Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/883365
1 2 | PULSE Fa l l 2 0 1 7 H E A LT H L I N KS M aybe you studied ballet, jazz or tap in your youth and really miss it, or perhaps you always wanted to learn ballroom dancing but never could squeeze it into your schedule. If you're considering taking up dancing again (or as a new hobby), now might be the perfect time to get back into class. Dance is not only great exercise for your body, it's also an excellent way to exercise your brain. Recent studies conducted by medical researchers, including doctors at Harvard, concluded that choreographed dancing can increase brain function in older adults. e benefits from dancing exceeded the benefits resulting from less rigorous physical activities such as walking and stretching. Choreographed dancing requires using our brain (cognitive skills) and our body (physical skills) as well as social skills needed to interact with others in class. Research has shown that enhancing these three areas helps our brains process information faster and helps to decrease the effects of aging on processing speed. Torrance Memorial offers two dance classes: Dancing to Oldies but Goodies and Chair Dancing. Numerous dance studios and adult education classes in the South Bay can also be found simply by searching for ballroom dancing on the Internet (tr y looking for tango or swing ). Go ahead—sign up for that class and dance your way to a healthier body and sharper mind. DANCE YOUR WAY TO A BETTER BRAIN WRITTEN BY CAROLE JAKUCS, BSN, RN, PHN DANCE YOUR WAY TO A BETTER BRAIN T orrance Memorial Medical Center administrators Pegg y Berwald, RN, MSN, senior vice president, Patient Services and chief nursing officer, and Mike omas, vice president, Ancillary/Support Services, retired aer extensive, successful careers. Berwald began as a bedside ICU staff nurse in 1978 and successfully led many clinical departments, always believing it was nursing's role to encourage critical thinking and serve as an advocate for patients. She retired aer 39 years of dedicated service. omas was indispensable during his 29-year career at the medical center, successfully leading the expansion of an ever- changing radiology department ensuring Torrance Memorial maintained the most advanced imaging capabilities for our community. omas also oversaw departments such as Pharmacy, Laboratory and Facilities. TORRANCE MEMORIAL NAMES DEREK BERZ CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER Derek Berz has been named senior vice president, chief administrative officer. Berz will be responsible for several departments formerly overseen by Mike omas, who recently retired aer 29 years of service, as well as other programs and services. Berz has extensive operational health system experience and formerly served as chief operating officer for Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center. Berz's experience includes redesigning care delivery systems, developing growth strategies and achieving quality, safety, affordability and service outcomes. TORRANCE MEMORIAL LEADERSHIP PASS BATON Top: Craig Leach, President/CEO, Peggy Berwald, RN, MSN, and Barbara LeQuire, RN, now serving in the role of Senior Vice President, Patient Services/CNO; bottom: Radiologist George So, MD, Mike Thomas, Arnie Wolfson, director, Ultrasound/Nuclear Medicine/MR Derek Berz