“Gameboy” Back – Protecting your Child from the Newest Culprit in Spinal Ailments

By Aly Wagonseller

Anyone that has worked sitting at a computer for years on end knows the havoc it can create on our posture, back and neck alignment. Unfortunately, doctors worldwide are discovering that children as young as eight years old are presenting with adult-like spinal issues not seen since the lack of child labor laws allowed kids to work in factories.  Herniated discs, curvature of the spine and an inability to touch their toes is becoming more common, resulting in a generation of children plagued with chronic back problems before they reach the legal age to vote.

Discovering the reason behind this phenomenon is as simple as sneaking a peek at your youngster while playing video games or texting their friends on their smartphones.  “Spending hours hunched over gaming devices, tablets and phones is causing a curvature of the spine in many children,” says Dr. Andrew Cash, a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon at Desert Institute of Spine Care. “Increasing numbers of children are developing serious spinal problems such as slipped discs and damaged posture that, in some cases, leads to back pain earlier in life,” he adds.  The condition has been nicknamed “Gameboy Back” with a nod to just one of the many offending devices our children use on a daily basis. 

What to Do?

Of course limiting the amount of time your child is hunched over tech gadgets would be dreamy, and is a definite possibility for younger children.  Yet, as many parents of a tween or teen know, this may not be possible considering the hierarchy these devices play in our child’s daily school, work and social play routines.  A more practical solution may be to introduce and practice healthy spine and stretching strategies the entire family can benefit from.  Dr. Lovaas from The Joint…The Chiropractic Place in Las Vegas suggests these tips to help maintain a healthy spine now and in the future.

• If your kids are going to play video games, encourage games and game consoles which require movement, like the Nintendo Wii and Xbox Kinect.  Games that require movement are better than games that require nothing more than sitting on a couch. 

• If you don’t want to rush out and replace your gaming console, consider an inflatable exercise ball.  Replace the comfy chair or couch with the ball – this then requires children to engage their core muscles, even when playing video games.

• Micro-breaks from gaming, texting, and computer use are essential for adults and children alike.  These breaks allow you to get up and exercise the muscles opposite to the ones you use while sitting.  Stand up from that video game, reach your hands above your head and lean back for short stretches.  A 30 second stretch every 30 minutes will make a significant difference.

Technology is certainly here to stay, and will only become more important in the future lives of our children.  By starting young and starting NOW with techniques to prevent the damaging effects of “Gameboy Back,” we can live comfortably in techie harmony for many years to come.  

A Looker With Promise – The Sparklings Barstaurant

By Aly Wagonseller

People go to restaurants for different reasons.  Sometimes we journey out for linen tablecloths, glowing candles and the hautest cuisine that money can buy.  Other occasions call for great happy hour drinks and appies, or a casual chain establishment that serves up ample portions of decent tasting food at a price point we can live with.  The newest venture of restaurateur Sophia Hwang, owner of both Soyo Korean Barstaurant and Oyshi Sushi, is none of the above. It’s an eclectic combination of them all. The Sparklings Barstaurant, located at 8310 So. Rainbow Blvd, is a Strip worthy neighborhood restaurant and bar that’s polished and pretty to look at, with food that, while at times may be a bit underwhelming, manages to satisfy the need for a chic evening out on a relatively low budget.

Sophisticated and quite stylish, this is the kind of place you want to linger and hang out. Clean lines dictate the mood with white, open beam ceilings, wood floors and marble-like tabletops. Chairs are a shabby mix of upholstered club style or wood, and unique alcoves are outfitted with charming china cabinets filled with country-chic tableware and a sprinkling of random red ceramic roosters and similar paraphernalia.  The focal point of the room is an enormous crystal chandelier that hangs above a grouping of eye catching floral arrangements, suitably purposed to add color and refinement to the otherwise monochromatic space. A separate bar is very much in keeping with the clubs on LV BLVD with sexy lighting and intimate banquette seating, while an outdoor patio area that’s yet to be utilized adds additional space for future, springtime al fresco dining.

