Derma Health Institute of Arizona

FREE Vitamin B12 Shots on Fri, June 24th, 6-9am at Mountainside Fitness in Gilbert

2011-06-16T14:26:00.000-07:00

Derma Health Institute is partnering with Mountainside Fitness in Gilbert to provide FREE Vitamin B-12 Shots to the public on Friday, June 24th from 6-9am. No appointment is necessary and you do not have to be a Mountainside Fitness member to receive a free shot.

Mountainside Fitness is located on the N.E. Corner of Val Vista Dr. & 202 Freeway at 3345 South Val Vista Dr., Gilbert, AZ 85296.

B-12 is a vitamin that is vital to all metabolic functions in the body. It is extremely beneficial in stress management, improves concentration, improves memory, and helps to regulate our mood. Often it is used as a component of healthy weight loss programs. It naturally supports your body's metabolism, by helping to use fat and carbohydrates for energy and aiding in the production of new proteins.

Benefits of Vitamin B-12

Vital to all Metabolic Functions

Stress Management

Improves Concentration, Energy and Memory

Regulates Mood

Aids in Weight Loss

For questions, please call Derma Health Institute at 480-539-0777 or see http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/ .

Lands' End Launches National Swimsuit Confidence Week

2011-06-13T15:16:00.000-07:00

DODGEVILLE, Wis., May 16, 2011-- Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer fun and the swimsuit season for many. However, according to a recent survey conducted by Lands' End, some women actually sit on the sidelines of summer due to lack of swimsuit confidence. Almost three-quarters of those surveyed (74 percent) confess to missing out on water activities due to lack of swimsuit confidence, while 68 percent often refuse to even get up off the beach chair or towel.

To help women boost swimsuit confidence and join in summer fun, Lands' End, together with hundreds of real women, will launch the first National Swimsuit Confidence Week May 23 – 27, 2011. The weeklong movement was created to celebrate women of all shapes and sizes as well as educate and inspire them to embrace their swimsuit beauty and have fun this summer.

Lands' End has partnered with Curvy Girl Guide (www.curvygirlguide.com), a collaborative website of 21 writers, to kick off the campaign. On May 23, 2011, the 21 Curvy Girl writers will inspire women across the country by posing and posting photos at www.facebook.com/landsend in their 2011 Lands' End swimsuit. All women are encouraged to join in the inspiring effort and are invited to include their photos on the Lands' End Facebook Fan Page.

"At Lands' End, we know the one thing that really makes a woman beautiful in a swimsuit – that's confidence," said Erin McCormick, swimwear merchandise manager, Lands' End. "Each year, we help millions of women boost swimsuit confidence by offering swimsuits in a wide range of sizes to fit, flatter and provide various levels of coverage."

The survey found almost all women (99 percent) believe a suit that fits in all of the right places is important to swimsuit confidence. With swim collections to fit and flatter every body type, Lands' End is a leading authority when it comes to helping women feel confident in swimwear. The company offers a vast selection of swimsuits in sizes ranging from regular and petite to plus sizes as well as a variety of coverage options, including one- and two-piece swimsuits, tankinis, swim skirts and even swim dresses.

Taking Swimsuit Confidence to Twitter

As part of National Swimsuit Confidence Week, Lands' End and Curvy Girl Guide will take the campaign to Twitter, hosting a Swimsuit Confidence Power Hour. Each day, May 23 – 27, 2011, Twitter followers can join in at #landsend from noon until 1:00 p.m. CDT, where they will find swimsuit fit tips, inspiration from real women and swimsuit giveaways.

"Our mission is to show women you don't have to look like a model to be confident," said Brittany Gibbons, founder, Curvy Girl Guide. "We want to inspire all women to be confident in their skin – and swimsuit – they are in, and we are thrilled to be a part of National Swimsuit Confidence Week with Lands' End."

About Lands' End

Lands' End® is a classic American lifestyle brand with a passion for quality, legendary service, real value and a simple two-word promise to stand behind everything it sells: Guaranteed. Period.® Lands' End delivers timeless style for Men, Women, Kids and the Home at landsend.com, 1-800-800-5800, the Lands' End Shops at Sears and around the world. Lands' End is a proud member of Sears Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq: SHLD).

About Curvy Girl Guide

Curvy Girl Guide, at www.curvygirlguide.com, is a community for Real Women with Real Bodies and Real Lives. With 21 writers of various backgrounds, the site serves as a voice and inspiration for women around the world. Regular features focus on body image, food, health, relationships, motherhood and fashion.

SOURCE Lands' End

Women Find Happy Guys Less Sexually Attractive

2011-06-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

Women find happy guys significantly less sexually attractive than swaggering or brooding men, according to a new University of British Columbia study that helps to explain the enduring allure of "bad boys" and other iconic gender types.

The study – which may cause men to smile less on dates, and inspire online daters to update their profile photos – finds dramatic gender differences in how men and women rank the sexual attractiveness of non-verbal expressions of commonly displayed emotions, including happiness, pride, and shame.

Very few studies have explored the relationship between emotions and attraction, and this is the first to report a significant gender difference in the attractiveness of smiles. The study, published online today in the American Psychological Association journal Emotion, is also the first to investigate the attractiveness of displays of pride and shame.

"While showing a happy face is considered essential to friendly social interactions, including those involving sexual attraction – few studies have actually examined whether a smile is, in fact, attractive," says Prof. Jessica Tracy of UBC's Dept. of Psychology. "This study finds that men and women respond very differently to displays of emotion, including smiles."

In a series of studies, more than 1,000 adult participants rated the sexual attractiveness of hundreds of images of the opposite sex engaged in universal displays of happiness (broad smiles), pride (raised heads, puffed-up chests) and shame (lowered heads, averted eyes).

The study found that women were least attracted to smiling, happy men, preferring those who looked proud and powerful or moody and ashamed. In contrast, male participants were most sexually attracted to women who looked happy, and least attracted to women who appeared proud and confident.

"It is important to remember that this study explored first-impressions of sexual attraction to images of the opposite sex," says Alec Beall, a UBC psychology graduate student and study co-author. "We were not asking participants if they thought these targets would make a good boyfriend or wife – we wanted their gut reactions on carnal, sexual attraction." He says previous studies have found positive emotional traits and a nice personality to be highly desirable in a relationship partners.

Tracy and Beall say that other studies suggest that what people find attractive has been shaped by centuries of evolutionary and cultural forces. For example, evolutionary theories suggest females are attracted to male displays of pride because they imply status, competence and an ability to provide for a partner and offspring.

According to Beall, the pride expression accentuates typically masculine physical features, such as upper body size and muscularity. "Previous research has shown that these features are among the most attractive male physical characteristics, as judged by women," he says.

The researchers say more work is needed to understand the differing responses to happiness, but suggest the phenomenon can also be understood according to principles of evolutionary psychology, as well as socio-cultural gender norms.

For example, past research has associated smiling with a lack of dominance, which is consistent with traditional gender norms of the "submissive and vulnerable" woman, but inconsistent with "strong, silent" man, the researchers say. "Previous research has also suggested that happiness is a particularly feminine-appearing expression," Beall adds.

"Generally, the results appear to reflect some very traditional gender norms and cultural values that have emerged, developed and been reinforced through history, at least in Western cultures," Tracy says. "These include norms and values that many would consider old-fashioned and perhaps hoped that we've moved beyond."

Displays of shame, Tracy says, have been associated with an awareness of social norms and appeasement behaviors, which elicits trust in others. This may explain shame's surprising attractiveness to both genders, she says, given that both men and women prefer a partner they can trust.

While this study focused on sexual attraction between heterosexual men and women in North America, the researchers say future studies will be required to explore the relationship between emotions and sexual attractiveness among homosexuals and non-Western cultures.

Overall, the researchers found that men ranked women more attractive than women ranked men.

Source: University of British Columbia

Phoenix Ranks 32nd in Healthiest, Fittest Metro Area List .

2011-06-13T15:04:00.000-07:00

INDIANAPOLIS – For the first time, Minneapolis-St. Paul is the healthiest, fittest metropolitan area in the United States, according to the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) annual American Fitness Index™ (AFI).

The 2011 AFI data report, “Health and Community Fitness Status of the 50 Largest Metropolitan Areas,” evaluated the most populous city areas to identify the healthiest and fittest places in the United States. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington edged out previous leader Washington, D.C. for the top spot this year with a score of 77.2 (out of 100 possible points).

Minneapolis-St. Paul and Washington, D.C. (respectively ranked three and one in 2010) both improved their scores this year; however, the Twin Cities took the lead thanks to greater improvements in healthy behavior measures and a reduction in the percentage of smokers.

Several factors contributed to the Twin Cities’ ranking, including a relatively low smoking rate, an above-average percentage of exercising residents and moderate-to-low rates of chronic health concerns such as obesity, asthma, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. While the area reduced park-related expenditures this year, its percentage of parkland is still above average, as is the percentage of recreational facilities (other than swimming pools). Farmers markets in the area also increased this year, indicating a trend in healthier eating.

How Metro Areas Can Use the AFI Rankings

* Scores have been rounded to the nearest tenth of a point, resulting in some apparent ties; however, the rankings are based on the full, calculated scores that were not equal in those cases.

“The scores and rankings from the report indicate which metro areas are more fit and which ones are less fit,” said Walter Thompson, Ph.D., FACSM, chair of the AFI Advisory Board. “Although Minneapolis ranked first, there is room for improvement. At the same time, even the lowest-ranked areas have healthy residents and community resources supporting health and fitness.”

The AFI data report reflects a composite of preventive health behaviors, levels of chronic disease conditions, health care access and community resources and policies that support physical activity.

“A regular, scientific evaluation of the infrastructure, community assets, policies and opportunities which encourage healthy and fit lifestyles is imperative for cities wishing to provide a high quality of life for residents,” said Thompson. “Community health leaders and advocates in each metro area can use the AFI data report to easily identify their strengths and areas of opportunity.”

Grant to Provide Technical Assistance at the Metro Level

ACSM received a $171,880 grant from the WellPoint Foundation to present the 2011 AFI data report and establish pilot programs to improve health. Now, by translating key data from the AFI report, ACSM will provide technical assistance to low-ranking metro areas to help them improve health and fitness in their communities.

“As the founding sponsor of the ACSM American Fitness Index, the WellPoint Foundation is proud to be a continuing supporter of this healthy lifestyle measurement and improvement endeavor,” said Dr. Wesley Wong, regional vice president and national medical director of WellPoint’s affiliated health plans and member of the AFI Advisory Board. “Our involvement with ACSM and the AFI program illustrates our commitment to enhancing health improvement efforts across the country and allows us to be a stronger community partner in the states we serve.”

In 2011, the WellPoint Foundation grant will enable ACSM to work with community organizations in Indianapolis and Oklahoma City to pilot locally driven health improvement efforts. Four additional cities will be added in 2012 and 2013 respectively, bringing the total to ten cities that will receive tailored technical assistance from ACSM to improve the health of their communities.

This new programmatic effort will identify actionable areas with the best evidence for improving health, focus on doing the most good for the most residents – with a high priority on underserved populations – and work to make a community-wide impact quickly.

“There are no quick fixes when it comes to improving the health of an entire metro area,” said Wong. “However, our hope is that these pilots will identify some key strategies and tactics that may also work in other cities hoping to improve the health of their residents.”

The WellPoint Foundation’s support for the ACSM and AFI report is part of its continuing commitment to address health disparities and improve public health across the country. Through its State Health Index – a state-by-state compilation of public health measures – and Healthy Generations program, the WellPoint Foundation works to identify the issues most in need of attention and then directs its charitable support and volunteer efforts toward improving health in those areas. Reducing cardiac mortality rates, promoting active lifestyles and addressing the long-term health threats posed by childhood obesity are major focus areas of the Foundation.

The metropolitan rankings included in the 2011 AFI report are:

Metropolitan Area Rankings

1. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
2. Washington, D.C.
3. Boston, Mass.
4. Portland, Ore.
5. Denver, Colo.
6. San Francisco, Calif.
7. Hartford, Conn.
8. Seattle, Wash.
9. Virginia Beach, Va.
10. Sacramento, Calif.
11. San Jose, Calif.
12. Richmond, Va.
13. San Diego, Calif.
14. Cincinnati, Ohio
15. Salt Lake City, Utah
16. Austin, Texas
17. Pittsburgh, Pa.
18. Atlanta, Ga.
19. Providence, R.I.
20. Baltimore, Md.
21. Milwaukee, Wis.
22. Kansas City, Mo.
23. Buffalo, N.Y.
24. Raleigh, N.C.
25. Cleveland, Ohio
26. St. Louis, Mo.
27. Philadelphia, Pa.
28. Chicago, Ill.
29. Orlando, Fla.
30. New York, N.Y.
31. Jacksonville, Fla.
32. Phoenix, Ariz.
33. San Antonio, Texas
34. New Orleans, La.
35. Miami, Fla.
36. Charlotte, N.C.
37. Nashville, Tenn.
38. Columbus, Ohio
39. Dallas, Texas
40. Tampa, Fla.
41. Los Angeles, Calif.
42. Houston, Texas
43. Las Vegas, Nev.
44. Riverside, Calif.
45. Indianapolis, Ind.
46. Detroit, Mich.
47. Birmingham, Ala.
48. Memphis, Tenn.
49. Louisville, Ky.
50. Oklahoma City, Okla.

About the ACSM American Fitness Index Program and Report

To assist with measurement and to provide a baseline measure of health and fitness status, ACSM worked with the Indiana University School of Family Medicine and a panel of 26 health and physical activity experts on the methodology of the AFI data report. Researchers analyzed the data gleaned from U.S. Census data, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), The Trust for the Public Land City Park Facts and other existing research data in order to give a scientific, accurate snapshot of the health and fitness status at a metropolitan level.

The data examined fall into two categories: 1) personal health indicators; and 2) community and environmental indicators. Visit the online newsroom at www.AmericanFitnessIndex.org for a complete list of the data components.

About the ACSM American Fitness Index Program and Report

To assist with measurement and to provide a baseline measure of health and fitness status, ACSM worked with the Indiana University School of Family Medicine and a panel of 26 health and physical activity experts on the methodology of the AFI data report. Researchers analyzed the data gleaned from U.S. Census data, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), The Trust for the Public Land City Park Facts and other existing research data in order to give a scientific, accurate snapshot of the health and fitness status at a metropolitan level.

The data examined fall into two categories: 1) personal health indicators; and 2) community and environmental indicators. Visit the online newsroom at www.AmericanFitnessIndex.org for a complete list of the data components.

Survey: Which Celebrities Do Americans Think Have the Best Bodies?

2011-06-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

May 25, 2011-- According to the Nutrisystem Diet Index,™ Americans voted that Jennifer Lopez has the best derriere and legs. When women were asked who they consider physical perfection, they agreed it was a meeting of First Lady Michelle Obama's arms (22 percent), Jennifer Lopez's legs (24 percent) and derriere (20 percent) and Jessica Alba's abs (11 percent). In an ideal world, men would rock Vin Diesel's arms (35 percent) and Matthew McConaughey's six-pack abs (16 percent).

It's clear that celebrities' physical attributes play a large part as to why Americans find celebrities appealing. So, would weight gain impact their attractiveness? The Diet Index found that 51 percent of women who weighed in think that if a male star gained a significant amount of weight – like 50 pounds - he would not be hot anymore. Men seem to agree when it comes to female celebrities. About half (48 percent) predict they'd find her unattractive if she packed on the same amount of weight.

"While Americans are obsessed with celebrity weight loss and physical fitness, our research reveals that their focus should be shifted to their own health," said Joe Redling, Chairman and CEO of Nutrisystem, Inc. "We've released our second Nutrisystem Diet Index™ to further understand America's attitudes toward dieting and continue a dialogue about healthy dieting and healthy lifestyle habits and trends."

Back To Reality—Where America Stands

Over the last couple years, the Nutrisystem Diet Index revealed two-thirds (66 percent) of American women and about half (51 percent) of American men have contended with weight gain. Many are quick to blame external factors, such as getting older (44 percent) or having a busy career (23 percent). And while Americans seem to desire the famously constructed bodies of their favorite celebrities, they aren't working for it. Sixty percent of those who have gained weight over the last few years, confess the extra pounds are a result of not exercising often enough, if at all, while others blame not watching what they are eating (40 percent) or not incorporating enough healthy foods into their diets (35 percent).

So what is keeping Americans from getting into better shape? While 68 percent of Americans have tried to diet at least once in their lifetime, they still struggle. Many find it difficult to give up the foods they love, which is not surprising considering that close to half (45 percent) of Americans admit that it would be harder to give up their favorite dessert than sex for one month. Sometimes, it's simply not seeing the physical results as soon as they'd like to, that can derail their efforts.

Sex and The Scale

This year's Diet Index showed that close to a quarter (22 percent) of Americans would pass up a cool million dollars in lottery winnings to have their dream body for the rest of their lives. And fortunately, there is a desire to lose weight – not just to look thinner, but to enjoy the countless benefits that come with weight loss. A majority admit that when they lose weight they feel better about themselves (64 percent) and see a spike in their energy (62 percent). Many even believe that if they lost 10 pounds they'd be more confident in their sexuality (48 percent), feel more sexual (34 percent) and have more (33 percent) and better (28 percent) sex.

It's also important to keep Americans' bodies looking appealing so that they can keep their sexual partner interested. After all, a quarter (25 percent) of Americans who've had the pleasure of seeing someone naked and weren't afraid to provide an answer confess there's been at least one instance where they became less attracted to someone after seeing that person in the nude. Additionally, an overwhelming majority (85 percent) of Americans who chimed in find a great body more of a turn-on for a sexual partner to have than a lot of money. In fact, Americans see the connection between sex and weight to the point that a majority (80 percent) would pick weight loss over taking prescription medication, like Viagra, if they ever wanted to improve their sexual performance.

Fat Fibs

Weight is also a topic most would rather not even discuss. Thirty-six percent of those who are married or in serious relationships would much sooner share the number of sexual partners they've had than discuss their current weight. Close to one in five (17 percent) of Americans have gone so far as to lie about their weight on formal documents such as their drivers' licenses, state identification cards and medical, gym and diet program forms. Many would rather their peers didn't know their weight either. Perhaps this is why half (50 percent) of Americans who are members of social networking sites admit most of the pictures on their profile are shot from the waist-up, rather than full-body.

"The second annual Nutrisystem Diet Index found that Americans know what they want in terms of their bodies and health, but they feel hampered and are somewhat confused about how to get there," said Dr. Bruce Daggy, Nutritional Biochemist and Vice President of Research and Development, Nutrisystem, Inc. "These survey results help focus on where Americans can make improvements and hopefully serve as a springboard for Americans to take control of their health. Nutrisystem starts with nutrition. Our programs are an affordable, simple means to learn a healthy pattern of eating."

Key Nutrisystem Diet Index Findings

The Nutrisystem Diet Index revealed that Americans are showing slight signs of progress. According to the Index, Americans are at the midway mark on healthy diet and lifestyle choices, scoring a 5.4 on a 10 point scale – with one being an "unhealthy diet and lifestyle" and 10 being a "healthy diet and lifestyle" – when asked basic questions about their eating habits, diet behaviors and lifestyle choices.

While overall, the Index Score didn't show a significant change from last year, there has been a poignant shift across the categories. There are nine million fewer Americans in the unhealthy representation of the population and approximately seven million more Americans in the healthy representation of the country than there were last year.

About The Survey

The Nutrisystem Diet Index™ analyzed healthy diet and lifestyle behaviors and attitudes based on a telephone survey conducted by Kelton Research on behalf of Nutrisystem, Inc. The phone survey took place between February 22nd and March 8th, 2011 among 1,000 adults age 18 and over.

For more information on the Nutrisystem Diet Index visit nutrisystemnews.com.

About Nutrisystem, Inc.

Nutrisystem, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRI) is the number one home delivery weight loss company. Nutrisystem is sold direct to the consumer through nutrisystem.com, by phone, and at select retailers, with convenient home delivery. The Company offers proven nutritionally balanced weight loss programs designed for women, men, and seniors, as well as the Nutrisystem® D™ program, specifically designed to help people with type 2 diabetes who want to lose weight and manage their diabetes. The Nutrisystem programs are based on more than 39 years of nutrition research and the science of the low glycemic index, and offer a variety of great tasting, satisfying high-fiber, good carbohydrate meals that are heart healthy. Nutrisystem was named the "Least Expensive Home Delivery Program" by CBS Money Watch in January 2011. The program has no membership fees and provides weight management support and counseling by trained weight loss coaches and online weight management tools free of charge. Nutrisystem proudly supports the American Diabetes Association in its movement to Stop Diabetes™, as well as to help in increasing awareness of the correlation between weight loss and improvements in diabetes control. For more information or to become a customer visit http://www.nutrisystem.com or call 1-800-891-3215. Follow Nutrisystem on Twitter @nutrisystem and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/nutrisystem.

