Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich: Health Care Burdens

Did you know that half of all bankruptcies in the United States are the result of the failure of an insurance plan to do the very thing that drives each of us to buy health insurance—protect us from catastrophic financial burdens that arise from health care needs?  

Millions of Americans believe that true health care reform requires a national single payer system where more than $400 billion of administrative waste is used to provide everyone with access to all medically necessary services with no co-payments, and no deductibles, and no premiums. 

We are already paying for single payer, we just aren’t getting it.  Only by providing full health care to all can we eliminate the poverty that comes from the medical bills that the insurance companies will not pay. Unfortunately, Congress and the Obama Administration took single payer off the table before the debate began.

At the state level, Pennsylvania, New York , Illinois , Colorado and New Mexico have all taken steps toward a single payer system, because in addition to helping people stay out of poverty, it would also provide major relief for those states that are facing budget difficulties. 

The Lewin Group’s financial analysis of the California single payer bill that recently passed the legislature twice found that “the net cost of the program to state and local governments is a savings of about $900 million” in 2006 alone.

However, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) has been used to thwart efforts at the state and regional levels to improve health care.  Though the law was intended to protect the integrity and quality of employee benefit plans including health care, ERISA has been used in the courts to try and stop any health care reform efforts in Maryland, San Francisco, and Suffolk County, New York. 

 This is the very reason why I introduced an amendment to the health care bill in the Committee on Education and Labor; to grant states a waiver from ERISA if they choose to offer their residents a single payer health care system.  It is entirely voluntary.  If a state wants to have better health care than can be provided by the federal government, then the federal government should not stand in their way.

Simin Hashemizadeh Owner of South Pacific Surgery Centers

Beverly Hills, California—without a doubt the biggest ‘little’ city on earth which sets standards through- out the world for everything from beauty and style, to glamour and most certainly can determine success for a business.  Because if you can make it in Beverly Hills…you can make it any where.  Reality is harsh.  People are jaded.   Friends are few.  And competition is stiff.  Only the strong and smart survive!  Double that outlook if you are a woman; triple it if you are a woman who owns her own business.  

With businesses closing their doors right and left, what’s emerging from the rubble are the true movers and shakers of the City.  Those who not only manage to keep their businesses up and going, but manage to stay on top, and thrive despite a less than booming economy.  These are the true entrepreneurs who now more than ever are establishing themselves as cornerstones of our Beverly Hills community and the business triangle.  Some say it’s a ‘Man’s World’ —well as we look around and head into 2010, I have to say—not so much any more.  Incredibly it is the emerging group of talented, business savvy female entrepreneurs who are stepping up as today’s business success stories and flourishing in their roles as corporate leaders and business owners.  

One woman is Simin Hashemizadeh, owner and founder of South Pacific Surgery Centers.  With medical offices  and surgery center locations in the San Fernando Valley, San Pedro and a new facility in Beverly Hills, Hashemizadeh  has her hands full 24/7 with a daily roll call of physicians, patient consultations,   overseeing surgery schedules, business expansion and day-to-day of decision making, marketing/public relations, special events and her on-hands support and sponsoring of numerous non-profit charity organizations in Los Angeles.  I want to say that this is definitely a job for a SuperWoman—and she is.   

In order to understand the level of stress, perfection and zero room for error Hashemizadeh works under, one must recognize that her business employs more than 25 board-certified physicians from all medical specialties who consult with patients and perform surgeries at her fully accredited, out-patient medical facilities.  Ultimately, she carries the responsibility of making certain that patients receive the best, safest, and most state-of-the-art care available.  Their lives are in her hands. 

For more than 18 years, Hashemizadeh has not only succeeded in a business built around a roster of thousands of satisfied patient referrals—many of them celebrities—but has excelled in bringing together under one medical  facility umbrella some of the most well recognized, board-certified surgeons in Los Angeles from specialty fields  including, Plastic & Reconstructive  Surgery; Gynecology; Podiatry; Urology; Orthopedics; Ophthalmology; Ears, Nose & Throat, Gastroenterology, Pain Management and more.  Many of the surgeons are pioneers in their  respective fields and highly recognized  for their contributions to the medical world.  What makes Hashemizadeh more than just a businessowner, however, is her dedication to helping those who can’t afford surgery, but desperately need it as in the case of  LapBand patients who are morbidly obese and suffering with life-threatening heart conditions and  diseases like Diabetes, Hypertension, and Sleep Apnea.  Since opening her first facility in Encino, in 1994, she has made available the services of the surgeons who work for her to non-profit and charity organizations who know of people who need medical assistance.  Generally, at the end of the day she picks up the tab, paying not only the surgeon’s fee but operating room costs as well.  In June 2009, Hashemizadeh hosted a spectacular invitation-only, A-list fundraising dinner for Larry King and the Larry King Cardiac Foundation. She graciously opened her gorgeous hilltop mansion to Larry and Shawn Southwick-King for the good cause evening that brought together an Iranian and American Who’s Who from the medical, social and entertainment communities to support King’s ongoing mission to provide funding for life-saving heart surgery for individuals with limited funds, no insurance and otherwise not get treat- ment.  The evening was a tremendous success with Hashemizadeh and her guests raising more than $40,000.00.  It was a bitter sweet moment for her as she lost her father to heart failure; her mother had open heart surgery, and her brother needs ongoing cardiac care.  What made the evening even more special was that King, spoke in great detail about his own quintuple bypass heart surgery in 1987, offering an intimate look at what could have been disaster if he had not gotten the treatment and surgery that saved his life.  He founded the Larry King Cardiac Foundation in 1988 and his son Larry King, Jr, sits as president and Shawn Southwick-King is Foundation Chair.  Larry King Jr. had this to say about Hashemizadeh to the Canyon News: “We were honored when Simin approached us to help the Foundation by donating proceeds from a party at her beautiful home. Early this year we decided not to do an annual gala with hopes that individuals would help us by having their own parties and help save a life. When Simin heard about this at, larrykingandfriends.org, she took on the challenge and in turn has directly saved 16-20 people in her community. What better way to spend an evening!”  