Conversely, The Sparklings sparkling interior is clearly more refined than their menu offerings.  I’m not saying that this is a bad thing; after all, creamy pasta dishes, sandwiches and Caesar salad are diner staple items for a reason.  There are no $40.00 entrees –an excellent rendition of pan seared Atlantic Salmon can be had for half that price. In fact, the most expensive items on the menu are Filet and Rib Eye steak with all the trimmings, both priced at a reasonable $25.00.  What I am saying is that they could do just a tad bit more with what they have and score a grand slam home run as opposed to a one run selfie.  Take the Grape, Arugula and Ricotta Flat Bread that, while tasty, was served on the soggy equivalent of undercooked pita bread instead of a crispy shell that would have provided the necessary texture to showcase the delicious toppings. Easy fix. Or the bacon wrapped date meatballs, which lacked texture and taste due to bacon that appeared to have been boiled with meatballs in a very lackluster, I’ll say watery, tomato sauce. Great idea – just sub out a tasty sauce and crispy bacon and you’ve got a winner.

Not to say that bright spots didn’t make an appearance. The Crispy Gnocchi appetizer presented with nicely charred pasta and crispy Italian sausage, served in a rich and decadent pesto sauce that was quite nice.  A Roasted Beet and Apple Salad was a table fav – really delish – the crunch of candied walnuts, the earthy vegetable and spicy arugula dressed with balsamic vinaigrette a fresh choice to pair with some of the richer offerings. The aforementioned salmon was perfectly cooked with  expertly crisped skin that was to die for, and the Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta was also executed well, again with a diet busting cream sauce (but tasty none the less).

To be fair, The Sparklings is a newcomer, and based on the success of Hwang’s other two ventures, along with the detail and thought that went into the design of this space, I feel there’s a lot of promise.  And even as it stands now – a marriage of chic decor, trendy cocktails and mainstream food choices -it’s a great new addition to the neighborhood restaurant scene. For information, call them at 293-5003. 

Putting Spring Back In Your Skin

The elongated chilly evenings are soon to be replaced by those big yellow rays gleaming through the mountain peaks. Families are preparing for a splish-splash into spring break getaways and Moms are finally taking a few seconds to think beyond packing lunch boxes and carting kids to activities. Post getting-the-kids-out –the-door haze, you walk past a mirror and wonder, “Who is that haggard woman staring back at me, surely not moi?” The sleepless bags have settled into your orbital sockets, a stress pimple trumpets on your chin, and you haven’t shaved your legs since when?

Spring cleaning doesn’t just apply to the dust-bunnies under your bed. Spring is a time to think about cleaning, clearing, and rejuvenating the largest organ of your body, your skin.

On your next shopping trip, as you maneuver down the grocery or World Wide Web aisles, here are seven products you should not skip adding to your cart.

1. Cleansing:  The grime and oil of the day should be cleansed away morning and night for clean healthy looking skin. Washing more than twice daily can be drying and unnecessary. To banish desert flake, revive your skin using a gentle moisturizing wash like Aveeno Positively Radiant Brightening Cleanser. This product uses soy extract to improve the tone and texture of skin, while maintaining a gentle non-comedogenic nature. However, for oily skin, Cetaphil Dermacontrol is a great product to reduce sheen while not causing dryness.
2. Hydration: The arid Vegas air leaves your skin gasping for water. Dip your outer layer into a pool of moisture daily. CeraVe moisturizers provide a new technology called Ceramides to help fill in dry skin crevices with natural emollient promoters. Cetaphil offers a similar technology under the Restoraderm line. When picking a moisturizer know that lotions will be thinned with alcohol content, while creams will be thicker, and best for really thirsty skin. And don’t forget your lips! Keep your pout soft with a layer of gentle cream or a dab of Vaseline overnight.
3. Sun Protection: Sunscreen…Sunscreen…Sunscreen is a MUST throughout the year to protect skin from UV radiation. Excessive or even general daily sun exposure can unravel aging signs such as wrinkles, discoloration and, even more concerning, skin cancer. Incorporate sunscreen as part of your morning routine before applying make-up. If past experiences with acne induction, greasiness, or a white pasty look with sunscreens makes you hesitant; there are several options that defy these effects. Neutrogena Tone & Repair has the American Academy of Dermatology’s recommended SPF 30 incorporated into a light conditioning lotion along with several others containing helioplex technology to keep your product active longer. Cerave AM provides a moisturizing non-comedogenic lotion with SPF 30 while Vanicream Sunscreens are available for super-sensitive skin types.
4. Damage Control: Like Mom always said, “Eat your fruit and veggies,” as they are packed with skin rejuvenating Vitamins A, C, E, Coenzyme Q10, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Lycopenes, Flavanoids, and B vitamins. However, vitamins and minerals combined in the right topical concentration are also beneficial for the outside of your body. Antioxidant topicals should be part of a morning routine and can be found as a combination ingredient in some sunscreens. Neova Crème de la Copper is a popular antioxidant that has configured copper with DNA repair enzymes to target photo-damaged cells. Revaléskin Intense Recovery Treatment provides cutting edge ingredients such as coffeeberry, grape seed extract, green tea, and vitamin E to help fight photo-aging. If looking for an item on traditional store shelves, Neutrogena Healthy Defense combines a moisturizer, sunscreen, and the antioxidant Vitamin E.
5. Wrinkle Repelling: Before the creases of mature skin start to settle, it’s important to kick-start youthful skin with a nightly retinol. Find RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream or Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum stocked in neighborhood beauty venues. For medical grade products, check out La Roche-Posay Redermic or Obagi Retinols that come in two strengths based on your skin type. For those with sensitive skin opt for Avene YsthéAl Anti-Wrinkle Cream.
6. Smoothing and brightening: Hyaluronic acids are often used to firm and plump saggy areas, like under the eyes. Neostrata Eye Cream is a gentle formula which includes this, plus, ingredients like green tea and primrose. Neova Refining Eye Lift is another such product, but with the added benefit of argireline and saccharomyces lysate extract to relax wrinkles and reduce puffiness. La Roche-Posay offers Redermic R Eyes Antiaging Corrector for those with sensitive skin while Olay Total Effects Eye Treatment offers a vitamin and herbal punch for eye circles and puff.
7. Lightening: Sun damage, pregnancies, and hormones can all cause uneven splotches on skin. Regain an even tone with the use of medical grade products containing a lightening agent called hydroquinone. Neocutis produces Blanche which contains hydroquinone and melaplex to more effectively diminish dark spots. On store shelves, pick up Physicians Formula Dark Spot Corrector which is packed with spot fading soy, algae, and Bellis flower.