About Kelton

Kelton Research is a leading global insights firm and is America's 64th fastest growing private company. Serving as a partner to more than 100 of the Fortune 500 and thousands of smaller companies and organizations, Kelton utilizes a wide range of customized, innovative research techniques and staff expertise in marketing, branding, PR, media and business strategy to help drive our clients' businesses forward. For more information about Kelton's services, please call 1.888.8.KELTON or visit www.keltonresearch.com.

Disclaimer

Celebrities that are referenced herein are not affiliated with Nutrisystem and are not a spokesperson for or represent the Company.

(1) The Nutrisystem Diet Index™ is an annual national consumer survey, in its 2nd year, tracking America's diet behaviors, attitudes and trends. Each survey, developed by Nutrisystem, has a scale that measures America's current diet and lifestyle behaviors and choices.

SOURCE Nutrisystem, Inc.

Across Different Latitudes, Similar Attitudes Toward Beauty

2011-06-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

SEOUL, South Korea, May 25, 2011-- Today, at the 22nd World Congress of Dermatology in Seoul, Korea, Merz Aesthetics celebrated its commitment to the Asian market and reinforced its plans to become a global leader in the aesthetics business with the release of the third chapter of its "Face Value" Beauty Survey.

Currently, Merz Aesthetics operates in 16 countries around the globe with a primary presence in America and Europe. The Asia Pacific Region is quickly becoming one of the most exciting and dynamic aesthetics markets in the world and represents a strategic opportunity for Merz. The company recently announced it will build its regional headquarters in Singapore and has committed to providing clinical training, technical workshops and scientific background to physicians across the region. Most recently in addition to the Singapore office, Merz has established offices in Korea and Taiwan.

The Asia-Pacific facial injectable market – comprising botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, particle and polymer fillers and collagen fillers – is expected to grow through 2014 due to increased physician adoption of profitable facial injectable treatments in their practices and growing patient demand for less invasive cosmetic procedures. This consumer demand backed by physician innovation, product availability, and increasing consumer disposable income intersect to create double digit growth year upon year in the region.

"The extreme growth of the minimally invasive facial injectable market in South Korea specifically and across Asia, suggests a high aesthetic consciousness in the Asia-Pacific region, which will fuel continued demand for cosmetic procedures, including facial injectable treatments," said Kyle Seo, MD, PhD, Director of Modelo Clinic, Seoul, South Korea. "The large pool of patients in this region represents a significant opportunity for revenue potential in the facial injectable market."

The "Face Value" Beauty Survey

According to the Merz Aesthetics "Face Value" Beauty Survey, conducted by Harris Interactive among over 2,900 women from France, Italy, Spain, Russia and the United Kingdom, more than 9 in 10 (95%) women would like to improve or alter a facial feature and nearly 4 in 5 (78%) believe it is acceptable for women to invest in aesthetic procedures to enhance their beauty as they age. The survey also found a strong tie between beauty, happiness and confidence. In fact, a majority of women (70%) surveyed said they feel most beautiful when they are happy and even more said that when they are happy, they feel more beautiful (89%) and when they feel beautiful they are more confident (89%).

The "Face Value" Beauty Survey also found that the majority of women (70%) surveyed said that they feel more confident as they age. They also claim they do not mind looking their age - they just do not want to look older.

"We listen to our customers and understand that modern women across the world, regardless of age, race or personal circumstances have an unapologetic desire to feel beautiful," said Steve Basta, CEO of Merz Aesthetics. "Whether she is in Seoul, Seattle, Sao Paulo or Stockholm, today's woman is clearly interested in products and procedures that enable her to create a more beautiful, and more confident, but not necessarily younger looking version of herself."

About the Survey

The survey, conducted online in October 2010 by Harris Interactive and commissioned by Merz, included 2,939 women from France (n=543), the United Kingdom (n=524), Italy (n=667), Spain (n=701), and Russia (n=504) who have experience with, or interest in, using facial injectable treatments of dermal fillers and other injectables. Women were asked a variety of questions about their thoughts and feelings related to what makes a woman beautiful, their own personal beauty, and the role of aesthetic procedures in maintaining their appearance. For more information on survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Medical Dynamics at + 1 (212) 537-9495.

About Merz Aesthetics

Merz Aesthetics, Inc. is a division of Germany-based Merz Pharmaceuticals. Merz Aesthetics Europe is headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, operates subsidiaries in 16 countries and cooperates with more than 30 distributors all over the world.

Founded in 1908, Merz has more than a century of experience in improving people's lives and has deep roots in dermatology. Merz Aesthetics is breaking new scientific ground and is setting future industry standards by bringing doctors and patients safe and effective products for use in dermatology and aesthetic treatments.

Merz Aesthetics' product portfolio includes Radiesse® Volumizing Filler and the BELOTERO® family of fillers for use in facial aesthetics.

About Harris Interactive

Harris Interactive is one of the world's leading custom market research firms, leveraging research, technology, and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight. Known widely for the Harris Poll and for pioneering innovative research methodologies, Harris offers expertise in a wide range of industries including healthcare, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant, and consumer package goods. Harris serves clients in over 215 countries and territories through its North American, European, and Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.

SOURCE Merz Aesthetics, Inc

Studies Show that PFCs are Linked to Early Menopause

2011-06-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., May 2, 2011-- Natural menopause cures are often sought by many women to lessen symptoms that occur during menopause, which can be a difficult time. Dr. Shoreh Ershadi, director of the ANTIAGING Institute of California, wants to bring to the attention of menopausal women that now there may be a link between early menopause, with the onset of menopause symptoms, and exposure to common PFCs, or perfluorocarbons.

PFCs are used in a wide range of products, including plastic food containers, non-stick cookware, carpeting and furniture. By 2015, PFCs will be phased out. In the meantime, they are very prevalent and can be found in water, animals, soil, plants and people.

Animal studies show that PFCs inhibit the functioning of hormones, which may be responsible for bringing on early menopause in women. Natural menopause remedies may be sought by women who want to find relief from the symptoms that they will experience. If women are starting menopause at an earlier age due to PFCs in the environment, they will also be seeking help, very often a natural menopause remedy, in order to live their lives without troublesome sensations.

Natural menopause relief can be found when menopause does begin. But women may want to consider limiting their exposure to PFCs just as a precaution. It is not certain that PFCs definitely bring on early menopause, but there have been correlations between women with a higher exposure to PFCs and an earlier menopause. This is a red flag and bears further investigation.

Regardless of the age that women experience menopause, one thing is certain. Women with busy lives may seek a menopause treatment that can help them to cope with the symptoms that plague them. Dr. Ershadi advises the use of natural menopause supplements with safe ingredients that do not require a prescription to ease symptoms. DON'T PAUSE is a natural product, developed by Dr. Ershadi, that has been beneficial in alleviating menopause symptoms in women.

By limiting exposure to PFCs and using natural menopause solutions when symptoms occur, women can help themselves deal with menopause in a safe and natural way. For more information, visit http://www.naturalmenopauseremediesandcures.com. You may also call the ANTIAGING Institute of California at (310) 858 7006.

SOURCE Dr. Shoreh Ershadi

http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com

Derma Health Institute 4th Annual Juverderm Event Specials

2011-06-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

Need a way to turn back the clock on aging? Juvederm Facial Filler smoothes away wrinkles and smile lines to make you look years younger. Just one treatment will get you natural-looking results that last up to a year!

These offers are good from June 13-18, 2011 at all our locations! To take advantage of these amazing deals stop by any one of our locations or click here to contact us today. You may also pre-order many of these specials online and use them the next time you come in for a treatment.

Offers may not be combined with any other offer. Offers valid June 13-18, 2011. Derma Health Institute discounts, specials, coupons, for Juvederm, Botox, and vitamin B-12 shots in Phoenix, Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Tucson, Carefree, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, Glendale, Queen Creek Arizona, AZ.

2010-12-07T13:39:00.000-08:00

Click here to Pre-Order These Special Discounts Online!

Coupons, Discounts, and Specials for Botox, Juvederm Facial Filler,
Latisse, and Radiesse Facial Filler at Derma Health Institute in Paradise Valley and Phoenix, AZ Arizona.

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Join our FaceBook or Twitter page to be notified of the current deal of the day.

Special Discounts This Month On Laser Skin Treatments

2010-12-01T10:26:00.000-08:00

Derma Health Institute Specials For This Month!

$300 Off Any Laser Package: Take your pick!Laser Skin Tightening, Laser Genesis, Laser Vein Removal, Laser Tattoo Removal, Laser Hair Removal, PhotoFacials, and more!

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Black Friday Skin Specials at Derma Health Institute of Arizona

2010-11-19T12:54:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 26th from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

You won't see specials like this anywhere! Skip the crowds at the mall and stop by Derma Health Institute! One Day Only Skin Treatment Specials for Black Friday:

The First 10 people to arrive at each location will receive either $100 in FREE Botox® or a FREE Latisse!

35% Off All Laser Treatments: Take your pick! Laser Skin Tightening, Laser Genesis, Laser Vein Removal, Laser Tattoo Removal, Laser Hair Removal, and more! Excludes ActiveFX.

Juvederm Facial Filler: Diminish Wrinkles and Plump Lips! Only $349 a syringe.

$75 Off HCH Diet: Lose 26 Pounds in 26 Days! More information on the HCG Diet.

$75.00 off B-12 package: Better energy, sleep, concentration and improved mood. More information on Vitamin B-12 shots.

$30.00 Off* your purchase of $100 or more on aesthetic services or products.

May use Brilliant Distinctions Points. May not be combined with other offers. May pre-purchase as of November 22, 2010. $100 OFF rebates also available in clinic. See Clinic for details.

http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/

Our Arizona coverage area includes, but is not limited to Ahwatukee, Apache Junction, Avondale, Buckeye, Camp Verde, Carefree, Casa Grande, Cave Creek, Chandler, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, El Mirage, Eloy, Florence, Fountain Hills, Gila Bend, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Guadalupe, Litchfield Park, Marana, Maricopa, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Tempe.

10 Tips for Breast Cancer Prevention

2010-11-03T16:29:00.000-07:00

SEATTLE, Oct. 1 -- Throughout October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, experts from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and its clinical care partner, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, are offering a series of weekly research-based tip sheets regarding a variety of topics related to breast cancer, including breast cancer prevention, screening and early detection, treatment, and survivorship.

The series launches today with "10 Tips for Breast Cancer Prevention" provided by Anne McTiernan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Hutchinson Center's Prevention Center, a member of the Center's Public Health Sciences Division, and author of "Breast Fitness" (St. Martin's Press).

10 TIPS FOR BREAST CANCER PREVENTION

1. Avoid becoming overweight. Obesity raises the risk of breast cancer after menopause, the time of life when breast cancer most often occurs. Avoid gaining weight over time, and try to maintain a body-mass index under 25 (calculators can be found online).

2. Eat healthy to avoid tipping the scale. Embrace a diet high in vegetables and fruit and low in sugared drinks, refined carbohydrates and fatty foods. Eat lean protein such as fish or chicken breast and eat red meat in moderation, if at all. Eat whole grains. Choose vegetable oils over animal fats.

3. Keep physically active. Research suggests that increased physical activity, even when begun later in life, reduces overall breast-cancer risk by about 10 percent to 30 percent. All it takes is moderate exercise like a 30-minute walk five days a week to get this protective effect.

4. Drink little or no alcohol. Alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Women should limit intake to no more than one drink per day, regardless of the type of alcohol.

5. Avoid hormone replacement therapy. Menopausal hormone therapy increases risk for breast cancer. If you must take hormones to manage menopausal symptoms, avoid those that contain progesterone and limit their use to less than three years. "Bioidentical hormones" and hormonal creams and gels are no safer than prescription hormones and should also be avoided.

6. Consider taking an estrogen-blocking drug. Women with a family history of breast cancer or who are over age 60 should talk to their doctor about the pros and cons of estrogen-blocking drugs such as tamoxifen and raloxifene.

7. Don't smoke. Research suggests that long-term smoking is associated with increased risk of breast cancer in some women. Need help quitting? Consider participating in WebQuit, the Hutchinson Center's online smoking-cessation study. www.webquit.com

8. Breast-feed your babies for as long as possible. Women who breast-feed their babies for at least a year in total have a reduced risk of developing breast cancer later.

9. Participate in a research study. The Hutchinson Center is home to several studies that are looking at ways to reduce the risk for breast cancer. Check our website periodically for studies that might be appropriate for you. Just go to www.fhcrc.org and click on "How You Can Help."

10. Get fit and support breast cancer research at the same time. Regular physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Ascend some of the world's most breathtaking peaks while raising vital funds for and awareness of breast cancer research by participating in the Hutchinson Center's annual
Climb to Fight Breast Cancer. For more information, visit www.fhcrc.org/climb/.

Source: At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, our interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists and humanitarians work together to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other diseases. Our researchers, including three Nobel laureates, bring a relentless pursuit and passion for health, knowledge and hope to their work and to the world. www.fhcrc.org.

Obesity: Like Mother Like Daughter? Say It Isn't So!

2010-11-03T16:28:00.001-07:00

RED BANK, N.J., Oct. 4 -- Despite rising awareness of America's obesity epidemic and the secondary health risks associated with excess weight, new research released today by HealthyWomen (HW) shows that while the majority of women believe a parent's obesity has an influence on a child's risk of becoming obese (87%), surprisingly only one-quarter (28%) of women surveyed assign the responsibility to themselves. In reality, studies have shown stronger correlation over time for mother-child obesity compared with father-child obesity.

And the influence starts early. Only 11% of women in HealthyWomen's WomenTALK survey realized that a child's risk of becoming obese more than doubles if the mother is obese during her first trimester of pregnancy. According to recent research, this impacts roughly one in five women that are obese when they become pregnant. Forty-six percent of respondents to the HealthyWomen survey were unsure of the effect of maternal obesity on the risk of a child becoming obese. Yet, studies show the risk for newborn complications, including long-term complications like obesity, is even higher for severely obese women with a BMI of 35 or more.

BMI (body mass index) is an established measure utilized by physicians and health experts to determine weight status and is calculated from a person's height and weight. Obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30 or greater according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

But because a mother's influence is so strong, some see the survey findings as an opportunity to reverse bad behaviors and a call to action for breaking the cycle once and for all.

"While the statistics are disconcerting, we know that mothers are commonly viewed as role models for eating behavior and serve as gatekeepers of food," said Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, RN, executive director of HealthyWomen. "From an early age, children tend to eat the same foods as their parents, especially mothers, so exposure to nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables is not only setting a good example, but also positioning your child on a lifelong course of good health."

Knowing the Personal Risks of Obesity

The HealthyWomen survey found that while there is a great understanding among women that obesity leads to an increased risk in developing secondary health conditions such as high blood pressure (93%), Type 2 diabetes (89%), and heart disease (88%), less than one-third of women recognize the increased risk of colon cancer (26%), gallstones (30%), and breast cancer (23%).

"Women need to be their own advocates in the fight against all of these diseases," said Battaglino Cahill, "and understanding the influence that friends and family have on the likelihood that they will become obese is part of what's slowing them down. We need to help women understand that they have the opportunity to positively wield their influence by taking charge of their own nutrition and physical activity habits."

While a majority of the women surveyed acknowledge other people's obesity can influence their own likelihood of becoming obese (80%), only 28% recognize the impact of a friend. In fact, studies show that a person has a much greater chance (57%) of becoming obese if he or she had a friend who became obese than if he/she had a sibling (40%) or spouse (37%) who became obese.

Bestselling author and Chief Medical Correspondent for Discovery Health TV Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP acknowledged the survey findings bring new light to prior conceptions and emphasize the importance of personal responsibility. "Battling obesity is a matter of making smart decisions," she said.

A practicing internist and author of Body for Life for Women, Dr. Peeke advocates simple changes like adding whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in addition to moderate weekly activity for beginning steps to a healthier lifestyle. "It's a basic formula of eating less, making better choices, and moving more," she said.

Call to Action

HW has created an online resource center with tips and tools specific to the WomenTALK survey including BMI and target heart rate calculators, family-friendly recipes, and exercise videos at www.HealthyWomen.org/womenTALK. The site also features educational content together with advice from Dr. Peeke and motivational articles including a personal perspective from boxer Muhammad Ali's daughter and obesity advocate Khaliah Ali.

About the Survey

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of HealthyWomen from August 24-26, 2010 among 1,037 women ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

About HealthyWomen

HealthyWomen (HW) is the nation's leading independent health information source for women. To learn more, visit www.HealthyWomen.org.

Seven Myths of Breast Augmentation Surgery

2010-11-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- With so many rampant misconceptions about breast augmentation or breast enhancement surgery, Salt Lake City plastic surgeon, Dr. Heidi Regenass, addresses some of the most common questions and concerns.

Dr. Regenass notes, "Many women have questions about breast augmentation or breast enhancement surgery, but are too timid to ask. Others may believe stories they hear on the Internet. As such, I'd like to address a few of the most common breast augmentation or enhancement questions that I receive every day."

1. Can breast augmentation look natural?
Yes. In fact, many patients do not want an obvious augmentation where "everybody notices". Breast augmentation, whether saline or silicone, can and should look and feel very natural. The cosmetic result is determined by the patient's tissue and the skill of the surgeon. That is why choosing an experienced, board certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in breast augmentation is very important.

2. Are breast augmentations and tummy tucks painful?
Not at the Gateway Aesthetic Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah. We realize that patient comfort is a priority, and so, where appropriate, we use pain pumps for breast enhancement and tummy tuck procedures. A pain pump will significantly decrease discomfort after surgery and will allow for a more rapid and comfortable healing. Our patients often report being amazed at the ease of the procedure compared to what they were expecting.

3. Are silicone implants dangerous?
Although women in the early 1990s were claiming that silicone made them "sick", there has never been any evidence to support these claims. As a precaution, silicone implants were taken off the market for a period of time for women undergoing their first cosmetic augmentation. Their use was limited to women having implants for reconstructive purposes, until more research could be conducted. Fortunately, the ban was lifted a few years ago, so currently women, aged 22 years and older, can again have silicone implants. Many patients prefer the more "natural" look and feel of silicone gel implants and women who already have saline implants are opting to have their saline implants exchanged for silicone. So the truth is that silicone implants are safe and they look and feel great!

4. Is everyone a good candidate for plastic surgery?
No, some patients have underlying medical conditions that make elective cosmetic surgery dangerous. This is exactly the reason we encourage patients to make an appointment to see if their goals are realistic and possible.

5. Should breast implants only be considered after completing childbearing?
Many women want to enjoy the benefits of breast augmentation during their childbearing years and beyond. There is no reason to wait until after you have had your children to get implants. Some women are concerned about being able to breast feed after they have breast augmentation. As a rule of thumb, if a woman has successfully breast-fed before implants, thereby indicating that she can breastfeed, she has a good chance of still being able to do so after an augmentation. That said, if a woman has sagging breasts, and also needs a mastopexy (breast lift), in addition to implants, then it is generally best to wait until after childbearing and breastfeeding has concluded.

6. Are implants the only option for breast augmentation?
No. Until recently though, it was true that in order to enhance a woman's bust size, an implant was required. However, with new and safe technologies, some women are actually candidates for "natural" breast enhancement. This procedure involves taking fat from unwanted areas of the body and transferring it to the breasts for augmentation. It's a safe, comfortable, effective procedure that does not even require general anesthesia!

7. Is it true that only a cosmetic surgeon is qualified to perform plastic surgery?
Unfortunately, any doctor can call themselves a "cosmetic surgeon" and not be board certified in plastic surgery. That said, the only doctors who should be performing plastic surgery are those with the specific training. They should be board certified in 1) Plastic Surgery, 2) Dermatology, 3) ENT/facial plastic surgery, or 4) Oculoplastic Surgery. Before trusting your looks and health to just anyone, make sure your chosen doctor is board certified and experienced. Rest assured, all the doctors at the Gateway Aesthetic Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah are board certified and specialize in their particular areas of expertise.

Heidi Regenass, M.D., is a board certified plastic surgeon in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center. Born in Zimbabwe, Dr. Regenass specializes in variety of plastic surgery procedures for both men and women to help them achieve their desired cosmetic result. Specifically, she specializes in plastic surgery procedures that rejuvenate the face and body, enhancing one's natural beauty including both breast enhancement and tummy tucks.

