Life + Culture

Your Health is Your Wealth 

Article by Kim Pagano Our bodies are our own personal machinery, do you agree? Why do we not all honor it and cherish it? Sometimes we feed it food that is not good for our system, and when we’re tired, we keep going. We often don’t give it all the exercise it needs, and we don’t drink enough water.  Most of us either abuse or starve our bodies; we simply don’t always put ourselves and our health first. I’ve heard so many people say if I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken...

Travel

Recharge in the Desert

Find Your Zen in Greater Palm Springs Article and Photography by Melissa Curtin The Southern California desert has drawn wellness seekers for hundreds of years, since the Cahuilla Indians came to the Coachella Valley for the readily available natural hot and cold mineral springs. This helped them not only thrive through farming, bathing and drinking, but also served ancient spiritual purposes. In the early 20th century, the hot, dry climate made Palm Springs a sought-after refuge for people...

Health + Wellness

Health & Wellness

Local Providers Help You Live & Look Your Best Article and Photography by These favorite local health and wellness providers ensure we live our best, healthiest lives. We are grateful for their valuable services, skills and expertise.   Adventist Health Adventist Health Simi Valley is a faith-based, nonprofit community hospital serving East Ventura County communities with award-winning personalized care. We strive to fulfill our mission, Living God's Love by Inspiring Health...

Health + Wellness

Social Connectedness:

The Healing Power of Relationships Article by Debra Thomas, MA, LMFT In today’s digital age, many of us feel more connected than ever before. However, the quality of these connections can sometimes leave much to be desired—especially when it comes to our emotional and mental well-being. While social media may create an illusion of closeness, it is face-to-face relationships that are essential for fostering long-lasting health and emotional resilience. As a licensed marriage and family...

Life + Culture

Fostering Hope:

Mark and Jacob Foster Care Ministry in Westlake Village Article by Barbara Burke “Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.” —Josh Shipp   Family, friends and community members gathered to commemorate the founding of the Mark and Jacob Foster Care Ministry at the Westlake Yacht Club on October 20. Established to honor Mark Iskander, 11, and Jacob Iskander, 8, who were struck and killed by a vehicle while they crossed the street with their parents and siblings in...

Life + Culture

Baking for Good

Community Pie Auction Benefits Local Riders Photography by Judi Bumstead The afternoon in the Santa Rosa Valley was filled with delicious pies, kids everywhere, horses, puppies and laughter. Rosemary Allison hosted a community pie auction to help support the Stepping Stones Riding Academy Program.  The mission at Stepping Stones is to connect horses and people regardless of circumstance and wealth with low-cost riding lessons and horse experiences. They are located in the beautiful Santa Rosa...

Fitness

Play Conejo:

Promoting Health for Life Article and Photography by Created in 2012 as part of the Conejo Recreation & Park District's 50th Anniversary, Play Conejo raises funds helping CRPD maintain quality parks and offer diverse and affordable recreation programs. To date, park improvements have primarily been funded by fees for new residential development. As new Conejo Valley housing projects slow to a trickle, so too do funds available for park improvements. Through grants and charitable...

Travel

Exploring Aboard Amtrak:

Taking the SLO Train Article by Tracy Marcynzsyn When you want to get away sans stress and beaucoup bucks, hop aboard Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner for an easy, breezy trip along the beautiful California coastline. One of the smoothest (and inexpensive) ways to travel, Amtrak offers scenic routes both north and south of the Conejo Valley. The Pacific Surfliner train runs from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, with multiple stops in between the two popular destinations. The most difficult part of...

Health + Wellness

Celebration of Hope

Cancer Support Community VVSB Honors Oncology Heroes Article and Photography by Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara (Cancer Support Community VVSB) held its annual Celebration of Hope Garden Party and Awards Dinner to a sell-out crowd. Presented by AMGEN and supported in part by UCLA Health and Chris Hardt with Edward Jones, festivities took place under the clear blue sky at Los Robles Greens in Thousand Oaks. A full house of 250 friends, colleagues, physicians, loved ones...

Beauty

Westlake Welcomes Method of Beauty:

A Premier MedSpa Where Science Meets Artistry to Elevate Natural Beauty and Enhance Well-Being Photography by Janet Barnett Photography At Method of Beauty, looking and feeling your best is not just a goal—it's a commitment. Founded by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Dr. David Chahine and Michele Chahine, this premier medspa in Westlake Village is redefining wellness and beauty through a unique blend of cutting-edge medical treatments and artistry. “Our mission is to integrate our extensive...