Finding the right skin product can be like walking through a maze, but these options provide over-the-counter and medical grade selections for a daily beauty regimen. To ensure you’re not just paying for a product that sits on the top of your skin rather than sinking into it, purchase brands that invest in the science behind the product. There are reputable varieties available in stores as previously explored. However, the cosmeceuticals mentioned above are medical grade cosmetic products only available through special beauty retailers and health care practices. These items provide consumers with higher concentrations and diversity of substances to enhance effectiveness. If your skin has advanced signs of aging, however, it may need more oomph than non-prescription products can provide. Consult with your dermatology clinician for stronger prescription grade topicals, as well as options for botulinum toxins, fillers, chemical peels and lasers to spring your skin back into youth.

Erika Kimble, MA, MS, APRN is a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner at Linda Woodson Dermatology in Las Vegas. She is an award winning author of the Malcolm Finney, Medical Detective, children’s health series, mother of two, wife, and new resident to the 89135 area. You may find more information about Erika and her professional work at www.bandagesandbooboos.com . The author has no formal affiliation with the products listed. The above information if for educational purposes and does not substitute medical advice from your health car

DIY in the DTLV

Raise your hand if you knew, tucked away in Downtown Las Vegas, you had access to a space, tools and classes that could make all of your Do It Yourself (DIY) dreams come true? Anyone? Bueller? We didn’t either, but we’ve since discovered it, and we’re intrigued. Syn Shop, The Las Vegas Hackerspace (117 N 4th St., www.synshop.org) in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas is a collective working space for self-proclaimed “makers” a.k.a. tinkerers, artists, designers, inventors and just those interested in learning a craft.

Hackerspace?

If you’re picturing a dark room, lit only by computer screens as a full-fledged government database breach is taking place, you’re not alone. We have an idea of what “hacker” means, and the picture normally isn’t pretty. In fact, a “hackerspace” is much less diabolical and much more geared toward creating a community of likeminded individuals who are interested in “making things.” It’s become a movement in the last decade spawning similar co-working spaces in cities around the nation.

Walking in to Syn Shop feels more like woodshop than a computer lab. The roughly 2,500 square foot area is an eclectic fusion of classroom space, tools (not so much hammer and nails…more like 3D printers, sewing machines and the granddaddy of all CNC precision wood cutters, the Shopbot) and resident “projects” like the empty, beat up vending machine patiently waiting for a revival. Maybe it will be used “Google-style” to house computer peripherals like keyboards or mice instead of soda and potato chips. Time will tell.

