.27% decrease in homelessness in LA County. In June, the division counted 222 unduplicated unhoused individuals in the city of Beverly Hills, and they moved 45 new residents into housing.

Deputy Fire Chief Alfred Poirier provided an update on BHFD, stating that the number of reported fire incidents in June 2024 was 721 compared to 742 in June 2023. The department saw the most significant decreases in numbers of rescues and explosions. Later at the meeting, they gave a recap on the emergency preparedness fair, which educated the community on how to handle a variety of emergency situations before the fire department is able to arrive at the scene. As Fire Chief Gregory Barton explained, they plan on hosting more events like this one in the near future. 

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Mike Dannheim, founder and CEO of the Sensie app and an expert in the consumer technology and wellness field, offers the following perspective: “These moments of anxiety or stress carry a gift and when we learn to embrace them and to look at them, our lives take on a whole new meaning. These signals are coming from us, by us, to guide us. Technology is helping us identify these sources of stress early on so they don’t become ingrained patterns of behavior or disease, and we can stay well. We are becoming increasingly aware of how much our whole body is part of mental health and these tools are giving us new ways of looking at the mind-body connection.” 

We all know our biology affects our psychology.  Think “Hangry.” If we properly identify the source, we can fix the problem rapidly with a snack. If we think our partner/boss/child is the issue, we can go far down the wrong rabbit hole and find it difficult to climb out.  

Devices are also being designed to help us directly improve our mental state by providing immediate intervention. They can be used at home or on the go to reduce anxieties that have not yet progressed to disease states by stimulating the vagal nerves. These nerves make up our parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS), the calming part of our nervous system that allows us to “rest and digest” or “tend and befriend.” The PSNS counteracts our sympathetic nervous system (SNS) our “fight or flight” response which for many of us is in overdrive.  Other devices provide calm-inducing vibrations or sounds, which work to alter your body on a cellular level and or alter your energy field.   

Here are a few of the most popular monitoring devices designed to enhance mental health:

1. The Oura Ring (ouraring.com) is a sleep and activity tracker that provides insights into sleep quality, recovery and overall health. It measures various physiological signals, including heart rate variability, body temperature and respiratory rate, to provide a comprehensive picture of the user’s sleep patterns and readiness for the day ahead. Similar devices designed as wristbands include Whoop (Whoop.com), Apple Watch (apple.com), Garmin (Garmin.com) and Fitbit (fitbit.com). If you prefer a non-wearable device to monitor your sleep, Withings (withings.com) products slide under your mattress and allows you to see data on your smartphone or computer. As we know, sleep is the base of the wellness pyramid so correcting your sleep is key to mental well-being and is a good entry point for many exploring this new landscape. In the case of sleep trackers, Dr. Avinesh Bhar, founding sleep physician at SLIIIP, reminds us that addressing restless sleep, reduced deep/REM sleep (common outputs seen with sleep trackers) is key to improving symptoms of depression and/or anxiety and often require medical interventions.

2. Hexoskin (hexoskin.com) smart shirts allow continuous cardiac, respiratory and activity monitoring and can be used for sleep or during the day.  It is available to anyone and is being used by high level athletes, first responder and military personnel to help them manage stressful situations more effectively and build resiliency. 

3. HeartMath (heartmath.com) allows users to wear a heart rate monitor and see their heart rate in real-time. They train users to understand what a healthy coherent heart rate looks like versus an incoherent rate, and they provide online education to teach users how to control their heart rate. 

4. Lief Therapeutics (getlief.com) offers a wearable device that tracks heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of the body’s ability to respond to stress. The device provides real-time feedback on the user’s stress levels. They offer guided breathing exercises to help users regain a sense of calm. The user can look at times of their day when HRV spikes and work to prevent that in the future days. 

5. Sensie (joinsensie.com) is an AI app that uses advanced sensors in your smartphone to identify blind spots, self-process them and measure resilience. It is an innovative tool to measure the user’s mental wellness by accessing data directly from the cerebellum via movement. 

6. Muse (choosemuse.com) is a headband that uses electroencephalography (EEG) technology to measure brain activity during meditation sessions. It provides real-time feedback on the user’s level of focus and calmness, helping them develop a more effective meditation practice. 

7. Thyself (Thyself.ai) listens to your voice on your computer and giving you real-time feedback on your level of stress based on tonality. While they are not therapists, they describe themselves as “emotional work companions”. 

Devices that deliver direct therapeutic effects include the following:

1. Apollo Neuro (apolloneuro.com) is a wearable band that delivers gentle soothing vibrations to help you recover from stress. It is worn on the wrist or ankle and delivers precise patterns of vibration that are designed to promote relaxation and improve sleep, focus, and overall well-being. The inventors describe it as “a wearable hug for your nervous system that uses silent, soothing vibrations to rebalance your body and mind.”

2. TouchPoint (thetouchpointsolution.com) provides similar devices that can be placed on the shoulder, wrists, pockets or in socks and uses on the left and right side of the body and provides alternating vibrations to help decrease stress and anxiety. 

3. Truvaga (truvaga.com) is a handheld device that users can place on their neck to stimulate the vagus nerve and induce a calmer state. Our vagus nerve travels close to the surface of our neck so can be easily stimulated there. 

4. Pulsetto (pulsetto.tech) is a similar device you can wear around your neck.  It also works by sending electrical impulses to your vagus nerve. 

5. Sensate (getsensate.com) provides a wearable necklace and earphones. It provides soft vibrations to the chest while the user listens to soundscapes providing an immersive experience.

6. Huso (thisishuso.com) delivers enhanced human toning sounds through headphones as well as pads placed on major acupuncture meridians.  They use specific modulated frequencies that are balancing and harmonizing throughout the body. 

While these wearable devices and apps show promise in supporting mental health, it’s important to note that they should not be considered a substitute for professional medical treatment or therapy. For many, when used in conjunction with traditional interventions, they can provide valuable insights, promote self-awareness and possibly deliver quick short-term relief. 

Some credit the devices with allowing for detection of disease more rapidly like a 50-year-old woman who was wearing the Oura Ring and discovered a rapid heart during her sleep. She brought the data to her internist who ordered further testing, which diagnosed her thyroid disease. Many athletes like Matthew Bielamowicz, an avid climber, says, “I love my smartwatch and can’t imagine my life without it.  I bring it on adventures all over the world to track my sleep, heart rate and recovery-including up to 18,500 feet of elevation above Everest Base Camp.” His mother adds that she is also grateful for the geo-tracking abilities as that helps decrease her anxiety. 

With any technology, not everyone finds them useful or enjoyable.  A friend humorously quipped, “I used a sleep app for a while, but it made me so upset when I didn’t get at least seven hours.  If I was short by one minute, I would feel like I hadn’t slept at all. So, I decided it was making me nutty(er).” Concerns around data privacy and security should also be carefully considered when using wearable technology or apps for health monitoring. 

As this technology continues to evolve, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in promoting accessible and personalized health care.  Socrates also said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” It is up to each of us to discover for ourselves what that means in our modern and rapidly changing world.  

Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with more than 30 years’  experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the founder of the Bekindr Global Initiative, a movement to bring more kindness in the world. She is the co-author of “The Beauty Prescription” and “The Concise Guide to Marriage and Family Therapy.” She is also the co-founder of the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit that pairs women with disabilities with award-winning photographers creating art exhibitions to raise awareness. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA, and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.

The post Exploring Novel Devices for Optimal Mental Health appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“I am humbled to follow in Tom Priselac’s footsteps,” said Slavin in a press release. “He has been one of my heroes as I’ve watched Cedars-Sinai’s progress over the years from 2,700 miles away. It is an incredible honor to join Cedars-Sinai and to do my part to build on the organization’s growth and success.”

Slavin comes to the West Coast with ample leadership experience and multiple awards. As president of Mass General, he led his medical team through the pandemic, a difficult time that pushed him to do some of his proudest work.

“Being in my role at Mass General during COVID was both the worst experience I had in the 19 years I was in the role, but also in some ways the best,” Slavin told the Courier. “I mean, it was horrible to see all the suffering, the death, the loneliness, the trauma to our staff. But on the other hand, it was amazing to see the staff rally to do whatever it took to meet the needs of the patients, families and the community, and also the resilience of so many people suffering from the disease. That experience definitely had a profound impact on me and just reinforced some of my beliefs about the importance of healthcare and being there for people in times of need. And I’ll certainly take that point of view, that approach, as I move to Cedars.”

Mass General also won the American Hospital Association’s inaugural Equity of Care award under his leadership in 2014. Apart from his regular duties at the hospital, he served as the board chair of the Association of Medical Colleges and an elected member of both the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Over the years, he’s dedicated the majority of his life to helping others through medicine, something he deems his true calling.

“I think there’s no better way to spend your time on this planet, when you’re away from your family, than trying to heal the world and make the world a better place,” said Slavin.

Besides his work, family also plays a very important role in his life. “If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have been able to do everything I’ve been able to accomplish, and I’ve certainly tried my best to carve out time during every step of the way to spend quality time with them,” said Slavin. “Whenever I’m meeting with young people offering career advice, the first thing I tell them is to make sure you carve out time for your family.” He looks forward to moving to Los Angeles with his wife and two sons, playing golf and enjoying the warm weather.

Slavin graduated from Harvard College with a bachelor’s degree in biochemical sciences and then went on to earn his medical degree at Harvard Medical School. After he started working at Mass General, he returned to school to earn his MBA from Harvard Business School so that he could assist with hospital management. In 1994, he was appointed Mass General’s senior vice president and chief medical officer and in 1997, he was recruited to serve as the first president of the Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. In 1999, he returned as the chair and CEO of the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization and in 2003, he was appointed president of Mass General.

He remained true to his passion for leadership by teaching internal medicine at Mass General and serving as a professor of healthcare policy at Harvard Medical School. He joins the team at Cedars-Sinai to serve patients and the community with a focus on expanding access to healthcare.

“We express our profound gratitude to Tom Priselac for his remarkable leadership in building Cedars-Sinai into an internationally recognized name in healthcare, and we warmly welcome Dr. Slavin to the Cedars-Sinai family,” said David Kaplan, chair of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center board of directors. “We wish Dr. Slavin every success in strengthening Cedars-Sinai’s mission to serve as a beacon of healing for our patients and community.”

The post Cedars-Sinai Appoints New President, CEO appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Information overload leading to excess cortisol is a significant factor contributing to the outpouring of emotions. As we’ve discussed previously, negative news spikes our cortisol levels. Our bodies enter fight, flight or freeze mode, and our thinking becomes hyperfocused and less complex. When we find ourselves at odds with colleagues, classmates, friends or family, we secrete more cortisol, fueling the cycle.

Gandhi wisely urged us, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Here are some tips to help you create a calmer, more productive and joyful summer ahead despite whatever the world news throws at us.

1. Consume news carefully: Monitor closely the news you ingest. Check local and world news as needed and not throughout your day. Reading (not watching) the news can be less distressing, and avoid stories that are too triggering. Ask yourself what actions you can take to be a part of the solution, such as writing your Congressional representative, donating time or money to causes you care about, or reaching out to a friend or neighbor who may be directly or indirectly impacted by current events. Listen to a variety of news sources to make sure you are getting a rounded view of events.

2. Think before you speak: Be thoughtful about how and when to share your viewpoints. Many friendships and family relationships have been severed over differing views on Trump, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Hunter Biden and many other issues we are facing. How many more relationships can we afford to lose? Speaking up in the right situation is imperative, but doing so in the wrong situation or wrong way can be destructive. Telling the difference is not easy. Remember you can’t take back hurtful words. I often tell my patients that while silence is golden, duct tape is silver.

3. Know your why: If you choose to bring up a potentially divisive subject, be clear about your goals and make sure you are taking the right steps to achieve them. Difficult conversations are best considered for at least 24 hours before diving in to ensure you are speaking from a thoughtful and not impulsive place. Writing notes in advance can help. Even ChatGPT can assist you in finding the right words to use if you decide to speak up.

4. Choose conversations wisely: If we only speak to friends with similar views, we remain in our echo chamber and fail to grow. If we seek opinions too far from our own, we risk feeling enraged. So, where do we draw the line? Each of us must draw it in a way that works. Some like to keep their conversations as conflict-free as possible while others love a good sparring match. My best advice is to know yourself and carefully choose the right people with whom to discuss particular issues.

5. Speak thoughtfully: Rules developed for couples having difficult conversations can be applied here as well. No name-calling or insulting. Talk directly about how you feel. During a challenging conversation, think of pointing the finger at yourself, not the other person. This reminds you to make statements like, “I feel, I think, I believe…” If you point a finger at someone, they will get defensive, and the conversation will likely be unproductive.

6. Listen attentively: Make sure to give the other person your undivided attention and give them time to explain how they feel. This may be uncomfortable, but it is the best way to learn.

7. Plan your exit strategy: If you become too distressed, have a phrase ready to exit the conversation such as, “While I appreciate your willingness to share, I find this topic too upsetting and prefer not to go further with this conversation right now.”

8. Take time to collect your thoughts: When we stop the hamster wheel in our head, we can find inner quiet. From that space, it is easier to be creative and solve problems. We are living in a time of great challenge and opportunity. Walking in nature, dipping in the pool or ocean, watching a sunset, sitting under a tree or meditating give us an opportunity to reboot our brain and figure out what we can or should do to help our world. It needs us. As Mark Twain said, “Actions speak louder than words but not nearly as often.”

We are now in yet another fascinating chapter in American history. As we wait for Trump and Biden to be sentenced, remember it is our responsibility to care for ourselves and our relationships and to make choices that enhance our well-being. Work to avoid the rabbit hole of unproductive conversations both in person and online. Time holds the answer to all the questions we have now, and a healthy mind and body will best prepare us for whatever lies ahead.

“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” 

-Buddha 

Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with more than 30 years’  experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the founder of the Bekindr Global Initiative, a movement to bring more kindness in the world. She is the co-author of “The Beauty Prescription” and “The Concise Guide to Marriage and Family Therapy.” She is also the co-founder of the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit that pairs women with disabilities with award-winning photographers creating art exhibitions to raise awareness. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA, and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.

The post Avoiding Toxic Conversations in Our Turbulent Political Times appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

A recent study by Statista charted the dawn of the digital fitness age. According to its findings, in 2019, there were 8.5 million fitness mobile apps downloaded. In 2020, the number swelled to 16.8 million (we all know why). In the intervening years, downloads have held steady at around 16 million. According to a recent forecast by Allied Market Research, the global fitness app market was valued at $13.78 billion in 2020. It’s projected to reach $120.37 billion by 2030.

The figures for 2024 so far reflect the rise of a recent fitness trend—the hybrid workout model, a personalized mix of an old school, in-person gym experience, and a new school, high-tech, at-home one for the ultimate flexibility.

Leading the market is a group of trainers whose two-way livestreams, social media posts and on-demand videos have catapulted them to celebrity status. Collectively, millions around the world log on to their virtual classes.

Lucky for Beverly Hills, their home base is your backyard. So, not only can you livestream with your favorite workout instructor, but you also have the option of catching a class in real life with them.

Here are some of the top “fit-fluencers” and “fit-trepreneurs” who are ready to sweat with you—either virtually or in person. Whether you’re looking for tried and true workouts like yoga and classical Pilates or you’re ready to try something new like low-impact resistance training, dance cardio or high-intensity boxing, you might just find your next workout obsession.

DANI COLEMAN

Pvolve

From its launch in 2017, Pvolve was set up by its founder, Rachel Katzman, as an omnichannel brand with on-demand and live virtual workouts, brick-and-mortar studios and dedicated social media content across all platforms. It was well received from the start, but membership skyrocketed during the pandemic when tens of thousands discovered Pvolve (which stands for “personal evolution”) and former professional dancer, Dani Coleman.

Coleman joined the fitness company as head trainer in 2020. A few months later, when gyms and studios were forced to close, her job mainly consisted of filming on-demand videos and teaching live virtual classes. Coleman quickly became one of the fitness brand’s most popular trainers. Around the same time, Jennifer Aniston found Coleman’s Pvolve livestream workouts online, logged on to her classes anonymously, and followed along, quickly becoming obsessed. Coleman is now Aniston’s personal Pvolve trainer, and the pair work out several times a week together. As for the “Friends” star, her obsession with Pvolve led to her officially joining as a partner in the company last year.

“I was so excited to hear Jennifer Aniston was a secret streamer of our online workouts,” said Coleman. “I feel grateful Pvolve has brought us together. In working with Jen, I’ve learned she loves a challenging workout. It’s rewarding to support her in getting the results she wants and for her to see how she doesn’t have to strain or break her body to achieve them.”

For Katzman, this is what Pvolve is all about. “I think the hottest trend is longevity,” she added. “People are starting to understand what we do to our bodies today will impact us in three, five, 10-plus years, and the wear and tear we may be able to take in our early 20s will have a dramatic negative impact on us later in life. You don’t have to walk around with shoulder, neck or back pain anymore, and you shouldn’t have to sacrifice reaching your physical goals in order to feel good in your body.”

Pvolve is now a coast-to-coast fitness phenomenon. Last year, the low-impact resistance training program doubled its subscribers and had a 40% increase in studio memberships. It has a celebrity following that includes pop star Olivia Rodrigo and actress Dakota Johnson. There are four owned and operated Pvolve studios, one in Chicago, another in New York, and soon, two in Los Angeles. The sunlit, breezy flagship in West Hollywood features a state-of-the-art studio with a stunning rooftop deck for outdoor classes and private training, locker rooms and a fully stocked primping area. A second outpost is set to open this summer in Santa Monica. In addition, more than 50 Pvolve franchises are currently in the works nationwide.

Whether you take a Pvolve class in-studio, on-demand or as part of the two-way live virtual studio (where members take a live class and directly engage with trainers), the workouts are the same. The Pvolve method involves a series of controlled and precise movements using the company’s proprietary equipment, such as resistance bands of various lengths and resistance strengths and exercise balls like the signature P.ball, designed to float between your thighs to target that hard-to-tone area. Standing on a numbered mat, which acts as your compass, the trainer guides you through proper form, calling out numbers that correspond to numbers on the mat for correct foot and body placement, while you stretch and pull resistance bands or squeeze balls. Those following along at home can purchase equipment bundles (which include the mat, bands and balls) or individual equipment from the company’s website. “Adjusting to teaching virtually was interesting at first,” said Coleman. “But the numbered mat was an absolute game changer.”

A variety of workouts are offered for all formats, from low-impact for toning to a heart-rate bumping combo of cardio and form-focused strength training. There’s also a stretch class and a progressive weight training program, designed for women over 40, or anyone looking to build strength. Many of the workouts are geared toward women, such as pelvic floor strengthening exercises, and workouts for every stage of a woman’s cycle, from menstrual to pre/postnatal to menopause. Pvolve’s in-studio workouts are 45 minutes and virtual workouts range from 15 minutes to an hour, with equipment or no equipment options.

To connect with her virtual fans, Coleman uses her social media but doesn’t let it consume her life. “I understand the importance of content creation and these virtual spaces. However, I personally try not to get caught up in them and stay focused on what’s important. For me, that is making health and fitness spaces more accessible, equitable and diverse. I hope that’s represented when you see the work I am doing.”

In person, Coleman, who teaches exclusively at the West Hollywood studio, is a force of nature. She’s that cool girl you want to be friends with, the one who’s so confident and comfortable in her skin, but down-to-earth and completely approachable. It’s no wonder her classes fill up fast.

MEGAN ROUP

The Sculpt Society

Certified celebrity fitness trainer Megan Roup launched The Sculpt Society (TSS) app in 2017. Roup already had a massive social media presence and regularly posted videos of her workouts and fitness advice to her more than 500,000 followers. Realizing she had a built-in audience who craved her content, the former New Jersey Nets dancer decided to create a platform where members could access a variety of simple, upbeat and energetic at-home workouts with no equipment required. It took off. “Pandemic or no pandemic, I think the rise of digital fitness would have to happen,” said Roup.

Today, the app has hundreds of thousands of members who can stream from anywhere in the world, on any device. They can choose between dance-cardio, sculpting, yoga and meditation, and “quickie” workouts lasting 10 minutes to full 45-minute burn-a-thons.

To connect with virtual members, some halfway around the world, Roup invites them to stay on the video link for a “coffee chat” after each live workout. There’s also a private TSS Facebook Group, for subscribing members only, where they can connect with Roup and one another. “There’s conversation and connection there,” she said. “I’m just constantly talking with my community, on Instagram and direct messages [as well]. I feel really lucky in that way. I think that’s the beauty of social media; you really have a direct line to clients and members and can just listen to them and their needs and what they’re looking for; it’s really important. Those are definitely the biggest ways I connect with them. And then, of course, pop-ups around the country where I get to, you know, meet them in real life!”

In 2021, pregnant with her first baby, Roup and her husband moved across the country from New York City to West Hollywood, to be close to the fitness instructor’s family in Santa Barbara and the fitness capital of the world. While at this stage Roup has no plans to open a brick-and-mortar studio, she set up a weekly residency at Playground West Hollywood, where L.A. area locals can catch a Sculpt class with Roup every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., if they can score a spot.

In addition, Roup is also a full-time content creator for Instagram and TikTok, requiring her to post several times a day on each platform. She spends a lot of time making videos. “These are often me just walking my community through my day pretty organically,” she said. “Then I go live and create content for the TSS app.” The videos might look like big budget productions, but Roup said, “I literally film in my kitchen. I’m the lighting director, the videographer and the editor. I set it all up myself.”

Besides the infectious energy and generous spirit she brings to her workouts, what sets Sculpt apart?

“I’m a really big believer in short workouts. They make it easier for my members to show up consistently and make working out a habit. Consistency is what makes it effective,” she said. “Time and time again, we hear from our members they feel they’ve gone on this life journey with me. And at each stage, there’s something new for them and they feel so supported through it all with us. So, I think it’s the combination of those things, making working out fun again, joyful and effective.”

MARIA LEONE

Bodyline Pilates

From a small office at the front of her Beverly Hills Bodyline studio, fitness instructor Maria Leone explained how, after two decades teaching Pilates in Beverly Hills, she unwittingly became one of the top Pilates “fit-fluencers” in Los Angeles.

“The other day, my 19-year-old daughter told me, ‘Mom, Pilates is really popular right now, all my friends are doing it!’ And to me, 19-year-olds are the barometer; if they’re doing something, it really has become a thing,” Leone said. Certainly, when pics of Harry Styles at a Pilates studio in London recently went viral on social media, the decades-old exercise received a measurable uptick.

Leone’s past and current private clients have included a mix of Olympic athletes, industry elites and celebrities (from A-list to reality show megastars). In addition to the four to five private lessons she holds, either in person at the Beverly Hills studio or via video with those who live outside the area, Leone leads two to three group classes per week. On weekends, she drives to the private homes of her exclusive clients who can afford the heftier fee, about $400-$600 per 45-minute session. Not all of them are hiding from paparazzi, though. “Some just don’t want to drive and deal with parking, and they can afford it,” Leone said.

On top of all of that, five times a week she shoots and edits short video segments for her Instagram feed, @bodylinela, which currently has over 130,000 followers and growing. Earlier this year, she added a paid subscription page for fans who want more of her content. Membership grants them access to a stripped-down version of Leone. “I don’t have to really worry about what I look like or what I have on or if [the video] is catchy. It’s very freeing in a way. And I can show other things that I don’t want to show the whole world, even stuff about my body that I don’t particularly like.” Leone recently shared a poignant video of her and her mother, who has advanced dementia, in a segment about the benefits of Pilates on Alzheimer’s patients. It’s these types of private moments Leone also reserves for her closest subscribers.

Of course, keeping up with the subscription page requires more content, about three to four additional videos to shoot, edit and post per week.

Leone, a professional dancer who’s worked with Debbie Allen and Paula Abdul, leaned on her background as a performer and educator. “I’m not going to go out there and show my body and cute outfits. I can’t do that, but I can do who I am on Instagram and just see what happens.” Turns out people were interested. A lot of people.

“There wasn’t anyone else on that platform doing my take on Pilates, which is very much about educating the people in my industry.”

In terms of Pilates, Leone has somewhat of a coveted pedigree. She studied classical Pilates under Mari Windsor, who brought Pilates into the mainstream. Her West Hollywood studio was a Who’s Who of Hollywood, and everyone from Dustin Hoffman to Miley Cyrus were her clients. Windsor was trained by Romana Kryzanowska, one of the few protégées of Joseph Pilates, the inventor of the exercise and its contraptions himself. And in the age of mashup workouts, Pilates purists from far and wide have sought out Leone, virtually and in person.

In addition to creating content for social media, Leone also shoots videos for her Bodyline Pilates YouTube channel and on-demand streaming service, which have tens of thousands of views. Most are of Leone working with people of every age, athletic ability and size, and it resonated.

“So many more people know about me now, and it’s amazing. And I’m not showing rock-solid bodies. I’m talking about moving and feeling connected and teaching people about their bodies and helping different types of bodies.”

Leone added, “But, there’s nothing like in-person training.”

Until recently, her studio offered one-on-one private Pilates lessons almost exclusively. Due to the rising demand for group workouts and the enormous popularity of ClassPass, Leone has begun to add a few group sessions to the studio’s schedule. “You need eyes on you,” she said. “It’s an energy exchange, too. It’s not just the class, it’s the place, the environment, the people, the culture; it all makes a difference.”

NOAH NEIMAN

Rumble Boxing

Fat burning, stress relieving, metabolism increasing, the benefits of boxing go on and on. It’s quickly gaining traction as one of today’s hottest workouts. And no place is hotter to hit the bag right now than Rumble, which has celebrity fans from David Beckham to Kendall Jenner KO’d.

Founded in 2017 by Noah Neiman, Rumble is now part of Xponential Fitness, one of the largest global boutique fitness brand franchise groups. Currently, there are 80 Rumble boxing gyms around the country and the world (from Australia to Tokyo), with an additional 350 set to open within the next two years.

Neiman hails from Barry’s Bootcamp, where he was a master trainer for the fitness company for several years. “While I was there, I kind of built up my own personal brand on social media,” said Neiman. “I’ve been training, boxing and doing jiu-jitsu and martial arts my whole life, and just fell in love with the calmness that it brought me. So, I wanted to bring that discipline to the world and do it in a way that had a much bigger chance of being digestible to the mass public because I grew up in the dirty, dingy boxing gyms of Pittsburgh and New York. And I love them. But I know that the average consumer isn’t going to love that.”

Neiman opened the enormously popular West Hollywood location in 2018. It remains the only corporate-owned Rumble boxing gym, as well as the company’s headquarters. As such, it’s massive, 6,600 square feet, and houses state-of-the-art amenities like infrared saunas and hyperbaric chambers. With its dim lighting and endorphin-inducing tunes thumping through the sound system, the vibe is more nightclub than dingy boxing gym. The playlists, custom hip-hop and house music mashups, are curated in-house and designed to get you pumped.

“It gives you a level of confidence that you can throw some punches and know what you’re doing, and you’re as strong and healthy as you can be. And that’s the most important thing.”

– Noah Neiman, 

Rumble Boxing Founder

Each 45-minute workout features a mix of high-intensity interval training, metabolic conditioning, weightlifting and, of course, boxing. About half of the workout is spent pounding the company’s proprietary water-filled, tear-dropped-shaped bags. “I didn’t want to open a boxing space where you just box. I knew the efficacy of a workout was tied to having some kind of strength-training program as well,” explained Neiman. “So, we don’t just box, we lift weights, from 5 pounds all the way up to 45 pounds. And similar to the Barry’s Bootcamp model, we do squats, lunges, push-ups, pull-ups, curls and shoulder presses. We work your chest, your back, your abs, your cardiovascular, and you get to punch things.”

If you’ve never thrown a fist, fear not, you’ll be instructed on the six basic punches before you begin. Advanced pugilists have several options to stay fit, from express 30-minute workouts to 60 minutes and 12 rounds of boxing and strength training.

While Rumble’s emphasis is on in-person training, the company’s app gives members priority status when booking appointments. They can also chart their progress with the in-app tracker and connect with other members. Rumble-branded boxing workout videos are also available on-demand to members through the XPlus app, owned by Rumble’s partner Xponential. There, they can find a host of prerecorded at-home, Peloton-style workouts, with live component options as well.

“This is what I really believe can help communities, which was the ultimate goal, to give people an outlet, a safe place to express their physicality and to get better at fighting,” said Neiman.  “It gives you a level of confidence that you can throw some punches and know what you’re doing, and you’re as strong and healthy as you can be. And that’s the most important thing.” 

The post The Fit-Fluencers of Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The Maybourne Beverly Hills

One of the most pleasant ways to spend an afternoon in Beverly Hills is sitting at The Terrace overlooking Beverly Gardens Park. This Mother’s Day, The Maybourne Beverly Hills will present a mezze-style brunch, with crunchy crudités and dips, along with Mediterranean starters and entrées. For extra indulgence, try the Fruit de Mer platter, with optional caviar service. Sharable desserts will also be served. The price is $195 per person. For reservations go to opentable.com.

Before or after the brunch service, mom can also visit the spa for a special menu honoring her. It starts with complimentary Champagne for all the mothers on Sunday, along with a beautiful floral arrangement to take home. Treatments range from Dr. Sturm’s anti-aging facial and Knesko mask to hot stone massage with aromatherapy. Prices start at $275 for 60 minutes. To book, visit maybournebeverlyhills.com/the-spa-at-the-maybourne/.

Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

This year, brunch at THE Blvd includes three courses with indoor and outdoor seating options and views of the action on Rodeo Drive. Brunch will run from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., but if you want to enjoy the live jazz band, book from noon to 3 p.m. The prix-fixe menu by Chef Rafael Alcala comes with fruit and yogurt for the table as well as coffee or tea and juice. First course options include, among other salads on offer, the signature fluffy pancakes,  huevos rancheros or smoked salmon. For the second course, Maine lobster eggs Benedict, mushroom ravioli, Dover sole, wagyu flat iron steak or the avocado elote and crab toast are among the bevy of choices. Finish the meal with Chef Riccardo Menicucci’s impressive pastry and dessert buffet. A station will be set up for children to create Mother’s Day cards, and moms will also receive a beautiful, small flower bouquet to take home. The price for the brunch is $175 per person and it can be booked at exploretock.com/theblvd/.

After brunch, why not treat mom to some additional pampering in the hotel’s spa? Every mother will receive a complimentary Rose Gold Mask enhancement to any facial or massage service enjoyed on Mother’s Day. They will also have access to the spa facilities, which include a tranquility lounge, eucalyptus steam room, ice fountain and experience shower; as well as the Mediterranean-style pool and jacuzzi, bi-level fitness center and complimentary valet parking. To book, go to na.spatime.com/fsbw90212/17443453/home.

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and The Beverly Hilton

It would be an understatement to say that the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills has a lot to offer moms this year. The Astor Ballroom will feature a grand buffet brunch with live music. Acclaimed Chef Steve Benjamin and the culinary team will present multiple chef-led food stations featuring fresh seafood, a sushi bar, meat carving, an assortment of sweets, along with a mimosa and Bloody Mary bar. The first seating is at 11 a.m. and second seating is at 2 p.m. Prices start at $165 for adults and $60 for children under 12. For reservations, visit eventbrite.com.

Also at the Waldorf Astoria, Espelette will celebrate with a three-course, farm-to-table and land-to-sea chef’s curated brunch menu from noon to 4 p.m. Prices start at $135 for adults and $55 for children under 12. For reservations visit opentable.com.

Meanwhile, in the lobby, Mother’s Day Afternoon High Tea is available throughout the month of May on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. It features an exclusive TEALEAVES tea blend crafted for mom’s big day, along with Champagne from Veuve Clicquot and live music. From $110 per person, you can make reservations at opentable.com.

On the beauty side, acclaimed British facialist, Adeela Crown launches an exclusive residency at the hotel’s La Prairie Spa from May 10-24. The celebrity facialist will bring her customized luxe treatments to the five-star spa with a menu of new treatment options incorporating La Prairie products. Guests can choose one of the popular facials, including White Caviar, Gold Radiance and Platinum Rare, to be performed by Crown herself in the hotel’s spa, which is the only La Prairie Spa in Southern California.  Reservations are by appointment only and can be made by emailing hello@adeelacrown.com.

Next door at The Beverly Hilton, spectacular views are on the Mother’s Day brunch menu. The venue is Circa 55, now located on the hotel’s rooftop. The expansive menu offers a wide selection of classic favorites and specialty stations from build-your-own omelet to sushi or sweet and savory beignets. Available on May 12 only from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The price is $155+ per person and $60 for children 12 and under. For reservations visit opentable.com.

Hotel Bel-Air and The Beverly Hills Hotel

It’s always a treat to walk over the bridge across a swan-filled pond for a tucked-away meal on the patio, or by the fireplace of The Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air. New Culinary Director Joe Garcia, whose background includes Bicyclette and The French Laundry, is crafting a menu of modern California cuisine with an influence from the Mediterranean. Available Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the weekend brunch menu includes classics such as huevos rancheros and buttermilk blueberry pancakes. 

Just a stone’s throw from the dining room, treat mom to an afternoon of relaxation at The Spa. A new Oxylight facial is designed to transform skin one session, using Valmont products combined with LED, oxygen, microcurrent, resurfacing and ultrasound. The treatment is $850 for 90 minutes. 

At sister property The Beverly Hills Hotel, there is also exciting new food news. Chef Ashley James has returned to Los Angeles and is now the culinary director at the hotel. Expect a special prix fixe menu for lunch and dinner at the Polo Lounge on Mother’s Day. The price is $240 per person, and menu highlights include zucchini blossom veloute soup, Maine lobster risotto, and mushroom, spinach-baked lasagna to name a few standouts. 

You can also treat mom to a Marilyn Monroe massage in the hotel spa featuring CBD products and Himalayan salt stones, priced at $500 for 90 minutes. To book any of the experiences above, visit dorchestercollection.com. 

Fairmont Century Plaza

The Fairmont Century Plaza will celebrate mothers throughout May beginning with a brunch on May 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the French brasserie, Lumière. Menu highlights will include avocado toast, buttermilk pancakes, shakshuka and chicken and waffles. In addition to the à la carte menu, the brunch will feature gratitude stations for moms including flower crowns, tarot reading and a watercolorist. For reservations visit, Lumiere.com. 

The hotel’s award-winning Spa will offer numerous Mother’s Day treatments throughout the month of May. Options for mom include a “Moment for Me” massage, a “Matahari Mom” massage and facial, the “Goddess Treatment” massage, and a “Mani. Pedi. Mama.” Book at fairmontcenturyplaza.com. 

More Dining Options Around Town

If you have a day of shopping planned on Rodeo Drive, Gucci Osteria Beverly Hills will offer a special Mother’s Day Brunch on May 12. Priced at $145 per person, the experience will feature four distinct courses composed of standout dishes such as spinach-filled crepe with bechamel, crispy pancetta and sage, crispy enoki mushroom with seaweed aioli and bubu arare, and a Monte Bianco pavlova with chestnut, rum and chocolate. And, do not skip the Champagne cart. For reservations visit Gucciosteria.com.

Ocean Prime on Wilshire Boulevard only offers brunch three times a year and Mother’s Day is one of those special occasions. The team wants to offer a toast to all the mother figures who raised us. Opening at 11 a.m., the brunch menu at the surf and turf eatery will feature crabcake eggs Benedict, brioche French toast and smoked salmon latke. To pair with the sweet and savory brunch menu, specialty cocktails include a dragon fruit mojito, mango tequila sour or classic Bloody Mary. Make reservations at Ocean-prime.com.

On Canon Drive, Mastro’s Mother’s Day special includes a brunch with an iced seafood tower, steak-carving station, live entertainment and a decadent dessert display. The brunch is only offered on May 12 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The price is $135 per person, and reservations can be made at mastrosrestaurants.com. 

Beverly Hills’ only Mexican steakhouse, The Hideaway, will offer a three-course menu for $85 per person from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Mother’s Day. Favorite offerings include the tuna tartare pequenitos and pescado zarandeado, as well as one-day-only specials, such as cured salmon potato tostaditas, honey-baked ham and eggs Benedict, and guava cream French toast. Make reservations at thehideawaybeverlyhills.com.

More Beauty in Beverly Hills

Modern Esthetics on Canon Drive is a family-owned, cheerful and convenient day spa that features cutting-edge modern medispa treatments. They also specialize in bespoke facials by French skincare brand Biologique Recherche ($250 for 60 minutes) or Keravive for a scalp hydrofacial. Either one would be a great idea to gift mom this year. The spa is open Tuesday-Saturday, and reservations are available at modernesthetics.com. 

After a recent star-studded launch party at the rooftop spa at the Waldorf Astoria, celebrity dermatologist Dr. Ava Shambam has launched Althea Skin, a new brand that has targeted skincare through research on circadian rhythm and clock genes. The Cara is the next-gen beauty device designed to help absorb the products into your face and neck. To book an appointment at her Santa Monica Boulevard office, visit avamd.com.

For a pampering foot massage right on Beverly Drive, BAO Foot Spa specializes in foot reflexology with treatments utilizing this ancient Chinese art. The result will increase blood flow and rejuvenate the nerves all over your body. Prices start at $40 for 30 minutes. To book, visit baofootspa.com. 

For an elevated nail salon experience, make plans to visit Townhouse with your mom when it officially opens on May 23. Launched by Juanita Huber-Millet, founder of the “5-star nail service” in London, the brand’s flagship U.S. location will be in Beverly Hills just off Rodeo Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard. 

With 40 locations currently open in the U.K., celebrity fans of Townhouse include Margot Robbie, Drake, Kim Cattrall and Emilia Clarke. This upscale salon features everything from hard gel extensions to nail art and more. “When it comes to nails, in the beauty industry, we have been left behind,” Huber-Millet told the Courier.  

The nail brand plans to revolutionize the U.S. industry with its “better for you” products, the latest technology, and offering European-style benefits (including 28-day paid holidays) for their staff to truly nurture their craft and growth.  But, the best part might just be, as part of the “Flawless Finish Guarantee,” if your gel manicure is damaged within 7 days, it will be fixed for free. Also, look for future collaborations with brands such as Chanel and Givenchy. Manicure prices start at $54, and appointments are available now at townhousebeauty.com. 

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Insomnia characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep is often linked to stress and lifestyle and may be improved by following these guidelines. However, it can also be the symptom of a sleep disorder, medical condition, or medication side effect and needs evaluation and treatment by a sleep specialist. “Sleep is a basic human drive, if it isn’t easy or restful – seek help,” says sleep doctor Avinesh Bhar, M.D.

Tips for Better Sleep

1. Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Keep a regular bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends. Exposure to morning sunlight helps establish a healthy circadian rhythm. Avoid staying indoors all day, especially if working from home, as this can contribute to sleep difficulties. Make sure you are getting enough physical exercise during the day and avoid heavy exercise late in the evening. A heavy meal too close to bedtime can also disrupt sleep. 

2. Limit Electronic Devices: Turn off all devices at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light they emit interferes with melatonin production, which regulates sleep-wake cycles. Consider using blue light filters on devices and in glasses for evening hours. Keep your cell phone silenced and away from your bed. Read physical books.

3. Learn to Unwind: Listen to soft music, guided meditation or nature sounds to calm your mind and body. Use your evenings to relax. Most problems are best solved during the day when our minds are sharpest, and we can solicit advice as needed. Unplug from the news before dinner whenever possible. Avoid TV shows or books that raise your level of stress or anxiety as this will make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. Consider writing a “to-do list” to help your mind relax. Reflect on what you are grateful for and or looking forward to. Prayer is soothing for many. 

4. Reserve the Bed for the Three S’s: Use your bed only for sleeping, sex and sickness. This helps your brain associate the bed with sleep. If you find yourself tossing and turning for over 20 minutes, move to a different area and read or listen to something soothing until you feel you are ready to try again. 

5. Watch Your Intake: Avoid caffeine after 3 p.m., remembering that chocolate, tea and many sodas contain caffeine. Adjust this timing if needed, especially as sensitivity can increase with age. Sugar should also be avoided in the evenings. Some like to drink herbal tea with kava or chamomile in the evening but limit fluid intake after dinner if you find yourself waking up to urinate during the night. Foods that may help you sleep include almonds, spinach, avocados, milk, turkey, fatty fish, walnuts, white rice and more. 

6. Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol might help you fall asleep but prevents you from cycling into the deep stages of sleep, leaving you feeling unrefreshed in the morning.

7. Create an Optimal Sleep Environment: Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. While around 67 degrees is often recommended, adjust according to your preference and local climate. Mattresses now come with many options for postural and temperature control and can be well worth the investment. Some couples opt to sleep in separate rooms on occasion or consistently to protect the integrity of their sleep. Make sure to make time for physical connection at other times if you choose this option.  

8. Release Oxytocin the “Love Hormone”: Physical intimacy releases this powerful substance in our body. Oxytocin has been shown to help induce sleep, enhance REM sleep and even help regulate circadian rhythm thereby improving our sleep quality. A warm bath or shower, wrapping yourself in a warm or weighted blanket or cuddling with a pet can also be helpful.  

9. Be Cautious with Sleep Aids: For short-term use, over-the-counter sleep remedies and prescription medications may be helpful but have risks. Always consult your doctor for the best advice. Multiple studies have shown that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is as effective or more effective than medication for treating insomnia. For more on that, read “Overcoming Insomnia” by Jack D. Edinger or “The Insomnia Workbook” by Stephanie Silberman. 

10. Use Sleep Tracking Devices: Devices like the Oura Ring and the Whoop Strap track sleep stages, heart rate variability and respiratory rate, offering insights into sleep quality and patterns. Alarms like Sleepzy are designed to wake you during light sleep making the transition to wakefulness easier. 

Many people suffer from undiagnosed or under-treated sleep disorders which require specific interventions such as the following:

Sleep Apnea: Characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths, leading to snoring, frequent awakenings and daytime tiredness.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS): A neurological disorder causing an irresistible urge to move the legs.

Narcolepsy: Excessive, uncontrollable daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks.

Circadian Rhythm Disorders: Disruptions in the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, common in shift workers or those with jet lag. 

If you are concerned you may be experiencing any of these disorders or if you have persistent insomnia, it’s crucial to consult your doctor or a sleep specialist. (Dr. Bhar and his group can be accessed online at https://www.sliiip.com.) If you have been using a Phillips sleep machine, your product has been recalled so make sure to check immediately with your healthcare provider. 

In an era where stress is ubiquitous and sleep difficulties are common, prioritizing a good night’s sleep is an essential step on your wellness journey. With the right tools, practice, patience and appropriate medical advice, you can empower yourself to achieve restful nights and more energetic days.  

“Sleep…Chief nourisher in life’s feast.”

-Shakespeare  

Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with more than 30 years’  experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the founder of the Bekindr Global Initiative, a movement to bring more kindness in the world. She is the co-author of “The Beauty Prescription” and “The Concise Guide to Marriage and Family Therapy.” She is also the co-founder of the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit that pairs women with disabilities with award-winning photographers creating art exhibitions to raise awareness. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA, and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.

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On New Year’s Day, I eagerly went off to see the movie “Boys in the Boat.” Only a few minutes into the movie, I started to cry.  My thought was “Gee this is odd, I wonder why I am crying.” I was searching for an answer and my mind was running through all sorts of possibilities.  About 10 minutes later as tears continued to stream down my face, I got it.  The coach bore an uncanny resemblance in appearance, mannerisms and interests to my cousin who died in a tragic boating accident on March 13, 2020.  As you know, that was a difficult time in our world’s history and a very challenging time to deal with a personal loss. Many of us lost loved ones that year while our normal outlets for grief were altered, leaving us with unresolved mourning and tears coming up when we least expect them.  

The transition into a new year, often marked by celebrations and resolutions, can heighten grief reactions. As our past is remembered and our future is contemplated, the sense of loss can be amplified. With so many others experiencing joy around us, it can leave those suffering with a heightened sense of isolation. 

Author C. S. Lewis wisely said, “I thought I could describe a state; make a map of sorrow. Sorrow, however, turns out to be not a state but a process.” Psychologist and grief expert William Worden has attempted to create some framework for understanding the process. He describes the four tasks of mourning that one passes through to ultimately heal from loss. Indeed, the healing process is non-linear and has no set timeline. 

1. Accept the reality of the loss: One’s immediate reaction is often shock as a form of protection from overwhelming feeling. Shock occupies the early days and weeks, and frequently lasts for months or even years. 

Unexpected and traumatic deaths can make it even more difficult to pass through this stage. The death of a child can be the most challenging to accept as it occurs out of expected order. Make sure that you and others who are in shock are not left alone or in unsafe conditions. 

2. Work through the pain of grief:  As the masking effects of shock and denial begin to wear off, reality and pain emerge. Both emotional and physical pain are experienced.  Grief or trauma extends beyond an emotional state. It is an intensely physical experience as well. I was crying in the movie well before my thoughts caught up. 

In a 2012 survey by Cruse, a bereavement charity, over 75% of respondents reported physical symptoms tied to grief, including fatigue, sleep disturbances and appetite changes. As we grieve, our bodies enter a state of heightened stress, releasing cortisol, commonly known as the “stress hormone.” Anxiety, depression, loneliness and a sense of futility can accompany this stage and need to be addressed.  

3. Adjust to the environment in which the deceased is missing: Life changes after loss and many adaptations take place over the months and years that follow. Learning new tasks, finding new social and relationship outlets, creating new family and holiday rituals can take a long time to develop. It is important to have self-compassion during these transitions and expect bumps along the way. Recovery is often one step forward then one or two back. Holidays, birthdays, death days often increase the pain of loss. 

4. Find enduring connection with the deceased while embarking on a new life: Over time, a sense of healing may allow for new relationships and activities. This may occur gradually and take years even decades. The eventual goal is to come to a place where the loss can be remembered with more ease, and joyful and loving parts of the relationship can be recalled.  

Seeking support from friends, family, support groups or professional counseling is essential. 

Dr. G. Patricia Cantwell, Division Chief of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has worked with families and children facing death. She has learned that even in the most difficult of situations social connection can provide comfort. “Grief cannot be erased by spoken words; however mindful listening can be healing.” Compassion, expressed by letting the person know you know they are in pain, without owning or trying to fix their pain, is invaluable. Bringing food may be helpful as the grieving person is often too distraught or too tired to arrange proper nutrition. Assisting with chores of daily living without being asked is another important form of caregiving.

Grief expert Patricia Stauber, RN, LCSW urges us to honor and respect the grief process both in ourselves and in others who are suffering. She notes that we live in a society that minimizes the painful experience of grief and seeks a quick fix. Recovering from loss is a lengthy journey requiring us to endure pain. Anderson Cooper in his podcast “All There Is” has opened up about his grief after losing his father, brother and mother, creating a forum where others share their journeys, thereby helping us get more comfortable talking about this difficult topic. Loss and grief are inescapable parts of life casting long shadows. If we can look bravely at the pain, we can learn, grow and eventually recover and have a full and meaningful life while still honoring those no longer with us. 

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross  

Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with more than 30 years’  experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the founder of the Bekindr Global Initiative, a movement to bring more kindness in the world. She is the co-author of “The Beauty Prescription” and “The Concise Guide to Marriage and Family Therapy.” She is also the co-founder of the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit that pairs women with disabilities with award-winning photographers creating art exhibitions to raise awareness. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA, and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.

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The Pew Research Center’s latest data reveals a complex emotional landscape in the United States. While a significant percentage of Americans express concerns over national ethics, education and international relations, there’s an undercurrent of resilience that’s often overlooked by the media. For instance, despite economic and political anxieties, a YouGov survey in late 2023 found that nearly half of Americans anticipated a good or great year for themselves in 2024.

If you can cultivate optimism, it may have a positive impact on your health. A meta-analysis of 15 studies, involving over 229,000 participants, found that optimists had a 35% lower risk of cardiovascular events and a 14% lower risk of mortality compared to pessimists (“Psychosomatic Medicine,” 2019). A study conducted at the University of Kentucky showed that optimists had stronger immune responses compared to pessimists. The same study found that the most optimistic individuals had a 50-70% greater chance of reaching 85 years of age compared to the least optimistic individuals. 

Moreover, we know that optimism is good for our mental health. Optimists are more likely to engage in proactive coping and problem-focused coping strategies. Rather than denying or avoiding problems, they take active steps to resolve them; a more effective way of dealing with life’s inevitable challenges. Research has linked optimism to a lower risk of developing certain mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety and a longitudinal study by Giltay, et al. (2004) found that optimistic individuals had less than half the risk of developing depression compared to pessimists. Optimism contributes to greater resilience, enabling individuals to bounce back from hardships and traumatic events more effectively. 

There is evidence suggesting that optimism can have beneficial effects on specific brain regions. For example, research using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has shown that optimists may exhibit different brain functioning in areas related to processing errors and emotional stimuli, which could contribute to their more positive outlook (Sharot, Riccardi, Raio and Phelps, 2007). 

Optimism can have a significant positive impact on relationships. They tend to see the best in people and situations. This positive outlook can foster goodwill and a supportive atmosphere in relationships. It helps in focusing on the strengths and potential of the partner/friend/child/co-worker rather than dwelling on flaws or challenges. 

Optimists are more likely to express gratitude and appreciation, which are key components of healthy relationships. They also tend to avoid negative communication patterns like criticism and defensiveness. Optimism is often contagious. An optimistic person can uplift others, creating a more positive and joyful environment. 

So, when we are surrounded by negative news, here are some tips to help you increase your level of optimism:

1. Stay Informed, but Limit News Consumption: Being informed about global events is important, but excessive exposure to news can turn any optimist into a pessimist. Restrict your news intake to a certain time each day (preferably during daylight and not with meals). 

2. Focus on What You Can Control: There are many global issues that you, as an individual, can’t control. Instead of feeling helpless or overwhelmed about these, focus on actions and decisions within your control that can positively impact your immediate environment or community.

3. Engage in Positive Activities: Participating in activities that bring you joy or relaxation can significantly boost your mood. Whether it’s a hobby, exercise, or spending time with loved ones, engaging in positive experiences can help maintain an optimistic outlook.

4. Volunteer and/or Contribute to a Cause: Helping others can provide a sense of purpose and positivity. Volunteering for a local charity, contributing to community projects, or supporting causes you care about can make a positive difference and improve your outlook.

5. Practice Gratitude: Regularly acknowledging and reflecting on the things you’re grateful for can help shift your focus from negative to positive aspects of life. 

6. Avoid Compassion Fatigue: When sad things are happening to those around us, we often need to step back and nourish ourselves.  It is important to set healthy boundaries and not take on the suffering of others.  Show up as a helper and learn to recognize the difference between your struggles and the struggles of others. Social media has made it very challenging to differentiate as global trauma regularly enters our homes. We are designed to be interconnected and to care, and it can be very confusing to know how and where to set boundaries. 

7. Connect with Others: Building and maintaining strong relationships with family and friends can provide emotional support and a more positive outlook. Sharing concerns and receiving encouragement from others can be very beneficial.

8. Take Care of Your Physical Health: It is hard to be an optimist when you are challenged by your physical health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep and avoiding toxins can improve your mood and energy levels.

9. Seek Inspiration: Reading uplifting stories or books, listening to motivational podcasts, or watching inspiring movies can help maintain a positive perspective.  I wrote “Bekindr: The Transformative Power of Kindness” to share stories about kind acts from strangers and to remind myself and others that the world is full of warm and generous people. 

10. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can increase your awareness of the present moment and help you cultivate a more balanced and positive mindset.

11. Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that it’s normal to feel down or pessimistic at times, especially given current global challenges. Accepting this can help you manage your expectations and be kinder to yourself.

12. Seek Professional Help if Necessary: If you find it extremely difficult to stay positive or if negative feelings are affecting your daily life, consider seeking help from a mental health professional.

Remember, optimism doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges and difficulties of the world. It’s about maintaining hope and a belief in the possibility of positive outcomes, despite these challenges. In 2024, optimism becomes more than just a feel-good philosophy; it is a powerful stance that can drive positive change and offer psychological resilience in a world of uncertainty. Despite the tumultuous events in 2023 and those anticipated in 2024, optimism remains a powerful choice for navigating the year with optimal mental and physical health. 

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” – Winston Churchill 

Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with more than 30 years’  experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the founder of the Bekindr Global Initiative, a movement to bring more kindness in the world. She is the co-author of “The Beauty Prescription” and “The Concise Guide to Marriage and Family Therapy.” She is also the co-founder of the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit that pairs women with disabilities with award-winning photographers creating art exhibitions to raise awareness. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA, and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.

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Could it be a passing episode? A heart attack? Or worse? 

Cardiac conditions—like atrial fibrillation, heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest —can leave you feeling breathless and frightened. At worst, a heart attack or an abnormal heart rhythm can lead to sudden cardiac arrest and have deadly consequences. 

By learning to recognize the warning signs for these conditions—including how they manifest differently in women and men—you potentially can save your life or the life of a loved one. 

With New Year’s resolutions around the corner, this critical information can also serve as an opportunity to be more mindful of heart-healthy choices in 2024. 

What is atrial fibrillation, and who does it affect?

Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, is the most common type of abnormal heart rhythm, affecting more than 2.7 million in the U.S. alone. The number of AFib patients is expected to continue increasing as the nation’s population ages. Approximately 2% of people younger than 65 have AFib, and 9% of those older than 65 have it. 

Sometimes AFib has no symptoms, but in most instances, it is characterized by shortness of breath, racing heartbeat, chest pain, fatigue, dizziness or fainting. 

A number of factors can increase the risk, including aging, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure, congenital heart defects, obesity, alcohol intake and diabetes. Sometimes the cause is unknown, but the condition can develop from any type of problem that changes the way the heart handles electricity.

AFib can lead to a host of potential health problems, including stroke and heart failure.

If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor. 

What are the telltale symptoms of a heart attack? 

Men tend to feel more “traditional” symptoms of a heart attack, including pain in the middle of the chest that can spread to the back, jaw or arms. Heart attack symptoms in women tend to be more subtle and include indigestion, shortness of breath and extreme fatigue. Often, these symptoms will be attributed incorrectly to heartburn, overeating, stress or musculoskeletal pain.

Heart attack symptoms that affect both men and women include faintness, sudden sweating, nausea, heavy pounding of the heart, abnormal heart rhythms, loss of consciousness, restlessness, anxiety, and bluish lips, hands or feet.

