With Spring Break coming up..it’s very important to think about sunscreen.

Here are several things to consider when selecting & applying sunscreen

Broad spectrum & SPF (Sun Screen Protection Factor):
UVA & UVB rays have a negative impact on your skin and can lead to irritations, aging and skin
cancer.  You should use a sunscreen that protects you from both UVA & UVB rays with at least a
SPF of 15.  To be on the safe side, you really should pick a sunscreen with a higher SPF while
enjoying your fun in the sun.

Waterproof sunscreen:
Typically a sunscreen is considered waterproof when about 50% of its effectiveness remains after
being in the water.  So with the words “waterproof” you still need to reapply!

How often & how much to apply:
Make sure you apply sunscreen 30 minutes before heading out to be in the sun and reapply every
two to three hours (including the waterproof sunscreens).The average person needs about 35 ml of
sunscreen.

Don’t forget the following areas:
Lower lip, top of the ears, shoulders, outside of the arms, upper legs & back of the hands.
Also, besides the use of sunscreen…think about wearing protective clothing & hats and try
avoiding the sun between 10 am to 4 pm.

Adapted from the following website:
www.skincancer.dermis.net

I recently came upon this article about the benefits of Fish Oil and wanted to share with YOU!  I know you will want to consider this incredible supplement after reading the amazing benefits

1. Improves brain health

Yes – brain health is one of them! DHA, one of the major omega-3s in fish oil, helps grow your brain.. Your brain is made up of fat and mostly consists of DHA. This essential fatty acid helps improve the way your brain functions and also increases new cell growth. You’ve probably read in my earlier posts that essential fatty acids are called ‘essential’ because they must be consumed through your diet.

Surprisingly, for pregnant women it’s even more important. That’s because growing babies need DHA to fuel brain development, too. Therefore, expecting moms need extra DHA to make up for the added demand. And, studies show that moms who take fish oil are more likely to deliver babies on time and not prematurely. PLUS, children develop faster & better than peers when they themselves take fish oil supplements.

2. Good for hair, skin, nails

For women, the quest for beauty essentials is endless. And, often you wind up with gobs of product – all promising to make you look younger, firmer, prettier, and better. Thankfully, there’s one easy thing you can do that’s good for you hair, skin, and nails.

No kidding! But, you don’t have to take my word for it. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, dry & damaged hair, dry skin, and brittle nails can all be signs of low levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

3. Helps with weight loss

Despite the fact that most women are born with gorgeous curves, many struggle to lose weight (thanks a lot media!). For some, weight loss goals focus on improving health and well-being. Whatever the reason, lots of women have a hard time whipping their bodies into a slimmer shape. You may be surprised to learn that when combined with diet and exercise, fish oil can actually help you shed pounds

There are a number of studies that show fish oil can help with weight loss. Scientists think it has to do with how fish oil helps you feel fuller faster, decreases insulin resistance, and helps your body burn calories quicker.

4. Prevents and/reduces symptoms associated with menstrual cycles.

Many women experience painful and annoying cramps associated with their periods. However, there’s good evidence that taking a daily fish oil supplement can help reduce and even prevent PMS symptoms associated with menstrual cycles. Now, if that’s not good news, I don’t know what is!

5. Prevents blood clots

Women who are taking a hormonal birth control, or ‘the pill’ should pay extra attention here! Since fish oil is a natural anticoagulant, or ‘blood thinner’, there’s been a lot of research on the subject of fish oil and blood clotting.

Normally, this research focuses on the ability to prevent strokes which are seen later in life. However, it is widely known that taking birth control can greatly increase your risk of developing blood clots. If you’re taking birth control then you should be taking a fish oil supplement, too!

6. Strengthens bone density

Several clinical studies, including one from the journal Aging, show that fish oil can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women, and can even strengthen mineral bone density.

7. Reduces the risk of developing breast cancer

Breast cancer is probably one of the more frightening conditions women face. Given the fact that women who consume omega-3s on a regular basis seem to be less likely to develop this cancer, fish oil clearly plays a significant role in breast health. Indeed, a recent study published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer, concluded that high levels of pro-inflammatory omega-6s may be responsible for an increased breast cancer risk, and that omega-3s may help you reduce this risk.

So, there you have it.

If you’re a woman, you owe it to yourself to treat your body like the brilliant and powerful force that it is. Numerous studies show that fish oil not only offers general health benefits, but also benefits that are unique to you as a woman. Go ahead – you deserve  fish oil!

Article by Marshall Sontag.  For further information go to http://www.fishoilblog.com

We are all interested in discovering what will turn back the clock and help us look years younger.  Here are a several options that the medical experts agree to be among the best. 

#1: Fractionated CO2

Many doctors agree that this is the “Anti-Aging Breakthrough of the Decade”.  Fractionated CO2 combines traditional carbon dioxide lasers with a new technique that contributes to less downtime.  This treatment restores the look and of wrinkled and sun damaged skin and can also decrease the appearance of acne scaring and skin discoloration.

 #2: Fillers

Various FDA approved fillers containing hyaluronic acid can be used to fill wrinkles creating a youthful appearance and aid in collagen production without surgery.

 #3: Antioxidants

These skin nutrients fight aging by destroying free radicals occurring from sun exposure or pollution creating rejuvenation and skin protection.

#4: Peptides

Research continues to be generated regarding how peptides stimulate the production of collagen and slow the breakdown of collagen.

 #5: Vitamin A

Retinoids are among the most studied anti-aging treatments.  Over the counter (retinol) and prescription-strength Retin A products have the ability to create anti-aging results in decreasing skin wrinkles.

#6: Anti-Aging Sunscreens

Help to defend the skin against the aging effects of the sun.  It is important to use a sunscreen the blocks both UVA and UVB rays!!

 Adapted from WebMD

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/top-6-antiaging-breakthroughs

It is predicted that the already booming multi-billion dollar health promotion related business will bring even more products and services in the next decade.  It only makes sense when we look around to see how healthy choice products are abundant and penetrating even Walmarts and Krogers.  Supplements, water bottles, organic produce, fitness and beauty products are in stores, webstores, TV infomercials and everywhere!  The American healthcare is understandably scaring a lot of us in how little it provides in the area of disease prevention and health promotion and how much of it is spent in high technology treatments to save a few severely sick individuals.  With healthcare cost skyrocketing and insurance coverage scarce, if not disappointing at best, we realize that we need to do what we can to keep ourselves out of doctors offices as best as we can.  More and more people have been seeking chiropractors, acupuncturists, naturopathic doctors, health spas, popup weight-loss clinics and so on despite mostly out of pocket cost.

We also want to look better as that is related to how we feel.  The most commonly done cosmetic procedures in the last decade has been Botox injections.  You see med-spas, popup Botox clinics, body contouring clinics opening and closing for the last decade.  We’d like to look and feel younger for sure.

I am a cosmetic laser and vein specialist and have been helping my patients look better for the last 10 years of my medical career.  I have served as an principal investigator for a very popular Botox product and am still on faculty panels for a couple of major cosmetic pharmaceuticals to educate medical professionals how to do what I am good at, which is making people look younger.  I know I am good at that and love doing what I do.  It is very rewarding to see my work almost instantly, to see patients happy, to watch them come back year after year and to see their family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers they refer.  Now that I’m a decade into doing this specialty of medicine, I have started to wonder how I can help my patients feel better too.  I have seen patients before and after cancer treatments, all kinds of musculoskeletal and joint issues, fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorders, hormonal problems, and depression/anxiety over the years wondering what else I can do to help them, other than helping them look better.  I sell some antioxidant skincare products and supplements at my clinic, but I know the benefits are limited.

It was not until I actually started having my own muscle/joint pains and hormonal issues that I experienced first hand different aspects of current American healthcare and developed my own algorithm for health prevention and promotion.  In 2010, I started having heavy menstrual bleeding with rather short intervals between periods.  I was always borderline anemic, but after about a year of bleeding clots, I became very lightheaded and started having sleep issues.  This was also when I trained and walked 30miles for a breast cancer walk with friends.  I blamed dehydration and being out of shape for the symptoms I was having.  After a month of having sleep issues and noticing more heavy bleeding, I finally went to see a gynecologist and hormone specialist in December, 2010 who also delivered my first son when he used to practice obstetrics.  He found I was severely anemic and was estrogen dominant and he put me on iron and bio-identical progesterone.  I took progesterone for six months to realize the dose that helped subside heavy bleeding was making me feel groggy, my head in the clouds and I also started having occasional feelings of depression.  I tried the lower dose, which did not help the bleeding.  So I tapered that off and started seeing a chiropractor and an acupuncturist.  When I was found to be severely anemic, I also had daily pain in my left trapizius, neck muscles and left sacroiliac joint that I was seeing a massage therapist for frequently.  The chiropractic treatments and acupuncture helped the muscle and joint pain for about two weeks each time, but it did not help the bleeding.

I was at my wits end by early September 2011 and did not want to have to go for treatments every two weeks.  I was still having problems with PMS, heavy periods and I felt like my life was being dictated by those issues.  When my friend from church, Carolyn, told me about this wonderful amazing water did for her knee, I told her I would try a bag of dung, if it would help my problems, not to mention all the water that I have to drink.  She said she had needed to have knee surgery but after drinking this water found that she no longer needed the surgery.  The water, she said, was called Kangan water which is antioxidant rich, alkaline water from a Japanese water ionizing machine she bought and hooked up to her kitchen faucet.

Carolyn is such a dynamic, dear human being who is the most friendly person you will meet.  She delivered water to me for 5 weeks until I bought my own machine.  After 2 weeks of drinking Kangan water, I realized that my muscle pain was gone and I had not had any chiropractic treatment or acupuncture at least two weeks prior to starting the water. After drinking it for 2 more weeks, I noticed that my bowels were regular, was sleeping better and had more energy throughout the day.  By the fifth week, I made the most amazing and exciting discovery. I went 28 DAYS in between my periods and my bleeding was not as heavy!!  I was convinced, I had to get that Enagic ionizer!  I could not get that hooked up fast enough in my kitchen.

Drinking adequate amounts of water to stay hydrated, is no doubt very important.  Our bodies are made up of 70% water and thus water is a critical part of having good health.  It plays key roles in normal cell functions, flushing out toxins, wastes from our bodies, as well as maintaining our bodies’ homeostasis.  Chronic dehydration causes many well-known diseases and symptoms such bladder, kidney infections, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, depression, metabolic issues just to name a few.  We also know that alkaline diets are healthier diets that keep the weight off much better as compared to other fad diets.  We have also learned that cancer cells and other diseased cells can not live in alkaline environments and that cancer patients often improve on alkaline diets.

We drink water from the faucet, refrigerator, delivered water containers, bottles, and other water purifying devices using various filters or reverse osmosis.  Bottled water is a fast grown megabucks industry that started to cause some people to wonder about the safety of the sources of water, bottling processes as well as delivery methods.  You just have to wonder what happens to the water chemically, when it sits in cases in the hot Georgia summer outside of gas station stores.  I personally have spent my share of money on various bottled waters and filter systems.

When I investigated further on water ionizers, I realized that none of the concerns we have on bottled water apply to good medical grade water ionizers.  On top of that, I learned that Kangan water was the most stable alkaline water with highest ORP (Oxidation Reduction Potential, which measures the antioxidant ability).  The Enagic ionizer also is the only device that received medical patent in Japan and soon in the US. What better way to alkalinize ourselves than doing so with water when our bodies are 70% water anyways!  Supplements, foods, shakes, other drinks all help, of course. But not as much as water which we know is imperative to good health.  I have had the best results from Kangan water when I drank 80-90 ounces a day, which is much more than half of my weight in ounces.  I couldn’t load myself that much safely with other methods.

I have so far been drinking the Kangan water for four and a half months.  I have not had any pain in my left trapezius, neck and SI joint during that time!  I even started running, despite my long history of knee pains and have tolerated it very well.  I used to run 10k races, but none for the last 10 years due to knee pains.  My PMS, sleep issues and heavy periods are dramatically better.  On top of that, friends and patients have started noticing my skin clarity as well as the amount of hair growth I had in four and half months!!!  I have also been sharing this water with my staff, friends, family and whoever will listen to my testimonial.  I have had great joy in hearing how it is helping them as well as reading others testimonials that they have seen miraculous improvements in diabetic control, kidney functions, musculoskeletal issues including arthritis, skin problems such as eczema and acne, chronic fatigue, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, as well as recovery from surgeries, to name just a few.

I feel confident that I can help a lot of my patients feel better with this Kangan water now based on my personal experience.  It is one most amazing and best health choices I have made for my life.  We all do whatever it is that we think will help our health, especially at the beginning each new year.  Weight loss, more exercise, more regular visits to doctors, organic food purchases, regular intake of supplements, quitting smoking or less alcohol binges.  Whatever that may be that will help us in the long run. I have tried most of the above and yet, nothing has helped me as much as this alkaline, antioxidant rich water!

Next time you are in my clinic to let me help you look better, why don’t you ask me about Kangan water to help you feel better as well!

1. Protect yourself from the sun

The most important way to take care of your skin is to always protect it from the sun. A lifetime of being in the sun can cause wrinkles, freckles,
age spots and rough, dry skin. Skin cancer is caused by over exposure to the sun. Here are some tips for YOU:
• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
• Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. You might also opt for special sun-protective clothing, which is specifically designed to block ultraviolet rays while keeping you cool and comfortable.
• Use sunscreen when you’re in the sun. Apply generous amounts of broad-spectrum sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, after heavy sweating or after being in water. (Check out my last blog on my experience in the sun!)
• Check with us at http://www.lasermedskinclinic.com about our recommended sun screens!

2. Don’t smoke

Smoking makes your skin look older and contributes to wrinkles. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, that are important to skin health. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity. In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — may contribute to wrinkles.
If you smoke, the best way to protect your skin is to quit. Ask your doctor for tips or treatments to help you stop smoking.

3. Treat your skin gently

Daily cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin, so keep it gentle:

• Limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm — rather than hot — water.
• Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers.
• Shave carefully. To protect and lubricate your skin, apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving. For the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it.
• Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on your skin.
• Moisturize dry skin. Find a moisturizer that fits your skin type and makes your skin look and feel soft.

4. Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Always drink a lot of WATER. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. The association between diet and acne isn’t clear — but research suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C and low in fats and carbohydrates may promote younger looking skin.

5. Manage stress

Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage healthy skin — and a healthy state of mind — takes steps to manage your stress. Set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results may be more dramatic than you expect.
Let us know what questions you have about YOUR skin!    Visit us at http://www.lasermedskinclinic.com

However, one other time I was out at my friend’s community pool with kids from 11a-2p. The first 2 hours were fairly cloudy and I made another ONE TIME mistake of not having sunscreen on. We had our homemade sandwich lunch with macaroni salad and chips under the shade. By then the sun came out and we all put sunscreen on and went in the pool where we were for an hour or so. By the next night when I was getting ready to go to bed, I saw these bumps all over my lips and cheeks mostly. Over the following 5 days, the rash got worse to my mid chest, shoulders, arms and uppers back and only a few on the legs. My left arm was much worse since my right side was more under the umbrella where I was sitting. The left shoulder had rash outlining where the sun dress strap was. Thanks to my dermatologist friends, Dr. Shereen Timani and Dr. Marcus Goodman as well as Aristocort and Sarna they are all were helping me get through this much longer lasting PMLE rash.

The real questions is how could I be out in the sun during 10a-2p and not put on sunscreen because it was cloudy? Two things I preach to my patients not to ever do!! I wanted to share this so my patients understand the damages sun can bring if not protected properly. I absolutely love being out in the sun with my sons doing fun things. I love to be at the pool and at the beach. The benefits of the right amount of sun are very well-known to us all. As long as we remember NOT to do what I did, we won’t have to turn our sun into a ever-present enemy.

Do not stay out between the hours of 10a-2p. Do wear sunscreen (broad spectrum preferred with zinc oxide and or titanium dioxide) even on a cloudy day if you’re out during those hours for more than an hour. Do wear sunscreen everyday in the face regardless of the weather to prevent premature aging. We make enough vitamin D from sun on our body. Your face should be protected at all times.

Dr. Jean Chapman

Don’t have time for intensive skin care? Pamper yourself with the basics. Good skin care and healthy lifestyle choices can help delay the natural aging process and prevent many skin problems. Get started with these five no-nonsense tips.

1. Protect yourself from the sun
The most important way to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, freckles, age spots and rough, dry skin. Sun exposure can also cause more-serious problems, such as skin cancer. For the most complete sun protection:

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
• Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. You might also opt for special sun-protective clothing, which is specifically designed to block ultraviolet rays while keeping you cool and comfortable.
• Use sunscreen when you’re in the sun. Apply generous amounts of broad-spectrum sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, after heavy sweating or after being in water.

2. Don’t smoke
Smoking makes your skin look older and contributes to wrinkles. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, that are important to skin health. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity. In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — may contribute to wrinkles.

If you smoke, the best way to protect your skin is to quit. Ask your doctor for tips or treatments to help you stop smoking.

3. Treat your skin gently
Daily cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin, so keep it gentle:

• Limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm — rather than hot — water.
• Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers.
• Shave carefully. To protect and lubricate your skin, apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving. For the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it.
• Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on your skin.
• Moisturize dry skin. Find a moisturizer that fits your skin type and makes your skin look and feel soft.

4. Eat a healthy diet
A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. The association between diet and acne isn’t clear — but research suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C and low in fats and carbohydrates may promote younger looking skin.

5. Manage stress
Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage healthy skin — and a healthy state of mind — takes steps to manage your stress. Set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results may be more dramatic than you expect.

Article from MayoClinic.Com