Author Archives: the local dish

Monarch Veterinary Hospital

Monarch Veterinary Hospital

GLENN CRAFT DVM, KELLY ALCALA DVM, AND ALICIA BONKE DVM

Monarch Veterinary Hospital

Monarch Veterinary Hospital is now celebrating 21 years at Clubhouse Plaza on Niguel Road, snuggled in the hills of South Laguna Niguel. This coastal community loves their pets, and offers great places to walk the dogs, too, whether the canyons or the Harbor or Salt Creek. We play a key role in keeping them healthy and strong. The team at MVH has earned a sweet reputation for exceptional pet healthcare as well as nurtured trusting relationships with clients and their pets, and has created a culture that it is peaceful, welcoming, efficient, and roomy enough that many pets truly enjoy visiting. 

A major remodel and expansion in 2019 has doubled its footprint, assuring its practice culture for the future. The hospital has four large exam rooms, a very spacious front lobby, as well as a well-equipped bathing suite. While the hospital doesn’t offer grooming, it does offer bathing services which is overseen by the technical staff. 

Dr. Glenn Craft and his wife, Lisa, envisioned MVH when they returned home to California in 2002. The couple had spent four years serving in Thailand with Christian Veterinary Mission, a community development NGO that operates in the poorest parts of the world — where livestock is the main key to the local economy. Once returning home, they established a veterinary practice that balances compassionate, personal touch with exceptional high-tech veterinary medicine. Their goal is to exceed a client’s expectations, each and every time. 

The hospital continues to offer the full range of veterinary professional services from wellness checks, immunizations, general surgery, dental care, therapeutic laser, bathing, and ultrasound, to digital radiography with STAT radiology consults available. The staff at MVH is experienced and provides a level of expertise you can trust. 

With the COVID pandemic mostly behind us, curbside service is still available for those not yet comfortable to be seen inside the hospital. Because the facility is so spacious and is implementing a variety of safety precautions, most clients are being accommodated inside. Multiple air purifiers, which are also anti-viral, are located throughout the hospital. 

Joining Dr. Craft on staff is Dr. Kelly Alcala, a part time Associate who brings an impressive reputation for highly competent and compassionate care. She worked part-time at the practice prior to becoming an Associate, earning the respect and appreciation of both clients and staff. Just this past summer, the hospital welcomed Dr. Alicia Bonke as a full time Associate. The doctors have established strong relationships with carefully chosen specialists at facilities in South Orange County, including mobile cardiologist Dr. Fred Brewer, who comes to the practice whenever he is needed, and mobile surgeon Dr. Zachary Smith, who teams with MVH staff for specialty surgical procedures as well as offering mobile CT-scanning services. 

MVH has enjoyed consistently positive reviews, which confirm its commitment to delivering the quality care it promises, and the staff takes pride in providing the best customer service possible. 

Monarch Veterinary Hospital
31271 Niguel Road, Suite E
Laguna Niguel
949.443.1466
MonarchVet.com

Monarch Veterinary Hospital

Hydration Room

Hydration Room

DR. BRETT FLORIE

Hydration Room

Looking to offer more South Orange County residents with a new method of preventive care, Dr. Brett Florie recently opened a new location for his wellness brand, Hydration Room®, in downtown San Clemente at 106 S. Ola Vista. 

Hydration Room focuses on health and wellness at the cellular level with vitamin IV and injection therapy. Their 13 locations offer a menu of 25+ different vitamin IV and injection therapy blends, in addition to the cutting-edge longevity treatment NAD+ IV Therapy and regenerative medicine therapies. 

“I combine both Eastern and Western medicine at Hydration Room,” explains Dr. Florie, Hydration Room founder and a board-certified anesthesiologist whose expertise stems from his allopathic and osteopathic medical degrees. 

Patients work closely with Registered Nurses on staff in choosing an IV or injection that addresses their symptoms. The staff is in direct contact with Dr. Florie in discussing the patient’s chart to formulate a plan of action. 

“Whether a patient comes to Hydration Room for increased energy, an immune system boost, stress relief or treatments to help with a chronic illness, they expect and deserve the absolute best care,” said Dr. Florie. “Vitamin IV and injection therapy is a powerful way to achieve that while maintaining optimal health — from the inside out.” 

Dr. Florie’s expertise in vitamin IV therapy began when he researched remedies for his wife’s migraines, family members battling cancer, and a friend with an autoimmune disease. He saw how their quality of life changed through vitamin IV therapy. 

“Vitamins are very powerful and have properties that Western medicines have, so depending on the patient’s symptoms and goals, I integrate both in their therapy and plan of care,” he continued. 