Symptoms may start slowly and persist for hours, days or weeks before a heart attack. Not everyone has the same symptoms. 

Research on heart health has largely focused on men, leaving women as an understudied population. In fact, every year, about 435,000 women in the U.S. have heart attacks, which kill six times more women than breast cancer. Of these women, 71% experience early warning signs like extreme fatigue, but many women do not recognize their symptoms as signs of a heart attack.

During a heart attack—whether in men or women—blood flow to the heart is blocked, often by a blood clot or by a buildup of plaque in the arteries. Because the heart muscle needs oxygen to survive, it begins to die when blood flow is blocked. Every second counts. This is why heart attack patients need to be rushed to an emergency department as quickly as possible. 

If you believe someone is experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

How do these conditions differ from sudden cardiac arrest?

While a heart attack is a circulation problem, akin to a clogged pipe, sudden cardiac arrest is an electrical problem triggered by a disruption of the heart’s rhythm often due to ventricular tachycardia. Because cardiac arrest stops the heart from beating, the brain, lungs, and other organs do not get the blood and oxygen they need. Cardiac arrest can lead to death within minutes if not treated.

Symptoms include dizziness, loss of consciousness and shortness of breath. Within seconds of cardiac arrest, a person will become unresponsive and have trouble breathing. Sudden cardiac arrest is not necessarily preceded by heart disease, but many patients experience warning symptoms in the days, weeks and months leading up to an episode. 

Someone experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest could drop to the ground and stop breathing. Bystanders who can provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)—especially chest compressions—can save a life. 

Many recent studies, summarized in a 2023 consensus in the journal Circulation, suggest that out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest survival increases when both CPR and an automated external defibrillator (AED) are utilized. CPR is intended to pump the heart to get blood flowing and circulating to organs. The AED sends an electric shock to the heart in an attempt to restore its normal rhythm.

Call 911 immediately if you think someone has gone into sudden cardiac arrest.

How can I protect my heart from heart rhythm disorders? 

While genetics may play a role in many heart conditions—including heart rhythm disorders—there are proactive steps you can take to protect your heart.

These include eating a nutritious diet complete with leafy green vegetables; staying physically active with 30-minutes of moderate exercise each day; maintaining a healthy weight; avoiding smoking; managing stress effectively; and keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level. 

We also recommend seeking care from a cardiologist annually, who can monitor your heart health and flag issues as they arise. 

Dr. Christine M. Albert is chair of the Department of Cardiology in the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai. A cardiac electrophysiologist and epidemiologist, Albert focuses her research on epidemiology, risk stratification and prevention of sudden cardiac death and atrial fibrillation in multicenter clinical studies. Albert’s research on the impacts of diet, supplements, lifestyle, and genetics on heart rhythm disorders has resulted in multiple publications in The New England Journal of Medicine, the Journal of the American Medical Association, Nature Genetics, Lancet and Circulation.

Dr. Sumeet Chugh is the Pauline and Harold Price Professor and director of the Center for Cardiac Arrest Prevention in the Smidt Heart Institute. An expert in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm abnormalities, Chugh leads groundbreaking research on sudden cardiac arrest and has published more than 300 research studies on heart rhythm disorders. 

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As the world looks to Beverly Hills to set beauty trends, two prominent and highly respected Beverly Hills-based doctors, Dr. Nancy Rahnama and Dr. Suzanne Wallach, are working to set the record straight, and leading the charge in influencing the conversation around Ozempic and semaglutide.

Rahnama is an internist and board-certified obesity medicine specialist, practicing bariatric medicine with a weight loss clinic on Bedford Drive. She earned her medical degree from the University of Southern California, with an internal medical residency at Cedars-Sinai and completed her training with a fellowship at the University of California Los Angeles to earn a subspecialty in clinical nutrition.

Armed with nearly a decade of experience with weight loss drugs specifically, Rahnama has appeared on television news programs, such as NBC’s “Today” show, and in print for newspapers including the Wall Street Journal to spread her message. It is quite simple: if you are taking Ozempic and you’re not a diabetic, obese or medically overweight, you are likely doing yourself more harm than you realize.

According to Rahnama, “Most people taking Ozempic who do not fall under the FDA requirements for the drug, meaning they don’t have type 2 diabetes, or a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 or a BMI greater than 27 with a comorbidity like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes are abusing the drug.”

Abuse sounds like a strong word, but she said she feels strongly, “We need to start calling it what it is—‘abuse’ in order to differentiate between those who actually need the drug and those who don’t.”

And for her, the distinction needs to be made, not just because of the shortage of Ozempic, which made headlines last year when it was exposed that millions of Americans who did not qualify for it were taking the drug, eating up the supply meant for diabetics. “People who are abusing [it] are far more likely to develop the serious side effects we’re hearing about in the news,” she said. The dangerous physical side effects that have been reported, so far, range from intestinal blockages to stomach paralysis.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ozempic, a brand name semaglutide, for patients with type 2 diabetes back in 2017. Semaglutide, a synthetic form of a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), assists the body in making more insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. But early trials showed the drug led to significant weight loss, because it also slows down the emptying of the stomach, causing people taking it to feel full faster and eat less. The results were so dramatic that the pursuit of bringing a semaglutide for weight loss specifically kicked into high gear.

In June 2021, the FDA approved a semaglutide for obese and overweight patients with at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol) under the brand name Wegovy.

Last year, the FDA approved Mounjaro, a combination of GLP-1 and GIP (gastric inhibitory peptide). While approval of the drug for weight loss use is pending with the agency, many doctors commonly prescribe it off-label for their overweight patients.

Rahnama explained that while GLP-1 medications have been around for 15 years in one form or another and many such as Trulicity are prescribed by doctors today, many physicians still don’t know how to prescribe it, and they don’t follow up with patients afterward.

“Many doctors, like your average primary care physician, haven’t been educated on how to administer the drug. They don’t know what the appropriate dosages are. They lack a deeper understanding of nutrition and don’t properly monitor patients after they begin taking it,” she said.

When doctors prescribe Ozempic to people who don’t fit the FDA criteria for the drug, they often get the dosage wrong because the pharmaceutical guidelines they would normally rely on don’t apply. It becomes trial and error. According to Rahnama, the wrong dosage can lead to gastrointestinal issues, which can be so severe they require hospitalization.

If a doctor is administering Ozempic and sending you on your way, you may be unaware of the potential risks from the lack of follow-up. There are several reasons why checking in with patients taking Ozempic is crucial. For one, whenever you lose weight, not all of it comes from fat; you actually lose some muscle and bone mass. Ozempic speeds up that process and is especially of concern in older patients where bone density is already an issue. According to a study done by the New England Journal of Medicine, when researchers looked at a subgroup of 140 participants who fit the FDA criteria for taking Ozempic, they found on average, participants lost about 15 pounds of lean muscle during the 68-week trial. The mean age of participants in that study was 52.

At Rahnama’s clinic, patients are required to get their body composition checked to be sure that the weight they are losing is fat and not bone or muscle. They are also required to have lab work done every week or every other week to see whether any other
medications the patient is taking should be tapered off.

As you lose significant amounts of weight, your blood pressure or cholesterol might go down, so the medications taken to control those issues should also be reduced. Rahnama wants to catch this and course correct along the way. “Most doctors don’t know how to do this monitoring. I don’t prescribe the drug unless the patient has committed to a three- to four-month treatment plan while they’re using the drug,” she said.

Despite the headlines, many are undaunted in their pursuit of a slimmer figure. “I can’t believe some of the requests I see,” Rahnama said. “And there have been a few times where I’ve seen a patient and said, ‘No,’ and they’ve gotten quite upset. I’ve explained to them how taking the medication could only cause more harm than benefit because they don’t have any weight to lose!” Often, they leave angry and search for a doctor who will give them Ozempic.

It’s something Dr. Suzanne Wallach is all too familiar with, and she wants this to change.

Wallach is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the owner and Clinical Director of Suzanne Wallach & Associates and SoCal DBT. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Ottawa University, her master’s degree in clinical psychology from Phillips Graduate University and her doctorate in psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She specializes in personality disorders, with a subset that covers eating disorders, substance abuse and trauma.

While she has notably been featured in the press in her native Canada and has weighed in as an expert across a wide variety of mental health issues, Ozempic is a relatively new issue. And it’s one most don’t immediately connect with mental health. However, as a therapist, she is privy to the secrets many of her clients wouldn’t share with their best friend—like taking Ozempic. She has begun to speak out publicly about the psychological fallout she is witnessing firsthand from the obsession with the weight loss drug.

“My practice is in the middle of Beverly Hills and half of my clients, none who need it, are on Ozempic,” said Wallach. “It’s to the point where I almost don’t know anyone who isn’t on it. All my friends are on it, therapists on staff here are on it. I went to see my doctor, who is based in Beverly Hills about hormone replacement therapy, and he asked me if I wanted Ozempic. And I weigh 105 pounds.”

So how is everyone getting their Ozempic?

“It’s just so incredibly easy to get it here,” said Wallach. “My Beverly Hills clients, again these are not overweight people, tell me they get it from their doctors, who are also in Beverly Hills. I had a client who, when she couldn’t find Ozempic in California, had her doctor fill the prescription for it in Arizona, and then she had a family member ship it back to her in Beverly Hills.”

Some clients have turned to the internet to purchase it online from compounding pharmacies or they get compounds administered at med spas. Compounds, semaglutide cut with various other additives, are not FDA approved and the agency warns against using them.
Because they’re unregulated, you have no idea exactly what you’re injecting into your body.

“What I’ve really noticed with my clients is that their doctors don’t take them off of Ozempic, and they’re terrified to go off of it because they don’t want to gain the weight back,” said Wallach. “It’s fueling body dysmorphia and leading to eating disorders. I had a client come in and say, ‘I only had two pieces of edamame yesterday. It was great!’ And I’m telling them, ‘You can’t survive on two pieces of edamame. That’s not okay. If you weren’t on Ozempic, I would be sending you to treatment for an eating disorder!’”

Wallach warns of the effect not eating has on the brain, “When you’re not eating, whether willfully in the case of anorexics, or simply because you’re not hungry because you’re on Ozempic, you are starving your brain and it becomes malnourished. Your prefrontal cortex doesn’t work correctly so you can’t reason correctly, and then depression and impulsivity are more likely.”

However, the ease of acquiring Ozempic has led to unexpected and heartbreaking outcomes. “I have adolescent clients who don’t fit the criteria on Ozempic. One is 12 years old and the other is 14 and they don’t want to be on it. They tell me it makes them nauseous and sick, but they’re on it because their parents had an issue with their weight and put them on it. I remember when that happened, really pausing and thinking, this is really getting out of control.”

Wallach believes misuse of Ozempic is only going to get worse. “I think it’s a combination of the media, the celebrities who are so obviously on it, and add to that doctors that are willing to prescribe it to people that don’t need it. And when you have that combination, and it becomes so permeated and acceptable here that you have parents willing to put their children on it who don’t need it, I think it’s going to get worse,” she said.

On the other hand, Rahnama said she’s watched Ozempic transform the lives of her obese and overweight patients.

Prior to these drugs, the treatment was simply diet and exercise. “This misconception has created a lot of frustration in people who have struggled with obesity, and it obviously has not solved the problem because obesity is now affecting almost 50% of Americans,” said Rahnama. “Many people don’t realize what overweight people have to struggle with their entire lives,” she said, before rattling off a list of problems that come with obesity, “sleep apnea and liver disease and having to take a slew of medications—blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, gout and joint pain.”

What’s more, Rahnama said these patients are prone to depression and anxiety and often lack the self-confidence to do many of the things most of us take for granted.

“I had one patient who, after several months of appropriate dosage and careful monitoring, lost a significant amount of weight. She came into my clinic all smiles; she told me she finally had the confidence to go on a dating app and she was giddy and blushing when she told me that she met someone special. She had never been on a date before.”

Another patient of Rahnama had wanted to pursue a new career, but he was terrified of even applying for jobs because he dreaded the in-person interview. After treatment, he had the confidence to go out on interviews and he reported back to Rahnama that he had scored his dream job.

While successes like these from adults are moving for Rahnama, the most touching changes come from her adolescent patients.

Obesity in children skyrocketed during the pandemic. And the numbers were staggering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “A study of 432,302 children, ages 2 to 19 years, found the rate of BMI increase nearly doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to a pre-pandemic period.”

Early this year, the FDA approved semaglutide in patients 12 years or older with a BMI in the 95th percentile or higher for their age and sex. Rahnama says treating these patients is one of the most rewarding parts of her job. 

“If you think about it, you can determine a child’s entire future by being able to help them control their weight at a young age,” she said. “Just imagine how limited their life might be because they’re struggling with obesity. Not only does it affect how they feel and how they function, but it also negatively impacts them emotionally. And that emotional impact causes trauma that can hinder them for the rest of their lives.”

“One of my young patients was finally able to go on a roller coaster that she wasn’t ever able to go on because of her weight, another was finally able to excel in tap dancing because she loved it but was limited by her weight. I think that’s a celebration in itself; you’re not just changing their bodies, you’re changing their lives.” 

The post The Real Skinny on Weight Loss appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

We also discussed in a past article, that Martha Stewart invites us to see beauty in unexpected places as she graced the cover of Sports Illustrated in a swimsuit at age 81. I call these evolved beauty receptors, and I think of them as the brain’s software. The more we train ourselves through exposure to see beauty beyond our innate programming, the more beauty we can see in the world. 

When we aren’t exposed to beauty in new places, we don’t grow. Hence, the recent study released by USC Communications Professor Stacy L. Smith and her team is quite concerning. They assessed the most popular films released since 2007 for diversity and inclusion. As a disability rights activist and mother of a daughter with a visible disability, I was particularly disappointed to see that a mere 1.9% of speaking characters in 2022 movies were shown with a disability. According to their report, 27% of the U.S. population has a disability and only one film in 800 examined reached that level of representation. Moreover, in 800 films over an 8-year time frame, there was no meaningful difference in the number of speaking characters with a disability. Clearly, there is much work to be done. 

In 2015, Shelly Baer and I co-founded the Bold Beauty Project to help change the way women with disabilities see themselves and are portrayed in the arts. We pair women with varying disabilities with volunteer photographers, and they work collaboratively to  create an image that allows each woman to feel her most bold and beautiful. Each image is presented along with a brief biography. We have held exhibitions in various cities across the U.S. and in Panama. Our motto is “DISABILITY becomes BEAUTY becomes ART becomes CHANGE.” 

Along with Disability Rights Now (https://www.disabilityrightsnow.com), Bold Beauty Project is hosting its first Los Angeles show Sept. 30 with a reception from 2-6 p.m. at the art room in DTLA, 908 South Olive Street. The event is free, and we invite you to come meet these 20 remarkable women and gracious photographers and expand your capacity to see beauty in places you might otherwise have overlooked. The exhibition will remain on view through Oct. 7 and subsequently online at
www.boldbeautyproject.com. 

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 Autoimmune diseases affect an estimated 24 million people in the U.S. These chronic and disabling disorders—more than 80 and counting—develop when one or more of our immune systems mistakenly attack cells, tissues and organs instead of protecting the body. Problems can also arise when our immune systems fail to manage the interactions of our body’s many organ systems, from respiratory to reproduction.

The debilitating and long-term nature of these complex disorders can significantly decrease patients’ quality of life and ability to work. The stress of these illnesses is often a big burden on families.

Autoimmunity appears to be increasing in the United States and in many parts of the world. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, new studies indicate that SARS-CoV-2 infections might be linked to a substantially increased risk of developing a range of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis and inflammatory bowel disease. 

 How does our immune system work?

Our immune system is a complex network of cells, proteins, tissues and organs with the critical task of helping to keep us well and alive. We have three types of immunity. The first of these is the innate or “natural” immunity we are born with that provides general protection against “outsiders” such as bacteria or viruses. As we age, we develop “adaptive” immunity when we are exposed to diseases or get vaccinations. Lastly, we can acquire short-term “passive”  immunity from another source like a mother’s breast milk that protects a baby against germs or diseases to which its mother has been exposed. 

What causes autoimmune illnesses?

The exact cause of autoimmune diseases is not well understood, but the immune system is involved in every aspect of human anatomy and physiology, so its malfunction can target any organ and system in the body.  

There are risk factors that research suggests can increase the chances of developing one of these diseases. Genetics, sex, race and ethnicity and the environment appear to play a role. For example, having relatives with an autoimmune illness increases a person’s risk. Also, if someone already has an autoimmune disorder, it increases the chance they will develop another one. 

Researchers studying the rise of autoimmune conditions around the world have also found evidence that some chemicals, such as organic pollutants, toxic metals and certain solvents, could play a role. 

Who is more at risk for developing an autoimmune disorder?

Women are significantly more susceptible to developing an autoimmune illness, although some disorders are more common in men. Lupus, which can cause chronic pain and inflammation throughout the body—including the joints, skin, heart and other organ systems—is far more common in women. However, ankylosing spondylitis, a disorder that causes bones in the spine to fuse over time, is more common in men. Type 1 diabetes and Crohn’s disease (chronic inflammation of the digestive tract) occur at about the same rate in men and women. 

The precise cause of the sex differences in autoimmunity is not completely understood. Studies suggest genetics and hormones play a key role. Being obese or having a prior infection or exposure to toxins also may elevate the risk of a breakdown in the immune system.

Race and ethnicity appear to contribute to the risk for developing autoimmune disorders as well. Cedars-Sinai investigators have found that people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent develop Crohn’s disease at higher-than-average rates. Black women face a higher risk for developing lupus than people of European ancestry. African American and Hispanic patients with scleroderma—an autoimmune disease characterized by thickening and scarring of the skin and vital organs and the narrowing of the blood vessels—develop more severe forms of the illness and have a higher death rate from the disorder. 

 What are symptoms of autoimmune diseases, and how do I get diagnosed?

There are very few specific tests for autoimmune diseases. Common symptoms of autoimmunity such as fatigue, joint pain, intestinal problems, swollen glands and recurring fevers can be associated with other conditions. The best suggestion is to find a medical center that has specialists and specialty clinics focused on the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune disorders. Getting answers can require detective work, so it is important to find a clinician who will partner with you in the journey to find a diagnosis and effective treatment.  

Dr. Francesco Boin is the Chair of Rheumatology and Director of the Cedars-Sinai Kao Multispecialty Scleroderma Program.  His research focuses on the genetic risk of scleroderma and the biology of immune cells involved in the development of this disease. Dr. Boin uses his clinical work with patients to help design studies targeting the most important questions about scleroderma. 

 Dr. Nunzio Bottini is the Founding Director of the Cedars-Sinai Kao Autoimmunity Institute and a practicing rheumatologist. His research to improve and develop effective therapies for patients involves the investigation of genetic mechanisms that may put people at risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and lupus. 

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Taylor Swift rocked Los Angeles earlier this month, performing six nights to sold-out crowds at SoFi Stadium. Her “Eras” world tour is poised to become the highest-grossing concert of all time expecting to produce $1.4 billion in net revenue making it the first tour ever to gross $1 billion in ticket sales according to Pollstar. Swift’s relationship with her fans, known as “Swifties,” is unique and powerful. So powerful that her July 22 and 23 concerts in Seattle generated “Swift Quakes” registering seismic activity equivalent to a 2.3 magnitude earthquake according to seismologist Jackie Caplan-Auerbach. 

Just like Marta Stewart and “Barbie,” it is the brains and imagination along with the exaggerated beauty and lots of hard work that create their legendary impact. 

“Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” a song written by Robert Hazard in the late 1970s and popularized by Cyndi Lauper makes a great theme song for the summer of 2023. “Barbie” is everywhere, even in Whole Foods. Swift concert tickets are near impossible to get on the primary market with secondary prices climbing to over $3,500 a seat, according to StubHub.  

Both Martha Stewart and Taylor Swift have been working since age 13 and Barbie is now 64 years old without one day off! These role models show that hard work pays—a crucial lesson in an era of instant gratification. Taylor Swift earned an honorary doctorate from NYU in 2022 and delivered the commencement speech despite forgoing her own college education to work. Her physical stamina and endurance rival elite athletes, as she performs for three hours and 20 minutes at her shows multiple nights each week for 20 months. With an estimated net worth of $740 million, according to Forbes, she shows no signs of slowing down. 

Resilience is always a key element to success. Martha Stewart was able to bounce back even after serving time in prison. Ruth Handler, Barbie’s creator, rode through financial allegations and lost her position as CEO of Mattel. When she had breast cancer, she used the experience to invent breast prosthetics for women. Taylor Swift has struggled with public breakups, legal battles, an eating disorder and a mother with cancer. These women demonstrate what Hellen Keller said, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

Unlike many celebrities, Taylor Swift has managed to avoid many of the common pitfalls of fame and maintain what she says is her most innate desire “to be seen as good.” She is widely recognized for her kindness and generosity. The tradition of Swift-made bracelets continues to be a symbolic gesture among fans, fostering a caring culture where they support each other both online and offline. She has 270 million followers on Instagram and posts weekly. Swift constantly surprises and connects with her fans through Easter Eggs and unexpected announcements, fostering a sense of connection that goes beyond music. At the conclusion of the North American leg of tour this month in L.A., published reports say she gave away $55 million dollars. She surprised all 50 truck drivers with a $100,000 bonus and a handwritten thank-you note. She also donated to food banks in every city she visited along the way.

Taylor Swift is often referred to by fans as a “real life Barbie.” Her seismic impact, both literal and metaphorical, brings to life the Barbie motto “You can be anything.” Martha Stewart looking sexy at 84 says the same! 

In the words of another icon, Madonna, “Blonde ambition isn’t just about hair color. It’s about pushing boundaries, redefining norms, and showing the world that success, resilience, and kindness can coexist. 

Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with more than 30 years’ experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the founder of the Bekindr Global Initiative, a movement to bring more kindness in the world. She is the co-author of “The Beauty Prescription” and “The Concise Guide to Marriage and Family Therapy.” She is also the co-founder of the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit that pairs women with disabilities with award-winning photographers creating art exhibitions to raise awareness. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA, and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.

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Making history during its debut weekend, “Barbie” became the highest-grossing film by a female director—a beautiful demonstration of Oscar Wilde’s 1889 quip, “Life imitates art far more than art imitates life.” Gerwig and Barbie prove that women are truly capable of anything.

Barbie at 65 years old instead of retiring is being reinvented. She is once again a cultural phenomenon and an agent of change. By bringing us together to play, stimulating our innate beauty receptors, connecting us to our childhood, and challenging us to confront substantial social issues, Barbie is a real star. The movie doesn’t merely bring a beloved doll to life—it also provokes us to engage in deeper societal discussions about femininity, empowerment, social structures, mental health and more. In her new avatar, Barbie once again encourages us to believe in the boundless potential within each of us—this time for women and men alike.

Here are some of the key themes in “Barbie” that are striking a chord in all of us:

The Timing is Perfect: We are all emerging from our cocoons to experience joy together again. The mid- summer release ignited our desire to return to theaters with friends and family. This marks the biggest movie opening since 2019, a clear indication that we are moving past the trauma and enthusiastically resuming public gatherings.

A Longing for the Past: A dash of nostalgia can alleviate anxiety and uplift moods. Childhood, for many, was a carefree period, and revisiting it is comforting. Additionally, our brains conserve energy by processing familiar experiences, making them feel rewarding.

Our Concept of Beauty: Attributes such as clear skin, shiny hair, long eyelashes, a curvaceous figure and symmetry are considered “beautiful” in women. These features signal optimal fertility, triggering our biological programming to find them attractive—a constant across time and cultures.  When Barbie emerged in 1958, she showcased these traits in an exaggerated manner, instantly stimulating our innate beauty receptors. Now, Margot Robbie’s portrayal brings Barbie to life and triggers those same receptors.

“Girl Power” Personified: Barbie has always signified feminine potential—conveyed through hues of pink, sparkling glamor, radiant smiles, friendships and boundless spirit. Since her inception, Barbie has been a catalyst for change, morphing from a doll modeled after a sex worker into an emblem of unlimited potential. She has stirred the imaginations of children for decades, and this excitement is heightened as she takes on the full range of emotions in the film. Ruth Handler, the creator of Barbie, said “My whole philosophy of Barbie was that, through the doll, the little girl could be anything she wanted to be. Barbie always represented the fact that a woman has choices.” This is certainly a message that resonates now!

Overcoming Anxiety: In recent years, societal anxiety about death has been near universal. Seeing a life-sized Barbie sharing our fears is validating. Just as we emerge from our collective trauma, the Barbies band together to save their society. Overcoming trauma acts as a catalyst for growth in both Barbieland and the real world.

The Power of Play: The joy of communal movie-watching evokes childhood memories. Dressing up, sharing laughter, tears and stimulating discussions is a welcome departure from the isolation imposed by the pandemic. As social creatures, the limitations of at-home viewing on platforms like Netflix become clear when we contrast it with the enthusiasm being generated by Barbie.

A Study in Contrasts: Barbie’s hyper-femininity contrasts perfectly with the hyper-masculinity of the protagonist of “Oppenheimer.” The simultaneous release of both movies undoubtedly augmented both of their successes. The “Barbenheimer” weekend was a unique moment in cinema history, unlikely to be replicated soon without seeming contrived.

The Power of Exaggeration: In the digital age, exaggeration often captures attention by simplifying information processing. This inclination towards rapid, energy-efficient stimuli becomes more evident amidst the vast sea of digital content. Gerwig expertly used exaggeration and hyperbole to capture and hold our attention. 

Layered Content: The fast-paced, multi-dimensional movie engages viewers of all ages and sexes. In fact, 35% of viewers on opening weekend were men. The clever storyline and content, with numerous references to old films and other social phenomena, is delivered in a visually stimulating way. Gerwig managed to tackle big issues such as identity, relationships, existential crisis and matriarchy versus patriarchy. In fact, the monologue about the difficulty of balancing motherhood and work moved many to tears. There is something for almost everyone in this film.

Thought-Provoking Innovation: The movie takes the familiar character of Barbie and presents her in an entirely new way. While some worry that artificial intelligence may stifle creativity, it may also stimulate it. One of the men in our group said after the movie, “That was way better than it needed to be”—a sentiment I couldn’t agree more with! This was a movie unlike any we have seen before and many are already returning for a second viewing in order to catch more. 

A Touch of Controversy: And last but not least, as P.T. Barnum said, “there is no such thing as bad publicity as long as they spell your name right.” The portrayal of men was perceived as insulting by many and nothing ignites conversation like feeling slighted. It seems that Gerwig sought to illustrate that both matriarchy and patriarchy are flawed, and the solution lies in finding balance. However, not everyone interprets the movie this way, and many have been vocal about their anger.

For these reasons and more, this is truly a movie with legs (pun intended). 

Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with more than 30 years’ experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the founder of the Bekindr Global Initiative, a movement to bring more kindness in the world. She is the co-author of “The Beauty Prescription” and “The Concise Guide to Marriage and Family Therapy.” She is also the co-founder of the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit that pairs women with disabilities with award-winning photographers creating art exhibitions to raise awareness. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA, and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.

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Fast forward to 2023, and the world is posed with a significant question – “Is the pandemic over?” Answering this query is not as clear-cut as we’d like, primarily because the pandemic has affected people and communities in vastly different ways. For young, healthy individuals leading active social lives, their pandemic experience may seem like a distant memory. In contrast, for older adults and those with underlying health conditions, the threat of COVID-19 may still feel immediate and imposing. 

Several milestone announcements from world leaders and health organizations attempted to define the end of the pandemic. President Joe Biden in September 2021 declared that “the pandemic is over.” Later, on May 5, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) called an end to the COVID-19 public health emergency, with the United States following suit on May 11, 2023. Yet these declarations passed without the attention one might expect, perhaps indicating public skepticism or simply pandemic fatigue.

Last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that excess deaths in the U.S. had finally dropped to below 1 % for the first time since March 2020. At the height of the pandemic in April 2020, excess mortality in the U.S. had peaked at a staggering 40%. This marked reduction may be the clearest indicator of the end of the pandemic and its layers of complications. This decrease, however, does not signify the complete eradication of COVID-19. Instead, the virus has transitioned into a less lethal threat, now claiming around 80 American lives per day – approximately 1 % of all deaths.

Many factors have contributed to this relative success. By May 2023, over 70% of Americans had received at least one vaccine dose, thanks to the massive and swift vaccine distribution efforts. A similar portion of Americans (77.5 % of those over 16 years of age) have contracted and recovered from COVID-19, granting them natural immunity. Treatments have significantly improved over the years, thanks to relentless efforts by healthcare professionals and researchers around the world. Lastly, over these three years, the virus has mutated to what appears to be a less lethal form. 

I see all around me now examples of people bouncing back, and it is very heartwarming. The world is coming back to life with all sorts of gatherings. Sporting events and concerts are sold out again. Wedding venues are hard to come by. Recreational travel is at an all-time high and excepted to beat records this summer. Many people are moving again. Telework seems to be here to stay for so many. 

So, is the pandemic over? The answer might lie somewhere between yes and no. The acute crisis phase appears to be behind us, but the echoes of the pandemic still resonate, shaping our actions, attitudes, and aspirations for the future. In addition, the trauma of the pandemic has been significant, and it has provided a catalyst for profound personal and societal transformation.

In previous Courier columns, we discussed the pillars of Post Traumatic Growth: Physical Vitality, Mental Toughness, Emotional Balance, and Loving and Strong Connections. These principles have served as a guidepost for many as they navigate the aftermath of this challenging period.

Now, it seems, is an opportune time to pause, exhale, and let the relief wash over us. As we transition into this new chapter, let’s reflect on the lessons learned, the growth experienced, and our hopes for this era of newfound freedom. Remember, surviving trauma, while daunting, often lays the groundwork for the most significant personal transformations. This shared global experience has the potential to catalyze profound societal change. Did we learn the lesson that what affects one of us affects all of us? That our well-being is tied to the collective? That we can manage with far less.  That our environment can thrive again if we give it a chance? And that we must support a global healthcare system as we are all in this together. I hope that this trying period has taught us these and many other valuable lessons.  

Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with more than 30 years of experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the founder of the Bekindr Global Initiative, a movement to bring more kindness in the world. She is the co-author of “The Beauty Prescription” and “The Concise Guide to Marriage and Family Therapy.” She is also the co-founder of the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit that pairs women with disabilities with award-winning photographers creating art exhibitions to raise awareness. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA, and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.

The post From Crisis to Recovery: The End of the COVID-19 Pandemic appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Decades ago, lasers were something out of the sci-fi realm, wielded by Jedi’s using the Force. Now, they’re a common part of the beauty arsenal, and they are constantly upgraded with new and improved versions, doing more with less downtime, fewer repeat treatments and offering more efficacy.

We’ve expanded well beyond lasers; now sound waves like radio and ultrasound frequencies are used to melt fat deposits or mold them to restructure the contours of the face like Silly Putty. Plasma is harnessed from atmospheric disturbances in the air to smooth and even skin. Wrinkles, skin laxity, scars, dark spots and a multitude of other tell-tale signs of aging can be reversed without going under the knife.

There’s a constant stream of breakthrough technologies and cutting-edge devices appearing in dermatologists’ offices all the time, it’s hard to know where to start. So, we spoke to some of the leading beauty experts in Beverly Hills to uncover the latest and greatest in beauty tech for turning back the hands of time.

Dr. Ava Shamban is a board-certified dermatologist with practices in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills. She’s the go-to beauty source for publications such as Glamour, InStyle and New York Magazine and for television programs, including CBS’s “The Doctors” and ABC’s “Extreme Makeover” and “Good Morning America.” Shamban is also a frequent expert on CBS News, CNN, Extra and Fox News. 

She says her Beverly Hills clients come to her, generally speaking, to address three basic beauty concerns: signs of aging on the face (wrinkles, fine lines, brown spots); neck laxity; and excess body fat.

In the case of the first, she recommends CoolPeel (not to be confused with CoolSculpting, the body contouring treatment). CoolPeel is the first FDA-approved, non-invasive, painless treatment that targets age spots, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles. It works by delivering short pulses to the skin’s surface, creating microchannels in the skin. Unlike traditional laser resurfacing treatments, CoolPeel uses a unique system that keeps the skin cool and protects it from thermal damage, allowing the laser to penetrate deeper into the skin’s layers. It can be used on the face, neck, chest and other areas of the body.

Years ago, if you wanted to erase sun damage, smooth wrinkles and even skin tone, you had one option: the chemical peel, which involves applying a topical acid solution to the face that causes the top layers of the skin to peel away. The treatment can be painful (depending on how deep you go), and the downtime can be lengthy. At a minimum, you’ll walk around looking like a roasted tomato for a couple of weeks. But blurring fine lines and wrinkles requires a deeper peel with up to 20 days of recovery, and you’ll spend a portion of that time in face bandages looking like a horror movie ghoul. While chemical peels are still an option, it’s no longer your only choice. Lasers changed the game, and the tech is constantly changing and improving. CoolPeel is part of the next generation of resurfacing lasers, and according to Dr. Shamban, it’s one of the best.

“The CoolPeel is a very superficial laser resurfacing treatment that has very little downtime and no discomfort, which is why it’s called a ‘cool’ laser,” said Dr. Shamban. “The advantage it has over a chemical peel, which people have been doing for a long time, is that you get more tissue stimulation because you’re using a laser. So not only will you get a nice exfoliation of the skin and improvement in fine lines and wrinkles and removal of brown spots, but you’re also going to stimulate more cell turnover and more collagen production. We have people do a series of treatments, we suggest three, with the device. The other thing that’s nice about it is that it can be done in the summer, as long as you’re committed to wearing a hat and routinely applying a sunscreen layer.”

Prep for CoolPeel is simple: the target area is cleansed, and a numbing cream is applied (you’ll have to wait an hour for it to fully take effect before the treatment begins). During the procedure, you will feel the slight sensation of short bursts as the laser is moved along the skin, but its cooling mechanism keeps discomfort to a minimum. Typically, the treatment takes 15 to 30 minutes. The downtime is typically just a few hours to a day of slight redness and minor peeling over time, akin to a mild sunburn. “But it’s not going to be terrible,” Dr. Shamban added, “It’s not like your skin will be coming off in sheets.”

Within a few days to a week, you’ll see an improvement in the texture and tone of your skin, which will continue over the next several weeks as your body responds to the laser by producing collagen and elastin.

When it comes to tackling neck laxity (the crepiness and sagging of the skin around the jawline and neck), Dr. Shamban says the most effective non-invasive treatment is Softwave, a skin-tightening device that utilizes breakthrough ultrasound technology.

“I think it’s best in class for tissue tightening,” she said of the device. “We use it on the neck, jowls, face and chest, but it also works great in other areas and is effective in treating cellulite.”

Softwave sends heat to a depth of exactly 1.5 mm into the dermis, the area of the skin responsible for keeping your skin smooth. The device employs a new delivery method called “synchronous ultrasound parallel beam technology” (SUPERBTM) to apply the heat, which causes your body to ramp up collagen production at the target site. This influx of collagen gives structural support and increases volume to combat fine lines, sagging skin and wrinkles. Softwave has also been proven to show results in combating the appearance of cellulite on the buttocks, with study participants showing post-treatment improvement using the Cellulite Severity Scale. 

For your first session, typically a maximum of 45 minutes, expect a warm or mild tingling sensation during the treatment. And the best part? There is zero downtime, and results are visible after a single session. Though, the entire collagen regeneration process can take up to 12 weeks, and patients will continue to see improvements over the course of the next three months following the treatment.

As for stubborn fat, Dr. Shamban says nothing compares to the Ultimate Contour, the only low-frequency, ultrasound device approved by the FDA that is painless, safe and provides immediate results.

“Ultimate Contour is the ultimate safe fat-removal device. And it works by a different kind of technology than we’ve had before,” said Dr. Shamban. “It works by a special type of focused ultrasound, which creates turbulence in the fat cells. It literally pops open and destroys fat cells more effectively than any other thing that we have right now. Ultimate Contour uses sound waves, which sounds incredible, but it works more completely. So even after one treatment, you see really phenomenal results.”

It’s also a relatively quick procedure with treatment time lasting an average of 10 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the target area.

The speedy metamorphosis is due, in part, to the device’s two handpieces; one, the ultrasound handpiece used for fat reduction and the second, which emits radio frequency (RF) energy for stimulating collagen production. The dual technology allows you to treat several different issues in a single treatment area so you can reduce your waistline by 1 inch in a single treatment and smooth and tighten your skin. Though Dr. Shamban says the most requested target area is the abdomen, it can be used to great effect to slim arms, thighs, calves, saddlebags and love handles. 

And, depending on the patient, repeat treatments (to the same area) are usually unnecessary because the device actually destroys fat cells. “So, as long as you don’t go out and eat like three Big Macs and a bag of Doritos every day, you can maintain it. For all of the people who have a little resistant fat, this is their get-out-of-jail-free card,” she said.

“We don’t want to make anybody feel bad, so when I say ‘fat’ I am talking about fat cells. We used to call it ‘fat removal,’ but now we call it ‘body contouring,’ so that’s the umbrella term,” Dr. Shamban explained. “And body contouring can be done at different levels. You can tighten up the muscle, which devices like EmSculpt accomplish. It works by stimulating your muscles, so you get maximum muscle contraction and tightening. We have the device here, and I love it. We all hop on it whenever we can. That’s technically ‘body contouring,’ but the next level is fat removal, and there are different ways to remove fat—you can have liposuction, or you can freeze the fat, which is called cryolipolysis, and CoolSculpting is the brand name for that method. But now you can completely destroy the fat in a completely different way like with Ultimate Contour. CoolSculpting can take a long time, and sometimes not all the fat cells are destroyed by the cold. Ultimate Contour is a much more complete destruction, which is why I think it’s the best in its class.”

But when it comes to a treatment that gives you the biggest bang for your buck, Dr. Shamban says there isn’t one singular treatment that fits everyone. “It’s just so individual,” she said. “A treatment program has to be based on your facial structures, skin type and skin changes. So, it would be nice if I could offer some kind of magic wand treatment, but we don’t have it yet.”  

There are so many advancements in beauty technology being introduced all the time that many turn to social media to keep up. But for Dr. Shamban, this isn’t a bad thing; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. “Social media has made all of these procedures acceptable,” she said. “And now, people can talk about them openly like you would about getting your hair curled or highlighted or your teeth done. All of these procedures are in that realm now, which is very cool. The truth is that most people do these procedures, not for other people, but for themselves so that when they look in the mirror, they feel better. And that’s backed up by research. It’s something called the facial feedback hypothesis, which is when you look at yourself, and you look good, you feel better. It’s just hardwired into our brain.”

Dr. Harold Lancer is a world-renowned, board-certified dermatologist with a long list of A-list clients, including Beyoncé, Margot Robbie, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Ryan Seacrest (who co-founded the men’s skin-care line, Polished, with Dr. Lancer in 2017). The Lancer Dermatology clinic on Rodeo Drive is practically a Beverly Hills landmark. And though Dr. Lancer has built his decades-long career largely on his “from practice-to-product” concept with his ever-evolving skincare line, his dermatology clinic offers more than two dozen cutting-edge tech devices designed for a multitude of highly individualized treatments.

 According to Dr. Lancer, the majority of his Beverly Hills clients seek him out because they’re unhappy with their uneven skin tone.  “The number one concern [for patients] is always uniformity with complexion—consistent color. Blotchy color correction is key,” he said. “Lifting non-surgically is concern number two. Scar visibility reduction is number three.”  

And “subtle” is the word most often used by his patients. “Subtle is the key to today’s consultation and procedural plan. The days of obvious alteration are over because the public is generally returning to a simplistic approach to skin appearance maintenance,” Dr. Lancer said.

For him, tackling any problem areas starts first and foremost with skincare. “A high-quality, full-body, therapeutic skin care program for home use is always number one because if skincare is done properly, the results of any minimally invasive procedure will be significantly better,” he said.

In terms of the latest devices, his approach is always multipronged, preferring to use what he calls composite treatments.  “Composite is a group of instruments simultaneously used in a single visit. It’s a big mistake to visit a facility with only one or two machines. Multifunctional clinical work is needed,” he said.

Typically, this means Dr. Lancer will employ three or four different multidimensional, energy-based devices in a single treatment session. “This generally includes lasers, high intensity focused ultrasound, electromagnetic current, fractioned variable radio frequency heating—all during one visit to create skin self-restoration,” he said.

For the specific issue of uneven skin, he prefers the Picoway Resolve, a dual wavelength laser that targets excess pigment on the face and body, whether it’s naturally occurring in the form of hyperpigmentation or melasma, or from black and green ink tattoos. It’s an ultra-fast laser that transmits energy into the skin’s tissue, triggering the body’s own natural healing process, something that aligns with Dr. Lancer’s extensive research into the benefits of inflammation on the anti-aging process. Available exclusively in Beverly Hills at Lancer Dermatology, this powerful laser is suitable for all skin types and requires little downtime, with full healing achieved in five to seven days.

To achieve lift without surgery, Dr. Lancer utilizes Accent Prime, a device that offers a combination of proprietary ultrasound and radio frequency technologies, allowing practitioners to selectively target fat cells, while the RF enables focused treatment at multiple tissue depths for a customized treatment. “Lifting of tissue without surgical cutting is highly demanded because of surgical failures,” he said. “[Accent Prime] increases the bounce and elasticity of tissue so that tissue is visually and physically lifted without removing skin. This is generally best for individuals in their 30s to 50s who have been well-maintained and want further maintenance without surgical invasion. Depending on the composite procedures, downtime can be one or two days [and up to] seven to 10 days, and it can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $6,500,” he said.

Also, among his devices is the Opus Plasma from Alma. It has a variety of interchangeable tips that are super-charged with high-frequency, unipolar, radiofrequency energy. This energy reacts to atmospheric pressure in the air to create plasma that, in turn, creates microthermal zones, which deliver fractional injuries to target areas, provoking the skin’s natural regenerative cycle. Plasma intensity can be adjusted based on the patient’s desired outcome to light, moderate or aggressive resurfacing, and the results are the same as the most aggressive CO2 lasers with a significant reduction in downtime and discomfort during the treatment, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Afterward, stretch marks, and deep and fine lines will significantly be reduced, skin tone and texture improved, and elasticity restored after just one treatment (with optimal results after a completed series of two to three).

While we all feel the pressure to maintain a youthful appearance, made worse by the proliferation of highly altered images shared on social media platforms, Dr. Lancer says his patients have a more realistic response. “[Social media] has had a huge impact on the entire landscape as self-perception has changed. Even if someone is not privy to social media surveillance, someone around them who is privy will usually be an influence. The patients that come [into my clinic] already recognize that things online are often filtered and unrealistic. They come to me to get a healthy appearance without the magic of filtration,” he said.

Unfortunately, even the best results won’t last forever, says Dr. Lancer. “In appearance maintenance, ‘one and done’ does not exist,” he said. “Maintenance is always required, either three to four months, six months, or one year down the line.”

Dr. Madhuri Chadha, known as Dr. Madh to clients at her popular Beverly Hills practice, is also a firm believer in combination therapies. “I think that when you combine resurfacing with collagen-stimulating treatments, you’re getting the best of everything. My absolute favorite is radiofrequency microneedling. And to be specific, a device called Secret RF,” she shared. “It’s unlike anything else out there.”

What sets it apart, according to Dr. Madh, is the device’s ability to deliver thermal heat at a consistent temperature directly to target areas. “RF microneedling relies on thermal heat at a very specific temperature in order to stimulate fibroblasts (the cells that produce collagen), and some devices may say that they are delivering it at a certain level, but it’s not by the time it gets to the tissue. And this device is very true to what it says. Also, the needle head size is much bigger. It’s a 64-pin versus the average 25-pin, so you’re more than doubling the delivery of heat and targeted wound injury to the skin. I’m very fond of this device, and I consistently see really nice results with it.”

Secret RF works on all skin types and colors to improve dermal elasticity and helps with fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, traumatic and surgical scarring, and deep acne scarring as well. Often, Dr. Madh will use the device with a CO2 laser for a holistic approach to more youthful skin. “By using both devices, you’re not only stimulating the deep tissue and addressing crepiness with RF, but you’re also resurfacing the skin with the CO2,” she said.

Downtime is limited; any post-treatment redness subsides in about 24 hours (the neck can take up to 72 hours). “If you do it on a Friday, you’re ready to go by Monday. And oftentimes, patients will even go out that same night. It really depends on the intensity of your treatment and the skin tone of the patient,” she said. “Older microneedling methods created a targeted wound injury with no thermal heat. And afterward, you were left looking like you got in a fight with a cat, with a lot of bloody redness and scratches. With thermal heat, the blood coagulates, and so it’s very clean. If there’s any bleeding, it’s coagulated, so no one walks out looking bloody. Oftentimes, patients walk out with a glow.”

It can take up to 12 weeks to see improvements with final results topping out around five months, and Dr. Madh recommends a series of three treatments anywhere from four to six weeks apart. After the last, you can maintain results with a repeat treatment every six months. “The more consistent you are, the better your result is going to be,” she said. “If you liken it to your fitness routine, you don’t just join the gym and workout for a month and say you’re done for the rest of your life, right? It’s all getting started and maintaining those results.”

The Secret RF treatment starts at around $1,200 and goes up to $1,800 per session, depending on the area. But for Dr. Madh, it really is the best bang for your buck. “When talking about reversing the signs of aging, hands down, it’s radiofrequency microneedling,” she offered. “Because it is multitasking, it’s going to help with texture, tone and pigmentation, and it’s going to stimulate collagen and improve dermal elasticity. And the results are long-term because you’re using your own body to stimulate collagen. But there’s one thing to remember,” she cautions. “We’re not stopping the clock; we’re slowing it down.”

Shawna Jones began her career in orthopedic spine surgery before making the move to dermatology and medical aesthetics eight years ago. She’s also a top trainer for Allergan Aesthetics, the maker of the holy grail injectable Botox, instructing aestheticians across the country in the latest advancements. Operating out of the SkinSpirit clinic’s two locations—Newport Beach and Beverly Hills—she’s in high demand for her expertise in the latest technological advancements.

According to Jones, she’s seeing a movement toward natural results achieved by injectables used in conjunction with lasers and other collagen induction therapies. “We go to Botox for preventative reasons, for help with those dynamic lines that we make with movement, and there’s a place for that. And then, there’s a place for improving overall skin quality, which is where the [devices] come into play,” she said.  

One of the most requested treatments at the Beverly Hills location is the Morpheus 8, a state-of-the-art device that utilizes both RF technology and microneedling. “It’s minimally invasive unlike traditional microneedling, where a tiny pin is glided across the skin to create micro channels. [Morpheus 8] uses sound waves to create these channels, which in turn boosts collagen and elastin during the body’s healing cascade [the stages in which the body repairs itself],” she explained. “The best part is that it’s completely customizable so the device can be tailored for each patient, and you can actually recontour the face and remold the fat and underlying skin structures if needed.”

The Morpheus 8 can be adjusted to target different depths so a facial map can be created allowing for specific areas to be tightened more, or less, and the heat delivered by the radio frequencies can break down fat deposits allowing for the fat to be repositioned. Jones says she’s seen it work wonders for acne scarring as well. The device can be used on the face and neck, on the body, the abdomen specifically, or crepey skin on the upper arms or back of the thighs. Thanks to its twin handpieces—one for the face and one for the body—it can be used effectively anywhere.

The procedure takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated, and it begins with numbing the site to assuage any discomfort, and that can be done either topically or with Pro-Nox, an FDA-cleared medical nitrous oxide machine. “For a lot of people, what they most want to know is if it’s going to be painful or if it will hurt, and we want it to be a pleasant experience. So that helps tremendously,” said Jones of the fast-acting, pain-dulling nitrous.

Downtime for most patients is between five and six days. Immediately after the treatment, you will experience a little redness like a sunburn and some swelling, which will subside in about 72 hours. And you’ll feel micro scabs on the site over the course of the next couple of weeks. They won’t be visible and will flake off on their own. Jones stresses not to exfoliate or manually remove these scabs. “We tell patients to just leave those scabs alone. I also tell them not to do any heavy exercises, anything where you would be sweating, which attracts bacteria because we want to prevent any infection and to avoid wearing makeup for at least a week,” she said. “You could go out in public, but you wouldn’t want to have any big events scheduled for a minimum of a week post-treatment, but I usually tell people to aim for a couple of weeks.”

Because the Morpheus 8 works by stimulating collagen production, results aren’t instant. Changes develop over the course of three months, on average. And Jones recommends a series of three treatments, done at four or six-week intervals. A single facial area starts at $600 (full face is $1,200); body pricing begins at $750 per area; and full face, neck and chest costs $1,850. All treatments include Pro-Nox (nitrous oxide for pain management/numbing) and a medical-grade Sente Daily Repair Essentials kit for post-treatment, at-home recovery.

“Once you’ve done the series of three, you need to protect your investment,” she said. “I highly recommend continuing with medical-grade skin care at home and keeping up with sunscreen, which you should be doing anyway. Skin is such a major part of how we perceive ourselves, and dermatologists and aestheticians can give so much confidence and make people feel so much better about themselves by helping improve even little things to make people feel a little bit younger.” 

The post The Rise of Beauty Tech appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Did you know that what is attractive is hardwired in our brain and linked to fertility? Numerous studies have shed light on our innate beauty receptors. Babies as young as 1-month-old stare longer at attractive faces and 1-year-olds have been shown to cooperate better with attractive sitters and on it goes throughout life. For all of us living in Beverly Hills, we know that beauty matters. 

Psychologist Nancy Etcoff, in her book “Survival of the Prettiest,” asserts that our preference for smooth skin, shiny hair, curved waists, and symmetrical bodies stems from the evolutionary advantage associated with these traits. Our ancestors who recognized and desired these signals had greater reproductive success. Thus, our brains have developed innate beauty receptors that respond positively to these characteristics. Attractive faces trigger the brain’s reward pathway, much like activities such as making money, having sex, or using cocaine.

The International Mate Selection Project, conducted by David Buss, was a massive study encompassing diverse cultures and continents. He looked at mate selection in 33 countries on six continents and five islands. The findings revealed that men across cultures valued appearance more than women did when selecting a mate. Traits such as clear skin, lustrous hair, symmetrical features, and an ideal waist-to-hip ratio were consistently associated with attractiveness. These characteristics signify good health and form a universal beauty archetype that is innate rather than learned. No wonder the skin, hair and personal beauty care industry is a global phenomenon with $571 billion of revenue projected for 2023 and an annual growth rate of 3.8%. 

In humans, our extended period of dependency on maternal care influences our mate selection. Women experience a pronounced rise and decline in fertility as nature wants to ensure that mothers are around long enough to raise their children to independence. Men are wired to be attracted to young and healthy women to enhance the survival of their offspring. Peak fertility years equate to peak attractiveness. Hence the slew of 20-year-olds gracing magazine covers and beauty pageants. 

Conversely, men do not experience such a rapid decline in fertility. Their ability to care for offspring may increase as they get older as they may have more financial and social resources and protect their young. Hence, male attractiveness increases as men age. One study showed that women were in fact more attracted to men with scars on their faces perhaps signaling that he can do battle and survive. These differences in reproductive strategies explains the popularity of May-December romances and platforms like Sugar Baby Sugar Daddy, which align with our evolutionarily programmed instincts.

But don’t despair about these inequities in attractiveness as we age. Women’s desire to look attractive keeps us alive longer; almost six years on average! Our desire to look good drives us to the gym, Pilates classes, nutritionists, dermatologists and other life-extending places. 

We also evolve our perceptions of beauty over time by downloading what I refer to as “evolved beauty receptors.” Martha Stewart helps all of us do that by challenging the narrow definition of fertility-associated beauty and looking sexy at 81. She shows us how women can embrace their attractiveness and radiate beauty decades beyond our peak fertility years. Our lives are now driven by multifaceted forces that extend way beyond procreation and survival. Reproduction is no longer the sole arduous task it once was for our ancestors, particularly in the industrialized world and need to hold such sway over our choices.  

To transcend hardwired beauty perceptions and develop our minds’ beauty software, we can train ourselves to see beauty in new places. As we progress through life, our perceptions of beauty naturally expand. We find beauty in our loved ones, acquaintances, and strangers. The media play a big role in shaping our preferences. What we see often, usually grows in attractiveness. The internet has exponentially broadened the definition of beauty, introducing new standards continuously. Through positive experiences and open-mindedness, we can discover ever- increasing beauty in ourselves, others, and the world around us. 

Actively recruiting new beauty receptors is also possible. By observing women in various settings, consciously recognizing and appreciating their unique beauty, we can expand our perceptions. In 2015, I co-founded the Bold Beauty Project. www.boldbeautyproject. We pair women with varying disabilities with volunteer photographers and create art shows to encourage our audience to see beauty in places they may have overlooked. We will be hosting our next show in DTLA, Sept. 30 and hope to see you there so you can download new beauty receptors and meet these bold and beautiful women.

Women can also train themselves to see more beauty in themselves. Look in the mirror and focus on the positives of what they see. Tell yourself, “I am 20 percent more beautiful than I think.” Women often criticize themselves due to the discrepancy between their appearance and the hardwired beauty standards in their minds but we can train ourselves in more positive ways. Remember, ALL women are beautiful and each of us deserves to feel our best. 

Embracing the idea that beauty emanates from within allows us to appreciate the qualities beyond fertility that truly make someone attractive—confidence, self-awareness, generosity, kindness, effective communication, integrity, openness, transparency, loyalty, intelligence, humor, passion, humility, creativity and optimism are all very attractive and help maintain meaningful connections overtime to name. These traits take time to develop and cultivate. The more you embody these qualities, the more attractive you become. Lasting beauty is within everyone’s grasp. And never forget a smile. “If you smile, the whole world smiles with you” thanks to our mirror neurons (the part of the brain that fires when we see someone doing something). 

So, I applaud Martha Stewart and Sports Illustrated for their story. Her confidence shines through in these new images. She is clearly enjoying her life and embracing her sexuality. Through repeated exposure to such images, we evolve our beauty receptors and recognize more beauty in others and in ourselves. By appreciating the distinction between our innate and evolving beauty receptors, we gain a deeper understanding of our behaviors and can embrace the beauty in all women. Women can transcend their critical inner voices, fueled by innate beauty receptors, and learn to love their bodies, ultimately attaining true beauty—optimal mental and physical health. At 81 years old, Martha Stewart embodies this beauty, demonstrating the radiance that comes from embracing oneself fully. What could be more beautiful than that? 

“People often say that ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder,’ and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that you are the beholder. This empowers us to find beauty in places where others have not dared to look, including inside ourselves.”

– Salma Hayek

Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with 30 years’ experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the Co-Founder of the Bold Beauty Project. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.  

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When your brain is in an overanxious state, become aware of it. Ask yourself, is this anxiety showing me something I need to see? Am I safe NOW? We call this “signal” anxiety and it is our friend. It is triggered in a variety of situations such as crossing a street, going to a doctor or getting a call in the middle of the night. Signal anxiety alerts us to potential danger so our mind and body are prepared to respond.  

Signal anxiety contrasts with “free-floating” anxiety meaning that anxiety is present too often and not related to an imminent threat. Free-floating anxiety may lead to an anxiety disorder that needs treatment. 

Many factors can contribute to the development of an anxiety disorder as we age. 

Declining health: Aging can lead to chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and obesity, which can limit mobility, increase pain, and lead to feelings of helplessness and anxiety. Sleep disturbances such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome increase as we age and can lead to anxiety and depressive disorders. We may also find ourselves taking medications to treat various illnesses which may have side effects that increase anxiety.

Financial insecurity: Many older adults are living on fixed incomes, and they may worry about paying for housing, food, and medical care. The cost of living in California is high and this period of inflation has increased the strain. These financial concerns may also prevent people from seeking appropriate self-care and medical care creating a vicious cycle.

Grief and loss: As we age, we inevitably lose friends, family members, and sometimes even spouses. These losses can be difficult to cope with, and they can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. We may also worry about our own mortality and the uncertainty of our future.

Social isolation and loneliness: Humans are social creatures and we need one another to survive and thrive. A recent study showed that the lack of energy caused by social isolation was the equivalent of going eight hours without food. Many people of all ages have not gotten back to pre-pandemic levels of social activity. In Beverly Hills, where the cost of living is high and there is a strong emphasis on youth and appearance, social isolation may be even more prevalent. Older adults who feel they do not fit into the fast-paced, expensive, youthful culture may withdraw from social interactions, increasing their feelings of loneliness and anxiety. 

Treatment: Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for excessive anxiety. Psychodynamic therapy and Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) have been shown to reduce anxiety and prevent relapse. Couples or family therapy can also help to decrease symptoms and improve quality of life. Mindfulness is the practice of stepping outside our automatic thoughts and learning to observe them. We can then learn to pick and choose the thoughts and behaviors that help us feel our best. Focus on gratitude and kindness to self or others, then see how you feel.

Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications such as Lexapro and Zoloft have been shown to be quite effective in all age groups. Treatment with benzodiazepines like Clonazepam, Xanax or Valium may be helpful in the short run but can exacerbate and create other problems if used for too long or at excessive doses. Similarly, alcohol may seem to decrease anxiety but in fact will increase anxiety and depression if used too often or in large amounts by altering brain chemistry, decreasing the quality of sleep and damaging your brain. As we age, we metabolize alcohol less effectively and even small amounts can lead to negative consequences. Internists, cardiologists and gynecologists are often comfortable prescribing these medications or can guide you to a psychiatrist. We are fortunate to have a world class institution in our backyard so don’t hesitate to reach out for help. (https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/psychiatry/adult/adult-anxiety-disorders-clinic).

One benefit of the pandemic was that most of us have all become more comfortable talking about mental health issues. Supplements such as St John’s wort, Ashwagandha, Valerian root, Magnesium and Omega-3 Fatty Acids have been shown to help in some cases. Make sure you check with your doctor before adding any supplements. 

Proper nutrition helps us maintain a stable blood sugar and avoid mood swings and is essential for optimal health. I am sure you have felt “hangry” when you have gone too long without eating. As we age, our bodies become more reliant on proper self-care as we don’t have the physiological bandwidth to manage stress as well. 

Engaging in physical activity, such as taking a walk or participating in yoga classes, can reduce anxiety. Take advantage of the city’s many parks and recreational areas as spending time in nature has been shown to have numerous mental and physical health benefits. Watching a sunrise or sunset can lift your mood and help put your issues into a larger perspective. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can also help to reduce feelings of anxiety especially when practiced regularly. Apps such as Calm, Headspace and InsightTimer are a great way to get started. 

Massage, acupuncture, warm showers or baths, listening to soft music or sound bowls, or hugging a loved one or pet can also help to calm your overactive nervous system by releasing Oxytocin, nick named the “love or cuddle hormone.” Diving into a good book or TV show can also help quiet an overactive mind. I often go on YouTube and search “music to induce calm” or listen to one of my favorite comedians. On really challenging days, I look at photos of puppies to try to relax. 

A media detox can help decrease our cortisol levels allowing us to feel calmer. During the pandemic, I advised you to stop all news consumption after dark, and I still think this is good advice. Limit your intake to what you really need to know and your nervous system can tolerate. It is important to respect your limits as you grow older as our bodies lose their resiliency and can’t rebound from stress as easily.  My motto is “less is more”, and I apply it to many facets of life. 

Volunteering has been shown to increase feelings of connectedness and purpose and thereby reduce anxiety. As we may age out of work, it is important to remain relevant. Find something meaningful and partake in it on a regular basis. Weekly golf or card games with friends can help ward off anxiety and depression. Religion provides comfort, especially in times of crisis and as we confront big questions as we tend to do as we grow older. If organized religion doesn’t suit you, consider a more spiritually based approach.  

Technology can be a valuable tool for combating social isolation and learning. Use video conferencing tools like Zoom or FaceTime to stay in touch with loved ones, attend virtual events, or participate in online support groups. I recall my father switching to telemedicine in his late 80s because he was too frail to travel to an office but didn’t want to give up his psychiatry practice. He made this adaptation many years before the pandemic! We are fortunate now to have so many ways to connect. 

Lastly, Beverly Hills has several community resources available, such as senior centers and social clubs. The Beverly Hills Active Adult Center offers a variety of social, educational, and recreational programs for older adults, including fitness classes, day trips, and special events. The center also hosts support groups for those struggling with anxiety or other mental health issues. Tap into your resources.  

If you or a loved one are suffering from excess anxiety, it is important to seek help to learn to manage anxiety and resume a more fulfilling life. We are fortunate to be living in a time when and community where so many therapeutic options can be readily accessed.  

As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” Don’t let anxiety hold you back from living your life to the fullest. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, you can overcome anxiety and enjoy all that life in Beverly Hills has to offer.  

Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with 30 years’ experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the Co-Founder of the Bold Beauty Project. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.  May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Dr. Ritvo is speaking on opening day of the Mankind Summit, a three-day virtual event to elevate MAN (Mental Awareness Now) on May 17-19 from 11 a.m– 4 p.m. EST. To register for the summit, visit
https://mankindsummit.com/.

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This article will explore the understood relationship between cataracts and dementia, the cause and progression of each, and the potential implications this connection has for both patients and healthcare providers. 

What are Cataracts? 

Most people are familiar with the term “cataracts.” They have likely had an elderly relative diagnosed with the condition or maybe a friend or colleague. While this is a familiar condition by name, chances are many of us would fail at describing its causes and effects. 

Cataracts are classified as a condition, rather than a disease, and involve a clouding of the eye lens leading to problems with vision. They are the number one cause of vision loss among the elderly both worldwide and in the United States, and they are generally the result of age-related changes in the eye’s lens.

The colored portion of the eye is the iris, just behind that is the lens, a circular and transparent structure that is responsible for bending light to give clear sight. This visual clarity is the result of the lens focusing light onto the retina, changing shape to focus light from objects of varying distances. It is then taken from the retina to the optic nerve to the brain for interpretation. 

Over time the lens can become less transparent, which results in light scattering rather than focusing onto the retina. This ultimately leads to blurred vision, double vision, and glare, which can make seeing bright lights or seeing at night difficult. Activities like reading small print, particularly in low light situations, or driving in the evening start to become difficult. Cataracts can occur in both eyes or just one and usually develop slowly over months to years without causing pain. 

Understanding Dementia 

Dementia is another age-related condition that may be slightly more understood, but still vague in many ways. Dementia affects nearly 50 million people worldwide. It is a progressive disorder of the brain that impacts many aspects of an individual’s quality of life including memory, behavior, ability to perform daily tasks and thinking. 

Dementia is an umbrella term that includes several types: Alzheimer’s, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease Dementia. 

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. As dementia progresses, the individual will become more dependent on others for help with regular daily activities. 

The exact cause of dementia is not understood in its totality, but we do know a variety of factors can play a role in its development. Neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, head injury, age, genetics, heavy metal exposure, and some chronic conditions have been known to increase an individual’s risk for developing dementia. 

Cataracts and Dementia–The Link 

The link between cataracts and dementia is still not well understood, but recent research suggests that there may be a connection between the two conditions. One study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine in December 2021 found that people with cataracts had a higher risk of developing dementia than those without cataracts. The study followed nearly 3,000 patients and found that the risk of developing dementia was 29% lower among people who had cataract surgery than otherwise similar people who did not have surgery.

There are several theories about why there may be a link between cataracts and dementia. One theory is that the cloudy lens in the eye may reduce the amount of light that reaches the brain, leading to changes in brain function and ultimately contributing to dementia. Another theory is that cataracts may affect a person’s ability to see and engage in physical activity, leading to a decline in brain function over time. Additionally, some researchers believe that the oxidative stress and inflammation that occur with cataracts may contribute to the development of dementia.

It is important to note that while there may be a link between cataracts and dementia, the relationship between the two conditions is still not fully understood. Further research is needed to determine the exact mechanisms behind this connection and to determine the best course of action for patients who are at risk for both conditions.

The implications of the link between cataracts and dementia are significant for both patients and healthcare providers. For patients, it means that it is important to address both conditions and to be proactive in seeking screening and treatment for cataracts. Patients should discuss their concerns with their healthcare provider and seek regular eye exams with an optometrist or ophthalmologist to monitor their vision and the progression of their cataracts. 

For healthcare providers, the link between cataracts and dementia highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to patient care. Providers should consider both conditions when evaluating a patient and should work to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both conditions. This may involve collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as eye doctors and neurologists, to provide the best possible care for patients.

Final Thoughts 

In conclusion, while cataracts and dementia are separate conditions, there is evidence to suggest that there may be a link between the two. Further research is needed to fully understand this connection, but the implications could be significant and life changing for many patients.  

Cornea specialist and board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Alexander Knezevic specializes in cataract surgery, LASIK, dry eye and corneal disease. He practices at the Macy Eye Center in Los Angeles, in addition to being a part of the medical staff at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and a voluntary clinical instructor of ophthalmology at UCLA. Dr. Knezevic has published many peer-reviewed articles, presented at national conferences and written a number of book chapters on the topics of dry eye, corneal surgery and cataract surgery. He has performed an extensive number of sight-saving surgeries abroad and has been a visiting physician in both India and Nepal. Dr. Knezevic is an active member of numerous local, regional and national organizations.

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Those words, from Hermann Hesse’s masterpiece, “Siddhartha,” are a century old, but especially meaningful today. Two years of life interrupted by a pandemic has created countless opportunities for self-reflection and even reinvention. Self-care tended to slip by the wayside, though, as public health rules closed and then reopened favorite facilities. 

While the spa industry suffered at the peak of the pandemic, business is expected to rebound in 2022, according to projections from the Global Wellness Institute (GWI). “Hotel spas represent the fastest-growing segment of the business right now,” Beth McGroarty, Vice President of Research for the GWI, told the Courier. 

With so many world-class spas in the Beverly Hills area, this summer is the perfect time to “retreat, seek stillness and sanctuary.” The Courier reached out to 10 local spas, all but two located within hotels. Though specialties vary from ancient Asian healing rituals to high-tech biohacking, they all reflect the desire to weave wellness into the spa experience. And to some extent, all have refocused offerings to accommodate the values shift of the pandemic.

“Everything is moving outdoors, whether it is yoga on the rooftops or indoor-outdoor spa spaces,” observed McGroarty. 

Indeed, many of the city’s top spas adapted early on by offering massages outdoors, with masks. Some designated certain hotel room balconies for spa services. And HEPA filtration systems are now the norm in treatment rooms. 

Another trend is to bring nature indoors, either by décor or with actual foliage. Spas have also met the challenge of the last few years by pivoting to touchless technology, including light therapy, cryotherapy and chromatherapy. 

Of course, pent-up demand exists for traditional treatments, such as massages and facials. 

“People have been touch-starved for two years, through no fault of their own,” said McGroarty. At The Maybourne Beverly Hills, Spa Director Holly Edgin sums up a common sentiment perfectly.

“We have seen an influx of clients who are simply happy to feel human connection again both in the form of physical touch with massages or facials, and the need for emotional connection,” said Edgin.

With that in mind, here is what you should know to enjoy a perfect spa-cation close to home this summer.

Hotel Bel-Air Spa

Marble rain showers, velvet chaise lounges and cashmere throws are but a few amenities awaiting clients at the Hotel Bel-Air Spa. “We continue to hear guests voice how excited they are to return for their first spa treatment since pre-pandemic,” Spa Director Nichole Hester told the Courier.

The jewel of the premises is The Enclave, a 570-square-foot private suite replete with a shower, tub, shaded patio and a soothing waterfall. “Perfect for couples or groups, The Enclave is ideal for those who wish to luxuriate in privacy and treat themselves to the ultimate in pampering,” said Hester. Treatments, including the signature Vitality of the Stars Facial, feature Valmont’s Luminosity collection, formulated with Swiss glacial water and essential plant extracts. New technology includes Theragun percussive therapy, offered as a massage enhancement to support stress reduction, sleep improvement, relieve sore muscles and increase mobility.

The Beverly Hills Hotel Spa

An icon in our midst, the Beverly Hills Hotel is celebrating its 110th anniversary. The Beverly Hills Hotel Spa is designed as an “oasis within an oasis,” inspired by the flora and fauna of the Southland. At nearly 2,000 square feet, the facility features six treatment rooms, including two couples’ suites, a relaxation room and steam rooms for men and women. 

If there is one post-pandemic trend that Spa Director Kristy Whitford is noticing, it’s that clients are looking for a deeper sense of connection.

“Guests are looking for a haven to feel connected to the human touch and conversation in becoming well again. They are asking about how to bring more healing elements into their lives, through product recommendations or mindful experiences such as meditation and wellness practices,” said Whitford.  

 New brand partners at the Beverly Hills Hotel Spa include LEEF Organics, Skin Authority, PHIA Labs, KNESKO, Salt by Hendrix, and more. A new 110th anniversary manicure package pays homage to the hotel’s iconic design, with details such as pink and white stripes and banana leaf prints.  

“Our hotel is very special in the sense that our local guests came frequently prior to the pandemic, so the reunion of guest and their therapist was really special. It was like seeing family again,” said Whitford.  

The Spa at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

Having earned the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award for the sixth year in a row, The Spa at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel is definitely doing something right. Nonetheless, change is underway, said Director of Spa Danny Silva. 

“This is a transformational year for us at The Spa at Beverly Wilshire as we are making a very intentional shift into the wellness market,” Silva told the Courier. In addition to new product lines, the spa has introduced biohacking technology such as the LightStim LED Bed and Theragun, “to further assist guests with their wellness journey,” said Silva. Some of those new biohacking and wellness-inspired treatments at the 8,500-square-foot facility include Therabody Cryotherapy Sports Massage and a LightStim LED Bed. The former combines a deep tissue full body massage with the power of super-chilled air and Theragun Percussive Therapy. The latter helps with arthritic pain, relaxes muscles and increases local blood circulation. 

A new signature Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel Facial as well as new body treatments feature the luxury German skincare line AUTEUR. And the Seed to Skin line from Italy is the centerpiece in the spa’s new Holistic Detox Body Treatment. The service includes a mineral-rich, raw sea salt and a blend of spirulina, shea butter and essential oils designed to stimulate circulation, detoxify and to slough away dead skin cells. 

“Wellness has become more important than ever,” said Silva. “We are seeing business increase month over month with return and new clientele.”

Fairmont Spa Century Plaza Hotel

Ever since the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel reopened last fall after a $2.5 billion renovation, the Spa has shone brilliantly as one of its stars. The 14,000-square-foot facility features nine treatment rooms, heated marble seating, a Himalayan salt room, aromatherapy steam rooms, a hammam, and experiential rain showers. Spa guests also enjoy access to the hotel’s fitness center.

“Not only are our guests eager to return to the spa for relaxation and to jump back into their skincare regimens, but we are finding guests are also choosing treatments that focus on reducing stress, improving sleep, and rejuvenating the mind and the body,” Director of Spa Justi Kerekes told the Courier. “Wellness has become a ritual, and we’ve noticed guests making wellness a regular priority, whether that be a weekly biohacking session combined with a detox sweat in our sauna or monthly massages focused on mobility and recovery.”

In addition to a biohacking program, the spa has incorporated technology throughout its massage menu. “We offer guests the option of high-tech and no-tech with certain massage treatments,” said Kerekes.

Even no-tech offerings are delivered in modern form. The spa’s Signature Sunset Treatment incorporates customized aromatherapy, vibrational sound healing and silken color therapy in a medium to deep tissue massage.

Kerekes points to one more aspect that sets the spa apart: “Our size offers the perfect setting to accommodate larger group spa parties for any occasion from bridal parties to birthday celebrations and more.”

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

“People are so excited to be back in the spa, and we are making changes this year,” said Gilma Linares, Assistant Spa Manager of the Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. 

“We used to carry many, many brands, but now we are focusing on luxurious, medical-grade products, sustainability and wellness,” said Linares.

Reintroducing clients back to the spa is  “a bit like getting back to the gym,” said Linares. She also finds that clients’ work-related stress has returned with a vengeance. 

“We try to help everyone disconnect for a while. That’s why we incorporate nature into the spa. We have live plants on the wall in one of the rooms. It helps clients breathe better and respond better,” she said. 

Spa specialties include the MBR Gentleman’s Facial and MBR Liquid Surgery Facial, described as a “non-invasive facial rejuvenation.” A new Garden Zen Body Renewal Treatment is a plant-based treatment that begins with a Dead Sea salt body scrub. Additionally, because “people in L.A. are very big on detoxing,” Linares recommends the Marine Algae Body Detox Body Treatment that uses the Dead Sea scrub and a marine algae clay body mask. And The Toning and Firming Body Sculpt Body Treatment incorporates a Hypervolt massage gun, along with the vegan La Natura Botanicals line. 

La Prairie Spa at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

The Forbes 5-Star Award-winning La Prairie Spa at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is known for its indulgent, Swiss-inspired treatments that incorporate caviar as an ingredient. Now, wellness is the word that carries the most weight. 

“We’ve been on an emotional and physical rollercoaster for the last two years. We’re seeing wellness as a lifestyle choice that we are incorporating into all areas of the hotel,” said Spa Director Amanda Raich.

To that end, the hotel is now offering 8:30 a.m. rooftop wellness classes for guests as well as locals. “After the pandemic, everyone needs to be outdoors. The view in the morning is fantastic,”  Raich told the Courier. 

The 5,000-square-foot La Prairie Spa is located on the second floor of the hotel and features six treatment rooms (one for couples), as well as men’s and women’s relaxation lounges and steam rooms. 

One popular standard throughout the brand is the Custom Waldorf Astoria Massage, which uses aromatherapy and hot stones. Other signature treatments include the Rejuvenating Platinum Facial. 

“Masks came off and people saw that their skin had become dull. So, we are doing lots of brightening facials,” said Raich. 

New 6-in-one InSkin facial devices enhance the experience by offering everything from dermabrasion to light therapy to oxygen treatments. 

“We’d love for people to start their day with exercise, maybe get a new haircut, visit the the spa and leave ready to embrace the new normal,” said Raich.

The Spa at The Maybourne Beverly Hills 

The Maybourne Beverly Hills is the first North American property from London’s Maybourne Hotel Group. Over the past year, a “California meets Bali” revamp has added new flooring, fixtures, décor, colors, artwork, exclusive retail and vendor partnerships,” Spa Director Holly Edgin told the Courier. 

At 20,000 square feet, the spa features an impressive 17 treatment rooms and separate mens’ and womens’ saunas and steam rooms. But its defining feature is a stunning mineral pool adorned with mosaics. 

A newly-launched spa concept features a menu of bespoke services.

Edgin explained, “Services are named after an affirmation that the guest would like to feel and manifest. We have two signature treatments. One of them is our ‘I Am Beautiful’ Facial with a high concentration of oxygen. It also features microdermabrasion and LED Light treatment. And, our ‘I Am Comforted’ Body Treatment is an anti-stress treatment using a coffee scrub, followed by a soothing, therapeutic wrap that uses CBD Moor Mud. It is a great way to detoxify.”

The spa features the organic, plant and flower-based Ila brand, as well as  Evidens de Beaute. Both are useful for addressing common concerns of congestion and dehydration from masks, as well as overall stress relief.  

Guests of the Spa at The Maybourne Beverly Hills also have access to the new Fitness Center at the hotel. 

The Peninsula Spa Beverly Hills

“People want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. They find serenity in our space,” said Melissa DeLeon of the roof garden facilities of The Peninsula Spa Beverly Hills. DeLeon is Director of Spa at the Forbes Travel 4-Star Award-winning facility. 

“We have seven treatment rooms, including a couple’s room.  We also have a coed serenity lounge where we offer our honey ginger tea that people love, and our Himalayan salt sauna,” she told the Courier.

Known for its wide array of treatments, a signature of the spa is The Best and Ultimate Liquid Surgery Rejuvenation, using the German line MBR. New for this year are three body treatments incorporating the French line Biologique Recherche. “It’s a custom body polish that uses acids and mechanical exfoliation with a body glove specific to that line. After that comes a cream or lotion with active ingredients to help rejuvenate,” said DeLeon.

Noting that some clients haven’t been back for two years,  DeLeon noted, “the touch of a therapist  is very important right now.”

Anything that detoxifies is also in demand. 

“Clients are asking for extra exfoliation after wearing a mask, being at home and not taking care of themselves in the same way. We’re glad to see them back,” said DeLeon.

Tomoko Japanese Spa

Named for its owner, Tomoko Kurono, Tomoko Spa has been called “L.A.’s best kept secret” and “a revelation” in reviews in Goop and Allure. The minimalist, 3,000-square-foot facility on South Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills welcomes clients with soft slippers and an offer of tea in the pre-treatment room. The treatment rooms themselves are self-contained, with showers, closets and bath amenities. Two couples’ rooms feature Hinoki Japanese Ofuro baths.

General Manager Kana Tran told the Courier that the spa has recently incorporated more traditional Japanese elements to further elevate the experience. “There are Japanese traditional obi in every treatment room and lounge, and our staff wears traditional kimono to welcome guests, making them feel like they are in Japan,” said Tran. 

“We’ve seen a lot of return clients whose last visit was in 2019, and we’ve been so happy to welcome them again,” she added.

In contrast to other spas in the city, men make up 50% of Tomoko’s clientele. Signature treatments include the Tomoko Massage for individuals and the Japanese Experience for couples. Both apply pure sake to the skin, massaged in to promote blood flow and pain relief.  The new Hinoki Couples Treatment is a massage for those who would like to enjoy the private Hinoki bath. 

As for what  makes the spa so special, Tran replied, “The private zen atmosphere and Japanese omotenashi hospitality. Tomoko’s mother sends us handmade paper cranes from Japan for us to use and give away to the clients as well. We put meaning into every small item of our spa.”

A Petitie Spa Experience: BAO Foot Spa

Can’t get away for an entire spa day? Don’t fret. You can still indulge yourself by visiting BAO Foot Spa. The boutique Chinese spa in Beverly Hills specializes in foot and body massage. Treatments utilize the ancient Chinese art of reflexology, which increases blood flow and rejuvenates the nerves of the body. Services at BAO Foot Spa range from 15 to 90 minutes. Body massage and reflexology treatments include a foot bath. 

Recently added to the menu are CBD foot baths and oils, which are “especially popular for clients who work out a lot and want to enjoy a sports massage for their feet,” said owner Piran Zarifian.  

Located on South Beverly Drive, the spa offers a convenient respite from a stressful day.

“You don’t need to take off your clothes or shower, so we find that a lot of people pop in during their lunch hour,” said Zarifian. 

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Progress is rarely linear. Our evolution towards a more compassionate and just society is often fraught with missteps as we are currently witnessing in Ukraine. As we have discussed time and again, danger will always capture our attention, and this is what happened on Oscar night. But be sure not to miss the monumental progress. Ironically, both the victories and the set-back relate to how aware and sensitively we treat the medical issues of others. 

Will Smith slapping Chris Rock was shocking. I am glad that everyone is thinking and talking about it as there is much to learn about how we manage our hurt and anger. Jada Pinkett Smith looked absolutely gorgeous at the Oscars, and it was painful to watch her face fall as her medical condition became the butt of a joke. While I empathize with Will Smith’s natural instinct to protect his wife, he impulsively chose the wrong path. We saw on live television his “fight or flight” response kick in and he acted from this place. The overwhelming consensus and in his own words his behavior was “unacceptable and inexcusable.” He went on to say, “I was wrong, and I am embarrassed, and my actions are not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.” 

It is hard to think of a more complex moment, and his rapid response was startlingly out of place. This was a dramatic example of why we must think before we react. Taking a deep breath in times of distress goes a long way to help us engage the more evolved parts of our brain and help us come up with solutions that meet our well-intended goal to help those in pain. 

Jada continues to bring much needed awareness to alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss. It affects 6.8 million people in the United States and is more than twice as common in women than men. It usually strikes those under 30, and there appears to be both environmental and genetic causes. The disease is painless but can cause psychological distress due to feeling of loss of control, worrying about health and changes in appearance.  

Jada has shared her stages of the disease, and after years of struggle, she seems to have come to a place of acceptance. On Instagram a year ago she said, “Me and this alopecia are going to be friends.” She is beautiful, radiant and a role model to women with this disease. 

She helps all of us expand our narrow definition of beauty, and so we all evolve. The more beautiful images we see of her, the more we grow. Accepting any illness is a journey both for an individual, a family and for society and I respect her ability to share the process with us. It is not always easy as displayed Sunday night. 

In the same way Jada raises our awareness, the Oscars made giant steps forward this year by honoring a movie that lets us peer into the lives of those affected by hearing loss. CODA (which stands for Children Of Deaf Adults) is a heartwarming movie starring deaf actors and actresses that depicts the home life of a family where both parents and one of two siblings are deaf. The story focuses on the one hearing daughter and her challenges balancing the needs of her family with her own need for independence.  

CODA won best picture, best adapted screenplay for Sian Heder, and best supporting actor for Troy Kotsur. Troy joins his co-star Marlee Matlin as the only deaf actors to ever win Oscars for acting and he is only the third deaf actor ever nominated. These are important milestones as we journey to become a more diverse and inclusive society, and they should be celebrated. 

One in eight people in the United States (approximately 30 million) aged 12 years or older has hearing loss in both ears. Approximately, 2 % of adults aged 45 to 54 have disabling hearing loss, 8.5 % for ages 55 to 64, 25% aged 65 to 74 and 50 % of those over 75 and have disabling hearing loss. This is a disability that touches so many lives.  

CODA has brought attention to this community in a powerful way, and we all grow by learning.  Medical issues can be scary and when we don’t understand things our anxiety naturally heightens. When we get exposed to the daily struggles of others as we do in this  movie, we see that we are all more the same than different. Warmth and compassion replace fear and anxiety.

Einstein once said, “Our task must be to free ourselves…by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” Trailblazing and brave women and men like Jada and Troy, and all the members of the CODA team help us do that. The more we get to know one another, the more we can acknowledge our differences and our similarities and achieve the goal so eloquently stated by Einstein almost 100 years ago.    

There was indeed a lot to unpack from Sunday’s event, and I hope that we can focus on the progress we are making to live in a more open and accepting society and learn from all we saw.   

“Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and test of our civilization.”

Mahatma Gandhi 

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Two forms of testing exist to determine whether someone has an active COVID-19 infection, antigen tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Antigen tests can be administered at home with results in as little as 15 minutes. However, antigen tests are less sensitive than PCR tests. They work best when someone is already symptomatic.

High demand has made them scarce, though the federal government has promised to deliver 500,000 free antigen tests across the country. You can request four free at-home tests at www.covidtests.gov. 

Polymerase chain reaction is a laboratory procedure that amplifies genetic signals in a sample to determine whether someone has COVID-19. The tests are better at catching asymptomatic cases or confirming positive results from an antigen test. 

What you get in accuracy, you typically lose in time and convenience. PCR tests usually take a few hours to a few days to complete, depending on the lab and the demand, but boutique healthcare providers in Beverly Hills can provide results in less than one hour for a charge of up to $350.

Here is a sample of testing providers in and near Beverly Hills offering options to suit most needs. 

Cedars Urgent Care

Cedars-Sinai Urgent Care, located at 8767 Wilshire Blvd., 2nd Floor, offers testing to those displaying symptoms of COVID-19. No appointment is needed. Testing is free and results come back within 72 hours. They do not offer antigen tests. Urgent Care is open 12 to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 

911 COVID Testing

Located at 9900 N. Santa Monica  Blvd. across from the Beverly Hilton, 911 COVID Testing offers a variety of services, including free PCR tests with results in 24-48 hours. Appointments can be made at www.911CovidTesting.com. They also offer same day PCR tests for $155 and 1-hour PCR tests for $249. 911 COVID Testing has antigen tests for $95 and COVID-flu antigen tests for $149. Site hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. House calls are available for an additional $349 between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and $499 between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. 

Dilshad Concierge Medicine

Dilshad Concierge Medicine, located at 435 North Bedford Drive, offers drive-through testing and in-clinic testing. A PCR test with results in less than 24 hours costs $175, results in 2 hours costs $219, and results in 30 minutes costs $319. An antibody test with results in 10 minutes costs $125. They accept walk-ins, or appointments can be requested at 310-307-7865. They request that walk-ins call in advance. They are open 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Beverly Hills Concierge Health

Beverly Hills Concierge Health, located at 8900 Wilshire Blvd., welcomes walk-ins and takes appointments both online and over the phone at 310-294-8343. PCR test results in 1-4 hours runs $225; test results in under an hour cost $350. They charge $125 for an antigen test. They are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays.

Covid Test LA

Covid Test LA, located in Mid-Wilshire at 5901 West Olympic Blvd., offers drive-thru same day PCR testing by appointment. Appointments can be scheduled at www.covidtestla.com. Covid Test LA says that results will be sent out by midnight in most cases, but they may be able to accommodate a faster turnaround. PCR testing costs $79 with insurance and $185 without and they accept most PPOs. Services are open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., but are closed between noon and 1 p.m.

COVID Testing MD

Covid Testing MD, situated at 113 North San Vicente Blvd., accepts both walk-in and scheduled appointments. Appointments can be made at www.covidtestingmd.com or by calling 310-752-9938. Antigen tests cost $100, PCR tests return results in 24-72 hours and cost $75 with insurance or $150 without. Expedited PCR results in 12-30 hours can be purchased for $300. COVID Testing MD also offers bundled COVID-flu antigen tests for $175. They are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

LA Compounding Pharmacy

LA Compounding Pharmacy, located near Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at 8600 W. 3rd Street, Suite #1, offers PCR and antigen tests, in addition to the COVID-19 vaccine itself. Appointments can be made at www.lacompounding.com. PCR tests cost $95 with insurance and $195 without and return results within 12-24 hours. Antigen tests cost $125. Vaccinations are always free, with or out without insurance. LA Compounding Pharmacy is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Beverly Hills Health

Beverly Hills Health is located at 9200 West Pico Boulevard and accepts appointments and walk-ins. Appointments can be made at www.beverlyhills-health.com. Antigen tests cost $125 and PCR tests cost $150, with results in 24-48 hours. They are open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Linden Diagnostics

Linden Diagnostics, located in the Business Triangle at 462 North Linden Drive, Suite 100, offers antigen tests by appointment only. Tests cost $150 and appointments can be made by calling or texting 310- 574-2399. They are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

My Concierge MD

My Concierge MD is located at 9301 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 405, and offers drive-thru antigen tests and same day PCR tests on an appointment basis. Appointments can be made at www.myconciergemd.com/online-scheduling-checkout. PCR services cost $225 and antigen tests cost $125. House calls are available within a 15-mile radius for an additional $450. They are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday. 

The post Where to Get Tested for COVID-19 in Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Applications for grants are reviewed by the city’s Human Services Division, the Charitable Solicitations Commission and the Human Relations Commission. The application then goes to Beverly Hills City Council where final funding allocations are voted into action. 

Proposals must be submitted to humanservices@beverlyhills.org or by mail no later than Feb. 1 at 5 p.m. to the Beverly Hills Human Services Division. Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) organization or partner with one. Forms are available at www.beverlyhills.org/cagf. For more information, contact Beverly Hills Human Services at 310-288-2220. 

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“The magnitude of the Omicron variant and the impact it is having on learning cannot be understated. Although we are confident in our ability to pivot, the number of students in quarantine is unlike anything we have experienced without transitioning the entire school to Distance Learning,” BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy said in a statement.

The district saw early warning signs about the variant in the last days of the fall semester. By the start of winter break on Dec. 21, the district reported 40 infections among students and 12 among staff. School board members told the Courier that the district might have to consider testing each student prior to the resumption of learning.

On the morning of Jan. 9, the Sunday before classes, administrators, teachers, and staff marshaled at Hawthorne with more than 9,000 rapid antigen COVID-19 tests. In addition to testing each of the district’s 3,300 students and roughly 750 staff, the district distributed tests to household members accompanying students in the same car.

Guests who came to the testing first checked in with an official on Rexford Drive to verify the enrollment status of students. The district told the Courier that a number of individuals without students in the district attempted to secure tests but were turned away. Then, cars made their way onto Elevado Avenue and into the Hawthorne parking lot, where the district had erected a field office to distribute tests and log results as they came in. After getting the tests, the guests parked on the surrounding streets to self-administer them.

For many staff and faculty assisting in the process, the day became an enjoyable “soft open” for the spring term. “It’s been really nice to see families that we taught a long time ago and have been in the district for a long time,” Hawthorne Principal Sarah Kaber told the Courier. “It’s been a really nice day actually.”

Parents largely expressed gratitude for the service and its execution, with wait times often taking less than five minutes.

“I thought it would be a mess [with] cars waiting in line. It’s really fast. I’m really surprised,” said one parent named Sarah who declined to give her last name.

But allowing parents and students to administer the tests themselves also seemed to open the tests up to wider margins of human error. The Courier observed some younger students struggle with the dense instructions. Remus “RJ” Johnson, a long-time security guard at Hawthorne, told the Courier that he helped some families whose first language was not English.

“Some parents, they cannot read English,” said the college-age cousin of two BHUSD students who drove his cousins to the testing site and asked for anonymity to speak candidly. “They’re foreign. How can they do it?”

The testing protocols instituted by the district acknowledged the limitations of the rapid antigen tests, which are less reliable than polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Those with positive test results were then directed to the district office for a second antigen test. If that one also returned a positive, the individual was considered an active case. If, however, the second test came back negative, one of the district’s COVID-19 testing contractors would administer PCR test, the results of which determined the person’s status.

At a time of nationwide testing shortages, “the challenge was securing tests,” School Board President Mary Wells told the Courier. The district placed an order for tests with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health), but suspecting that demand might outstrip supply, district officials worked with existing contractors to acquire antigen tests of their own. By Jan. 9, the district still had not received any tests from Public Health, officials said.

The district had a contingency plan for families who did not attend the Jan. 9
drive- thru. On Jan. 10, in conjunction with the city and police department, the district shut down Rexford Drive along the Civic Center for a second drive-thru event.

In a demonstration of omicron’s virulence, the district shared that “numerous people who tested negative” on Jan. 9 developed symptoms afterwards and tested positive the next day.

The district reported the results of its own testing along with tests administered separately on Jan. 11, which showed 39 active cases among staff and 159 among students, by far the largest number of cases since the start of the pandemic. By Jan. 13, the case numbers had risen to 48 and 219, respectively.  

All of the nearly 270 infected students and staff will have isolate at home for at least five days. On the fifth day, if they no longer show symptoms, they may return to class with a negative antigen test.

In an abundance of caution, the district has instituted a new policy for this latest wave whereby the siblings of infected students are assumed to be positive as well. They, too, must isolate for the minimum five days. Isolating students can attend class via Zoom. 

The post BHUSD Resumes Classes Amid Omicron Surge appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

When my daughter politely asked, “So what is your New Year’s Resolution?” I actually felt anger bubble up. I wanted to say “Are you kidding? I am just doing my best every day to stay alive and keep you, your sister and all my patients the same.” But luckily, another thought bubbled up, and I reminded myself to just take a deep breath. I remembered what I tell patients when they feel angry. “Silence is golden and duct tape is silver.” In other words, keep it shut!  

So, I took a deep breath and said nothing. It worked. I was able to realize how irrational my response was, and it gave me insight into just how hard this year has been for me and for most of us. One of the hallmarks of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a foreshortened sense of the future combined with feelings of dread and that is what got triggered when I thought about 2022, or as many are saying 2020, too.  

Albert Einstein said, “In the midst of every crisis lies great opportunity.” Instead of focusing on what I want to change next year, I decided to reflect on what I accomplished last year as a way to lift my own mood and spark hope for the future.

We have been in ongoing trauma now for almost two years with very little break.  Many have had superimposed trauma, which is incredibly challenging. The seven stages of dealing with trauma are the following: shock and denial, pain and guilt, anger and bargaining, depression, the upward turn, reconstruction and working through, and finally acceptance and hope. I wrote to you about the opportunity for Post Traumatic Growth, but we can’t seem to get to the other side on this one. Circumstances such as delta and omicron outbreaks are causing many of us to continue cycling between the first four stages without enough time and space to get to the later healing phases.  

As we close another difficult year, let’s look at what has worked in 2020 and 2021 and resolve to continue to do more of it.

Take an inventory of the positive changes you have made. Don’t worry about negatives at the moment, as we have had more than enough time to focus on them the last few years. 

Ask yourself the following questions and consider jotting down your thoughts:

Are you more in touch with your mental health than ever before?

Much of the stigma about mental illness has been erased these last years as suffering is universal. We are learning to live without all the distractions and many negative emotions have been surfacing. Hopefully, you are embracing all your emotions and not judging yourself harshly when you feel shocked, numb, hurt, angry, guilty or depressed. These are all part of the normal trauma reaction. We get in trouble when we deny our feelings, try to minimize them with drugs or alcohol or act out on them. If we can just breathe and accept them, they will come and go like ocean waves. Emotions are there to inform us. We need to learn to listen. Then we can choose our behaviors from a place of calm and reason not from an emotionally overcharged place.  

How is your support system? 

During trauma we must lean on our support systems. This is why every religion has a protocol to deal with loss. A common element in all is that the one experiencing loss is surrounded by friends, family and a supportive community. 

Tapping into a support system has proven to be much more complicated when the whole world is undergoing simultaneous trauma and contact with others can create exactly the problem we are trying to avoid. Moreover, those typically rushing into help such as your health care workers are also suffering. Burnout and compassion fatigue are to be expected and must be acknowledged and treated.

How has your support system changed? Who has helped you? How can you continue to nurture these relationships in the year ahead? If you have lost social connections, don’t despair. Everyone has! The pandemic is causing/allowing us to move from breadth to depth, and for many this has been quite beneficial. If your support system is too narrow, spend time broadening or deepening it. Access therapy online or in person. Ask your doctor for a referral or contact community resources, such as the Maple Counseling Center https://www.maple4counseling.org. Who have you helped this last year? Can you derive satisfaction from that experience? 

In what areas have you become more self-reliant?

We all got thrown into the deep end of the pool with this one. Between working from home and minimizing household staff, we have turned into cooks, housekeepers, school teachers, assistants and so much more. Without parties and events to attend, we have had to create our own joy. What have you learned? What do you feel most proud of this past year? 

Can you embrace the NOW?

Eckhardt Tolle in “The Power of Now” instructs us to ask ourselves, “Are we safe right now? Are your loved ones safe right now?” If the answer is yes, we need to calm our nervous system and shift out of our fight or flight response and focus on the NOW. We have discussed meditation, yoga, eating healthy food, hugging a pet, taking a shower or bath, and phoning a friend as some of the ways to come into the present moment and decrease worry. If you haven’t developed your own list, please do so now and keep it visible. Coming into the present moment is a powerful way to engage our senses and stop the relentless thinking that so often doesn’t serve you. Take three deep breaths right now and focus only on your breathing in and out slowly. See how you feel before you start and when you finish. Which changes have you made that are important to carry forward? 

What else have you learned?

Although this is a collective trauma, everyone experiences it through the lens of their prior experiences and their unique vantage point. What has this trying time taught you? How have previous stressors prepared you to deal with the pandemic?

How have your values shifted? 

After reflecting on how much I have grown this year, I feel better equipped to make constructive resolutions, and I hope you will too.   

This New Year’s I resolve to love and embrace life even when circumstances are undesirable. I resolve to treat myself and others with compassion. I resolve to remain as optimistic as possible and to continue to find the good around me.  

Once again, I wish you and your family a safe, happy and healthy year ahead.  

“Your success and your happiness lies in you.  Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficultes.”

Helen Keller 

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“I think [COVID] is probably the most devastating thing that could’ve happened to the local economy, if not the world, that we’ve all seen in many of our lifetimes, and hopefully it’s the last thing in our lifetimes,” said Johnson.

In the U.S. about 164,000 businesses closed in the first seven months of the pandemic, according to Yelp.com data. California fared the worst at nearly 40,000 closures, half of which were permanent. 

Locally, the City of Beverly Hills reported that its top revenue generating industries were down a combined 18% during the pandemic. These include property tax, sales tax, hotel tax and business tax.

 Johnson said the Chamber’s first goal is to simply recognize fully vaccinated companies by announcing them on their website and in their newsletter. The Chamber’s hope is that the list will give customers an added sense of safety when visiting the businesses and help drive renewed vitality in the local economy.

“It’s not browbeating anyone that’s not 100%, all we’re doing is saying, ‘Hey congratulations, you’re 100% vaccinated,'” said Johnson. “We’re just trying to take a topic that’s obviously very political and just find the good in it by applauding businesses who are fully vaccinated, and then we’ll continue to acknowledge businesses that reach that as time goes on.”

Thus far, the “fully vaccinated” list includes O’Gara Coach Company, Runyan Capital and the Chamber’s own offices. The Chamber defines 100% vaccination as “all employees are fully vaccinated or have a medical or religious exemption.” Fully vaccinated businesses in the city are encouraged to reach out to the Chamber to be listed.

“Runyan Capital is an office of five that interacts with clients face-to-face frequently, so I encouraged everyone on our team to get vaccinated at their earliest opportunity,” the firm’s founder and owner Jeff Runyan told the Courier. “From my perspective, we help our clients with managing their wealth and the safety of their investment portfolio. So for us to do our part to protect ourselves and protect our clients’ health, it only made sense to be vaccinated.”

In Los Angeles County, about 74% of people 12 years or older are now fully vaccinated,  according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than 67% of eligible California residents are fully vaccinated. The U.S. is still seeing high COVID-19 hospitalization rates for children ages 5 to 11, according to the CDC, which is now encouraging vaccinations for that age group.

“I’m a member of the Chamber and the Beverly Hills Rotary Club, and a longtime goal of Rotary International has been to rid the world of polio,” said Runyan. “They have worked tirelessly for nearly four decades to achieve this. So, if Rotary International can contribute to accomplish a worldwide goal through vaccinations and vaccinations contribute to the safety of our community, our city–ultimately our county and the world–it wasn’t about me making a choice at all.”

In Beverly Hills, about 25 new businesses have opened or signed deals in 2021 to open soon, according to Chamber staff. Johnson said Beverly Hills businesses may have fared better than their counterparts in many neighboring cities during the pandemic but there is still a need to push economic recovery forward.

“There’s a lot of good things happening in Beverly Hills,” said Johnson. “We have to get past all this stuff and we will as a city. It’s going to be much brighter down the road but we have some tough things to get through.” 

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As a part of the Health and Safety Employee Excellence Award, the commission honored the work of Public Works Facilities Maintenance Supervisors Juan Morales and Elmer Andujar Colon and their team.

“I want to commend you for the many things that you do normally, including routine maintenance, cleaning and repair of our facilities,” said Chairperson Cathy Baker.

Baker also listed the many ways in which Morales and Colon have assisted in hardening the city against COVID-19, including: installing handsfree thermometers and COVID self-monitoring stations in city facilities; changing manual faucets to automatic, hands-free faucets in city bathrooms and kitchens; upgrading the city’s HVAC systems and installing MERV-13 filters; nightly flushing of facilities with fresh air; and coordinating deep cleaning and disinfection of city facilities.

“I hope this gives all people confidence in their safety when entering our facility buildings,” Baker said.

Beverly Hills Fire Department Battalion Leader Scott Stephens addressed the commission with an update on Fire Department activity in the city. Of a total of 442 incidents in the month of November, 279 were for emergency medical services. The average response time for all Fire Department calls was under four minutes and 51 seconds.

The Fire Department responded to two large calls, Stephens said. On Oct. 29, a professional document shredding truck burst into flames in the parking lot of the Chase Bank building. The abundance of shredded paper provided a “receptive fuel bed,” Stephens said, attributing the fire to overheating machinery. The fire was extinguished “rather quickly” and no injuries were reported.

Then, on Nov. 8, the department responded to a hazardous materials incident at a medical office located on San Vicente Boulevard. The office, which conducts medical research, experienced an argon gas leak on the third floor. The office was evacuated and by the time Los Angeles Fire Department crews arrived with specialized testing equipment, “all of the argon had dissipated.”

“The cause of the leak was likely a loose connection at one of their tanks,” Stephens said.

The commission heard an update of COVID-19 from Emergency Manager Meena Janmohamed. While COVID-19 continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, Janmohamed pointed to continuing data on the efficacy of vaccines. According to current case data in Los Angeles County, only slightly more than 1% of fully vaccinated people have tested positive for COVID-19 since vaccines became available. Janmohamed also pointed to data showing that nearly 78% of Beverly Hills residents 12 or older have been fully vaccinated.

“When comparing that to the L.A. County average, Beverly Hills is 5% more vaccinated, and compared to the United States, Beverly Hills is 9% higher than the national rate of vaccination,” she said. 

The commission ended with the announcement from Deputy Chief Joe Matsch, who also serves as the Fire Department liaison for the Health and Safety Commission, that he plans on retiring on Dec. 21. His final service will be the commission meeting on Dec. 20. Matsch retires from a 34-year career in the fire service, 27 of which he spent in Beverly Hills. 

“This place has been absolutely amazing to me,” Matsch said. “I leave with a lot of respect, admiration, and, again, love for this commission, for this community, for this fire department.”

Matsch told the commission that he plans on pursuing other options in retirement. 

“I look forward to my last month working for the commission and I certainly look forward to our December 20 meeting and I think there’s nothing more befitting me leaving as soon as we adjourn this meeting and I will be officially retired,” he said. “That’s my last call of action and it’ll be an honor to finalize my career with you.” 

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If you do one thing during the holidays, it should be this: get up and move!

It is so enticing this time of year to stay huddled around friends and family, indulging in festive meals and celebrations. That is definitely part of what makes the holidays special. But it is also important to put exercise on your list of priorities. In fact, research shows that exercise pays off in more ways than previously recognized. 

We all know that exercise will make you look and feel better. But did you also know that it makes you smarter? Forget the old “dumb jock” stereotype! A dear friend of mine with a Harvard M.B.A. says he looks for rowers when he is seeking new hires. He says they are usually brighter, harder working and really understand the mechanics of working as a team.

Studies from around the world have conclusively shown that regular exercise leads to enhanced memory, mood, cognitive functioning, and learning capabilities. It even makes your brain larger! It also helps prevent neurological changes associated with aging and several neurological diseases.  

If you haven’t been convinced or inspired enough yet to make exercise a part of your daily routine, here are a few insights to get you moving. And if you have already made exercise a part of your life, I hope you enjoy learning a bit more about how it works.

Tip 1: Bring on the BDNF 

Our brains secrete an amazing chemical called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). When you exercise, you secrete higher levels of BDNF, which allows you to make new neurons in your brain, mostly in the hippocampus. The hippocampus mediates several higher brain functions, such as learning, memory, and spatial coding. When you add new neurons in this region, you will see improvement in any or all of these areas. 

If you think about it, it makes perfect sense. When our hunter-gatherer ancestors ran off to chase dinner, they had to find their way home without Google Maps. So, when they went out for a trek, their brains secreted BDNF to help them get back safely. Those who were best at doing so survived and passed their genes to us. 

Once we recognize the powerful role of BDNF, we owe it to ourselves and our children to make sure exercise is a major part of our daily routine. It no longer makes sense to say, “I don’t have time to exercise,” or “I’ve got too much to do to get ready for the holidays.” The fact is, everything you do after the exercise will be more efficient. I wish I knew this when I was in medical school and gave up four years at the gym for my chair in the library.  

Tip 2: Promote positive effects

Certainly, you have heard of the “runner’s high.” Exercise increases the number of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine and endorphins, which are known to accelerate information processing and make us feel better. When these chemicals are released together, they result in hyperstimulation of the mind, which allows for an increased focus of attention and reaction time for at least two hours. So, if you have a mentally challenging task to do, the optimal time is up until two hours after your work-out, which explains the large crowd we used to see at the gym in the early morning. 

Exercise also has antidepressant effects. Studies have shown that as little as one hour a week can decrease the risk of relapsing to a depression. Not only are you boosting your happy chemicals, but you are also giving your brain an opportunity to enhance clearance of cortisol, which makes you feel anxious and stressed. This means that those who frequently exercise are more equipped to manage stress and control their emotions better. 

As your heart rate increases during exercise, blood flow to the brain increases. As blood flow increases, your brain is exposed to more oxygen and nutrients. This leads to enhanced blood vessel growth in areas of the brain associated with rational thinking as well as social, physical and intellectual performance.

Tip 3: Pass on benefits to your progeny

You can make your unborn children smarter. It’s true. Studies have shown that babies born to moms who exercised regularly during pregnancy performed better at age 5 on general intelligence tests and oral language skills. Other studies found increases in math and language tests. And one research group was able to show that three months of regular exercise changed the DNA in men’s sperm in genes associated with Schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease and other brain disorders, theoretically reducing the likelihood of these diseases manifesting in their offspring. 

Tip 4: Stick with it

Regular exercise has been shown to counteract diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s as well as age-related mental impairment and atrophy. Moderate levels of exercise enforce the human body’s antioxidant defense system. It’s important not to overdo it, though. Not all of us are cut out to be professional athletes. Extreme exercise has been shown to disrupt a number of metabolic and physiological processes and can lead to impaired cognitive performance. According to guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, adults should get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like brisk walking or fast dancing, each week. Adults also need muscle-strengthening activity, like lifting weights or doing push-ups, at least two days each week. Gain even more benefits by being active at least 300 minutes (five hours) per week. Increase amount and intensity gradually over time. Bigger gains have been suggested with more complex activity, which requires you to build or acquire a skill. An example of this is exercise that challenges your balance or thinking, like tennis, yoga or dancing. 

Tip 5: Play well with others 

According to the renowned psychiatrist Ira Glick, M.D., “Most sports serve several functions from a mental perspective. First, drive discharge (i.e., the ability to use the sport to divert strong aggressive and competitive drives to useful outlets). Second, playing with others lends itself to increasing self-esteem and mastery. Third, and arguably most important and a crucial feature is the ability to delay gratification.” 

As you can see, the reasons to work out are plentiful. As we go through the second holiday season of the pandemic, we should remain focused on our health. Exercise is the best way to combat the stress that tends to increase this time of year. So, grab some shoes and get out there. Invite family members to join you in some robust activities at the beautiful parks and walking tracks in Beverly Hills. We are so fortunate to live in an area where the weather is hospitable almost all the time. There’s no reason your holidays can’t be happy as well as healthy.

The post Exercise Makes You Smarter During the Holidays and Always appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The first sign of trouble came when Yonatan Golian, an otherwise healthy 12-year-old boy, fell to his living room floor in an epileptic fit. Two years later, after Yonatan had begun treatment for epilepsy, the unthinkable happened; his younger sister, Revital had her first seizure. Faced with the improbability that two siblings both had epilepsy, doctors administered genetic tests and identified the culprit: Lafora disease, a rare and terminal genetic illness.

Daryoosh Golian Moghaddam and his wife Gladi Gidanian had never heard of Lafora disease until their children’s diagnosis. The genetic disease occurs at a rate of one in a million, mostly in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Lafora presents as a combination of Alzeihmer’s, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy beginning in early adolescence. Affected individuals typically live for 10 years after showing symptoms.

Gladi and Daryoosh, who are Jewish, brought their family to the United States from Iran 10 years ago in pursuit of “the American Dream.” Gladi remembers her childhood in Iran fondly, but like Daryoosh, she worried about her children growing up as second-class citizens in the Muslim-majority country. “We had to wear uniforms and scarves, we had to go to school on Shabbat, and as a Jew, you can’t get certain degrees,” she said.

While the family could have afforded to buy a house in Glendale or possibly Encino, the four of them landed in a two-bedroom apartment in Beverly Hills for one reason: “Good schools,” Daryoosh said.

Before the daily regimen of pills, before the seizures, before Lafora, “everything was good,” Gladi said. “The kids were blooming,” Gladi recalled. “In just a span of six months, they were talking [English] like their mother language.”

Now, Yonatan can barely walk on his own and speaks only a handful of words each day. Revital went without a seizure for nearly two years and seemed relatively unaffected until recently. But within just the last 30 days, she went from speaking full sentences with ease to stumbling over her words, growing frustrated when she cannot find words that she knew the day before.

The process is unbearable, and yet, as Gladi told the Courier, she and Daryoosh have had no choice but to bear it. Lacking both money and time, the Golians have pinned their hopes to an expensive experimental treatment that may give the children a chance at survival. And with a massive outpouring of support from the community, they may be able to afford it in time.

Multiple possible treatments for Lafora are in various stages of development, says Dr. Matthew Gentry, a professor at the University of Kentucky. Gentry, who is in contact with the Golians, is at the forefront of an international search for a treatment as Director of the Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative. Gentry could not comment specifically on the Golians, citing confidentiality, but he spoke broadly about the recent advancements made in the field.