Dr. Regenass received her medical degree from the University of Utah where she excelled academically and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. She went on to perform her general surgery residency at the Mayo Clinic, followed by a plastic surgery residency at the University of Utah. For more than 20 years, Dr. Regenass has been dedicated to the holistic practice of medicine to help her patients achieve their health and beauty goals. Dr. Regenass and the dedicated team of healthcare professionals at Gateway Aesthetic look forward to helping you look and feel your very best.
In addition to being board certified, Dr. Regenass is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

SOURCE Gateway Aesthetic Institute & Laser Center

What Facebook Generation Females Are Not Sharing at the OB/GYN

2010-11-03T16:21:00.000-07:00

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Millennials and Gen Xers can be eloquent in 140 characters or less, but in the doctor's office women of this generation edit themselves about sexual health information that can guide recommendations for everything from cervical cancer screening to contraception. In a survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation, less than one in four women between ages 18 and 34 with a regular health care provider has initiated a conversation about her sexual health, and of those who had a conversation, four in ten weren't too comfortable about it.

This counterintuitive behavior, from the generation that has led society into a new world of personal disclosure and information sharing and will continue to do so using social networks as they age, spurred Merck to develop a way to help. It's called Healthy Communication, and it is a resource-rich online kiosk, which can be found on iVillage.com/health, that provides women with practical information about initiating productive discussions about sexual health during their annual health examinations.

Roshini Raj, MD, the noted women's health expert and co-author of the new book What the Yuck?: The Freaky & Fabulous Truth About Your Body, says this communications gap may be affecting women's health. Women who withhold information due to shyness or discomfort may end up mismatched by their doctors with birth control or other reproductive health information that doesn't suit their lifestyles.

"An average gynecological annual exam lasts just 15 minutes, so women need to overcome their reticence and maximize that time," said Dr. Raj. "Sharing sexual lifestyle information with their physicians is not comfortable for many women and the resources at www.iVillage.com/health can help make it easier to have those conversations."

Resources on the site include Digital Native-appropriate tools like regular articles by Dr. Raj and interactive tools to improve the quality of health conversations in the doctor's office.

Survey findings:

Only 13 percent of women who have used birth control or are considering birth control share details of their sexual health with their health care provider;

Less-than one-third of women are extremely satisfied with the discussions they have with health care providers during their visits, and with their overall relationship with their health care provider; Among women who had used or considered using birth control, almost one out of four report negative feelings associated with discussing sexual health with their health care provider including embarrassment, unease and bashfulness.

"We know that women often turn to the Web when they have health questions that concern themselves and their families," said Jennifer Barrett, iVillage Health Editor. "iVillage Health was developed as a resource to empower women to become more informed and prepared patients."
About the survey

The Healthy Communication survey identified the type of relationship women 18 to 34 years of age have with their health care provider and the quality of their experiences with birth control. A total of 370 women between the ages of 18 and 34 participated in the online survey, which aimed to identify the type of relationship women have with their health care provider.
The survey was commissioned in 2009 by Opinion Research Corporation, on behalf of Schering Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. Respondents were from online panel sources in the United States.

About Merck

Today's Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Merck is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more information, visit www.merck.com.

About iVillage

iVillage is the largest content-driven community for women online reaching 30 + million unique visitors per month (comScore July 2010). With over four million plus conversations annually and thousands of specific brands talked about weekly, iVillage is at the center of her digital routine. Everyday women come to iVillage to connect, share advice, find life tools and engage in conversations that matter most to them in areas of Pregnancy & Parenting, Health, Food, Entertainment and Beauty & Style. Additional businesses and brand extensions within iVillage include iVillage UK, NBC Digital Health Network, Astrology.com and GardenWeb. iVillage Inc., is based in New York City, and is part of the NBC Universal Women & Lifestyle Entertainment Networks Group.

Can Adding a Side Salad to a Cheeseburger Help You Lose Weight?

2010-11-03T16:18:00.000-07:00

EVANSTON, Ill., Sept. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Can adding a side salad to a cheeseburger help one lose weight? New research from the Kellogg School of Management suggests that people, particularly those who characterize themselves as weight conscious, tend to believe that adding a healthy option to an otherwise indulgent meal will lower the total calorie count.

"Despite the growing availability of healthier, diet-friendly foods, the proliferation of diets, and the increasing number of public policy initiatives aimed at obesity, the proportion of overweight individuals in the United States continues to increase," says Alexander Chernev, study author and associate professor of marketing at the Kellogg School Management at Northwestern University. "An important factor contributing to the obesity epidemic is the misguided belief about the relationship between a meal's healthiness and its impact on weight gain. People erroneously believe that eating healthy foods in addition to unhealthy ones can decrease a meal's calorie count."

In earlier research, Chernev identified consumers' tendency to underestimate their calorie intake. In his new study, Chernev builds on this concept, documenting a striking outcome: this propensity to misestimate calories is stronger among weight-conscious people, who would seem most likely to closely monitor their diets.

As a part of this study, 934 participants from a nationwide online research panel were asked to estimate the calorie content of several meals. Some were shown a series of relatively unhealthy meals, and others were shown the same meals combined with a healthy option. For example, some of the participants were shown a bowl of chili with cheese, whereas the others were shown the same bowl of chili paired with a small green side salad. The other food pairs included a cheeseburger, which for some of the participants was paired with three celery sticks; a bacon-and-cheese waffle sandwich (paired with a small organic apple); and a meatball pepperoni cheesesteak (paired with a celery-and-carrot side dish).

Results were astounding. Those who viewed the chili alone rated it as averaging 699 calories. In contrast, those who were shown the chili combined with the green salad estimated it to have only 656 calories. Thus, adding a green salad to the bowl of chili lowered the perceived calorie content of the entire meal by 43 calories—as if the green salad had negative calories. This negative calorie illusion was observed with all four meals tested, indicating the prevalence of the belief that one can consume fewer calories simply by adding a healthy item to a meal.

"Because people believe that adding a healthy option can lower a meal's calorie content, the negative calorie illusion can lead to overconsumption, thus contributing to the obesity trend," says Chernev.

What was even more surprising, however, was that dieters—who are presumably more involved in monitoring their calorie intake and more familiar with the calorie content of different meal options—were more likely to fall into the negative calorie illusion trap. In fact, the illusion was twice as strong for the weight-conscious groups (who on average underestimated the combined meal by 76 calories or 10.8%) than for those who were rather indifferent to their weight (who on average underestimated the combined meal by 33 calories or 4.8%).

To combat the "dieter's paradox," as Chernev has termed this phenomenon, he recommends shifting the focus of current public policy campaigns away from the stereotypes associated with "good" and "bad" foods. When product ads and public policy communications stereotype foods into virtues and vices, they tend to shift people's attention away from the quantity of food consumed. According to Chernev, this neglect of quantity might end up implicitly promoting the illusion of negative calories.

"The bottom line here is that motivating people to lose weight without educating them on how to monitor their calorie intake might not be enough to combat obesity. As the dieter's paradox shows, motivation without knowledge can be counterproductive," says Chernev. "Promoting the consumption of healthy foods without providing a complete picture of the factors influencing weight gain might paradoxically facilitate calorie overconsumption, leading to weight gain rather than weight loss."

The study, "The Dieter's Paradox," appeared in the April 2011 issue of the Journal of Consumer Psychology.

MORE INFORMATION: To request the full study or to arrange an interview with Professor Alexander Chernev, contact Aaron Mays or Dawn McKenzie, APR at the contact information listed below.

For more information about the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, visit http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu.

Cosmetic Surgery, Botox, Aesthetic Laser Markets to Grow to $3B

2010-11-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

VANCOUVER, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ - According to a new report by iData Research (www.idataresearch.net), the leading global authority in medical device and pharmaceutical market research, the market for cosmetic surgery, facial aesthetics and medical lasers is expected to almost double in size, exceeding $3 billion by 2017. The market for aesthetic Botulinum toxin-A drugs such as Botox(R) will grow to an estimated $543 million by 2017, while the aesthetic laser and light therapy markets for skin resurfacing, hair removal and laser lipolysis are the fastest growing segments.

"Allergan has had a monopoly on Botulinum toxin A drugs since 2002, but now faces competition from Dysport(R) by Medicis as well as other new competitors expected to enter the market," says Dr. Kamran Zamanian, CEO of iData. "Allergan and Medicis have been fierce rivals, as their Juvederm(R) and Restylane(R) facial dermal fillers compete in the lucrative dermal filler market."

The report states that the U.S. market for aesthetic facial injectable products is valued at almost $860 million in 2010. Competition will intensify with the expected entry of PurTox(R) by Mentor Corporation, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. Use of Botulinum toxin is also expected to increase due to a growing number of therapeutic possibilities, such as upper limb spasms, neck malpositioning due to spastic musculature and certain types of eye muscle disorders.

"A growing number of doctors are looking at the therapeutic potential of Botulinum-A. There are more cosmetic procedures performed using Botulinum-A than therapeutic, however therapeutic procedures use higher doses of the drug, therefore these two markets are similar in value," says Dr. Zamanian.

iData's Global 3-report series, the "Markets for Cosmetic Surgery, Facial Aesthetics and Medical Laser Devices 2011" includes the latest data, market analyses and competitor profiles for: Botulinum toxin, dermal filler, augmentation implants, liposuction aspirators, laser/light devices and microderm abrasion.

For more information, register free on iData's website at: http://www.idataresearch.net/idata/registration.php

About iData Research

iData Research (www.idataresearch.net/idata/discoveridata.php) is an international market research and consulting group focused on providing market intelligence for medical device and pharmaceutical companies. iData covers research in: cosmetic surgery, facial aesthetics, medical lasers, orthopedics, cardiovascular, dental, endoscopy and more.

SOURCE iData Research Inc.

Survey: Can You Guess What Scent Turns Arizona Girls On?

2010-11-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- It's long been known that how a guy smells is the number one thing that determines whether a girl will find him attractive.(i) In fact, two out of three women say they are more likely to make out with a guy on the first date if he smells good.(ii) To further investigate the science behind scent and attraction, AXE, the iconic men's grooming brand, commissioned new research unearthing what scents turn girls on – proving that guys looking to enhance their game should choose a fragrance based on where they reside.

AXE enlisted scent expert Dr. Alan Hirsch, director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, to determine girls' scent preferences in 10 of the top cities for singles nationwide. Surprisingly, no two cities fared the same. In Chicago, for example, which boasts nearly 700 bakeries and patisseries, girls preferred the sweet smell of vanilla, while in sunny San Diego, girls go wild for the scent of suntan lotion and salty ocean air. Guys should take note – switching up fragrance according to locale might just be the help needed to attract her attention.

"In each city we tested, girls reported different scent preferences, indicating that geography has a direct correlation to what scents they find attractive," said Dr. Hirsch. "Guys should heed these findings as research has shown that when women are in the presence of a preferred scent, they are more likely to project positive feelings on those around them, which can lead to increased attraction."

Seductive Scents

So which scents may seduce? Guys living in New York, where girls dig the smell of coffee, should opt for a gourmet foodie scent, such as AXE Dark Temptation, which includes notes of hot chocolate amber and red peppercorn. Guys in L.A. shouldn't think they can get by with the same fragrance – girls there are drawn to the smell of fresh lavender so guys should reach for clean, herbal scents. How different is it from city to city? Check it out:

1. Girls' Scent Preferences by City New York City – Coffee
2. Los Angeles – Lavender
3. Chicago – Vanilla
4. Houston – Barbeque
5. Atlanta – Cherry
6. Phoenix – Eucalyptus
7. Philadelphia – Clean Laundry
8. Dallas – Smoke/Fireplace
9. San Diego – Suntan Lotion/Ocean
10 .Minneapolis-St. Paul – Cut Grass

For guys who don't live in one of the above locations, Dr. Hirsch and his team of scent scientists broke down the data nationally and regionally, finding that some scents were popular enough to cross state lines. Food-focused scents like vanilla and coffee, for instance, reined supreme nationwide.

Girls' Scent Preferences Nationwide

1.Vanilla
2.Coffee
3.Lavender
4.Fresh Air/Rain

Girls' Scent Preferences Regionally

• East Coast – Coffee
• South – Fire/Smoke
• Midwest – Cut Grass
• West Coast – Baked Goods

Sensorial Satisfaction

The importance of knowing what scents girls are attracted to goes beyond picking out a complementary fragrance. Dating and relationship expert Ian Kerner, New York Times best-selling author of She Comes First and Love in the Time of Colic, suggests not only wearing the correct fragrance according to your city, but incorporating the preferred scent into your dating routine.

"Dating should be a sensorial experience," says Kerner. "If a girl likes the sights, sounds and smell around her, she is going to find you more desirable." Guys who call the South home, for example, might take their girl to their favorite barbeque place or roast S'mores by a campfire to create that desired smoky aroma. Since girls in the Midwest like freshly cut grass, guys in the Heartland may be better off with a picnic or hitting up the driving range.

Survey Says

In addition to the study, AXE also commissioned research firm StrategyOne to survey girls nationwide about their thoughts on scent and attraction. While scent preferences vary by location, some things ring true from coast to coast, proving that scent is an important element to consider when getting ready for that hot date.

Dirty little secret: One in four girls will wait anywhere from two weeks to a month before washing their sheets in order to keep their guy's scent close
Father doesn't know best: 56 percent of girls say they won't date a guy who smells like their dad
Guard your belongings: One out of two girls admits that she has committed theft by stealing an article of clothing from a guy to smell when he's gone and nearly 60 percent of girls sleep in their guy's clothes because they like his lingering aroma
Need proof of how scent and memory are intertwined? 60 percent of girls still remember the smell of their ex's cologne
Visit www.facebook.com/axe for full results from the AXE Scents and the City study and more tips from Ian Kerner on how to seduce her senses.

AXE-ology

Scent and the City study findings were compiled by Dr. Alan Hirsch, director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation. Two thousand women ages 18 through 35 underwent live personal individualized nuncupative interviews as to their most preferred aromas. Two hundred subjects were selected per city. Questions were asked in an open fashion and no attempt was made to guide subjects to respond in any particular fashion as no prior hypothesis had been presented to the surveyors.

StrategyOne, a full-service corporate positioning, market research and strategic communications agency conducted a nationwide survey to unveil women's thoughts on scent and attraction. The survey was conducted online among a sample of 1,008 women aged 18 – 34 using the field services of Authentic Response. The results are nationally representative of the U.S. and have a margin of error or +/- 3.09 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.

About AXE

AXE is an iconic personal care brand around the world that helps guys look, smell and feel their best. The Unilever-manufactured brand is available in a line of deodorant bodysprays, deodorant and antiperspirant sticks, shower gels and hair care products. AXE is the No. 1 men's grooming brand in the U.S., excluding shaving hardware, which AXE does not offer, and achieved this status only seven years after launch. The brand's mission is to help guys get the girl with grooming products that reflect individual personality and lifestyle. For more information visit www.theaxeeffect.com.

About Dr. Hirsch

Alan R. Hirsch, M.D., F.A.C.P., a neurologist and psychiatrist, is a nationally recognized smell and taste expert. He has written more than 180 articles on the psychological power of smell, taste and how these senses affect human behavior. As the founder and neurological director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, Dr. Hirsch puts his theories to the test in a variety of documented studies.

About StrategyOne

Founded in 1999, StrategyOne is a full-service corporate positioning, market research and strategic communications agency with global research capabilities and offices in New York, Washington, DC, Chicago, Atlanta, London and Paris. StrategyOne utilizes a full suite of qualitative and quantitative methodologies to design custom primary research for clients in a wide range of industries to support their communications and marketing objectives.

How Personality Affects Your Perceived Prettiness

2010-11-03T16:14:00.000-07:00

West Long Branch, N.J. – November 29, 2007 – A new study published in Personal Relationships examines the way in which perceptions of physical attractiveness are influenced by personality. The study finds that individuals – both men and women – who exhibit positive traits, such as honesty and helpfulness, are perceived as better looking. Those who exhibit negative traits, such as unfairness and rudeness, appear to be less physically attractive to observers.

Participants in the study viewed photographs of opposite-sex individuals and rated them for attractiveness before and after being provided with information on personality traits. After personality information was received, participants also rated the desirability of each individual as a friend and as a dating partner. Information on personality was found to significantly alter perceived desirability, showing that cognitive processes and expectations modify judgments of attractiveness.

“Perceiving a person as having a desirable personality makes the person more suitable in general as a close relationship partner of any kind,” says study author Gary W. Lewandowski, Jr. The findings show that a positive personality leads to greater desirability as a friend, which leads to greater desirability as a romantic partner and, ultimately, to being viewed as more physically attractive. The findings remained consistent regardless of how “attractive” the individual was initially perceived to be, or of the participants' current relationship status or commitment level with a partner.

Previous studies examined physical appearance and personality mainly as independent sources in predicting attraction. By presenting this information in installments, the study simulates a more typical context in which seeing the person’s appearance precedes learning about their personality, and shows that perceptions of a person’s physical attractiveness may change over time due to their positive or negative traits.

“This research provides a more positive alternative by reminding people that personality goes a long way toward determining your attractiveness; it can even change people’s impressions of how good looking you are,” says Lewandowski.

Facebook Generation Fastest Growing Group in Cosmetic Procedures

2010-11-03T16:11:00.000-07:00

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 8 -- In its annual survey of patients seeking laser hair removal on HairRemovalJournal.org, The Patient's Guide® has found the share of young adults (18-29 yr olds) looking to have the procedure performed at its highest levels on record. Of the 1,541 responses in the survey, 61% were in the 18-29 age demographic, up from 43% in 2009. The share of 30-40 year olds has dropped significantly, from 36% to 24%. (see full results: http://www.hairremovaljournal.org/coststatistics.aspx)

"We've been surprised to see such steady interest from younger patients given the economy," says Patient's Guide Chairman and laser expert Eric F. Bernstein, M.D. "It appears that people in the 30-40 year old segment are the ones really doing some belt tightening these days. People are looking for lower cost beauty alternatives, and are spending more time researching what they really want, and the best place to get it."

In a similar study conducted by The Patient's Guide on Stretchmarks.org, the percentage of 18-29 year olds seeking treatment for stretch marks increased by 37% from 2009 to 2010. "This segment has greater interest in the lower-cost, non-invasive treatments such as hair removal and laser rejuvenation. They're not candidates for expensive procedures like face lifts which cater to older demographics anyway," said Dr. Bernstein. "The economy has been particularly hard for higher cost procedures which typically target older demographics. Our expectation is that as lower cost options become more popular among younger patients, this trend will expand in the older demographics as well."

About The Patient's Guide

The Patient's Guide's mission is to provide the most accurate medical information to enable consumers to make educated decisions about aesthetic treatments. The Patient's Guide team includes leading physicians in the fields of laser and dermatology. These experts are the innovators in skin care and cosmetic dermatology technology breakthroughs, including hair removal, skin rejuvenation, fat reduction and cellulite treatment.
Each month over one million visitors go to The Patient's Guide, a family of 25 web publications, each dedicated to a specific condition or treatment. Visitors rely on the information The Patient's Guide provides because the information is written by leading experts. For more information please visit www.patientsguide.com .

Dual Surveys Reveal Top Concerns for Menopausal Skin on Women

2010-11-03T16:09:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, Sept. 1 -- According to The Effects of Menopause on the Skin, a survey sponsored by Vichy Laboratoires, a division of L'Oreal Active Cosmetics, the vast majority of women over 50 reported experiencing notable changes in the condition of their skin during menopause. In fact, 53 percent reported that the most common issue they faced after entering menopause was dry skin, followed closely by an increase in wrinkles and a sagging neck. (1)

The results of this consumer survey are further supported by additional research conducted by Vichy Laboratoires. According to a survey of 625 dermatologists at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting 2010, the number one skin concern reported by menopausal patients is dry skin, followed in second by wrinkles. (2)

Hormones play a major role in the effects of menopause on the skin conditions of women. "By the time women hit their late 40's and 50's, as estrogen levels drop off, they often experience a rapid increase in collagen breakdown. In particular, this can manifest as sagging skin of the neck and jawline and is highly bothersome to my patients," says Boston dermatologist Ranella Hirsch.

About Vichy: Vichy is the #1 skincare brand in European pharmacies. Vichy Laboratoires is dedicated to advancing skin health through a deep understanding of how skin functions, supported by medical research. Vichy Laboratoires' patented ingredients -- combined with Vichy's mineral-enriched Thermal Spa Water -- deliver an exceptionally high level of efficacy, clinically proven by independent dermatologists. Vichy products are available in Dermatological Skincare Centers, with trained beauty advisors, in top CVS, Longs Drugs, Rite Aid and Duane Reade drugstores and sold online at www.vichyusa.com.

1. Survey Methodology: These findings are from a telephone survey conducted among 686 female adults over the age of 50. Interviewing for this survey was completed during the period February 26 – 28, 2010. Opinion Research Corporation of Princeton, NJ, conducted the fieldwork.

2. Findings from survey completed by range of dermatologists during the 2010 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting.

3. Based on in vitro results showing an increase in collagen 7 & laminin 5.

SOURCE Vichy
http://www.vichyusa.com

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Special Discounts This Month On Laser Skin Treatments

2010-11-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

Four Convenient Locations: Paradise Valley, Ahwatukee, Chandler, and
Mesa

Derma Health Institute Specials For This Month!