Hashemizadeh is a survivor.  She has faced her own struggles, one being when she left Iran and came to the United States to start a new life for herself.  With hard work, a sense of pride and dutiful determination she has made her businesses successful.  In turn, she is using that success to give her time, effort and money to help others.  She serves an inspiration that success doesn’t have to isolate you, but can if you allow it—give you an opportunity to enrich the lives and well being of others.   Simin’s interest in pursuing a career around medicine began in Iran where her father founded more than 300 medical clinics.  Each offered patients an opportunity to consult with  physicians from many medical fields—the same as her multi-specialty clinics in Encino and Beverly Hills.  When Simin and her family came  to the U.S. it was her father (who since passed away) that encouraged her to follow her dreams and never give up.  

ST:  How difficult was it to leave your home country of Iran and what’s life like for a single, successful woman in L.A?

SH: Leaving a country where I was born and raised; leaving behind a culture and people that I love was the hardest thing I’ve done.  When I came to the U.S. it was difficult learning a new language and way of life.  I went through periods of self-doubt, but I believe in God and his goodness and I believe in Karma.  Life is what you make it.  If you put out goodness it will come back to you.  We all have struggles to face.  For women to become successful in business they must put their heart and soul into their work.  My motivation is not just money —I have a passion for what I do.  Many people depend on me and my decisions have to be well thought out and move in a direction that will benefit others.  I never feel alone.  I have many people around me.  As far as love is concerned, right now I’m making the sacrifice to put my energy into work to ensure that in the future I will have something I can be proud of.  I hope to be married someday and if it is meant to be then it will happen.  Until then, my life is full, exciting and changes every day.  So far I haven’t met my soul mate, but I’m dating and enjoying my life. For me to be with a man I must have a heart feeling for him.

ST:  With the upheaval in your country it must be sad to hear about.

SH: It’s heartbreaking for me and the people of my country who want nothing but to live in peace.  Iranians living outside of Iran are sad at what their country, family and friends go through on a daily basis.  We pray that somehow, this brutality will stop   and return to a peaceful place to live. 

Heading up a group of California’s  premier surgical facilities is no walk in the park.  It takes dedication and a lot of stamina not only to make it success- ful, but keep it running smoothly.  It’s not a job everyone can handle, but clearly Hashemizadeh has things under control.  From early morning until late at night; six, and seven days a week; this woman works about 70-80 hours a week.  If she is not physically at one of her offices, then she is in the car driving to one of her facilities and doing business on her cell phone.  Her daily work load is staggering and her’s no business for a light-weight.  It takes a combination of brains and personality to handle patients, juggle inner office staff and deal with the individual personalities of the surgeons.  An impossible feat for most which brings up the subject of jealously among her peers. 

ST:  Let’s talk about the jealously that  surely comes with business success.

SH:  Jealously always comes when you reach a certain level of success. Successful women feel jealously from women around them, but also difficulty when men work for a woman in a high position; a woman who is their boss.  In my business I work with many physicians and I try to make sure   that both men and women are comfortable in the environment that I provide. 

Hashemizadeh’s generosity and good-hearted nature doesn’t just go toward helping co-workers, she is a staunch animal rights advocate and supporter, who recently adopted a precious bundle of joy (a white poodle) from a Valley shelter.  One such animal organization is C.A.R.E: Cat/Canine Assistance, Referral and Education.  The No-Kill/ Cage Free shelter recently held an event to help place animals needing homes and update the public on its services.  Another she supports is ACI—Animal Cruelty Investigation, chaired by CNN’s news reporter / talk show host Jane Valez-Mitchell.  ACI is a registered Society for the  prevention of cruelty to all animals.

Hashemizadeh’s philanthropic support includes organizations such as Red Eye, Inc., an affiliate of the DreamCenter Downtown which recently held a fund- raiser complete with celebrity fashion show, at the Peninsula Hotel, Beverly Hills.  Hosted by music legend Smokey Robinson, Red Eye Inc., keeps L.A. teenagers and young adults sober, off drugs and headed toward productive lives using education and support from mentors and members.

ST:  What do you say to women trying to find a career path to follow?

SH:  Never to give up.  Never stop trying.  We all have times in our lives when we get depressed, or feel our lives have become unmanageable.   The key to success is facing problems, finding ways to overcome them and then moving on as fast as possible.   I always choose not to live my life in the past.  It does no good to go back to something that you can’t change.  The past shows us what we need to change to move forward and improve.

ST: Today men and women share financial responsibilities.  No longer can a woman depend on a man to “save” her; she must find ways to save herself.

SH:  I never ask anything from any- one.  What I need I make for myself.  I feel that women have to be prepared to take care of themselves no matter what.  And when two people love one another and are committed to one another, then it doesn’t matter who provides the most financially.  It  then becomes teamwork to make the best life possible and be happy.

Another division of her business is the extensive Forbelle Luxury Caviar beauty and skin care product line. Formulated by Hashemizadeh more than 8-years ago, the luscious products have a high-profile following due to the fabulous nature of ingredients—Russian Beluga Caviar.  For last year’s Golden Globe and Oscar Gifting Suites celebrities were treated to Forbelle products in their gift bags.  Hashemizadeh felt that more people should enjoy the benefits of using it for skin rejuvenation and developed a caviar product line that is the same high quality, but affordable.  

 “I have sensitive skin and it’s hard  to find products that don’t irritate my skin.  Caviar is the secret of those who can afford the luxury of using it on their skin. It works miracles erasing fine lines and wrinkles.  I wanted to use those ingredients to make skin care products women could afford.

This past September, Hashemizadeh was awarded an honorary Doctorate Degree from Dubna University, internationally known for its focus on higher education and for educating its students in humanities and natural sciences.  She was recognized for her efforts in bringing together diverse cultures in Los Angeles to ensure that young people can flourish in a world filled with hope and possibility.

ST:  Can money buy happiness?

SH:  Never.  Some people ruin their lives and that of those they love searching for material things that in the end never give them happiness.  Sometimes we look at people who have a lot of money and think that they have the perfect life just because they have money.  But if we go into their house and we see them in their relationships, will we will see the same thing?  Most times not.  Women and men marry all the time believing that money will make their lives happy, but find they are with someone they don’t love.  When it comes to matters of the heart only love matters, only love truly makes a relationship last.

ST:  What would your perfect man be? 

SH:  In the healthcare profession on some level because it would provide a mutual interest for him to understand my world and me to understand his.  It would be difficult for a man outside of my business to understand the commit- ment I carry to make my business work.  And though I live in L.A. I still respect many customs of my culture where relationships are concerned.  When I am with a man…then he is the only man that I am with, and of course I expect the same from him.     

It’s more than a brain for business and  winning smile that keep Hashemizadeh on top.  Those who know her—know that she gives her all to whatever she does.  As we head into 2010 we can look to a woman like Hashemizadeh as a role model to follow—who will open doors for women from all cultures and every walk of life.  It is through her survival and success she proves there is no stopping a woman on a mission to be the best that she can be.

ST:  Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?

SH:  Right now I am working on my future.  Every day I am building on a business that I feel will be a success for years to come.  I never give up no matter how difficult things get…I always have a plan in place that I follow.  I am very serious in whatever I do right now because I know that it will affect me for years to come.

By Suzanne Takowsky

YOSSI DINA: Jeweler To The Stars.

South Beverly Wilshire Jewelry and  Loan Company/The Dina Collection have been a corner- stone of the Beverly Hills business community triangle for more than 30 years.  Owner, Yossi Dina continues to expand his business even when others are closing their doors. 

Dina’s “ART OF THE DEAL“ savvy, business skills are based on his many years of experience, knowledge and innate ability to buy magnificent one-of¬a-kind designer jewelry from sources around the world, then, he offers up all that A-list bling from Buccellati, Cartier. Bulgarl, Tiffany. Chanel, Gucci, Rolex Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and others to Dina collections clientele for up to 80% off retail prices.  Buying, selling and keeping his company as the number one loan and acquisitions broker in the country keeps Dina feeling very good.

March, 2010 Dina will move his South Beverly Wilshire Jewelry and Loan Company/The Dina Collection to its new permanent location at 249 South Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA., 90212. Dina purchased the building more than a year ago, and has been busy doing an extensive remodeling with a leading architect, and interior designer.  It is destined to be an elegant, high-end retail space for the clientele who now frequent his store.  More than a million dollars has been vested on the plush renovation, catering to every detail to make certain that the 5,000 sq.ft. Store offers clients an exclusive jewelry and art gallery showroom environment, complete with valet parking. 

“I like happy clients,” Dina states. ”What sets me apart from other people in this business is the fact that I have a true and sincere commitment to my customers.  Year after year people come back to me and they refer people they know to me.  Whether they want a particular piece of jewelry or find themselves in a short notice cash flow problem and in need of a loan, or cash infusion—I am fair minded and honest with my clients, always trying to help them fulfill their need, and I always do my best to get them what they want.”