“When I got in, I could never envision a therapy. In the last five years, we’ve made outstanding progress,” Gentry told the Courier.

Gentry added, “Now it feels like we’re stalled a little bit in terms of getting into the clinic.”

The pandemic derailed and delayed promising Lafora therapies, Gentry said. For a disease as aggressive as Lafora, Yonatan and Revital may not have time to wait for clinical trials to begin. But under federal law, pathways do exist for patients with life-threatening diseases to gain access to experimental treatments outside of the context of a clinical study. There’s a catch, though: the patient must pay for the cost of making the drug available and administering it.

According to Daryoosh, the price tag for the experimental treatment comes out to around $1 million. That doesn’t include the second round of treatment that would be necessary to make any gains permanent by either changing or silencing the mutated genes, which he said would add at least another million to the total.

“I will do everything to save them. Even if I have to, I will sell my organs,” he said.

Daryoosh has spent the last several months going from synagogue to synagogue, starting with his own local temple, Nessah, sharing his children’s story and asking for donations. He set up a table with information about his children at a recent Cyrus the Great Day celebration in West L.A., where hundreds of members of the Iranian diaspora celebrated the first Persian emperor.

He was recently put in touch with the Hope Foundation, a nonprofit that primarily assists Iranian Jewish immigrants in need of assistance. The Hope Foundation, in turn, has spread the word even further.

The results have been overwhelming. The family raised nearly $500,000 in just about two months. The community has rallied around them in a way that has surprised and heartened Nazy Nazarian, a special advisor with the Hope Foundation.

“I started with WhatsApp and calling and emailing and it just became viral. In the blink of an eye, everybody knew about them,” she told the Courier. “Everyone wants to do something, everybody wants to help.”

“I never thought we would get this much help and love and support,” Gladi said, noting that both her and Daryoosh’s family almost all live in Iran. “God heard us the nights that we cried and said, ‘Oh, God help us. We are so alone.’ He heard us. We are not alone.”

Those interested in helping the family can donate to their GoFundMe (https://www.gofundme.com/f/saving-the-life-of-two-teenage-siblings) or can contact the Hope Foundation at 424-234-0588.

The post Community Rallies Around Children With Rare Disease appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“Vaccinating more Angelenos is our only way out of this pandemic, and we must do everything in our power to keep pushing those numbers up,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti in a statement after signing the ordinance. “These new rules will encourage more people to get the shot, and make businesses safer for workers and customers–so that we can save more lives, better protect the vulnerable, and make our communities even safer as we fight this pandemic.”

In an effort to balance the public health benefits of the restrictions with its burden, the ordinance omits grocery stores and pharmacies.

“We’ve spent too much time placing restrictions on people who did their part by getting vaccinated and wearing their masks. We need to both limit the transmission of the virus as well as make it inconvenient for those who are unvaccinated to access indoor venues and put lives at jeopardy. The stakes are too high,” Council President Nury Martinez said at a previous meeting.

As of Sept. 30, slightly less than 78% of eligible county residents age 12 and up have received at least one dose of vaccine, while 69% are fully vaccinated.

Those exempt from vaccinations, either due to medical reasons or a “sincerely held religious belief,” will be exempt from the new regulations. Establishments will have to review exemptions on a case by case basis. 

In cases where unvaccinated people are permitted to enter, they will be allowed to use outdoor areas. If unavailable, they can enter indoor spaces after showing proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

The Council grappled with the question of how to enforce the ordinance. Buscaino voted against the measure, citing a lack of an enforcement mechanism. Other council members, including Bob Blumenfield, Mike Bonin and Paul Krekorian, echoed Buscaino’s concerns, but felt it more urgent to pass the requirements first and settle the details later. 

“All those concerns being said, we can’t delay a day longer. We need to advance forward with an ordinance that is going to protect people from their fellow citizens who are making a choice not to be vaccinated,” Krekorian said last week. 

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Hawthorne Elementary prides itself on its monthly Walk to School Day organized by the Parent Teacher Association that draws scores of parents and children. For years, walkers have made their way up Rexford Drive from Kelly’s Coffee to the school, where staff and administrators wait to greet students. 

For the particular walk on Oct. 6, National Walk to School Day, the PTA pulled out all the stops, promising food and prizes for participating students once they reached the school. The PTA planned to have a fitness instructor outside the school lead the students through a workout using elastic bands purchased for the occasion. 

The event attracted some 200 students and parents who traveled to Hawthorne in two cohorts. But the day also caught the attention of activists who already had their eyes set on the city over state and county vaccination mandates for firefighters.

The day before on Oct. 5, at a rally against vaccine mandates for Beverly Hills firefighters, local attorney David Hakimfar encouraged the crowd at City Hall to join him and others in protesting Walk to School Day, where he said Mayor Wunderlich and School Board President Rachelle Marcus would be.

“They think it’s going to be a fun and safe photo opportunity with parents and kids. Let’s show up here and show them it’s not,” he said. “Let’s make them afraid, because it’s no longer that we need to be on the defense–we need to be on the offense.”

The protest also received a boost from the Beverly Hills Firefighter Association, the union representing firefighters in the city. Union president Victor Gutierrez also spoke at the Oct. 5 City Hall rally. According to screenshots reviewed by the Courier, the union shared a flyer on its official Instagram account that told followers to “grab your signs and come to Kelly’s Coffee” where the walk was scheduled to start. 

“Do you want to tell them how you feel about forced vaccine mandate?” the flyer read. 

On Walk to School morning, a group of around 10 protesters gathered at Kelly’s Coffee prior to 8:15 a.m. and confronted Wunderlich. In an effort to ease tensions, he offered to meet with them later that afternoon (and did so). Nonetheless, the protestors followed Wunderlich as he joined with the first cohort of parents and children on Santa Monica Boulevard and Rexford. “Masking children is child abuse, you mask your child you’re a child abuser,” one protester shouted.

While most parents appeared to try and ignore the protesters, the two groups found themselves in heated exchanges at times.

At the school, the protesters stood outside the front entrance with picket signs decrying vaccine mandates as “medical tyranny” and claiming “COVID-19 fear is brainwashing.” 

On multiple occasions both on the walk and at the school, parents requested that Beverly Hills Police Department officers intervene in disputes. Aside from instructing people to remain on the sidewalk, police declined to get involved, citing the First Amendment. 

Section 626.8 of the California Penal Code makes it a misdemeanor to “interfere with the peaceful conduct of the activities of the school or disrupt the school or its pupils.” When asked by the Courier later in the day for comment, BHPD Acting Captain Max Subin responded by highlighting a subsection of the code that states that it “shall not be utilized to impinge upon the lawful exercise of constitutionally protected rights of speech or assembly.”

“We always strive to provide the safest environment possible when individuals are expressing their first amendment rights,” Subin noted.  

In addition to a number of parents who reached out to the Courier to express their frustration, School Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy expressed grave disappointment at the events of the day. “The behavior exhibited by grown adults is nothing short of atrocious. Intimidating our youngest members of society, threatening students, and making them feel unsafe is unacceptable,” he said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, BHUSD does not have any authority outside of the school campus,” Bregy said. “The disruption of peaceful conduct on the sidewalk or public way adjacent to school buildings is where we place our trust in the jurisdiction of the Beverly Hills Police Department. BHUSD will exhaust every possible legal remedy available to us to ensure this never happens again.”

Bregy did not elaborate on the potential legal actions available to the district.

Bregy also seemed to allude to the Beverly Hills Firefighter Association’s role in promoting the event, saying, “We feel let down by the organizations and people who promoted this protest on their official Instagram account only to delete the story after the damage was done.”

Gutierrez did not respond to a request for comment.

Parents told the Courier that their children were confused and scared by the chaos. 

“Many of the kids were scared that protestors were going to come into the school. My child asked me not to leave,” said one mother. (The parents who spoke with the Courier requested anonymity out of fear of reprisal by local protesters.)

“I have a five-year old kid, she doesn’t understand what’s going on. They’re standing in front of our school yelling stuff that nobody understands,” a parent who identified herself as Elena said. “If you want to protest to make a difference, make a difference with the adults. Go to the City Council, go to the school board.”

One parent told the Courier that her seven-year-old removed their mask after seeing the protesters and, once inside, “got in trouble for not wearing it.”

“I will never walk to school again,” she reported her child saying. 

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In a statement over the weekend, BHFD Fire Chief Greg Barton said that nearly 80% of firefighters are vaccinated, up significantly from the 63% reported in August. The city itself has no role in requiring the vaccinations outside of enforcing the mandates. The requirements come from two authorities, the state and county public health departments, both of which have ordered healthcare workers to either get vaccinated or request an exemption. 

While not healthcare workers per se, all BHFD firefighters are also certified EMTs and paramedics, qualifying them for the mandates. The orders gave healthcare workers until Sept. 30 to be fully inoculated against COVID-19 or receive an exemption on religious or medical grounds.

“The Beverly Hills Fire Department will make operational adjustments as needed to ensure the greatest level of protection for the community with vaccinated paramedics assigned to engine companies wearing full personal protective equipment when responding on medical calls,” Barton said. “I want to assure every member of this community that our quality of service and your health and safety will not be compromised.”

On Oct. 1, the city announced decisions for the 25 exemption requests. Of the five firefighters seeking medical exemptions, one received a full exemption while the rest were granted 30-day temporary exemptions. None of the 20 seeking exemptions for “sincerely held religious beliefs” received full exemptions. Instead, 14 were given 30-day exemptions and six requests were denied. Five of those denied religious exemptions took the shot, while one has been placed on unpaid administrative leave. 

Over the course of the 30-day temporary exemption, those seeking medical exemptions have been asked to provide the city with documentation submitted by their health care provider for further evaluation. The city will meet again with those seeking religious exemptions at the end of the 30-day period to reevaluate their request. 

Beverly Hills Firefighter Association President Victor Gutierrez, who helms the union representing the city’s firefighters, described the move as “segregation” and “in disregard to public safety.” 

In response to concerns about staffing levels, the department added an additional vaccinated firefighter to each shift. 

Gutierrez told the Courier that the union does not oppose the mandates–rather, it opposes removing unvaccinated firefighters from medical calls. Gutierrez pointed out that the county vaccination mandate does not prohibit healthcare workers from working with patients so long as they test regularly for COVID-19 and wear face coverings.

On Oct. 5, over a hundred protesters decried the mandates on the steps of City Hall. The crowd included a number of firefighters from other departments, including Los Angeles, the county, and at least two from Beverly Hills. One BHFD firefighter present, Josh Sattley, had his religious exemption request denied and refused to take the vaccine. As a result, he was placed on unpaid administrative leave.

He came to the front of the crowd accompanied by his family and greeted by chants of “hero.” 

“I’m not a hero, I’m just a man who loves God, I’m a man who loves my country, and I’m a man who loves my family,” he said. “I’m being punished because I stood up for what I believe to be right and I’m going to continue to stand up for what I believe to be right.”

Gutierrez also spoke at the rally in support of Sattley. “Please follow our mission, follow Josh. This is all about having a choice and not having that choice stepped on,” he said.

Sattley declined an interview request from the Courier. He has become a vocal critic of the city, characterizing the measures as “draconian and tyrannical” in an Instagram post. He appeared on the conservative news outlet Newsmax on Oct. 5 to discuss the mandates with host Grant Stinchfield. 

As with the debate in other areas of life, from schools to hospitals, firefighters in Beverly Hills are already required to receive certain vaccines as a condition of employment, according to Deputy Fire Chief Joe Matsch. Opponents of the vaccine frequently raise concerns with the speed of its development, but legal experts say that such objections would not qualify as religious in nature.  

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This number makes California the only state in the nation to drop below what the CDC considers a “High” level of virus transmission. The decline in new COVID cases comes on the heels of a nationwide resurgence last month which health officials say was a result of the Delta variant. 

Neighboring states, Oregon, Nevada and Arizona all have rates above 200. West Virginia fared the worst with a case rate that soared above the rest of the country this week at more than 700 new cases per 100,000 people. In California, counties like Los Angeles and San Francisco helped the state fare better than the rest of the country by reenacting facial covering restrictions during the summer case spike, health officials say.

While a steady decline in new COVID cases in California is reassuring to many, the CDC still considers the state to have a “Substantial” rate of spread. California would have to cut its new cases nearly in half to be downgraded to a “Moderate” transmission level.

With the latest restrictions that took effect this week, state lawmakers are hoping to drive up vaccination rates as 99% of cases reported in the first half of this year occurred among unvaccinated people, state health officials say.

California is requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test at indoor gatherings with more than 1,000 attendees. Outdoor gatherings of 10,000 people or more, which the state calls “mega events,” are required to ask attendees if they are vaccinated, though proof is not required. Nearly 70% of eligible Californians are fully vaccinated, according to state data.

In Los Angeles County, stricter mandates are about to take effect on Oct. 7. The Department of Public Health will require proof of vaccination or negative test results to attend both indoor and outdoor mega events. The county will require bars, wineries and breweries to check their indoor patrons for proof of vaccine or negative tests. It will also “strongly recommend” restaurants do the same for indoor dining. 

The county rules will apply to Beverly Hills watering holes and restaurants, and it may apply to events like the Holiday Lighting Celebration if the order remains in place by the event’s scheduled date of Nov. 18. The lighting celebration has hit the 10,000-person threshold in previous years, according to city staff.

A Beverly Hills initiative called First Thursdays starts the same night the new order takes effect. First Thursdays encourages businesses to offer discounts and other special offers on the first Thursday of every month in an effort to drive new excitement about nightlife in the city. While the county rule will not take effect until midnight on Oct. 7, it could affect bars that may be participating in the event that night.

In Beverly Hills, the city’s code enforcement division has been tasked with leading enforcement of the county order, city staff told the Courier. Beverly Hills Police Dept. will also assist in enforcement as police departments throughout the county are expected to enforce the new rules.

As of Sept. 22, Los Angeles County’s seven-day case rate was 14.9 per 100,000 residents while San Francisco’s was 10.8, San Diego’s was 19.1, Orange County’s was 10.4, and Ventura’s was 16.4.

While Beverly Hills has seen a relatively low number of total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, its rate of transmission is above neighboring cities, according to county public health data. Beverly Hills has seen a total case rate of 10,238 per 100,000 residents, West Hollywood has a rate of 9,510 and Santa Monica’s rate is 6,963. The City of Los Angeles has had a rate 14,582 since the pandemic started.

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“We’re excited to be moving to our new urgent care location, which includes a more spacious, modern waiting area and updated exam rooms,” Cedars-Sinai Urgent Care Division Chief Dr. Stacey Tarradath told the Courier. 

The new facility, located on the second floor of 8767 Wilshire Blvd., offers all urgent care services for adult and pediatric patients. The clinic welcomes all patients, regardless of whether they have been seen by a Cedars-Sinai doctor before and accepts both walk-ins and appointments. The clinic also accepts most forms of insurance and offers payment plans to both insured and uninsured patients, according to Mary Clare Lingel, vice president of Strategic Integration at Cedars-Sinai Medical Network. 

Tarradath added that the new clinic optimizes workflows to improve the patient experience. “Our patients will definitely notice the difference,” she said.

Urgent care facilities offer services for medical situations that don’t quite rise to the level of life threatening, but still require attention sooner than the next time your physician can squeeze you in, according to Tarradath. 

“Urgent care is your best option when you need same-day care for an illness or injury that isn’t life-threatening,” Tarradath said. “Common reasons for urgent care visits include health concerns such as cuts or lacerations with contained bleeding; ear infections; fever or chills; nausea, diarrhea and vomiting or urinary tract infections.” 

“If you’re experiencing a true medical emergency, such as bleeding that won’t stop; chest pains or stroke; seizures without pre-existing condition; serious burns or sudden loss or change of vision–then you should go to the emergency department immediately,” said Tarradath.

In short, if you don’t have time to wonder if you should go to urgent care or the emergency room, you should likely opt for the latter.

Cedars-Sinai is continuing to expand its offerings beyond the new clinic. Its newest location, located in Los Feliz on Hillhurst Avenue, will open March 2022. That facility will offer primary care, urgent care, and OB/GYN services.

“Cedars-Sinai continues to focus on bringing excellent outpatient care and services to our patients where they live and work across the Los Angeles region, with growing specialty and primary care offices in Beverly Hills, Culver City, West L.A., Santa Monica, Playa Vista, Marina del Rey and Tarzana,” Lingel told the Courier.  

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 Los Angeles County lags behind the state as a whole, with 74% of residents having received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to data compiled by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health). Beverly Hills, in contrast, tracks slightly ahead of the state average, with 81% of eligible residents injected with at least one dose of the vaccine.

Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer acknowledged on Aug. 31 that fluctuating rules and guidelines surrounding the coronavirus have confused just as much as clarified how to stay safe during the pandemic. The confusion seems to have played into a growing movement of vaccine skepticism and outright opposition. “Over the last few weeks and months, as we have issued revisions and modifications to guidelines that affect so many aspects of our lives, we’ve heard from people all over our L.A. County community who are frustrated by the changes in our guidance, and sometimes confused by recommendations that seem to contradict their expectations or interfere with what they were hoping would be a return to a more normal way of life,” she said.

While the tightening of restrictions after the brief respite of the spring came across as capricious to some, Ferrer emphasized the dynamic nature of our understanding of COVID-19 and of the virus itself. “The reality is that the recent changes we make to our guidance are all tied to the Delta variant, which changed what we know about COVID-19,” she said. “And as the science on COVID-19 has changed, we have been forced to adapt our guidance on how we keep each other safe. We will continue to follow the science and the data in the guidance we create to help keep ourselves and our loved ones safe, and when we need to make changes, we will do our best to explain why.” 

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On Aug. 23, Granucci uploaded a 12-minute video of Granucci was uploaded to the social media app Telegram. In the video, he decried the city’s vaccine policy that requires city employees to either get vaccinated or submit to regular testing.

“I am done being silent on this matter,” he said in the video, wearing a LAFD cap and shirt. “The vaccinations will come, and then after that, it will be a booster and another booster and another booster. And when will this end? When will this tyranny stop?”

In the video, Granucci claims that there are “hundreds” of other LAFD employees who have retained an attorney–”and he is a shark.”

LAFD said in a statement that they learned of the video on the morning of Aug. 24. “While we respect the individual’s right to his opinion, he is not authorized to speak on behalf of the Department. The individual is in uniform and appears to be on duty, thereby giving the impression that he is speaking in an official capacity,” the statement said.

“Therefore, the matter has been submitted to our Professional Standards Division for investigation. The course of the investigation includes interviews and consultation with the City Attorney’s office.”

The Los Angeles City Council voted on Aug. 18 to require that city employees be fully vaccinated against the novel coronavirus by October, with exemptions granted for medical or religious reasons. Those exempt from the mandate must submit to regular testing.

Los Angeles Mayor Deputy Communications Director Alex Comisar defended the city’s vaccine requirement in a statement to the Courier.  “The vaccine requirement for city employees is in place to protect the health and safety of our workforce and the broader public,” he said. “The Mayor hopes that full FDA approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will help reassure people that these vaccines are safe and effective–and he strongly urges any Angeleno who hasn’t been vaccinated to get the shot right now.”

Despite Grannuci’s dramatic claims, vaccine requirements have existed in some form since the founding of the country. George Washington famously forced his soldiers at Valley Forge to inoculate themselves against smallpox. In 1905, the Supreme Court upheld the right of states to mandate vaccination against smallpox or levy a fine against those who refused in Jacobson v. Massachusetts. 

A three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit cited Jacobson when it affirmed Indiana University’s right to require that students be vaccinated against COVID-19. Judge Frank Easterbrook, a prominent conservative jurist appointed by Ronald Reagan, wrote in the opinion that “vaccination requirements, like other public-health measures, have been common in this nation.” Easterbrook’s ruling was signed onto by two judges appointed by Donald Trump. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, herself appointed by Trump, declined to hear an appeal of the ruling, thereby upholding a lower court’s ruling in favor of the university.

Additionally, every state and the District of Columbia currently require vaccinations for children to attend school. This, too, has withstood the scrutiny of litigation. In 1922, the Supreme Court ruled in Zucht v. King that a school district in San Antonio, Texas, could prohibit unvaccinated children from attending school. In that case, San Antonio had enacted an ordinance requiring students to show a “certificate of vaccination” to gain admittance to educational facilities. Justice Louis Brandeis pointed toward the Jacobson case in his opinion, which he said “had settled that it is within the police power of a state to provide for compulsory vaccination.”  

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While the Board did not unanimously agree on what measures should be implemented to protect students and staff from the virus, it was clear only that additional safeguards are needed and soon. Parents, too, inundated the public comment period of the meeting, equally making a case for and against compulsory testing and vaccinations. 

On Aug. 25, just nine days into the new school year, the District reported 11 positive cases of COVID-19 among students, and two among staff. Of the 10 students who tested positive, nine were at the high school and  two at Horace Mann Elementary. Of the staff who tested positive, one was at the high school and the other at Horace Mann. 

“Between positive cases and the close contacts, that’s 172 disruptions in eight days…no matter where you are or what side you’re on, in eight days, we’ve had 172 disruptions in our classrooms,” BHUSD Superintendent, Dr. Michael Bregy, said. “And that’s disruptive to the entire class. So, our responsibility is to mitigate those disruptions and get back to what we’re supposed to be doing, and that’s providing a high-quality education, and you can’t do that in an environment where you keep getting kids in and out of classrooms.”

Currently, BHUSD does not mandate regular testing or vaccinations, but testing is in place for students who become symptomatic in class. However, the District does offer free daily COVID-19 rapid antigen testing for all symptomatic and non-symptomatic staff and students at various school sites between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 

While all Board members agreed that more and potentially obligatory testing would be essential to mitigate the spread of the virus, the cabinet did not reach a conclusive consensus around mandatory vaccinations for the eligible student population. 

Fearing a potential onslaught of legal issues, Marcus said “I would love, in a perfect world, to require everyone to get tested. I would require everyone who’s eligible to get vaccinated.” 

Marcus later elaborated her thoughts for the Courier. “I am 100 percent in favor of mandatory and weekly testing because I believe we, as a school district, have the legal right to demand that our students to be tested for the health and safety of all our students, faculty, staff, and the overall community at large.” She added, “The multitude of legal issues surrounding compulsory vaccinations, however, makes me less likely to support this approach until such time that we are assured that we will not be facing costly legal battles which will take money out of our General Fund to litigate. Culver City Unified has not yet seen the onslaught of legal claims from parents who oppose this mandate. If other districts felt that these lawsuits would fail in a court of law, I believe we would see many more school districts passing a mandatory vaccine requirement. I strongly believe we need to continue to educate our community about the life saving protections, to a scientific certainty, that vaccinations provide, and to encourage everyone eligible to get vaccinated,” said Marcus.

At the high school level, if a vaccinated student is asymptomatic but tests positive for COVID-19, they can remain at school with a mask. Unvaccinated students who test positive are immediately isolated. “We can impress upon people the importance of being vaccinated, to prevent that type of thing,” Marcus said. “The community needs to wake up and find out that if they want to keep their kids in school, they’ve got to do these things.”

Sympathetic to parents who are concerned about lack of data testing, Board Member Dr. Amanda Stern said: “I stop short of mandating a vaccine at this time.” 

“I would be open to having mandated vaccines,” said Board Member Mary Wells. “But I feel like we need to have a better understanding of what that means for us from a legal standpoint and liability standpoint. So, I would be open to having direction to understand that.”

“Whatever adjustments can be made to our testing procedures to help eliminate the number of cases and protect our students and keep our education consistent, I will get behind,” added Board Member Noah Margo.

The one Board member who took an unequivocal stance was Tristen Walker-Shuman. “We need to do compulsory testing,” Walker-Shuman said during the meeting. “In my opinion, we should mandate vaccines for 16 plus. I believe that’s going to happen in the next month anyway.” Walker-Shuman voiced that she would like to see district wide compulsory testing in place by Sept. 15 and mandatory vaccinations in place by Sept. 30. Walker-Shuman maintained that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should be tested on a regular basis.

As positive COVID-19 cases inching up each day in the District, the Board is uniform in their resolve to keep students healthy and inside the classroom. While the issue of mandatory vaccinations has been pushed back, another layer of protection in the form of expanded testing is in the works. In closing, Bregy said: “We need to get going on the policy writing of that so that we can bring that back to the Board of Education.” 

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According to the survey, 78% of Beverly Hills employees are fully vaccinated, meaning that they have received either two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or the single dose of Johnson & Johnson. This number comes with several caveats, though. The survey received responses from 670 of the city’s 1,012 employees–a response rate of 66%. Respondents had between Aug. 9 and Aug. 15 to fill out the survey, which was entirely anonymous and voluntary, only identifying people by their department. Given the voluntary nature of the survey, it possibly overestimates the level of vaccination among city employees.

In the City of Beverly Hills, slightly over eight in 10 residents over the age of 12 have received at least one dose of the vaccine. A whopping 99% of residents 65 and over have received at least one dose.

Of the city departments, the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) and the Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD) have the lowest level of vaccinated employees, with 64% and 63% respectively. For comparison, the department with the next lowest level of vaccination is finance, at 79% of employees. These results are in line with trends among other law enforcement agencies and fire departments across Los Angeles and the United States, raising concerns about the safety of those hired to keep the community safe.

The survey had a large range of response rates among departments, making any apples-to-apples comparison somewhat difficult. For example, 151 of the Police Department’s 223 employees returned the survey, a response rate of about 67%. Meanwhile, of the Fire Department’s 97 employees, 87 replied to the survey–a response rate around 90%, making their results more reliable and less likely to overestimate vaccination levels. Public Works, the city’s largest department with 255 employees, had a response rate of about 54%.

Even while Beverly Hills has balked at instituting any employee vaccination requirements, city firefighters nonetheless find themselves subject to a county vaccine mandate. All BHFD firefighters are also certified as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or paramedics, which makes them subject to the Aug. 12 Public Health order requiring vaccination of healthcare workers in the county. The order mandates that all healthcare workers receive their full vaccination by Sept. 30, only making exceptions for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Those exempt from the vaccine must wear masks and submit to regular COVID-19 testing.

The BHFD did not respond when asked what would happen to employees who did not comply with the rules. According to Public Health, “Each covered facility will be required to enforce the vaccine and testing requirements of their respective staff.” Beverly Hills Chief Communications Officer Keith Sterling said the city is exploring whether the health order applies to BHFD civilian staff in addition to firefighters.

In a response to the report by BHPD Acting Captain Max Subin on behalf of both Police and Fire Departments, Subin told the Courier, “We work to provide Police and Fire Department staff members with the latest County health guidance as they make their decisions regarding vaccination.”

Neither the BHPD nor the BHFD supplied the total number of COVID-19 infections in the departments.

“Since the vaccines were first made available earlier this year, the City has proactively communicated the most timely information to all employees,” Sterling told the Courier. Sterling pointed to messaging the city had done for its employees on vaccine eligibility, in addition to a limited amount of vaccinations administered by BHFD in April.

Law enforcement agencies across the state have reported lower rates of vaccination than their surrounding communities, even as COVID-19 killed more officers than all other causes combined in 2020, according to the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reports that 52% of employees received at least one dose of the vaccine by July 21, according to the most recent data available provided to the Courier. Los Angeles County, by contrast, reported that 70% of residents had received at least one dose in the same time frame. Similarly, only 58% of the San Jose Police Department reported being vaccinated in June, compared to 68% of the region at the time.  

The novel coronavirus has become the single most deadly threat for law enforcement officers in both 2020 and 2021, far outpacing deaths from other factors. On Aug. 3, Officer Becky Strong became the 10th LAPD officer to die due to complications of COVID-19. 

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has also lagged behind the city it serves in vaccination numbers. According to an LAFD spokesperson, only 54% of sworn members are fully vaccinated. (Interestingly, bucking the trend, the Culver City Fire Department told the Courier that of its 71 personnel, 93% are fully vaccinated.)

The Beverly Hills survey also organizes the objections and hesitations of those who have declined to get vaccinated so far. Most of the 145 unvaccinated employees who filled out the survey (30%) cited “Safety/Side Effects” as their primary reason for not being fully vaccinated, with 20% citing “Personal Beliefs” after that.

Sterling told the Courier that city employees could use supplemental COVID-19 paid sick leave provided by the state “to get the vaccine and recuperate from any side effects.”

Public health officials have struggled with messaging around the coronavirus and the vaccine, in part owing to occasional missteps, but also because of the politicization of the vaccine and ubiquitous misinformation. While nearly one-third of city employees who have not been vaccinated cite safety concerns, the vaccines have shown themselves to be overwhelmingly safe. 

The most recent data on public opinion toward the vaccine from the non-profit Kaiser Family Foundation shows that 67% of adults say they have received the vaccine. Of those who haven’t received it, 14% say they will “definitely not” get vaccinated–a group that overwhelmingly reports not being worried about serious illness from the virus. Three fourths of those who say they will “definitely not” get the vaccine also say that the vaccine represents a greater risk to their health than the novel coronavirus, which has killed over 630,000 Americans. 

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Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California would require all teachers and school staff to be vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. This week, Culver City Unified School District made headlines, becoming the first public school to extend vaccine directives to students. “We are mandating vaccines for all eligible staff and students,” the district announced on Twitter on Aug. 17. “We will begin gathering vaccine status data immediately.  The deadline for providing the proof of vaccine is Friday, November 19, 2021, to give everyone the opportunity to make their vaccine plans.” 

When asked if an issue would arise if guidelines were imposed that mandated students at the high school be vaccinated to enter a public indoor space, Bregy said: “So, it’s my understanding that that could never be done locally, that would have to be done from the state of California, which would be way out of our hands. But to my understanding, that type of vaccination for students would have to come from the state.” Bregy estimated about 50 percent of the high school population is vaccinated. Right now, there are no COVID-19 testing requirements for students. However, at BHUSD, testing is in place for students that become symptomatic in class. 

“Larger school districts like LAUSD will claim that that is occurring, that they’re requiring and mandating COVID-19 testing,” Bregy said at the meeting. “But we know that in the very few school districts that are doing it, that they’re plagued with legal bills and challenges… our own attorneys have advised us that at this time, that we would be in a legal quandary if we were requiring students to be able to test in order to attend and participate in school.”

Bregy did indicate though that the district is looking to expand rapid COVID antigen testing for students, beyond those who are symptomatic. Regarding vaccination mandates for staff, Bregy said: “We believe that most of our staff are vaccinated. We are, at this point, as of today, really falling in line with what is required, and that is if somebody is not vaccinated, that they will be tested twice a week. We are not yet at a point where it’s mandated for every single employee.”

Staff that have been vaccinated will still be tested once per week for the virus. 

For students who test positive, there is not a one size fits all approach. At the high school level, if a vaccinated student is asymptomatic but tests positive for COVID-19, they can remain at school with a mask and “still be considered to be safe in our schools.” Unvaccinated students who test positive are immediately isolated. “Then it’s a quarantine period,” Bregy said. “We are then providing instructional support for those students. So, it depends on the grade level, it depends on the, the exposure level that they’ve had, and it also depends a lot on if they were on campus or not.” 

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On Aug. 10, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to look into options to require residents to show proof of vaccinations to enter certain indoor spaces, though exactly which spaces are still being determined. The Board directed the L.A. County Department of Public Health to provide a report in two weeks on the specifics of the plan, and how it will be enforced. If passed, the new rules would only apply to unincorporated areas of the county and would not apply to Beverly Hills.

The city of Los Angeles is considering a similar proposal. On Aug. 4, L.A. City Council President Nury Martinez and Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell introduced a motion to require vaccine proof at restaurants, bars, gyms, stores, spas, movie theaters, concert venues, and sporting events. The motion passed unanimously on Aug. 11. Now, city attorneys will draft legislation to come back before the Council. 

While the City of los angeles and the county have begun openly exploring increased restrictions for unvaccinated people, the Beverly Hills City Council has yet to meet to address the matter. “With the spread of the Delta variant and constantly evolving guidelines, the City Council continues to closely monitor these issues,” Beverly Hills Chief Communications Officer Keith Sterling told the Courier on Aug. 12.

On Aug. 11, Newsom introduced toughest-in-the-nation requirements mandating that school employees must either be vaccinated or submit to weekly COVID-19 testing. On the same day, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) began requiring visitors to general acute care hospitals, skilled nursing, and intermediate care facilities in California to show either proof of vaccination or documentation of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the hospital visit.

“We are eager to see the written plan from the state,” BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy said in a statement to the Courier. “Until then, we are having positive discussions with our labor partners to ensure we achieve our common goal to keep our schools open with the least amount of disruption to the continuity of in-person instruction in the safest way possible.” 

Alana Castanon, president of the Beverly Hills Education Association, the union representing BHUSD employees, told the Courier that the union “intends on complying with all state and county health orders.”

“BHEA members want to be in our classrooms with our students,” she wrote in an email. “The governor’s announcement yesterday is supported by the California Teachers Association, requiring vaccine verification or testing for all school staff as an appropriate next step to ensure the safety of our school communities and to protect our youngest learners under 12 who are not yet vaccine eligible from this highly contagious Delta variant.”

The Beverly Hills Unified School District said in an Aug. 6 email that it does not require COVID-19 vaccinations, in line with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) guidelines. Students must provide a negative COVID-19 test if they have traveled outside California 10 days prior to starting school, in addition to complying with other Public Health regulations. 

Starting Aug. 11, anyone visiting a medical facility in California must show either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours, according to a new order from the California Department of Public Health. 

“The more individuals get vaccinated, the closer we get to progressing beyond this pandemic,” the department wrote in an Aug. 5 statement when the new policy was announced. “And the more people are vaccinated in any given setting, the safer that setting becomes.” 

A steady rise in COVID-19 cases across LA County – 2,622 new cases were recorded on Aug. 10 – has caused countywide hospitalizations to double in just 15 days, from 745 on July 24 to 1,503 on Aug. 8. Statewide, COVID hospitalizations have seen a similar spike, from 2,981 hospitalized COVID-positive patients on July 25 to 5,973 on Aug. 8.

This latest wave has been driven by the highly contagious Delta variant. “Every time that we leave the window open here in the U.S., or in the world, and we are not being careful with these viruses, they tend to mutate, they change, they try to adapt to us and they become very efficient,” Dr. Ilan Shapiro, Medical Director of Health Education and Wellness for Altamed, told the Courier. 

Given the current spread of COVID-19, Dr. Shapiro stressed the importance of getting more vaccines into more arms to prevent the mutation of another, possibly more virulent and deadly strain. “One of these days, it could be the epsilon or lambda variant,” he said. “That’s why it’s so important to layer as many public health barriers between us and COVID-19.”

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, the two largest hospitals near Beverly Hills, have both confirmed that they are complying with the new orders. However, while UCLA specifies that it will accept a negative COVID test acquired within 72 hours of the visit as an alternative to official vaccination verification, Cedars-Sinai does not. 

When asked whether a negative COVID test would grant entry into Cedars-Sinai, a spokesperson told the Courier, “The inpatient visitation policy is exactly as it appears on the site now.”

Suitable forms of proof include a CDC-issued Vaccination Record Card, a WHO Yellow Card, a photo of a Vaccination Record card, documentation of the vaccination from a health care provider, or a digital record with a QR code. All forms of ID must include the visitor’s name, the type of vaccine, and the date of the vaccine administration. Digital records must also include the visitor’s date of birth. 

Cedars-Sinai does not allow visitors for patients with moderate or high suspicion of having COVID-19, unless a clinical team considers the patient to be end of life. In that case, the patient will be allowed one visitor a day for two hours. UCLA Health does not specify their policy on visitation of COVID-positive patients and did not respond to questions. 

Visitors can obtain a digital copy of their vaccination records online at https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov. 

Additional reporting by Michael Wittner

The post Continuing Surge Prompts Vaccination Requirements appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Director Center for Love and Sex, and Founder Sex Esteem® 

Courier columnist Sari Cooper is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Director of The Center for Love and Sex, a boutique sex coaching and sex therapy practice. Sari is also the founder of Sex Esteem®, which produces entertaining private curated “sex-edification” events and talks for couples, parents, schools, campuses, and organizations on a diverse array of sexuality topics. With over 25 years of experience, she is a sought-after media guest expert and writer on the topic of relationships, monogamy, and eroticism.

As a certified sex and couples’ therapist who guided many couples and singles through this period, I can tell you what hurtles might await partners when issues that have remained stagnant during what I call “COVID time” resurface. As in any crisis, some of my coupled clients’ disagreements were put on hold in order to meet the day-to-day demands of work, children doing virtual schooling, older relatives in need or battling illness, in addition to intrafamilial conflicts around politics. Conflicts erupted due to the stress around potential COVID-19 exposure and contagion, financial strain due to job loss, lack of alignment around priorities and less sexual activity. Many couples were grateful to have family support, food, shelter, and access to technology that connected them to their loved ones as they weathered the lockdown quarantines in their community.  

According to preliminary survey results conducted by The Kinsey Institute of 1,117 30–50-year-old married individuals (both heterosexual and same-sex marriages), 74% of participants agreed the pandemic strengthened their marriage and 82% agreed it made them feel more committed to their marriage. A small percentage (17%) of women reported a decrease in emotional and sexual satisfaction in their relationships, while only 11% reported an increase in their emotional satisfaction and 9% reported an increase in sexual satisfaction. However, given the gendered disparity carried by heterosexual women who did more childcare and housework and who lost or left jobs due to lack of support for their children and on Black and Hispanic families who suffered more loss of lives due to COVID and to police violence, we have to focus on how we are going to take some lessons from these unprecedented times and strengthen our relationships. 

Compassionate Communication

Two of the principles of my Sex Esteem® model are compassion and communication. What this entails is the mutual exploration of how your partner is faring with a present-focused groundedness to really let the other partner’s expression of bone-deep emotions seep in and to follow up this inquiry with curiosity to hear more. For those couples who already had strong communication skills going into quarantine, they fared better during those pressured times and flourished with a little bit more time to share. In fact, while under lockdown many families found they had more time to have meals together because afterwork drinks or dinners, commuting and/or kids’ after school activities were no longer part of their schedule. Many of my adult clients indicated they felt like they were less distracted by the demands of a hectic social life and were able to appreciate the slower pace. Many of those couples with school-aged children were more worn out by the attention needed by their virtual schooling programs. 

One lesson that I would encourage couples to retain from the early COVID lockdown days is to not only carve out joint repasts as a couple and as a family, but to place all phone and technology aside during this meal. Breaking bread is literally an age-old ritual and allows for partners to combine the senses of taste, smell, and sight with present-focused emotional intimacy as they take each other in. For couples with kids, I invite them to reserve some nights for “date nights” in which they eat on their own after their children’s meal. 

While many couples use couple time to catch up on household tasks, their kids’ school updates or upcoming events, I guide people to leave these subjects for more of a business catch-up call.  The date is all about boosting the sensuality and erotic energy by eating at a table (not in front of a screen), savoring the food and each other through gazing, authentic conversations, and flirtatious banter. 

Many surveys from people during COVID quarantine time reported the increased levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness that Americans felt. The moodiness and terse communications that these emotional states cause can cause an intimate date to go off the rails pretty quickly.  I teach my clients to utilize a scale choosing any number out of ten as a shorthand to quickly communicate how anxious, sad, frustrated or exhausted they feel throughout the day, so their partner is aware what state their partner is in before they reunite at dinnertime. They are also able to understand that this state may have nothing to do with them and therefore are less likely to build a narrative focused on how their partner is upset with them. For example, it’s helpful for a partner to know that their mate is feeling a 7/10 of anxiety about an upcoming presentation at work so that they don’t take their edginess personally. They can then have a lot more compassion for them when they meet up in the kitchen to prepare and/or eat their meal. 

And for those who might conflate compassion for feeling sorry for someone, I’d like to update this outlook. Compassion is not the same expression as sympathy. The renowned meditation teacher and author Sharon Salzburg states, “Compassion is something we develop concurrently with the development of wisdom. Compassion is the natural response of clear seeing or understanding.” I see compassion in the couple realm as the ability to see your part and your partner’s part and the wisdom is the ability to differentiate between them.  It is not just feeling sorry for someone, it requires reflection and at times actions.  

I also encourage partners to ask what their partner would find most helpful instead of forging ahead with unsolicited advice on what they think would remedy the situation. If one partner says they’re feeling 9/10 of frustration with a workplace colleague, their partner can ask if they would like anything beyond a listening ear. 

Defining Intentions (priorities around values) 

The COVID pandemic brought into clear relief the potential of our own mortality and for many families, the loss of beloved parents, siblings, and friends. For many people, the experience of sudden or early loss can heighten the meaning they carry forward in the rest of their lives. It’s as if there’s a refocusing of one’s relationship’s mission after a painful and traumatic loss.  The renowned psychiatrist Irving Yalom once wrote: “Death loses its terror if one dies when one has consummated one’s life!”

I invite people to reflect deeply on what they valued the most about their partners during this time of potential or actual loss and how they might reconnect with the meaning of their relationships. Some partners spent more time creating Zoom gatherings with their families so that family members living alone or in more restricted lockdowns would not feel so isolated. Some of our clients were challenged by political statements their relatives espoused as the country approached the national election. The conflicting viewpoints they heard from parents or siblings who lived in different parts of the country regarding COVID, the election and the vaccine resulted in a deep sense of loss in how to remain connected to family. I helped guide clients to define and address their existential dilemmas regarding their civic and equity commitments while also remaining loving daughters, sons, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. I help folks approach their lives’ moral values using what family therapists call a ‘both/and’ framework so that opposing belief systems can be held under a larger umbrella they have of their life’s meaning which includes acceptance and love. 

Erotic Exploration

While a recent survey by Kinsey reported less frequency in sexual scenarios occurring during quarantine, they also discovered that 20.3% of respondents added a new additional sexual behavior to their sexual menu since the pandemic began. Some couples in my practice used the lockdown period to expand their sexual repertoires since they now had more time to explore scenarios they had always wanted to try. 

I urge couples to make and keep commitments they may have made during the lockdown so they can continue to renourish their joint erotic menu despite the lure of outside social opportunities increasing. For the couples who experimented and kept up the practice of playfulness, their previous sexual ennui was replaced by an urgent sense to center passion in their erotic scripts. This is not so uncommon at times when one’s sense of mortality is awakened. I always reference the scene in “Moonstruck” where the mother played by Olympia Dukakis, after discovering her husband’s affair asks her daughter’s fiancé: “Why do men cheat?”

When the fiancé finally comes up with the answer: “I don’t know.. because they’re afraid of death?” her face lights up and in recognition of the eureka moment she cries: “That’s it!” 

Many of the clients I have worked with over the years before COVID time who had broken their monogamous agreements had in fact experienced some traumatic loss(es) in their childhood or in their early adulthood. The losses include: a parent’s early death to cancer, a best friend killed in a car crash, a college roommate’s suicide or the death of a relative who repeatedly sexual abused the client when they were a child. While I don’t excuse a person’s breaking their sexual exclusivity agreement with their partner/spouse, I view the death anxiety a potential flight response to the recognition of how quickly a life can be taken. 

In the Kinsey study mentioned above, researchers found that “participants who made new additions were significantly more likely than those who did not to report that their sex life had improved since the pandemic began.” I encourage couples to continue to schedule and show up for erotic dates which allows for anticipation, novelty, and creativity to grow their sensual lives long after we all shed our COVID boundaries. By consciously using the term erotic I’m not dictating which of the myriad sexual behaviors in which humans partake. Rather, I’m inviting an embodied, present based state of being in which all one’s senses are involved in creating, enveloping and connecting through sensual play. 

Work/Life/Environmental Wellness

For other couples, the need to cook meals reminded partners how much their goals of eating healthy food, supporting local growers, maintaining regular exercise and sleep regimens optimized their moods and mission to align with body-mind wellness. For those partners who had the privilege of leisure time, it was also a way partners and families could connect more intimately in a fun activity (think about all the bread-baking pics featured on social media).  I think this lesson of holistic health has been felt by many people who are requesting a hybrid work-life to enable them to continue the wellness routines which make them feel more alive and balanced each day. According to a Harvard Business School survey 81% of respondents said they didn’t want to return to full time in-person work or wanted some sort of hybrid schedule.  Couples have tasted a new way of living that gives them more time with one another and their families and the new post-COVID normal is going to need to reflect these needs. 

While in quarantine, some couples returned or reignited an interest in spiritual or religious worship through virtual services. Despite the Pew Research Center’s surveys reporting rates of religious affiliation decreasing steadily in the past several years, some clients found they were longing for more comfort and meaning during this anxiety-provoking time. The connection to something larger than one’s own personal needs and belief in a larger purpose has been shown to come out of natural disasters or wartime. Online services by churches, mosques, synagogues and Buddhist communities helped to keep people psychologically grounded to deeper spiritual and existential beliefs. 

I invite you to reflect on what rituals, habits and priorities you want to bring into more conscious practice in your post-COVID life.  

The post Lessons To Carry into a Post-Pandemic Sex Life appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Beverly Hills has yet to consider any vaccination requirements for either private businesses or public facilities and employees, but Mayor Robert Wunderlich told the Courier that the City Council would have to consider all its options. “With the trajectory of COVID of vaccinations, with the continued emergence of the Delta variant, I wouldn’t be surprised if it comes back before the City Council for us again to have to discuss what requirements we want to put into effect in the city,” he said.

For a few months following the devastating winter surge, it seemed that Los Angeles County was on track to beat the virus. While the vaccine rollout was not without its problems, the high enthusiasm, long lines, and occasional chicanery for the medical breakthrough was promising. Even as the county and the nation resolved vaccine supply issues, interest seemed to wane. Lines shrank, mega vaccination sites closed, and doses went unused. 

The latest surge of the Delta variant marks the fourth wave of COVID-19 infections in the United States. Case counts and hospitalizations in L.A. remain far below the winter deluge, which inundated hospitals and killed thousands, but have nonetheless seen worrying gains in the last two months. In that period of time, L.A. County has seen an 18-fold increase in coronavirus cases and a five-fold increase in hospitalizations. Unvaccinated people have driven both trends.

Beverly Hills experienced a particularly intense form of whiplash with this latest wave. The City Council planned to repeal parts of its COVID-19 urgency ordinance at its first in-person meeting in almost a year and a half on July 15. The meeting came the same day Los Angeles County reinstituted an indoor mask mandate and the City Council scrapped plans to repeal the ordinance and returned to virtual hearings.

Private businesses have responded to the surge with increased safety measures of their own, requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Already, dozens of restaurants and bars across the county have announced these sorts of requirements, including some in Beverly Hills. While the industry has been forced to pivot several times to align with Public Health orders since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, now, the mandates are coming from the businesses.

“For the time being, all we require from our staff is a negative COVID test result if they have a fever or show any other Covid like symptoms,” Giuseppe Mollica, the general manager at Via Alloro, told the Courier. “Should the local officials require a mandatory vaccination for all staff, then we will comply. We are not asking our customers (yet), but again should something change, we’ll comply. Understandably there is some concern among our customers, as well as our staff, and we will address it as necessary. We are taking all possible precautions to protect and prevent any outbreak.”

“We require the workers, but not the customers,” Vartan Kemanjian, the manager of Euro Caffe on Canon Drive, told the Courier. “LA County Health Department, they tell us what to do. They haven’t told us that the customers need to be vaccinated, but our employees, yes, of course.”

Popular eateries such as Croft Alley and Urth Cafe will soon be implementing vaccine mandates of their own. 

“This is something that has to be discussed,” the manager at Il Pastaio, Nina Chua, told the Courier. “No further comment.”

The surge has prompted an about-face by cities, states, and federal agencies, all of which had gleefully begun the process of reopening in the spring. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) partially revised its recommendation on face masks on July 27, advising that everyone should wear one inside regardless of vaccination status in areas with “substantial” or “high” transmission rates. Even before that, L.A. County mandated indoor masking for everyone starting July 18. 

On Aug. 4, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Nury Martinez and Mitch O’Farrell introduced a motion to consider requiring proof of vaccination against COVID-19 “to enter indoor spaces, including but not limited to, restaurants, bars, retail establishments, fitness centers, spas, and entertainment centers such as stadiums, concert venues, and movie theaters.” Later the same day, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda Solis issued an executive order requiring the county’s 110,000 employees to provide proof of vaccination by Oct. 1.

Health experts in the city are also putting pressure on the private sector. Dr. Lee Hilborne, Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, and a member of the Beverly Hills Health and Safety Commission, urged the city to take robust action. “It seems it’s time for cities (counties and states) to consider requiring proof of vaccination to enter publicly accessible indoor spaces. At least as a community, we should launch this discussion and potentially follow the lead of other prominent cities that have made this informed public health decision,” he told the Courier.

While Beverly Hills boasts one of the highest rates of vaccination in the county (78 percent of those 16 years and older have received at least one dose, compared to 71 percent county-wide), its population may be at higher risk for hospitalization from the Delta variant compared to other areas. A report by data science company, Cogitativo, lists Beverly Hills among the top 10 cities in LA County at the greatest risk for increased hospitalization. 

According to CEO Gary Velasquez, Cogitativo built machine learning models that combined COVID-19 infection and vaccination data with anonymized health records from California health insurers to determine which zip codes had the greatest risk for COVID-19 infections resulting in hospitalization. The model specifically broke down risk into 20 clinical conditions including hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Having any of these clinical conditions increases someone’s chance of hospitalization if they develop COVID-19, Velasquez said.

For the most part, the results confirmed what health officials already knew–that majority-minority communities like Inglewood and Palmdale face higher risk than majority white areas. But the report also listed Beverly Hills, an affluent, majority-white city with high vaccination rates. 

Velasquez attributed this to the relative seniority of Beverly Hills’ residents. According to the most recent census data available, 21 percent of Beverly Hills residents are 65 years or older. This, compared to Los Angeles, in which only 12 percent of residents are over the age of 65. 

“Unfortunately, as you get older, part of aging is you have these clinical conditions,” Velasquez told the Courier.

The Courier will continue to update this story as it develops. 

Additional reporting by Bianca Heyward and Michael Wittner

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In February 2020, it was unimaginable to most of us that we would spend a year in such a confined way.  And here we are, almost a year and half later and only now cautiously reemerging. Imagine this from a fitness angle: What would happen to a runner who stops running for 18 months? The first steps on the track will be shaky, and it may take weeks or months before regaining full capabilities. Likewise, many of us stopped exercising our “social muscles” 18 months ago, and now that we are crawling back into society we are finding that our “social muscles” and other skills may have atrophied a bit. 

Here’s a list of issues to consider to help you successfully reemerge:

Embrace forgiveness and patience

As we venture back into restaurants, businesses, and society in general, we are certain to find things don’t always work as smoothly as they did before the pandemic started. For example, when you go back to the restaurant you used to love so much, you might discover that they are very short-staffed. Maybe they are down to a single overwhelmed cook who can’t keep up with pre-pandemic quality standards. No matter where you encounter difficulties with business, try to keep this in mind: we are all trying to figure things out! Be more forgiving and patient than you were before and seek to be the kindest person you can be. 

Overdrinking in social settings

Many people have decreased their alcohol intake during quarantine.  Now as we return to bars and social settings, we may drink more as we get caught up in the moment or feel pressured to keep up with others.  Or maybe you knew exactly how much you could drink before the quarantine, but now the same amount may hit you like a brick. Problems occur when our livers aren’t fully up to speed for an onslaught of alcohol. If we haven’t been drinking, our livers haven’t made the necessary enzymes to detoxify alcohol.  I have heard numerous times already about well -intentioned people having side effects like vomiting, headaches, confusion, and mood swings from their nights back out. If you must drink, do so cautiously.  

Sensory overload

Being in crowds can be unnerving after so long at home. Noises that were normal before may now seem louder and more irritating.  Smells may be more bothersome, particularly cigarette smoke if you have been away from it for over a year. After viewing others as potential threats to our health, it is quite an adjustment to enjoy crowded places again. Go slowly as we are still not in the clear. Crowds may be best avoided until risks are lower.

Socializing in groups

It can be very draining when you are out of practice.  Pace yourself as you go back out and be prepared to rest after events. Most everyone is a bit more stressed out, and remember emotions are highly contagious. Limit interactions to those that feel nourishing and try to avoid the ones that drain you. 

Night driving

Night driving is far more difficult than day driving, as there are fewer visual cues. If you haven’t been driving much after dark, there may be a period of readjustment.  Start slowly and avoid the highway until you regain your confidence. 

Travel

If you haven’t done it in a while it can be very anxiety provoking. International travel is particularly challenging as there are many new rules you will have to adapt to.  Wearing a mask can be uncomfortable and add to the anxiety associated with getting back out there. 

Spending excess money

It was easy to decrease our spending during quarantine and now we are definitely seeing the pendulum swing the other way.  Make sure you are monitoring your spending and not simply getting caught up in the enthusiasm of the moment. 

Loneliness

For some, the quarantine increased time with family or loved ones as kids and other family members were home day and night. Be patient with yourself as you readjust to alone time and remember that it is important to find ways to enjoy and recharge by yourself. 

Relationship challenges

Many relationships started during the pandemic and now need to adapt. As life resumes, couples may find that their interests and energy levels don’t line up as well as they did during quarantine. Make sure to identify and communicate your needs and wants. Going through trauma can also strengthen bonds, so remember to be grateful to those who helped you get through. 

Restarting relationships 

Interacting with family or friends that you haven’t seen in over a year can be tricky. Many relationships were strained or cut off during quarantine.  We need our friends and family for support, and it is important now to reconnect. Reach out even if you haven’t in a while and meet in person again when possible. 

Going back to the office

Commuting to work feels like a chore for many.  We have become extremely used to working from home, and many have come to prefer it. However, never forget that we humans are social animals. We do lose out when we don’t interact face-to-face, so weigh your options carefully if you have them. 

Healthy eating

Eating well back in gatherings or restaurants can be very difficult.  The excitement of being back out, the alcohol, and desire to socialize make it easy to make poor food choices. Our health should remain a top priority, so try to resist the temptations and stick to a high quality, balanced food plan.

Lonely pets

Time with pets will decline as we resume a more normal life. Shelters are already preparing for returns, but fortunately most owners are keeping their pandemic pet. If you are returning to work, look for suitable options for your pet or begin training them to remain for longer and longer periods without you.  Walking your dog before you leave and when you get home is a great way to get exercise for both of you.