Patients can enjoy their service in Hydration Room’s signature relaxing, open lounge concept Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

HYDRATION ROOM 

San Clemente
106 S. Ola Vista
949.503.1399

Dana Point
34255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste. 116
949.218.4079 

Laguna Niguel
28251 Crown Valley Pkwy, Ste. C
949.446.9428 

Laguna Beach
31542 S. Coast Hwy, Ste. 4
949.715.5668 

Rancho Santa Margarita
22451 Antonio Pkwy, Ste. A-350
949.742.6799 

Hydration Room

Howard Optometry

Howard Optometry

MARSHA HOWARD, O.D.

Howard Optometry

In her 29 years of experience, practice owner Dr. Marsha Howard has crafted a passion for providing every patient with the utmost respect and best service possible under spectacular doctors with state-of-the-art medical equipment. 

At Howard Optometry, patients have access to advanced technology, including the latest solutions from Lumenis, Optos and Optovue. It just takes a few minutes to assess the vascularity and retinal structures of the eye, giving the doctors powerful data with which to determine a long-term plan for your ocular health. The practice also favors the use of retinal photography over traditional, and uncomfortable dilation. 

In addition to regular, comprehensive eye exams for glasses and contacts, the office also offers other services such as (but not limited to): 

— LASIK and cataract co-management with partners at Coastal Vision and NVision
— Dry eye treatments, including iLux procedure and Lumenis (an IPL Light Therapy Treatment)
— Oculus Technology
— Convenient, same-day scheduling
— Additional products available, including Latisse Lash Lengthener and Upneeq for low-lying lids

Howard Optometry is especially excited to have added Lumenis’ revolutionary Optilight technology to their practice. “It’s an amazing, gentle pulsating light treatment that has helped so many patients suffering from Dry Eye Disease,” explains Dr. Howard. “My patients with MGD (Melibomian Gland Dysfunction) have been thrilled with their treatments and results.” The new Optimal Pulse Technology avoids lasers and delivers results in as little as two or three visits. 

Dr. Marsha Howard grew up in a medical family, realizing her passion for eye care while studying as an undergraduate at UC Berkeley. In the years between finishing her residency in 1994 and opening her own practice in 1997, Dr. Howard taught at her alma mater, as well as worked in other small optometry practices. One of the first five independent Doctors of Optometry hired by Costco nationwide, Dr. Howard loves treating all types of patients, and was thrilled when offered a second office in Laguna Niguel. 

Howard Optometry
27220 Heather Ridge
Laguna Niguel
949.328.9303
HowardOptometry.com

Located inside of Costco, no membership required to see the doctor.

Howard Optometry

Griffin Optometric Group

Griffin Optometric Group

POWERS GRIFFIN, O.D., S. RANDALL GRIFFIN, O.D., PATRICK GRIFFIN, O.D., BRAD CALLISTER, O.D. & LUCY DEMOSS, O.D. 

Griffin Optometric Group

PART OF THE COMMUNITY 

FOR OVER 60 YEARS 

Since 1957 Griffin Optometric Group has been committed to the vision and eye health of its patients. 

There have been many key milestones throughout the history of the longstanding, locally based, and family-owned optometric practice, first established by Dr. Ted Griffin over 60 years ago. Dr. Griffin’s goal was to build a progressive, forward-thinking, and patient-oriented practice based on a foundation of excellence and community involvement. Griffin Optometric holds these values at the core of its business, where they continue to inspire staff to provide exceptional service on a daily basis that is second to none. 

Sons Powers, Randy and Patrick have operated the family business in the way their father did—with a steadfast commitment to both patients and community. Griffin Optometric‘s local offices are in downtown San Clemente, Laguna Niguel, and Talega. Each facility provides full-service family eye care and is equipped with the latest high-tech diagnostic equipment. Many adult patients have been coming to Griffin Optometric for over 30 years and now bring their own children. This kind of patient loyalty is a testament to the professional and personal dedication of Griffin’s doctors and team members. 

Griffin Optometric’s primary focus is ensuring optimal eye health for its patients through education and regular eye exams. During routine screenings, the doctors test for signs of glaucoma, cataracts and other significant vision threatening diseases and recommend the appropriate course of treatment. Griffin Optometric also provides emergency eye care and surgical evaluations when needed. 