To celebrate the upcoming Holidays, the New Year and his new store, Dina Collections is giving away jewelry. YES! You read it correctly. Dina Collections is literally giving jewelry out for Free with every purchase of  at least  fifteen hundred dollars ($1,500.00).  Dina is presenting the “fortunate clients” with a GlA registered, white cultured, 163 pearl strand necklace, an exquisite  gift in its own right…could be for that special someone in your life. The estimated value of the pearl necklace is over six hundred dollars ($600.00) and comes with the GIA certification.  Just think of it as buying one gift and then getting another—exquisite and expensive gift for free!

Attorney William Shernoff

For more than 30 years Beverly Hills-based Attorney William Shernoff has hauled big insurance companies into court for failure to pay claims of policy holders…and has won big verdicts.  The fight continues as he takes on heavyweight health insurance companies that now more than ever are denying patient medical claims and canceling policies after people become sick and need medical treatment. He is credited with establishing and pioneering the law of Insurance Bad Faith in California.

Interviews by Suzanne Takowsky & Zandra Palma; Written by Suzanne Takowsky; Photos by David Sobel

RUNAWAY. IS YOUR CHILD AT RISK?

As a leader of youth help groups Steve Simpson has spoken on national television for years including NBC News Network, Geraldo, Montel Williams and other media outlets regarding teen runaways, suicide, abuse, alcoholism and self-esteem.  His new book, “Runaway” is endorsed by the National Runaway Switchboard as well as national school curriculums.  It is helping professionals and concerned parents open the lines of communication between themselves and at-risk youth.

Bracing for the Holidays

While some families are looking forward to the holidays with anticipation of gift giving and family dinners, other families are bracing for what could be their worst holiday as the economic crisis has added burden and stress on all households. With the perpetuating economic melt- down, statistics in 2009 indicate a correlation to an increase in drug and alcohol abuse in families.  Where there is drug abuse and alcoholism, typically there is some form of child abuse; physical or verbal.  In the past two years children’s lives have become intolerable with abuse, neglect and dysfunction in their homes.  Teen suicide numbers are up dramatically, and the average age of child runaways has dropped. 

SIX SIGNS 

Is Your Child Thinking About Running Away or Harming Him or Herself?

1. A consistent depression you cannot attribute to hormonal changes. 

2. A growing detachment, disconnect or lack of interest in home, school, church and friends.

3. Alcoholism, drug abuse or mental illness at home; physical, verbal or sexual abuse to a child, parent, sibling or family member; constant conflict between the child and a family member.

4. A lack of interest in the things that the child would normally be involved in; a change in friends. 

5. Their physical appearance changing; not being as well kept as in the past or seeming not to care how they look.

6.  Comments or behaviors of hope- lessness, hurting themselves, wanting to give up, not being able to “deal with life anymore” —even joking saying that they want to run away.

Prevent & Combat Destructive  Behaviors

National Suicide as well as Runaway hotlines are reporting as much as 15% increase over last year as counselors and therapists predict a greater rise in child abuse, runaways and suicides over the coming months.  Such drastic increases are attributed to increases in homeless conditions as families face unprecedented financial losses that include foreclosed homes, loss of jobs, no money to pay bills, buy clothing or even to buy food.  With this comes drug and alcohol abuse which has increased over the past year in all age groups by approximately 6%.  Sadly, homes otherwise ‘functional’ are now facing problems which are causing unforeseen stresses on the family, especially children.  Add to that the Holidays are around the corner.  Stress is consuming even functional homes as parents and children face their toughest time yet.  For some children the stress in their homes is so bad that running away seems the only option.   

But the runaway is not the only person in the household who knows there is a problem. Running away is not the answer, but it is the way in which a youth can in her/his own way solve a problem.  Parents need to get past denial, face problems with their child and get the help for themselves and for whoever in the household needs it.  Ignoring alcoholism or any type of abuse or neglect, adds to the child’s idea that things will never get better.  If parents won’t get help, children can get help through school counselors, community centers, churches and the  National Runaway Switchboard hotline, 1-800-RUNAWAY.

A bad economy dramatically increases abuse and addictive behaviors.

A dismal financial situation contributes to young people running away or considering suicide.

A teen who is contemplating running away and/or suicide.

How an abused child can regain his/her self-esteem.

Can abusive parents ever change and be forgiven?

Breaking the Abuse Cycle

“I’ll never do to my children what was done to me!”

Many child abusers were victims,  A  large percentage of alcoholics and drug addicts are children of alcoholics or drug addicts.  Abuse/dysfunction of those who live through their own abuse, but do not abuse their children is that they abuse a spouse or significant other.  Even if an abuser does not directly abuse a child, but abuses that child’s mother or father—it’s still abuse to the child.  A non-abusers codependency or fear of loneliness keeps them in an abusive relationship to the extent of their child putting up with that abuse. A parent tells their children, “I stayed with him/her for you.”  Response from the child; “I wish you hadn’t!”  

Whether it is economics, denial, or a codependent parent’s relationship, they are guilty of child abuse by proxy for allowing children to stay in a damaging situation.  Short-term results are that  children runaway to escape their home environments.  Long-term results are that those children tend to form their concept of a relationship based on what they saw with their parents. They will either be an abuser responding to anger and conflict the way their parents did or deal with pressure and stress in the wrong ways.  