We must continue to remain vigilant as the pandemic is clearly not over, but we are fortunate to be resuming many activities. Be patient with yourself and others, as once again we are changing our patterns and like the wobbly runner, we may not be at our best for a while. 

The post Challenges as Life Resumes appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The latest trends have officials alarmed, as the Delta variant continues to spread across L.A. County communities. Those who are unvaccinated are at the highest risk of getting and transmitting COVID-19, and risk severe infection. Vaccinated individuals have strong protection against the virus, including the Delta variant, and are considered low risk. 

“Because of the more infectious Delta variant and the intermingling of unmasked individuals where vaccination status is unknown, unfortunately, we are seeing a surge in cases in L.A. County that looks somewhat similar to last summer,” Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said. “An important difference this summer is that with millions of people vaccinated, we are hopeful we will avoid similar increases in deaths that were experienced last year.” 

Not all of the numbers look bad for Beverly Hills, which boasts a high rate of vaccination. Currently, nearly 77% of those 16 or older have received at least one dose of the vaccine. The numbers lag slightly for youths between the ages of 12 and 17, less than 50% of whom have received at least one dose. 

The latest spike comes days after the county updated its mask policy, requiring face coverings be worn inside by all, regardless of vaccination status. The updated order went into place at 11:59 p.m. on July 17. Public Health is also reporting a continued increase in the number of people hospitalized for COVID-19, with 585 people currently hospitalized, 23% of which are in the ICU. Two weeks ago, there were 273 people hospitalized.

“By adding a mask requirement for everyone indoors, the risk for transmission of the virus will be reduced, and with increases in the number of people getting vaccinated, we should be able to get back to slowing the spread. Sensible masking indoors adds a layer of protection to the powerful vaccines. It is important that we work together to drive down transmission so that there will be much less community transmission when schools reopen,” Ferrer said.

Los Angeles County has taken a more proactive stance than the state or federal governments. Seven counties in the Bay Area stopped short of issuing a mandate like Los Angeles, instead recommending that everybody wear masks indoors. Other jurisdictions around the country that are seeing their own surges are following L.A.’s lead. Nevada’s Clark County, home to Las Vegas, reinstituted tougher mask guidelines after seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. 

In an appearance on CNBC on July 21, Dr. Anthony Fauci said he thought it unlikely that the federal government would issue any nation-wide masking rule “because there will be a lot of pushback on that.”

Indeed, Los Angeles saw immediate pushback to its own new indoor mask rule on July 18, the first full day it went into effect. A group of about 10 protesters traveled through stores in Westwood with megaphones and signs, refusing to wear masks. Two Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers trailed the group and issued orders to leave a grocery store but did not make arrests or issue any citations for violating the health order. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has flatly refused to enforce the county’s order. 

Additional reporting by Samuel Braslow

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About two weeks ago, Dr. Sam Torbati noticed a change in the number of patients coming into the Cedars-Sinai emergency room with COVID-19. For several months up until that point, the hospital saw one, maybe two infected patients a day–a welcome far cry from the city’s peak in the winter. Now, the hospital admits anywhere from seven to 15 cases. 

“We have a Delta variant that’s highly contagious, we have a lot of people engaging in activities that put them in close proximity to each other, and we have a bunch of unvaccinated people that are great hosts. The environment right now is primed for another huge wave,” . Torbati, co-chair and medical director of the Cedars-Sinai emergency department, told the Courier. On July 14, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) confirmed 1,315 new cases of COVID-19, marking the sixth consecutive day of more than 1,000 cases. Hospitalizations reported that same day rose to 398 from 275 the week before–a nearly 45% increase. All hospitalizations in county-run hospitals involve people who have not been fully vaccinated.

Of all the patients coming into the Cedars-Sinai emergency department, Dr. Torbati says “well over 95%” are unvaccinated. Most of them are also younger than in previous upticks.

Currently, 61% of eligible county residents 16 and older have received their full vaccination. Beverly Hills boasts one of the highest rates of vaccinations with 76% of those over 16 having received at least one dose. Still, this leaves millions of Angelenos unvaccinated, including 1.3 million children under 12 who cannot yet get the vaccine.

Director of Public Health Dr. Barbara Ferrer has urged unvaccinated people to become vaccinated if they can. “If you are not vaccinated, consider getting your vaccination now to increase protection for you and for those who can’t be vaccinated. Wearing a face mask when the vaccination status of the people you are around is unknown can help prevent transmission. The best way to reduce your risk of infection and, if infected, serious illness from COVID-19 is to be fully vaccinated against it,” she said on July 14.  

Torbati said that shaming unvaccinated people does little to persuade them. Instead, he emphasizes the safety of the vaccines and the moral responsibility of protecting others around you. 

“It’s important for the unvaccinated population just to understand that we have an incredible amount of data on the vaccines available in the United States. They’re incredibly safe,” he said.

The message is: please protect yourself, protect your loved ones, and please help us in the scientific and medical community to put a stop to what may be another wave of very significant disease activity.” 

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As restrictions are lifting and the streets, restaurants and events are filling back up, it is important to be especially mindful.  We have talked about Post Trauma Growth, and now is the time to ensure we emerge from the pandemic as beautiful butterflies.  

Our brains will need to change again to adapt. We can rewire our brain by actively choosing our thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and not running on autopilot.  Many of us have felt sad and anxious for a quite a while, and we must work to cultivate positive feelings such as calm, joy and optimism. Rapid environmental changes allow for neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections, thus allowing us to think and feel in new ways.  

With only half the county vaccinated and the Delta variant circulating, we can’t let our guard completely down, but life is resuming rapidly and we want to be thoughtful about our reentrance. 

We must now grapple with big questions: Do we go back to the office? Can we send our kids to school? Where is it safe to travel this summer? Can I see my older relative? Or friend with a baby or toddler? What about the family member that hasn’t gotten vaccinated? How do I greet someone? Shake hands, hug, or kiss?  Or better to stay with the elbow bump or wave?

Some are eager to jump back into the deep end of the pool, while others prefer to continue to wait cautiously.  Families need to be on the same page as they assess risks and opportunities going forward, as household spread is the highest risk. Remember, the health of one of us impacts the health of all of us. 

It is time to consider what you learned during this last year. We must actively reflect on what we have been through and how we can most successfully create the “new normal.” I hope you can set aside some time to explore the following questions. You can reflect on them alone, write in your journal,  or talk with friends or family. Meditation is a great way to clear our minds of clutter and focus on the more important issues at hand. Journaling has been shown to increase physical health as well as mental health. One study showed that as little as 15-20 minutes less than once a month lowered blood pressure and improved liver functioning.  Sharing with friends or family can be a great way to reconnect after a year that for many was quite isolating.

• Did you prioritize your family more? How can you continue to spend quality time with them as other opportunities and responsibilities reemerge?

• Did you have to withdraw from friends/co-workers and family members due to the pandemic? If so, how can you re-incorporate them in your life?

• Did you spend more time caring for yourself with exercise and meditation? Can these new habits remain in place as life gets busier?  What other tools did you add to your wellness routine? 

• Did you eat better or worse in quarantine? Can you maintain the positive habits you developed as you venture back to restaurants, parties and gatherings? What healthier habits can you incorporate now? 

• What habits did you break that you are better off without?

• Has your alcohol consumption declined or increased during the pandemic? I have been hearing that many are rushing back to the bars and getting quite sick. If your liver got a break from alcohol, it won’t be prepared to handle an onslaught of drinking.  If you are returning to parties and bars, go slowly or soberly.  

• Did you neglect/decide to forgo your medical and dental care?  If so, please resume as quickly and safely as you can. Screenings such as mammographies and colonoscopies are safer to proceed with now, rather than continuing to postpone. Talk to your doctor and your dentist.  

• How did your value system shift this year?

• How can you use this trauma to appreciate life more?

Life may get very busy quickly, so try to find time to reflect on these questions and whatever else is coming up for you.  We have a unique opportunity now to unleash the potential growth following trauma and lean into a deeper appreciation of life.  

“Trauma creates change you don’t choose. Healing creates change you do choose.”

Michele Rosenthal 

The post Time to Change Your Brain appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

As it stands now, county and federal guidelines still require face coverings regardless of vaccination status on public transit and in transportation hubs. Regulations also require masking when indoors in K-12 schools, childcare, camps and other youth settings; in health care settings like hospitals, urgent cares, and long term care facilities; in state and local correctional facilities and detention centers including prisons and jails; and in homeless shelters, emergency shelters, and cooling centers. With the resumption of public sporting events and some music, masks are required indoors at events with more than 5,000 attendees.

For fans of self-serve buffets and frozen yogurt bars, the Council’s vote means you can dust off your plate and cup and head to the counter.

“I think that food service will be more careful in the future,” said Councilmember Lester Friedman. “I already see that there are more barriers that are placed so that there is no contact with food items that are being purchased.”

Councilmember Julian Gold, the only medical doctor on the Council, stressed that the repeal did not exempt unvaccinated people from wearing masks in certain contexts. Even after California’s reopening on June 15, those without full inoculation still must wear masks in indoor settings like restaurants, stores, and theaters.

Contrary to a common misconception, businesses and officials can ask about vaccination status and require some form of verification. Nonetheless, Gold noted that enforcement would be difficult.  

The Council grappled with one item of the urgency ordinance that banned increases in internet usage fees. The Council put the ban in place during the pandemic because of the new, even more critical role that the internet played in connecting people to work and school. As City Attorney Lawrence Weiner told the Council, though, the prohibition was likely never enforceable, as regulating the internet falls under the purview of the federal government. He noted that at least one internet service provider had raised rates during the pandemic, but did not name the provider.

While none of the council members expressed outright support for ending the prohibition on internet fee hikes, they acknowledged the legal realities that hobbled the city in restricting them. Vice Mayor Lili Bosse and Councilmember John Mirisch both voted to remove the ban from the repeal–which would have kept the ban, albeit symbolically–but were outvoted by the rest of the Council.

Days after the Council’s vote, as the number of infections caused by the more virulent Delta variant rose, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) recommended that people resume wearing masks in public indoor spaces regardless of vaccination status. The recommendation falls short of earlier mandates, although individuals still must abide by the requirements set by businesses and government facilities that enforce mask-wearing.

The Delta variant, which was first identified in India, comprised nearly half of all variants sequenced in the county by June 12. Nationally, the variant is responsible for about 20% of all new infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to Beverly Hills Emergency Management Manager Meena Janmohamed, who discussed the variant at the June 28 Health and Safety Commission meeting, the new strain “may be twice as transmissible as the conventional coronavirus strain.” 

Given the level of inoculation in California and the United States, experts do not expect the variant to have the same impact in the country as it did in India.

Nonetheless, it poses a danger to those who have yet to receive full vaccination. Among the cities in the county, Beverly Hills boasts some of the highest rates of vaccination, with 97% of those 65 and older having received at least one dose–the sixth highest rate among that demographic in the county. Among those 16 and older in Beverly Hills, 75% have received at least one dose.

Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer emphasized that the best protection against the Delta variant and other strains remains the vaccine.

“Fully vaccinated people are well protected against serious illness and disease caused by variants of concern including the Delta variant,” she said on Tuesday. “So, I encourage everyone eligible and unvaccinated to take another look at all of the mounting information on the vaccines’ safety and effectiveness. Ninety-nine percent of all new cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations since January have been among unvaccinated individuals and 99.8% of the people who have tragically died have been unvaccinated. Getting vaccinated is the most powerful protection for you and your community.”

At its next meeting on July 15, the Council will consider repealing other elements of the urgency ordinance, including the suspension of penalties and interest on business taxes, a cap on delivery fees on restaurants by third party delivery apps like Door Dash, the prohibition on residential evictions for nonpayment of rent, and the ban on rent increases. The meeting will take place both in person and online. 

The post City Revises Urgency Ordinance as Variant Cases Rise appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Community Service facilities and programs providing youth programs will require face masks regardless of vaccination status in order to protect children 12 years and under who utilize city programs and facilities and are currently not eligible for vaccination due to age requirements. These facilities include: 

• Beverly Hills Public Library;

• La Cienega Park Community and Tennis Centers;

• Roxbury Park Community Center;

• Preschools, Adventure Camp, Summer Camps and other childcare and youth
settings.

“Our library and community centers are the homes to many of our treasured youth- based programs, and as such, regulated under stricter guidelines,” said  Jenny Rogers, Community Services Director. “We look forward to future updates from L.A. County and state of California that will allow us to welcome everyone back mask free. Until that day, we ask for the continued patience and support of our community while we work together to keep everyone safe and healthy.” For the latest news on COVID-19, visit beverlyhills.org/coronavirus or call the city’s COVID-19 Hotline Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. at 310-550-4680.

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We have all been through a lot in 2020 and putting an end to last year felt cathartic for most. The pandemic put an unprecedented strain on our lives, affecting us in ways big and small–in ways obvious and in ways we likely haven’t even started to understand. Yes, 2020 has transformed us. And now in 2021, we understand that our journey is not done. We are still learning and growing. It’s never been more crucial to look at our own needs–emotional, mental, emotional and spiritual. 

We know that making healthy choices can help us feel better and live longer. Maybe you’ve already tried to eat better, get more exercise or sleep, quit smoking, cut back on drinking, or reduce stress. It’s not easy. Research shows how you can boost your ability to create and sustain a healthy lifestyle by being aware of your habits first, and then accessing which ones you want to change.

In my book, “The Rewired Life,” I discuss how to create healthy habits and increase self-care and emotional awareness. What I came to find out was this: we are not hard wired and that we can create new habits at any given time. You have to be consistent, to get the pathways in your brain rewired in healthy directions. 

Practicing self-care and learning how we can RECOVER collectively and individually is important in tough times and in all times! Here are some tips on how to implement healthy habits and some new wellness trends to try today:

Plan:

Identify unhealthy patterns and triggers. Set realistic goals. Write down steps to help you achieve them. The more specific, the better. Buy a planner or create a day-to-day schedule. 

Change Your Surroundings: 

Find ways to make healthier choices easy choices. Remove temptations. Examine who is in your life. Do they have healthy habits? Do they have negative influence on you? Try to surround yourself with positive people who will support your new habit.

Ask for Support:

Find friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, or groups for support or ask people to join you. Being held accountable is great when trying to create healthier habits. A workout buddy or therapist that can check in with you on your goals is always helpful.

Fill Your Time with Healthy Activities:

Try exercise, a favorite hobby, being artistic, puzzles, reading, hiking or spending time with family and friends.

Track Your Progress:

Record how things are going to help you stay focused and catch slip-ups. Journaling is a great way to see your progress. We forget things day-to-day and writing things down helps.

Imagine the Future:

Think about future benefits to stay on track. Play out the tape. Envision your goal daily. (I just had a baby and am envisioning getting into my old jeans- yay!)

Reward Yourself: 

Give yourself a healthy reward when you’ve achieved a small goal or milestone, like a massage or personal time. Stay home one night and binge your favorite Netflix or buy concert tickets for your favorite band. So many fun and healthy ways to reward ourselves!

Be patient:

Most importantly, remember improvement takes time, and setbacks happen. Focus on progress, not perfection.

New Wellness Trends to Try:

1. Tending to Our Mental Health 

When face to face contact is few and far between Telehealth Therapy, Online or Phone Counseling, Meditation Apps, Breathwork Classes Online, Affirmation Apps, Wellness Workshops and other online mental health services have become extremely popular and helpful. When faced with anxiety or everyday issues, this pandemic gave us a chance to use these resources and see that they are effective! Now more than ever, try to get in the habit of putting your health first. 

2. Virtual Fitness 

Ironically, in a time when Americans are seeing how important it is to stay fit and invest in wellness, studios and gyms have been forced to close intermittently. New virtual options allowed fitness studios and gyms to offer workouts and personal training online. Pandemic disruption and a new global wellness imperative have ushered in a new wave of wellness defined by both in-person and virtual experiences. More than one third of Americans (37%) join for live stream workouts at least once a week. Even more (40%) exercise to a pre-recorded fitness video. Americans are forming new workout habits.  It’s still nice to get out and move, but this is an option people can continue to choose. 

3. Immunity Now

The popularity of immune-boosting herbs and superfoods reached new heights in 2020. Strengthening the immune system (and building physical fortitude) will be a major 2021 wellness trend across the board, from food to supplements and educational classes. There are more customized immunity hacks using genetic testing, biohacking, immunity-enhancing treatments and energy healing. Growing awareness of the effect our gut microbiome has on our overall wellbeing, immunity and brain function will also make cultivating good gut health a top priority.

4. Screen Time: Technology Boundaries are the New Normal

Back on that self-care trend forecasting: screen-fatigue and tech burnout are real, especially after so many of us have been cooped up for months. We’re seeing the effects of blue light and screen time on our eye health, mental health, sleep cycles, and more. Tech boundaries are going to be quite popular, allowing us to have the best of both worlds: instant connectivity and a world of education at our fingertips and a healthy, boundary-centric relationship with tech with plenty of breaks from the dredges of social media comparison. Like, a 30-minute workout using the computer? YES, so healthy and great! Three hours of scrolling through TikTok? Maybe not so much!

5. Renewed Interest in Nature

People have increased their interest in nature in response to more time spent in their homes. Design trends show more people investing in plants to create indoor gardens, also known as “COVID gardens.” Plants help clean the air and provide a sense of companionship. Consumers have shown shifts in behavior with increased interest in biking, hiking, and other immersive trips into nature.

New wellness trends, habits and self-care routines are fantastic to establish no matter what or when. We will begin to heal and recover as a community with practicing kindness to all, self-love and an open heart.

The post How to Recover from the Pandemic appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“As California reopens and most physical distancing requirements and capacity limits are lifted a week from today, it’s very important that those not vaccinated continue to take precautions,” said Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer.

To date, Public Health has identified 1,245,412 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 24,404 deaths. There are 232 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 16% of these people are in the ICU. Testing results are available for over 6,836,000 individuals with 17% of people testing positive. Beverly Hills has reported 2,690 positive cases of COVID-19.

Los Angeles has pulled out all the stops to encourage vaccinations. In one strategy, the county offered a chance to win Dodgers or L.A. Football Club season tickets to first-time vaccine recipients or anyone who brought a first timer. “While we are making great progress with vaccinations in the County with 54% of L.A. County residents 16 and over fully vaccinated and 65 percent having received one dose of the vaccine, there are millions of residents who do not have protection from COVID-19,” Ferrer said. “For those not yet vaccinated, and the over 1.3 million children under 12 years old, wearing a face covering remains important for preventing transmission.”

California’s strategy to combat the pandemic seems to have borne fruit, with the state boasting the lowest COVID-19 case rate of any in the union. L.A. County’s most recent case rate stands at 0.7 new cases per 100,000 people and the county remains in the yellow tier, the least restrictive level in the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy framework.

California will end all but some restrictions on businesses on June 15, save for limits on large capacity events, schools, day cares, day camps, high-risk congregant settings and health care facilities. The county will follow the state’s lead in loosening restrictions. Still, though, businesses will have to comply with guidelines released by the state Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board. Under those rules, workers who are unvaccinated or work with someone without their vaccinations will still have to wear face coverings. If every worker has their full vaccinations, then they can forgo masks. 

As of June 8, Public Health identified 13 new deaths and 186 new cases of COVID-19. Of the new deaths, three people that passed away were over 80 years old, six people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79 and four people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64.

“We know there are people across our community who have suffered tremendous loss. For those of you mourning the passing of a loved one, we wish you healing and peace,” said Ferrer. 

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Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer took the opportunity hammer home the importance of vaccinations. “We send our deepest condolences to the many people across our County mourning a family member or friend who has passed away due to COVID-19,” she said. “Almost everyone getting infected, being hospitalized or dying from COVID-19 these past few weeks, is not fully vaccinated. If you are already vaccinated, please do your part to help those around you that are not yet vaccinated, feel confident that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and work. Every vaccinated person can be an influencer–and by sharing your story, you can make a difference and even save a life.” 

Currently, nearly 60 percent of county residents over the age of 16 have had at least one dose of the vaccine. The numbers are much more robust among seniors over the age of 65, one of the most vulnerable demographics, nearly 83% of whom have gotten at least one dose. Beverly Hills boasts one of the highest vaccination rates in the county, with more than 67% having received at least one dose. 

Beverly Hills has 15 vaccination sites, a full list of which is available at  

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Remember FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)? That is so 2019. The pandemic cured most of us of that.  In its place, many are suffering from a new syndrome coined FOGO (Fear of Going Out).  As the vaccine roll out continues, restrictions lessen, and cases continue to decline, we face new challenges.  

We love routines.  They save valuable energy as our brain transverse the same pathway with ease. Think about a snow-covered mountain. Once you take the sled down a certain path, it is easier to go the same way. One year of confined is a long time! We created new patterns in the first 30 days, and we have now engrained them. Many people are reluctant to send their kids back to school, don’t want to return to the office and are still avoiding social situations. Many people are feeling even more anxious now as restrictions are lifting and expectations are rising. Those with pre-existing anxiety disorders may have an even more difficult time resuming routine activities.

Since the virus is still amongst us, we need to maintain caution, so some degree of FOGO is wise. But when we limit our activities too much, we create a whole new host of issues. Agoraphobia is a medical condition that has been around for years. It is described as the overwhelming fear of being in a place or situation where you feel that escape would be difficult, or where you are worried about having a panic attack. Those suffering from agoraphobia often avoid public transportation, enclosed spaces or standing in line or being in a crowd. The pandemic gave us all a taste of the agoraphobic lifestyle. It is difficult to know where exactly to draw the line right now between healthy anxiety and anxiety that becomes the disease.

If you are suffering from FOGO here are a few steps you can take:

Talk to your doctor. Ask detailed questions about what activities they recommend you resume and which you should continue to avoid. Each person should make a plan to optimize their physical and mental health while continuing to protect themselves from COVID-19.  If anxiety is becoming the main problem, psychotherapy or medication maybe helpful. 

Talk with your closest friends and see how they are choosing to resume activities. You are not alone in experiencing FOGO. 

Take deep breathes with long exhales. This breathing pattern activates our parasympathetic nervous system, and we feel calmer. We have all been under chronic stress and our sympathetic nervous system has been in overdrive.  We need to be calm to make the best decisions so our frontal lobe can be in charge rather than our primitive, fear-based brain. 

Start slowly and build confidence gradually. Resume activities where you feel the safest. The risk of transmission is remarkably low or possibly non-existent if both parties are vaccinated. Take one day at a time and try to find ways to enjoy your new ventures out. Soon our brains will adapt to the new routines and the days of COVID will recede from our thoughts. 

Respect your feelings. The closer we are to trauma, the more challenging it maybe to recover. If you suffered from COVID or a close family member or friend did, be prepared to re-emerge more slowly. Don’t feel pressured by what others are doing. Go at your own pace. Only you can decide what is the right way to move forward in these times. Don’t use drugs or alcohol to mask social anxiety. This is a common pothole and should be avoided. Embrace all your feelings even those that are uncomfortable. 

Remember that “this too shall pass.” FOGO will give rise to another yet to be name syndrome. Time is a wonderful healer, and it seems we are moving in a very positive direction. As Alexander Pope so wisely said, “hope springs eternal. Better times are ahead.   

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  Fulgent Genetics has provided vaccines at destinations throughout the county. It will transport dosages to Roxbury Park via refrigerated mobile unit. Participants will receive either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine administered in the park’s Community Center Multipurpose Room. Some 250 vaccines will be administered each day with the goal of 30 each hour. All applicable health and safety protocols will be in place at the site.

Beverly Hills and Los Angeles County residents 18 years and older are eligible to receive the vaccine. Appointments can be made by visiting vaccine.fulgentgenetics.com. Same-day walk-ups will be accepted based on availability only. Second dose appointments will be scheduled at time of booking. 

“We are excited to have partnered with L.A. County Public Health and Fulgent Genetics to provide 1,000 COVID-19 vaccines to members in our community who have not been able to get the vaccine yet, and to others who have been trying to obtain an appointment,” Patty Acuna, Interim Assistant Director of Community Services told the Courier. “We are reaching out to those who have had difficulty getting the vaccine (especially our most vulnerable and our seniors) and assisting them in booking appointments.”

For appointment assistance,  call Roxbury Park Community Center at 310-285-6840.  

beverlyhills.org/covidvaccine.  

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“The development and creation of this new center signals Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’ steadfast commitment to being a resource for children with neurological conditions throughout their journey, from diagnosis to treatment to rehabilitation,” CHLA President and CEO Paul S. Viviano said in an April 21 statement. “The Neurological Institute Outpatient Center allows the hospital to double the number of neurological patients treated annually through our nationally ranked Neurology and Neurosurgery programs.”

The center spans an entire floor of the hospital’s Sunset Boulevard campus and was designed with the needs of patients and families in mind. The space features 34 patient exam rooms, two subspecialty waiting rooms, state-of-the-art electroencephalogram (EEG) lab, a playroom, a large welcome lobby and murals created with input from patients.

“For every child treated at the Neurological Institute, we want the same thing: To help them achieve their greatest neurological potential,” Mark Krieger, MD, CHLA Senior Vice President and Surgeon-in-Chief, said. “We now have a space where experts in neurology and neurosurgery can work side-by-side with specialists in rehabilitation, psychology, diet therapy, social work, and genetic counseling to provide one-stop-shop care.”

To provide the most effective care, specialists throughout the hospital can collaborate with the Neurological Institute’s experts in nearly 20 subspecialties. 

“The impact for families is huge,” Ashish Buttan, CHLA’s Executive Director, Neurological Institute and Behavioral Health, said. “We can avoid unnecessary delays in treatment. We can consider all the treatment approaches and present a comprehensive care plan. And most importantly, families have clarity about their care every step along the way.”

For more information about the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, visit https://www.chla.org/.  

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“COVID is a lie, I know you hate that mask,” one protester, Asefeh Shirafkan, told a student. “You don’t need to wear a mask.”

Members of the group have been involved in similar actions in the past. Stand-up comedian Jason Lefkowitz, who carried a clipboard with flyers at Hawthorne, organized the protest at Dodgers Stadium that resulted in the vaccine site’s temporary closure. Many have participated in so-called “maskless shopping” protests at grocery stores across the city. 

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xLIDBe8hJ0[/embedyt]

Bagheri, a children’s dance instructor, is the founder of the Beverly Hills Freedom Rally. She currently faces prosecution by the city related to the Freedom Rally for “causing or permitting a parade or assembly in the city without a valid permit” a total of three times, according to a notice to appear she received. Each misdemeanor offense carries “fines/assessments exceeding $3,500 and/or six (6) months in the County jail.” She has pleaded not guilty and the case is scheduled for a pretrial hearing June 2 in Superior Court. 

Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) officers and private security contracted with the school were on the scene, as was Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Bregy, for Beverly Hills Unified School District. School staff instructed students to walk past the protesters without interacting with them, at times escorting students by the group. While police observed from a distance, Bregy engaged briefly with the protesters. 

“We don’t make the decisions,” he said, pointing out that the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) sets policy on mask guidelines. “Why aren’t you guys at the L.A. County Department of Public Health?” 

In additional comments, Bregy told the Courier that “we were able to calmly and peacefully shield students from engaging with a few individuals who vocally disagree with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Order regarding masks.”

“Our first priority is and will always be the safety of our students,” Bregy said. “Our students have the right to peacefully come to school without fear of being harassed when they leave. BHUSD will continue to protect this right together with BHPD.” 

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As the vaccine roll out continues, our confidence increases and restrictions begin to lift, we must ask ourselves how do we want to emerge? How do we bounce back from all that we have experienced this year? Will fear and anxiety continue to get the best of us? Will grief overwhelm us? Or can we emerge like beautiful butterflies from our cocoons and be even better than before? 

Large changes in lifestyle such as entering a new relationship, moving, starting a new job, or having a child create neuroplasticity in our brain, meaning it is easy to change our habits and our patterns. Emerging from quarantine and a year of fear is a big change for all of us. Some are wildly enthusiastic, and others are more hesitant to get back out there. Wherever you lie on the spectrum, it is a great time to reflect on the last year, how it has impacted you both positively and negatively, and how you can best move forward into a new unchartered world. 

Post traumatic growth (PTG) is a theory in mental health that explains a kind of transformation following trauma. It was developed by psychologists Richard Tedeschi, Ph.D., and Lawrence Calhoun, Ph.D., in the mid-1990s. They studied how people experience positive growth following adversity. “People develop new understandings of themselves, the world they live in, how to relate to other people, the kind of future they might have and a better understanding of how to live life,” said Tedeschi. One half to two thirds of individuals experiencing trauma will experience PTG. Given that the whole world has gone through this collective trauma, far better times may indeed be ahead.

We are innately wired to adapt to adversity. Humans are naturally resilient.  Experts such as Eva Selhub, M.D. (https://www.amazon.com/Resilience-Dummies-TA-TK/dp/1119773415) suggest cultivating the six pillars of resilience: 

Physical Vitality: Optimal physical and mental health allows us to deal with stress more effectively. Eating at home has improved the level of nutrition for many and made it easier to limit dessert and alcohol. Although some have put on the “COVID-19,” many have actually improved their fitness level. We have benefited by less time commuting and in traffic. There are so many innovative ways to work out. It is a great time to reflect on the lifestyle changes you have made and make sure to continue with the positive ones. 

Mental Toughness: If in 2019, I told you that you would spend next year alone or with very few people, inside your house, fearing for your life, unable to shop, travel or go to a restaurant you would have thought I lost my mind. Most of us would have thought “impossible.” Yet we did it. Many of us have learned to clean our own houses, cook our own food and do our own laundry. We have even taken over the roles of teacher, coach and playmate for our children and grandchildren. We have learned to live with far fewer pleasures. We have had to tame our anxieties. Many of us learned to meditate. Of course, it is always a work in progress, but we have come a long way in a short time. As the saying goes, “what doesn’t break you, makes you stronger.” It is important to acknowledge how strong you have become! 

Emotional Balance: Anxiety and depression were easy to fall into during the pandemic. But as we emerge we want the pendulum to swing the other way. Remember the Roaring ’20s. We must actively try to focus on positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, and optimism. The rapid development of the vaccine is certainly cause for many positive emotions. As we resume activities, we can have a greater appreciation of them. What helps you tap into these emotions and how can you do more of it? 

Loving and Strong Connections: The pandemic has dramatically altered with whom and how we interact. For some this has brought welcome change. Introverts have ruled this year as social obligations all but disappeared. Extroverts have found very creative ways to connect using technology. Many of my patients have found renewed happiness in their primary relationships as they spent far more time together. The dating scene has vastly improved for many as the options have narrowed to far more realistic levels, and many settled into more stable relationships during quarantine. It is vitally important to maintain the changes you benefited from as we reemerge.  

Spiritual Connection: Facing death helps us look at our life more analytically. What really matters? What we can live without? We have forgone so much of what we took for granted in the past. How can we reintegrate with life with a deeper appreciation? Rather than jumping back on the treadmill, try to find heightened meaning in the world you recreate. 

Become an Inspiring Leader: Let’s show ourselves and our community that we will grow from trauma and not succumb to depression, self-destruction or divisiveness. We can work together to solve the problems that the pandemic has created or shed light on. We must not shy away from the challenges we face but instead work together to create a happier and healthier future for all. In the words of Paul Wellstone, “we all do better, when we all do better.”

“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”

Carl Jung, Ph.D. 

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Protocols for personal care include mandatory face coverings, symptom checks and sanitizing per the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology guidelines. For workers who provide services that require clients to remove their face mask, such as facials, waxing, makeup or shaves, a face shield must be worn in addition to a mask. Any indoor shower, sauna, steam room, or hot tub area remains closed.

“L.A. County moving to the Orange Tier means more vaccinated people coming into the salon feeling more secure to have services rendered,” Umberto Savone, owner of Umberto salon, told the Courier. “The regulations have really not changed much in our sector of business, so it is really challenging for staff and guests who have Covid fatigue. We slowly continue to grow our business week by week.”

Last August, when personal care could only operate outdoors, Savone converted the alley in the back into a fully operational open air beauty salon with styling chairs, washing stations, and more. Now back indoors, the alley is used for customer valet parking. 

“Things are pretty good right now,” Joyce Partise, owner of Joyce Marie of Beverly Hills facial spa, told the Courier. “Most of my clients have returned, and I have received a lot of new clients. I think the younger generations have really had issues with the mask causing acne, so that is another reason for many new calls.” 

For facialists, the loosened Orange Tier restrictions have had less of an impact because only one client is seen at a time. 

While the updated Health Order allows for increased indoor occupancy, many nail technicians remain frustrated, limited to only offering one service at a time per client. Nail technicians are required to wear a face shield in addition to a face mask at all times, and gloves when performing a service. At least one Beverly Hills nail salon has been cited for failure to comply with regulations. 

“After 40 years of being one of Beverly Hills largest salons, we sadly had to close our doors,” Joseph Kendall, of Joseph Martin Hair and Beauty salon on North Canon Drive told the Courier. “The biggest reason being that our hairdressers, some of whom have been with us for 25 years or more, are doing better financially doing house call and setting up salons in their homes. We are not alone. Most salon owners I have spoken to are experiencing the same problem.” 

Beauty salons throughout Los Angeles have seen their numbers dwindling among staff, who throughout the closures, resorted to house calls without having to pay a salon overhead. 

“I feel the days of the big salons are over for the foreseeable future,” Kendall added. “And that is so very sad.”

“Especially during the COVID quarantine closures, kitchen hairdressing was a big thing and it still is,” Marco Pelusi, owner of Marco Pelusi Hair Studio on North Robertson Blvd., told the Courier. Many former full-time hair stylists have either not returned to the salon yet or are there on a part time basis. “We did lose one person completely, and that was our eyebrow artist.  For aestheticians, it’s very challenging and almost illegal for them to do most of their services. So, I totally understood that because how could she possibly continue to pay rent to me when she wasn’t even allowed to work?” 

According to Pelusi, clients are calling the salon to make appointments based on their vaccination status. 

“It’s still not back to where it once was,” Pelusi told the Courier. “Even now at 75 percent capacity, people are not fully vaccinated and there’s still a lot of fear out there. Some of the older clients have been back for months now because they were able to get fully vaccinated earlier in the year.”

“We’re getting there,” Pelusi said. “It’s still not amazing, but there are a lot of people returning. It’s a larger percentage, but not one hundred percent.” 

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Under the orange tier, additional business in Beverly Hills and throughout the county will be able to reopen. Examples include bars without meal service, which can reopen for outdoor operations. Breweries and wineries may now reopen indoor operations with modifications in place. Cardrooms, gyms, fitness centers and yoga studios may open indoor operations with a maximum occupancy to 25 percent, and museums, zoos and aquariums may increase indoor occupancy to 50 percent. Hair salons, barbershops and personal care services can increase to 75 percent occupancy–with red tier modifications for indoor and outdoor operations still in place across all sectors, such as masking requirements and social distance. Grocery and retail stores can increase maximum occupancy to 75 percent, and restaurants, movie theaters and places of worship may increase indoor maximum occupancy to 50 percent or 200 people, whichever is fewer. Additionally, family entertainment centers can reopen indoor operations with a maximum occupancy of 25 percent. 

On March 31, Public Health reported more than 4,000,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine had been administered to people across Los Angeles County. Of those vaccinated, 1,323,686 people received second doses. This week, a total of 378,400 vaccine doses were allocated to the County. Last week, the county received 279,000 doses, and only 6,000 of those were the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This week, the county received 54,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

On March 31, Mickey Fine Pharmacy on N. Roxbury Drive announced the first receipt of a weekly shipment of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, Mickey Fine is scheduling appointments for April 1, April 2, April 7, April 8 and April 9.

Beginning April 1, any resident between the ages of 50 through 64 is eligible for the vaccine, even if they don’t have a qualifying medical condition, disability or work in an eligible sector. Public Health estimates that of the two million people within this age group living in Los Angeles County, 631,000 have already received at least one dose of vaccine as of March 27.  This week, an additional 1.4 million LA County residents became eligible to be vaccinated.

Starting April 15, any resident of Los Angeles County who is 16 or older will be eligible to receive the vaccine. Of the five million residents who fall in this age group, Public Health estimates that one million have already been vaccinated with at least one dose. 

This will be the largest number of people becoming eligible at once since the vaccination efforts began in mid-December.

To learn more or make an appointment, visit www.VaccinateLACounty.com. As a reminder, vaccinations are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status.

To stay informed on the latest COVID-19 news, visit beverlyhills.org/coronavirus or call the city’s COVID-19 hotline Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 310-550-4680.  

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Vaccine FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)! Vaccine envy! Who ever thought that these would be emotions sweeping the world? COVID-19 has filled our lives with so many challenges, and now we are faced with a new one. Getting a vaccine appointment feels a lot like winning the lottery. At first it may have been easy to be joyful for others’ good fortune, but after weeks and now months of seeing others get vaccinated, patience can wear thin. It also creates an imbalance when one member of a “bubble” is vaccinated, and others aren’t. It can be painful to be the one who continues to miss out on activities as those around resume pleasures like seeing friends, dining out, shopping and travel. So many of us are feeling worn down from the chronic stress and are not in the best shape to deal with another issue.  Yet vaccine envy will be with us for a few more months as we continue to progress out of the pandemic.

Here are some tips if you are feeling vaccine envy:

1. Acknowledge your feelings. Sure, you want to be happy for those getting vaccinated, but it does hurt to be left behind. These feelings are real and deserve space.  Share them with a trusted friend or therapist. It is indeed quite upsetting to have to wait.  In the U.S., we are used to having speedy access to medical care. It is unfortunate that so many have to wait for such an important intervention. You have a right be upset.  

2. Express your concern to the family member or friend who is vaccinated. Discuss how it could impact your relationship and activities.

3. Focus on what you can control. Double down on efforts to not catch or spread COVID-19.  Vaccines are only one very modern way out of the pandemic. Stick to the basics so you feel a sense of control over your health destiny.

4. Take advantage of the remaining days or weeks of quarantine. What did you want to accomplish during your time of limited activity? Did you always want to play the piano? These last slower days or weeks might be a great time to try (over Zoom of course).  Have you put off cleaning your closet and organizing your drawers? There is nothing like a deadline to kick us into gear. 

5. Take your best guess for when you will be vaccinated and start to plan. What do you most look forward to when you are vaccinated? Start to make those plans for late summer and fall. 

6. Keep things in perspective. We are ALL so fortunate that a vaccine was developed so quickly. Even if the wait is a few more weeks, an end is in sight. One year ago, we had no idea what lay ahead and the uncertainty caused so much anxiety. Now we can feel hopeful that more “normal days” will be returning soon in a predictable time frame. 

7. Focus on the herd. By now we know, “we are all in this together.” Although we aren’t leaving at the exact same time, mere months will separate us. The more our friends and family get vaccinated, the safer we all are. 

8. Consider volunteering at a vaccination site. You will be helping one of the most important efforts of our time, and you will become eligible for your own vaccine sooner.  Now that’s what I call a win win! 

9. Remind yourself that “this too shall pass.”  Summer will come and access will become easier and easier with each passing week. Everyone will have access to the vaccines and gradually life will resume for all of us. The 1918 pandemic passed in two years without a vaccine and ushered in the roaring 20’s.  Better times are ahead! Do your best to stay positive and safe.  

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“This isn’t an invitation for a free-for-all,” said Michael Ben-Aderet, MD, associate medical director of Hospital Epidemiology at Cedars-Sinai. “The virus is not yet defeated. All of us need to remain vigilant but those who are completely vaccinated can enjoy a bit more freedom.”

This week, the CDC declared it safe for vaccinated people to gather inside in small groups without wearing masks or observing social distancing. Those who are fully vaccinated can also safely participate in small indoor, unmasked gatherings with those who aren’t vaccinated, but considered low risk. For example, vaccinated grandparents can now safely visit grandchildren.

“That’s a big deal,” Ben-Aderet said. “It’s really allowing people to have meaningful connections that they’ve put off for so long.”

These guidelines apply only to people who are fully vaccinated, meaning at least two weeks have passed since receiving the second dose of a two-dose vaccine from Moderna or Pfizer/BioNTech, or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. According to the CDC, the two-week time frame gives the body a chance to build up the full immunity the vaccines provide.

The agency didn’t give specific guidelines regarding what constitutes as a “small gathering.” 

However, Ben-Aderet advises that the more important issue is being mindful about who is in attendance.

“It’s really meant to just add to the conversation about risk,” Ben-Aderet said. “We know that if you are a vaccinated person, you are at a very low risk of getting COVID. You are at a very low risk of shedding COVID. But these low risks don’t mean no risk.”

“The whole reason for all of us to get vaccinated is so that we can resume our lives safely, without leading to another surge like what we experienced in December and January,” Ben-Aderet said. “There’s really good evidence that there is a certain degree of safety conferred by the vaccines and there’s no reason people shouldn’t take advantage of that.”

Those who are fully vaccinated still need to wear face coverings, maintain physical distancing, and stay outdoors if they are visiting someone who is immunocompromised, has active cancer, is pregnant, or is part of another group considered at high risk of developing severe COVID-19.

And everyone, vaccinated or not, is still advised to wear a face mask and maintain at least six feet of distance from others when in public, and to avoid large gatherings. CDC travel advisories remain in place. 

The CDC issued the guidance in an effort to entice more people to get vaccinated, and to allow those who are vaccinated to begin to resume their normal lives, Ben-Aderet said.

As data comes in that illustrates the efficacy of the vaccination in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in public settings, the overall vaccination rate increases. “This is an important first step,” he said, “but it’s definitely not the final step.” 

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The mission of the Board of Governors is to support Cedars?Sinai’s foremost clinical programs, biomedical research, and community outreach by providing financial resources, educational experiences and volunteer opportunities. Cedars-Sinai is home to some of the most ground-breaking discoveries in medical science. That tradition continues with the new Board of Governors Innovation Center, where scientists and physicians will focus on uncovering the genomic profile of an illness and developing new, personalized treatments and cell therapies targeting those specific disrupted genes or cell functions. Customized therapies will target cancer, brain diseases, heart disease, gastrointestinal and liver diseases, diabetes and obesity, high-risk pregnancy, bone and joint repair, lung diseases, autoimmune diseases and more. 

The Board of Governors’ current campaign seeks to raise $50 million for the Center. The Board chose a philanthropic tour de force in partnering with RW Quarantunes for this year’s gala. The brainchild of Board of Governors member Richard Weitz (partner, William Morris Endeavor) and his teenaged daughter, Demi, RW Quarantunes has curated invitation-only Zoom fundraising parties featuring world-class talent throughout the pandemic. To date, they have raised over $16 million for a diverse array of philanthropic causes. 

For more information about the Board of Governors Innovation Center at Cedars-Sinai, visit 

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/giving/ways-to-give/board-of-governors/innovation-center.html 

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The Task Force returned to the drawing board after a small setback regarding changes to the city’s legislative advocate requirements. Under existing law, anyone who is paid to influence city officials must register as a legislative advocate (another term for lobbyist). In registering, they must also disclose their clients and their objectives in lobbying on their client’s behalf. The STF sent a set of recommendations to the legislative advocate requirements to the City Council’s Feb. 2 Regular Meeting. This, however, came as a surprise to the city’s legislative advocates themselves. 

“I was surprised when this came up on the council agenda. I know many of my colleagues at other firms as well we’re surprised,” said Spencer Kallick, a lobbyist for properties across the city. “I do think it’s worth more conversation and more study so that we all can agree and find something that achieves the goal of transparency, but also does it in a way that’s helpful.”

Councilmember Lili Bosse agreed that the Task Force needed to hear from advocates. To that end, STF agreed to place the item on the agenda at the March 22 Regular Meeting. 

The changes would require advocates to identify themselves as legislative advocates to non-city officials when engaged in lobbying. They would also have to keep a log of the first time they interact with non-city officials and the subject of the interaction. The Task Force also recommended that the Council require advocates to wear an ID badge that includes their name and the name of their lobbying firm. 

The recommendations also suggest strengthening the city’s power in prosecuting violations of the legislative advocate requirements. Currently, the city can only prosecute advocates for “intentional” violations of the city’s law. The Task Force worried that this standard was too high and recommended lowering the bar to include “grossly negligent” and “reckless” violations. The STF also suggested that any penalties against the advocate should also apply to their firm.

In a move at greater transparency, STF also recommended that if an advocate’s client consists of an organization like a corporation or limited liability company, “the managing members or majority shareholders must be listed until a natural person is revealed,” according to a staff report compiled for the Feb. 2 meeting. 

Councilmember Dr. Julian Gold suggested that City Attorney Laurence Wiener hold a “briefing” with the advocates “to discuss the nuances of the legislation.” He argued it would give a forum to advocates to clarify the ordinance without slowing down the legislative process. “Otherwise, I’m afraid that we’re going to get bogged down by the words and not the intent. If we can get through the words in advance, then we can focus on the intent.”

The Task Force did not immediately set a date for the briefing. 

The Task Force also forecasted ahead to the days after the COVID-19 pandemic when the city could resume in-person meetings. According to city staff, the Council Chambers and the Commission meeting room have already been set up for in-person public meetings at City Hall. However, as the city adjusts to a post-pandemic environment, not everyone will be eager to meet in enclosed areas.

“Even when we all do go back, there will still be many people that are not comfortable being back or they’re used to doing much more now through video or phone calls,” said Bosse.

“The idea is to have that flexibility to transition from entirely remote to in person and remote,” said Chief Information Officer David Schirmer. “There’s a number of technical challenges that we’ll need to overcome but we’re pretty confident that we can make that work.”

But Gold added a note of caution. “I’ve had the opportunity for these sorts of things over the last few months, and I would not underestimate the difficulties of doing both,” he said.

Schirmer assured Gold that the city’s technology staff are running the system through the ringer. “Testing’s got to be a key component to this and that’s where we are now, doing very complex meetings and testing, making sure that all of those pieces are in place,” he said.

Gold also raised another issue relating to the new, remote format for doing business: people abusing public commenting abilities in meetings. “We have had in our past individuals from the public who have used the public comment section of multiple meetings, multiple different venues, to deliver the same message, which is not tied to anything other than public comment,” he said. “I think we have to give some discussion to whether or not we’re going to allow that.”

Other than alluding to the practice, Gold declined to name any alleged perpetrators in the meeting. 

“Sometimes members of the community are incredibly passionate about a particular subject matter, and they want to make sure that it’s covered both in the study and also the formal session, and then they’ll call in after they’ve already sent in the email,” Huma Ahmed said. While Ahmed says that she asks participants to choose one way of engaging, the city legally cannot prevent them from doing both. “But we do ask everyone to be team players.”

“I’m just concerned that it’s not efficient. And it’s actually not fair to the rest of the public who really just wants to get on with the business at hand,” Gold said. He suggested looking at the time limits imposed on public comments by other city councils. Public comment, he said, is not the place to air issues with neighbors or problems with trash collection. “I think the whole process needs to be looked at.”

Bosse opposed any reduction in the time allotted to public comments. “It would take a lot to convince me that we should shorten that period, but I’m definitely looking to [have] the conversation to see how we can have more effective meetings,” she said. The Task Force agreed to agendize the matter for another meeting. 

The post Beverly Hills Sunshine Task Force Examines Lobbying Rules appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The new rules permit outside sports to take place in counties that have reached an ACR of 14 or fewer new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population. As of Feb. 23, the County’s rate was 12.3. Youth low-contact sports now permitted by the District include cross country, golf, swimming, boys’ and girls’ tennis, and track and field. 

Outdoor, high-contact sports such as basketball, football, ice hockey, lacrosse, rugby, rowing, soccer and water polo may resume all activities, including practices, training and competitions.

“Track and field will be modified,” said Director of District Athletics Tim Ellis. “There probably won’t be any jumps because of the cleaning of the mats. Throwing of the discus will probably be restricted because of having to clean the apparatus. And the same with relays, because of having the batons touching different kids.”

Ellis described COVID-19 protocols that are in place. 

“So, all of our athletes will start on Moreno Drive in their designated gate. They check in daily through the District site, they have their temperature taken before entering their respective pods of 12 athletes, and every 20 minutes we break for hand sanitation and water. We will continue these practices even as the public health order eases their restrictions,” said Ellis. 

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“We passed the grim milestone today: 500,000 coronavirus deaths in the nation. No other country is even really close to this. It’s tragic, it’s devastating and I think it’s so important to remember those who have lost [someone] or who may have been impacted in some way,” said Emergency Management Manager Meena Janmohammed. “In the face of this tragic number, we do see overall cases declining, and we do see positive updates as it relates to one of the largest vaccination efforts in history.”

Nationwide, COVID-19 infections have dropped to levels not seen since October. In California, approximately 7,000 people are testing positive each day–a precipitous decline from the 45,000 daily positive tests at the state’s peak in the winter. During that peak, Los Angeles was experiencing around 7,000 daily cases. Now, that number has fallen to less than 1,000 new cases.

“I can’t remember the last time that we saw that in the county, so that is very encouraging,” Janmohammed said.

Vaccine distribution on both the state and county level has been dogged by delays and supply shortages. The supply issues were exacerbated by the severe inclement weather in the Midwest and South, which resulted in cancellation of many appointments. Janmohammed reminded the Commission and listeners that those who lost appointments should have received calls or emails from the county to reschedule.

Even with the limited supplies, a full 12 percent of Los Angeles County’s 10 million residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine. In Beverly Hills, 8,652 of the city’s 34,520 residents have started the inoculation process.

But new vaccine distribution data released by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has revealed large socioeconomic disparities in the communities getting vaccinated. Wealthier neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, Cheviot Hills, Century City, Bel-Air, Beverly Crest, Rolling Hills Estates, Encino, Pacific Palisades, San Marino, Palos Verdes Estates, La Cañada Flintridge, Brentwood, Sierra Madre and Rancho Palos Verdes, have all reached 25 percent of at least one vaccine dose. Compare that to South L.A. and southeast Los Angeles County, where many cities and communities have only achieved 9 percent of at least one dose–cities like South Gate, Lynwood, Bell, and Compton; and neighborhoods like Koreatown, Hollywood and North Hollywood.

With COVID-19 death rates tumbling down, the Health and Safety Commission acknowledged the work of doctors and pharmacists at Cedars-Sinai in fighting the pathogen. As a part of the Commission’s Recognition Program, Vice Chair Dr. Kirk Chang chose to honor the Monoclonal Antibody Task Force at Cedars-Sinai for their work in administering the therapy to patients in need. 

Monoclonal antibody therapy stepped into the national spotlight when President Donald Trump received the treatment during his hospitalization at Walter Reed Medical Center. The treatment helps those already infected with COVID-19 to prevent more serious symptoms. The task force at Cedars Sinai has treated over 500 patients with the therapy.

Chang listed through the reasons that warranted the recognition: “The concept of placing one’s employees and staff at further risk by caring for additional COVID-19 patients, the concern for public criticism over a resource where demand for therapy could outpace supply and capacity, even the costs of implementing this type of treatment and its impact on the bottom line–this was not a challenge many organizations wish to contend with. And this is where the task force deserves particular recognition. Since November, the task force quickly established a transparent process for equitable prioritization of monoclonal antibody therapy to ensure that patients have access to therapy compliance with the FDA’s mandatory requirements and timely administration of the therapy.”

“It has been a really exciting and rewarding experience to be able to offer this therapy to our patients, especially within a couple of weeks of it being available, and the fact that it occurred right in the middle of the last surge was deeply needed,” said Pharmacy Associate Director Hai Tran.

Tran added that a lack of understanding about the therapy among the general public had contributed to eligible patients refusing treatment. Chair Cathy Baker responded by offering the support of the Commission. “I know I speak for all of us, we would be more than happy to help in any way that we can, whether that’s through a system with communication [or] social outreach to talk about this treatment,” she said.

The Commission heard policing updates from Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) Acting Captain Max Subin, who reported that the resumption of the Police Explorer Program since COVID-19. The program gives teenagers the opportunity to assist BHPD officers with non-dangerous tasks. The program now entails some COVID-19 safety precautions. “It was great to have them all back because there was a little bit of some bullying going on…because they were pro law enforcement,” Subin said. 

Subin also addressed the continued presence of private armed security companies in the city. The City Council extended the contract with the security contractor Covered 6 until June 30, 2021, and Subin told the Commission to expect a heavier security presence on the weekends. While he said that community feedback on the security had been positive, BHPD had received comments on their demeanor. 

“We talked to the leadership about waving back and being a little bit more friendly,” he said. 

The post BH Health and Safety Commission Tackles Policing and Vaccines appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

While this individual would normally not have qualified to receive the vaccine for many months, the pharmacist explained that a few missed appointments that day had left them with extra doses they were loath to waste. But serendipity makes for a poor vaccine distribution plan. Over a month into vaccination efforts, even those who qualify for the vaccine have had trouble getting one as Los Angeles County reports shortages in vaccine supply. In Beverly Hills, pharmacies that have signed up to distribute the vaccine say they continue to wait for shipments without a clear idea of when they might arrive. 

“We get probably 10 to 15 calls a day at each of our locations from our patients asking for the vaccine. And, unfortunately, it’s very disappointing to consistently tell them that we don’t have any updates and we’re not sure when it will be, but it won’t be anytime soon,” Ben Kadkhoda, a pharmacist at Encore Pharmacy on North Roxbury Drive, told the Courier. Six other pharmacies that spoke with the Courier echoed Kadkhoda, saying they did not have the vaccine and did not know when they would receive their shipments. 

Local pharmacies fall lower on the list of the county’s vaccine distribution strategy, which prioritizes “mega” sites like the Forum in Inglewood, Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, Cal State Northridge, the Fairplex in Pomona and the L.A. County Office of Education’s Downey Education Center. Only two locations in Beverly Hills currently offer the vaccine, the Rite Aid on Canon Drive and the Rite Aid on North Bedford Drive. 

According to Kaitlyn Ross, a pharmacist at the Canon Rite Aid, the pharmacy is inoculating about 20 people a day. This is why Herb Glicksman, the owner of Herb’s Pharmacy on Wilshire Boulevard thinks it makes sense to prioritize the mega sites over smaller locations. Herb’s Pharmacy does not plan to distribute the vaccine. 

“I’m explaining to people that it makes sense that they would have it at the Forum or Dodger’s Stadium and places like that, where they can get a lot of people lined up and do 3 or 4,000 a day,” he told the Courier. 

