Nadia Eftedal, world champion Latin dancer and owner of The Rhythm Room in Sherman Oaks.

Did you know that ballroom dancing can benefit both the mind and body? Ballroom dancing can condition the body, keep the heart in shape, build and increase stamina, develop the circulatory system, strengthen and tone the legs and body, increase flexibility and balance, help with weight loss and relieve stress. According to a 21-year study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, dancing can also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in the elderly.
Nadia Eftedal’s Rhythm Room in Sherman Oaks, which just opened in May, offers social dance lessons, along with a complete dancesport program for those interested in competitive ballroom. The studio also features wedding, debutante, quinceñera and bar/bat mitzvah dance preparation. Club Rhythm, a special dancesport program for kids, provides a strong foundation through group classes, private lessons and guided practice nights.
“We have numerous group classes to choose from,” says Nadia, a world champion Latin dancer. “Group classes are a great way to meet new people, and are a good economic value as well. We also have swing dances every month, which are a lot of fun and great exercise. Please view the calendar on our Web site (www.nadiasrhythmroom) for dates. We hope to see you soon!”

Nadia Eftedal’s Rhythm Room is located at 14261 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. For more information, please call (818) 501-RHYTHM (7498) or visit www.NadiasRhythmRoom.com.

Dr. Anne Dunev.

We know what being fit on the outside means good muscle tone, being strong and able to perform physical tasks energetically. There are levels to this, of course. But what does fitness mean on the inside? As a wellness consultant and nutritionist, my response is: you are as healthy and fit as your cells are. How do you know that your cells are healthy? The clues are as close as your own bathroom mirror.
First, check out your skin. Is it clear of all blemishes? Is the skin firm, and wrinkle-free? Is the skin tone even, and bright? Next, stick out your tongue. Is it light pink, without cracks or grooves? Is the tip of the tongue also light pink? Are your gums firm, pink and with no bleeding when you brush your teeth? Now look at the sclera (white part) or your eyes. Is the sclera white and clear, free of redness and irritation or any hint of yellow?
If you answer no to any of these questions, you have cells that are suffering. The outer tissues reflect the inner health. It may take a health detective to figure out where in the body the cells are in trouble. For example, the tongue is a barometer of intestinal health, and B vitamin deficiencies.
You can push the body by taking spin classes, and working out at the gym. But if the cells are not healthy, the body will wear out, leading to chronic disease.
Your body has 40-60 trillion cells. A billion cells are replaced every hour. Cells are made out of “building materials” like protein and minerals. Vitamins (vita-because they are vital to health) are “helpers” that unlock the process of building new cells.
The food you eat is the only place where the body can get the building materials to make healthy cells. If an essential element is missing, the body will make an inferior cell. That is the beginning of a disease state. Inferior cells cannot fight off infection, and organs and glands formed of inferior cells cannot function correctly.
Many conditions are not actual diseases, such as fatigue, insomnia, allergies, hormonal imbalances and mood imbalances, etc. But they are signs of deficiency, and can be helped with nutritional medicine and changes in diet and lifestyle. These days it is almost impossible to get all the nutrition you need from food because modern farming methods deplete the soil. The answer is not synthetic vitamins but whole food concentrates.
You can be “fit” inside and out at any age. Find out what your body needs, and have the energy and stamina you need to live the life you want.

Dr. Anne Dunev is a wellness consultant, nutritionist and naturopath at Lisa Benest, M.D. Dermatology (1624 W. Olive Street in Burbank). She offers complimentary 15-minute consultations in the office, which you can book by calling (818) 729-9149.

We also will be offering FREE nutritional classes to all “Tolucan Times” readers. Please call to reserve a spot in our next class (818) 784-6367.

