Do-it Yourself Acupressure
by Allison Howard
Itching

Q: I'm going backpacking next month. My one worry is that it seems as if I'm always the one to find the poison oak. (It's a great talent I have.) So I often end up itchy and unhappy. I was hoping there might be a point for itching.

A: Poison oak (that irritating plant that can cause burning and itching rash and sometimes even blisters) is especially toxic in the spring and early summer. So be especially aware for the next few months. Poison oak is a shrub that is common to the west and southwest. One great way to distinguish it (since its color will change from green to almost red throughout the season) is to stay alert for its leaves, which always grow in clusters of three, one at the end of the stock and the other two opposite each other.

The best way to deal with the intense itching that this toxic plant can cause is, of course, to avoid it in the first place. If the damage is done however, there is a point on the gallbladder meridian that's helpful for itching. Fengshi (gallbladder 31) is located when you fully extend your arms while standing, at the point where your middle finger hits the lateral side of your thigh. Feel around to locate the most tender spot and then, using moderate pressure, hold it for at least a minute while breathing deeply.

Another soothing remedy for itching is lavender essential oil diluted with some water and sprayed over an itchy area or applied with a wet compress. Aloe vera applied topically and also internally can cool and soothe as well.

Poison oak is pure toxic heat in the body so drink lots of water to flush and cool the system. Be sure to avoid spicy foods and alcohol or caffeinated beverages and try to keep the diet simple and mild. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables during this time will help to alkalinize the system.

So try some alternatives to that old standby, Calamine lotion. And of course remember: Keep washing your hands after touching any affected area and most importantly, don't scratch (this can spread inflammation). Enjoy backpacking and best bet, keep your eyes open and avoid that poison oak altogether!

- Allison Howard, L.Ac. is a licensed acupuncturist & herbalist practicing on Riverside Dr. in No. Hollywood. 818-508-0885 or email allipuncture@msn.com.


Greta Blackburn's Stay Youthful!
Shape

Dear Greta,
I recently turned forty and I would love to know what kind of shape I am in.

Both of my parents have high cholesterol and other health issues. My brother was recently diagnosed with diabetes. I want to check out these and other health conditions and see where I stand, but it seems like it will take a lot of time to run around to all the various doctors for all the different types of check-ups. Is there a better way to get a total physical?
- Curious on Kester

Dear Curious,
Boy, am I going to save you a lot of time and energy. The Scripps Center for Executvie Health in La Jolla has just the plan for you! Their comprehensive physical exam is just what the doctor ordered! It's a one-stop, one day physical exam packed with the usual and the unusual. Three physicians and six allied health professionals provide a thorough health evaluation and lifestyle guidance for each client. Talk about early detection and prevention of illness!

Unlike the one hour (approximate) that you would get to determine everything under the guidelines of a managed care organization, you get a full day of persoanlized assessments. You meet with a specialist in Internal Medicine or Family Practice, a Board-certified gastroenterologist, and, if indicated, a Board-certified cardiologist. They focus on lifestyle and the heredity factors, like those which you have mentioned. The environment is that of a relaxing day spa rather than an impersoanl clinic or office.

Approximately 24 hours after your examination you recieve a complete verbal report of test results from your lead physician. This is followed by a comprehensive written health report for your permanent medical records.

The Scripps Center for Executive Health is located at 9850 Genesee Avenue, Ste 520 in La Jolla, CA. The number there is 858-626-4460. It's the perfect place for you to get a clue, Curious!
- Greta is an actress and a dancer in Los Angeles. Go to www.fitcamp.com for more info! Send your questions on beauty and longevity to Greta at GretaBFIT@aol.com


Cecily Speaks
by Cecily Knobler

Holidays

It is Monday at 9:30am, and I have no President's Day BBQs to attend. It seems that no one has thought to include me in the celebration of America's best and brightest leaders. Jordan calls and tells me we're going to Tijuana. I ask him if he's running from the law, and when he says no, I agree to go as long as he doesn't lecture me on why all of my relationships are failing. Sure, he says, but we're hitting a strip club.

We're cruising down the 405, singing "Rocky Raccoon." and life is good. We stop at a Mobil station where I buy corn-nuts and two Lucky Dog lottery scatchers. I'm gonna get us out of this one-horse town, I tell Jordan. I scratch off the numbers and win two dollars. "Okay, I can't get us out of this one-horse town just yet, but I can buy us beef jerky."

Back on the road, I decide we have to play the "who would you rather have sex with" game; the game ends when Jordan chooses the cartoon bee from the Honey Nuts Cheerios commerical over Madeline Albright. Somethings are just wrong. What's life without standards?

We argue radio stations the rest of the way to the border, where he pulls out a little pamphlet and says with resolve, "I think we should have lunch at La Jirafa Mugrienta," which I find out later means "The Filthy Giraffe."  I tell him he's speaking my language.