Get the Full 3D Treatment!
Three Photofacials, three Laser Genesis, and three Titan Skin Tightening treatments for $300 off!

Got Veins? Lose them quick with Laser Vein Removal. $100 Off a complete package three treatments.
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Eliminate Age Spots, Sun Damage and Spider Veins: Buy two Photofacials, get one FREE!. Click for more information on Photofacials.

Grow Longer, Fuller Eyelashes: Latisse only $49 when you purchase any Titan Skin Tightening package.
Click for more information on Latisse.

FREE Vitamin B-12 Gift Certificate! Join our email list and receive a gift certificate for a free vitamin B-12 shot with any purchase. Not valid with any other offers. Click here sign up.

Save With Derma Health Institute Annual Packages

Annual Juvederm Package: Minimum four syringes. $369 per syringe with a four syringe minimum . Click
for more information on Juvederm

Annual Botox Package: Minimum 100 units. $8.99 per unit. (nontransferable). Save $100! Click for more
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Annual B12 Package: $15 B12 shots, 24 shot minimum. Save $119

Annual Signature Microdermabrasion Package: 12 Microderms for $999! Includes face, neck & hands. Save $549! Click for more information on Microdermabrasions.
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All specials not valid with any other offers. Expires November 30, 2010.

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Contact us today to schedule a FREE no-risk consultation and skin analysis. Let Derma Health Institute custom-design a package for your specific skin needs.

Before and After Pictures and Photos of Lipo-Vibe Tickle Liposuction

2010-10-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

A More Advanced and Safer Choice in Liposuction Technology

Lipo-Vibe Custom Acoustic Liposuction is the newest and latest advancement in liposuction. Lipo-Vibe is an FDA approved, safe and effective way to eliminate unwanted stubborn areas of fat. Although new to the U.S., this technology has been successfully used in Europe for more than 12 years.

Unlike traditional liposuction that causes trauma to the surrounding tissue, the Lipo-Vibe gentle 3-D technology contours the body for dramatic results with little or no downtime -- and all under a local anesthetic. This state of the art procedure can be used on virtually any area of the body that is resistant to diet and exercise with fantastic results. As an added benefit, the energy used to break down fat also stimulates collagen and facilitates skin tightening.

To view Before and After photos and images of Lipo-Vibe Tickle Liposuction at Derma Health Institute, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/article_info.php?articles_id=379

Survey: Americans Would Rather Give Up Sex Than Gain Weight

2010-10-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., Aug. 12 -- In spite of facing the deepest recession since the Great Depression and record unemployment rates, many Americans would pass up a work promotion to drop 10 to 20 pounds, according to the new Nutrisystem Diet Index™ issued today by Nutrisystem, Inc.®, a leading provider of weight management programs and services. Americans would also rather give up sex than gain weight, and they'd toss their cell phones and give up watching TV to have a toned tummy, according to the new findings. The Nutrisystem Diet Index™ is a new series of national consumer surveys tracking America's diet behaviors, attitudes and trends throughout the year. Each survey has a scale that measures America's current diet and lifestyle behavior and choices.

"The fact of the matter is, America is obsessed with dieting and weight loss, but the majority of Americans aren't eating healthier or getting thinner," said Joe Redling, chairman and CEO of Nutrisystem, Inc. "We've developed the Nutrisystem Diet Index™ to better understand America's attitudes toward dieting and to start a dialogue about healthy dieting and healthy lifestyle habits and trends."

The first Nutrisystem Diet Index™ revealed that Americans place a high value on being healthy, but they abandon the idea of achieving a healthier weight and lifestyle, because they ultimately feel their goals are too difficult to attain and maintain. The American lifestyle is also a factor. Inconveniences of work, giving up favorite foods, not having the time to plan ahead, cooking for a larger family and the cost of healthy foods are cited as some of the biggest barriers.

The Nutrisystem Diet Index™ revealed that Americans are clearly showing signs of struggle. According to the Index, Americans are at the midway mark on healthy diet and lifestyle choices, scoring a 5.1 on a ten point scale – with one being an "unhealthy diet and lifestyle" and ten being a "healthy diet and lifestyle" – when asked basic questions about their eating habits, diet behaviors and lifestyle choices.

The Nutrisystem Diet Index™ showed:

Only 35 percent of Americans fall into the "healthy lifestyle" category on the Index, by making healthy food and portion choices and by exercising regularly.
30 percent of Americans fall into the "unhealthy lifestyle" category and have dieted an average of 20 times in their life, using five different diet plans
35 percent of Americans have dieted an average of six times in their life, using two different diet plans

Nearly 1/3 of Americans (29 percent) have tried dieting over the past eleven months, and more than half of Americans (51 percent) have dieted within the past two years

For information about Weight Loss programs at Derma Health Institute, go to:
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Additionally, nearly a third of Americans confess to being self-conscious about their bodies and the Nutrisystem Diet Index™ reveals insight into Americans' attitudes about their health, appearance and lifestyle during the height of swimsuit season.

Additional findings from the survey include:

A majority of Americans (66 percent) who say they need to lose weight to feel sexier than they currently do, think it will take an average of 23 pounds of weight loss for this to happen
More than half (52 percent) of American women would take a summer without sex over gaining 10 pounds; a quarter of American men (25 percent) said they would make the same sacrifice
More Americans would prefer to shed 10 to 20 pounds this summer (25 percent) than get promoted at work (20 percent)
Almost three out of four Americans (73 percent) are willing to give up television, their cell phones or their computers for a flat tummy this beach season
Nearly half (46 percent) of the country chose not to diet, even when they knew they needed to lose weight, because they didn't want to give up their favorite foods
Almost all dieters (93 percent) find at least one aspect of their dieting plan to be challenging; the majority said they aren't able to control cravings (71 percent) and find portion size an obstacle to their success (64 percent)

"The Nutrisystem Diet Index found that many Americans are willing to make extreme sacrifices to lose weight, but they eventually give up on their goals because they don't know how to reach them. While there is an endless amount of health information available, there are still misperceptions and confusion about becoming healthier," said Dr. Bruce Daggy, nutritional biochemist and vice president of research and development, Nutrisystem, Inc. "This research helps shed light on some of the root causes of our nation's struggle to achieve a healthy diet and lifestyle."

The Nutrisystem Diet Index™ analyzed healthy diet and lifestyle behaviors and attitudes based on a telephone survey conducted by Kelton Research on behalf of Nutrisystem, Inc. The phone survey took place between April 10 and April 21, 2010 among 1,001 adults age 18 and over.

For more information on the Nutrisystem Diet Index ™, visit nutrisystemnews.com. To share what you’d be willing to give up to lose weight, go to Facebook.com/Nutrisystem.

SOURCE Nutrisystem, Inc.

For information about Weight Loss programs at Derma Health Institute, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=15

Botox & Facial Fillers Most Popular Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments

2010-10-07T13:30:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, Aug. 9 -- The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) is a world leader in plastic surgery. After a year-long process, the Society has produced the "ISAPS Biennial Global Survey™" of plastic surgeons and procedures in the top 25 countries and regions – representing 75% of all procedures in 2009. The ISAPS Survey marks the first time reliable international plastic surgery data has been obtained and analyzed by independent statistical specialists.

For more information about Botox and Facial Fillers at Derma Health Institute, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com

"This year marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of ISAPS," noted Foad Nahai, MD of the United States and current President of ISAPS. "The Society was founded at the United Nations by a group of concerned and proactive plastic surgeons. We could think of no better way of commemorating this important milestone than by commissioning and releasing this breakthrough Survey."

Geographic Trends

The ISAPS Global Survey revealed a new hierarchy of countries with the most surgical and non surgical cosmetic procedures. While the United States continues its dominance in the field, countries not always associated with plastic surgery are emerging as major centers.

Please note: fully detailed statistics are available for all categories mentioned in this release as well as complete methodology at: www.isaps.org

Most Popular Surgical and Non Surgical Procedures

For the last ten years, the consensus has been that breast augmentation was the most popular plastic surgery procedure. The ISAPS Global Survey reveals a new trend with liposuction representing 18.8% of all surgical procedures, followed by breast augmentation at 17%, and blepharoplasty (upper or lower eyelid lift) at 13.5%, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) at 9.4% and abdominoplasty ("Tummy Tuck") at 7.3%.

The popularity of surgical procedures varied by country with Brazil, the United States, China, Mexico, India and Japan the dominant countries for the top five procedures.

Reflecting both advances in cosmetic surgery innovation and the desirability of less expensive treatments, the number of non surgical procedures performed by plastic surgeons actually topped surgical procedures. While there is no previous baseline of information against which to compare these figures, there can be no doubt that this is a dramatic turn of events.

The top five non surgical procedures are: toxins or neuromodulators injections (Botox, Dysport) (32.7%), hyaluronic acid injections (20.1%), laser hair removal (13.1%), autologous fat injections (taking a patient's fat from one location and transferring it in the same patient in another location) (5.9%) and IP Laser treatment (4.4%).

The countries where non surgical procedures were performed were dominated by the United States, Brazil, Mexico and China and to a lesser extent by Japan, Hungary, South Korea, India and Germany.

Grand Totals – Finally a Credible Baseline

The ISAPS Global Survey also establishes several important statistics with regard to the total number of board certified (or national equivalent) plastic surgeons practicing today; estimated to be 30,817. The total number of surgical procedures is projected to be 8,536,379 and the number of non surgical procedures is estimated at 8,759,187 – bringing the combined worldwide total of surgical and non surgical procedures performed by board certified plastic surgeons to: 17,295,557. (This figure does not take into account surgical and non surgical procedures performed by non plastic surgeons.)

Dr. Jan Poell of Switzerland, the incoming President of ISAPS, observed that, "The statistics revealed from the ISAPS Global Survey represent the first credible and reliable baseline of information in the field. This is valuable information that will be used by medical professionals and media as an indispensable tool for calculating developments within our specialty and general trends, long before governments or industry have amassed this data."

Methodology

"Calculating plastic surgery surgical and non surgical procedures throughout the world was a complex and challenging initiative," noted Dr. Sampaio Goes of Brazil, an ISAPS Past President and Chairman of the ISAPS Communication Committee which oversaw this Survey. "We chose a respected survey company with extensive experience in plastic surgery, and the results they produced are credible, scientifically significant and will influence the profession for years to come."

The ISAPS Biennial Global Survey was compiled, tabulated, and analyzed by Industry Insights, Inc. (www.industryinsights.com) an independent research firm based in Columbus, Ohio in the United States. The Survey leader was Scott Hackworth, a Certified Public Accountant who along with firm has conducted various forms of research on trends in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for nearly 15 years.

Participants in the Survey completed a two-page, English-based questionnaire that focused on the number of surgical and non-surgical procedures they performed in 2009. ISAPS issued an invitation to participate in the study to approximately 20,000 Plastic Surgeons whose contact information is housed in ISAPS proprietary database. In addition, a request was made that all National Societies encourage their members to take part in the survey.

Final figures have been projected to reflect international statistics and are based exclusively on the estimated number of Plastic Surgeons in each country. To aid in tallying the world-wide number of plastic surgeons, representatives from National Societies provided the counts for over 75% of the 31,000 total estimated plastic surgeons.

Though the confidence intervals change by procedure and by country - depending on the sample size and response variance of each - the overall survey portion of this research holds a standard error of +/- 4.24% at a 95% level of confidence.

ISAPS 2010 Congress: This Survey is released to coincide with the 20th Biennial Congress of ISAPS to be held on August 14-18 in San Francisco, California, United States. For more information about the Congress or to obtain credentials and/or follow up information contact: credentials@conmx.net

SOURCE International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)

For more information about Botox and Facial Fillers at Derma Health Institute, go to:
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The Two Most Common Skin Conditions in Asians: Acne and Malasma

2010-10-07T13:25:00.001-07:00

CHICAGO, Aug. 5 -- The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that the Asian-American population will total 40 million people by 2050. While as a whole this group is characterized by very dark hair and dark eyes, there is much diversity in Asian skin tones – from very light, pale skin to light or dark brown skin. One common thread is the pigmentation issues that Asian Americans often face as after-effects of other dermatologic problems that can be as troublesome as the original condition itself.

For more information about Acne Treatments at Derma Health Institute, go to:
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At the American Academy of Dermatology's Summer Academy Meeting 2010 in Chicago, dermatologist Roopal V. Kundu, MD, FAAD, assistant professor and director of the Center for Ethnic Skin in the department of dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, discussed two of the most common skin conditions in Asians and how treatment also involves addressing the ensuing pigmentation problems.

"The standards of beauty for Asian skin differ by region, but smooth skin and a flawless complexion are highly desired for most Asians," said Dr. Kundu. "That is why treating the initial concern as well as any pigmentation problems that may occur as the result of the treatment are so important."

Clearing Acne Step by Step

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions that affects Asians, and Dr. Kundu explained that this population tends to experience inflammatory acne. By its very nature, Asian skin has an increased amount of melanin (the pigment in skin), and the cells that make melanin tend to be more sensitive to any type of inflammation or injury. Because Asian skin becomes more inflamed with deeper acne pustules and papules, patients are often left with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which refers to increased pigmentation or dark spots at the sites of inflammation.

"In my practice, Asian acne patients often are much more concerned with the after-effects of acne and how their skin may be affected by the resulting discoloration or scarring rather than the acne itself," said Dr. Kundu. "However, the first goal of any successful treatment regimen is to control the acne with topical and/or systemic medications depending on the severity of the acne."

In conjunction with medications she prescribes to clear acne, Dr. Kundu also recommends medications or over-the-counter products to even out the tone of Asian skin – which can help reduce the incidence of PIH. One such product that Dr. Kundu finds very effective in protecting Asian skin from uneven skin tone is sunscreen.

"Many of my Asian patients do not realize how important regular sun protection is to prevent the signs of aging skin, including preserving skin tone and helping minimize pigmentation problems from acne," said Dr. Kundu. "Minimizing intense sun exposure, wearing sun protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats, along with applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 is a must for treating Asian skin for this reason."

Another important component of treating acne in this population is exfoliation. Dr. Kundu often recommends glycolic acid, salicylic acid or topical retinoids to her patients to remove the surface skin cells and improve both acne and hyperpigmentation. Once acne is under control, the second goal is to address the resulting pigmentation problems. Dr. Kundu typically recommends bleaching agents, such as hydroquinone (considered the gold standard for bleaching), as well as chemical peels and cosmeceuticals. However, she cautioned that patients should be careful about where they purchase bleaching creams. Some establishments have been cited for selling products that contain too high levels of hydroquinone and even tested positive for toxic levels of mercury.

"It is very important for all patients to talk to their dermatologist before trying any at-home treatments designed to improve their skin tone, as some products can do more harm than good," advised Dr. Kundu. "Your dermatologist can recommend proven therapies and preventive care to keep your skin healthy and looking its best, even when you are experiencing a skin condition like acne."

Unmasking the Mystery of Melasma

Another common skin condition in Asians that can impact the appearance of the skin is melasma. Often referred to as the "mask of pregnancy," melasma is characterized by brown patches commonly on the cheeks, upper lip, nose and forehead. While the exact cause of melasma is unknown, it is thought to result from a combination of genetic and hormonal factors, as well as UV exposure. Dr. Kundu reported that melasma is more common in women and in Hispanics and Asians.

Treatments for melasma include similar therapies used to treat pigmentation problems resulting from acne, such as bleaching agents, hydroquinone, topical retinoids and chemical peels. In addition, certain laser and light therapies have been shown to be safe and effective in Asians.

Dr. Kundu reported that fractionated lasers and intense-pulsed light (IPL) therapies can be performed safely in Asians, but cautioned that these procedures need to be administered carefully by dermatologists.

"In some cases, laser and light procedures can worsen melasma if they destroy pigment cells – which leave white spots in the treated areas," said Dr. Kundu. "But they can be safe and effective in treating melasma, so patients need to discuss these procedures with their dermatologist to make sure they are good candidates first."

As is recommended in treating acne in Asian patients, Dr. Kundu added that avoiding the sun and using sunscreen daily are essential in the treatment of melasma and also in limiting potential side effects of laser and light treatments.

For information on Melasma treatments at Derma Health Institute, go to:
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Cultural Practices Can Spell Trouble for the Skin

Many of the deep-rooted cultural practices in Asian populations are still evident today, and Dr. Kundu noted that some can pose skin problems that need to be addressed by a dermatologist.

For example, cupping and moxibustion are two ancient healing techniques that complement acupuncture therapy by the use of heat to stimulate circulation. However, Dr. Kundu reported that people who regularly practice cupping and moxibustion can get bruising or scarring that sometimes require dermatologic care to minimize PIH. Similarly, the practice of coin rubbing – which involves using oils on the skin and repetitive rubbing of coins firmly over the area to promote healing – can create deep abrasions and bruising that may need medical attention.

Another common cultural practice among certain Asian cultures is the application of black henna tattoos. These popular tattoos could contain high concentrations of a chemical known as para-phenylenediamine, or PPD, used to create longer-lasting black henna tattoos. However, Dr. Kundu explained that PPD is an allergen that could cause allergic contact dermatitis, with symptoms ranging from mild eczema to blistering and scarring.

"While people of Asian descent may be more prone to pigmentation problems resulting from dermatologic conditions or from cultural practices, there are many ways that dermatologists can help patients maintain good skin health and minimize potential skin problems," said Dr. Kundu

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 16,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.

SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology

For more information about Acne Treatments at Derma Health Institute, go to:
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Survey: Life with Food Allergies and Sensitivities

2010-10-07T13:21:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, July 21 -- Food Content Alerts (http://www.foodcontentalerts.com), the world's first interactive food management tool, announced the results of the global survey "Life with Food Allergies and Sensitivities." More than 1,000 survey respondents from anglophone countries U.S., U.K., Canada, New Zealand, and Australia opted into the survey online. The only qualification for participation was that they or someone in their household suffer from a food allergy or sensitivity.

For more information about Food Allergies Sensitivity Testing at Derma Health Institute, go to:
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Food allergies and sensitivities are a serious and growing problem in developed countries. Experts estimate that as many as 60 million people in the U.S. are affected, either with a personal condition or through a family member, and that this number is increasing every year. The FCA site was launched last October following extensive research and development, and already has considerable Web traffic, users, and social media presence.

"With a critical mass of members and visitors to the site, we thought it was time to learn more about the people who use our tool. As one of the principles of FCA is sharing knowledge, our intention was to share the findings and, in doing so, raise awareness of this important issue," said Rich Muhlstock, the founder and manager of the site, which was created by TAXI NYC. "Even with all the information available on the Internet, we found that most respondents did not have a single Web destination to search for safe foods."

The results also showed that food allergies and sensitivities often affect more than one person in a household, with 45% of respondents having two or more allergy sufferers in a single household, while 20% have three or more sufferers. The survey confirmed that the condition has a huge emotional and logistical impact on family life. Sixty-six percent of respondents claimed that life with food sensitivities was difficult, compared with only 10% that found it easy to deal with.

The range of allergens and sensitivities mentioned by respondents was very surprising, according to Caroline Krediet, Planning Director, TAXI NYC. "While we saw large groups suffering from lactose and gluten allergies, 40% of respondents claimed sensitivity to foods not on the typical list of the most common allergies. This indicates that as the number of sufferers grows, so too does the list of food agents that affect them. We were surprised to see beef and corn as allergens mentioned by several hundred respondents."

Feedback on shopping behaviors was also interesting, with 87% of respondents relying on memory alone to select safe foods. "Surely this must be limiting to the repertoire of foods they can include in their diet. We hope this is something FCA can help address," says Muhlstock. Only a small minority of respondents believed that food companies did a good job labeling their foods. Sixty percent saw their current practices as inadequate.

Some bright spots for retailers and brands: Whole Foods was the clear winner in terms of favorite stores for allergy-free foods, with Trader Joe's not far behind. In terms of top "safe food" brands purchased by respondents, Bob's Red Mill, Enjoy Life, and Amy's were each mentioned by 10% of respondents. In the top 20 most frequently mentioned brands, General Mills led the pack, followed by Kraft and Kellogg's.

The survey was fielded from June 1-21, 2010. Respondents were 89% female, with 69% falling between the ages of 25 and 49. More information and detailed results are available at http://www.foodcontentalerts.com.

About FoodContentAlerts.com

FoodContentAlerts.com is a free online and mobile application that helps consumers with food sensitivities to manage their personal data. The site lets users organize a world of fragmented information via the creation of a personal sensitivity profile, which allows users to search for recipes, build personalized shopping lists, and more. FoodContentAlerts.com can also be accessed on the go via a mobile application. The site and app will revolutionize the way consumers navigate the world of food sensitivities and provide a unique targeted environment for advertisers. TAXI, New York (http://www.taxi-nyc.com), conceived of and developed the site. The site was built in partnership with Stem Limited (http://www.stemlimited.com).