By Jessica Sheppard,
Nutritional Consultant

A sanctuary for all those who want to heal their bodies, regain peace of mind and become their best selves, Dr. Zappala and the practitioners work diligently, helping each patient to achieve their physical, mental and spiritual goals. Through chiropractic care, N.E.T. (Neuro-Emotional Technique), acupuncture, massage and healing sessions, we will customize a holistic plan that is just right for you!
The Clinic is introducing a new, fantastic way to cleanse, detox and replenish your body for the summer months! Today, millions of people throughout the world cleanse on a regular basis to promote good health, giving their bodies time to rest and recover. Cleansing regularly helps your body to eliminate impurities, and reduce unhealthy cravings. But here’s the best part, nutritional cleansing effectively provides you an extra side benefit: losing unwanted weight quickly in a safe, natural way. Most cleanses leave a person tired or anxious because of harsh stimulants. Our cleanse systems are free of stimulants, and leave you feeling better and more energized than you ever dreamed possible! On our system, you can lose 5-15 pounds in 9 days, and keep it off!
LA Chiro Spa & Holistic Center is welcoming new patients at this time. The clinic sees patients of all types: athletes, executives, children, pregnant women and holistic newbies.

Freedom To… creator Alex Wiesel (left) with friends showing off four of her T-shirt designs.

Instead of merely buying a shirt that’s cute and comfy to workout in, how about purchasing one that is not only cute and comfy, but that can make a difference too?!
Freedom To…, a fresh, urban and hip apparel company, has now opened its doors on-line and in Los Angeles. Created by Alex Rose Wiesel, Freedom To… donates profits to the aid of eating disorder awareness. Through handmade urban designs, you can help make a difference as well. Buyers are able to contact the store, or shop on-line for ease and convenience.
Judith Baker, President of Academy for Eating Disorders (AED), stated, “Freedom To… is a first, a fresh approach to combing attractive style, and motivating people of all ages to get involved  and support their peers.”
Freedom To… directly provides funds for eating disorder research, clinics and support. A donation from each shirt sold is given to AED to help others start their fight against the disease. Clothing ranges from $22-$45, dependant on style. Freedom To… offers eco-friendly material unisex jackets, scarves and girls T-shirts. “In these clothes, I feel comfortable and know I am doing something to help others,” claimed Jessica Jones, 21-years old and a Freedom To… supporter.
Freedom To… is all about spreading awareness to combat a life-threatening disease. Since the recent launch of this company, AED & Freedom To… have formulated plans to start awareness programs in schools as well as provide support and clinics worldwide for anyone in need.

Toluca Lake Tennis Club & Sports Center terrace.

Ramsey’s, the restaurant and event center located in the Toluca Lake Tennis Club and Sports Center, will be hosting a Wine and Jazz event on Thursday, July 2nd. The event will take place in the beautifully refurbished Ramsey’s restaurant and patio overlooking the tennis courts. This event, and Ramsey’s restaurant, are open to the public, and gives everyone an opportunity to see a great facility while sampling a nice selection of wine. Generous portions of selected cabernet, chardonnay, pinot noir, syrah and sauvignon blanc from the central coast wineries of Cambria and Murphy Goode will be served along with cheeses and appetizers prepared by Ramsey’s own executive chef and co-owner, Jesse Genovese.
Chef Jesse Genovese has an accomplished career, having trained at the esteemed LA Cordon Bleu, London Culinary Arts Institute and continued his career in restaurants throughout Europe and Asia. He worked at the enormously popular Suba restaurant in NYC before coming to California. Jesse has a special appreciation for blending wine and food, which will be evident with his selected cheeses and appetizers.
The featured jazz band is Pinot Jazz, a groove-based band playing a combination of original compositions and jazz standards for your musical pleasure. This three piece ensemble is up and coming in the LA jazz scene, and showcases musicians with extensive touring credits and credentials. Come to this event, sip wine and nosh while these young musicians take jazz to a different level.
If you’ve never been to Ramsey’s or the Toluca Lake Tennis Club and Sports Center, this is a great opportunity for you to come by for a wonderful evening to help kick off the Fourth of July holiday. Call the club at (323) 851-6000 to reserve your name for this fun event.

At One Fitness in North Hollywood, CA: Owners Dej Nokweed” Sri-Ampai and Robin Hart Sri-Ampai.