If you know a child struggling in a dysfunction home environment, help them.  Hopelessness or impending doom leads children to radical behavior to escape negativity.  It’s  up to parents, neighbors, teachers and anyone sensitive to the possibilities of abuse happening to a child who needs to step in.  We report a neighbor for a parking violation or putting the garbage out on the wrong night, yet hesitate to report suspected child abuse?  If you need help get it.  This would be the best gift you can give your child for the holidays!

To Purchase “Runaway” go to
www.powerpublishingcorp.com
BakerandTaylor.com
BookClearingHouse.com

A portion of proceeds will be donated to charity.

Orthopedic Surgeons Dr’s. Hormoz & Christopher Zahiri

It’s a ‘Family Affair’ for this father & son duo as they have built a mini-medical empire dedicating their work to conquering the aging process through cutting-edge treatments, state-of-the-art orthopedic procedures and educating their patients on how to avoid age-related degenerative diseases.

When it comes to mixing the serious business of orthopedic practice with family and pleasure, you can’t get a better or tighter fit than the Zahiri family.  Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Hormoz Zahiri, is a pioneer in the field of Orthopedic Surgery.  He is a renowned physician, surgeon, author of numerous original publications, international speaker and Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Southern California.  For more than 30 years, he has remained at the forefront of innovative orthopedic technology with over ten patents.  His cutting-edge surgical procedures are used by orthopedic surgeons around the world.  Founder of the International Orthopedic Center for Joint Disorders in Beverly Hills, California, Dr. Zahiri is also a Sports Medicine specialist who for years has been focusing on the treatment of complex orthopedic conditions of the neck, back, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles.  Dr. Zahiri’s integrative treatments help fight aging from the inside-out with nutritional, pharmacologic, physical and mind-body management. People throughout the world visit Dr. Zahiri for their unresolved orthopedic conditions.  Thanks to his dedication to providing the most advanced orthopedic care to his patients, his expertise is helping people achieve total body wellness.  Now, imagine his pride when his son, Christopher, decided to follow in his footsteps. 

Dr. Christopher Zahiri is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and an Active Fellow of American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. He is sub-specialty trained in hand/upper extremity surgery from Loma Linda University Medical Center and did joint replacement research at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.  As a Board Certified Orthopedic surgeon, Christopher has a significant presence in his own right in the field of Orthopedics. In little more than 14 years as a physician, he has published more than 20 research and clinical papers in peer reviewed journals, and presented research at 15 national and international professional meetings. He specializes in upper extremity injuries and focuses his practice on diagnosis, conservative and surgical treatments of hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder conditions including traumatic injuries, peripheral nerve entrapments (i.e. carpal tunnel syndrome), occupational and sporting injuries (i.e. Tennis & Golfer’s elbows, Rotator cuff injuries), as well as arthritic conditions that may require joint replacements. 

Together, he and his father have brought together, the latest science and their vast experience, for the most advanced and comprehensive Orthopedic total care possible under one roof at their International Orthopedic Center for Joint Disorders in Beverly Hills.  They have one goal: show patients, during their course of treatment, how to achieve and maintain optimum fitness, agility and wellness at any age.

A Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, Hormoz Zahiri is also a Qualified Medical Examiner for the State of California. He’s made his mark in both his homeland of Tehran, Iran, where he was born and here in the United States, where he has been a citizen since 1982. An international lecturer and educator, he travels the world speaking at seminars and teaching facilities. His vast knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and the human body allows him to take procedures to a whole body approach; he doesn’t just find ways to mask the pain; he fixes the problem. Throughout life, our musculoskeletal system is by far one of the most important organ systems; it enables us to move— or not! As we search for longevity we must address the topic of quality of life. Who wants to live to be 80, 90 or 100 if it involves a life plagued with pain, joint deformity and immobility? 

ST:  You say we don’t have to age in pain; how does that work? Millions want to know.

Dr. HORMOZ: By simply following the science of preventive medicine and of musculoskeletal knowledge and experience of the orthopedic surgeons. People go to variety of doctors when they have pain in their neck, back, and extremities.  Such approach does not usually resolve the problem, if the problem is more than just a minor condition.  The greatest source of pain as we grow older is our musculoskeletal system.  It is through the science of orthopedic surgery and preventive medicine that the exact conditions can be pinpointed and managed with the most advanced pharmacologic supplements, non-surgical treatments and possible surgical interventions.  No pain in our body is acceptable at any age.  To reach a pain-free musculoskeletal system, the first step is to see an orthopedic surgeon. 

At International Orthopedic Center for Joint Disorders, Dr. Hormoz Zahiri is the Medical Director and Dr. Christopher Zahiri serves as the center’s Director of Upper Extremity Surgery.  Both are on staff at multiple outpatient surgery centers and Hospitals on the Westside of Los Angeles. Their intense work ethics and patient demands keep them quite busy, as I witnessed first hand while writing this article. 

ST: What is it like working with your son?

