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Celebrating with Seniors at the Holidays & Year Round
Don't let COVID put a damper on this year's holiday activities - and we don't just mean Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are holidays to celebrate throughout the year and so many things you can do with loved ones to share your love and the spirit of whatever season we're in.
Here are some favorites.
December 12 National Ding-a-Ling Day
It all started back in the early 70s when several friends created the Ding-A-Ling Club. The idea was to be friendlier to one another by keeping in touch - and the sound that the phone would make back then was a ding-a-ling! So, the goal is to get in touch with anyone whom you haven't spoken to or heard from in some time. Reminisce, trade photos and have fun!
December 9 Christmas Card Day
Here's a fun one: Get together and create your own cards or circle the computer and choose just the right e-cards.
December 28 Card Playing Day
Dating back to the ninth century when the Chinese actually developed the first card games, this holiday is a great time to connect with loved ones who've grown tired this year of playing Solitaire.
Second Week of January Letter Writing Week
Help your loved one use up all that stationary you've been storing for years and make contact with old friends and neighbors.
January 21 National Hugging Day
We know hugging can reduce stress and help keep us all well - and once you start, it's hard to stop. They even did a study on how long a hug should last. The answer is 20 seconds - that's the length of time it takes for the body to release oxytocin, often called the Love Hormone. It works to lessen depression and anxiety both for the hugger and the huggee.
Home Instead Senior Care for Santa Clarita & Antelope Valleys 254-8701

Stocking Stuffers that will make them Smile
From kid-friendly Marvel-inspired toothbrushes to eco-friendly all-bamboo finds for your Greenpeace teen, dental-hygiene products can actually make pretty great holiday gifts.
Here our some of our favorites:
• Novelty toothpastes in flavors ranging from bacon to bubble gum still boast vital ingredients like flouride - and they're sure to get a laugh.
• Have you seen the cute little "teeth timers" on Amazon? They're an adorable way to encourage your littles to brush for the recommended two minutes.
• The StarSmilez Kids Tooth Brushing Buddy comes in a variety of characters and helps you introduce the hows and whys of good oral care to your youngsters. These pals get great reviews from parents with children who have special needs.
• An electric toothbrush or Waterpic is a welcome gift for adults, especially seniors or those who struggle with joint pain or arthritis.
And if you really want to wow 'em, gift them with a professional teeth whitening from your favorite dental office!
Dr. Marvin Tong, DDS 268-6284

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Home Tour League
Celebrates the 41st Annual Holiday Home Tour
Annual Holiday Home Tour & Preview Gala Inspire "Memories & Traditions" While Supporting Henry Mayo's Center for Women & Newborns
It's the most wonderful time of the year - The Holiday Home Tour is coming to town! This year, home design enthusiasts will virtually view three beautifully-decorated homes crafted by the most talented and imaginative interior designers and homeowners. The sparkle and shine of the elaborate home decor is only a small part of this magical event. This annual fundraiser that includes the Virtual Tour, Gala and Boutique benefits Henry Mayo's Center for Women and Newborns which is really the "Reason for the Season."
The Holiday Home Tour is generously sponsored by Santa Clarita Real Estate Management (SCREM), and this year's season will kick-off on Friday, December 3 with a gala complete with dinner and dancing plus a video presentation featuring the three fabulous Santa Clarita homes.
On Saturday, December 4, the festivities will continue with the Holiday Home Tour's Boutique - and admission is free!
Tickets may be purchased online. one.bidpal.net/hometour2021

Friday | December 3
Holiday Home Tour Gala
Begins at 6pm

Saturday | December 4
Holiday Home Tour Boutique
Held at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital's Education Center from 9am to 4pm, this large boutique kicks off the holiday shopping season with handcrafted gifts, housewares, beauty items and more.
An optional VIP Boutique experience is available for $30 and includes access to the exclusive VIP lounge with refreshments; digital link to view the 2021 featured homes; access to premium raffle baskets with one free ticket included and more.

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Winter is a Great Time to Take Care of your Legs
Varicose and spider veins are a common problem found in approximately 25 percent of the population. A common misconception is that they tend to occur only in older patients and women only. In reality, they can be found in men and women of any age. Heredity is another risk factor for venous disease.
Because we stand or sit for prolonged periods of time, we make the leg veins work much harder than in any other part of our body. Leg veins normally carry blood back from the feet to the heart. Vein valves keep blood flowing in one direction. However, in many people, the valves and veins become abnormal and allow blood to flow backwards towards their ankles. This is called venous reflux. This then exerts pressure on the surface skin veins that bulge out. If left untreated, this can result in leg pain, restless legs, itching, cramping, swelling, ankle discoloration and thickened skin. Ultimately, it can cause open wounds or ulcers at the ankles. Left untreated this may lead to more serious medical issues.
At the LA Vein Center, Dr. Larisse K. Lee, a board certified vascular surgeon, will evaluate every patient thoroughly and tailor a treatment plan according to the individual's needs. LA Vein Center accepts Medicare and most major PPO insurance. 818-325-0400

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Pets Lower Depression & Stress so Don't Miss Valencia Acura's Pet Adoption Event
Science tells us what you pet cuddlers already know: interaction with your pet can really lift your spirits because it increases the "feel good" chemical - oxytocin - in your brain. Know what else can make you feel amazing? Saving a sweet animal from a shelter!
Just in time to get Fido, Mittens and Puddles settled in before the holidays, Valencia Acura is hosting their Pet Adoption Event on Saturday, November 20 from 10am to 1pm. Held in partnership with the LA County Castaic Animal Care Center, you'll be able to have a cozy meet and greet with dogs, cats, hamsters and Guinea pigs - all while checking out the '22 Acuras.
Valencia Acura 255-3000

Motivate Yourself with New Cycle Club Specials
Need a New Year's kick in the rear? Motivate Cycle Club is offering a new-member special - unlimited classes for only $129 - and your first class is free.
Motivate Cycle Club 713-8099

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Can You Guess America's 2021 most Popular New Year's Resolutions?
As we prepare for the New Year, the goal setters among us have already started fine tuning their 2022 resolutions. With that in mind, we thought it might be illuminating to peek at the most popular rezzies from '21, below.
#1. Doing More Exercise or Improving my Fitness
(50 percent)
#2. Losing Weight
(48 percent)
#3. Saving More Money
(44 percent)
#4. Improving my Diet
(39 percent)
#5. Pursuing a Career Ambition
(21 percent)
Interestingly, "Something Else" tracked higher at 14 percent than doing charity work or volunteering.
Data was found via Statista.com.

Mobi-C Artificial Disc is Designed to Maintain Neck

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Motion
Considering cervical disc replacement? Then you've likely heard of Mobi-C Cervical Disc, one of the most widely-used cervical discs in the world. Since it's first implantation in 2004, Mobi-C has been implanted in more than 75,000 spinal levels in 25 countries.
Mobi-C contains patented mobile bearing technology that allows the polyethylene core to slide and rotate inside the disc for self-adjustment to the cervical spine movements. This means that Mobi-C can react to the normal motion in the cervical spine.
In a recent trial study, Mobi-C overall trial success was 60.8 percent for Mobi-C and 34.6 percent for spinal fusion - a clear demonstration of statistical superiority. Dr. Kapil Moza is the largest volume leader in Mobi-C procedures in both Santa Barbara and Ventura County.
Kapil Moza, MD drmoza.com