Griffin Optometric Group

140 Ave. Del Mar, Downtown SC
949.492.1853
www.GriffinOptometric.com 

1001 Ave. Pico, Ste. A, Talega
949.940.0200
www.GriffinTalega.com 

30030 Town Center Dr., Laguna Niguel
949.495.3031
www.GriffinLagunaNiguel.com 

Griffin Optometric Group

Frank Mogavero DDS

Frank Mogavero DDS

ORTHODONTICS • FACIAL ORTHOPEDICS

Frank Mogavero DDS

Your journey to a gorgeous smile is now faster and can be achieved more discreetly than ever before. If you’ve resisted or procrastinated having your teeth straightened, it’s the perfect time to visit the office of Dr. Frank Mogavero to explore the option that’s right for you. 

Have you ever wondered if Invisalign or InBrace would work for you? Dr. Mogavero offers Invisalign, InBrace, and several other options, but in his 32 years of practice, none has dazzled him like InBrace. He was one of the first South County orthodontists to offer the “hidden” InBrace system, and he recently reached a new milestone with the Irvine-based company. “My team and I have treated over 125 cases with InBrace,” says Dr. Mogavero. “We’re so impressed with Gen 2.0 [the latest version] because it’s even better and more efficient than the original.” 

What is InBrace, exactly? Pictured on the July cover with Dr. Mogavero, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer John Pham says their flagship InBrace solution is all about making up for lost time. “InBrace allows people who have always wanted teeth straightening, but never got it, to create a perfect smile without the look of traditional braces,” says Pham. 

Developed at the University of Southern California by Pham and his team, InBrace is proudly manufactured in the U.S.A. It’s a premium product that Orange County residents have ‘embraced’ and are willing to invest in because it works so quickly. “Especially when it’s being done by a great orthodontist like Dr. Mogavero,” Pham adds. 

InBrace patients notice a difference in their smiles right away, and so do their siblings. Davis Vasconcellos, brother of pro skater Nora Vasconcellos, received InBrace in March. When Nora saw him last month, she was amazed, “I never expected him to have results so fast!” 

While orthodontics is important for the entire family, Dr. Mogavero advises that children should visit the orthodontist for their first exam when they are seven years old. Even if teeth positioning isn’t a concern, he can examine a child’s airway and treat them for breathing or snoring issues. 

Kids of all ages love visiting Dr. Mogavero’s snow and skate-themed San Clemente office, where they can sit in one of three real ski lift chairs from Mammoth Mountain, and marvel at the autographed skateboards and snowboards from megastars in each sport. At Dr. Mogavero’s office, Olympic medalists are also patients, so you may be smiling next to one of the best athletes in the world! 

Frank Mogavero DDS
031 Avenida Pico, Suite 101
San Clemente
949.373.3737
SyncYourSmile.com
INBRACE.me
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Frank Mogavero DDS

Elite Vein Institute

Elite Vein Institute

ANNE LUHAN, MD, FACS, ABVLM, RPHS, CWSP

Elite Vein InstituteTake care of your leg health today!
People suffering from the harmful effects, discomfort and insightfulness of spider and varicose veins have discovered extraordinary results at Dr. Luhan’s Elite Vein Institute. 

Do you have unsightly spider veins?
Spider veins are small, bluish veins seen on various areas of the legs and occasionally the face. They can resemble a bruise in appearance. They can be very unsightly and can cause self-consciousness. After careful treatment, Dr. Luhan’s patients are often happily wearing shorts again. 

Do you experience discomfort, ankle swelling, heavy legs or varicose veins?
If so, you may be one of 80 million Americans who are plagued with varicose veins and may not even realize you have them. Many who have experienced varicose veins believe they are simply a cosmetic issue that is more of a nuisance than a genuine medical concern. The fact is that varicose veins are a massively underdiagnosed and undertreated problem that can progress into a more serious medical condition, if not addressed properly. Dr. Luhan is making it her mission to educate patients and the community about varicose veins. 

Dr. Luhan’s practice offers a comprehensive approach correcting multiple causes of vein disorders and helps restore the look and health of every patient’s leg, whether the issue is cosmetic or health-related. 

Procedures can be performed without invasive anesthesia and require little down time. Procedures are often covered by Medicare and other insurance companies. As a faculty member of national phlebology organizations, Dr. Luhan is always at the forefront of the latest technologies in the treatment of vein problems. For many patients, receiving treatment is life-altering, enabling them to now lead active, productive lives that were once not possible. 

Dr. Anne Luhan is certified by the American Board of General Surgery, the American Board of Surgical Critical Care, the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and the American Board of Woundcare Management. Having passed these prestigious boards shows full commitment to the treatment of venous disease. With these credentials and expertise, it’s no wonder that Dr. Luhan’s patients put their full trust in her hands. 