Dr. HORMOZ: I took Christopher to my office when he was six years of age and had him witness a surgery around the same time, since he was so curious.  I believe that was when he first became interested in the field of orthopedics.  He was always interested to hear about issues related to orthopedic surgery.  As he grew, he pursued his interests on his own and my wife and I just supported his decisions.  Now, after so many years of education and training, we have a son who is highly accomplished, is entirely committed to his family and profession, and is a very competent orthopedic/hand surgeon.  My son is not the only member of my family who practices in the office.  My wife, Rana, is the Assistant Office Manager and Quality Controller.  My daughter, Marzi, (who has double majors in economics and finance) is the Office Administrator and runs our entire operation.  This family atmosphere has resulted in an office that is dedicated to even addressing minor details and therefore optimal quality and patient care. 

Christopher is very busy these days and it’s not all about medicine. He and his wife Nelly recently added another baby (two month old daughter, Chloe) to their growing family. They already have twins, Cyrus and Camellia who on the day of our photo shoot couldn’t have been more “movie star” like as they smiled and posed like pros. They’re probably used to a camera; the Zahiri home is like Disneyland with toys everywhere and photos of the children on every table and shelf in sight—the result of very proud parents and grandparents. Nelly is a Child Psychologist, who in addition to a private practice in Westwood, is a faculty member at SMC and hosts an educational and psychological TV talk show in Los Angeles. 

ST:  Are you seeing more injuries with the advancement of technology?

Dr. CHRISTOPHER:  Absolutely.  The use of computers and mobile devices nowadays have created very common injuries.  Most common work-related injuries that I see are secondary to postural injuries, i.e. neck strains, headaches, upper extremity tendinopathies, and nerve entrapments from sitting across a computer in a non-ergonomic setting.  It is essential that one has an ergonomically correct workstation to avoid these types of injuries.  In addition, it is of utmost importance that people keep up physically with the current demands of advancement in technology and activities of daily living.  Basically, one has to physically condition him/herself to be able to sit behind the computer for 8 hours per day.   You get injured when you are not strong enough for what you are doing.  Therefore, strength and endurance training is very important to avoid these type of injuries. 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is another very common injury secondary to repetitive motion of the hands and wrists and if recognized soon can be treated easily with a wrist brace worn at night times.  I am seeing a significant prevalence in trigger finger injuries, mostly secondary to use of Blackberry’s and IPODs, where we are now calling these injuries Blackberry thumbs and IPOD fingers.  These are secondary to repetitive use of the thumb/fingers, which result in inflammation of the flexor tendon(s) sheaths and the tendon gets caught in a tunnel as it glides, creating a locking or snapping of the finger.  These if recognized early can be treated with exercises and anti-inflammatory medications. 

ST: Are arthroscopic procedures getting any easier for patients?

Dr. HORMOZ: As one of the pioneers in arthroscopic surgery, I have witnessed a dramatic change in the way joint problems have been treated through the evolving techniques in arthroscopic surgery.  Arthroscopic surgery has proven to be one of the most important minimally invasive surgeries available today.  For those who have ignored their ongoing joint pain, arthroscopic surgery can serve as a renovating joint procedure. Nutritional and pharmacalogical treatments as well as biomechanical and physical rehabilitation can then be used until the patient’s problem is either resolved or stabilized favorably.  Arthroscopic surgery is mostly performed as an outpatient procedure with less post-operative pain and a faster recovery. 

The Zahiri’s multi-disciplined preventive approach consists of a program to fit an individual’s needs. Patient follow-up they say makes a difference between partial or complete recovery. Christopher has expanded his research as an innovator with three patents on orthopedic devices and two others as patent pending.  He and his father are currently working on an orthopedic implant that is set to revolutionize the treatment of a specific problematic fracture and will be available to the market in the near future. 

ST:  There are many degenerative/age related diseases as we grow older. Take for instance osteoarthritis. How do we know if we have it and how can we best manage it?

Dr. CHRISTOPHER:  Osteoarthritis is basically the wear and tear of the joints.  As the articular cartilage wears out, it eventually results in joint deformity and bone on bone contact at the joint level.  Most commonly, it is caused by normal aging, obesity, previous intra-articular fractures, and excessive use.  Most common symptoms are pain and stiffness of the joint(s).  The best preventative management is weight loss and a routine exercise program.  Exercise will keep the joints supple and strengthens the surrounding tendons and ligaments around the joints preventing joint deformities, thus slowing down the degenerative process of the joints. 

ST:  Why do so many people sustain injuries with exercising, when they are trying to do the right thing?

Dr. CHRISTOPHER:  Most of the people that get injured while exercising are generally the “weekend warriors”, which means that they have not trained their muscles in a gradual sustainable method and all of a sudden they perform a high demand task that their muscles are not accustomed to, resulting in different types of tendon/ ligament injuries.  Take for example, tennis and golf that are sports that require great amount of skill.  It is usually one bad swing that results in the injury.  Therefore, to avoid such injuries, one has to perform cross training with strength and endurance training to excel in these sports and avoid injuries.  It is essential that people should have a routine daily exercise program to best avoid musculoskeletal injuries.  I tell my patients that they should start thinking about exercise like the way they think about brushing their teeth, EVERY DAY.