We find the place nestled in between a pile of rocks and an English-titled yarn store called, "Yarniation", which he finds much funnier than I do. The restaurant's waiter is lovely and inviting, however only speaks Spanish, and he seems disturbed when I ask him (in the best Spanish I can muster) if there is a lunch special.

Jordan then tells me I actually said, "I like special time with my giraffes." The waiter brings us two shots of tequila and some tacos but won't make eye contact me. Six shots and two margaritas later, we are yelling at each other whether Abe Lincoln was a Whig or a Tory and then Jordan passes out.

When he comes to, he announces that we should probably go back home, but I can't hear him because I am under the table puking. After a while, we head for the car. "Well, this beat moping around at home," he says. I'm too sick to argue, so I say nothing and think how proud our past presidents would be. When we're state-side, I throw out my last dig and tell him, "We never went to the strip-club."

"I think we really should save stuff like that for more meaningful holidays," he says, "like Christmas." It's another day off of work and all I can say is, I love it.

- Cecily Knobler is a stand-up comedian, and former morning host on KZLA.

Daily Dudes

(Left to right) Jeremy Ralph 18 and Ben Tompkins 18:
Jeremy plays the stocks and is a promoter for various clubs. Jeremy sees himself 7 years from now owning a bunch of real estate and throwing parties in San Diego. His quote for the year is "Whenever you're about to judge someone, remember not everyone is as fortunate as you are,"
- Jimmy Hoffa.

Ben Tompkins likes playing music, snow boarding and going to concerts. Likes alternative to heavy metal music. He's been playing guitar in a band for two years. They are called 4 Play. You can catch them headlining at the Whisky. Ben sees himself 7 years from now on tour doing interviews and putting records out. His quote, "Make your life. Don't let it make you."

(Ok we will watch these two guys to see if they live up to their expectations. But no offense, guys, we are not going to hold our breath.)



The 6th Element
by Juan Maldonado

Hip Hop Fashions part 1
As the economic conditions in this country continue to deteriorate, and the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, a disturbing trend amongst hip hop clothing lines and retailers continues to increase. What disturbing trend, you ask? The practice of setting the prices for their designer clothes so high that they are nearly unattainable for the same people that they are marketing these clothes to, the urban youth.

The public has generally accepted that designer clothing traditionally costs a little more because of the sense of prestige that’s attached to it. The fashion world has long been ruled by both American pop-culture and European influence. The influence that hip hop has over the fashion world now is astounding, many times dictating what will be in or out each season. But amongst all the excitement this may have caused, the designers have lost sight of who is hip hop and where hip hop came from: the ghettos and the ghetto youth.

The prices that designer brands such as Sean John, Rocawear, DADA, FUBU and many others set tend to alienate the very people who support them. Even conscious-minded groups such as Outkast have come out with a clothing line that for the most part is too expensive for most people who are living check-to-check to be able to afford. Demonstrating that even righteous artists have fallen victim to the greed bug that is spreading like wildfire within hip hop.



That's Amoré
Advice for the Romantically Challenged
by Laura Charelian
The C Word


Dear Laura,

My best friend just turned 40 and desperately wants a family. She’s considering marrying a man she’s known for about 2 years. He seems totally devoted to her, but I don’t think she really loves him. I’m afraid she’ll marry him just to have a kid and ruin her life. Should I say anything to her?
- Wondering in West Hollywood


Dear W.:
I hear your concern, but save it. Your best friend and her man are both adults and can make their own decisions. Whether she marries him or not she’ll need your support, so don’t jeopardize your friendship by getting involved at this point.

The only thing predictable about affairs of the heart is their unpredictability. We could speculate forever, so let’s just look at best/worst case scenarios:

Worst case – They marry and have a child. In the day-to-day reality of marriage, romantic ambivalence turns to destructive resentment, eventually producing irreconcilable friction that drives them apart. She ends up alone, “mit Kinder.” Using a sperm donor would have been a lot easier. (Note: obviously, marriage doesn’t guarantee a baby. Just because you say “I do” doesn’t mean Mr. Sperm and Miss Egg will, also.)

Best case – They marry and have a child. Over time, she learns to love and appreciate her husband for being the stand-up guy that he is, his love for her grows stronger, and they live happily ever after.

If a family is truly what your friend wants, she should make the commitment to that vision. After being with this man for two years, she’ll know if he is husband material. The guy may have a lot more to him than meets the eye and could make a good mate. No one is forcing her to do anything; if it really feels wrong she can walk away.

This man has been brought into your friend’s life for a reason. He could be the opportunity for her to realize her vision of family, or merely a lesson in what she wants from a relationship. It is up to her to decide. Parenthood and marriage are life-changing commitments, with a capital C. If your friend keeps commitment as the operative word, she has half a chance of making her dreams come true. As a friend, you can do this: recommend What To Do Between Birth and Death, a wonderful book by Charles Spezzano, to your friend now. It won’t make the decision for her, but it will sure help.

Send your love-related questions or comments to amore@us.inter.net.