ELITE VEIN INSTITUTE
Los Altos Medical Plaza
26691 Plaza, Ste. 140 • Mission Viejo
949.388.4800EliteVeinInstitute.com

Elite Vein Institute

DermFx

DermFx

ERIN ALONSO, MSN, FNP

DermFx

For 20 years, DermFx has been offering state-of-the-art beauty treatments that are affordable to everyone. The medispa studios are a locally owned and operated business. Competitive pricing and uncompromising care of patients remain paramount to its mission. They have placed number one in practically every category in the beauty industry. 

DermFx, being one of the oldest and most comprehensive aesthetic clinics, is a great start for anyone looking to accent their beauty. Experience is the key to our continued success. As pioneers of the “medispa era,” they have treated close to a hundred thousand patients from all walks of life. DermFx houses over 26 state-of-the-art light and laser-based systems, the most extensive in California. 

Awards:
• DermFx is one of Allergan’s top 50 accounts
• Diamond Crystal Practice for CoolSculpting – The highest level a provider can reach.
• Orange County Best Laser Removal
• Excellence in Patient Satisfaction 

DermFx is overseen by Todd Miller, MD. Dr. Miller is an accomplished and highly trained head and neck surgeon who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. 

Featured Provider
Erin Alonso is a Family Nurse Practitioner with 25 years of experience in aesthetic medicine and non-surgical laser treatments. Her passion is utilizing multiple modalities to help patients achieve their best look using fillers, neurotoxins, lasers, radio frequency, ultrasound, and nutrition. She is revered as a expert in the aesthetics industry with a history of training the world’s top-tier cosmetic surgeons, physician assistants, and nurses for Allergan, Medicis, Bioform, Suneva, and McGhan. 

Erin is committed to providing state-of-the-art aesthetic solutions coupled with a deep commitment to compassionate care. Her north star driving focus is making the world a better place, be it with her patients’ anti-aging mission, rescuing animals, or spending time with her children. Erin lives a life of purpose to help others succeed. Another effort close to Erin’s heart is the Forgotten Foundation which Erin founded, benefiting orphaned children in Mexicali. 

FREE Consultations for Your Beauty Needs
Consultations are always free. DermFX is open 7 days a week and is rarely undersold. The staff strives to surpass your every expectation and are there to help you capture your best look. An integral part of their approach is commitment to an education that will make your experience a collaborative effort in fulfilling your beauty needs. Schedule your free consult today! 

DermFx
134184 Pacific Coast Hwy,
Dana Point
949.487.5180
DermFX.com

DermFx

Cold Rush Wellness

Cold Rush Wellness

SCOTT YOUNG, D.C.

Cold Rush Wellness

Dr. Scott Young is a Gonstead-skilled chiropractor and, together with his talented assistant, Demi, is ready to help patients with cutting-edge treatments. In the months since the pandemic subsided, the team at Cold Rush Wellness has been busy treating patients daily. The practice is clean and secure and ready for more patients. Dr. Young has also added percussion massage to his repertoire of effective care. Just in time for the opening of youth sports, this treatment utilizes high frequency vibration which is excellent for treating sports injuries. 

Cold Rush Wellness’s percussion therapy uses the Pro Muscle Release 1000 from Modus Therapeutics. It is a hydraulic-powered, therapeutic modality that precisely administers the benefits of percussion therapy. This patented technology delivers rapid, mechanical percussions that penetrate multiple muscle layers, thereby promoting improved blood flow, accelerating recovery, and bringing muscle pain relief. Percussion therapy provides the following benefits: 

• Break-up of adhesions and internal scar tissue
• Improvement of venous circulation and lymphatic drainage
• Restoration of elasticity and length to muscle fibers
• Relaxation of thickened connective tissue
• Enhancement in range of movement by relieving joint stiffness
• Break-up of lactic acid

Our other effective treatment, cryotherapy (scientifically called Cryo Stimulation) has been applied as a medical application for muscle pain treatment, including:

• Delayed-Onset Muscle Pain and Soreness
• Muscle Strain and Muscle Spasm
• Post Surgical Recovery
• Joint Sprains
• Shoulder Impingement
• Sciatica
• Tendonitis/Tendinitis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Bursitis
• Bulging and/or Herniated Disc
• TMJ Syndrome 

Cold Rush Wellness’s other treatments include: Whole Body Cryotherapy, Local Cryotherapy, CryoFacials, Chiropractic Care, percussion massage and AlphaSwitch Metabolic Training. If you feel that you, or someone you know, can directly benefit from the health services this treatment program provides, give Cold Rush Wellness a call and make the transformative appointment today. 