By Suzanne Takowsky
Photo: David Sobel 

JUDGE JEANINE PIRRO: The Debate Over Roman Polanski

The Debate Over Roman Polanski

JUDGE JEANINE PIRRO former District Attorney and County Court Judge, elected politician, legal commentator, best-selling author and frequent legal contributor on the “Today” and “Larry King Live”shows, champions women’s & human rights.

It was a sex crime and scandal heard around the world.  Famed film director Roman Polanski held the world’s heart strings when his beautiful actress wife Sharon Tate was brutally murdered by the Manson family.  Then, a 360 degree turn from grieving husband whose wife and unborn child were slaughtered to  headlines that he was accused of raping a 13-year old girl (Samantha Geimer), who he had asked to photograph for a French magazine.  The scenario went like this: Polanski arranged two photo shoots with the girl: One near her home, outdoors, and with trees and flowers; the other at actor Jack Nicholson’s home in L.A., with alcohol, drugs, oral sex, rape, sodomy and her naked in the jacuzzi.  Polanski was arrested and charged with rape, sodomy, child molestation and giving drugs to a minor.  He managed to worm out of charges that any other man would have gone to the pokey for and—with no get-out-of-jail-free-card. Polanski was allowed to plead guilty to ‘unlawful sex with a minor’ and still that wasn’t good enough for him.  He fled the United States before being sentenced, and has been a fugitive from justice for 32 years. Finally arrested (at age 76) in Switzerland, he is now asking for mercy, and that the charges be dropped.

ST: The case has some Hollywood celebs  screaming “not guilty” but the rest of world is looking for justice for victims.

JP:  This is no different than any child abuse case with a pedophile who raped a child.  He could have spent 50 years in prison.  To those who say he should not be held accountable, I say, hogwash!  This guy can’t say, “I’m not guilty”  he has already pled guilty!  He thinks the 45 days he spent at the Chino State prison under- going a psychiatric evaluation is sufficient as time served.  He fled jurisdiction afraid that the judge would sentence him more harshly.  He could have stayed,  done a plea withdrawn and started from square one.  But he wasn’t man enough to do that.  He put his tail between his legs and ran.  Now he wants mercy he never gave his victim.

Since Polanski has been on the run his life and movie career have continued to soar; in 2002 he won an Oscar for a movie he directed, “The Pianist” and was on his way to the Zurich Film Festival to pick up an honorary award when police nabbed him at the airport.

French-born Polanski moved to Poland with his parents as a child, then watched them arrested by Nazi’s, and his mother die in Auschwitz Nazi death camp.  He lived in the Krakow’s Jewish ghetto before escaping.  Supporters say the trauma of his childhood and surviving the Holocaust left a dark print on his mental state and because of it… leniency should be a consideration.

ST: What about the fact that victim has long ago forgiven him?

JP: The LAPD has sought his arrest in no less than nine countries.  People say if the victim has forgiven him and supports a dismissal why can’t the court system.  But this isn’t about her and him—and by the way he paid her $500,000 in a civil settlement suit—this is the criminal justice system; the State of California vs. one-Roman Polanski.  He has pled “guilty” to a crime; he is a fugitive from justice, he has established himself as a flight risk; he is a convicted pedophile.   

ST: What about the celebrity support?

JP: I think they have underscored the difference between the morals of every- day America and that Polanski is a convicted pedophile, who shouldn’t be exonerated because he is a great director.  I’ve read the transcripts from the Grand Jury testimony.  Nothing gives anyone the right to rape a child and make no mistake—this was rape.  Polanski like every other defendant could have had his original plea withdrawn.  Because the victim has forgiven him…well I’m sorry…forgiveness is for God.  People identify celebrities with roles they play, but that is not who they are in real life.  Celebrities start to believe the hype that they are above the rest of us,  should be treated differently and don’t have to abide by the same rules as the rest of us.  They are no different than we are.       

ST: What’s next if he returns to the U.S.?

JP: He was given the plea bargain of the century because of his celebrity.  A 6-count indictment was reduced to unlawful sex with a minor.  He can move to withdraw his plea and start the case over.  But as it stands—he is convicted and is coming back for sentencing.

Watch “Judge Jeanine Pirro”on FOX, Monday thru Friday at 3:00 p.m.

By Suzanne Takowsky

Lorena Sarbu: Elegant Timeless Couture

For designer Lorena Sarbu the world of design has always represented infinite magical possibilities.  Through her couture creations, Lorena envisions and engenders the wealth of this artistic medium which embodies whether in premium or in trickle down styling—the influence and relevance of fresh and re-imagined design.  Having designed for socialites, young and veteran Hollywood actresses, and women who know and appreciate exquisite design artistry, Lorena’s next chapter will unveil her ready to wear line to the world. 