But even with that operational advantage, large vacillations in vaccine shipments have forced many mega sites and other centers to restrict distribution to those receiving their second dose only. The county received a shipment of 133,575 vaccines on the week of Jan. 4, which rose to 193,950 the following week, before falling to 168,575 the week after. The uncertainty has led the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) to set aside 55 percent of this week’s stock for second doses.

“Starting on [Feb. 9], due to short supply of vaccines from the state, county sites will be administering second doses only for the remainder of the week,” Public Health announced on Twitter. The policy impacted the Pomona Fairplex, the Forum, the County Office of Education, Cal State Northridge, the Balboa Sports Complex, and El Sereno. Cedars-Sinai has also limited visits at its Beverly Center drive-through clinic to those receiving their second dose.

Dodger Stadium continues to distribute first doses. But in a possible indication of confusion over the rapidly shifting rules, Feb. 9 saw the mega site uncharacteristically empty with thousands of unclaimed appointments. 

Dodger Stadium has encountered other issues lately as well, with protesters disrupting operations at the facility for about an hour on Jan. 30. A group of 50 demonstrators marched up Academy Road with signs decrying public health measures and declaiming misinformation on the vaccine. In response, officials with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) closed the gates to the stadium grounds, temporarily halting traffic. While LAFD Public Information Officer David Ortiz said that the protest only delayed vaccinations by 30 minutes, the Courier observed multiple vehicles leaving the line during the closure. 

“We vaccinated everybody that was in line,” Ortiz told the Courier.

According to the organizer of the protest, Jason Lefkowitz, LAPD had ample notice of the protest. “I am furious that the demonstration took place in my district, which has been devastated by the pandemic,” L.A. City Councilmember Gil Cedillo told the Courier. 

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Michael Moore promised to arrest future protestors for harassment and intimidation at vaccination sites. Lefkowitz, however, plans to return to Dodger Stadium on Feb. 13, according to a flyer he shared on the messaging app Telegram. 

The rocky vaccine rollout comes as Los Angeles discovers more cases of new COVID-19 variants. On Feb. 9, Public Health confirmed five additional cases of the U.K. variant, B.1.1.7., bringing the total to eight. Though a drop in the bucket compared to the more than 1 million total cases detected in the county, the novel variant transmits 50 percent more easily, according to current estimates. Officials predict that B.1.1.7 will become the dominant strain in the United States by the end of March. Studies have shown that the currently available vaccines are effective at combating the new strain, though not as effective against variants first identified in Brazil and South Africa. No other variant has yet been detected in Los Angeles County. 

While Public Health has located large scale distribution centers in the east of the county where the virus has hit hardest, Beverly Hills’ senior community may see some relief closer to home soon. The Annenberg Foundation and Mickey Fine Pharmacy have partnered together to launch a vaccination center catering to those 70 years and older. The distribution site will operate out of the old Annenberg Space for Photography, which saw the closure of its final exhibit in March 2020 due to COVID-19. 

“Our seniors have suffered a wrenching toll in this pandemic,” said Annenberg Foundation CEO Wallis Annenberg in a statement. “In many cases, they were the first affected and the hardest hit, and we must act now. We all want this to be a new season of hope and immunity for seniors–here in Los Angeles and across the country.”

“I’m truly honored and grateful to be able to change lives and help people get back to their life,” Mickey Fine co-owner Gina Raphael told the Courier. “This is a coming together moment so that we can help the community and get our lives back,” she says.

The center will not open until it receives vaccine stock from the county. Raphael says that they are in touch with county officials, but do not have a firm date of when that may be. 

The post Shortages and Local Frustrations Over Vaccine Distribution appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

All donors will receive complimentary testing for COVID-19 antibodies, plus a health screening that includes a blood pressure assessment, iron/hematocrit reading, temperature and pulse. Access to an online portal enables donors to look up previous donations, blood type, health-wellness summary and monitor any fluctuations.

Donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old with a signed parental consent hospital form), weigh at least 110 lbs. and be in good overall health. Use of common daily medications (cholesterol, blood pressure, birth control, antidepressants, thyroid, even diabetics taking insulin) does not preclude donation. Donors should wear a mask and bring I.D., such as a driver’s license.

Reservations for Feb. 12 can be made at this link:  https://www.donatebloodcedars.org/index.cfm?group=op&expand=6239&zc=90210

Reservations for Feb. 13 are available at:

https://www.donatebloodcedars.org/index.cfm?group=op&expand=6240&zc=90210

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Although many individuals recover from COVID-19 without any noticeable issues, others do not. Ongoing issues can include shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, depression, or loss of taste or smell.

“Given the sheer number of people worldwide who have had COVID-19–more than 90 million–if even 1% experience symptoms beyond three months, that is a huge number of patients who need help,” said program co-director Catherine Le, MD, an infectious disease specialist with Cedars-Sinai Medical Group. “For some patients, we are the first physicians they’ve seen in person since their diagnosis. Even if we don’t have all the answers right now, it puts many of our patients at ease to speak with an expert and get a complete evaluation.”

In addition to its network of specialists, the COVID-19 Recovery Program works closely with two other Cedars-Sinai efforts. Namely, the Smidt Heart Institute’s Post-COVID-19 Cardiology Program, which enrolls patients who have been diagnosed with a heart issue associated with post-COVID-19 recovery. An additional resource is the Cedars-Sinai Department of Medicine’s Post-ICU Clinic, which focuses primarily on respiratory and neurological problems that develop in some intensive care unit patients after they are discharged.

“Los Angeles is the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. right now and we expect to see many more recovered patients with persistent symptoms, which could have a huge impact on the local workforce,” said Cedars-Sinai Medical Group infectious disease specialist Rachel Zabner, MD, co-director of the COVID-19 Recovery Program. “These patients need the right medical support and sometimes require extended medical leave.”

Zabner added that anyone can experience the long-term effects of COVID-19. “We’ve seen many young patients and others who initially had a very mild illness.”

To be eligible for treatment in the new program, patients must be referred by a physician, have a confirmed positive COVID- 19 test result and be experiencing persistent symptoms.

“By seeking care in our program, patients also can benefit from our close collaboration with Cedars-Sinai investigators conducting a variety of clinical trials. As the scientific community learns more about the effects of COVID-19, we can notify our patients when relevant treatments become available,” said Cedars-Sinai Medical Network Chief Medical Officer Caroline Goldzweig, MD. “We want our patients and the community to know that we’re not only here to care for them during this crisis, but we’re here to support them in the long term as well.”

More information about the COVID-19 Recovery Program is available at https://www.cedars-sinai.org/covid-19-your-health/post-covid-19-recovery.html.

The post Cedars-Sinai Launches COVID-19 Recovery Program appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Supply of the COVID-19 vaccine remains very limited, officials said. Currently, only Los Angeles County healthcare workers in Phase 1A and residents age 65 and older are eligible to get their vaccination. Residents are urged to visit VaccinateLACounty.com to sign up when appointments become available. For those without access to a computer or the internet, a call center is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. to help schedule appointments at 833-540-0473.

“To continue to drive down transmission, we all must commit to taking the actions that work to slow COVID-19 spread. When more sectors re-open the risk of COVID-19 transmission increases, because people are interacting more with non-household members. In order to avoid re-openings resulting in increases in cases, businesses and individuals need to be more diligent, not less, in following public health measures. We have a way to go before our hospitals are not stressed and fewer people die each day. Staying on a recovery journey is only possible if we all play by the rules,” said Barbara Ferrer, Director of Public Health.

If a person has a positive lab result for COVID-19, expect a public health specialist from L.A. County Public Health to contact them by phone to interview about possible exposures and to identify others who may have also been exposed to the infection. The information is protected and cannot be shared with others except in emergency situations.

Additional information is available by calling toll-free at 1-833-540-0473. Residents who do not have COVID-19 should continue to call 211 for resources or more information.

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“Grocery store employees, I believe, are some of the unsung heroes of this epidemic and they must be compensated for their work,” said Councilmember John D’Amico.

“Grocery store workers are essential workers who are needed to ensure the continued functioning of our community. During the COVID-19 crisis, we have seen the significant role grocery stores play in providing access to basic necessities of daily life that we may have previously taken for granted. In addition, these workers have been forced to face new hazards in jobs not previously considered especially dangerous,” reads a staff report compiled for the meeting.

In West Hollywood alone, three large grocery stores have seen startling outbreaks recently, according to data compiled by the Los Angeles Department of Public Health (Public Health). Public Health lists 15 confirmed cases at the Whole Foods located at 7871 Santa Monica Blvd., 25 cases at the Vons at 8969 Santa Monica Blvd., and 49 cases at the Target at 7100 Santa Monica Blvd. Whole Foods, Vons, and Target did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“As Los Angeles County experiences a record-breaking surge of COVID-19 cases, grocery retailers have experienced an increase in outbreaks. Nearly 500 businesses are currently under investigation in Los Angeles County. At least 854 supermarket workers in Los Angeles County alone have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last two months,” the staff report notes.

West Hollywood is not the first city to consider granting the additional wages to grocery store employees. The City of Los Angeles introduced a similar motion that would mandate a $5 boost to hourly wages as long as the city remains in the state’s purple, red, or orange designations. Long Beach has introduced a proposal to raise salaries by $4 an hour. And the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has instructed County Counsel to draft an ordinance that would also pad wages by $5 an hour.

West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Genevieve Morrill commented on the proposal, describing it as a “gross misuse of government power” and warning that it could increase the cost of food.

The post WeHo Council Considers Hazard Pay for Grocery Store Workers appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“As the county evolves, we’re trying to keep up with it, keeping the communication current with the community and letting people know,” said city spokesperson Keith Sterling. In particular, he cited two mass robocalls the city has made in the last week. “We typically don’t do mass robocalls unless it’s a significant event, but we felt that this was an appropriate use of the system to notify the community immediately that this option of 65 and older was now in play and that they could sign up online.”

Sterling also pointed to the city’s coronavirus information hub, www.beverlyhills.org/coronavirus, for updates and a direct link to the county site where applicable residents can sign up for the vaccine.

Currently, three groups of residents are eligible for the vaccine, including: healthcare workers who have direct or indirect contact with patients or infectious materials; staff and residents at long-term care facilities; and people 65 years or older.

“We have a large senior community in Beverly Hills. That’s why we felt it was imperative to get this message out yesterday to the community to let them know that this was now available with an option,” Sterling said.

The county’s system of phases and tiers seems to have caused some confusion for residents. Sterling says one of the most common questions the city has heard from residents is, “When can I get vaccinated?” The rollout is broken down into two phases, which, in turn, are subdivided by tiers and letters. For instance, the first tier of Phase 1A, the first groups to receive the vaccine, includes healthcare workers with the closest proximity to COVID-19 patients and residents at long-term care facilities. Tiers two and three expand access to more classes of healthcare workers.

The county moved on to the first tier of Phase 1B on Jan. 20, giving those 65 years or older access to the vaccine. Remaining in that tier is high-risk workers in education and childcare, emergency services, and food and agriculture. The county estimates that the rest of tier one will begin vaccination in early February. Phase 1B tier two expands the circle to other high-risk industries, including transportation and logistics, homeless shelters and services, critical manufacturing, incarcerated individuals, and unhoused people. The county expects vaccinations to start in tier two by late March.

Phase 1C, expected to begin in March, opens the vaccine up to those 50 to 64 years old and 16 to 49-year-olds with underlying health conditions or disabilities. Additionally, high risk workers in the following industries will have access: water and wastewater, defense, energy, chemical or hazardous materials, communications and IT, financial services, government operations or community-based essential functions. This phase has only one tier and the county anticipates that everyone in 1C will have been offered at least one dose by late April or early May.

Furthest out and most tentatively, with Phase 2, the county hopes to give everyone above 16 years access to the vaccine by mid-May or early June.

“The other thing we’re really hearing today [Jan. 20], in particular, is the frustration with the county’s website, being able to find an appointment, calling their information line, not talking to a live person. I think it’s fair to say that the county is overwhelmed with requests, and the demand is extremely, extremely high for appointments and vaccines,” Sterling said. “We’re just communicating to our residents to be patient. We’re continuing to communicate with the county on a regular basis, to express our concern about the delays and to make sure that the resources that our community needs are available as soon as possible.”

The county COVID-19 website currently warns of massive wait times for signing up for appointments. “The Los Angeles County COVID-19 vaccination call center is experiencing a surge of thousands of callers seeking to schedule vaccination appointments, causing wait times as long as several hours,” it reads. The site promises that the county is increasing staffing at call centers, but encourages residents with computer access to visit online. “The call center should be used only by residents with disabilities or who do not have computer access and need assistance to check for available appointments.”

County Department of Public Health (Public Health) Director Barbara Ferrer warned that the combination of high interest and low stock would result in longer than desired waits. Add to that, every shipment of vaccine would need to be split to save units for second doses. “Of the vaccination doses that we received for this upcoming week, 73 percent of our allocation will need to be used for second doses. The little bit that remains, along with any vaccine that wasn’t used the previous week, is what is available for us to use for appointments for those eligible to receive first doses. We just are not receiving enough vaccine doses to move as quickly as we would like,” she said.

As it stands now, Beverly Hills residents must seek outside the city for the vaccine, according to Emergency Management Analyst Meena Janmohammed. The county brought five additional vaccination “mega sites” online Jan. 20, “in addition to a variety of smaller health care providers sites throughout the county,” she told the Courier.

But Beverly Hills and its businesses stand ready to play a larger role in the process. The city has made clear to the county that it would transform Roxbury Park into a vaccine distribution center. The county has yet to seize on the offer, though. “Right now, the county is really moving towards bringing these mega sites online. We’re not really seeing these smaller city sites come online at this time, but we are ready, able, and willing to bring that site on if Public Health does have us as a partner in that effort.”

Along with Roxbury Park, many of Beverly Hills’ pharmacies have signed up to participate in the inoculations. “Seventeen out of 22 of our local pharmacies have applied to be vaccine distribution sites in the city,” Janmohammed said, though none have received approval yet. “There are a variety of qualifications which your pharmacy must be able to meet, including logistics, storage, training, [and] staffing.”

Janmohammed pointed to one bright glimmer of hope: a new administration that has indicated it will take a more proactive role in vaccine distribution. “We do anticipate more resources, whether that’s more vaccine, more support on the ground, more information about this rollout,” she said about the recently inaugurated Biden Administration. “I think that this new administration will likely have additional resources to bring to the table and that will have a trickle-down effect to the States, the counties and the cities.”

The post Amid Halting Rollout, Beverly Hills Provides Vaccine Info appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“I’m very excited,” Board Vice President, Tristen Walker-Shuman, said. “This is the culmination of two years’ worth of planning and discussion and effort. Leading off from Parkland, and we jumped into our agreement with NASTEC and our armed security. So, this is really just a massive yeoman’s effort to pull together the infrastructure of what our really holistic, 360-degree security plan is going to kind of be built off of. So, I’m thrilled to vote for this.”

The 86-page manual outlines protocols for how to handle fights at school, escorting unauthorized persons from campus, reasonable suspicion, unauthorized firearms and more.

“I just would like to say that this is a starting point for the manual,” Board Member Mary Wells said. “Including the revisions that were made today, it will be revised as we continue to develop the security program with consideration for the students, families, teachers and the union.”

Campus safety will be ensured through a Security Force, comprised of both contracted armed and unarmed security personnel, who will be stationed at all schools throughout BHUSD. The objectives of the Security Force are as follows: “To promote a secure environment for the district’s students, employees and visitors; To provide for the protection of District property against theft and vandalism; To encourage student, staff and public awareness of crime prevention programs.”

In the event of an emergency, Security Force personnel may be deployed to any school that requires assistance. Personnel will maintain stations and patrol their assigned school campus areas and facilities to ensure only authorized personnel and students enter the campus. Security Force Officers will conduct continuous surveillance of the District, with the primary objectives being the protection of students and staff. The Security Force Officer’s secondary function is to protect District property, including buildings, grounds, equipment and other assets.

The Board meeting was held the day after Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) announced that all students must receive the COVID-19 vaccine before they can return to campus.

“Our policy for vaccinating children is going to be coming up on our radar very soon,” BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Bregy said. “As you know right now, for the Pfizer vaccine, you can be 16 or older. I believe the Moderna vaccine is 17 or 18. And so we are going to be very anxious watching the information to see if there’s going to be any student vaccines. We’re not aware of any testing that’s being done for students, so I think it’s a bit premature to make that decision right now.”

“I think that most educators are really looking for a solution here, and I think that vaccines are going to be one way that we can get students back into classrooms as soon as possible,” Bregy added. “I know that we’re going to be moving as quickly as we can to see that vaccines are provided and to who wants them.”

During a Jan. 11 briefing, L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said teachers and other essential worker are slated to be part of the next phase of the immunization process.

“We’ve extended invitations to people in the state to provide those vaccinations for our staff and perhaps our community,” Bregy said. “When it’s time, we want to be part of the solution here, and we want to be able to provide vaccines for our staff as soon as we can. And we certainly have the facilities and space to do that.”

Provided there are enough doses, those shots could begin as soon as the first week of February.

The post Security Measures and Vaccines Discussed for Beverly Hills Students appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The blood drive is taking place Friday-Sunday, Jan. 8-10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donors should use the La Cienega Boulevard entrance for access and self-parking. After parking, follow the signs to Cal Mare which is located on level 1 at the 3rd Street entrance. For more information, visit beverlycenter.com or follow @beverlycenter in social media.

The post Beverly Center Hosts Three-Day Blood Drive with Cedars-Sinai appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

New Year’s 2021! We made it here. On New Year’s Day last year, very few of us had any inkling of what lay ahead. It has been an incredibly challenging year for most of the 7.6 billion people on the planet. It felt like being in a slow-motion train wreck. Experiences ranged widely depending on where you sat on the train. Uncertainly and fear were almost universal. Yet, as the 19th century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said, “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.” So how do we face 2021 and what lies ahead?

The news will continue to focus on the negatives to scare us and raise our cortisol levels. Cortisol narrows our focus, which makes us watch more news. As Randolph Hearst discovered in the late 1800’s, “If it bleeds, it leads.”  This year has been a stunning example of this phenomenon as it has been hard to think, talk or feel much about anything else.   

And indeed “the darkest hour is just before the dawn.” We are currently in the riskiest part of the pandemic and we must remain vigilant! We cannot lose focus.  Don’t give in to COVID-19 complacency. Remain cautious. As we enter 2021, we know so much more about the virus than we did mere months ago. We can begin to see our way out of the darkness as 2021 is taking shape.

In March, I wrote to you that we needed to stay inside, follow the advice of the CDC and wait for our scientists and medical professionals to find a way out of this pandemic. Two vaccines making their way through development to distribution this rapidly is a miracle of modern medicine. The enthusiasm amongst the medical community is palpable, and it is so heartening that the heroes of this pandemic are already being vaccinated. Two million of the four million doses given worldwide were to healthcare providers in the U.S. We can now track the hopeful number of people vaccinated alongside those who have become infected or died. https://ourworldindata.org/covid-vaccinations

Think about what you will do when you receive your vaccine. The 1918 pandemic gave rise to the Roaring Twenties. What is next for our civilization? Can we emerge from our cocoons after months of struggle like beautiful butterflies? Reflect on how you matured this year. What have you learned to value more? What have you been able to let go? What can you do better now? Actively focusing on the positives while not denying the negatives will allow for a better transition to 2021.

We are innately wired to adapt to adversity and therefore resilient. The key is to be able to tap into this wiring by developing behaviors, habits and strategies that support us.

Post traumatic growth (PTG) is a theory in mental health that explains a kind of transformation following trauma. It was developed by psychologists Richard Tedeschi, Ph.D. and Lawrence Calhoun, Ph.D. in the mid-1990s. They have studied how people experience positive growth following adversity. “People develop new understandings of themselves, the world they live in, how to relate to other people, the kind of future they might have and a better understanding of how to live life,” said Tedeschi. One half to two thirds of individuals experiencing trauma will experience PTG. Given that the whole world has gone through this collective trauma, far better times may indeed be ahead.

Resilience experts such as Eva Selhub, M.D. (https://www.amazon.com/Resilience-Dummies-TA-TK/dp/1119773415) suggest cultivating the six pillars of resilience:

Physical Vitality: Our health has most certainly been at the forefront of our minds throughout most of 2020. Optimal physical and mental health allows us to deal with stress more effectively. Eating at home has improved the level of nutrition for many and made it easier to limit dessert and alcohol. Exercise is often easier to do in groups or classes (thanks to our mirror neurons) so for many, their fitness level may have declined. It is vital to move more as we emerge from our confinement. We must continue to focus on optimizing our health: 2020 brought into sharp focus the importance of health. Without it, little else matters.

Mental Toughness: If on last New Year’s Day, I told you that you would spend the year alone or with very few people, inside your house and unable to shop, travel or go to a restaurant you would have thought I lost my mind. Most of us would feel that would have been impossible. Yet, we did it. Many of us have learned to clean our own houses, cook our own food and do our own laundry. One friend even learned to play the cello over Zoom. We have adapted to living with far fewer pleasures. We have cultivated multiple ways to tame our anxieties. Of course, it is always a work in progress, but we have come a long way in a short time.

Emotional Balance: Anxiety and depression were easy to fall into in 2020. But as we emerge, the pendulum will swing the other way. We must actively focus on positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, and optimism.

What are you hopeful for? I can’t wait to get my vaccine and get on a plane to see my family. I am incredibly grateful for our medical community who has tolled to keep us safe and restore our health in countless ways. Vaccines offer the brightest hope for our future and the countless people behind the scenes working on distribution will be the heroes of 2021. I am also grateful that after months of hearing about the possibility of a civil war, it appears we are rapidly approaching a successful transfer of power.

Loving and Strong Connections:The pandemic has dramatically altered with whom and how we interact.  For many this has brought welcome change.  Introverts have ruled this year as social obligations have all but disappeared.  Extroverts have found very creative ways to connect using technology. Many of my patients have found renewed happiness in their primary relationships as they have the opportunity to spend far more time together. The dating scene, which was spiraling out of control, has vastly improved for many as the options have narrowed to more realistic levels.  People are coupling again, which bring hope for a more stable future.

Spiritual Connection: Facing death helps us look at our life from a very different perspective. Why are we here? What really matters? What we can live without? We have forgone so much of what we took for granted in the past. How can we reintegrate with life with a deeper appreciation recognizing that every day is a gift?

Become an Inspiring Leader: Once again, I am asking Beverly Hills Courier readers to be the light. We can grow from trauma, not succumb to depression, self-destruction or divisiveness. We must continue to care for ourselves, our families and our community. We must work together to ensure a brighter and safer future for all.

Wishing you a safe, happy and healthy 2021.

“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”

Carl Jung, Ph.D.

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“The situation we’re currently facing is very alarming and frankly, the alarm was pulled over a month ago, but people did not heed that warning,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis during a Dec. 28 briefing. “One person is dying of COVID-19 every ten minutes in LA County. These are figures that can’t be normalized.”

On Dec. 30, Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said the county is now averaging about 150 COVID-19 deaths per day, nearly equivalent to the number of people who die of all other causes in the county on a daily basis.

On Dec. 29, the state’s Health and Human Services Secretary, Dr. Mark Ghaly announced that the Regional Stay-at-Home Order was formally extended for the Southern California region. The Order initially took effect at 11:59 p.m. Dec. 6 and was set to expire Dec. 28. The order was not extended for any specific timeframe, but the region can emerge from the stay-at-home order when ICU capacity rises above 15 percent. Southern California region’s current ICU capacity is zero percent, and health officials anticipate case numbers and hospitalizations to continue to rise through Jan., based on gatherings that likely occurred for Christmas and will again for New Year’s Eve. Anticipating the state’s action, Los Angeles County extended its local stay-at-home order on Dec. 27, which mirrors the state’s restrictions. Broadly, the Order prohibits gatherings of people from different households.

The following sectors remain closed under the Order: indoor and outdoor dining, personal care services, cardrooms, wineries, breweries, distilleries, museums, zoos, aquariums, movie theaters, amusement parks, live audience sports and family entertainment centers. Retail remains limited to 20 percent capacity.

On Dec. 29, Governor Newsom said 96 percent of Los Angeles County hospitals diverted ambulances to other facilities over the weekend due to overcrowding in emergency rooms. County hospitals are increasingly unable to find room for emergency patients coming in.

On Dec. 30, Public Health confirmed the highest number of hospitalizations reported in a day with 7,181 people currently hospitalized due to COVID-19. Of the 7,181 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 20 percent of them are in Intensive Care Units. The number of daily hospitalizations saw an increase of nearly 1,000 percent from just two months ago, when the County had 750 COVID-19 hospitalizations on Oct. 29. For context, the current number of hospitalizations is more than triple of the July surge where 2,232 people were hospitalized with COVID-19.

As the frightening surge in COVID-19 continues, on Dec. 28 Public Health announced that everyone who has traveled out of the county is required to quarantine for 10 days upon returning. According to Public Health, the best way to safely quarantine is to not leave your home or allow visitors, and to find others who can help you buy groceries and other essential necessities.

Health officials continue to stress that it is important if someone thinks they could be positive for COVID-19 and are awaiting testing results, to stay at home and act as if they are positive. This means self-isolating for 10 days and 24 hours after symptoms and fever subside. If a person has a positive lab result for COVID-19, expect a public health specialist from L.A. County Public Health to contact them by phone to interview about possible exposures and to identify others who may have also been exposed to the infection. The information is protected and cannot be shared with others except in emergency situations. Public Health has a dedicated call line for confirmed cases of COVID-19.

If someone is positive for COVID-19 and has not yet connected with a public health specialist or needs more information on services, call toll-free at 1-833-540-0473. Residents who do not have COVID-19 should continue to call 211 for resources or more information.

The post COVID-19 Surges at Year’s End appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Patient Wendy Lawson recently attended an exclusive live performance of “Le Cygne” (The Swan) by composer Camille Saint-Saëns. Lawson’s “front-row seat” was in the Cedars-Sinai Cancer infusion center, where she undergoes treatments for ovarian cancer.

“It’s extremely soothing,” Lawson said. “It creates peace within, which I think is always going to be a good thing for somebody who is going through treatment. There’s a certain level of anxiety that accompanies you each and every time, so it sort of really calms that.”

The musician who performed exclusively for Lawson was cellist Coleman Itzkoff.

“A lot of my identity as a musician, as a musical performer, is wrapped up in performance, and when that was taken away from all of us, in March, it left me and so many others feeling a little bit empty, a little listless,” Itzkoff said. “And to be able to perform live one-on-one for people has brought back all of that meaning that I once had.”

The collaboration between the American Modern Opera Company and the Cedars-Sinai Spiritual Care Department is funded through the Vital Sounds Initative from nonprofit Project: Music Heals Us. The initiative provides grants to pay musicians to perform remotely.

Interfaith Chaplain Bronwen Jones, herself a professional clarinetist and composer, launched the program at Cedars-Sinai after learning about it from a colleague.  She said the program helped make a difference for one patient in particular, whose blood pressure was initially too high for them to receive chemotherapy. After 15 minutes of a cello music, the patient’s blood pressure went down enough to have the therapy.

“During the holidays, the virtual music program continues to surprise and inspire me with the power of music to lift the spirit, to fire the will to live. The intimacy of the one-on-one experience of hearing a wonderful musician perform just for you, to chat with you, deeply touches people. Some of my patients’ spirits are low, sad that they will not celebrate the holidays with loved ones, sad that COVID-19 has shut down their already limited options. When they hear the music, my patients settle into a place of peace, a stimulated peacefulness, a connection with being who they are,” Jones told the Courier.

The post Virtual Concerts at Cedars-Sinai Heal the Spirit appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“The vaccine is going to be a big thing,” Lee H. Hilborne, M.D., said. “So, I think one of the things that we need to do as a city is push very hard to get our residents vaccinated and make sure that we’re the most vaccinated city in Los Angeles County.”

The Medical Advisory Task Force is comprised of a group of leading experts in their respective medical fields–lauded for their achievements and contributions in the field nationwide. In addition to Hilborne, members include David B. Agus, M.D., Mike Altschule, Kirk Y. Chang, M.D., Rhonda Curry, Annabelle de St Maurice, M.D., Jazmin Diego, M.S.W., Jonathan Fielding, M.D., M.P.H., M.A., M.B.A., Joel Geiderman, M.D., FACEP, Julian A. Gold, M.D., Karen Grimley, RN Ph. D, David Hopp, M.D., Irving Posalski, M.D., Enrique Terrazas, M.D., Sam Torbati, M.D., Daniel Z. Uslan, M.D., Rachel Zabner, MD, Alyssa Ziman, M.D. and guest member Erica Felsenthal, Ph. D.

The Task Force’s creation in March was spearheaded by then Mayor John Mirisch as part of the City’s response to COVID-19. While the meeting was for discussion purposes only, the exchange informs and promotes public health policy–part of the City’s proactive efforts to flatten the curve. Talk ranged from the vaccine and vaccine hesitancy, to challenging the ban on outdoor dining, transmission of the virus among children and how this can inform decisions about getting kids back to school.

“If someone doesn’t want to take the vaccine, I think they should understand that by having been vaccinated, they may be preventing the spread to many, many other people,” Hopp said. “And if for some reason they’re on the borderline, they should understand that first of all, it is safe. You can go to all the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) studies that are available and the consumer studies. I know we all talk about reaching the point of herd immunity, which is the ultimate, but individually, every single person that’s vaccinated can interrupt the spread of COVID-19 to many, many other people.”

“The vaccine is very safe,” said Zabner, an infectious disease expert. “The reason to get vaccinated, in my view, number one, to protect yourself. And number two is for the community in general and the community of Beverly Hills. It’s not just about yourself. You, your daughter, or your granddaughter may not come down with COVID-19 and die, but think of the community. We will need to have at least more than 70 percent of the population vaccinated to finish this pandemic. These aren’t my words, they’re Dr. Fauci’s. And in order to do that, we’re all going to have to put our efforts in. Once we do that, we will be opening the restaurants again in a year from now. It’s the beginning of the end of this pandemic. Please think about others, not just yourself.”

The members of the Task Force also weighed in on the following questions posed by the Health and Safety Commission:

Do you believe that the vaccine should be mandatory or up to personal choice?

The former Director and Health officer of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Fielding, gave the sole response.

“When I was director of Public Health, they had the question of whether to make it mandatory for nurses to get the flu vaccine and to have the immunization–even though it’s not a terribly effective one compared to what we’re talking about here. The flu vaccine is in the 60-65 percent effective range opposed to the 95 percent. I think the question is, do we make it mandatory and who do we make it mandatory for it? Should it be mandatory only for people working in healthcare, or is it a broader group?”

What does the current research tell us on the transmission of the virus in children and how this can inform our decisions to reopen school?

“Children generally don’t show symptoms and only about half show symptoms,” Fielding said. “But children are less likely to be badly affected and the mortality rate for small children is really close to zero. There is a syndrome that affects children that can be quite serious, even though it’s quite rare, and we’re just starting to learn about that. But the children are pretty effective spreaders, so you can’t assume that just because they don’t have the symptoms that they’re not spreading. They are fairly efficient spreaders.”

How long it will take for the vaccine to be available to the general public and is there any benefit of one vaccine over another?

“The two vaccines that have been approved are both extremely effective,” Hopp said. “And scientifically have not shown that one is any more significantly better than the other one, or that it has less potential for reaction. The two vaccines currently available under the emergency use authorization should not be judged as one superior to the other.”

What concerns or consequences are there if you don’t get a second dose of the vaccine?

“There’s a leeway of about three days early or two to three days later,” Zabner said. “Certainly, if you get it week later, it will still work, but given how the studies were designed Moderna decided to wait four weeks and Pfizer decided that the second dose is three weeks later, but it certainly doesn’t make a big difference. It will make a huge difference not to get the second dose, though because, based on this study, the booster will give you 95 percent efficacy. If you only get the first and only dose, it will be much less effective. Even less than 50 percent.”

What are best practices to manage a positive test result at home if you don’t need to go to the hospital? What can you do to take care of yourself at home?

“Seems to me the most important thing you can do is monitor your health,” Hilborne said. “Your breathing, your respiratory rate, your fever and your oxygen saturation. As long as you’re maintaining those fairly reasonably and not showing a decline, then you’re probably okay. If you start to show a decline in oxygen saturation, for example, that’s the time to contact your physician and have that discussion.”

“Make sure that the positive is a true positive,” Fielding added. “So, you want to repeat it because the prevalence for false positives used to be quite significant. As the prevalence increases, then that becomes less of a problem, but still, you want to get another positive test to confirm whether it’s a false positive or a true positive.”

The post Medical Task Force Supports COVID-19 Vaccination appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“From our perspective at Cedars-Sinai, it’s impossible to adequately express in words the positive contributions that survivors of the Holocaust have made to our lives and our institution,” said Priselac. “Their character and influence are in the fabric of our organization. My own experience with our survivors has been life-changing. Without fail, in every encounter and every conversation, the qualities I’ve mentioned have been present in their words and deeds. I owe each of them a debt of gratitude for the example they’ve set and the inspiration they’ve given me.”

The award was presented to Priselac by Vera Guerin, former chair of the Cedars-Sinai Board of Directors.

“As a leader and humanitarian, Tom has made certain that quality care was extended to this population with dignity and grace, reflective of our mission and sincere commitment to the most vulnerable in our community,” said Guerin.

Several other speakers also paid tribute to the work of Priselac and Cedars-Sinai, including Barbra Streisand, who is also a Cedars-Sinai trustee.

The post Cedars-Sinai President and CEO Receives Humanitarian Award From Yad Vashem appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Mirisch has served on the City Council since 2009, with terms as Mayor in 2013, 2016 and 2019.

It was during his last term as Mayor that the City voted to phase out the sale of commercial tobacco products. As of Jan. 1, 2021, the sales ban will apply to all retailers, including gas stations, convenience stores, pharmacies, and grocery stores. “This is reflective of our community. And somebody has to be first. Let us be a light onto other cities,” said then-Mayor Mirisch of the policy.

A statement released by ASH emphasized Mirisch’s accomplishments in Beverly Hills.

“His extensive experience in public health policymaking will make him an ideal advocate for ASH and its partners as we work towards zero deaths from tobacco,” the statement read.

ASH Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Alfred Munzer noted that Mirisch “will be an invaluable asset” to the organization.

“As a physician specializing in lung disease, I have witnessed the terrible toll in disease and death exacted by smoking. I applaud John Mirisch and the Beverly Hills City Council for setting an example to other localities on a way to protect the health and well-being of their citizens,” said Munzer.

“We are honored to welcome John’s expertise and insight onto ASH’s Board of Trustees. His track record is clear: he has been a champion for public health, willing to take risks and advocate for innovative measures to protect the health of his constituents. We hope other states and localities can follow his and Beverly Hills’ lead,” said ASH Executive Director Laurent Huber.

The post John Mirisch Joins Action on Smoking and Health Board of Trustees appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

But as hospital and ICU capacity fill up, Christmas has come early to healthcare workers and residents of assisted living facilities in the County. This week saw the arrival of the new Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to hospitals around the County, fresh from the company’s manufacturing plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Nine designated sites in Los Angeles County have received an allotment of the vaccine. Each site is equipped with the ultra-cold storage facilities necessary to keep the vaccine viable. Those sites will then send the vaccine to 83 acute-care hospitals across the County, including UCLA, Providence St. John’s, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and Cedars-Sinai. Major healthcare providers such as UCLA Health, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and Cedars-Sinai have started inoculating frontline medical staff, marking what experts hope is the beginning of the end of this pandemic.

“I am incredibly excited to be among the first group of healthcare workers to be offered the vaccine,” Dr. Sam Torbati, co-chair and medical director of the Ruth and Harry Roman Emergency Department at Cedars-Sinai, said in a statement. On Dec. 17, Torbati became one of the first in the County to receive the highly anticipated vaccine. “The vaccine gives us an additional, invisible shield and layer of protection.”

Along with Torbati, Cedars-Sinai has offered the vaccine to workers in the ICU and Emergency Department. The hospital notes that the vaccine is voluntary.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency authorization to the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 11. The authorization followed extremely positive results from a trial of the vaccine, which showed a 95 percent effectiveness in preventing COVID-19. The vaccine requires two doses, given three weeks apart.

“The FDA’s authorization for emergency use of the first COVID-19 vaccine is a significant milestone in battling this devastating pandemic that has affected so many families in the United States and around the world,” FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn said in a statement. “Today’s action follows an open and transparent review process that included input from independent scientific and public health experts and a thorough evaluation by the agency’s career scientists to ensure this vaccine met FDA’s rigorous, scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality needed to support emergency use authorization.”

Even as cases and hospitalizations surge, placing additional stress on an already-taxed healthcare system, Torbati says that the vaccine’s rollout holds promise to blunt the edge of the pandemic.

“This gives me great hope,” Torbati said.

This same sense of hope pervaded the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center on Dec. 16, where mylar balloons and applause marked the first injections of the two-part vaccine. Emergency physician Dr. Medell Briggs-Malonson, the first at the hospital to receive the dose, described feeling optimistic.

“I had a couple of butterflies, but then actually coming down and really realizing this was going to be the first shot and the first vaccine and then we can hopefully start to return to normalcy, it took all the flutters away,” she said in a statement. The next in line, nurse Nicole Chang, did not share Briggs-Malonson’s initial reservations. “I was like, ‘Please, let me go first! I’m so excited,'” said Chang, who works in the COVID-19 unit at UCLA Health Santa Monica Medical Center. In all her enthusiasm, Chang said she barely felt the vaccination itself. “It felt like nothing. I didn’t even feel a pinch!” But reflecting the trauma experienced by frontline healthcare workers in this pandemic, she noted the relative costs of a pinch against the virus. “A pinch is nothing compared to what these people go through [with COVID-19],” she said. “I’ve seen the devastation it causes.”

St. John’s Hospital, which is managed by the healthcare administrator Providence, has also begun the vaccination process. “This is a major scientific milestone that will help us to curb the spread of a disease that has brought the world to a standstill,” said Dr. Rod Hochman, president and CEO of Providence. “We are working to get the vaccine to the frontlines as quickly as we can, starting with our highest risk caregivers.”

Still more good news greeted healthcare providers as they administered the first doses of the vaccine across the country. On Dec. 16, the FDA acknowledged reports that Pfizer’s five-dose vials seemed to hold even more doses. While vaccines will commonly contain slightly more than the advertised dosage to guard against spillage or error, the reports indicated an even greater excess in Pfizer’s vials. In a discovery worthy of Hanukkah, some vials provided six, even seven doses, potentially expanding the nation’s limited supply by millions of doses.

“At this time, given the public health emergency, FDA is advising that it is acceptable to use every full dose obtainable (the sixth, or possibly even a seventh) from each vial, pending resolution of the issue,” the agency said in a tweet.

On Dec. 17, an FDA advisory panel of outside doctors and immunologists issued an endorsement to the FDA to grant emergency use of the vaccine produced by Moderna. The FDA is expected to grant the emergency authorization as soon as Dec. 18.

The second vaccine will be welcomed news in the Southland. On Dec. 17, intensive care units around Southern California reached a grim milestone of 0 percent capacity.

The post Amid a Staggering Wave, Vaccine Brings a Ray of Hope appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The reopening stems from an update to the Health Orders issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health). The update allows for playgrounds to reopen with safety guidelines and protocols in place. The protocols include the wearing of face coverings and maintaining six feet of social distance. Visitors to the playground must wash their hands before and after using the playground. No food or drink is allowed on the playground. And, anyone experiencing a fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing should stay at home. Additionally, occupancy guidelines have been put in place to ensure safe social distancing. The proper observance of those guidelines is needed to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy the facilities.

A statement released by the City of Beverly Hills on Dec. 10 noted:

“We understand the need for adults and children to be outdoors and recreate, and we are happy to reopen our playgrounds, however, we ask that you recreate responsibly for the safety of you as well as your neighbors. To ensure the safety of its park and playground visitors, the City of Beverly Hills will have staff on hand to monitor compliance.”

Information about the Public Health Order and current guidelines is available at bever-lyhills.org/coronavirus. For questions, call 310-288-2220.

The post Playgrounds Reopen in Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

According to Public Health, this is the highest number of daily deaths since July 29. At press time, the county has reported 3,433 hospitalized patients.

The surge in cases in the county began around Nov. 2, and then one week later led to an increase in hospitalizations. Beginning around Nov. 9, Public Health began to report an increase in COVID-19 fatalities which remains high. Since Nov. 9, average daily deaths have increased by 258 percent. In a Dec. 9 Public Health press release, officials wrote: “Since these deaths reflect L.A. County case counts from a month ago, as cases have continued to increase the past few weeks, we will bear witness to a significant rise in the number of people who are dying.”

Currently, the State is reporting the ICU bed capacity is at nine percent in the Southern California region. As a reminder, the region (which includes L.A. County) is under Gavin Newsom’s Regional Stay-at-Home order that took effect Dec. 6 after the ICU capacity for the region fell below 15 percent. Right now, the Southern California regional ICU bed capacity is nine percent.

Public Health is urging the public not to gather with others outside of their immediate household, always wear face coverings when around others, and maintain physical distance from others who are not from their household. During the surge, people are advised to stay at home except for essential activities, avoid all travel that is not essential, get tested if they have symptoms.

On Dec. 9, officials announced that Los Angeles County is currently projecting that 1 out of every 140 residents is currently infectious with COVID-19. That figure does not include people who are hospitalized, isolated or quarantined, but reflects people who are in the community, potentially spreading the virus.

As a reminder, the following sectors are closed: cardrooms, wineries, breweries, distilleries, museums, botanical gardens, zoos, aquariums, personal care including hair salons, barbershops, and nail salons and family entertainment centers.

On Dec. 8, Cedars-Sinai announced that it has launched COVID-19 testing at its three urgent care clinics in Playa Vista, Culver City and Beverly Hills. The test uses a nasopharyngeal swab to collect a sample from the patient, and results are available within 48 to 72 hours.

“We have expanded our testing options in an effort to support our patients and the community by giving them access to high-quality testing when they need it,” said Dr. Caroline Goldzweig, Cedars-Sinai Medical Network’s chief medical officer. “We wanted to expand access especially for frontline workers such as grocery store employees, first responders or any essential worker whose job puts them in close contact with others.”

Those getting tested do not need to be a Cedars-Sinai patient prior to booking their testing appointment, and the test costs $150 if a patient does not have insurance.    

For more information, visit www.cedars-sinai.org/programs/urgent-care.html.

Additionally, LA County launched a new COVID-19 home test collection program that allows certain County residents to do free testing from the comfort of home. The runs from Dec. 1, 2020 through Jan. 15, 2021. The program hopes to address the recent surge in demand for testing during the holiday season when people may risk exposure. To learn more, visit https://covid19.lacounty.gov/la-county-holiday-home-test-collection/.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles County health officials prepare for the massive undertaking of administering COVID-19 vaccinations to millions of residents.

“Equity is a fundamental principle here,” Dr. Paul Simon, the county’s chief science officer said during a Dec. 10 online media briefing. “We want to make sure all people have access, and that those that are at greatest risk either because of higher risk of exposure, or greater risk of severe illness because of chronic health conditions or other factors have more immediate access to the vaccine.”

Simon stressed that initial doses of the vaccine will be strictly designated for health care workers and staff and residents of long-term care facilities. The county anticipates receiving nearly 83,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine as early as next week, with the allotment then distributed to nine ultra-cold storage sites for subsequent delivery to 83 acute-care hospitals.

Vaccines for long-term care staff and residents will be distributed via a federal contract with CVS and Walgreens. After the initial distribution, Simon said the county expects to receive roughly 250,000 more doses the following week, and another 150,000 the week after that, with weekly deliveries of up to 250,000 doses anticipated beginning in the new year.

After the distribution to health care workers and long-term care staff and residents is completed, under “Phase 1A” of the plan, priority will then move to “essential workers” and then people at highest risk of severe illness from the virus, including seniors or those with underlying health conditions. When the vaccine will become available to the general public remains unclear.

Beginning Dec. 10, Californians will have the option to receive notifications on their smartphones if they’ve been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

The app, called CA Notify, hopes to support the state’s contact tracing efforts using Bluetooth technology. Once activated on a smartphone, users are simply instructed to leave Bluetooth on and then the app will send them alerts if they were in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. The app does not track the user’s location. To learn more, visit https://canotify.uchealth.edu/. If someone who is COVID-19 positive needs additional information, they should call toll-free at 1-833-540-0473. Other residents should continue to call 211 for resources or more information.

The post COVID-19 Update in Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

This holiday season will present us with a unique opportunity to find cheer in new places. Our brains love patterns and it is easy to repeat the same or similar events each year and many of us have been doing just that. But like the rest of 2020, this holiday season will need to be reimagined. Years and even decades of tradition will need to be broken as we look to the CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html and California Health Department Covid19.ca.gov for new guidelines.

In 2020, our year of “perfect vision,” nothing looked like we expected. We had to learn to adapt very rapidly and to “build it as we sail.” Historians and psychologists will look back to see how we honored this special time of year during a pandemic.

Here are a few tips to help you find cheer in a very odd year:

Embrace Change: This year will be one of a kind. Gatherings will be smaller, and distance may need to be maintained. Be creative and try to find ways to make the new format fun. Take a family walk before gathering for turkey or the other festivities. Meeting during the day and limiting alcohol intake can also assist in making sure everyone stays safe.

Be Realistic: Travel restrictions will dramatically alter the next several weeks and months. Trips are cancelled and gatherings have shrunk. End of the year bonuses may be lower or non-existent. You might not look as good as you would like to but that most likely isn’t a top priority in this pandemic. Cut yourself some slack. This too shall pass.

Reprioritize: This year you will not be running from store to store or party to party.  Instead, you will find yourself surrounded by fewer friends and family. Some may even be alone to optimally protect their health. The holidays will be about depth not breadth, quality not quantity. Remember these changes can lead to growth so welcome them.

Say No: Less is definitely more in 2020. Health matters most. Many invitations may have to go unaccepted this year. It is not a time to overeat or drink too much. Keep your immune system strong and limit your exposure to others.

With lines between home and work even more eroded than in the past, it is important to take a break for the holidays. Even though you aren’t traveling, you can still disconnect from work. Set up a schedule and stick to it making sure you take plenty of time off. Creativity and productivity will be enhanced in 2021 if we come in rested and recharged.

Acknowledge Your Negative Emotions:  We can’t pretend that 2020 was a great year. It was filled with challenges, disappointments and grief on unprecedented scale. If you try to deny negative emotions, they continue to pop up. If you can give them time and space to be felt, you will find they diminish in intensity. Let yourself feel the sadness for those lost this year or in previous years. Be open about missing those that can’t be with you due to travel or other restrictions. Let yourself experience the disappointment about your holiday travel plans that you can’t embark on. Allow yourself to feel your feelings. You may elect to share them with someone close to you, a therapist or your journal. To paraphrase Carl Jung, “what we resist, persists” so don’t try to hide from your negative emotions.

Unify: Let’s put politics aside for the holiday season as best we can. In 2021 and beyond, we must work together to create a better world for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren. Let’s celebrate that democracy has prevailed no matter which side we were on. The legendary University of Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler said, “the team, the team, the team.”  We are all on team U.S.A.  Or take it even further, and in the words of Albert Einstein, “A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe. Our task must be to free ourselves…by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”

Find Joy: Often times, we find real happiness in smaller moments and experiences. For many, this time of year is filled with so much stress that it can be hard to carve out moments of joy. As we may be less busy this year, might we find even more joy?

Joy can only be experienced in the present moment. Tap into all your senses.  Cherish those who can still gather at your table. If you find yourself alone, embrace that experience.  For it is only when we become truly comfortable in our own presence, that we can receive the greatest gifts life has to offer.

Focus on Meaning: Thanksgiving so often becomes about food and fun and we forget to take stock and be grateful. This year we have the opportunity to approach the holiday differently. We can choose to celebrate our accomplishments as we have learned to work at home, cook more and find ways to connect to others using technology. We have become more resilient and many have gained confidence as they faced this historic challenge. When we are reminded of death daily, we can learn to appreciate life more fully and not take any day for granted.

Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa have become so much about the celebration and gift giving that the meaning may have gotten obscured. Let’s shop less yet give more. This year we may decide to give from our hearts.  Cook or bake for others. Make home crafts. Connect on Zoom or in ways and with people that we didn’t in prior years. In the words of Mother Theresa, “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”

New Year’s Eve is always a time of reflection and hope for the future. Most of us will be glad to see 2020 in the rearview mirror. We will have better skills and hopefully less anxiety moving into 2021. We have gained wisdom that will help us navigate more efficiently in this turbulent water. With a vaccine on the horizon, we can anticipate a brighter future. We must remain patient, diligent, creative, resilient and optimistic. We can strive to fill our days with hope and purpose.

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. Wishing
you happiness.”

Helen Keller

We here in Beverly Hills are a small community but the world is always looking to us as a beacon.  We must show them that we can rise above our challenging circumstances and experience joy as we reflect on and celebrate the true meaning of this very special time of year.

Wishing you peace and love in this holiday season and beyond.

The post Peace, Love and Holiday Wishes appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“These are desperate times, we’ve heard pleas from people, I think we can easily add another $550,000 to it,” said Mirisch, who was supported by Councilmember Lili Bosse. “And even that is probably not enough for us.”

Councilmember Julian Gold cautioned patience, saying that the City did not even know how much demand existed for the aid. “I think we may have to add more money, I think that’s a good thing to do, but I do think it should be based on something and not a spitball over how much money we should put at it,” he said. “We don’t even have applications yet.”

As a compromise, the Council agreed to resume discussion on potentially increasing funding on Dec. 1.

The program will apply to tenants living on multi-family properties that fall under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, prioritizing seniors and households with children enrolled in Beverly Hills Unified School District. The program offers eligible residents up to $1,000 for three months to make up the remaining balance of unpaid rent. The money will go directly to the landlord under the condition that the landlord grant the tenant a year to repay back rent. Landlords will also have to agree not to evict tenants for a year. The application for the program will open on Nov. 16 and go until Dec. 7.

Councilmember Lili Bosse expressed frustration at the delay between the initial vote on the program in September and its implementation.

“I also want to add that during these last number of months…a lot of residents have been very frustrated with how long this has taken,” she said. “They’re all suffering. For me, that’s another reason why I do feel that we should look to adding more money
to it.”

The post Beverly Hills Increases COVID Rent Aid appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

At the Oct. 28 Rodeo Drive Committee/Special Events City Council Liaison meeting, the committee considered a request for assistance for next year’s L.A. Marathon. The McCourt Foundation (TMF), the nonprofit in charge of the race, hopes to bring the route through Beverly Hills, with a new finish line in Century City. Representatives of the organization presented their plans to keep racers and observers safe, including potential vaccination requirements for participants.

“I think now, more than ever, we need this,” said City Councilmember Lili Bosse. “We’ve been focusing on health and I think that this is a wonderful opportunity to promote exactly who we are in terms of a healthy city.”

As a first, the 2021 L.A. Marathon will finish in Century City on Avenue of the Stars, as opposed to its traditional endpoint in Santa Monica. This represents a potential boon to Beverly Hills’ beleaguered hospitality industry. “There’s a unique opportunity now for hotels in Beverly Hills to be benefited largely as a result of that decision,” said TMF representative Howard Sunkin. “Runners historically like to stay at the finish line.”

“With us no longer being in Santa Monica, [there is an] opportunity to do joint marketing with your Conference and Visitors Bureau and the hotels in Beverly Hills to fill those up for the marathon,” he said.

If approved by the City Council, the race will follow the same route it has in previous years. Street closures would include portions of Doheny Drive, Burton Way, S. Santa Monica Boulevard, Rodeo Drive, and Wilshire Boulevard. As in years past, the closures would begin at 5 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. As a part of TMF’s collaboration with various City groups, including the Rodeo Drive Committee, it will promote the race’s route through Rodeo Drive.

With the finish line so much closer to Beverly Hills, Mayor Lester Friedman raised concerns over possible parking issues.

“I have not run the marathon; my wife has done it a couple of times, and we wind up in Santa Monica and parking is a challenge,” he said. “I think I walked maybe a mini-marathon just to get to the finish line to see her.”

“So I’m working with both LAZ parking and with Westfield Century City to designate parking lots, both for participants and for spectators,” said Stacy Embretson, Senior Director, Operations for TMF. “I’m also working very closely with L.A. DOT to determine driving routes to those lots.”

While Century City offers 5,000 parking spaces, Mayor Friedman floated the idea of using the Beverly Hills High School parking lot for “our residents who are participating and meeting their family at the conclusion of the race.”

Given the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, TMF has requested the City approve both an intended day and a contingency day for the race–March 21 and May 23, respectively. But in the committee hearing, TMF CEO Murphy Reinschreiber admitted that the March 21 date was too optimistic. “March does not seem like a real possibility at this time, so our planning and our focus right now is on May 23,” he said.

If May 23 also falls through, TMF is asking Beverly Hills and other cities to consider other dates in the fall of 2021.

Even with the race taking place at the later May date, it will still have to contend with extra health and safety precautions. According to a staff report drafted for the committee meeting, the organizers of the race have formed a Medical and Operations Advisory Group to determine how to approach the race safely. They are also working closely with the LA County Department of Public Health (Public Health).

Among the precautions designed by the L.A. Marathon, all participants and volunteers must be vaccinated, have an immunity certificate, or pass a rapid testing protocol. The race itself will factor in the need for social distancing between participants and observers. This means reducing the number of racers to allow for more space on the route. The marathon will also distribute only prepackaged food and beverages to minimize contact.

While casual observers will likely only have to abide by county or City public health rules, those who hope to watch from the stands or VIP sections will have to abide by stricter guidelines.

The Marathon has become a productive driver of charity, offering a platform to approximately 70 nonprofits and raising millions of dollars each year. According to the staff report, the Marathon has generated more than $50 million since its start in 1988. In 2019 alone, the event raised over $2.7 million, including $194,000 for the Beverly Hills-based Concern Foundation.

“We are not interested at all in staging an event or encouraging the staging of an event that is not safe,” Sunkin said. “So mask wearing and all those appropriate protections, if that’s the order, then that’s what we will do–even if we have to go to no spectators.”