Cold Rush Wellness
30251 Golden Lantern, Ste. B
Laguna Niguel
949.281.6853
ColdRushWellness.com

Cold Rush Wellness

Advanced Dermatology

Advanced Dermatology*

GENERAL • COSMETIC • SURGICAL

Advanced Dermatology

Where do doctors and their families in South Orange County go when they need dermatological and cosmetic care?
They choose Advanced Dermatology at Dana Point (the one and only location) Why? 

Experience
The doctors are board certified dermatologists who have been delivering care to South Orange County residents for more than 15 years. With a combined 55+ years of clinical experience in dermatology and cosmetic care, the doctors have set a standard for exceptional service and their practice has been regarded as the premier dermatology center in the area. 

Team-Based Management
The team of dermatologists believe in a collaborative approach to your care. They draw from each others expertise to diagnose difficult cases, craft custom treatment plans, and provide the highest level of care as a team. 

Comprehensive Care
The office provides expert dermatologic care in all aspects of skin, hair and nail treatments for patients of all ages. 

Cutting Edge Technologies
Advanced Dermatology incorporates the latest advancements in medical, surgical and aesthetic/cosmetic breakthroughs in its daily practice. The office has the most state-of-the-art and cutting edge methods to provide personalized treatment options for skin cancers as well as the most dramatic cosmetic and body sculpting results with the least risk and little down time. Superficial Precision Radiation, industry-leading lasers, Coolsculpting, EM sculpt NEO, Threadlifts, Mohs Surgery. You may not know what they are, but Advanced Dermatology has them and are experts in wielding these technological wonders. 

Friendly Staff & Convenient Location
You will find the staff to be friendly, compassionate and helpful. Everyone believes the mission of delivering exceptional medical and cosmetic dermatologic care in a caring and compassionate manner. The spacious office is located on Pacific Coast Highway, complete with easy access and ample parking. Receptionists answer phone calls and provide 24-hour emergency access to your dermatologist. 

Advanced Dermatology*
34213 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Dana Point
949.248.4547
DermSC.com

Advanced Dermatology

Advanced Center For Sports & Musculoskeletal Medicine

Advanced Center For Sports &
Musculoskeletal Medicine

ERIC SICKINGER, DO
MELISSA BURMAN, MD 

Advanced Center For Sports & Musculoskeletal Medicine

Advanced Center For Sports & Musculoskeletal Medicine treats patients with bone, muscle, tendon, and ligament problems as well as sport or activity related injuries. 

Common activity-related and sports conditions seen:
• Joint Sprains and Pain
• Soft Tissue Contusions/Bruises
• Bone Bruises
• Joint Dislocations
• Muscle Strains & Tears
• Ligament Sprains & Tears
• Tendonitis
• Overuse Injuries
• Bone Fractures
• Joint Hypermobility & Laxity
• Bursitis
• Skin Infections
• Arthritis
• Sports Physicals 

Meet the Doctors
Dr. Eric Sickinger was born and raised in Southern California and has been an athlete his whole life. His interest in sports accompanied him throughout his education and ultimately led him into the medical profession where he became a Sports/ Musculoskeletal Board Certified Physician. 

Dr. Melissa Burman is a graduate of Arizona State University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology. Afterwards, she received her medical degree (and Masters in Administration) from the University of Medicine Health Sciences in St. Kitts. Her residency was completed in Internal Medicine at Northside Hospital near Atlanta, Georgia. She then furthered her expertise in the musculoskeletal system by completing a Sports Medicine fellowship at Eisenhower Health in California. 

Active Lifestyles
Commonly seen patients include professional, amateur, college, high school, middle school, and club/recreational athletes. Individuals who are active in their occupation or lifestyle are also seen at the clinic. Those include firefighters, police, mechanics, military, maintenance workers, lifeguards, and construction workers, just to name a few. 

Whether you are active for a hobby, as an athlete, or just want to maintain a healthy, Southern California lifestyle, you will be treated with the same elite care. Patients of all ages, from childhood to adults, can be treated at the facility. Contact Advanced Center for Sports & Musculoskeletal Medicine for a consultation and start feeling better today. 

Advanced Center For Sports & Musculoskeletal Medicine
665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 305
San Clemente
949.388.1060

41990 Cook St., Bldg F, Ste # 1006
Palm Desert
760.636.1067
SportsandMSKmedicine.com

Advanced Center For Sports & Musculoskeletal Medicine