From the sign that greets you as you enter (“Stay hungry, stay foolish”) to the almost life-sized Darth Vader head fashioned from layers etched out by one of the precision cutters, the Syn Shop achieves a playfulness and whimsy around creation. As an admittedly fair weather hobbyist, I felt pumped to build something the second I stepped foot in the building. Even the smell of the place, a hint of burnt plastic and sawdust, makes you feel productive.

How Does It Work?

A quick visit to the Syn Shop website may be a little intimidating. The premise of the space is, after all, based in technology. However, if you’ve not brushed up on your Boolean Logic, never fear. Syn Shop co-founders Pawel Szymczykowski and Susan Hinton assure that the space is perfect for all kinds of hobbies – from computer networking to needlecraft. It’s a dream it, do it mentality and all-walks (men, women and children) from across the city, including Henderson and Summerlin, swing by the shop to get their creative fix.

Visitors can take advantage of the space in two ways: attend public classes (averages about $20 per person) or become a member (starts at $40/month).  Classes at Syn Shop run the gamut. If you’re a tinkerer, live to figure out how things work and like to indulge in a little geeky (that’s a term of endearment) catharsis you may opt for DIY World Domination Night on Mondays, dedicated to robots and technology. If you’re itching to learn how to sew, or make adorable jewelry with a 3D printer like co-founder Sue Hinton, you’re likely to join in on Wednesday craft nights. Upon perusal of upcoming classes we note everything from “Building Wearable Tech Butterfly Wings” to “DIY Chocolate Treats” and beyond. And leaders of the shop are always taking suggestions, as well as welcoming new potential teachers who would like to share a skill.

Children are encouraged and there are often no age limits for classes, but will be stated if that’s the case. Instructors are professional, and focus on safety especially in classes dealing with electricity or cutting. Much of the time materials are provided, unless indicated otherwise.  The facility is open Monday-Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Syn Shop also hosts the annual Las Vegas Mini Maker Faire, where they showcase exhibitors, inventors and artists as well as hold workshops. Last year nearly 700 people attended the event, scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at The Learning Village in Downtown Las Vegas (715 Fremont St.). For more information about Syn Shop visit www.synshop.org. For more on Maker Faire Las Vegas visit www.makerfairevegas.com.

Berry Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream Frosting

[yumprint-recipe id=’22’]

“Edamame” Guacamole with Chile Dusted Pita Chips

[yumprint-recipe id=’21’]

Light and Fresh Potato Salad

[yumprint-recipe id=’20’]

Italian Pesto Muffaletta

[yumprint-recipe id=’19’]

Sunshine, Sandwiches and Snacks

Food for Picnic Perfect Fun.
Food Stylist: Aly Wagonseller
Art Director: Kristi Stephenson
Photographer: Dave Smith

Unlike many parts of the country where the ground’s still solid with frost and winter wardrobes have yet to be packed away for the season, we Las Vegans are spoiled with beautiful weather in the early months of spring.  Moderate temperatures and sunny days beckon us outdoors, where fun in the sun can be had in all areas of the valley from Lake Mead to Spring Mountain Ranch, to the more desolate trails and slot canyons that dot our horizon.  No matter where you choose to bask in nature’s glory, bringing along a picnic lunch can take your outing to a whole new level.  Easy to prepare and tote food items are key, with an emphasis on choosing recipes that will hold up during your travels, while remaining both safe and tasty to consume. 

[egslider]

When considering food safety for al fresco dining, a few simple tips apply: 

• Refrain from using mayonnaise based salads or spreads, choosing healthier and more spoil resistant options including olive oil, mustard, pesto and hummus or vegetable based dips instead. 
• When packing your cooler, institute the 75-25 rule.  Fill your ice chest with 25% ice (preferably larger chunks that can be frozen in milk carton containers and won’t melt as quickly as smaller cubes), and 75% food.  Place ice on the bottom and sides of the cooler, positioning the heaviest and most perishable items on top of the ice then filling in the remaining spaces with lighter items. 
• Finally, protect your cooler from impeding heat by placing it in a shady spot upon arrival.  Even though it’s only spring, your ice chest can get quite hot if not protected from the sunny rays of the desert, making ice melt quicker and food warmer sooner.

