Sports + Recreation

Adam Duvendeck Reflects On Wellness, Leadership

The two-time Olympian discusses the lessons that guide his approach to health, leadership and legacy. Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Provided by Dignity Health Sports Park Adam Duvendeck’s routine today looks a lot different than the one that took him to the Olympics twice, but the same principles drive his success.  The former U.S. track cyclist, now General Manager of Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, says his approach to leadership isn’t far from his approach to training...

Health + Wellness

From Pain to Purpose

Mark and Mia Norwood's Path to Radiance Article and Photography by Atira Rodriguez When Mark Norwood found himself in the emergency room eight times in 12 months, he knew something had to change.  The former educator was battling multiple sclerosis and three herniated discs in his cervical spine. Traditional pain management wasn't working, and the medications offered only temporary relief. The answer came from an unexpected source: a close friend of his wife, Mia, was undergoing cancer...

Wellness

The ‘Silent Surge’

With dementia cases on the rise, most families aren't prepared to face hard choices about care. Article by Atira Rodriguez | Photography by Provided by UltraCare Home Services When Leslee Deanes-Bryant's grandmother was sent home from Cedars-Sinai after a catastrophic medical error, the pharmaceutical sales rep faced an impossible choice.  Her grandmother — sharp-minded and independent enough to have driven herself to the hospital — needed round-the-clock care. But Leslee had a lot on her...

Wellness

BTRX Lasagne

A hearty, high-protein twist on classic Italian comfort food Article by Beatrix Whipple | Photography by Sławomir Fajer Serves: 8 Ingredients 1 lb ground beef 1 lb ground turkey 6-8 sheets cooked lasagne 14 oz of marinara sauce 6 cloves garlic 2 tbs fennel seeds 2 tbs Italian seasoning 2 tsp chili flakes 1 tsp cumin 3 tbs Worcestershire sauce 1 tbs fish sauce 1 tbs anchovy paste 15 oz cottage cheese 1 egg 2 oz grated Parmesan 1 tbs cracked pepper 150 g...

Wellness

Publisher's Picks

Five top-rated IV therapy services in Long Beach Article by Atira Rodriguez In recent years, IV therapy has evolved from a hospital staple to a mainstream wellness trend, with specialized providers opening storefronts and mobile services throughout Long Beach and beyond. These treatments deliver vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and hydration directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system for maximum absorption and rapid results. Whether you're seeking relief from dehydration...

Health + Wellness

Consistency Over Intensity

How Beatrix Whipple is redefining midlife fitness. Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Carlos Santana When Beatrix Whipple wakes before dawn, usually around 4:30 a.m., her day begins with stillness. “I’ll prep my coffee and sit down on my couch,” she says. “I usually do a session of meditation via a guided meditation app called Open. It’s the only one I’ve been able to stick with.” After 10 to 15 minutes of breathwork and meditation, Whipple opens her iPad to journal.  “My first part...

Health + Wellness

Healthy Teeth Habits for the New Year

Top-rated local dentist Dr. Will Grella shares post-holiday tips on maintaining optimal oral health Article by Dr. Will Grella, DDS | Photography by Nirav Solanki 1. It's not how much sugar you eat — it's how often you have it. One bite of sugar feeds bacteria and creates acid that breaks down teeth for 20 minutes. One bite every 20 minutes means your teeth are under constant acid attack without a break. 2. Sugar is in beverages, not just foods. Your pumpkin spice latte is going to tag...

Life + Culture

Long Beach’s Saint Of the Streets

Meet the Hood Santa: Tito Rodriguez continues to give back to the neighborhoods that raised him. Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Jon Nakamura and Brandon Alexis Sanchez Thirteen years ago, a little boy on 17th Street said something to Tito Rodriguez that would forever change his life. “He taps me on the chest and he says, ‘Hey — you’re the Hood Santa, because Santa never comes over here,’” Rodriguez recalled while he was in Central Long Beach that December, handing out gifts to...

Life + Culture

One Person At A Time

How Duke Givens is changing lives on Long Beach's streets Article by Jackie Rae | Photography by Jackie Rae, Ricky Hurtado and Tromaine Asar Ellis/The LBC Photographer In late 2019, the onset of the COVID-19 virus left many people around the world facing fear and uncertainty about the future. For Long Beach native Sylvester “Duke” Givens, that uncertainty sparked an innovative approach to supporting people living on the streets.  “We first started out with just meeting the needs of our...

Food + Beverage

Tropical Tidings In A Mug

Spice it up with a Jamaican Rum Latte this holiday season. Article by The Wicked Wolf Staff | Photography by Thea Mercouffer Lattes and cocktails can be tricky to master at home, but this holiday, you can surprise your overnight guests with a spirited latte that's easier than you think. It's the perfect warmup for a lazy Saturday morning. Ingredients: ½ cup espresso  1 oz. Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve (or your preferred dark rum) .75 oz. Rhubarb liquor (or any fruity liqueur) .5 oz...