For more information about Food Allergies Sensitivity Testing at Derma Health Institute, go to:
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Popularity of Cosmetic Surgery Growing Among Minorities

2010-10-07T12:16:00.000-07:00

CHICAGO, July 26 -- In a survey released today by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, more than half of respondents said they think the popularity of cosmetic surgery has grown among members of their racial/ethnic group in the last five years.

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Among racial/ethnic groups, Asians reported that cosmetic surgery is most popular (31.4 percent of respondents). They were followed by Hispanics (27.4 percent) and African Americans (18.8 percent) in cosmetic surgery popularity. About one quarter of respondents surveyed indicated they knew someone of the same racial/ethnic background who has gotten cosmetic surgery.

"Cosmetic surgery is en vogue no matter who you are," said Mark Berman, MD, President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. "Feeling better about yourself and making improvements to your looks is thankfully not limited to a specific race or culture."

For invasive cosmetic surgery procedures, the most common surgery for Asian respondents is a facelift. Among black respondents, the top procedure is liposuction. And for Hispanic respondents, the most popular procedure is abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).

More than 30 percent of respondents said they would seek out a cosmetic surgeon of the same race/ethnicity as themselves. And over half of respondents (56.6 percent) said it would be difficult to find a surgeon of the same race/ethnicity as themselves.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery is a professional medical society whose members are dedicated to patient safety and physician education in cosmetic surgery. Most members of the AACS are dermatologic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, head and neck surgeons, general surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons – all of whom specialize in cosmetic surgery. AACS is an organization that represents all cosmetic surgeons in the American Medical Association through its seat in the AMA House of Delegates.

SOURCE American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery

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Think Before You Ink: Poll Shows Opposite Sex Prefers No Tattoos

2010-10-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

While Angelina Jolie may boast yet another tattoo, a new survey shows 47 percent of men find tattoos on women to be a turn off. The same Ask Jeeves survey also reveals as many as 38 percent of women feel the same way about men with tattoos. The FDA estimates that 45 million Americans have at least one tattoo and an estimated 50 percent of individuals with tattoos, eventually grow dissatisfied and want them removed.

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Nearly a third of young adults now sport at least one tattoo, but more than one in four of them regret having it done, according to new research.

A fifth (20 per cent) of all adults have a permanent tattoo, but this rises to a staggering 29 per cent of both men and women aged 16-44 years-old, the research revealed.

But while the marking does not fade, the enthusiasm clearly does, as 23 per cent admit it is something they now regret, said the survey based on questions answered by the question and answer website Ask Jeeves.

It includes many users asking about laser and other removal techniques - Ask Jeeves said it was one of the most popular subjects for questions in recent years.

Tattoos are becoming increasingly trendy and 86 per cent agree they are becoming more commonplace, though not everyone approves.

One in three people (34 per cent) say tattoos look awful and 21 per cent think it is okay to have a tattoo as long as it is not on display.

Only nine per cent of those aged 60 and over have one, but 16 per cent of those aged 30-44 have at least two, the survey of 1,000 adults shows.

Celtic motifs or someone's name are seen as the most popular these days, said the Ask Jeeves research.

Attitudes vary among age groups, though not by as much as some may think. Asked about David Beckham's so-called tattoo 'sleeves' covering his arms, 93 per cent of the over-60s think he's gone too far, and so too do 74 per cent of the under-30s.

Almost half of all men - 47 per cent - think tattoos on a woman are a turn off but only 38 per cent of women think the same about the markings on a male body.

While inked-up celebrities from Cheryl Tweedy to Amy Winehouse have helped increase the popularity of tattoos, there seem to be good and bad role models.
According to the Ask Jeeves survey, 55 per cent of all adults think Amy Winehouse looks worse for her collection of tattoos but only 17 per cent think it detracts from Megan Fox.

Nadia Kelly of Ask Jeeves said: "We have noticed an increasing number of our users asking Jeeves about tattoo removal services and asking about the various ways to get rid of them.

"Tattoos are obviously more popular than ever and we get enquiries about the latest designs or to look at those sported by celebrities.
"But it does suggest that this is one of the things that seems like a great idea at first but which many come to regret when they grow older."

Already have a tattoo? For information about Tattoo Removal at Derma Health Institute, see:
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BOTOX Approved in UK For Treating Chronic Migraine Headaches

2010-10-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

MARLOW, United Kingdom, Jul 09, 2010 -- BOTOX(R) has been licensed by the MHRA in the UK for the prophylaxis of headaches in adults who have chronic migraine (headaches on at least 15 days per month of which at least 8 days are with migraine)1. This is the first licence worldwide of BOTOX(R) for this indication, and is also the first prophylactic (preventative) treatment to receive a specific licence for patients with chronic migraine.

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Chronic migraine can be a costly and disabling disorder that can have a devastating impact on the lives of an estimated 700,000 people in the UK suffering from the condition2, as well as their families. Patients suffering from chronic migraine are more likely to visit Accident and Emergency (A&E), general practitioners (GPs) or speciality care physicians than patients with less frequent episodes of migraine. However, although distinct from other types of migraine, approximately 80% of chronic migraine patients may not actually be diagnosed.3 Historically, treatment for chronic migraine has consisted of a combination of over-the-counter and prescription treatments such as triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, B-blockers and anti-epileptics.

"There is an unmet need for effective and well-tolerated therapies specifically designed and studied for the prophylaxis of headache in chronic migraine" said Scott Whitcup, M.D., Allergan's Executive Vice President, Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer. "The authorisation of BOTOX(R) marks an evolution in medical care for the prevention of headache in adults with chronic migraine. It is also a significant milestone in the history of BOTOX(R) and Allergan is proud to advance novel treatments in the field of neurology through our neurosciences research programme."

PREEMPT: the largest clinical trial programme in chronic migraine

The PREEMPT (Phase III REsearch Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy) programme evaluated the safety profile and efficacy of BOTOX(R) as a prophylactic (preventative) headache treatment in chronic migraine patients.3 PREEMPT4 is the largest clinical programme in chronic migraine and consists of two phase III clinical trials involving 1,384 adults. Patients were eligible for the study if they had a history of migraine and experienced 15 or more headache days of which at least 50% were migraine or probable migraine during the 28 day baseline period. In a pooled assessment, two thirds of the patients had previously been treated with at least one other headache prophylactic medication and nearly two thirds of the patients were overusing acute medications. During the 28-day baseline period, patients reported suffering from an average of 19.9 headache days (headache for 4 or more hours in any calendar day), of which an average of 19.1 were migraine/probable migraine days (migraine headache on 4 or more hours in any calendar day).

At the end of the 28 day baseline period, patients were randomised to receive either 155 - 195 units of BOTOX(R) administered as 31 injections (155 units) into 7 specific head and neck muscle with an additional up to 8 injections (up to 40 units) into 3 of these muscles that could be administered in a 'follow the pain' strategy, or placebo. Patients received 2 injection cycles in a 24 week double-blind phase and then 3 injection cycles in a 32 week open label phase.

•At baseline, patients in the BOTOX(R) treatment group had an average of 19.1 days with migraine. Patients in the placebo treated group had an average of 18.9 days with migraine. By week 24 following treatment, BOTOX(R) treated patients averaged 8.2 fewer migraine days, which was significantly greater than the change from baseline observed in placebo treated patients (6.2 days),

Patients treated with BOTOX(R) experienced significantly fewer headache days compared to those patients treated with placebo (47.1% of BOTOX(R) treated patients compared to 35.1% of placebo treated patients achieved greater-than or equal to 50% reduction from baseline in the number of headache days at the week 24 primary timepoint.
Following the open label phase of the trial (week 56), nearly 70% of BOTOX(R) treated patients experienced greater-than or equal to 50% reduction from baseline in migraine days
Patients treated with BOTOX(R) had significant improvement from baseline in their quality of life scores (MSQ scores) and in the amount of headache related disability (HIT6 scores) compared with those on placebo, indicating significant improvement in patients functioning, vitality, psychological distress, and overall quality of life
Throughout the PREEMPT trials including the open label phase, patients received up to 5 courses of treatment with BOTOX(R) every 12 weeks. Most adverse events reported in the trials were mild to moderate and resolved without further problems. The treatment was generally well tolerated and the discontinuation rate was low in both treatment arms; 3.8% in the BOTOX(R) treated arm and 1.2% in the placebo.

"This is an important step forward in the management of chronic migraine and will hopefully bring additional recognition to this potentially disabling condition," said Professor Peter Goadsby of the UCL- Institute of Neurology, London and University of California, San Francisco . "BOTOX(R) treatment has been shown to reduce the frequency of headache/migraine, which can bring important benefits for patients. Patients with frequent, chronic migraine, have long required evidence-based approaches and this announcement offers them a new option, providing a real advance for patients often significantly impacted by their condition."

Patients who may be suffering from chronic migraine should seek medical advice from neurologists or headache specialists to ensure proper diagnosis and care. Wendy Thomas, Chief Executive of The Migraine Trust says, "Chronic migraine is currently an under-researched, under-diagnosed and under-treated condition. We know that treatment with acute pain medication does not always work for these patients so we welcome new therapies, especially preventative medication, for this potentially disabling condition." Lee Tomkins, Director at Migraine Action comments, "It is important that patients seek a referral to a specialist for help with chronic migraine as the condition is so often associated with depression and other medical co-morbidities. Within the UK, there are headache clinics offering specialist assistance and support to people with chronic migraine."

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Menopause Can Interfere With Women's Sexual Satisfaction

2010-10-07T12:05:00.000-07:00

HOLLAND, Mich., June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Menopause is a natural transition in a woman's life. We expect to go through it sooner or later. Preferably later. But for roughly 25 percent of women, menopause arrives early, and with it comes hormonal shifts that can affect sexual drive and functioning.

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Knowing what to expect and having access to clinically sound information from expert sources like Menopause.org, sponsored by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), and MiddlesexMD.com, a sexual health website founded by menopause care specialist Dr. Barb DePree, can help menopausal women maintain their sexual well-being.

Causes of Premature Menopause

NAMS defines premature menopause as "menopause that occurs at or before age 40. It can be genetic, or it can be induced via a medical intervention that removes or damages the ovaries, resulting in the abrupt loss of ovarian hormones such as estrogen."

Most cases of surgically induced menopause are caused when both ovaries are removed in a procedure called an oophorectomy or when a hysterectomy includes removing the ovaries or cutting off the blood supply to the ovaries.

"Removing both ovaries brings on immediate menopause, so it's important to talk to your doctor about both the reasons for the surgery and the possible outcomes," urges Dr. DePree. "Surgical menopause is not reversible. It's important to have a good understanding of what you will face after the surgery."

Medical Menopause

Certain medical procedures such as chemotherapy and pelvic radiation therapy can also cause menopause by damaging the ovaries. However, notes Dr. DePree, not all premenopausal women undergoing these procedures will experience induced menopause.

"In cases where ovarian functioning has been damaged by medication or radiation, the impact on fertility is unpredictable. You still have to protect against unplanned pregnancy during this transitional time," explains Dr. DePree. "Also, even if the ovaries stop producing hormones, that change may not be permanent."

Sexual Function and Premature Menopause

So what happens when levels of estrogen fall?

According to NAMS, women going through induced menopause experience an abrupt decrease in hormone levels. This may have a more negative effect on sexual function than the more gradual changes of natural (spontaneous) menopause.

"Although each individual is different, for most women the loss of ovarian hormones leads to diminished sexual drive and a changed experience," Dr. DePree points out. "In addition, changes in the vagina and vulva can create discomfort or even pain."

With little or no estrogen, vaginal walls become thin, dry and less elastic, causing pain during penetration.
Vaginal secretions lessen, resulting in decreased lubrication.
Blood flow to the genital area is reduced, making it more difficult to become aroused.
Understanding these issues, making adjustments, and knowing where to find help can alleviate anxiety, improve sexual satisfaction, and enhance intimacy.

"Unfortunately," says Dr. DePree, "it is difficult to get reliable, clinically sound information about our sexuality as we age. I founded MiddlesexMD to make it easier for women to understand both the changes to their sex lives and their options for remaining sexually active."

A Recipe for Maintaining Sexual Well-Being

MiddlesexMD is organized around a "recipe" for sexual health that synthesizes the latest and best advice of physicians, researchers and therapists into five central elements. Each element provides a factual guide to the physiological changes that come with menopause and explains different actions to accommodate those changes.

"By having a thorough understanding of these normal changes and how to compensate for them, midlife women can keep their bodies and minds in shape for continued sexuality through menopause and beyond," says Dr. DePree. "The intimacy that is created strengthens our primary relationship, so we can live longer and happier lives."

Here is Dr. DePree's "recipe" for sexual health excerpted from MiddlesexMD:

1. Knowledge

Midlife women need to know the physiology of menopause, so they can understand what is happening when it happens. Although each woman's experiences are unique to her, none of us is alone. And each of us needs to learn some new approaches to keep sex enjoyable as we age.

2. Vaginal Comfort

Midlife women need to learn how to take care of their vulvo-vaginal tissues so that sex remains comfortable.

3. Genital Sensation

Midlife women need to understand how to compensate for less blood flow and less sensitivity in their genital tissues and create sufficient sexual sensation.

4. Pelvic Tone

Midlife women need to learn how and why to strengthen and maintain their pelvic girdle to encourage circulation and maintain or strengthen their orgasms.

5. Emotional Intimacy

Midlife women need what every woman needs at every age for sex to be good. Sex needs to be intimate. Enjoying sexuality as we age helps us create and reinforce real connection.

About Dr, Barb DePree and MiddlesexMD

Barb DePree, MD, is a women's health provider in West Michigan, specializing in menopause care. She founded MiddlesexMD.com, a safe, comfortable website where women can learn how aging affects sexual health. MiddlesexMD.com offers clinically sound information, practical advice and intimacy aids that help women enjoy sexuality for life. MiddlesexMD is funded by private investors, many of whom are women over 40.

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Latisse Drive: Kathy Ireland, Chelsie Hightower, Bobbie Thomas

2010-10-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

IRVINE, Calif., June 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Allergan, Inc. (NYSE: AGN), the makers of LATISSE® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03%, announced today the launch of the LATISSE® Wishes Challenge campaign. Inspired by the tradition of blowing on an eyelash to make wishes come true, lifestyle designer Kathy Ireland, professional ballroom dancer Chelsie Hightower and style guide Bobbie Thomas will each lead teams of LATISSE® users from across the country who are challenged to raise more than a quarter of a million dollars for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. LATISSE® solution is the first and only prescription treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to grow lashes longer, fuller and darker for those with inadequate or not enough lashes (eyelash hypotrichosis).

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To raise the most funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, each team will call upon consumers to participate in the online campaign by joining their team and donating a minimum of $20. In exchange, the first 10,000 campaign participants who make the minimum donation of $20 will receive a LATISSE® free trial certificate, which they can then take to a doctor to determine if LATISSE® is right for them.

“With approximately 1.5 million bottles sold since launching the product a little more than a year ago, LATISSE® is giving back by helping the Make-A-Wish Foundation grant the wishes of children. Through the campaign, we will double each individual’s donation, with a maximum donation of $250,000, through October 31,” said Robert Grant, President of Allergan Medical, a division of Allergan, Inc. “With the LATISSE® Wishes Challenge campaign, we look forward to continuing our support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and providing people with the opportunity to see if LATISSE® is right for them.”

Those interested in supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation and learning more about LATISSE® can participate in the LATISSE® Wishes Challenge by joining a team at www.LatisseWishesChallenge.com. There, site visitors and LATISSE® users can also upload their personal LATISSE® lash photos documenting their own results before and after treatment.

“Our family has been connected to a family through the Make-A-Wish Foundation for 16 years, and we’ve seen how this organization changes people’s lives,” said Ireland. “That’s why it’s exciting to join Chelsie and Bobbie in the LATISSE® Wishes Challenge campaign. Together with your help, we hope to raise the most money possible.”

In addition to supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ireland, Hightower and Thomas are excited to share their experience growing their lashes longer, fuller and darker with LATISSE® solution over the course of the campaign.

“After a whole season competing on the dance floor and spending hours in the makeup chair, my lashes are weak and broken,” said Hightower. “After talking to my doctor, I’m excited to be using LATISSE® and sharing my experience while helping to fulfill the wishes of children nationwide through the LATISSE® Wishes Challenge.”

Supporters of the LATISSE® Wishes Challenge can track how much money is being raised by each of the teams and learn more about the wishes granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation by visiting the website. In addition, participants can follow along with LATISSE® users Ireland, Hightower and Thomas and their teams as they share their personal lash experience and results with LATISSE®. Campaign supporters can also stay connected to the LATISSE® Wishes Challenge teams on Twitter @WishesChallenge as well as share their involvement in the LATISSE® Wishes Challenge through Facebook to help generate more support for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“What’s wonderful about the LATISSE® Wishes Challenge is that you can give back, while also giving something to yourself,” said Thomas. “Join my team to receive a LATISSE® free trial certificate and help us meet the goal of raising more than a quarter of a million dollars for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.”

About the Make-A-Wish Foundation

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 65 chapters in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and nearly 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 40 minutes and has granted more than 193,000 wishes in the United States since its inception. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish®.

About LATISSE®

LATISSE® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% is a prescription treatment for hypotrichosis used to grow eyelashes longer, fuller and darker. Eyelash hypotrichosis is another name for having inadequate or not enough eyelashes. The once-daily prescription treatment is applied to the base of the upper eyelashes with a sterile single-use-per-eye disposable applicator. While individual results may vary, LATISSE® users may begin to notice longer lashes at about one month and experience full results in four months. To maintain effect, continued treatment with LATISSE® solution is required, and if use of LATISSE® is discontinued, eyelashes will gradually return to where they were prior to treatment over a period of several weeks to months (average eyelash hair cycle).

Similar to Allergan’s other medical aesthetic offerings, the benefits of LATISSE® are derived from scientific evidence, its quality formulation, and medical origin. LATISSE® was clinically tested in a pivotal Phase III, multi-center, double-masked, placebo-controlled study to assess its safety and efficacy in which all endpoints (improved eyelash prominence, length, thickness and darkness) were met. Bimatoprost, the active ingredient in LATISSE®, was first approved in 2001 as a medical product to lower intraocular pressure in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Patients treated with bimatoprost for this specific eye condition experienced eyelash growth as a side effect. Given the existing and substantial clinical and post-marketing safety data with bimatoprost solution 0.03%, coupled with the positive results from the Phase III LATISSE® study, LATISSE® was approved by the FDA in December of 2008.

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Stubborn Pigmentation and Melasma Cleared Up With Melanage

2010-10-07T11:55:00.000-07:00

Melanage is new treatment effective in removing melasma, the pregnancy masque, discoloration, age spots and sun damage.

07.06.2010 – Derma Health Institute in the Valley is now offering the Melanage Skin Brightening System, a new treatment effective in removing melasma, the pregnancy masque, discoloration, age spots and sun damage. These skin problems have plagued many women over the years with no clear skin solution until now.

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Ingredients in this breakthrough treatment include Vitamin A, a powerful skin exfoliator and arbutin, a natural skin lightener, which improves skin tone and texture, as well as lighten pigment on the skin. The beauty of this peel is that it is safe and very effective for darker skin types as well who, in the past, have not had the safety benefit of chemical peels that worked optimally for their skin.

The service costs $1200. This includes the peel treatment, two microdermabrasions, plus all post care products (sunscreen, hydroquinone lightener, and Vitamin A topical treatment.)

“Clients with aggressive melasma may need a touch up peel a few weeks later, but, this peel only needs to be performed approximately once a year, as it is very effective for getting rid of the stubborn pigmentation of the skin, said Dr. Karlee Heffner, Medical Director at Paradise Valley Derma Health Institute. “As long as clients are diligent in sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure, their post care products will be excellent adjunct therapy to suppress pigment. Downtime of peeling is approximately a week for most people.”

For more information, contact Derma Health Institute at (480) 539-0777 Mesa/Gilbert, (480) 730-9000 Chandler/Tempe, (480) 460-1505 Ahwatukee/Phoenix or (480) 991-7900 Paradise Valley/Scottsdale.

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7 Tips To Find A Good Laser Hair Removal Clinic

2010-10-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

Unwanted hair can be very unsightly. Though it is possible to shave and wax off unwanted hair, a better option is laser hair removal. As there are so many people offering laser hair removal services, use these tips to find and choose the right and safe laser hair removal clinic.

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1. Find out what certification the laser technicians at the clinic have. They will be the ones removing hair from your body with a laser, and thus should know what they do.

2. Be wary of clinics that guarantee total hair removal as it is not possible to remove hair permanently with a laser. At the most, you will experience permanent hair reduction.

3. Find out how much of experience the clinic has with laser treatment. You wouldn't want your hair to be removed in a clinic that has helped only a few people or which may go out of business before you complete your hair removal sessions.

