Lifestyles

Masks, Zoom diminish non-verbal communication

When we are in a conversation with another person our bodies begin to synchronize with each other, our gestures and facial expressions mirror each other. It is when this happens that we begin to truly hear one another. When we are face-to-face, we unconsciously pick up small changes, which give us clues as to what the other is feeling. It might be a slight flush, an enlargement of pupils, a change in voice pitch, a stiffening of the spine, all unconscious reactions to either the subject or the tone of the conversation. We are constantly monitoring peoples’ responses to what we are saying. In texting and emails, we miss the most important part of the interaction, which is the impact our words are making. [Natasha Josefowitz, ACSW, Ph.D]

Masks, Zoom diminish non-verbal communication Read More »

Lifestyles, Natasha Josefowitz

Former La Jollan saves a life at son’s wedding

On Tuesday night, Aug. 11, I was dancing at my son’s beautiful wedding. We held the festivities outdoors at the Gush Etzion winery to comply with the Covid-19 coronavirus restrictions that are currently in place in Israel. The guest list was limited to very close friends and family. As I am not only a Pulmonary and Critical Care physician but also a first responder for United Hatzalah, I had my medical kit with me in the trunk of my car as is my usual practice. [David Kupferberg, M.D]

Former La Jollan saves a life at son’s wedding Read More »

Lifestyles, Middle East, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education

You won’t exercise without this

Whether you want to electrify your peak performance under pressure at work, at home, or in your local park, boost your confidence and mental toughness in your gym, amplify your leadership or ignite team cohesion in your company it takes motivation, goal setting, relaxation, concentration, imagery, and self-talk. It takes an exceptional mental workout to arouse a healthy, wellbeing promoting physical workout, wherever that may take place. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D}

You won’t exercise without this Read More »

Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Sports & Competitions

Morocco a model for U.S. multiculturalism

As the United States embraces improving race-relations, Black culture and heritage become more than just an expression of the Black community, but something that is inherently all-American. As the movement brings light to nationwide change, it may be helpful to consider the methods of Moroccan multiculturalism, where cultural protection is tied to development, limiting socioeconomic divides and welcoming diversity. [Jacqueline Skalski-Fouts]

Morocco a model for U.S. multiculturalism Read More »

International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, Travel and Food, USA

JFS food delivery service needs extra help during pandemic

After weeks of mostly staying home since the COVID 19 pandemic started, I was looking for some volunteer work where I could do something useful for others, but still stay safe. Then, I read in this and several other publications that Jewish Family Service urgently needed volunteer drivers for their Project 19 Food Program, so I applied and after passing a background check and obtaining my Food Handler’s Card, was accepted. [Mimi Pollack]

JFS food delivery service needs extra help during pandemic Read More »

Lifestyles, Mimi Pollack, San Diego County

Five challenges to participatory development

Today, the people-driven approach to development is widely considered a way to create sustainable projects to advance economic growth, education, and health. However, it is not without its challenges and limitations, and has therefore been met with several pervading criticisms. For those of us who support and encourage participatory development (PD), we must ask ourselves what we need to do in order to ensure maximally productive and life-enhancing experiences for the communities with which we work, in the time we are in. (Yossef Ben-Meir, Ph.D)

Five challenges to participatory development Read More »

International, Lifestyles, Middle East, Yossef Ben-Meir

Exercise is health!

Exercise is health. It’s that simple. In today’s COVID19 focused world, health and wellbeing are on the top of our minds more than ever. Perhaps that’s the silver lining of this pandemic, the renewed focus on health and wellbeing. We want to feel good and live a long, happy, strong and healthy life. And exercise, that no-cost, do anywhere at any time, side-effect free activity, has become established by medical science as an essential step on the clear pathway to get us there. (Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D)

Exercise is health! Read More »

Lifestyles, Michael Mantell

Temple Isaiah families dance in socially distant circles

Large circles, at least six feet apart, were drawn on the upper parking lot of Temple Isaiah, each reserved for a family grouping who wanted to dance, play games, and congregate, yet maintain the proper social distance from other families during this time of Covid19. (Donald H. Harrison)

Temple Isaiah families dance in socially distant circles Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, Judaism, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Travel and Food, USA

Seacrest innovates a fundraiser during Covid-19

Unlike many organizations that settle for “gala” banquet dinners with speakers, Seacrest Village Retirement Communities in Encinitas  has tended to favor outdoor fundraising activities such as golf, tennis, and pickleball along with a spa day for donors.  This year, however, Covid-19 was too great a handicap for golf, and it aced out the tennis tournament.  However, planners for Seacrest Village, which is the upscale successor of the San Diego Hebrew Home for the Aged, were not deterred.  They came up with five methods by which donors could nevertheless help the home raise money to defray the costs for seniors who are financially at risk. [Our Shtetl San Diego County column by Donald H. Harrison]

Seacrest innovates a fundraiser during Covid-19 Read More »

Business & Finance, Donald H. Harrison, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA