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According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), it is estimated that in 2009 there were 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed among women, and approximately 1,910 new cases in men. For the many men and women who have been, and will be diagnosed this year, the battle to get through treatment and surgery is only the beginning of the journey to survive. Although the feeling of survival is unsurpassed, the physical scars at times may leave some survivors anxious with their new appearance. Ruth Swissa has taken her passion and artistic expertise in the permanent makeup industry to provide areola pigmentation for breast cancer patients post reconstruction to help renew self-confidence and boost self-esteem. "Many of my patients have said that waking up every morning, and looking in the mirror is a constant reminder of their battle, which although comes with a sense of pride, it also at times causes insecurities because they don't feel like themselves," says Swissa. Micropigmentation is an alternative method of creating a realistic nipple and areola after a mastectomy, to achieve a more symmetrical shape and even coloring using artistic light and shade effects. Swissa works closely with her patients in order to achieve the desired coloring and size to create a natural looking effect. This procedure takes less than an hour and is usually painless. Ruth uses a customized medical tattooing technique for applying permanent makeup for areola pigmentation. This unique method proves to be more exact, very gentle, and less invasive than traditional cosmetic tattooing. The results look more natural and subtle in appearance.
The search for safe and effective relief from osteoarthritis (OA), a condition that occurs when joint cartilage wears down over time, can feel like an uphill battle. Certain natural remedies can bring lasting relief from OA according to the Arthritis Research Council (ARC) study and other experts. That is good news, since the pain, stiffness, and loss of flexibility from arthritis makes it the nation's most common cause of disability.
One massage, and call me in the morning Spa-lovers with osteoarthritis will be pleased to learn that all those massages that leave you feeling loose and limber are doing more than just helping you relax. According to a 2006 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, Swedish massage improves flexibility, decreases pain, and increases range of motion in individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Low-impact exercise "When people start to hurt, they tend to cut back on exercise," notes Michele Olson, Ph.D., professor of exercise physiology at Auburn University Montgomery and Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. But that is a mistake, as inactivity can make pain and stiffness even worse. Olson recommends Pilates and swimming or doing aqua-aerobics, but she emphasizes the importance of choosing gentle, weight-bearing exercise. Michael Murray, N.D. suggests that a person should find something they love, and find a way to continue doing it: If walking on concrete sidewalks is too hard on the joints, walk on the golf course.
Spice rub Using a gel containing capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili, is very effective at providing temporary relief from osteoarthritis pain. Studies have found that capsaicin can deplete the substance that acts to transmit pain signals from nerve endings to the brain and cause inflammation in the joints.
Healing herbs An ARC study evaluated several herbs and herbal combinations and found that one stood above the rest. Phytodolor, a branded combination of three herbs – aspen (Populus tremula), common ash bark (Franxinus excelsior), and golden rob herb (Solidago vigaurea) effectively manages the pain and inflammation associated with OA. Some studies have shown that aspen contains a substance that when ingested inhibits the production of certain prostaglandins in the nerves, resulting in pain relief. Common ash bark and golden rob herb also have pain-relieving properties, and common ash bark is an antioxidant – meaning it may reduce oxidative damage in the joint. The combination of the three herbs has been shown in animal studies to reduce inflammation. No major adverse effects have been reported, though some people do experience diarrhea, stomach upset, or skin reactions.
The SAMe Game First discovered in 1952 and widely investigated for its usefulness in treating depression, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is now showing promise as a treatment for OA. SAMe is a chemical compound that occurs naturally in the body, where it contributes to the synthesis of hormones and neurotransmitters. Studies suggest that when taken as a supplement, SAMe reduces pain and also stimulates the synthesis of collagen and proteoglycans, which are the major components of joint cartilage. Adverse effects are infrequent and mild, but can include nausea, restlessness, headache, dry mouth, and stomach upset. People with depression should consult with a healthcare provider before taking SAMe, as some incidences of anxiety and mania have been reported. Copyright© HealthyLifestyles.com
This survey was created in partnership with the National Psoriasis Foundation and Galderma Laboratories, L.P.
Within this issue, as well as our November and December 2010 issues, we will be printing important findings revealed from the recent survey, "The Impact of Psoriasis on Personal Relationships." This survey, sponsored by Galderma Laboratories, was distributed to the National Psoriasis Foundation membership database via Survey Monkey. The survey was completed by approx 1,520 people; statistics below represent the percentage of people who answered a specific question (not always all 1,520 respondents). Statistics are rounded to nearest percentage point and percentages may not add up to 100 percent depending on the structure of the question. Not every respondent answered every question.i Below is a list of findings relating to psoriasis and its impact of social relationships. Nearly 80 percent (78.7%) of question respondents feel that psoriasis has had a negative impact on their personal relationships.ii
Social Relationships
Science seems like a very artificial and synthetic thing, where compounds are manipulated in sterile spaces by people wearing white coats and latex gloves. But incredibly, the latest breakthrough in beautiful skin comes from the earth and sea itself, and from some of the garden's most deliriously sensual flowers.Botanicals have been used in cosmetics for centuries. But today, utilizing plant stem cell technology, we are able to extract cells from plants and cultivate them in the laboratory, multiplying their potency by literally 1,000 times or more than that which is present in the naturally occurring molecule.
This treatment is appropriate for all patients in need of facial rejuvenation and is appropriate for Fitzpatrick skin types I-V. The expected result is improved skin texture, clarity, and hydration. This is an excellent choice for baby boomers.
>> STEP 1 – Cleanse Facial wash oily/problem (pHaze 1): Cleanse the area of treatment thoroughly. Rinse and pat dry. >> STEP 2 – Prep/Degrease Smoothing toner (pHaze 2): Apply with a cotton pad to prep (degrease) the skin. Allow the skin to dry. Assess sensitivity by asking the patient, "On a scale of one to 10, 10 being extremely active, how do you rate this sensation (or feeling)?" >> STEP 3 – Treat Ultra Peel® I: Apply the solution to a cotton pad, placing the neck of the bottle directly onto the pad, spacing it to give a sufficient working area to complete a full-face treatment. (About four to five spots on the pad). Apply in layers according to the needs, goals and individual sensitivity of the patient. Use the scale of one to 10 to gauge sensitivity. Depending on your patient's sensitivity, you may apply up to four layers. >> STEP 4 – Correct ExLinea® peptide smoothing serum (pHaze 25): Using a small fan brush, apply to areas of laxity and wrinkling, such as the eye area and forehead. >> STEP 5 C-Strength 15% with 5% Vitamin E (pHaze 16) and rejuvenating serum (pHaze 24): Apply a mixture to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis while improving barrier function and increasing hydration. >> STEP 6 eyeXcellence (pHaze 12): Gently apply around the delicate eye area to reduce dark circles and puffiness while stimulating collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. >> STEP 7 – Retinol Booster (optional) Esthetique Peel: Apply one pump for increased exfoliation, bacteria control, and added melanogenesis inhibition. Gently spread the product over the area of treatment, keeping the application even and thin. Note: Application of Esthetique Peel will enhance benefits; however, it can be omitted if the patient does not wish to experience increased visible flaking. >> STEP 8 – Hydrate and Protect ReBalance (pHaze 17) and perfecting protection spf 30: Apply a combination for added melanogenesis inhibition and to calm, hydrate, and protect the skin from UVA and UVB exposure.