4. It is better to talk with the technician to find out if you are a good candidate for hair removal through lasers. People with light skin and dark hair are generally the best candidates. However the latest lasers work well on people with light hair and skin and dark hair and skin.

5. Consequently, find out what kind of laser the clinic uses. Most clinics use Intense Pulsed Light device. However it's better if the clinic uses LightSheer Diode Laser as it is good for light, medium and dark skin.

6. Find out if the clinic owns or rents the laser. Clinics that own a laser have a big commitment towards the laser, and you are assured that they will be around for some time.

7. If the technicians promise extremely good hair removal results, be wary of them as they may not be right for you.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:
Last but not least, if any of your friends or family members has undergone laser hair removal, find out how successful they were with it. Not only will they give you a recommendation, you can find out if there are any risks or side effects associated with the procedure.

Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/7-Tips-To-Find-A-Good-Laser-Hair-Removal-Clinic/1261341#ixzz0rVXbyxey

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Vitamin B6 and Methionine Linked to 60% Lower Lung Cancer Risk

2010-10-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

Smoking is by far the most important risk factor for lung cancer. When people stop smoking their risk decreases but it remains high compared to people who have not smoked; finding ways to reduce this remaining risk is important. A study led by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and published today in JAMA1 shows a reduction in lung cancer risk among people with higher levels of vitamin B6 and methionine. The observed decrease is large, with risk being more than halved in those with high levels of both, and if proven to be causal would suggest ways in which diet could be used to change lung cancer risk. This analysis was funded by the World Cancer Research Fund.

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Background

Lung cancer is the most common cancer in the world with an estimated 1.6 million new cases in 2008, representing 1 in 8 of all new cancers. It is also the most common form of cancer death in the world comprising nearly 1 in 5 of all deaths from cancer. Tobacco smoking is responsible for at least 8 out of 10 cases of lung cancer, although many of these occur among people who have stopped smoking but remain at increased risk. Identifying ways to reduce lung cancer risk could have important public health benefits, especially among people who have stopped smoking.

Diet Plays an Important Part in Cancer Risk

Appropriate levels of B-vitamins are vital for the cell to make and maintain DNA and disruption of these processes has been suspected of playing a role in cancer. Foods containing high levels of B-vitamins and related compounds may therefore be important in reducing risk. Compounds that interact closely with B-vitamins include methionine, an essential amino acid, and homocysteine. Vitamin B9 (or folate) can be found in fruits and green leafy vegetables; vitamin B6 is common in fish, meat, potatoes and whole grains; and methionine is present in various seeds, nuts, cereals, fish and meats.

Measuring Intake of B-12 Vitamins as a Marker of Cancer Risk

Estimating vitamin levels taken from blood samples before any disease onset provides a direct measure of vitamin status. This is important for vitamins that come from many food sources and are therefore difficult to measure using questionnaires. It is however only possible to do such studies when blood samples have been collected on many thousands of volunteers who are then followed up to see who develops a cancer and who does not.

Click here for more information about Turbo Trim injections at Derma Health Institute which contain both B-Vitamins and Methionine talked about in this study.

The Largest Ever Study on Diet and Cancer

The EPIC study is the largest, so-called prospective, study of diet and nutrition in the world. Coordinated through IARC and Imperial College London, this study includes questionnaire information on 520,000 European volunteers, 385,000 of whom also gave a blood sample. All participants were free of cancer at the start and were followed up for an average of 5 years.

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Bride Discounts For Skin Treatments, Facials, Laser Hair Removal

2010-10-07T11:42:00.000-07:00

This is Your Special Day...Be the Best You!

You’ve told your closest and dearest friends, changed your Facebook status and even practiced writing your new name. Your parents are thrilled. You can’t stop looking down at your newly jeweled left hand and haven’t stopped smiling for weeks! Now what? Now is the time to get working on you?

For more information about these services at Derma Health Institute, go to:
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Whether your big day is six weeks or 16 months away, getting your body, face and health in tip top shape for your wedding should begin immediately. The enormity of wedding planning is not lost on most new brides, but often times, taking care of you, is.

At Derma Health Institute we specialize in corrective skin care to actually change the skin from the inside, out. We work with you to develop a skin care plan that integrates overall health changes that help produce the best looking skin you’ve ever had. Combine that with appropriate skin care treatments and products and your wedding day photos will look straight from the pages of a bridal magazine!

Additionally, our Naturopathic doctors and Registered Nurses work with each client to address health and nutrition plans for a healthy body. In order to get you looking and feeling your best, we’ve designed a wedding day countdown that focuses on YOU, the Bride. This is your time to BE THE BEST YOU.

6-12 Months Before

Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal should begin immediately. The average patient requires at least 5 treatments, if not more, and appointments need to be spread over time, so get scheduled as quickly as possible to be hair free in time for the honeymoon on the beach! Read more.

Tattoo Removal
We’ve all done it! What seemed like a great idea when you were 18, doesn’t seem so great and isn’t nearly as pretty now as it was so many years ago. Tattoo removal, like laser hair removal utilizes a special laser that targets the color in the tattoo, and some colors are more difficult to remove than others. The process takes time and appointments need to be spread over time. The typical patient needs between 8-12 treatments, spaced 3-4 weeks apart. Read more.

Facials/Microderms/Peels
You feel amazing, but does your skin look amazing? We all strive for that perfect dew kissed, completely clear, blemish free skin. You can have it, but you need to begin a comprehensive and thorough regimen now. Facials, microdermabrasion and chemical peels are great ways to attack what we see on top of the skin. Regular exfoliation, extractions and chemical peels (light to medium depth) will get you the skin you want for your day. Coupled with medical grade, soothing, and effective skin care products we’ll get you there in no time! Your skin is just like your hair. One great cut isn’t enough. For the best results, a regular regimen is required. Read more.

Laser Procedures (skin and body)
If your skin needs more aggressive treatments, choose from one of our laser skin procedures that address skin texture and tone issues. Laser Genesis and Photofacials produce amazing results in a reasonable amount of time, but again, a series of treatments are needed and should be spaced out over time. Additionally, if you’re workout regimen has been overcome by dress fittings, and tastings, consider VelaShape to attack unsightly cellulite.
6–3 Months Before

Acne Treatments
Undoubtedly, the amount of stress that comes with wedding planning has produced an occasional acne breakout. There are many effective treatments for acne whether your issue is momentary (an occasional blemish) or a significant problem (cystic acne). Fortunately, much has been done in recent years to help fight severe and resistant acne, blackheads, and pimples. Procedures such as Levulan Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and Blu-U produce significant improvement in moderate to severe acne.
If your acne issue is mild, there are many medical grade products we can suggest, such as the Skin Script, Blemish Control Stick, Retinol pads as well as a really good facial complete with extractions.

Whatever treatment you choose to combat acne, start as soon as possible, especially in times of stress as breakouts will probably re-occur as you get closer to wedding day. You didn’t get acne over night so it’s not going to disappear overnight either. Treatments should be done in a series and take a few months for full results, so start as soon as possible to be blemish free come time for pictures.

Laser Hair Removal & Tattoo Removal
If you started these treatments a few months ago, keep going. These treatments are only fully effective if they are done in a series. No doubt, after your first or second treatment you saw a difference in the growth of hair and/or lightening of your tattoo. Stay the course; it only gets better with time.

Diet and Weight Loss
The dress. Your dress. Probably the most important choice of your wedding, aside from picking the right guy! If your wedding is 6+ months away, you’ve got plenty of time to get your body in the best shape possible for that amazing white couture creation. We have a couple different diet programs available to get your body ready for the dress and the honeymoon afterward. We offer the amazing hCG diet for those who have a little less time and the Easy Trim Diet for those that have a bit more time and want something to help change eating habits over the long haul.

Latisse
Latisse is a wonderful product that grows your own eyelashes to be longer, thicker and fuller. Best results are achieved in 4 months, so start now. There’s no reason to mess with fake lashes or eyelash extensions. Grow your own! Give your eyes that extra “pop” beneath the veil. Read more.
3–2 Months Before

Diets
If the stress of planning has taken over, it’s not too late to still drop a few pounds. Our hCG diet can produce amazing results. You can lose up to 26lbs in 26 days.

Botox & Fillers
If you are a rookie or veteran to the world of Botox or dermal facial fillers, now is the time to get in for your injections. Botox is primarily used to decrease wrinkles on the forehead and between the eyes, while dermal fillers are used to “fill in” other areas like cheeks, lips and tear troughs. The product is injected by a doctor or nurse underneath the skin. Botox treatments take about 15-20 minutes, while dermal fillers take about 45 minutes. Regardless of your treatment choice, we recommend you do your first treatment about 3 months out to evaluate how you like it and how much to use. Then come back 2-3 weeks before wedding day for a touch up.
1 Month Before

You’re almost there. Everything is in place. The dress fits, the food is perfect, and your skin looks great. You are ready. Our last recommendation is the most important one we can make. Here it comes…Do absolutely nothing. As many a planner will tell you, this is the worst time to start any new regimen. If you have taken our advice, you have continued with your skin treatments, laser hair removal and diets, so you should be in excellent shape with just 4 weeks to go. If you are feeling like you still need a little something, get a nice relaxing facial a week or so prior, Botox or filler touch up 2-3 weeks out or maybe a B-12 shot for a little extra energy. Other than that, now is your time to sit back, relax and enjoy.

Congratulations!

For more information about these services at Derma Health Institute, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com

2010-10-07T11:37:00.000-07:00

The earliest signs of facial aging occur in our eyes, often beginning in the late twenties and early thirties. The earliest signs are fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, frown lines and crow's feet. Soon we begin to notice that our eyebrows have begun to sag and cover the upper eyelid.

For more information about Botox at Derma Health Institute, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=175

A high arched eyebrow is a classic sign of youthful beauty and alertness. As the eyebrow and forehead descend, a loose fold of skin begins to cover the upper eyelid and make our eyes look tired and old. Botox can help reverse and prevent many of these changes when started early in many people.

Advanced sagging often requires a surgical brow lift, not Botox. However, the early use of Botox can help prevent some of the forces which act to pull the forehead down and cause brow ptosis or sagging.

What Causes Sagging of the Forehead?

As our facial skin ages we lose collagen in the deep layers of the skin. Collagen supports our skin and helps keep the skin tight on our face. As we lose collagen the skin becomes lax and begins to sag.

However, our foreheads and eyebrows are also pulled downward by the action of the muscles around our eyes. When we frown, the frown muscles pull the skin down towards the base of our nose. These muscles the Procerus And Corrugator Muscles are called the frown muscles and contribute to brow ptosis.

In addition, the muscles on the side of our forehead around the eyes, also pull the forehead down when we smile or grimace. These muscles, called the Orbicularis Oculi Muscles cause crow's feet and ptosis or sag.

The combination of facial skin aging with loss of collagen and skin tone and the daily repeated pulling by the frown and crow's feet muscles together, over a lifetime can cause the eyebrow and forehead to sag down over the upper eyelid. This creates a tired older appearance to the face.

How Does the Botox Brow Lift Work?

Botox works by relaxing the muscles that are pulling the forehead down. When Botox is injected into the Procerus and Corrugator frown muscles, the muscles relax and quit pulling down on the forehead near the nose, and the forehead is allowed to elevate. The frown line is also lessened.

When Botox is injected into the upper, lateral or outside portion of the Orbicularis Oculi muscle, the upper crow's feet muscle, the muscle relaxes,stops pulling the outside portion of the foreheaqd down, and the forehead is allowed to elevate.

Two large muscles on the forehead, the Frontalis Muscles, hold and pull the forehead up. The frown and crow's feet muscles pull down against the action of the Frontalis Muscles. When the frown and crow's feet muscles are relaxed by Botox, the Frontalis Muscle can pull up on the forehead unopposed.

What Do Injections Feel Like?

Botox injections should be painless if they are done correctly. I apply a numbing cream to the skin before injection. I also cool the skin and underlying muscle by applying an ice pack or cold titanium roller to the skin before injection.

When these techniques are used, most patients do not even feel the injection.

Are Injections Safe?

Yes when used by an experienced and properly trained physician who is experienced in the use of this agent.

This medication is a safe, carefully prepared synthetic pharmaceutical grade product, and not food poisoning toxin as so often reported in the media.

Like any powerful medication, Botox must be given by an experienced licensed doctor or nurse under direct doctor's supervision.

I do my own injections because I believe technique is very important, and I believe the doctor must understand facial aesthetics and facial rejuvenation principals to achieve the best result possible.

Like any medication, this drug can be over used. However, I have never seen a patient lose their facial expression or look like a figure in a wax museum in my practice. Patients can still smile, show emotion and look normal after injection, they just do not have deep frown lines and crow's feet.

What Are Possible Complications?

Complications are very unusual in my experience. Temporary droop of the eyelid is the most frustrating, but recovery and return to normal takes 2-3 weeks. Lid droop can usually be avoided by proper injection technique.

Headache and flu like syndrome can also occur in some patients, but this is unusual, occurring in less than 2 % of patients.

Where Should I Go For Treatment?

You should consult a board certified physician who is experienced in facial aesthetics and facial rejuvenation procedures. Unfortunately many people assume that these injections are easy to do and many doctors and nurses with no formal training in facial aesthetics and facial rejuvenation procedures do these injections.

Your doctor needs to understand how the facial muscles work and what is causing the aging change that you want to correct. Technique is very important if you are going to achieve a good result.

Board certified Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists are the most highly trained and expert doctors in these techniques. I suggest that you consult one of these board certified specialists. Personally I would avoid having these injections in a Spa, at a party, or by a non physician.

What Do Injections Cost?

These injections are priced according to the amount of Botox used, which is described in International Units (IU).

A typical treatment can use 25 to 50 IU's. I can usually do the forehead lift with 25 IU's. This can cost between $325-$500. You will likely pay more to have an experienced board certified expert do your treatment, but I believe you get what you pay for.

Prices vary from $13 to $20 per IU, depending on the number of areas treated and the number of units used. The more IU's used and the larger number of areas treated, the less the per unit charge.

Be wary of low priced injections. Some unscrupulous providers dilute the material and lower the price. If this happens to you your treatment will be less effective and will not last as long.

Ask your doctor how the dilution is done. There should be 2.5 IU's in each 0.1cc of solution, so a 1 cc syringe should contain 25 IU's.

Ask the questions and make sure you are getting what you pay for.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brooke_Seckel

Survey: People Are Not Examining Their Skin for Signs of Cancer

2010-10-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 17 / -- Despite the fact that skin cancer is the only cancer that can be seen on the surface of the skin, a new survey by the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) reports that a large number of people are not taking the time to examine their skin for any changes that could be warning signs of skin cancer or seeing a health-care provider for a skin cancer screening.

The "Suntelligence: How Sun Smart is Your City?" online survey polled more than 7,000 adults nationwide to determine their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward tanning, sun protection and skin cancer detection. Twenty-six cities were ranked based on respondents' answers to several questions in each category.

"Each year, substantially more than 1 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States," said dermatologist Zoe D. Draelos, MD, FAAD, consulting professor at Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, N.C. "Like many cancers, skin cancer is highly treatable if caught early before it spreads. In fact, studies show that the five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 99 percent – making early detection essential."

However, the survey found that more than one-quarter (28 percent) of all respondents indicated never examining their skin for changes to moles and other skin blemishes. Analyzing the data by gender and age, more men (32 percent) than women (25 percent) indicated that they never examine their skin. In addition, more young adults 18-29 years old (32 percent) reported never examining their skin than any other age group.

When asked about getting screened for skin cancer by a health-care provider, about three in five respondents (59 percent) had never been examined. More young adults age 18-29 (69 percent) reported never getting screened for skin cancer by a health-care provider.

"The fact that younger people are not getting screened for skin cancer is alarming, especially since research shows that melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer – is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old," said Dr. Draelos.

To help people of all ages spot any new or developing lesions that could be potential warning signs of skin cancer, the Academy recommends periodic self-examinations of the entire body (including hard-to-reach spots). Dr. Draelos added that enlisting the help of a loved one can be beneficial in monitoring changes in the skin and spotting skin cancer.

"Studies show that involving a partner in the self-examination process and having regular screenings by a health-care provider can improve the early detection of skin cancer," explained Dr. Draelos. "These types of regular screenings could lead to fewer deaths if skin cancer is caught early in its most treatable stages."

To enhance a patient's ability to detect skin cancer, the Academy advises learning the ABCDEs of Melanoma Detection. The following are characteristics of moles for which individuals should check their skin:

Asymmetry (one half unlike the other half)
Border (irregular, scalloped or poorly defined)
Color (varies from one area to another; shades of tan and brown, black; sometimes white, red or blue)
Diameter (the size of a pencil eraser or larger)
Evolving (changing in size, shape or color)

"A mole with any of these characteristics, or one that is an 'ugly duckling', meaning it looks different from the rest, should be brought to a dermatologist's attention," said Dr. Draelos.

In addition, the Academy offers a body mole map, a tool individuals can use to track their moles. The map provides information on how to perform a skin exam, images of the ABCDEs of Melanoma Detection and space for people to track their moles to determine any changes over time.

May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month®. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the Academy's National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Screening Program. Since the program's inception in 1985, dermatologists have volunteered to conduct more than 2 million free skin cancer screenings across the country and detected more than 200,000 suspicious lesions. Visit www.melanomamonday.org to take the Academy's "Suntelligence" survey, as well as to find out how to perform a skin self-exam, download a body mole map or find free skin cancer screenings in your area.

The "Suntelligence" survey was conducted for the Academy by RH Research of Chicago from January 12 to January 31, 2010. A total of 7,116 respondents completed the online survey; more than 200 completes were conducted in each of the 26 selected MSAs (metropolitan statistical area) and an additional 1,123 completes were conducted in the U.S. outside of the MSAs. The survey's margin of error was + /- 1.2 percent for national data and +/- 6.9 percent for results stratified by MSA.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 16,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.

SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com

81% of Women Want to Improve Skin When Approaching Big Birthdays

2010-10-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

BRISBANE, Calif., May 13 / -- Cutera, Inc. ( CUTR). Women approaching a milestone birthday(1) feel optimistic and excited at what the future holds whether they're approaching 30 or 60, according to an online survey commissioned by Cutera, Inc., a global manufacturer of aesthetic lasers. The national survey, conducted in March by Harris Interactive® with nearly 1,000 women, offers insights into the emotions and behaviors of women as they approach a new decade.

Among key findings:

Women approaching 30 are twice as likely to say they feel anxious about their milestone birthday than those approaching 60 (30% and 14%, respectively).
More than 4 in 5 women (81%) approaching a big birthday say they want to improve something about their skin's appearance.
More women are willing to give up sex for 5 years (12%) than give up the Internet for 5 years (8%) to stop the aging process.

Insights into the "Big Birthday"

"Physicians who use our lasers for treatment of photodamage and other skincare concerns say that many of their patients are women approaching a new decade in their lives," said Ken Witte, Vice President of Marketing and Clinical Development for Cutera. "We commissioned the survey to help doctors better understand the mindset of these patients – and to target their needs more effectively."

The survey polled women who are within 5 years of turning a milestone birthday, from 30 to 60. The term "milestone birthday," a phrase commonly heard in physician offices, is an indication that turning a new decade often represents an important event in a woman's life. For many, it's a time to reflect on changes in their lifestyle and appearance.

"Typically, women approaching 30, 40 or 50 will visit our office to celebrate an upcoming 'big' birthday and treat themselves to a series of laser treatments or a dermal filler," said Debra Jaliman, MD, Assistant Professor Mount Sinai Medical Center. "These milestones can be traumatic for some women but certainly not for all. The survey validates what we've seen – that women are opting for aesthetic solutions because they want to invest in their appearance as a gift to themselves."

Better with Age

Over one third of women approaching a milestone birthday say turning older makes them feel optimistic because they are wiser and smarter (35%), and excited because they are looking forward to what the future holds (34%). In fact, "a fabulous vacation" was the top selection for a birthday gift (31%), winning out over "losing weight" (25%) or "looking 10 years younger" (9%). Not surprisingly, women approaching 60 were most likely to want the gift of "looking 10 years younger" (18%).

"The results of this study show that women today, regardless of age, place greatest value on a 'break' from their daily grind and relatively less emphasis on physical goals, such as weight loss or shaving a decade off their age," said Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, MD, PhD, Assistant Clinical Professor Yale University School of Medicine. "The high ranking of a vacation as the birthday gift of choice may be a reflection of the increased presence of women in the workforce and a greater need for time to relax and rejuvenate."

Relatively few women surveyed say they feel anxious because they are getting older (23%) or conflicted because they don't feel as old as they look (21%). Interestingly, women approaching their 30th birthday are actually more likely than those approaching their 60th to say they are anxious about getting older (30% vs. 14% respectively).