We’ve got some amazing recipes for your next picnic adventure. They’re easy to prepare, travel well and are sure to satisfy a hungry crowd with discriminating taste.  From tasty pressed sandwiches or berry cobbler in a jar, to an absolutely mind blowing edamame “guacamole” dip, you’re sure to make any outing picnic perfect fun!

Preventing Pet Projectiles: The Importance of Pet Restraints

By Ashlee Verba 

When people think about a road trip, they typically wouldn’t dream of letting their son or daughter ride in the car without a seatbelt, right? But what about their furry family member(s)? In a recent study conducted by the American Pet Products Association, one-third of dog owners bring their pet along in the car when traveling for two or more nights. The same study revealed that nearly half (48 percent) of owners use no method to restrain their dog when traveling in the car. While this number has been steadily declining, when considering there are 83 million dogs owned in the United States, it’s safe to deduce that there are literally millions of dogs on the road that could become lethal projectiles in the event of an accident.

Accidents Do Happen
People are involved in car accidents every day. While clearly no one plans or anticipates these occurrences, at least with human passengers it’s mandated by most states that we wear a seat belt or secure our children in a car seat in an effort to proactively prevent bodily harm.  Consider what your pet may experience if involved alongside other, buckled-in family members. When traveling 35 miles per hour, a 50-pound dog can be ejected from a vehicle with a lethal force of 1,500 pounds; it only takes three pounds to break a human bone. It certainly makes you think. It’s not exactly rocket speed, yet can present with lethal consequences.

Not only are the lives of our pets in danger in the event of an accident, they can also serve as powerful distractions. Distracted driving accounted for ten percent of fatal crashes and 17 percent of injury-causing accidents in 2011, according to the US Department of Transportation. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety says that looking away from the road for a mere two seconds can double the chances of an accident. From making the lunge towards the front seat, wanting to be in your lap, or having a random bark outburst, chances are you pet can or will divert your attention from the road. 

What to Do
Since our pets are becoming more like family members, leaving them at home seems like a moot point. The trick is to find a way to travel with our pet in a safe manner.  Animal car restraints are the answer.   

While many types of restraints exist in the market place, finding a safe one can be a bit of a challenge. The Center for Pet Safety has recently made an attempt at establishing set guidelines for companies to meet when manufacturing these types of restraints, as currently there are none in place. Its goal is to ensure that all pet restraints keep vehicle passengers safe while maintaining the dog’s stability and restraining its movement. Additionally, a product that can help to stabilize the spine of the dog and limit rotation in the event of an accident will likely reduce the chance of injury of the dog in the case of an accident. The snag with establishing guidelines is that every dog is different – from breed sizes and ailments to how they comfortably sit in the car.

A New Breed in Buckling Up
The good news is, many pet companies have dedicated themselves to providing a variety of safety products for owners who love having their dog with them on the road. Kurgo® (www.kurgo.com) recently created the Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength 3085 Harness, the first-ever harness to be crash-tested for large dogs up to 85 pounds, making it a useful safety tool for owners of large breeds. Like the car industry, safety features have progressed over time and are always improving. Kurgo maintains that this particular harness has evolved over time and will continue to evolve as more research is made available. 

Crash-tested harnesses are rare, but they aren’t the only solution to doggy distractions:

• For small dogs, the pet travel experts make sturdy, easy-to-use booster seats that attach directly onto their walking harness, giving them a view of the road while securing them in place (check local pets stores or visit www.petco.com). 

• From Bergan® Pet Products (www.berganpet.com),  the Pet Travel Barrier is aptly named for serving as a wall between the front and back seat, preventing Fido from making a dangerous dash to the front. This simple, non-invasive product simply hooks around the front seats and still allows pets to see the road ahead.

• The Direct to Seatbelt Tether is as easy as it gets. For use with any walking harness, the adjustable Direct to Seatbelt Tether hooks onto harnesses and clips directly into the vehicle’s seatbelt, with no risk of misuse (check local pets stores or visit www.kurgo.com).

Cat owners don’t have as many options, seeing as cats aren’t usually ones for catching the wind in their fur. However, Bergan® also makes Comfort Carriers with well-ventilated sides, washable fleece beds and a Pet Connect™ feature that allows owners access to their pet without the risk of an escape.   

It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of the day and load pets into the car haphazardly, but integrating just one of these great safety products into your pet’s car ride can greatly reduce the risk of distracted driving or pets being ejected from the vehicle.  Remember that saving your pet’s (and passenger’s) life is as easy as getting into the same habits you do for your family…buckle up!