The post Beverly Hills Considers L.A. Marathon In COVID Era appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“With more interactions between people as businesses reopen, there is an increased risk of transmission that can result in people becoming seriously ill and tragically passing away,” said a statement from Public Health released mid-week.

To date, Public Health has identified 290,486 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County, and a total of 6,944 deaths. The number of confirmed cases in Beverly Hills stands at 730.

Those numbers continue to keep the County in the State’s most restrictive purple tier (Tier 1) in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Currently, the County’s adjusted case rate is 7.6 new cases per 100,000 people. In order to move to the next less restrictive Tier, the County must reduce its daily number of new cases to no more than seven new cases per 100,000 people for two consecutive weeks.

Currently, there are 758 people with COVID-19 hospitalized in the County, and 28 percent of them are in the ICU.

“We have been living the realities of this pandemic for eight months, and these times have been full of loss and difficulties. As we head into a season with many holidays and as we celebrate our accomplished sport teams, it can be very tempting to relax our diligence. Unfortunately, this would result in more cases making it difficult to move forward in our recovery and leading to unnecessary illness and death. If congregating with others not in your household, please do so only outdoors in places where you can keep six feet of distance from others and always wearing your face covering,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health.

As of Oct. 19, a total of 986 schools are open for in-person learning for high-need students; 69 percent are public schools, 18 percent are charter schools, and 13 percent are private schools. Almost 35,000 students and 20,000 staff have returned for this onsite learning.

To date, Public Health has received 110 waiver applications from schools to open for grades TK-2 in-person learning. A total of 87 applications submitted are from private schools, 18 applications are from charter schools, and five applications are from public schools. Waiver approvals have been issued to four schools to date and can be viewed on Public Health’s school waiver page. Once a complete application is submitted, the review process takes about two to three weeks.

The Reopening Protocols, COVID-19 Surveillance Interactive Dashboard, Roadmap to Recovery, Recovery Dashboard, and additional things to do to protect yourself, your family and your community are on the Public Health website, www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

The post County Public Health Cautions Not to Let Guard Down appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“Women on the Frontier of Science: Cloning, COVID & Cancer Reimagined” will take place on Oct. 21 at 3:30 p.m. PST online via Zoom’s webinar platform. Topics will include recent breakthroughs in COVID-19 research, as well as the Innovative Genomics Institute’s (IGI) revolutionary CRISPR DNA editing technology and its power to help eradicate diseases such as viruses, cancers and more.

Moderated by Johenese Spisso, R.N., M.P.A, President of UCLA Health and CEO of UCLA Hospital System, the event will feature guest Megan Hochstrasser, Ph.D., Education Program Manager at IGI who works alongside  Jennifer Doudna, University of California, Berkeley professor and IGI founder, president and chair. Doudna was recently awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, along  with French microbiologist, Emmanuelle Charpentier.

Hochstrasser will also speak to the Visionary Women community about breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry and the profound influence of working with female pioneers such as Doudna.

“We are incredibly lucky to have Megan and Johenese speak to Visionary Women about their pivotal roles in helping to educate and heal the world through transformative scientific advancement,” said Shelley Reid, President of Visionary Women.

Hochstrasser earned a B.A. in Biology from Brown University and received her Ph.D. from Jennifer Doudna’s lab at UC Berkeley in 2016, where she studied mechanisms of CRISPR immunity in bacteria.

Spisso has received numerous awards and recognition throughout her career, most recently being named to Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Most Influential Women Leaders.

For more information and to register, visit www.visionarywomen.com.

The post Visionary Women to Host “Women on the Frontier of Science: Cloning, COVID & Cancer Reimagined” appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“We have been really busy from May to right now,” Dr. Lawrence Koplin told the Courier. When his practice could reopen in May thanks to loosened restrictions, Koplin explained that he had a backlog of two months’ worth of cases. But, after the backlog dissipated, “we weren’t sure if the phone was going to continue to ring or what was going to happen. And the phone rang, and people came in and we were very often their first venture into the outside world.”

The pandemic disrupted some of the best times plastic surgeons had seen for over a decade, according to Dr. Lloyd Krieger of Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery. “Before the pandemic our case volume was good,” Krieger, who has written about the economics of plastic surgery, told the Courier. “It had just about reached the level of the very good times before 2008.”

Like other luxury sectors of the economy, plastic surgery serves as a bellwether for the strength of consumer confidence. “Meaning when the stock market is up, people feel that they have disposable income,” said Koplin. “When housing prices go up, people feel the same way. They have more worth and they feel that they have a little bit of disposable income and they’ll spend it on themselves.”

“And, conversely, when times are bad, it just shuts off,” Koplin added. “People stop going to restaurants, they stop getting their hair done, they stop getting their nails done, they stop buying at Neiman Marcus and plastic surgery slows down, too.”

Suffice to say, when California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statewide “stay at home” order on March 19, times looked bad. Based on conventional wisdom, Koplin and others watched the economic figures and forecasts with concern. But the subject of that concern never materialized.

“Our business since re-opening a few months ago has been the busiest we have been, probably ever,” said Krieger.

One key difference from the 2008 Great Recession and now is that in ’08, consumers technically had the option to spend money (if they had it) but chose not to. Now, with public health policies mandating restrictions on commerce, consumers simply can’t spend their money on certain goods and services.

“They can’t go to Barney’s. They can’t go to Neiman Marcus. They’re not going to go buy a car. They’re not going to go to the jewelry stores. They’re closed. They canceled their trip. They can’t fly anywhere to visit anyone. People can’t spend money right now,” said Koplin. This leaves consumers with some extra change in between the couch cushions. “The only thing that people can spend money on is plastic surgery.”

Other factors contributing to the boom: masks and working from home. The isolation of quarantine and the obscurity of masks have provided the ideal context for furtively getting work done. People now have time to prepare a face to meet the faces that they meet.

“We can’t go out, we can’t go to parties, we don’t go to restaurants, we don’t dress up, we’re home in our pajamas and our robes,” said Koplin. “It’s the perfect time to have surgery. It’s the perfect time to look bad. It’s a perfect time to recover.”

These circumstances have also led to a shift in the kind of procedures people are seeking out. “Anything that’s under a mask is very popular,” said Koplin. This includes rhinoplasties, lip surgery, facelifts, and neck lifts. “Botox tends to cause a little bit of bruising, but people are fearless now about Botox.”

“Interestingly, we’re seeing more people have large and invasive surgeries like facelifts and tummy tucks rather than the smaller procedures such as injections and Botox,” said Krieger. “This might be because it is easy to have enough time for recovery from large procedures.”

Celebrities and on-screen talent are some of the most eager clients taking advantage of this rare confluence of events.

Dr. Jason Diamond, a facial specialist who spoke with the Courier, said that business has been as busy as ever–especially with his A-list clients.

“It’s a great time for people to get things done that they’ve been planning for years and years, but can never take the risk of healing for a month or three weeks, because they never know when an audition is going to come up or when a gig is going to come,” he said.

“It is a unique, once-in-a-century time for not just actors, but for public people to get stuff done,” Koplin agreed.

So, the worry lines and other vestiges of a stressful pandemic need not leave a permanent mark on our collective visages.

Koplin added, “When everyone comes back, they’re going to look great.”

The post COVID’s Unexpected Cosmetic Surgery Bump appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

On Oct. 7, Public Health confirmed 1,645 new cases of COVID-19, the highest number of new cases in a single day reported since late August. However, officials say it is not indicative of a trend. Public Health reported a seven-day average of 2.8 percent testing positivity rate of positive lab-confirmed COVID-19. The County’s testing positivity rate has remained stable at a level close to 3 percent for several weeks. For comparison, in July the percent positivity was around 8 percent. The number of daily hospitalizations has remained steady at under 800 daily hospitalizations since mid-September. The 7-day average number of daily deaths continues to steadily decline by roughly 50 percent, from about 30 deaths a day at the end of August to about 15 deaths a day.

L.A. County continues to be in Tier 1, the most restrictive tier, of California’s four-phase reopening plan because the County’s adjusted case rate is 7.4 new cases per 100,000 people. Both test positivity rates meet the threshold for Tier 3. The overall test positivity rate is 2.8 percent, and the test positivity rate in the lowest-resourced areas is 4.6 percent, which indicates that community transmission is moderate.

However, the State incorporated an additional metric this week to their Blueprint for a Safer Economy.  According to Public Health, most counties, including L.A. County, have significant differences in COVID-19 outcomes by race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. The new requirement for reopening during the pandemic mandates that counties with more than 106,000 residents must bring infections down in communities hit harder and invest heavily there in testing, contact tracing, outreach and providing means for infected people to self-isolate.

As of Oct. 7, indoor shopping malls are allowed to reopen with occupancy limited to 25 percent capacity, but all food courts and all common areas must remain closed. Nail salons, outdoor cardrooms and outside playgrounds have been allowed to resume operations with the required modifications in place. The school waiver application program for in-person learning for students in grades TK-2 also began accepting applications this week.

On Oct. 7, the County of Los Angeles also launched the COVID-19 Safety Compliance Certificate Program (CSCCP) to help educate and train business owners to implement Public Health’s COVID-19 safety directives.

The CSCCP is a free online training course that educates business owners on the County Health Officer’s Orders and what to do to ensure that their business practices are aligned and in compliance with infection control and physical distancing requirements. After completing the training, businesses will receive a COVID-19 Safety Compliance Certificate that can be displayed on storefronts. The training will be available in 13 languages and can be accessed online through the Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 website or by visiting publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/covid19cert.htm.

This voluntary program is highly recommended, offering businesses, employees and consumers reassurance that essential training has been completed to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Businesses that do not participate in the training are required to display Public Health COVID-19 Protocols in their storefronts.

Other programs launched by L.A. County include a partnership with Citizen, a mobile app that sends users location-based safety alerts in real time, and SafePass, a mobile app that provides contact tracing capabilities for individuals throughout the County.

SafePass allows users to anonymously self-report their symptoms for COVID-19 and receive notifications and alerts directly from the Public Health. All data is private, encrypted, and deleted after 30 days by Citizen. Officials encourage residents to download the app to expand local efforts to track COVID-19 for L.A. County’s 10 million residents.

“The County’s partnership with SafePass is a valuable tool to help slow the spread of COVID-19 throughout our region,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. “The success of the SafePass App relies on a continued sense of community impact among our residents by asking individuals to do their part to protect themselves and their neighbors.”

The County continues to respond to the COVID-19 emergency with essential services for residents and businesses ranging from food and monetary support to mental health and free or low-cost healthcare. Beginning this month, Public Health and the L.A. County Library will be offering free flu vaccines to those six months of age and older at select library locations across the County. Flu shot clinic dates and locations for October and November 2020 are being finalized and will be announced once available. Health insurance will not be required.

My Health LA is a no-cost health care program for residents of LA County that is free to individuals and families who do not have and cannot get health insurance. Health care services are provided by non-profit clinics called “Community Partners.” There are over 200 Community Partner clinics in My Health LA. To find the closest one, visit

https://dhs.lacounty.gov/more-dhs/departments/my-health-la-mhla/find-a-clinic/?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=.

With stress, anxiety, and depression on the rise during the pandemic, the L.A. County Department of Mental Health’s (LACDMH) 24/7 Helpline at 800-854-7777) is available to provide mental health support, resources and referrals. LACDMH has also partnered with Headspace to offer a collection of mindfulness and meditation resources at no cost to all L.A. County residents. The free Headspace Plus subscription includes access to hundreds of science-backed guided meditations in English and Spanish, as well as movement and sleep exercises to help manage stress, fear and anxiety related to COVID-19.

Health officials continue to stress that it is important if someone thinks they could be positive for COVID-19 and are awaiting testing results, to stay at home and act as if they are positive. This means self-isolating for 10 days and 24 hours after symptoms and fever subside.

If someone is positive for COVID-19 and has not yet connected with a public health specialist or needs more information on services, call toll-free at 1-833-540-0473. Residents who do not have COVID-19 should continue to call 211 for resources or more information.

The post L.A. County Rolls Out New Health Measures appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The childhood haunt is a Mecca on All Hallows Eve, with its storybook features and sloping roof reminiscent of a drooping witch’s hat. However, current owner Michael Libow said during a Sept. 29 special Health and Safety Commission meeting that he is looking into an alternative livestreamed event/tour from his home that night.

During the Sept. 29 meeting, the Commission discussed the possibility of imposing restrictions on Halloween trick-or-treating and “trunk-or-treating” due to COVID-19 health concerns. The City’s Medical Advisory Task Force–comprised of a group of leading experts in their respective medical fields formed in March as part of the City’s proactive efforts to flatten the curve–attended and weighed in on the matter.

As the holiday approaches, the Commission voted unanimously in favor of recommending the City impose more stringent guidelines than the county and ban trick-or-treating and trunk-or-treating the evening of Oct. 31. The Commission’s recommendation will be considered by the City Council during its the Oct. 13 meeting.

“I am a firm believer that we should not have trick-or-treating,” David B. Agus, M.D. said. “And I am a supporter of banning trick- or- treating because it really is a statement that this virus is not gone.

Much of Beverly Hills has forgotten about the virus, but the virus hasn’t forgotten about us.”

“While I recognize and deeply sympathize with the sacrifice that children and young people have made during this pandemic, if we’re all in agreement that there’s no risk-free situation, I would not want them to delay or lose completely their ability to go to school because something happened on Halloween,” Kirk Y. Chang, MD said. “I don’t think it’s going to be an ideal or fear-free or risk-free experience. I’m in favor of a straight ban, and I would encourage residents to turn their porch lights off this year.”

On Sep. 8, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) issued the first official Halloween Guidance document listing the following activities as not permitted: Halloween gatherings, events or parties with non-household members, even if they are conducted outdoors; carnivals, festivals, live entertainment, and haunted house attractions; door to door trick-or-treating; and “trunk-or-treating,” which is where people go from car to car instead of door to door to receive Halloween candy. However, Public Health revised the document on Sep. 10, moving door to door trick-or-treating and trunk-or-treating from “not permitted” to “not recommended.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also issued Halloween Safety Guidance, discouraging gatherings of any kind outside of one’s immediate household, including Halloween activities.

Activities that meet safety guidelines include online parties/contests, car parades that comply with public health guidance, Halloween movie nights at drive in theaters, Halloween themed dinners at outdoor restaurants, Halloween themed art installations at outdoor museums and decorating homes and yards with Halloween themed ornaments.

Halloween festivities should be limited, as social distance may be difficult to maintain when passing out candy and walking from door to door. Health officials fear the potential spreading of the virus from people who may be asymptomatic or symptomatic.

To learn more about the Halloween guidance issued by Public Health, visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/coronavirus/docs/community/GuidanceHalloween.pdf.

To learn more about the Halloween Safety Guidance issued by the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html.

The post Commission Recommends a Ban on Trick-or-Treating in Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“To everyone who is mourning people who have passed away from COVID-19, we keep you in our thoughts and in our hearts,” said Director of Public Health Dr. Barbara Ferrer in a statement. “As more businesses and schools are reopening, let’s remind each other that diligence in slowing the spread of COVID-19 has brought us to a place where these openings are possible.”

As of Oct. 1, the County reported 1, 148 new cases with a total of 271,371. The County also registered 35 deaths, putting it at a total of 6,610 since the beginning of the pandemic. Beverly Hills saw 27 new cases, bringing the City to a total of 700.

Public Health noted that deaths have continued to decline to levels not seen since April. The agency attributed this to declining numbers of cases and hospitalizations, and improvements in treatment for COVID-19 patients. Also, Public Health has observed an increase in the ratio of infections among younger individuals who are less likely to die as a result. This also brings down the daily average of deaths.

Another bright metric, the County has seen a significant decline in the percentage of tests coming back positive. While the County was clocking an average of 8 percent in July, that figure has dropped to about 3 percent in September. This is the lowest test positivity rate seen since the beginning of the pandemic.

Heartened by the numbers, Public Health announced on Sept. 30 that nail salons and indoor shopping malls will be allowed to reopen at 25 percent capacity, although mall food courts and common areas will remain closed. In order to avoid  a potential crush of cases, Public Health is staggering the reopenings. Nail salons can resume business under State guidelines starting Oct. 1. Indoor malls must wait until Oct. 7.  The move comes after multiple lawsuits against the County for the closures, the most recent filed on Sept. 28 by the owner of the Westfield chain of malls.

Public Health also said that cardrooms could reopen for outdoor gaming starting Oct. 5. Outdoor playgrounds may reopen at the approval and discretion of cities and the County Parks and Recreation Department. Parents and children ages 2-years-old and older must wear masks and follow social distancing rules. Indoor playgrounds remained closed.

On Sept. 29, Public Health announced plans to allow for school waiver applications for grades TK-2. The announcement came one day after a vote on the matter by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Public Health will begin accepting applications in early October for 30 schools per week, with priority given to schools that serve underprivileged student bodies.

“We will be reviewing waiver applications meticulously so that we can be assured that the schools have the protocols in place that will minimize COVID-19 spread as much as possible,” Ferrer said in a Sept. 29 statement.

Despite the improvements, LA County remains in the State’s most restrictive category for reopening, Tier 1. Public Health explained in its Sept. 29 statement that its daily case rate of 7.3 is still too high.

“In order to keep businesses and schools open and progress to Tier 2, we need to continue to be extraordinarily cautious and to use all of the tools we have that have been proven to reduce transmission.”

The post No Labor Day COVID-19 Spike appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“Working towards the Gold Congressional Medal caused me to hold myself accountable for constantly progressing and improving,” Siminou said. “The public service I completed, physical fitness and personal development, and the expedition all include lifelong memories I plan on sharing with my children one day.”

Each Gold Medalist has accumulated over 800 hours over the span of two years in the areas of voluntary public service, personal development, and physical fitness, as well as planning and going on an in-depth exploration/expedition. The Congressional Award Gold Medal is the most prestigious award Congress can bestow upon a youth civilian.

“For voluntary service, I did a few things. I tutored through one of Beverly Hills’ After-School Programs.

I judged for and helped my school’s Middle School Debate team at multiple scrimmages and tournaments and am currently Captain of our High School team. I volunteered at Cedars-Sinai for about fifty hours in total, interacting with patients and completing clerical tasks. And I also interned at LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin’s office this past summer, answering constituent calls, replying to emails, and doing a lot of research on LAUSD Food Policy,” Siminou told the Courier.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell both gave their congratulations to the medalists during the virtual ceremony, along with remarks from Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congresswoman Katie Porter, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Richard Hudson, and Congresswoman Liz Cheney among others.   

The post Beverly Hills Youth Earns Congressional Award Gold Medal appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Long before Venice earned the name “Silicon Beach,” long before it heard the word gentrification or saw its first Tesla, the seaside town suffered from high rates of poverty and lack of access to healthcare.

“It was poor,” Fern Seizer, a Beverly Hills resident and former Executive Director of the Clinic, told the Courier. “It was really medically underserved because there were very few doctors, and those who were there didn’t take Medi-Cal, which is Medicaid in California.”

When Seizer joined as Executive Director in 1982, “[The Clinic] didn’t have any money. It had a big heart and very loyal patients and volunteer doctors.” A big heart and loyal patients–however essential–could not foot the bill for a new location. In 1982, under Seizer’s leadership, the Clinic raised the money to relocate to its first permanent home on Rose Avenue. The move, she said, wouldn’t have happened without Beverly Hills.

She pointed to an example early in her tenure. Irma Colen, one of the Clinic’s earliest and largest supporters, tapped Beverly Hills resident and State Senator Alan Sieroty to host a fundraiser at his home.

“He held a Christmas party and invited all his constituents and donors,” Seizer said. “He put out a jar and said, if you’d like to contribute to the Venice Family Clinic, do. And I think there was about $5,000 that day [$33,500 in today’s dollar]. Boy, that was very exciting to us.”

From there, the Clinic continued to expand far beyond what its founders anticipated. To date, the Clinic provides care for 28,000 patients annually through sites in Venice, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, Inglewood and Culver City. The Clinic seeks to “treat the whole person,” Seizer said, offering services like dental care, substance use treatment, mental health services, vision screenings, child development services, health education, prescription medications, domestic violence counseling and HIV/AIDS services.

The Clinic has also led the County in pioneering “street medicine,” where teams of health care providers leave a clinical setting and treat unhoused residents in the community. The Clinic currently has nine street medicine teams.

While the Clinic still bears the name of Venice, its impact stretches far past that.

“All of our patients are low income,” said Chief Development and Communications Officer Naveena Ponnusamy. “A hundred percent are low income, 76 percent are below the poverty level, but that doesn’t mean they don’t come from neighborhoods like Beverly Hills. And they’re also connected to Beverly Hills in that they’re essential workers.”

Seizer explained that many in Beverly Hills were further ahead in their thinking in terms of healthcare and inequity. Especially, she noted, at a time when it wasn’t so “fashionable” to recognize the needs of the less fortunate. “There are a lot of people in Beverly Hills who really feel that healthcare is a right, and that people of all ages, colors, genders–all–should be able to have good affordable health care. So, they put their money where their mouth is.”

The Clinic currently finds itself caught in the fault line of multiple seismic changes in healthcare. Most immediately, COVID-19 has disrupted much of how the Clinic operates. While the Clinic has adjusted to a tele-health model, the pandemic also threatens to erode the non-profit’s charitable base.

The Clinic’s most trafficked event of the year, the Venice Family Clinic ArtWalk, came near the start of the pandemic. The event highlights Venice’s artistic community with a silent auction, art workshops, and studio tours. Over the event’s 40 year history, it has raised a total of $23 million, but this year saw a decline in revenue–$700,000 compared to last year’s $1 million.

“If people in the community would like to help out in these times that are particularly challenging,” Seizer said, “I think this is the ideal place to do it. You can volunteer, you can give time, treasure–all of it to the clinic.”

The Venice Family Clinic kicks off a week of events to commemorate its 50th anniversary on Oct. 11, beginning with a star-studded, virtual evening party. The event includes appearances by Billy Crystal, Frank Gehry, Anjelica Huston, and Whoopi Goldberg, with performances by Jennifer Hudson and Blake Shelton. In the following days, the Clinic will be coordinating a week of action that includes ideas for contributing to the community and volunteering with the Clinic. You can find more info at the Clinic’s website, https://venicefamilyclinic.org/50years/.

The post 50 Years of Healthcare Helped by Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“We have seen a slight increase in cases recently which we are watching closely, especially since these increases happened after the Labor Day weekend,” Public Health said in a statement. 

As of Sept. 23, Public Health has documented 31 new deaths and 1,265 new cases of COVID-19. This brings the County’s case total to 263,333, with a sobering 6,423 deaths. 

“We are thinking every day of the many people across L.A. County who have lost a loved one or friend to COVID-19. We are so sorry for your loss.,” Director of Public Health Dr. Barbara Ferrer said in a statement. “For so many people, COVID-19 has resulted in serious illness and death. These people are our friends, our neighbors, our colleagues and our loved ones.” 

With 779 individuals currently hospitalized due to the virus, daily hospitalizations have declined and to slightly lower than the numbers seen in early April. For most of September, the number of hospitalizations COVID-19 patients has remained below 1,000–a reflection of a declining transmission rate and improvements in treatment resulting in shorter hospital stays. 

Reassuringly, deaths have charted a consistent decline since the County’s peak two months ago. In late July, Public Health reported an average of 43 deaths a day, and on September 9, that average shrank to 20. Public Health still sounded a note of caution, warning that activities from Labor Day may translate into more hospitalizations and deaths in the coming weeks. 

Another optimistic marker in the County’s fight against the virus, the percent of tests that return positive results has fallen significantly from about 8 percent in July to about 3 percent in September. 

Los Angeles County remains in Tier 1, or purple, the state’s highest risk level in its color-coded system. If the County maintains a low positivity rate and the numbers remain small for two consecutive weeks, the County will enter into a lower risk level, allowing it to lift restrictions on businesses and schools. 

The California Department of Public Health unveiled new guidelines on Sept. 

22 allowing nail salons to resume indoor services, even in Tier 1 counties. Previously, nail salons were prohibited from reopening until its county fell to Tier 2. Still, counties maintain discretion over the choice, and Public Health has indicated that the County will not rush to any decision. 

“Public Health will be consulting with the Board of Supervisors to determine the timing of adopting changes to the County Health Officer Order that would allow nail salons to resume modified indoor operations,” Public Health said in a statement. 

The data released by Public Health continues to highlight the virus’s disproportionate impact on people of color and residents from disadvantaged areas. Even there, the gap in health outcomes continue to narrow. 

Data continues to expose disproportionality in COVID-19 health outcomes by race, ethnicity and area-poverty. However, Public Health sees signs gaps are starting to close. While Latinx residents continue to die at twice the rate of white residents, the disparity has shrunk from 4 to 2 times the rate. The difference between Black residents and white residents has virtually disappeared. During peak transmission in July, Black Angelenos died at 3 times the rate of white residents. Now, both demographics show similar rates of death. 

At the July peak, the mortality rate for people living in communities with the highest levels of poverty was 6.5 deaths per 100,000 people. This was over 3 times higher than that of people who were living in communities with the lowest levels of poverty. As of Sept. 13, the mortality rate among people living in areas with the highest levels of poverty dropped to 3.2 deaths per 100,000 people, which while much lower than the July rates, remains 3 times that of people living in the lowest levels of poverty. 

“There is still much work to do to close these gaps,” Public Health said, “and we will continue to work with partners who are addressing the inequitable distribution of resources and opportunities that are essential for optimal health and well-being.” 

The post L.A. County Remains at Tier 1 Risk Level appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

While hair salons can now open at 25 percent capacity, and you might be thrilled to reunite with your stylist, many of the other beauty industries are still left in the lurch.

Spring Place in Beverly Hills has decided to hold some pampering pop-ups on their rooftop space on Wilshire Boulevard. The first one in September was with Flybrow guru Suzie Moldavon, who started the business by making “office calls” to tame the brows of busy working women all over town. It was such a success that they have already booked the next event for Sept. 23, and more will follow in October.

“Since women don’t go to their offices anymore, we’ve had to come up with new ways to still be in varied neighborhoods all over LA.,” Moldavon told the Courier. “We’ve had to pivot and adapt as rules and regulations in the beauty industry have dictated. We’ve found new partners with similar clientele and a desire to try to reinstate some sort of self-care and ‘normal’ back into people’s lives,” she said. www.flybrow.com/

Hot 8 Yoga, with branches from Pasadena to Santa Monica, has been holding virtual classes during the COVID-19 fitness shutdowns, but has started offering outdoor classes since late-August in locations including Beverly Hills.

The instructor-led, 60-minute group classes are physically distanced on outdoor terraces. They are still providing mats, towels and all the props to clients, but you must bring and wear a mask at all times. Book a single class or commit to a package of five to ten outdoor sessions. For more information on the Wilshire location schedule in Beverly Hills contact info@hotyoga.com.

Speir Pilates of Santa Monica was set to open its second studio in West Hollywood this past March on Santa Monica Boulevard and King’s Road. Now you can work out on one of their five rooftop machines overlooking the Hollywood Hills with owner Andrea Speir, who is also an instructor.

Kickstart your day with reformer classes or wind-down with a sunset evening class. “We wanted it to be very spaced out,” Speir told the Courier, “So there is a distance of 7 feet between machines. You’re on our own little island so it’s very safe.”

Even with the unhealthy air-quality of late, Speir has not seen much of a slow-down as none of the classes take place in the middle of the day. “We have actually been selling out about two weeks in advance,” she said. “This is a great way to be back in the community again with human connection and interaction with a safe distance.” www.speirpilates.com/

To work out a few of those kinks from all the new exercise classes, The Peninsula Beverly Hills has been offering rooftop massages, along with highly coveted manicure-pedicures, in cabanas. Anyone in town is welcome to book, including non-hotel guests through spapbh@peninsula.com.

And, the hotel has been experiencing so many guests who want to work from the rooftop cabanas, they have updated services in place that includes Wi-Fi, and Apple TV where guests can connect their laptop and have a mini-meeting, take appointments, give small presentations with up to four people. Cabanas run $450 during the week and include a non-alcoholic stocked fridge and on-demand waitstaff from the Roof Garden restaurant.

Known for networking with powerful women from Diane von Furstenberg to JLo, The Allbright women’s members’ club has recently reopened their West Hollywood location, along with the newly redesigned outdoor rooftop space by lauded “Architectural Digest” 100 designer Brigette Romanek.

Overlooking Melrose Place and the Hollywood Hills, the space will supply the backdrop and stunning views for yoga, sound baths, cooking and cocktail masterclasses, workshops, and dining on spicy tuna wonton nachos or vegan poke bowls with watermelon.  The club has also just launched a new wellness center, Dr Refresh, that will include vitamin drips and other facial services and cosmetic treatments.

Prospective members can visit the club and check out the programming before signing up or you can opt for a free two-week trial digital membership to check out the weekly activations. www.allbrightcollective.com.

Tennis anyone? The Luxe Hotel on Sunset Boulevard has opened its tennis courts, on the upper level of the parking structure, previously for guests only, to the public. According to executive manager Sarah Clark, “I have had a few tennis instructors also use the tennis court to bring their own clients to train them.”

You can also arrange a class with Natural Pilates of Brentwood who has set up their outdoor studio in the parking lot with tents. “It’s a beautiful and welcoming atmosphere that their clients and our guests have really enjoyed,” Clark told the Courier. “They are also hosting a yoga retreat in October.”

For something a little more entertaining on the upper level, the Luxe Sunset is also offering monthly date night or family night movies for up to 25 cars. You can order food on your cell phone and have it delivered,  from popcorn and candy to cult favorite Pizza Wagon of Brooklyn, lobster rolls, Caesar salad, cocktails or wine.

“With every movie we show, we curate the menu and create a memorable experience with fun treats and small takeaways,” said Clark. “This has been a popular neighborhood activity, and where else can you go in your pajamas for a night out?”

For Pilates on the Westside before a little shopping or lunch, The Studio (MDR) has set-up on the roof of the PLATFORM in Culver City.

The classes started at the end of August and will be ongoing until further notice. “The Studio (MDR) doors have been closed since March 15th due to Covid-19,” co-founder and CEO Lisa Solomon told the Courier. “State and County guidelines are now allowing fitness studios to open outdoors, so we were very excited for the opportunity to partner with them. We have our regulars and many new faces filling up the classes, which is very exciting,” she added.

Classes are 45 minutes seven day a week from 7 a.m. to noon and with high demand, signing up beforehand is highly recommended. “We have smaller machines than we do in our normal studios.  Microformers vs. Megaformers, which work perfectly with the outdoor setting and are 8 feet apart to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Clients still get the signature (MDR) Lagree workout but in an open-air setting.”  www.thestudiomdr.com

If you’re planning to attend any of the L.A. Design Festival installation kicking-off on Sept. 24 at the ROW in DTLA, the outdoor complex is also offering morning yoga classes on the roof with a cityscape view from Sanctuary Fitness. https://sanctuaryfitness.com/

And, if you are missing your weekly Soul Cycle spin classes, newly formed SoulOutside offers options at Santa Monica Place and Olive Street downtown L.A. locations. www.soul-cycle.com/soulconnected/souloutside

For an overnight rooftop getaway, The Beverly Wilshire will be reopening on Oct. 1 and has set a new bar for a glamping staycation on its expansive rooftop. Accessible through a wrought-iron staircase off the Veranda Suite, a 10-foot-tall tent awaits complete with a Four Season’s queen-size bed, a crystal chandelier and fur rugs. This romantic escape above Rodeo Drive includes a fireplace on the terrace for sipping cocktails before the eight-course meal with Ossetra caviar and wagyu beef, followed by 24-karat gold s’mores or a Champagne flight. Greet the morning sunrise with a private yogi-session that can also be arranged on the private terrace. Only in Beverly Hills.

The post Exercise, Wellness and Pampering has Taken to the Rooftops appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

It’s the second time the Council affirmed its support for the Act.

In 2018, the Council adopted a resolution in support of the Keeping California Safe Act of 2018. The initiative is now on the Nov. 3 ballot as the Criminal Sentencing, Parole, and DNA Collection Initiative. But, the language and legislative intent of the legislation remains unchanged from 2018.

The law aims to roll back previously passed criminal justice measures, Assembly Bill 109 in 2011; Proposition 47 in 2014 and Prop. 57 in 2016. Those measures were enacted in response to court orders to reduce the state’s prison population. They resulted in fewer crimes being defined as serious and violent felonies and allowed more offenders to serve time in local jails or become eligible for early parole.

Citing unintended consequences and increasing crime statistics, Prop. 20 advocates say it is time to amend those laws. Supporters of the initiative include California Associations of Peace Officers, Police Chiefs, State Sheriffs and District Attorneys. They point out that sex trafficking of a child, spousal abuse, and some types of rape are not defined as violent crimes. They say dangerous criminals who participate in repeated, organized thefts are treated like shoplifters.

Prop. 20 changes the parole system to stop the early release of certain violent felons, expands parolee oversight and strengthens penalties for parole violations. It also requires a mandatory court hearing for anyone who is charged with a third violation of parole.

The Proposition will give prosecutors the option to file felony charges for crimes currently only chargeable as misdemeanors, including some theft crimes where the value is between $250 and $950. Other charges that can be brought as felonies include firearm theft, vehicle theft, and unlawful use of a credit card. The law will also establish two additional types of crimes in California Penal Code–serial crime and organized retail crime–and charge them as “wobblers” (either misdemeanors or felonies).

The ballot initiative would also require persons convicted of certain misdemeanors that were classified as wobblers or felonies before 2014, such shoplifting, grand theft, and drug possession, along with several other crimes, including domestic violence and prostitution with a minor, to submit to a collection of their DNA for use by state and federal databases.

“It is administrative clean up,” Michele Hanisee told the Courier, in reference to the loopholes left by Prop. 47, 57 and AB 109. Hanisee is President of the Association of Deputy District Attorneys (ADDA), the professional association for the deputy district attorneys (DDAs) of Los Angeles County. She, along with other prominent DDAs in the state, helped draft Prop. 20.

The process has thus far gone through 45 drafts.

“When you write a new section of the Penal Code, it can be fraught with peril. You can’t just say ‘this should be illegal.’ You have to figure out how it relates to every other code section in the book. That’s what went wrong with Prop. 57. They didn’t do all the work to integrate it with everything,” said Hanisee.

The need for Prop. 20 is particularly acute at the present time, she added.

“Rampant retail theft is on the rise. We have a rise in homelessness. When you stop forcing people into drug treatment as a condition of parole, you can’t expect addicts to make intelligent choices,” she said.

Opponents of Prop. 20 argue that it would lead to a huge increase in prison spending, widen disparities and reduce investments in communities, where it is needed most. Groups in opposition include the California Teachers Association, Service Employees International Union, California Labor Federation, California Correctional Peace Officers Association, California Fire Chiefs Association, United Way of California, Sierra Club, California Black Chamber of Commerce and the Chief Probation Officers of California.

Former Governor Jerry Brown has called the Proposition “the latest scare tactic on criminal justice reform.”

“My main concern is that much of the opposition arguments are blatantly false,” said Hanisee. Prop 20 doesn’t send anyone back to prison. It doesn’t add penalties to anything at all. It says that violent crimes shouldn’t be eligible for early release. As a prosecutor you work very closely with victims of crime you have a lot of empathy. That’s why we’ve worked so hard on this.”

For information on how to vote in the Nov. 3 General Election, visit CAEarlyVoting.sos.ca.gov.

The post Beverly Hills City Council Supports Prop. 20 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The City already has a head start in the preparedness arena. In July, it launched “Just in Case, BH” to keep the community informed and well connected in the event of a  natural disaster or other local emergency. Working in collaboration with the City’s Communications, Police and Fire Departments, Just in Case, BH is designed to connect the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Neighborhood Watch programs to create a communication network for residents in all parts of the City.

Councilwoman Lili Bosse, who championed the program, told the Courier, “It is my goal that Beverly Hills is the healthiest City in the world but also is the most prepared City, ready for anything that comes our way. The  ‘Just in Case’ program will ensure that our community stays safe, healthy and thriving.”

As for practical advice, residents should understand that it is important for them to be self-sufficient for at least seven days and up to two weeks. A major disaster could overwhelm emergency and City service resources, delaying attention to those in need for several days.

To get ready, the City recommends the following preparations:

Make A Kit/Gather Supplies–Have supplies at home and kits in your car and at work available. Store a 14-day supply of water, a first aid kit, battery powered flashlight and extra batteries, and a portable cell phone charger. Make sure you have cash, clothing, tennis shoes, extra medications, personal hygiene supplies, important documents, and pet supplies (if necessary) in your supplies.

Make A Plan–Establish a plan for your family and make sure everyone knows what they should do, where to go, or where to meet in case of emergency–and practice your plan!  Out-of-state contact information should be shared with family members so messages can be relayed to loved ones if local communications are not available.

Be Informed–Sign up for the City’s emergency telephone notification system at www.beverlyhills.org/emergencynotification. Sign up for the City’s Facebook, Twitter, and Nixle notifications. Also, during and after an emergency, community members can go to the following locations for information:

City of Beverly Hills Website: www.beverlyhills.org

City of Beverly Hills Disaster Hotline: 310-550-4680

Radio: 1500 AM

Cable TV: Channels 10 and 35

Twitter: www.twitter.com/cityofbevhills or www.twitter.com/beverlyhillsoem

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cityofbevhills

Instagram: www.instagram.com/cityofbevhills

The post Preparedness Takes Center Stage in Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Its services have never been more critical. The Centers for Disease Control released a survey in August showing that over 40 percent of adults reported experiencing mental health challenges related to the pandemic, including anxiety and depression.

The Maple Counseling Center has operated out of Beverly Hills for nearly five decades, starting as a response to rising drug use in Beverly Hills Unified School District in the late ’60s. The Center continues to offer services within the district, but has expanded since then to provide services for all age ranges.

“Services for cradle to grave, if you will,” CEO Marcy Kaplan explained to the Courier. “We have programs for very young children and families and we provide counseling services all the way up through older adults.”

In addition to its school programs and work with partner agencies, the Center performs between 500 to 550 sessions per week, Kaplan said. Its mandate also encompasses a training element. “We have a large training program for the next generation of mental health professionals, and that includes graduate and postgraduate students and marriage and family therapy, social work, and clinical psychology,” Kaplan said.

COVID-19 disrupted both the Center’s clinical services and the training program, forcing the Center to abruptly shut down in March.

Dr. Marianne Callah, the Center’s Clinical and Program Director who oversees the training, told the Courier that the interns in March benefited from having prior relationships with their patients, supervisors, and each other.

“They went into a different mode, a different format for doing what they had been doing, but they weren’t starting from zero,” she said.

But in August, a new class of 42 interns joined the Center at a time of unprecedented change in the field with no established routine or relationships to anchor them. Most of them had the benefit of coming from graduate school, though, where they became familiar with remote learning.

“They’re very familiar with the remote platforms,” Callah said. “Their classes are being taught over Zoom, and they know that this is the reality, but I think it’s also a very, very far cry from what they had expected to be doing when they envisioned themselves starting out their clinical work, seeing their first clients.”

The new approach to therapy also necessitated a new approach to training. For every class prior, interns would conduct sessions in the Center itself. Working remotely, they now had to run sessions from their own homes. Callah reviewed with the interns how to establish a professional appearance in the room where they would conduct their sessions and reemphasized the importance of maintaining standards despite working from home.

Additionally, using feedback from the previous class of interns, Callah offered practical advice to the incomers–simple, hard-earned tips like having a backup plan if technology fails, such as completing the session over the phone, or resending a video conference link the day of the session.

After the initial scramble of adjusting to an entirely remote therapeutic model, the Center began to see a potential silver lining–one that could carry over long after the pandemic subsides. Without the logistical hurdles of commuting or finding an available room, Kaplan and Callah found the new model more accessible in many ways.

“When we started being able to take in new clients, we realized that it was a different game altogether to start new clients remotely and only remotely–people that would never actually walk in the doors of our center,” Callah said. Even without actively promoting the Center farther afield, people who live outside of a “reasonable driving distance” began reaching out, according to Callah. Additionally, she said more people have begun requesting multiple sessions per week without the constraints of traveling to a physical office.

On the flip side, patients who had left the state to go to school or return home soon found that they could not continue with the Center, even remotely. “There are laws pertaining to the practice of therapy that vary from state to state,” Callah explained–a reality that the Center never had to confront in pre-COVID times.

Kaplan acknowledged the limits of the technology’s accessibility. “There are, for example, older adults who are not comfortable with technology or don’t have the technology, or don’t want to use the technology,” she said. “We also know, as we see people from other communities that might not have internet capabilities or technology, [teletherapy] might not be an option. There’s so much we don’t know yet.”

The transition to teletherapy has not been without its cost.

“We had to purchase the platforms that our counselors use to do the sessions, and initially looking at it and determining costs, it didn’t seem so bad: a month, two months,” said Kaplan. “Right now, we’re six months into this. It is costly.”

This, coupled with the economic ramifications of the virus, has put the Center in a tight financial situation. Even while offering affordable services at a sliding scale, the Maple Counseling Center earns most of its revenue from patient fees. “There are a lot of people who do not have an income right now because they lost their jobs,” said Kaplan, “so their fees are being set quite low.”

“The demand is up, the costs are up, and the income is down,” she said. “It’s a challenging time.”

As the Center looks to a future that integrates in-person therapy and teletherapy–a future that balances the disadvantages of each with their respective benefits–they will have to find new ways of accounting for the additional costs.

“That’s going to be a huge and ongoing need.”

The post Counseling During COVID-19 in Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Cedars-Sinai will provide every donor a complimentary health screening which includes blood pressure assessment, iron/hematocrit reading, temperature, pulse. Donors will also receive a complimentary CoVid-19 antibody test.

Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good general health. Individuals taking common daily medications (cholesterol, blood pressure, birth control, antidepressants, thyroid, even diabetics taking insulin) may donate blood.

To sign up for Sept. 18:

https://www.donatebloodcedars.org/index.cfm?group=op&expand=5698&zc=90210&mc_cid=c230fc6d41&mc_eid=245cc39772

To sign up for Sept. 19: https://www.donatebloodcedars.org/index.cfm?group=op&expand=5699&zc=90210&mc_cid=c230fc6d41&mc_eid=245cc39772

The post Cedars-Sinai Hosting Beverly Hills Blood Drive appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The document goes on to state that “door to door trick or treating is not recommended because it can be very difficult to maintain proper social distancing on porches and at front doors, ensure that everyone answering or coming to the door is appropriately masked to prevent disease spread, and because sharing food is risky.

Also “not recommended” is “trunk or treating,” where children go from car to car instead of door to door to receive treats, particularly when part of Halloween events, since it is difficult to avoid crowding and sharing food.

Expressly prohibited by the County are “Halloween gatherings, events or parties with non-household members, even if they are conducted outdoors.” Similarly, carnivals, festivals, live entertainment, and haunted house attractions are not allowed.

The County does, however, sanction online parties or contests, such as pumpkin-carving or costume contests, as well as car parades that comply with public health guidance for vehicle-based parades. Additionally, drive by events or contests where individuals dress up or decorate their vehicles and drive by “judges” that are appropriately physically distanced are allowed.

Drive-through events where individuals remain in their vehicles and drive through an area with Halloween displays are also acceptable forms of diversion. And, drive-in events where individuals receive a treat bag (limited to commercially packaged non-perishable treats) or take away item from an organizer while the participants remain in their vehicle are also permitted.

Other approved events include Halloween movie nights at drive in theaters (as long as they comply with the Public Health drive in movie theater guidance); Halloween themed meals at outdoor restaurants (in compliance with all restaurant protocols); Halloween themed art installations at an outdoor museum (in line with the Public Health Museum Guidance) and lastly, dressing up homes and yards with Halloween themed decorations.

Public Health adds that regardless of how families choose to celebrate Halloween, it is important to wear cloth face coverings when outside the home and around others that are not part of the household; avoid confined spaces by actively staying away from indoor spaces that don’t allow for easy distancing of at least six feet between individuals; avoid close contact by remaining at least six feet away from all other people who are not part of the household, especially while talking, eating, drinking, and singing; wash or sanitize hands often; clean frequently touched items regularly and stay home and away from others if you have been in contact with someone who is sick with COVID-19 or has symptoms of COVID-19.

The City of Beverly Hills is expected to review the County’s Halloween Guidelines and provide additional information in the coming weeks about any potential City-sponsored activities for its disappointed younger residents.

Among the population overall, the number of COVID-19 cases in the City stands at 627. Public Health will monitor data over the next few weeks to determine the impact of the Labor Day weekend on the transmission of the virus across county communities and recommends testing for individuals possibly exposed to COVID-19.

To date, Public Health has identified 249,859 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County, and a total of 6,090 deaths.

“We have made tremendous progress as a County since mid-July in bringing down our community transmission rates and preventing a catastrophic level of demand on our health care system. We have been successful, in large part, because people have been following what we know are the best public health practices we have. We have avoided gatherings and moved many services outdoors. Unfortunately, what we’ve learned from the past several months is that we cannot return to normal at this time; we need to maintain our vigilance so that we can continue to suppress the spread of the virus and get to a place when we can safely reopen additional sectors, especially schools,” said Barbara Ferrer, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.Ed., Director of Public Health.

The post COVID-19 May Curtail Halloween in Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

In response to lack of government funding for COVID-19 testing and relief, CORE operations have been primarily dependent on private donations to fund free testing for at-risk and low-income communities. This private testing model will allow CORE to fund and expand its CORE 8 initiative, an approach to COVID-19 relief that combines testing with contact tracing. 100 percent of the net profits from their paid testing model will go towards supporting the organization’s community testing programs. While the organization is launching this effort with testing for Los Angeles-based production companies, they plan to expand their services throughout the country.

CORE is offering private testing to production units first due to the highly contained and close-knit nature of the communities. The organization has been commissioned by the AFI Film School to provide testing services for their student film productions.

“We have expanded to private testing to help offset the amount of funding necessary to continue offering free testing and critical relief services for vulnerable communities who have been significantly – and disproportionately – impacted by the pandemic. We could no longer wait for government agencies to respond by providing additional funding and support. This is a small step towards securing funds to keep our nonprofit operations afloat,” said CORE Co-Founder and CEO Ann Lee.

To learn more, visit https://www.coreresponse.org/.

The post CORE Offers COVID-19 Testing appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The state is monitoring counties on six indicators to determine their progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19. The indicators include testing capacity, how much transmission of the virus is happening in the community, how many people are currently hospitalized for COVID-19, and the capacity of hospitals to care for people with COVID-19 with adequate numbers of available Intensive Care Unit beds and ventilators. Los Angeles County is currently meeting five of the state’s six indicators but has yet to meet the threshold of less than 100 cases per 100,000 residents. As of Aug. 26, the 14-day case rate per 100,000 people for L.A. County was 198 cases per 100,000 residents.

Once all six indicators are met, the County will be removed from the state’s COVID-19 county monitoring list.

Governor Gavin Newsom has also given local health officers the discretion to grant waivers to school districts and private schools that would permit schools to reopen for in-classroom instruction for students in grades TK through grade 6 once case rates are under 200 per 100,000 people.

Public Health is working to assess the new guidance to determine what additional adjustments may be needed before opening up the waiver process.

Barbara Ferrer, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.Ed., Director of Public Health, noted:

“A very important part of our recovery is getting our children back to schools. Yesterday, the state released new guidance about newly permitted activities at all schools across the state to help students at high risk and high need.  We will be closely reviewing the new guidance from the state and will be working with the Board to ensure that our Health Officer Orders are adjusted to ensure that when schools open for any new activities, they do so with as much safely as possible for all children and staff. Given the need to review the implications of the new state guidance on school re-opening plans, at this point, we are not ready to open up our waiver process for schools.”

Public Health also continues to survey skilled nursing facilities in the County regarding compliance with mandated COVID-19 testing and on COVID-19 cases and outbreaks. All 341 skilled nursing facilities responded and provided information about testing and new cases for the week of Aug. 9. From Aug. 9 through Aug. 15, testing was completed for 12,793 nursing home residents and for 21,581 staff. Out of the 341 facilities, 190 were classified as having an outbreak, and 123 did not report any additional cases. One hundred and fifty-one facilities were classified as not having an outbreak, and 130 of these did not report any positive test results from this round of testing. The 21 skilled nursing facilities that reported one or more positive cases are required to test all their residents and staff to control any outbreak.

Public health also continues tracking the number of positive cases and deaths among healthcare workers related to the COVID-19 pandemic response. There have been a total 83 deaths and a total of positive 13,626 cases among healthcare workers and first responders in Los Angeles County. Nurses account for the majority of deaths among healthcare workers at 42 percent. Skilled nursing and assisted living facilities account for one-third of the healthcare workers who have tested positive for the virus and hospitals account for 26 percent.

As of this week, there are 1,186 confirmed cases of COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 32 percent of these are confirmed cases in the ICU. However, the number of daily hospitalizations continues to decrease.  Daily hospitalizations peaked at 2,200 patients in mid-July.

For additional information and a list of resources, visit the Public Health website, www.publichealth.lacounty.gov

The post County Making Inroads on COVID-19 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“Lighting up City Hall for Overdose Awareness Day is very important as it raises awareness of overdose and attempts to reduce the stigma of substance use disorder. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends who have lost loved ones. Beverly Hills stands side by side with these families with love and support,” Councilwoman Lili Bosse told the Courier.

Juli Shamash is grateful to Bosse for her help in shining the spotlight on substance abuse and the families it affects. She and Las Vegas resident Debi Nadler founded the nonprofit group “Mothers Against Drugs” after both lost teenage sons to overdose in 2018. The goal of their organization is to promote drug abuse awareness, overdose prevention, and to provide resources and support for others who want to put on awareness events in their neighborhoods.

COVID-19 has limited the opportunities to host in-person events. It has also heightened the risk of overdose.

“My son Tyler used to say that he learned in therapy that the opposite of addiction is not sobriety, the opposite of addiction is connection. Social isolation has always been a main cause of drug use. COVID-19 is exasperating isolation and increasing anxiety, which is also a big contributor to substance use disorder,” said Shamash.

As a result, drug-related overdose deaths are on the rise in 2020. Opioid deaths are a particular concern during the pandemic, as noted recently by the American Medical Association.

Shamash hopes the purple light over City Hall this weekend will remind everyone that no family is immune. “Addiction doesn’t discriminate. It happens in solid families and broken families, in educated families and in uneducated families. It happens regardless of socioeconomic status, college degrees, or religious upbringing. The three most dangerous words a parent can say are ‘not my child.'”

Financial resources won’t insulate a family, either. At one point, Shamash was spending $11,000 per month for her son’s treatment.

“We did everything ‘right.’ We listened to every therapist, specialist, interventionist, sober living manager, older residents, Intensive Outpatient Treatment therapist and our sweet, playful, brilliant, polite, loving, 19-year-old son still died. What we learned through this whole process is that no matter where you send them, what amount of money you spend, how much tough love you do, even if you think they have hit their rock bottom, they will continue to use until they decide they want to be sober. As a parent, you just hope that comes before they die.”

www.momsagainstdrugs.com

https://www.overdoseday.com/about-us/

The post City Shines a Light on Overdose Awareness appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

To date, Public Health has conducted investigations at close to 30,000 workplaces. Recent statistics are encouraging, in terms of business compliance with the Health Officer Order. In April, 30 business were closed for violations of the Order. In July, the number decreased to 23, even as the number of inspections tripled. Public Health reports that it is “hopeful more businesses will continue to come into compliance.”

“Businesses play a very important role in slowing the spread because their actions and policies have an enormous impact on their workers. Improving efforts to protect the health of workers by making workplaces as safe as possible helps reduce disproportionality because workplaces can fuel inequities,” an Aug. 18 statement read.

Health Officer Orders require business owners to implement strategies that protect workers and customers. They must also report COVID-19 outbreaks to Public Health in a timely fashion. Health Officer Orders require businesses with three or more known cases of COVID-19 within the workplace over the span of 14 days, to report the outbreak to Public Health. Employers who have one known case within the workplace must have a protocol that requires that person to self-isolate at home and anyone exposed to self-quarantine.

Residents who observe non-compliant or dangerous conditions at any businesses may submit tips anonymously to Public Health by calling 888-700-9995.

The post Fewer Businesses Cited for COVID-19 Health Violations appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

In 2016, California voters elected to join a growing list of states to allow recreational marijuana with the passage of Proposition 64, or the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA).

A key element of Prop 64 was its emphasis on local control. The original text of the proposition explained, “The Adult Use of Marijuana Act sets up a comprehensive system governing marijuana businesses at the state level and safeguards local control, allowing local governments to regulate marijuana-related activities.”

But in April 2019, a group of 25 local governments claimed in a lawsuit that the agency in charge of regulating weed within the state, the Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC), had run afoul of that original promise. By passing a regulation that allowed for weed delivery “to any jurisdiction within the State of California,” BCC had circumvented local ordinances that banned such deliveries.

The lawsuit faced a setback on Aug. 6, though, when Fresno Superior Court Judge Rosemary McGuire issued a tentative ruling in favor of the BCC. The ruling centered on whether some cities even had standing to sue the BCC, pointing out that some of the plaintiffs lacked explicit ordinances banning cannabis delivery.

According to the ruling, “the issues here are not yet appropriate for judicial resolution due to the hypothetical nature of plaintiffs’ alleged injury. This is because some of the plaintiffs either do not have an ordinance regarding commercial cannabis delivery…or do not ban such delivery.”

But as Beverly Hills spokesperson Keith Sterling pointed out, the ruling may not apply to the City.

“The tentative decision doesn’t appear to affect the City of Beverly Hills since we do indeed have regulations in place,” he told the Courier.

Beverly Hills passed its own local control of the cannabis industry in Aug. 2017. Under Ordinance No. 17-O-2734, the City banned all commercial cannabis activity, including “all deliveries of cannabis or cannabis products.” The ordinance made an exception for medical marijuana.

Judge McGuire’s ruling “invited” plaintiffs without standing to withdraw from the case. Those local governments with ordinances that conflict with the BCC’s regulation, such as Beverly Hills, must now submit evidence of the ordinances.

The judge noted in her ruling that all the parties in the suit had represented themselves as having relevant ordinances. A trial brief on behalf of the plaintiffs stated, “Each Plaintiff alleges that it has adopted ordinances or resolutions regulating–or in some cases prohibiting–commercial cannabis deliveries within its jurisdiction.” This, the ruling noted curtly, was “not supported by the evidence.”