"Women turning 30 are approaching the first big birthday of their adult lives and often come to our office feeling anxious. It is typically a time of growth and transition in their lives. They may not feel settled – such as with an established career, partner or family," said Dr. Alexiades-Armenakas. "As the survey shows, they tend to feel less anxious as they get older."

The Skin I'm In...

Over 4 in 5 women approaching a milestone birthday (81%) say they want to improve something about their skin's appearance. Those approaching 30 or 40 would most like to improve their uneven skin tone and texture (23% and 15% respectively), while those approaching 50 and 60 want to improve wrinkles and/or fine lines (33% and 30% respectively). Also, women approaching 40 are more likely to want to improve facial redness (12%) than those approaching 60 (3%).

According to Dr. Jaliman the survey findings support the popularity of non-invasive procedures to enhance the skin's appearance versus past trends of more invasive surgery for dramatic changes. "Women realize that no surgery will improve the quality and feel of their facial skin or eliminate common concerns like coarse texture, fine lines, splotchy redness and, as they get older, wrinkles," said Dr. Jaliman. "These patients seek solutions to appear more rested and relaxed – not to look different."

Supporting this trend, Cutera has seen a surge of interest in three laser treatments. Laser Genesis, a popular treatment among women of all ages, enhances the complexion by reducing redness, fine lines, and pore size. Cutera also offers Pearl and Pearl Fractional. Pearl improves overall surface issues such as uneven skin tone, fine lines and brown spots; Pearl Fractional addresses the skin's deeper layers to minimize more severe photodamage. Combination therapy with Pearl and Pearl Fractional, known as Pearl Fusion is often preferred by physicians. With Pearl Fusion, patients receive a complete resurfacing solution, in a single treatment session – including deep resistant wrinkles.

Looking and Feeling Younger

The majority of women approaching a milestone birthday (64%) say they do take steps to look younger, including nearly half of women approaching their 30th birthday (45%) and over 3 in 4 approaching their 60th birthday (76%). Popular strategies include coloring their hair (43%), wearing make-up (36%) or purchasing expensive skincare products (16%).

Other approaches used to look and feel younger: shopped in the juniors department (7%), lied about their age (5%), dated someone younger (4%) and simply stopped celebrating birthdays (2%).

When presented with a list of popular activities and asked what they would be willing to do to stop the aging process – 36% say they would give up alcohol for 5 years, the number one choice for all age groups. Other answers included giving up watching TV and going on vacation for 5 years (19% each), and giving up a favorite food for 5 years (16%). More women are willing to give up sex for 5 years (12%) than give up the Internet for the same time period (8%) if that would stop the aging process.

"Ultimately, nearly 4 in 10 (36%) were not willing to do anything to stop the aging process," said Dr. Jaliman. "I think we can project that these women accept aging as a natural progression and would not view birthday milestones with anxiety."

Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States on behalf of Cutera by Harris Interactive from March 19 – 24, 2010, via the QuickQuery(SM) online omnibus service. The demographic questions in the survey (including the age determining question) was shown in two waves of the survey to a total of 4,598 adults ages 18+ of whom 2,424 were women ages 18+. Based on the answers to this question, 934 women were interviewed for the Milestone Birthday survey, of whom 183 are ages 25-29, 223 are ages 35-39, 277 are ages 45-49 and 251 are ages 55-59.

Results were weighted as needed to reflect the composition of the U.S. adult population using targets for region, age within gender, education, household income, and race/ethnicity. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents' propensity to be online. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Liz Mefford.

About Cutera, Inc.

Brisbane, California-based Cutera is a leading provider of laser and other light-based aesthetic systems for practitioners worldwide. Since 1998, Cutera has been developing innovative, easy-to-use products that enable physicians and other qualified practitioners to offer safe and effective aesthetic treatments to their patients. For more information, call 1-888-4CUTERA or visit www.cutera.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Specifically, statements concerning Cutera's ability to successfully develop, manufacture, market, sell and service new products worldwide to both its installed base and new customers are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current, preliminary expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause Cutera's actual results to differ materially from the statements contained herein. Potential risks and uncertainties that could affect Cutera's business and cause its financial results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements include its ability to increase revenue, manage expenses and improve sales productivity and performance worldwide; its ability to successfully develop and acquire new products and applications and market them to both its installed base and new customers; unforeseen events and circumstances relating to its operations; government regulatory actions; general economic conditions; and those other factors described in the section entitled, "Risk Factors," in its most recent Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 4, 2008. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Cutera undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date they were made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

(1) For the purposes of this survey women approaching a milestone birthday were defined as U.S. adult women ages 25-29, 35-39, 45-49 and 55-59.

SOURCE Cutera, Inc.

http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com

Surgeon General: Importance of Women Making Health Top Priority

2010-09-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, May 6 / -- Mother's Day, May 9, marks the start of National Women's Health Week, a weeklong observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health. With the theme "It's Your Time," the goal of National Women's Health Week is to empower women to make their own health a top priority and encourage them to take small, manageable steps to improve their health and reduce their risk for many diseases. On Mother's Day, women across the country will celebrate with family and friends. This year, I also encourage women to celebrate themselves by focusing on their own health and well-being.

The most important steps women can take to improve their health include eating a well balanced, nutritious diet; getting regular physical activity; avoiding unhealthy behaviors, like smoking; and paying attention to mental health. In addition, women should get regular checkups and preventive screenings. May 10 is National Women's Checkup Day, and I urge all women to make an appointment with their health care professional.

In honor of National Women's Health Week and National Women's Checkup Day, more than one thousand events will take place across the country. To find an event near you, visit http://www.womenshealth.gov/whw/events/.

During National Women's Health Week it is important to tell our wives, mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, and girlfriends to make the time to improve their health, prevent disease, and live longer, healthier, and happier lives. After all, when women take even simple steps to improve their health, the results can be significant and everyone benefits.

SOURCE HHS Office on Women's Health

For detailed information about Derma Health Institute, see:
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Obesity Prevalence Higher in South and Faster Among Girls

2010-09-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

ROCKVILLE, Md., May 3 / -- The percentage of obese girls in the United States increased more than twice as much as the percentage of obese boys from 2003 to 2007, according to a study by researchers at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

The study, "Changes in State-Specific Childhood Obesity and Overweight Prevalence in the United States from 2003 to 2007," is the first to examine changes in obesity and overweight prevalence rates on a state-by-state basis. It confirmed some previously known risk factors for obesity in children and found a relatively higher prevalence of obesity and overweight children and adolescents in the South.

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The findings, published today in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, show that while obesity prevalence among all children increased by 10 percent nationwide from 14.8% in 2003 to 16.4% in 2007, it increased by 18 percent for female children.

States such as Mississippi, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana and Tennessee were in the top 20 percent of childhood obesity rates with prevalence exceeding 20%, while states such as Oregon and Wyoming in the Western region had the lowest obesity rates with a prevalence of about 10%. The geographic disparities in obesity prevalence increased between 2003 and 2007.

"Children in several states in the South are at twice the risk of becoming obese than children in Oregon, which had the lowest prevalence rate," said study's lead author, Dr. Gopal K. Singh, of HRSA's Maternal and Child Health Bureau.

"If geographic disparities continue to rise, they could have negative effects on any future efforts to reduce health inequalities," Singh added.

The study based on children aged 10 to 17 was the first to present geographic differences over time among individual states and used extensive individual, household, and neighborhood data from two large, nationally representative cross-sectional surveys conducted under the overall direction and sponsorship from HRSA and conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study also analyzed overweight prevalence among children and adolescents.

Overweight and obesity are labels for ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. The terms also identify ranges of weight that have been shown to increase the likelihood of certain diseases and other health problems. This study analyzed heights and weights of children as reported by their parents during the surveys.

Study findings included the following:

While overweight prevalence among the total population did not increase significantly between 2003 and 2007, it increased 9 percent among female children.
Overweight prevalence varied from a low of 23.1 percent in Utah to a high of 44.5 percent in Mississippi.
Obesity prevalence nearly doubled among female children in Arizona and Kansas.
The study observed links between changes in childhood obesity prevalence and selected sociodemographic, behavioral and neighborhood characteristics. It found that the risks of obesity or overweight increased significantly in relation to decreased household income, lower neighborhood access to parks or sidewalks, lower levels of physical activity, and increased television viewing time and computer use.

The authors are recommending that prevention programs not only aim to reduce physical inactivity and "screen time," but also include policies that improve the broader social and physical environments that put children at higher risk of poor diet, inactivity and sedentary activities.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), part of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable. HRSA also is responsible for promoting and improving the health of our nation's women, children and families. For more information about HRSA and its programs, visit www.hrsa.gov.

The article published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine is available on their Web site: http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/2010.84

SOURCE Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

For detailed information about Derma Health Institute, see:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com

Concerned About Skin Cancer But Don't Understand Tanning Risks

2010-09-15T14:33:00.000-07:00

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When it comes to tanning, dermatologists have long suspected that most people need an attitude adjustment. Now, results of a new survey by the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) confirmed that the majority of people still idolize the bronzed look of a tan despite wanting to protect themselves from skin cancer.

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http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com

The "Suntelligence: How Sun Smart is Your City?" online survey polled more than 7,000 adults nationwide to determine their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward tanning, sun protection and skin cancer detection. Twenty-six cities were ranked based on respondents' answers to several questions in each category.

"Our survey highlighted the contradictory feelings that many people have about tanning – they like the way a tan looks but are concerned about skin cancer, which is estimated to affect about one in five Americans in their lifetime," said dermatologist Zoe D. Draelos, MD, FAAD, consulting professor at Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, N.C. "What they may not realize is that no matter whether you tan or burn, a tan from the sun or tanning beds damages the skin and can cause wrinkles, age spots and skin cancer. The challenge is changing the long-standing attitudes about tanning to correlate with people's knowledge about skin cancer."

In examining the survey data, Dr. Draelos noted that 72 percent of all respondents agreed that people look more attractive with a tan. In addition, more men than women (76 percent vs. 68 percent, respectively) agreed with that statement.

Similarly, 66 percent of all respondents agreed that people look healthier with a tan. Once again more men than women (70 percent vs. 62 percent, respectively) agreed with this statement.

When asked whether or not they believed that sun exposure is good for your health, 60 percent of all respondents mistakenly agreed with this statement. Analyzing the data by gender, more men than women (62 percent vs. 58 percent, respectively) incorrectly thought that sun exposure is good for your health.

"Various reports touting the potential health benefits of sun exposure for vitamin D production are misleading people to believe that exposing oneself to UV radiation – which causes cancer – to prevent another disease is somehow beneficial," said Dr. Draelos. "In fact, the Academy does not recommend getting vitamin D from any form of UV exposure because UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds can lead to the development of skin cancer. Getting vitamin D from a healthy diet, which includes naturally enriched vitamin D foods, fortified foods and beverages, and/or vitamin supplements is a healthier alternative because it provides the exact same benefit without the skin cancer risk."

Dr. Draelos added that despite their positive attitudes about tanning, the majority of respondents expressed strong opinions on protecting themselves from skin cancer. For example, 75 percent of all respondents said they will do anything possible to prevent skin cancer. Furthermore, 80 percent of respondents expressed concern about skin cancer and feel it is important to protect themselves.

"When it comes to preventing skin cancer, actions speak louder than words," said Dr. Draelos. "So while it is encouraging that most people are concerned about skin cancer and want to reduce their risk of developing it, clearly more work needs to be done to change attitudes on tanning. If a person likes the look of a tan, he or she should consider using a self-tanner but use sunscreen with it."

May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month®. Visit www.melanomamonday.org to take the Academy's "Suntelligence" survey, as well as to find out how to perform a skin self-exam, download a body mole map or find free skin cancer screenings in your area.

The "Suntelligence" survey was conducted for the Academy by RH Research of Chicago from January 12 to January 31, 2010. A total of 7,116 respondents completed the online survey; more than 200 completes were conducted in each of the 26 selected

MSAs (metropolitan statistical area) and an additional 1,123 completes were conducted in the U.S. outside of the MSAs. The survey's margin of error was +/- 1.2 percent for national data and +/- 6.9 percent for results stratified by MSA.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 16,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.

Editor's Note: Key highlights of the "Suntelligence: How Sun Smart is Your City?" survey and a complete listing of the 26 most and least sun-smart cities are available at www.aad.org/media.

SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology

Before and After Pictures of Lipo-Vibe Tickle Liposuction

2010-09-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

Lipo-Vibe Custom Acoustic Liposuction is the newest and latest advancement in liposuction. Lipo-Vibe is an FDA approved, safe and effective way to eliminate unwanted stubborn areas of fat. Although new to the U.S., this technology has been successfully used in Europe for more than 12 years.

Unlike traditional liposuction that causes trauma to the surrounding tissue, the Lipo-Vibe gentle 3-D technology contours the body for dramatic results with little or no downtime -- and all under a local anesthetic. This state of the art procedure can be used on virtually any area of the body that is resistant to diet and exercise with fantastic results. As an added benefit, the energy used to break down fat also stimulates collagen and facilitates skin tightening.

For detailed information about Lipo-Vibe at Derma Health Institute, go to:

http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/article_info.php?articles_id=379

Lipo-Vibe Tickle Liposuction at Derma Health Institute of Arizona

2010-09-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

Lipo-Vibe Custom Acoustic Liposuction is the newest and latest advancement in liposuction. It is an FDA approved, safe and effective way to quickly eliminate unwanted areas of stubborn fat. Although new to the U.S., this technology has been successfully used in Europe since 1999.

Unlike traditional liposuction that causes trauma to the surrounding tissue, the gentle 3-D technology contours the body for dramatic results with little or no downtime. This state of the art procedure can be used on virtually any area of the body that is resistant to diet and exercise – and the results are fantastic!

Before and After Photos About Dr. Gael L. DeRouin, D.O.

How is Lipo-Vibe Different?

Unlike traditional liposuction, Lipo-Vibe gives the doctor the ability to break up the fat before-hand with laser energy.

It is unique in that it utilizes air pressure to generate acoustic sound energy. Rather than the one-dimensional vibration of ultrasound, Lipo-Vibe generates a more effective three dimensional movement. The pattern of movement enables Lipo-Vibe to operate at lower infrasonic frequencies which are much safer than the high-frequency energy generated by a regular ultrasound.

"I have used many different types of liposuction throughout the years, from conventional liposuction to the current laser and ultrasound liposuction equipment. I am impressed that this new Lipo-Vibe can really get the job done and allows me to offer my patients additional safety and less discomfort.” - Dr. Gael DeRouin. D.O.

Lipo-Vibe can more easily and safely access areas of the body that are difficult to treat with older liposuction methods. Its unique vibration pattern allows for precise body sculpting with less trauma to the surrounding skin tissue. Overall, the patient experiences less swelling, less bruising and less overall discomfort. As an added benefit, the energy used to break down fat also stimulates collagen and facilitates skin tightening during the days following the procedure.

How is Lipo-Vibe Safer?

Unlike current liposuction techniques that utilize laser or ultrasound energy, the suction tube used in Lipo-Vibe stays cool, eliminating the risk of heat injury to tissue. Lipo-Vibe includes an automatic shut off when it approaches non-fatty tissue such as skin or muscle which protects the surrounding tissue from trauma. These safety features enable Lipo-Vibe to safely and more effectively remove deep and superficial fat, resulting in higher definition sculpting.

Since you don’t have to be “put under” during the procedure, you avoid all the dangers that go along with general anesthetics.

Lipo-Vibe offers all of the benefits of current liposuction technology without the inherent risks, discomfort, and downtime.

Who is a Candidate for Liposuction?

While almost anyone can benefit from liposuction, it is most effective at removing fat from localized pockets which have been resistant to dieting or exercise. In general, the ideal patient is one who is in good health, not obese, has an active lifestyle and has pockets of fat they wish to have removed.

How is the Procedure Performed?

Lipo-Vibe is an out-patient procedure done right in the Derma Health Institute office. The patient is awake during the entire procedure.

Prior to the procedure, the fatty areas are marked and a local anesthetic is infused underneath the skin to numb the area. The physician then inserts a hollow, pen-like instrument called a cannula just beneath the skin surface and energy is passed through it to break up the fat. Once the fat is liquefied, it is then easily removed with a suction tube.

For more information about Lipo-Vibe Tickle Liposuction at Derma Health Institute, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=457

Help Vote For Derma Health Institute in New Times Best of Phoenix

2010-09-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

The 32nd Annual Best of Phoenix® Readers Poll is your opportunity to tell New Times which people and businesses possess the extraordinary powers to pull you in again and again. If you've been happy with the service at Derma Health Institute, please take a moment to vote for us as a Best of Phoenix business.

As even more incentive, one lucky participant in the poll will win the grand prize package of FREE wings for a year from Native New Yorker! This includes one free order of a dozen wings per week for one year (52 total orders). Five (5) second-prize winners will receive one free order of a dozen wings per month for a year (12 total orders per winner) and ten (10) third-prize winners will each get their own dozen wings on the house.

How to Nominate Derma Health Institute:

Vote online at http://www.bestofphoenix2010.com .
Nominate Derma Health Institute under number 79, Best Med-Spa category -- not to be confused with the Best Spa category.
All entries must have at least 10 categories completed and must include your name and e-mail address for votes to be accepted.
Nominations must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, September 19, 2010.
Thanks for your help in voting Derma Health Institute as a Best of Phoenix Business. Wish us luck!

HCG Diet Day 7: Didn't Lose Anything Today :(

2010-08-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

Kind of depressed this morning. I didn't lose anything. I've been loosing so much so fast, I guess I knew it couldn't continue. Still, it' a little frustrating not losing anything.

I went back and double checked what I ate yesterday but I was definitely below the 500 calories. I did have a late dinner yesterday and I wonder if that has anything to do with it. Made sure I was done eating today by 7:00, just to make sure that wasn't the issue.

To view all the articles in this series, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/articles.php?tPath=6

For more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=15&products_id=191

HCG Diet Day 6: Getting Used to the Lower Volume of Food

2010-08-02T16:52:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited. I was down another 2 pounds this morning. I've now lost five pounds from my original weight. I know things have to slow down but it's so much fun watching the weight drop off.

I had a good day today. I'm getting used to the volume of food. I don't feel the need for food as much as I feel the want of food. I've always had volume control issues (I enjoy eating.) and I think my struggles yesterday were more around not being able to eat when I usually do more than the amount I'm eating. We'll see how this goes.

To view all the articles in this series, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/articles.php?tPath=6

For more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=15&products_id=191

HCG Diet Day 5: Down 3 Pounds Without Working Out? Miraculous...

2010-08-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

Down 3 pounds this morning. This is miraculous. I'm not working out and the weight's just dropping off.

This has been a rough day. Yesterday, the first two days (day three & four) when I was eating the smaller portions, I didn't feel hungry at all. On day three I didn't even eat what little food I could. I just wasn't hungry. But today was different. This afternoon was rough. I always save my fruit as a dessert after each meal but today I ate my second apple in the afternoon to hold me over and I ate dinner as soon as I got home from work. The good news is that seemed to work. I wasn't hungry at all throughout the evening. I was a little nervous because I had eaten my allotment of food (so, I couldn't eat more) and I'm a late night muncher. I love to watch TV and chomp on my favorite snacks. None of that on this diet. Anyways, there was nothing to fear - no hunger pains and on the positive side I'm learning new TV watching habits. Hopefully, when this is done, I won't head for the snacks when my favorite TV shows start.

To view all the articles in this series, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/articles.php?tPath=6

For more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=15&products_id=191

HCG Diet Day 4: Wow! I Was Down Six Pouinds

2010-08-02T16:47:00.000-07:00

Wow! I was down 6 ½ pounds this morning. I'm almost back to my original weight after only one day. I'm very psyched today. Feeling really good.

Yesterday, I grilled up a bunch of chicken and have it portioned in the frig, so I don't have to cook anything today. I love tomatoes and love the size of the portion of veggies I get for each meal. I have always been a huge eater. I've joked with my friends that I was born without any nerves in my stomach, since I can eat and eat and never feel full. But that's all different now. It must be the hormone but I can eat a portion of the tomatoes and feel full.

Need to mention one of the reasons I decided to do my diet with Derma Health Institute. They have one of the best booklets I have seen on the hCG diet. It includes a great overview of what you need to know about hCG as well as a easy to use list of what foods I can eat, how much and what not to eat together. (For instance, you can’t mix veggies on this diet. If you have tomatoes, you can’t have cucumbers in the same meal. Only one veggie per meal.) The booklet also includes a daily diary where I can list my weight for the day, what foods I ate in each meal and what my total calorie count is. I went to a number of places before I landed with Derma Health and no one else had a booklet like this.

To view all the articles in this series, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/articles.php?tPath=6

For more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=15&products_id=191

HCG Diet Day 3: I'm Up to 213 Pounds This Morning

2010-08-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

I gained another three pounds yesterday and I'm up to 213 this morning. I am so happy to actually start the regular part of the diet. Right now, I don't care if I eat for the next 40 days. I am so done with food.