Lorena’s passion for design began as a child in Romania.  Constructing a couture wardrobe for her collection of dolls was not miscellaneous play- time, but a forecast into her future. As a young adult, following the strong academic back- ground example placed by her parents, she studied psychology at the local University. Even though she excelled in this curriculum, the dreams she had as a little  girl of being a designer never left her thoughts. Lorena knew her path and her calling was in the fashion industry. Upon graduating, she moved to Chicago where she formally began her studies in design.  She implemented her major study with a minor in business.  During her education process, Lorena continued to work on her own design ideas, building from a foundation of classic melded with elegantly sexy.  This would be an integral blueprint equation for the unique, timeless and refreshing signature of a Lorena Sarbu creation.

For Lorena, along with structural philosophy is the philosophy of accessibility.  She does not subscribe to the theory that design is handcrafted for the entitled.  This is evident in the aura of her two boutiques.  Set up as a solace as opposed to symbolist impression, Lorena’s boutiques have been constructed from within to embrace the lives of every woman, evoking and exuding their inner beauty in an environment that encourages the strength of individuality and femininity.

In her couture designs, Lorena has merged individual with time, place and event with a fresh, crisp clarity, which has set her apart from her contemporaries.  Not broadening, but honing even more succinctly, Lorena brings a couture sensibility to her namesake ready to wear line.  Encompassing the unique cornucopia of textiles, shapes and ornamental detail found in her made to order creations, the Lorena Sarbu line incorporates couture quality and flavor into ready to wear, culminating into versatile, functional pieces on a more immediate scale.

In 2009, Lorena’s couture designs have garnered the attention and affections of the Hollywood community. Her design presence was showcased on four actresses at the 2009 Emmys.  At the 36th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, beautiful and young actresses Tamara Braun and Emily O’Brien chose Lorena Sarbu to wear for their big night. Tamara Braun walked away that evening with her first Emmy for her portrayal of Ava Vitali on “Days of Our Lives.” Subsequently, at the 62nd Annual Prime-time Emmy Awards, veteran actresses Shohreh Aghdashloo and Sharon Lawrence also graced the Red Carpet in Lorena Sarbu couture.  Aghdashloo won her first Emmy that night in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Mini Series or Movie.

Lorena Sarbu Beverly Hills
443 N Bedford Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
E-Mail | email@lorenasarbu.com
310.246.0515

Top10BeverlyHills.com - The Most Exclusive List In Town

Top10BeverlyHills.com

Top10BeverlyHills.com

From The Editor

ME & RALPH 

A few weeks ago we hosted a book signing event for Ralph Nader, at the Beverly Hills Country Club.  It was HOT!  Ralph is HOT! and so is his right arm guy Matt Zawisky!  Matt asked me to introduce Mr. Nader; I was thrilled.  Ralph is what I call a MAVERICK. He gets slack every presidential election from the left and right wingers for taking away votes; he could care less.  He does  what he needs to do to get America up and running and Washington on track.  My intro was about the day I called Mr. Nader’s office out of the blue and said, ‘hey you don’t know me, but how about doing a regular column in my magazine to upgrade our minds  from fluff to reality?  I was totally having a ‘feel the fear and do it anyway day’ or it would have hit me that Ralph Nader has a million more important things to do than write for my magazine.  But guess what? He said, YES!  Now he’s my Superman fighting for truth, justice and the American way of life.  And judging from the book signing I’m not the only one who feels this way.  People drove from all over California just to see him.   Most definitely—a cool dude!   

ME & MIKE

Months ago when I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis I freaked.  I heard so many awful things that I thought I was screwed. But one of the perks of my job is that I meet the best-of-the-best in every field you can imagine.  Mr. Mooney is one of those guys; one of the most knowledgeable human beings on planet earth when it comes to combating disease with nutrition & dietary supplements.  He has worked in health & nutrition for 30 years; serving eight terms as Political Committee Chairperson and 

Co-Chairperson of the Northern California Chapter of the National Nutritional Foods Association.  He is a powerhouse.  He and his father co-founded SuperNutrition Life Extension Research, an organization that researches nutrition, supplements  and illness.  Mike put me on an insane combo of mega-potent vitamins to reduce the inflammation that is core to rheumatoid arthritis.  I’m  a doubting Thomas about most things, not any more.  In less than a  month my symptoms are in remission, no pain, joint swelling is practically zero.  I feel like a million bucks.  He calls me “his baby girl” …I’m his health project.  How lucky can a girl get?  Taking a look at how I was feeling a month ago and the transformation to now …I have to say I am very lucky!  Mike rocks and so does his approach to rebuilding health. Every month we will feature Mike’s new column about how to stay healthy (check out page 32).  He’s agreed to work with me in getting out info to help those with RA, to get their symptoms under control. HOORAY FOR MIKEY! 

ME & SIMIN

What can I say about my Cover Girl this month Simin Hashemizadeh except that she is an incredible example to women everywhere that faith, determination and perseverance get you what you want in life.  Whether she is helping support Larry King and his Heart Foundation, offering free surgery to someone who needs medical help but can’t afford it, or running around between her three surgical facilities in L.A., she is a busy, successful, 24/7 working woman who still finds the time to love and care for her family and friends.

Suzanne Takowsky
Editor In Chief 

« Previous Page — Next Page »