The judge granted an extension for approximately one month, for the parties to submit further briefing on the issue of ripeness of the issues.

According to Sterling, the City will “await the final decision and determine what, if any, action may be necessary.”

The post Beverly Hills Avoids Setback in Cannabis Delivery Case appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Public Health has also released new statistics regarding the age range of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Residents between the ages of 18 and 49 years old make up nearly 60 percent of new cases, with the majority of that number comprised of residents between the ages of 30 to 49 years old. In fact, rates for this group have nearly tripled since the beginning of June.

Younger residents are also being hospitalized more than before. Individuals between the ages of 30- and 49-years old account for 25 percent of hospitalized patients in the County. Patients between the ages of 18 and 29 years old now account for more than twice the proportion of all hospitalizations than they did in April. These patients now match the hospitalization rate of people aged 80 years old or older. By comparison, hospitalizations of those 80 years old or older have fallen by half since a peak in April.

There are 1,768 confirmed cases currently hospitalized and 31 percent of them are receiving treatment in the ICU.  This continues to be lower than the daily hospitalizations of over 2,000 patients reported last week.

As of Aug. 6, Public Health has identified 197,912 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County, and a total of 4,825 deaths.

Public Health anticipates receiving a backlog of cases once the State electronic laboratory system issues are fixed. This issue has undercounted the County’s positive cases and affects the number of COVID-19 cases reported each day and our contact tracing efforts. Data sources that track other key indicators, including hospitalizations and deaths, are not affected by this reporting issue.

“We all know that COVID-19 can affect all of us, no matter how young we are,” said Barbara Ferrer, Ph. D., M.P.H., M.Ed., Director of Public Health. “It can also cause a ripple effect that ends up infecting those among us that we love. A young person going to a party can then go back home and infect their parents or older relatives, causing them great harm. So, I really encourage everyone, especially younger adults to think about this when deciding whether to see a group of friends at a party or staying home and visiting their friends virtually. We can and will one day get to the point where hanging out with a group of friends is possible – but we aren’t there yet.”

The State is expected to soon release information on when colleges and universities can re-open for in-classroom instruction. In the interim, Public Health released a comprehensive set of draft protocols to guide colleges and universities with planning activities toward the eventual return to in-person instruction. The protocols touch on all aspects of campus life, from on-campus housing, to classrooms, to the dining commons. This includes infection control practices, such as regular sanitizing of common spaces, consistent use of face coverings in all areas of the campus, and the reconfiguration of campus spaces, including dorms to enable physical distancing. Like other workplaces, they will have to screen their employees and students for COVID-19 and quickly notify the department when clusters of cases occur to help stop the chain of transmission. Because college and university campuses exist in the middle of larger communities, significant attention needs to be paid to steps that institutions take to protect community residents from exposures that originate on a campus; this includes good communications, support for community mitigation strategies, and minimizing risky actions.

The State announced the reopening of youth sports earlier this week and released their guidance for the safe operation of youth sports leagues. Youth sports and physical education are permitted only outdoors, and tournaments, events and competitions are not allowed. Physical distancing of at least six feet must be maintained at all times and for sports that require closer contact, only conditioning and skill building is permitted. Masks are not required when outside engaging in activities that require physical exertion. Adult, amateur team sports are not permitted at this time.

Given the current delays, the department urges any person with a positive lab result to call 1-833-540-0473 to connect with a public health specialist who can provide information about services and support. Residents who do not have COVID-19 should continue to call 211 for resources or more information. Additional information and a list of resources is available at

www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

The post Nearly 550 Cases of COVID-19 in Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

The Task Force’s creation in March was spearheaded by then Mayor John Mirisch as part of the City’s response to COVID-19. While the agenda is for discussion purposes only, the exchange informs and promotes public health policy – part of the City’s proactive efforts to flatten the curve. Topics ranged from the increased spread of the virus seen among young people, to voluntary contact tracing, safety concerns regarding outdoor dining and the dangerous lack of national leadership.

Medical Advisory Task Force members include David B. Agus, M.D.; Mike Altschule; Kirk Y. Chang, M.D.; Rhonda Curry; Annabelle de St Maurice, M.D.; Jazmin Diego, MSW; Jonathan Fielding, M.D.; MPH, M.A., MBA; Joel Geiderman, M.D.; FACEP; Julian A. Gold, M.D.; Karen Grimley, R.N., Ph.D; Lee H. Hilborne, M.D.; David Hopp, M.D.; Irving Posalski, M.D.; Enrique Terrazas, M.D.; Sam Torbati, M.D.; Daniel Z. Uslan, M.D.; Rachel Zabner, M.D.; Alyssa Ziman, M.D. and guest member Erica Felsenthal, Ph.D.

Before Mayor Lester Friedman read the first of four questions prepared by the Council, he introduced Task Force member Dr. Jonathan Fielding, one of the leading public health experts in the world. Fielding served for 16 years as the Director of Public Health and Health Officer for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and distinguished professor of Health Policy and Management and of Pediatrics in the Schools of Public Health and Medicine at UCLA. In addition to presenting an update on COVID-19 metrics in the City, Fielding commanded everyone’s attention to highlight a solemn message.

“Schools are a huge problem, and because things are getting worse it’s harder and harder to recommend that schools open,” Fielding said. “But we have to focus on those kids, otherwise we’re going to wind up with a whole generation of those who have not had the right kind of help in terms of their education, and are not going to get the good jobs and  going to continue to exacerbate the inequities we have now. Focusing on the schools is absolutely critical.”

Below, the experts weigh in on important questions shaping the future.

“What is the impact of large gatherings, such as the protests, on the spread of COVID-19 and it’s current spike related to those protests?”

“It’s not a masking issue, it’s a transmissibility issue. And at the end of the day, the issue is getting the transmissibility down to one. It’s entirely an epidemiology issue. So, when we talk about the impact of large gatherings, that increases transmissibility when we talk about not social distancing. I think when we ask the question about large scale gatherings such as protests or whatever, particularly without masks, those will increase transmissibility. We know that the virus in a general population has a transmissibility of about 2.5 people. So that every person who’s infected can spread it in fact about two and a half people. The goal needs to be to get that lead to less than one.”

-Lee H. Hilborne, M.D., Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UCLA Senior Medical Director, Medical Affairs Quest Diagnostics; Past President of the American Society for Clinical Pathology

“There was an observational study for a protest demonstration near the UCLA Medical Center. In the case, there were 2000 demonstrators not practicing social distancing, but for the most part, wearing masks during the demonstrations. Most of the people attending that demonstration were healthcare workers at UCLA Medical Center, who are currently being, and were being tracked for detectability for COVID-19 exposure and contraction. Guess what the answer was. None. Zero. So, more than two weeks later there was no contraction among any of the attendees at that demonstration, as they’re being followed by UCLA by testing.”

– David Hopp, M.D., President, Los Angeles County Medical Association, District 7 Beverly Hills and Cedars-Sinai; Senior Attending Surgeon, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Founder, CEO YouthFill MD

“What is the advice of the taskforce about measures that the City should or could be taking?”

“The consideration that I am putting forward is a volunteer contact tracing proposal for the City of Beverly Hills. That would be a voluntary automated contact tracing program, much like the one undertaken in New Zealand. But it’s all dependent upon voluntary participation. And it’s an automated system that allows you to basically register individual citizens and households, as well as establishments, using a QR coding system.

Each household has a QR code, wherever they frequent they flash the QR code and it gets recorded. Then later on, cross referencing for positive outcomes of COVID-19. And then the automated system sends out the information to anyone that was potentially exposed and gives them directions as to what to do next.”

– David Hopp, M.D.

“It’s ‘see something, say something.’ And unfortunately for many of us, we become the bad guy by asking people about their masks. I see the Ambassador’s and the police out all the time, especially on the bike patrols now, and it would be really great if they could take a minute to help support what a lot of the citizens are doing. But I think that there may be an opportunity, because if we don’t model it and show it as important, people are not necessarily going to think it’s a big deal. And this is going to go on for a long time, this isn’t going to stop next month, and I think as good optimistic Americans people keep thinking it’s going to end really soon, that is in fact not the case.”

– Karen Grimley, R.N. Ph.D., Chief Nursing Officer, UCLA Health

What is the level of safety regarding the option of closing streets to encourage people to dine in the street and is that something that this group feels would be good or not?

“There was an establishment that had many people waiting for their reservations. I think that’s the sort of gathering situation that Councilmember Bosse was referring to. If there’s a way to mitigate those gatherings by more tables, only reservations, for sure. But people can’t wait for a table without masking. There are gatherings even while the streets are open now, of people waiting for reservations. I think that enlarging that opportunity may be problematic. But, at the same time, the establishments are as interested in keeping businesses open safely as anyone else. So, I’m sure that they would be helpful in exerting whatever influence the council decides that would be necessary in order to create a safe environment for everyone.”

– David Hopp, M.D.

What is the shortest period of time a vaccine could be available, and from the day a vaccine is available, how long would it take to vaccinate the entire U.S.?

“The best-case scenario is that a vaccine could be available between mid-September and mid-October, and that would take three to six months for a rollout across the U.S. It will be a process to get rid of the virus over time, even with the vaccine, and normalizing the wearing of masks will be important.”

-David B. Agus, M.D., Director of the USC Center for Applied Molecular Medicine; Director of the Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine of USC; Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering

“There are currently at least 15 different vaccines being tried and tested. Two of those are already in phase one and phase two trials. In the best-case scenario, if one of those two is safe enough, then they go to the phase three trials to prove that they are okay. It’s not going to be a perfect vaccine, and it is going to be a very important part of this fight, but we’re in this for the long run.”

– Rachel Zabner, M.D., Infectious Disease Specialist, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

The post Medical Advisory Task Force Answers Tough COVID-19 Questions appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Whether the worsening numbers will prompt a return to tougher Safer At Home orders and business closures remained undetermined, with Barbara Ferrer insisting that while she does not want to see such restrictions imposed again, nothing is off the table.

“Nothing can be off the table in the pandemic,” she said. “There’s too much unknown and there’s lots of things that could happen that could put us in much worse shape, including, you know, some serious mutations of this virus that make it more dangerous. So I would never be the person that’s going to say, ‘absolutely, out of the question, we can never go back to Safer At Home.’

There’s just too much unknown here. There’s a virus, there’s a pandemic. A lot of what happens here also depends on what’s happening in other places around the country, so we shouldn’t really take any tools off the table,” she said. “What I would like to say is, I hope we never have to go back to Safer At Home. I hope we do our job well … all of us do our job well and we get back to what we know we can do, which is slow that curve.”

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti warned Wednesday that if current infection trends don’t reverse, the area could again find itself facing stricter orders to remain at home.

Ferrer announced another 50 deaths due to the coronavirus Thursday, although one of those deaths was actually reported Wednesday by the city of Long Beach. The new deaths increased the county’s overall death toll from the virus to 3,690.

Pandemic number is 124,992 as reported by the county on July 9.

The average daily percentage of people testing positive for the virus in the county over the past seven days stood at 9.2 percent as of July 9, while the overall positivity rate from throughout the pandemic remained at about 9 percent. The seven-day positivity average remains above the 8.4 percent rate reported about a week ago, but it has slightly dipped in recent days, with the rate topping 11 percent earlier this week.

Most concerning in the figures was the number of people hospitalized due to the virus. As of July 9, 2,037 people were hospitalized, one of the highest, if not the highest, levels of the pandemic. In June, the average number of people hospitalized was averaging about 1,400.

“Our cases are rising, the rate of infection is increasing and the number of hospitalizations are up,” Ferrer said. “These numbers are reminiscent of what we saw months ago at what we thought was going to be the height of the pandemic here in L.A. County.”

She reiterated concerns expressed Wednesday that the increasing numbers of cases and hospitalizations could lead to spiking numbers of deaths in the coming weeks.

Ferrer noted that while 93 percent of people who have died from the virus had underlying health conditions, the remaining seven percent had no existing health issues should serve as a warning.

CNS

The post COVID-19 Deaths Rise Again appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Both matters came up at the Council’s June 16 Study Session, as modifications to the Urgency Ordinance enacted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The issue of health order enforcement as it pertains to dining establishments is widespread. On May 30, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) issued guidelines for restaurants to reopen in-room dining. Those protocols include maintaining a distance of six feet between tables; permitting a maximum of 60 percent capacity for indoor dining rooms; allowing no more than six people per table; requiring face masks and shields for all employees and wait staff, as well as for customers, when not eating. As set forth in a 10-page document issued by LACDPH, outdoor seating and curbside pickup should be prioritized. And, outdoor dining areas (with six feet between tables) should be expanded wherever possible. 

As indicated by County Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer, those guidelines are not generally being followed. In a press conference on June 15, Ferrer stated: 

“We did have our teams out this weekend. They visited 2,000 restaurants. They found that 50 percent of the restaurants were still not in compliance. They’ll be revisiting all of the restaurants that were not in compliance and issuing them an order to come into compliance.” 

The Courier reached out to the LACDPH for clarification about the compliance orders, but no response has been received as of press time. In Beverly Hills, officials have recognized the challenges the new guidelines pose. 

“We want to get back to business, we want it to be safe,” said Councilman John Mirisch. “We want to be a model of safety for everybody, and we’ve seen the reports in the L.A. Times and elsewhere that about 50 percent of restaurants now, not necessarily in Beverly Hills, are not following the rules. We really need to figure out a way, not only to expedite and help the restaurants, but to ensure they are protecting the safety of all of the employees and of the guests.” 

The newly adopted amendments to the Urgency Ordinance will give the City the option of enforcing the County health orders through the use of infractions or administrative citations for minor violations. The City staff believe that to ensure compliance, citing violations with an infraction or issuing an administrative citation will prove more effective than citing as a misdemeanor, which carries a criminal penalty. 

The City is focusing on creative measures to ensure compliance with the County rules, while helping business owners. They’ve begun exploring the use of public and private parking lots, joint use of sidewalks and parklets – a sidewalk extension – to create additional dining capacity. The survival of many local restaurants may depend on it. 

A new initiative called Open Beverly Hills will facilitate the temporary increase in total restaurant capacity. The program 

enables restaurants to apply for a special event permit to use the public right of way for additional outdoor dining. To help businesses get back on their feet, the City voted to waive the $800 special event permit fee and eliminate the requirement to apply 10 days before the special event. “The goal is to try and help these businesses open up quickly to provide for their outdoor seating, as opposed to a process taking months and months,” said Councilwoman Lili Bosse. 

Once permit requests are filed, City staff will review them as well as layout plans to ensure adherence to social distance protocols. 

“Our team looks at it very quickly,” said City manager George Chavez during the Study Session. “We collaborate with the fire department and building and safety and make sure that there’s a proper exiting, fire extinguishers and things of that nature. And the turnaround is typically within a couple of days. Our goal is to get people back to up and running this process.” 

Chavez is currently working with the Japanese restaurant Matsuhisa, located on North La Cienega, on diagrams that will expand the dining area into their adjacent parking lot. The City has already approved a request to use of the sidewalk portion of the cul-de-sac on Canon Drive for Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, to accommodate more temporary outdoor dining. 

The Council’s COVID-19 Business Recovery and Assistance Task Force is also on hand to help business. The City’s Marketing and Economic Sustainability Manager, Laura Biery, said at the June 16 Study Session, “I have had the opportunity to go out and personally visit with many of our most popular restaurants that we have in town. We’ve been through a lot of educational visits with them and the other businesses that have been able to open at this time due to the COVID-19 restrictions slowly fading out.” Biery said one way to successfully enforce the new COVID-19 guidelines is to have a greeter and offer complimentary face masks. Customers who do not comply will be denied entry. “If you do see any restaurants or any other businesses that don’t happen to be compliance with the protocol, we’re happy to make those individual visits and help educate them and provide that outreach,” she said. 

The Council also adopted an ordinance to cap fees charged by food delivery services at 15 percent of the purchase price for delivery fees and five percent of the purchase price for all other fees and costs. The ordinance restricts delivery services from charging the restaurant an otherwise 30 to 40 percent fee for 90 days after restaurants are able to receive dine-in customers. The Council has structured the ordinance so that it can be extended beyond its present August 31 expiration. 

For more information on Open Beverly Hills, visit:

http://www.beverlyhills.org/citymanager/filmingspecialevents/covid19protocols/?NFR=1 

The post City Council Votes on Measures to Ensure Safe Restaurant Reopenings appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

“Anybody can become angry – that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way – that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy.” Aristotle 

For months, we have been living in fear. We have been sheltering in place and many have seen friends and family get ill. Over 380,000 people have died. We have experienced a wide range of emotions as we shifted from fear to hope and back again. We have felt grief stricken, scared, isolated, sad, bored, frustrated, hopeless, claustrophobic and worried. At other times, we have found connection, creativity, joy and humor in these months at home. 

Just as we are preparing to emerge from our battle against an invisible enemy, we find ourselves on a new battlefield against injustice. This one, in stark contrast, is unfolding right before our eyes in our front yard, in Beverly Hills. 

Cities around the U.S. and even around the world are enraged about the killing of George Floyd. His death has struck a universal chord with words that align closely with our fears of the last many months, “I can’t breathe.” Thousands have put aside their fear of COVID-19 and are taking to the streets. Mass protests are occurring over police brutality and racial inequity. 

Unlike the L.A. riots surrounding the Rodney King incident, which were local and organic movements, what is happening now is a global phenomenon. We learned from COVID-19 that “we are all in this together” and the protests and riots are no exception. 

The world has changed. The power of the internet and social media to connect us is unlike any transformation civilization has ever experienced. We can no longer look away from the problems surrounding us. Just as the #MeToo movement demanded our attention, #BlackLivesMatter has captured our attention at this important moment in our history as we try to recover from a pandemic. We have a perfect storm of events leading to this boiling point. 

As we watch images of protests turned violent on the news, we may find ourselves feeling many of the same emotions that we had with the start of the COVID-19 crisis. Our nervous systems are again under assault and our sympathetic responses are in overdrive. Our “fight, flight, or freeze” reaction has been reactivated. Last time, we collectively “froze” as we were instructed that this was our safest option. 

The switch has been flicked and now “fight” response seems to be the reaction taking center stage. Images on the news trigger our own mirror neurons, and we may feel angry. Remember your mirror neurons are the portion of your brain that fire in response to what you see. Emotions are contagious and spread rapidly in groups. We have gone from months of catching and spreading fear to a week of catching a close cousin of fear – anger. Anger is a natural response to injustice, and we are deep in it now. 

Just as with the COVID-19 crisis, the answers aren’t immediately clear. In a few months, we have learned so much. Armed with tools such as social distancing, handwashing and wearing masks, we can move towards “a new normal”. 

Unlike the COVID-19 crisis, the issues leading to our current situation are rooted in hundreds and even centuries of history and will not be untangled so quickly. My hope it that we can take advantage of this unique moment in time when our brains are very changeable (neuroplastic). We are not doing anything the way we used to so we have an opportunity to be more focused and creative in the way we address these longstanding societal woes. 

First, we must try to regain a sense of calm so we can activate our frontal lobes where complex problem solving occurs. “Fight, flight or freeze” will do nothing to solve the longstanding issues of racial injustice impacting our country. These deep- seated issues require complex solutions at the individual, local, state and national levels. We must again bring together the best minds to work collaboratively to solve them and ease the anger in our country. We are at a tipping point. Years of divisiveness and over-simplistic thinking have led us to the brink. Change must occur and the time is now. 

As the noted public health expert Samuel Crumbine said, “the health of each of us depends on the health of all of us.” In simultaneously unfolding situations, we are being given the chance to show that we can embrace this vital lesson. 

A large segment of the population is angry and that can no longer be ignored. When their anger is heard, the situation can begin to be defused. In some cases, around the country, the simple act of the police or national guard dropping to one knee communicates volumes. As tensions are relieved, healing begins. Peaceful protests with participants wearing masks and maintaining optimal distance show the world we can embrace change.

Here are constructive steps we should take right now: 

Each of us must do our part to learn how to manage our own anger at the situation. As with any emotion, we must allow it to surface. 

We should find a safe place to explore our feelings of anger. Put emotions into words if possible. Speak with a friend, family member or therapist, or write them down. 

Psychologist Carl Jung contended that “what you resist not only persists but will grow in size.” Today we often hear this viewpoint shortened to “what you resist persists.” Once you have identified your anger, reflect on what precipitated it. 

Try to be specific about what the triggers are. Remember that hurt and fear give rise to anger so allow yourself to experience those emotions as well. 

We must actively decide how to constructively manage our anger. Anger can be a very important and productive emotion when channeled properly but can also create tremendous harm.

Knowing you are not alone in your pain has tremendous healing powers. Coming together in groups such as the peaceful protestors have done, creates hope for a brighter future. 

Social media has become a common place to go to express anger but must be carefully managed. Innumerable problems can arise from posting with heightened emotions. By removing mirror neurons from the interaction and not seeing the response of the other, misunderstandings and excess rage and even cruelty can occur. 

Contact your legislatures. In the last crisis, we were at the mercy of our health care workers and we rallied behind them and supported them. With the current tension, we must work within the democratic framework to affect change. Express your viewpoint in a thoughtful way and share with local and national authorities. 

Discharge your rage through vigorous exercise. If your body is geared up to fight a perceived threat, channel that energy into working out. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins and we will feel better after. As our access to gyms is still limited, a walk, run or bike ride will be the best option. 

Restore your sense of well-being by resting and eating well. Activities such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing will also help you feel calm and move out of an angry state. Simple techniques like counting to ten can have a big benefit by activating your frontal lobe. 

Remove the focus from your agitated internal state and care for others. Remember we are still in a pandemic so there are countless ways to help such as bringing food to a neighbor or healthcare worker. Caring for others personally or through financial donations can help you feel better and regain a sense of calm. When you feel better, you can move towards finding a solution to complex problems at hand. 

Remember that trauma can also bring growth. Albert Einstein said, “In the middle of every difficulty, lies opportunity.” We are starting to see much of the positive growth from the COVID-19 crisis as scientists around the world collaborate in unprecedented ways, families come back together, and our environment gets to “breathe.” Similarly, we must learn lessons from our current challenges and move toward a society that upholds the rights of all its citizens. 

It is up to each of us, to ensure that we seize the opportunity to emerge from yet another crisis stronger, wiser and kinder both as individuals and as a society as a whole. I continue to wish you well as we journey together through yet another historic moment in time. 

The post A Crisis of Anger appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Beverly Hills Courier: Can you give us an overview of how your department has adapted to the pandemic over the past few months? 

John Ozimek, D.O.: We’ve definitely gone through some phases. At the beginning, policies would change daily. There was a large degree of uncertainty, which created anxiety. First four to six weeks of this were probably the most emotionally and clinically challenging of my career and probably of my life. In the healthcare field there was no way to emotionally prepare for what we all went through. But pretty rapidly over time, we developed some standard protocols. We were able to mitigate the anxiety by keeping everybody informed and lines of communication open. We’re slowly reaching the new normal. Things are becoming more routine. Anxiety levels are still ramped up a bit from the old normal. But, they’re very manageable, as are expectations amongst patients and staff.

What else can you tell us about the new normal, especially as it pertains to your labor and delivery patients? 

New normal mostly encompasses the hospital when you walk in. It seems so empty because no one is in the waiting rooms and elevators. We didn’t allow visitors. However, the entire time we’ve allowed for one visitor in labor and delivery. At one point, we had to have them leave after they were transferred to post-partum. But on April 20, we moved back to a system of one visitor able to stay for the entire time a woman was here giving birth. The only caveat is that they can’t leave and come back. It’s the most liberal visitation policy in the entire hospital. We understand this time is the most special in our patients’ lives. Now, we need to clarify that if a patient comes in for evaluation in our OB Triage area or if they are admitted to the ER, there would be no visitors at this time. 

Should pregnant women take special precautions now? 

We know the things we have to do to avoid the virus. We cover our faces. We wash our hands. What we’re seeing is that pregnant women are being extremely diligent about following those basic rules. They’re telling us that they aren’t going out of the house. Their husband is the one running the errands. They’re adhering very closely to all the recommendations from health officials. Add to this the fact that our state and local leaders shut things down pretty early. That has resulted in a slower increase in the numbers and a spread that has progressed in a manageable fashion. 

How have your specific protocols for expectant mothers changed? 

For a while, we were testing every single mom on admission because data from places such as New York indicated that about 20 percent of the women coming in for labor and delivery without symptoms were positive for the virus. For about a week, we tested everyone, but it took a week to get results back. That meant, we had to use full PPE around the patients, because we had to treat everyone as positive. If a baby was delivered before the results came in, we had to treat the baby as positive, as well. Luckily, we found that zero of the asymptomatic patients were positive. Our population is much more different than in New York. It didn’t warrant the stress and strain on patients to test everyone. We’re only testing labor and delivery patients if they are exhibiting symptoms now. Of course, we screen the patient and partner when they come in. Within the last two weeks, all of the other patients admitted to the hospital are now being tested. If we start seeing an increase in asymptomatic patients testing positive, we might change how we do things with the expectant mothers. 

Can the virus be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy? 

Research is still emerging, despite seeming like it’s been around here forever. We have a fair amount of data that suggests pregnant patients are no more susceptible to contract it as the general public, that are age matched and health matched. Those that do contract it while pregnant don’t do any worse than those who are not pregnant. With COVID-19, 80 percent of all those infected have mild symptoms, they may feel pretty rotten, but don’t need admission to hospital. Of the twenty percent of those who are admitted, five percent of those will be critical. Those statistics apply to pregnant women as they do with the general population. Other respiratory illnesses hit pregnant women much harder. We think lots of the severe effects of COVID are suppressed when you’re pregnant. We’re still learning about all of this. 

Can the virus be transmitted by breastfeeding? 

The good news is that we’ve never been able to detect the virus in breastmilk, which is consistent with other viruses. Theoretically, you can’t transfer it solely by breastfeeding. But, moms are breathing right above the baby. Currently, CDC guidelines recommend that mothers who are positive for the virus don’t breastfeed. In fact, they recommend a period of separation for infected moms or those whose tests are still pending. The guidelines apply until the mom is deemed noninfected. Of course, it’s a difficult conversation to have with a mom. Patients can become upset about it. The CDC itself recognizes that it’s probably not feasible to have that separation. So, it lists many precautious we can take to minimize transmission of the virus if mom does decide to breastfeed. Those things include washing the hands and the breast and wearing a mask. As long as mom feels comfortable that she’s been educated about the risk. 

Luckily, our numbers are pretty low in terms of COVID-infected moms. 

Is there anything you can say to nervous moms-to-be who are still suffering from those high anxiety levels? 

We’re doing everything humanly possible to keep them protected. We’ve constantly learning more things about this virus. We all thought something like this could happen, but it’s not going to happen. Like an asteroid hitting the earth. In California, we’re incredibly lucky. We’ve had the advantage of seeing this hit our unfortunate colleagues in other places. We’ve had the benefit of lead time. In the future, the next disease could be spread in a different way. But at least now we have a blueprint. We have a timeline of what to expect. Over last two weeks, people are finally saying, ‘Okay, we’ve got this.’ And we actually believe it. 

The post COVID-19 and Our Community: John Ozimek, D.O. appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Physique 57 

Choose from over 100 video classes of premium programming featuring fun, high-energy workouts with new additions every week. Prices start at $24.99/month.

https://ondemand.physique57.com/ 

Burn 60 

Each day, you can livestream 30-50 minute classes including strength and cardio intervals. Personalized live classes are available on Zoom with your favorite Burn 60 trainers. Drop in single classes are priced at $10.

https://www.burn60.com/livestream 

Core Power Yoga 

Core Power Yoga is giving the public free access to a new collection of online classes 

every week so that everyone can keep up with their practice. Get unlimited access for $19.99/month.

https://www.corepoweryogaondemand.com/ 

Soul Cycle 

While studios are closed, SoulCycle is a practice, not a place. Stay active, inspired, and connected to instructors with at-home workouts they’re leading from their Instagram accounts. (No bike necessary!) Usual prices apply.

https://www.soul-cycle.com/news/offthebike 

Barry’s Bootcamp 

Even though we’re at home, we can still be together. Barry’s has launched virtual classes with instructors from across the country leading a series of streaming Barry’s At-Home group classes across Eastern, Central, and Pacific time zones. Tune in on Instagram live every day for a livestreaming workout from Barry’s instructors, direct from their living rooms. All classes are priced at $20.

https://www.barrys.com/barrysathome/ 

Swerve Studio 

Home to Yoga Booty Ballet, Swerve Studio encourages everyone to thrive and grow during the quarantine by offering livestreamed classes on Zoom. Start with an intention setting meditation, follow along with cardio dance, add in toning ballet, end with a yoga stretch, cool down and bookend your practice with balancing meditation. No two classes are the same. All classes are priced at $10. 

https://swervestudio.com/ 

Reformacore Pilates 

Reformacore now offers live mat classes from the comfort of home. Broadcasting from the Reformacore classroom, all you need is a smart device and a comfortable space to take the class. Usual prices apply.

https://reformacore.com/ 

The Class by Taryn Toomey 

Move with The Class with workouts that are streamed live every day, seven days a week to your phone, tablet, computer, or television. Through simple, repetitive calisthenics and plyometrics, participants challenge the body to engage the mind. With guided instruction and powerful music, The Class invites you to witness your resistance to discomfort, challenging you to build a strong, lean, resilient body. Get unlimited access for $19.99/month.

https://theclass.com/digitalstudio 

Merge 

Celebrity trainer Alfonso Moretti, author 

of Shut Up & Workout! and owner of Merge Workout in Beverly Hills, is offering free online full body high-intensity interval training classes. All ages and all levels are invited to join for a home workout that requires no equipment. 

https://mergeworkout.com/ 

Pure Barre 

Pure Barre GO is for anyone who wants access to fast and effective full-body workouts. Pure Barre GO is designed to help create, complement, or completely redefine home fitness routines. They offer 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, and 60-minute low-impact, total body workouts from your phone displayed in full-screen video. A monthly subscription is $14.99.

https://www.purebarre.com/go 

Body by Simone 

Founder of Body by Simone, celebrity trainer Simone De La Rue is offering daily livestream classes. The BBS app provides users with personalized workouts to choose from by selecting from a range of muscle groups, cardio style, and length based on individual goals, levels, and styles. A subscription costs $20/month.

https://bodybysimone.vhx.tv/products 

The post Stay Active In the Comfort of Your Beverly Hills Home appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Medical Director of MEND Health, Inc., the company that operates MEND Urgent Care Facilities throughout Southern California. A Board-Certified Emergency Room Physician, Dr. Cardillo is also a regular contributor on ABC7 Los Angeles. 

BH Courier: We’re hearing that the number of non-COVID-19 patients showing up at emergency rooms and urgent cares is down. Is that what you’re seeing? 

Anthony Cardillo, M.D.: There’s been a dramatic decline across the board in all medical establishments. Lots of doctor’s offices are closed, which leaves emergency rooms and urgent cares at the frontlines. But, we’ve still seen a decline of upwards of 75 percent of patient volume. 

What does this mean that fewer patients are showing up?

It is scary. It means a lot of illnesses are going untreated because people are afraid to access medical care. But those medical problems haven’t gone away. People could be having mini strokes, TIAs, chest pain. Things that are early markers that we need to catch early and do workups early before they brew into much bigger problems. We know that a lot of people sitting at home are ticking time bombs. 

Can you give an example of the larger problems that can arise if people wait longer than they should. 

People are presenting to urgent care or the ER at a later stage of the disease. They’re coming in for medical care with appendicitis that may have been caught early. Intraabdominal problems, gall bladder problems, appendicitis, these are things that can be brewing for a while. 

How does the public balance the risk of being exposed to the virus with the risk of a worsening medical condition? 

Right now people are afraid to come in because they’re afraid they will get sick. I will tell you that every emergency department and urgent care in L.A. that is reputable has done a fantastic job of separating COVID-19 and non-COVID patients. We have very strict protocols for screening every single patient that walks in, so that we can sequester those that need to be separated. You are more likely to get the virus by going to the supermarket than in an ER or urgent care right now. 

What advice can you give about symptoms to be concerned about at home? 

Everyone should be mindful about chest pain. Any kind of discomfort or pressure in the chest. If you experience it when exerting yourself, such as when climbing a flight of stairs or during home exercise, definitely seek care in a hospital ER. If you have any symptoms of a small mini stroke, such as slurred speech, weakness or one side of the face or facial droop, it could be a silent marker of an evolving stroke. Abdominal pain in the upper right quadrant could be a gall bladder issue. The lower right quadrant could be the appendix. You want these evaluated earlier in the disease process rather than later, before it advances. Of course, if you have COVID-19 symptoms of fever, body aches, cough, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of taste and smell, sore throat, you should go to urgent care to be triaged. 

The list of virus symptoms is getting longer it seems. 

We’re finding a lot of patients coming in with GI symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting. We see this with the flu every year. But, with the flu we have Influenza A and Influenza B. One is respiratory, the other is GI-related. COVID-19 evolves in the same way. A big study is being done looking at lots of people coming into the hospital. We now know that so many symptoms could all be COVID. 

There are news reports about COVID-19 possibly causing strokes. What can you tell us? 

People come in with the virus and many of them just plummet. They go off the edge real fast. We realize more and more it’s not just the lung and pulmonary issues. going on. It is something else. It can also affect the hemoglobin molecule in the blood. The blood isn’t able to carry oxygen, like what you see with high altitude sickness. We’re seeing blood clots that could cause strokes. They may be related to COVID-19 infection. It appears that COVID-19 is infecting multiple areas of the body. 

The post COVID-19 and Our Community: Anthony Cardillo, M.D. appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Beverly Hills Courier: What have you learned about this virus since patients first began to appear at your urgent care facilities? 

Anthony Cardillo, M.D.: We’ve gleaned a lot of knowledge talking to every patient. We began testing on March 9. We’ve had 150 patients out of 2,000 test positive. After speaking at length with each of these patients, we have learned that there is great variability in how they present. Some are totally asymptomatic and were only tested because they were in close contact with someone who was positive.

It’s important to know about them, because they infect others unknowingly. There are also pre-symptomatic patients, who in their first week show no symptoms. They eventually declare symptoms. They’re not as concerning because eventually they declare themselves as sick and we can isolate them, so they don’t affect others. These two groups together are the reason we are doing home quarantines. 

Are COVID-19 symptoms evolving? 

We’re learning a lot about the variability in presentation. This is not just flu-like, where patients have fever, headache, sore throat and body aches. They tend to have a serious cough and shortness of breath and we’re also beginning to see other interesting manifestations such as dermatologic symptoms, such as rashes and discoloration of the skin, either reddish or blueish. Right now, if anyone has any of those symptoms they should get checked out. If your primary care is closed, use an urgent care to get evaluated if they are providing testing. Of course, if you have a life-threatening condition, you should go to the ER. 

Do you believe that our healthcare system in Southern California has the capacity to see us through this? What about testing shortages? 

Almost every hospital system in L.A. County is more than capable of dealing with this, so long as the volume isn’t overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to stay home and block transmission. If we can prevent additional spread, it will allow medical establishments to get their resources in order. The truth is, we don’t have the capacity to test every citizen for MOST disease process on an emergent basis, let alone one that was discovered just three months ago. We all need to be realistic with our expectations of the health system. Before the current epidemic, very few people had 30 days’ worth of food stored up in their homes for a crisis. We certainly don’t expect the construction industry to have thousands of jackhammers to prepare for a national earthquake. It is not fair to expect hospitals to have stockpiled PPE or ventilators when our supply chain is so good for ordering these supplies. Having huge stockpiles just wasn’t a necessity given how easy it is to order medical supplies. People have to be realistic about their expectations and know that the systems are working very diligently to get all the required equipment. Perhaps this will be a learning lesson for all of us. 

In other words, we don’t necessarily have shortages. But we need to ramp up, which will take more time, right? 

We need a period of time to prevent those with the infection from infecting the rest of the community while the medical establishment gets ready. We have to build the infrastructure and technology to be able to have these tests done. We may need to spend the next six months gearing up and eventually testing as many people as we can. There are limits to how fast labs can process the virus. The original concern with the PCR [short for polymerase chain reaction, used to amplify a segment of DNA] COVID-19 tests was a shortage of the nasal swabs. But that’s been sorted out. And, with the antibody tests, the variable is how fast the labs can give us results. Most importantly, we will use this time to prepare for next season, when we will hopefully have a vaccine and maybe even treatment as well. 

There is some confusion out there about antibody tests. Can you explain why they are important? 

Antibody testing tells us who was exposed and who has immunity. Once we know who has that immunity, they can possibly be the first to go back into society. They’ve already been infected and are presumed to not be at risk for infecting others. But, this will need to be decided by our state and local governmental officials in conjunction with our Department of Public Health with how we proceed with using these antibody tests. At one point, the FDA was looking at more than 70 rapid fingerprint tests for antibodies. They eventually approved about four of them, but only for use in a lab. So, right now, we need to do a blood draw in order to do the tests in the doctor’s office. The tests are very important, to help describe to the health department the percentage of those who are immune. That in turn may direct us tremendously on how to prepare to get society back. 

What else do we need to do at this point to get “society back?” 

The mainstays are vaccination, immunization and testing. If you think about it, that is what gives us a sense of security about seasonal flu and influenza. We have severe illness and death each year. But we have a yearly vaccine and we have Tamiflu. The point we will need to reach with this virus is herd immunity. That’s achieved once 60 percent of a population is immune, either through vaccines or prior exposure. That means the virus cannot be passed around. It can’t infect enough people to let that virus take hold. There is a lot of talk about whether it is fair to open up the economy based on immunity status. We use the same concept with kids and school as well as travel to many countries. Every year parents have to present proof that their child has been vaccinated and is thus immune. People need to have vaccination proof for travel to many countries. It may be that we develop a vaccine for COVID-19 that is good for life, such as we have with measles, mumps and rubella. Or it may turn out to be like the flu, in that every year we need to create another vaccine. We will have to see with next year’s season and how well our vaccine works. 

Are there interim steps we can take between now and the “herd immunity” stage to get back to normal? 

Things can be done in a graduated way. I imagine we will take certain areas of employment beyond the essential ones now, such as health care and food workers. We will go down into the next level of what is necessary. Before they can enter into the work force, we may consider doing antibody and molecular testing to put people back to work. The critical piece of data is what percent of people have antibodies. 

USC recently tested 1,000 people and they found that 4.1 percent of that sample population had antibodies to the Coronavirus. This is very valuable knowledge. It will help to direct the next step. We’re trying to build out as many testing sites as possible to do both molecular and antibody tests. We’re offering PCR tests on a drive-thru basis in conjunction with Westfield Malls in Sherman Oaks and Culver City. We also can send a provider to your home to collect a blood sample. 

Based on your practice here, you believe COVID-19 may have been here as early as late last year. Can you explain? 

As doctors, we know that every October we have the start of the flu season. When we’re working in the ER or urgent care and inevitably get notified that the first flu case came in. Within a week or two, the flood gates open and we start seeing many cases each day of people. We start seeing many people with fever, body aches, cough and congestion. We do a flu swab on all the patients. But in mid-December of last year, we started having a lot of people with some of these classic flu systems but had negative flu test results. We called it the flu and assumed a possible negative flu swab result and gave them Tamiflu. We now realize that it was most likely very early Coronavirus. It was probably widespread throughout Wuhan in November and December, while people were still traveling. We didn’t recognize it here until we had a cluster in a nursing home. But it was already here. There are reports coming out this week actually that have been able to trace the first COVID-19 related death to Feb 6 through recent autopsies. 

The post COVID-19 and Our Community: Anthony Cardillo, M.D. appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Goggles for Docs is a group of volunteers who are donating ski and snowboarding-style goggles to healthcare workers. After hearing about the organization from a friend, Wilbur went to their website to apply for donations. 

“A friend told me that a group of snow sports enthusiasts had the amazing idea to repurpose ski goggles as safety goggles. I thought to myself, ‘that’s genius.’ What a fantastic idea,” Wilbur told the Courier. “Wearing hard plastic lab glasses all day is uncomfortable because they’re heavy and they fog up easily. When we got our shipment from Goggles for Docs, I slipped a pair on and my face smiled. They’re padded, they don’t fog up, they’re extremely comfortable and I can wear them all day long as I’m seeing patients,” he said. “They have the additional benefit of reminding me of snowboarding, so it keeps me stoked while I’m working in the urgent care.” 

While much emphasis has been placed on masks covering the nose and mouth since the pandemic broke out, eye care is just as vital to those on the front lines. “When a sick person coughs or talks, virus particles can spray from their mouth or nose into another person’s face,” said Wilbur. 

Within four days of Wilbur’s first request, Goggles for Docs donated 50 goggles to each Exer clinic, which includes 16 locations across Southern California. Thus far, Exer has received 800 goggles to help protect their medical staff while working on the frontlines through this pandemic. 

Exer has also benefitted from the creativity and kindness of another benefactor. She’s a 5th grader from Los Angeles named Hayzell. After watching the news and hearing complaints from her aunt who works at Exer Urgent Care, Hayzell, decided to design a headband that would hold a facemask more comfortably. The new device has buttons on either side to hold the elastic straps of the mask instead of around the ears. Her plan was to make this a little more comfortable for health providers to wear for long periods of time. This young inventor suffers from asthma and allergies, so she knows first-hand how uncomfortable a mask can be and the pain it causes to the back of the ear. 

After Hayzell’s aunt wore her handmade prototype from her niece to work, it drew a lot of attention and praise from co-workers. They soon lined up to order their own versions. Since making the prototype, Hayzell has hand-sewn over 40 headbands in less than one month and she’s now adding personal touches based on requests such as butterfly clips, extra buttons, or added fabric for support. 

The post Giving Back to Urgent Care Doctors During COVID-19 appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Beverly Hills Courier: We’ve seen a lot of reports from nurses around the country describing the impact of the virus on their work experience. How has your daily routine been affected? 

Goldberg: In my nine years of nursing, I’ve never had my temperature checked before each shift.We were always careful in the ER, but now we take extra precaution when it comes to donning and doffing our protective equipment. After a 12-hour shift, my work shoes now stay in a Rubbermaid tub in my car. My scrubs come off immediately, often right into the washer. Before talking or touching my family, I get into the shower. Right now, everyone is doing the utmost to protect their patients and loved ones. I feel these are the major changes we’re going through right now. 

Did you ever think you would be serving under these conditions? 

Not in my wildest dreams. It all happened so fast. But we have a great team of administrators and managers who keep us in the loop. They are doing their best to provide daily updates. It’s hard because the information is evolving. We learn something one day that we have to change the next, just to keep patients safe. Nurses and the entire department are doing the best we can. 

Healthcare professionals throughout the country are suffering without enough personal protective equipment (PPE). How are things for you? 

I feel for my colleagues on the East Coast. I can’t imagine how they’re dealing with it. Luckily, we are not in that situation. There is no lack of PPE here. Our administrators are doing their best to secure it for us. We’ve had a tremendous response from the community, with donations of PPE on an almost daily basis. We have new N-95 masks for each shift. We have protective gowns and face shields. We have a new sterilization process in place in case we need to reuse anything. But it’s all according to CDC guidelines. With something as stressful as this is, knowing that we have the proper equipment makes it a little easier. 

How are you segregating patients who come to the ER with virus symptoms from those there for other reasons? 

Our doors are open to everyone. People are still having heart attacks and strokes. We do have a designated section for suspected COVID-19 patients with a lot of resources in that area to treat them. We don’t know that they have the virus without a test. But we use our best judgment in taking their symptoms into account. We have a tent set up outside for patients who are less acute, and we suspect COVID-19. Others come in who need to be stabilized. Some may need intubation and transfer to another area. 

From what you are seeing in your ER, do you think we’ve hit peak numbers? 

Based on my shifts from last few weeks, I feel it is hard to tell. Our tally is usually around 300 patients on a day-to-day basis. But, given that people are staying home, we’re seeing about 150 patients. The biggest reason we’re able to care for those sick with the virus during the pandemic is that people are staying home. That’s a huge factor. But our census is gradually increasing. We haven’t hit the surge yet as far as COVID-19. 

Have you seen a change in the patients presenting to the ER? 

Definitely. In the beginning, we saw a lot more people coming in. We were in peak flu season and had a lot of ILI, or influenza-like illness. It was hard to differentiate between COVID-19 and the flu. Now, we see more respiratory distress situations. Patients are advised to self-quarantine at home unless symptoms worsen. If it comes to that, they are advised to seek emergency medical care. 

What has surprised you the most about the patients you are seeing with this virus?

In the beginning we were seeing a lot of elderly patients with comorbidities being hit the hardest. But now that’s not always the case. We see healthy, younger patients with no medical history come in so sick. From my experience, every case is different. I’ve seen people come in with respiratory distress who go upstairs and get discharged. Others I see deteriorate quickly. We are realizing that this can happen to anyone. The surprisingly scary thing about this virus is that it is new. We don’t have all the details about it. 

How has your life changed outside of the ER? 

I have a toddler son, so I do my best to make sure that he doesn’t get sick. My husband is working from home now. We used to have a nanny, but we’re having her stay at home. The days I work during the week, my husband is juggling conference calls and taking care of our son. I definitely listen to what the state is recommending we do. We use Instacart, DoorDash and rarely go out. If my husband goes to the grocery store, he wears a mask. He comes home and washes his hands. He has hand sanitizer with him and likes to go a little overboard on that. We don’t take our son out other than to the back yard. If we walk around the neighborhood, we keep our distance from others. We do a lot of Facetime and Zoom calls to family and friends. 

Do you ever feel afraid about the risks you’re taking on a daily basis? 

It’s always in the back of my mind, which prepares me as I go into work. I make sure I’m extra cautious. But once I’m there, I put everything into patient care and treatment. As a nurse you take an oath. We are all fulfilling that oath to the best of our ability. If I feel a little nervous, it doesn’t hit me until I am home and getting ready for bed. I don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t a nurse. The ER is my family. To think of them all working and fighting this battle without me would be unsettling. Every time I go in, I know that I am contributing. 

Is there anything you’d like the public to know about what it’s like to confront this virus as an ER nurse? 

As a profession, ER nurses have to put up an armor, be strong. On a daily basis, we have to be capable and brave. But we are also human. The saddest thing now is to have patients who are isolated and alone, especially those who are not doing well. We do the best we can for them, but it is so challenging. We are overwhelmed by the amount of support from the community at this time. People are donating meals to us. So many local businesses are helping out. It’s heartwarming to see the daily ‘thank you hours’ all around the country where people are clapping for healthcare providers. All around neighborhoods, people are leaving chalk artwork on the sidewalk. Every day, there are inspiring little messages, like ‘Everything will be ok.’ ‘Keep going.’ ‘Smile.’ All of the community support empowers and inspires us to keep going. 

The post COVID-19 and Our Community: ER Nurse Marisa Goldberg appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Anxiety is rampant and we must all do our best to cope during this challenging time. Here are a few tips that I hope will help you cope. 

Stay inside if you can. Our anxiety is a warning system and right now we need it to keep us safe. Heed the warning. 

Make sure you are getting enough rest. Sleep is the base of the wellness pyramid. Some find it helpful to stick to a routine. Others are worn out from the worry and need more time in bed. 

Eat fruits and vegetables in a balanced fashion. Avoid empty calories. Talk to your doctor about vitamins or other supplements. Stay properly hydrated. 

Eliminate or keep alcohol to a minimum. 

Make sure you are getting enough information to stay safe and follow the advice 

of experts. Then turn off the news. Same advice for financial worries. 

Although for most of us, we can’t work out the way we used to, we must find safe alternatives. Use YouTube and Instagram to help you find ways of staying fit in your own home. Ask friends for tips and consider sharing work out time with friends via Zoom or FaceTime. 

Reach out to friends, family and your community. Use this time to tell people how important they are to you. Companies are setting up Zoom meetings and people are connecting in creative ways. 

It is necessary to let our feelings out alone or with a friend, family member or professional. A wide variety of emotions are coming up and they shift throughout the day. Many therapists are available for online consultation. Limit the number of people you interact with that will distress you. 

Be kinder than ever. Help a neighbor, friend or local organization but maintain everyone’s safety as a top priority. Donate to an organization. Use Charity Navigator to guide you or consider Global Giving and Relief International. When we help others, we also help ourselves. 

Meditate. You can begin very simply with an app called Headspace or Calm. You can Google “Five Minute Meditation” on YouTube or any length you desire. 

Humans are designed to connect via touch so being apart is unnatural. We secrete oxytocin when we touch and it promotes our health. You can release your own oxytocin by wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, bath or shower. Hugging a pet has the same effect. 

We can counteract our distress over our loss of control by straightening up what we can. Completing tasks gives your brain a boost of dopamine so even simple tasks can give us a quick boost. It is a great time to clean and organize your home. You may find your concentration is decreased so be realistic in your expectations of yourself. 

Create new routines. For example, exercise at the same time each day. Try to be productive during certain hours and relax at other times. Eat at similar times each day. We must strive for a “new normal” as we spend our days at home. 

Engage in positive activities. Read a book. Listen to soft music. Dim the lights. Watch the sunset or be in nature if you can do so safely. Watch a TedTalk. Brush up on a foreign language. Take a deep breath. Journal. Puzzles, games, cooking, magazines, and humor all provide much needed respite from the stress. 

Avoid big decisions right now. Your thinking might not be the clearest due to the excess cortisol. 

Try to stay away from conflicting with others. We need one another now more than ever. If you lose your cool, forgive yourself and make amends. 

Think about and express gratitude. In these challenging times, we most focus on what we are grateful for. Express gratitude to those around you as it will lift their mood as well. 

Right now it seems that these times will never pass, but they will. We are a remarkably strong and resilient community. We must support each and every one of us and we will find a path out of this darkness. Keep hopeful and enjoy the small blessing within each day. Try to laugh, enjoy your food and connect with those you love for in the end, that is clearly what matters most. 

The post Tips for Coping During the COVID-19 Crisis appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Remdesivir is a member of a class of antiviral drugs designed to inhibit an enzyme that certain viruses, including the one that causes COVID-19, require for replication. In animal studies, remdesivir has shown signs of counteracting other types of coronaviruses that caused two prior outbreaks of deadly respiratory diseases, known as SARS and MERS, according to Victor Tapson, M.D., Cedars-Sinai site director for the NIH trial. 

In a few anecdotal cases, significant improvement has been reported in COVID-19 patients who were administered remdesivir, said Tapson, who directs clinical research at the Women’s Guild Lung Institute at Cedars-Sinai. But individual cases are not enough to prove the drug works, he explained. 

“We need randomized, controlled studies to verify that remdesivir is both safe and effective,” Tapson said. “That is why this clinical trial is so important.” 

Cedars-Sinai plans to enroll up to 30 hospitalized COVID-19 patients for the trial. One group will receive 200 milligrams of remdesivir administered intravenously on the first day, followed by a once-a-day maintenance dose of 100 milligrams for the duration of hospitalization, up to 10 days. The control group will receive injections of a placebo drug that appears identical to remdesivir but lacks the active ingredient. 

At the end of the trial period, the investigators will compare outcomes of the treatment and control groups on clinical severity, hospitalization and mortality. Tapson emphasized that the trial involves many contributors, including critical care and infectious diseases experts, pulmonologists, anesthesiologists, critical care nurses and pulmonary fellows and residents. 

In an NIH news release announcing the multicenter clinical trial, Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a member of the U.S. Coronavirus Task Force, stressed the trial’s significance. 

“We urgently need a safe and effective treatment for COVID-19. Although remdesivir has been administered to some patients with COVID-19, we do not have solid data to indicate it can improve clinical outcomes,” Fauci said. “A randomized, placebo-controlled trial is the gold standard for determining if an experimental treatment can benefit patients.” 

The drug is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration for marketing to the general public. At present, there are no specific FDA-approved therapeutics to treat people with COVID-19. 

The post Cedars-Sinai Joins Trial of COVID-19 Drug appeared first on Beverly Hills Courier.

Despite the considerable demands on her time in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, Dr. Murthy nonetheless agreed to speak to the Courier about the evolving pandemic, best practices for sheltering at home and the overall outlook for the Los Angeles area. 

Beverly Hills Courier: The situation with COVID-19 is changing so rapidly, it’s hard to keep up with all the news. As someone directly overseeing the local response to this pandemic, what can you tell us about how Southern California is faring? 

Dr. Rekha Murthy: Based on what’s happened in our community, we’ve certainly seen a continued increase in the number of cases. And it’s important to note that a shift has occurred from the standpoint of public health. We’re no longer taking the approach of what we would consider occasional travel exposure to the virus. We’ve shifted to widespread community transmission. That’s pretty significant and it’s the reason for new measures, such as Safer at Home and social distancing. 

What about the lack of testing? Is this still an issue? 

There have been a lot of shifts in availability of testing and recommendations are rapidly changing. Also, because of the wide-spread community transmission, the role of testing has changed. It’s mainly now for those already admitted to the hospital and for healthcare workers. Outpatient testing has been reduced, due to issues with availability of supplies and materials needed to perform the tests, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 

Aren’t there new, more simplified versions of the test available now? 

Most of the tests to date have been swabs collected from the upper airway that have to be collected by someone trained to do that. There are now some home tests that can be helpful in a home care setting, in ERs and Urgent Care. Newer tests coming down the road are looking at immunities and antibodies. Much like we do for other illness, such as measles or chicken pox, these tests can tell us if someone has recently had the infection and if they have antibodies to it. 

If someone has developed antibodies to the virus, does that mean they are in the clear? 

We don’t know. We can’t yet tell if someone who has had it has long or short-term immunity. The antibody test doesn’t necessarily tell us if someone is protected and for how long. However, it might be used to show how many people, such as healthcare workers on the front lines, have evidence of immunity. That might mean that they maybe are at less of a risk for getting it. We’re evaluating everything at this time. 

We all see the dire situation in New York City, with hospitals at the breaking point and resources stretched to the limit. How are hospitals such as Cedars-Sinai adapting to deal with the influx of patients? 

We have supplies and equipment for the moment. We’re very carefully monitoring all of our supply chains and are focusing on training and preparation. Many efforts have been put in place, such as the cancellation of elective surgeries and restricted hospital visits. The number of patients coming into the ER has dropped significantly.