Robin Hart and Dej “Nokweed” Sriampai (husband and wife team) have opened At One Fitness, a unique training facility in the NoHo Arts District. Robin’s dance background along with Nokweed’s Muay Thai expertise, and their combined love for fitness, inspired them to open a gym that offered it all “At One” location.
Robin, a Hollywood native, has been in the dance and fitness world for over 20 years. Professionally-trained in New York and L. A., Robin has performed in many dance companies, videos and commercials. Robin is now a personal trainer certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American Council of Exercise, and has been featured in the Daily News, KTLA news and Shape Magazine!
Nokweed, former fighter from Thailand, has over 30 years experience training and teaching. He is internationally recognized as one of the top ring officials in the world, and is one of the most sought after instructors in the sport. Nokweed is the founder of Muay Thai School USA (located within At One Fitness), the only school that the WBC Muay Thai and the Sports Authority of Thailand endorses.
At One Fitness is a state-of-the-art facility with top of the line cardio, strength and martial arts training equipment. In addition to the gym, there is a full-size boxing ring, a 1300 sq. ft. classroom with a spring hardwood floor, great sound system, lockers, showers, free parking and more. All teachers are of top quality. Fitness, dance and Muay Thai classes are available for all levels with no membership required. First class is free!

At One Fitness is located at 11116 Weddington St., North Hollywood, CA 91601. For more information, call (818) 980-6688 or visit www.AtOneFitness.com.

Trish Ostroski.

Psst… Sleep with me and WAKE UP your life! That tagline may be a play on words; however, hypnosis is a powerful tool that makes such a difference that you truly “wake up” your life.
Often associated with sleep, hypnosis is in fact a completely safe, heightened state of awareness. Anyone can be hypnotized as long as they are willing, and what a wonderful, enriching process it can be.
My background as a writer helps me to focus on creative ways to both script and work through a process that takes in the individual needs, issues and personality of each client. Working with a piece of the mind—the subconscious mind which is actually the largest part of the mind—the complete process of discussion, analysis and the hypnotic session provides the peace of mind an individual needs.
Uses for hypnosis are as varied as the individual. I have assisted clients to overcome  pain, lose weight, overcome stress, stop smoking, focus on careers, personal and financial goals, overcome fears/phobias and much more.
Recreational and creative pursuits are passions for many. Via the proper hypnotic techniques, my clients have risen to new heights in sports, writing, acting, drawing and painting, and have overcome the stage fright that was preventing them from enjoying some of those special on-stage moments. Hitting the ball better, concentrating on true purposes, and even improving one’s poker game to reap financial rewards—I have had clients accomplish all of these remarkable pursuits.

Trish Ostroski is a certified hypnotherapist, and offers a free phone consultation. Sessions can be conducted in person and for your convenience, over the phone. Free self hypnosis report for all new clients. For more information, call (818) 795-8829 or visit www.hypnosis.edu/hypnotherapists/trish-ostroski.

Dorothy Storm, owner and founder of MetaMotion.

MetaMotion, a unique strength training facility, has arrived in Toluca Lake. Come in, and experience the difference. At MetaMotion, you enter an environment that facilitates concentration and peak performance. By performing each exercise in a controlled and deliberate fashion, you minimize momentum and force. This slow, continuous effort takes the muscles to total fatigue in three minutes or less. During your 30 minute workout, you and your instructor will focus on advancing levels of intensity to systematically exhaust all the body’s muscle groups. This method is proven to stimulate muscle growth in the shortest amount of time, creating the most effective, efficient and safest way to train.
Strength training this way is safe for people who have never strength trained before, and takes those who have been working out for years to a new level. Professional supervision and support is continuous. Our certified instructor plans and conducts each workout, teaching you the proper technique while closely monitoring your form and cadence, allowing you to maximize every second of your workout. The equipment is the most technologically advanced of weight training machines—MedX™, the next generation of equipment created by the founder of Nautilus.
The higher the quality of exercise, the more productive it becomes, and the less of it you actually require.  Make an appointment soon, and you will be amazed at how quickly you see positive changes in your strength and shape.

MetaMotion is located at 4405 Riverside Drive #107 in Toluca Lake. For more information, call (818) 848-(META)6382.