I wasn't really hungry at all today and the smaller portions of everything seemed almost too much. It was really weird having to weigh all my food. I grilled some chicken to give it some flavor without having to use spices. The portions (3.5 ounces) didn't look like much but when I actually ate it, it was filling.

I can’t tell you how helpful the Derma Health prep list is. It identifies everything you’ll need on the diet. It includes what kinds of soap (and make-up) you can use as well as what items you need, like a digital food scale. I got all this stuff before my diet started and it makes everything so easy now.

To view all the articles in this series, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/articles.php?tPath=6

For more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=15&products_id=191

HCG Diet Day 2: Oh My Gosh! I'm Up Four Pounds Today

2010-08-02T16:42:00.000-07:00

This diet better work.

Felt a little sluggish today. The fun of eating sort of became a chore. By noon I wasn't looking forward to eating and by 5:00 I wanted to stop eating completely. I am so ready to lose weight. This diet really gets you ready to lose the weight after forcing yourself to overeat on the foods you love. Seems like something a mad genius would come up with. I got to eat everything on my dream diet but don't even want to think about eating anymore by the end of the day. I can honestly say I am looking forward to not eating tomorrow.

Click here to view all the articles in this series

Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet

HCG Diet Day 1: Well Here We Go! I Am So Excited

2010-08-02T16:37:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to loose weight over the last few years to no-avail. Up until I was forty years old, I had never needed to go on a diet or really worry about my weight. I was always under 180 and ate whatever I wanted. But then I turned forty and something changed. Over the last years I've struggled to keep my weight down and tried this diet and that diet but none of them really worked. Now I am at 206, really looking to get back to all those pants I've saved but haven't worn in years.

To do this diet I have to take an injection each day of hCG. When I first learned this, I decided to pass on the diet. However, after a few more months of not being able to lose any weight, I decided to at least meet with one of the doctor's from Derma Health. She explained the program in detail and when the shot came up, she took out a shot and gave it to me (not with hCG) and I was surprised to find out, it didn't hurt at all.

Well, this morning was the first time I had to give the shot to myself and for some reason, I was terrified. I hate needles and sat with it an inch above my knee for two full minutes. I just couldn't poke myself. Finally, I did. I couldn't believe it. I didn't feel a thing. Nothing. Not even a slight poke.

Today has been a day of my dreams. I ate donuts, candy, ice cream and fast food all day long. My wife thinks the whole thing is wacky that I can eat all this "bad" food as part of the diet. According to the doctor the hormone needs an influx of fat to kick started and if I tried to 'minimize' the amount of fat I ate (to not gain weight) it could cause the diet to start slowly and lower the total amount of weight I can lose.

By the end of the day, I have to admit I felt a little bloated but not a bad first day.

Click here to view all the articles in this series

Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet

Common Misconceptions About Vein Disease Hurting People

2010-07-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

ATHERTON, Calif., April 19 -- Varicose vein disease is an underappreciated and often misunderstood medical condition, causing many individuals to be misdiagnosed, mistreated - or ignored - resulting in needless suffering and complications from progressively worsening symptoms. Unfortunately, patients typically wait until the disease reaches a more difficult to treat and debilitating stage: they have lifestyle limiting pain, unsightly bulging veins and spider veins, leg swelling or skin ulceration. Physicians typically receive little formal training about the diagnosis and management of patients with vein disease, and patients struggle to find information. Like many medical problems, the earlier the cause of a patient's varicose veins is diagnosed, the simpler are the treatments and the better the outcomes.

Click here for information about Laser Vein Removal at Derma Health Institute.

The prevalence of varicose veins varies from 30-60% of the American population and increases with age. Douglas Lewis, MD, a board certified Vascular and Interventional Radiologist with over twenty years of clinical experience, says, "It is crucial to better educate physicians and to inform the community about how to detect early stage vein disease and when to seek treatment."

Common misconceptions include:

Varicose and spider veins are strictly cosmetic issues.
Varicose vein symptoms - soreness, heaviness, burning, tingling, itching, easy leg fatigue - are inevitable manifestations of ageing, so there's nothing to be done.
One should wait as long as possible before seeking treatment in order to "take care of it all at once."
Women should wait for treatment until after they are done having children.
Treatment requires painful surgery and prolonged "downtime."

Endovenous laser ablation and sclerotherapy injections are the current standard-of-practice treatments for varicose veins. These are office-based procedures with no patient downtime. During endovenous ablation, a thin laser fiber is threaded directly into the diseased vein where generated heat damages the vein wall and seals the vein, thus rerouting blood flow to healthy veins. Sclerotherapy uses chemicals to accomplish the same thing. These are extremely effective, very low risk procedures.

New Survey Ranks Most and Least Sun-Smart Cities

2010-07-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At first glance, Hartford, Salt Lake City and Denver might not seem to have much in common. But a new survey by the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) found these three cities outshine other U.S. cities in heeding dermatologists' advice on preventing and detecting skin cancer.

The rankings of the 26 U.S. metropolitan cities are as follows:
No. 1 - Hartford
No. 2 - Salt Lake City
No. 3 - Denver
No. 4 - Tampa
No. 5 - Boston
No. 6 - Phoenix
No. 7 - Atlanta
No. 8 - Philadelphia
No. 9 - Portland
No. 10 - Baltimore
No. 11 - Dallas
No. 12 - Houston
No. 13 - Miami
No. 14 - San Francisco
No. 15 - Washington, DC
No. 16 - Detroit
No. 17 - San Diego
No. 18 - Cincinnati
No. 19 - New York City
No. 20 - Minneapolis
No. 21 - St. Louis
No. 22 - Los Angeles
No. 23 - Seattle
No. 24 - Cleveland
No. 25 - Chicago
No. 26 - Pittsburgh

The "Suntelligence: How Sun Smart is Your City?" online survey polled more than 7,000 adults nationwide to determine their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward tanning, sun protection and skin cancer detection. Twenty-six cities were ranked based on respondents' answers to several questions in each category.

"One common thread we found encouraging is that the majority of people polled expressed concern about skin cancer and had awareness of the importance of proper sun protection," said dermatologist William D. James, MD, FAAD, president of the Academy. "However, we found that people's behaviors did not always correlate with their concerns."

While Hartford, Salt Lake City and Denver ranked No. 1, 2 and 3, respectively, Cleveland, Chicago and Pittsburgh fell to the bottom of the sun-smart spectrum with rankings of 24, 25 and 26, respectively. When results for these cities were compared to the average collective responses for all survey respondents, significant differences were observed in the top- and bottom-ranked cities.

Hartford respondents excelled in their knowledge of sun protection and the risks associated with tanning, scoring above the average of adults overall. For example, only about one-third of respondents (35 percent) nationwide correctly answered the question that asked whether some types of ultraviolet (UV) rays are safe for your skin. Forty-two percent of Hartford respondents knew that this statement was not true – that all forms of UV exposure, from natural sunlight and artificial light sources such as tanning beds – are harmful.

Similarly, residents of Salt Lake City, Denver and Hartford all scored better than the national average when they disagreed with the statement that they are not too concerned about skin cancer because it is easily detected and treated. Overall, 76 percent of respondents nationwide disagreed with this statement, while 85 percent of respondents from Salt Lake City disagreed.

"While skin cancer can be successfully treated if detected early, the five-year survival rate for individuals with regional and distant stage melanomas are 65 percent and 16 percent, respectively. That's why people must be vigilant about protecting their skin from sun exposure and aware of the early warning signs of skin cancer," said Dr. James.

However, when examining skin cancer detection behaviors, nationally 59 percent of respondents had never been screened for skin cancer by a health-care provider. Respondents from Pittsburgh and Chicago fared even worse, with 69 percent of Pittsburgh respondents and 67 percent from Chicago admitting they had never had an examination. On the other hand, 48 percent of Hartford residents had never undergone a skin examination.

Despite dermatologists' repeated warnings about the dangers of tanning, Dr. James added that respondents in last-place Pittsburgh scored significantly worse than the overall average when asked if people look more attractive with a tan. Specifically, 81 percent of Pittsburgh respondents agreed with this statement compared to 72 percent of the general public.

"We're hoping the results of this survey will draw attention to the public's need to change its attitudes toward tanning, which is the first step in changing behavior," said Dr. James. "Our data show that most people are concerned about skin cancer, but they still need to modify their attitudes, behavior and knowledge to reduce their risk."

To minimize your risk of skin cancer, the Academy recommends that everyone Be Sun Smart®:

Generously apply a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 to all exposed skin. "Broad-spectrum" provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Re-apply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, using protective clothing, and applying sunscreen.
Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.
Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don't seek the sun.
Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you've been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

Monday, May 3, is Melanoma Monday® and the official launch of Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month®. Visit www.melanomamonday.org to take the Academy's "Suntelligence" survey, as well as to find out how to perform a skin self-exam, download a body mole map or find free skin cancer screenings in your area.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 16,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.

The "Suntelligence" survey was conducted for the Academy by RH Research of Chicago from January 12 to January 31, 2010. A total of 7,116 respondents completed the online survey; more than 200 completes were conducted in each of the 26 selected MSAs (metropolitan statistical area) and an additional 1,123 completes were conducted in the U.S. outside of the MSAs. The survey's margin of error was +/-1.2 percent for national data and +/-6.9 percent for results stratified by MSA.

SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology

PEOPLE en Espanol 50 Most Beautiful Hispanic Celebrities

2010-07-28T13:20:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, April 26 /PRNewswire/ -- PEOPLE en Espanol's "50 Most Beautiful" special issue features seven of today's most popular Hispanic women -- and one very lucky guy -- on the cover. Sofia Vergara (ABC's Modern Family) is joined by TV personality Daisy Fuentes, Mexican singer Belinda and telenovela actor Fernando Colunga, for the 14th annual "Mas Bellos" issue. The leading "Mas Bellos" women appear in dresses by Marchesa, Prada, Herve Leger, and Jay Mendel, with jewelry by Loren Ridinger.

People en Espanol's issue features exclusive photographs shot by celebrity photographer Omar Cruz on location in Los Angeles, Miami, Mexico and New York, with images inspired by Mexico's Golden Age cinema and telenovela icons. Sofia Vergara had the chance of a lifetime posing as one of Mexico's most memorable stars, the late Maria Felix. "It was fun styling my hair and makeup to look like her, and mimicking her facial expressions. I was captivated by the character," says Vergara. Other Bellos in the issue include Puerto Rican singer -- and a veteran on the list -- Ricky Martin, and newcomers like celebrity blogger, Perez Hilton and current Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, among others.

For the third consecutive year, PeopleEnEspanol.com invited users to choose their favorite celebrity who should be named in the magazine's "50 Most Beautiful" issue. With 10 celebrity nominations, and after a near tie with Mexican singer and actress Eiza Gonzalez, Telefutura's La tijera presenter Rodolfo Jimenez won with 67% of the votes.

The complete list of People en Espanol's "50 Most Beautiful":

• AB Quintanilla — Mexican-American music producer/songwriter
• Adamari Lopez — Puerto Rican actress, Televisa's Alma de hierro
• Alejandro Fernandez — Mexican singer
• Alejandro Sanz — Spanish singer
• Alicia Villarreal — Mexican singer
• Anahi — Mexican singer/actress
• Ana Patricia Gonzalez — Winner of PEOPLE en Espanol's challenge on Univision's Nuestra Belleza Latina
• Angelica Maria — Mexican actress, Televisa's Mujeres asesinas
• Belinda — Mexican singer/actress, Televisa's Camaleones
• Carmen Dominicci — Puerto Rican journalist, Telemundo's Al rojo vivo con Maria Celeste
• Christian Bach — Argentinean actress, TV Azteca's Vidas robadas
• Christian Chavez — Mexican singer
• Daisy Fuentes — Cuban model and TV personality
• Dulce Maria — Mexican singer/actress, Televisa's Verano de amor
• Espinoza Paz — Mexican singer/songwriter
• Fernando Colunga — Mexican actor, Televisa's Soy tu duena
• Gaby Espino — Venezuelan actress, Telemundo's Mas sabe el diablo
• Giselle Blondet — Puerto Rican TV host, Univision's Nuestra belleza latina
• Jacqueline Bracamontes — Mexican actress, Televisa's Sortilegio
• Jencarlos Canela — American singer/actor, Telemundo's Mas sabe el diablo
• Jenni Rivera — Mexican singer/songwriter
• Jesus Navarro — Lead singer of Mexican singing group Reik
• Joan Sebastian — Mexican singer and composer
• Lucia Mendez — Mexican actress, Televisa's Mi pecado
• Luis Enrique — Nicaraguan singer
• Luis Fonsi — Puerto Rican singer
• Lupita Ferrer — Venezuelan actress, Telemundo's Pecados ajenos
• Maite Perroni — Mexican singer/actress, Televisa's Mi pecado
• Marco Antonio Solis — Mexican singer/songwriter
• Maria Elena Salinas — Mexican-American journalist, Univision's Noticiero Univision
• Mario Cimarro — Cuban actor, Televisa's Mar de amor
• Mauricio Ochmann — Mexican actor, Telemundo's El clon
• Natalia Lafourcade — Mexican singer/songwriter
• Olga Tanon — Puerto Rican singer
• Paulina Rubio — Mexican singer
• Perez Hilton — Cuban-American celebrity blogger
• Pitbull — Cuban-American hip hop and reggaeton artist
• Rashel Diaz — Cuban TV personality, Telemundo's Levantate
• Ricky Martin — Puerto Rican singer
• Rodolfo Jimenez — Mexican TV personality, Telefutura's La tijera
• Romeo — Lead singer of Dominican singing group Aventura
• Satcha Pretto — TV host, Univision's Primer Impacto: fin de semana
• Saul Lisazo — Argentinean actor, Telemundo's El clon
• Sofia Vergara — Colombian actress, ABC's Modern Family
• Stefania Fernandez — Miss Universe 2009
• Thalia — Mexican singer/actress
• Tito el Bambino — Puerto Rican singer/songwriter
• Vanessa Hauc — TV host, Telemundo's Al rojo vivo con Maria Celeste
• Victoria Ruffo — Mexican actress, Televisa's La rosa de Guadalupe
• William Levy — Cuban actor, Televisa's Sortilegio
• Victor de la Torre — Winner of PEOPLE en Espanol's "51st Most Beautiful" search

For exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the "50 Most Beautiful" cover shoots visit PeopleEnEspanol.com. Starting April 27, the site will have an online special featuring daily updates with exclusive photo galleries, celebrities interviews and interactive surveys about this year's 50 Most Beautiful.

PeopleEnEspanol.com will also have a behind the scenes look at the magazine's "50 Most Beautiful" party, which will be held on May 20, in New York City. Log on to see celebrity interviews, red carpet arrivals and party images at PeopleEnEspanol.com.

PEOPLE en Espanol was launched in 1996 as a special issue, and today has become the top-selling Hispanic magazine in the United States. Published 11 times a year, PEOPLE en Espanol's guaranteed circulation is 540,000 and reaches more than six million readers every month with its editorial mix of Hispanic and popular entertainment, fashion and beauty trends, and compelling human-interest stories. PEOPLE en Espanol delivers original editorial content that captures the values, contributions and impact of today's Hispanics in the U.S. For daily news, photos, exclusive behind-the-scenes video and celebrity scoops, visit www.PeopleEnEspanol.com.

Natural Menopause Treatments Explained by Dr. Ershadi

2010-07-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES, April 19 / -- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a synthetic menopause treatment method available to women suffering from symptoms of menopause. While this treatment is effective, it has been linked to serious diseases such as breast cancer. Because of that, many women have chosen not to risk their health with HRT treatments. The risks associated with HRT are simply too great for many women.

In the past, women have resigned themselves to suffering menopause symptoms because they feared the potentially harmful consequences associated with hormone replacement therapy. These women determined to live with hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, fatigue, memory loss, mood swings, and strained relationships in order to protect their health and wellness. However, by not treating menopause symptoms a woman is increasing her chances of developing cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. These diseases can further interfere with a woman's life. Decreased bone density can result in serious fractures if the woman falls and injures herself. Menopause should not be left untreated and allowed to run its damaging course.

Treating Menopause Naturally

There are natural cures for menopause that women ages 40 and over may want to consider using. These natural menopause remedies include things such as natural menopause supplements. These supplements are not only designed to help alleviate the symptoms of menopause like hot flashes and night sweats, but they also help women maintain bone and muscle mass as well as prevent osteoporosis. Products such as herbal supplements for menopause are a safe, effective, natural way to treat a range of menopause symptoms. Even though every woman will not experience the same degree or intensity of the various symptoms related to menopause, herbal menopause remedies may be appropriate for any woman suffering with menopause.

For more information about Bio-Match All Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy at Derma Health Institute, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=250

50 and Fabulous? Survey Says Meryl Streep Is It

2010-07-28T13:09:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, April 13 / -- If there was ever a question whether screen queen Meryl Streep has still got it — cast it aside. According to The Effects of Menopause on the Skin, a new survey of women 50 years of age and older, 46 percent singled out Streep as the celebrity who best personifies "50 + Fabulous." NBC's TODAY Show host Kathie Lee Gifford took the first runner- up spot, followed by other Hollywood big wigs: Sigourney Weaver, Madonna, Helen Mirren and Kim Cattrall.

Other findings of the survey, sponsored by Vichy Laboratoires, show that out of 686 women surveyed over the age of 50:

82 percent reported that they experienced changes in the appearance of their skin, including increased dryness, increased wrinkles and a sagging neck once they entered menopause

53 percent reported that the most common issue they faced after entering menopause was dry skin, followed closely by an increase in wrinkles and a sagging neck

67 percent reported that entering menopause caused them to change their beauty routine by purchasing new skincare and color cosmetic products to address these issues.
Survey Methodology

These findings are from a telephone survey conducted among 686 female adults over the age of 50. Interviewing for this survey was completed during the period February 26 – 28, 2010. Opinion Research Corporation of Princeton, NJ, conducted the fieldwork.

About Vichy:

Vichy is the #1 skincare brand in European pharmacies. Vichy Laboratoires is dedicated to advancing skin health through a deep understanding of how skin functions, supported by medical research. With patented ingredients combined with Vichy Thermal Spa Water enriched with rare minerals, Vichy skincare products deliver an exceptionally high level of efficacy, clinically proven by independent dermatologists. Vichy products are available in Dermatological Skincare Centers, with trained beauty advisors, in top CVS/pharmacy and Duane Reade as well as www.vichyusa.com.

SOURCE Vichy

Poll: What Do Women Really Think About Their Hair?

2010-07-28T13:08:00.000-07:00

YONKERS, N.Y., April 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Love it or hate it, your hair can make you feel sexy one day and frumpy the next. According to a new survey featured in the May 2010 issue of ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, many of us try to spend our way to better tresses, snapping up expensive collections of shampoos and styling products and shelling out for haircuts and other salon services. The average woman spends about $195 a year on haircuts and $260 on color alone. But over one-third are trying to save money by going to the salon less often.

“There really is such a thing as a bad hair day—44% of the women have had a mood affected by a bad hair day and 26% have actually shed tears after a hair cut. And sometimes it’s not just a day. The biggest complaints women have about their hair is the thickness and the color,” said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart. “The good news is that hair products can be found at rock-bottom prices and at-home hair color kits have improved greatly. Find out where to shop, which products to opt for and more in our ‘Mane Event’ feature.”

Hairy Issues

•Women are generally happy with their hair, as 19% love it, 41% like it, 5% dislike it, 4% hate it and 30% are neutral.
•Still, many women take steps to change their hair: 49% have naturally straight hair but 10% of them style it curly; 23% have naturally curly hair but 19% of them style it straight.
•Biggest complaint women have about their hair is the thickness (23%), with 17% who feel their hair is too thin or too fine. Other top complaints involve the Type (14%) and the Color (10%).
•Women pay on average $39 for a haircut and $65 on salon color, although nearly two thirds of women have taken steps to save money on their hair in the last 12 months.
•A majority of women (53%) regularly color their hair.
•Women spend on average 15 minutes or less styling their hair and wash it 4 times a week.

Color To Dye For: Top Colorists Share the Best Tips to Get Great Color at Home

1. Choose the Right Color. If you’re a first-timer looking for the right hue, ask your hairdresser’s opinion, browse hair color Web sites like Clairol’s and L’Oreal’s, and choose a semi-permanent color.

2. Avoid Allergic Reactions. Hair color contains chemicals, so in addition to a strand test to check color, it’s important to perform a patch test to make sure you’re not allergic to an ingredient.

3. Prep Yourself. Before you jump in and do the dye job, you should take a few important prep steps. Read and reread package directions.

4. Glop it On. Apply the dye according to directions, making sure to aim the applicator at your head and away from the shower curtain, bath mat, and walls. And set a timer.

5. Fix Mistakes. If your results aren’t what you expected, call the hotline number on the box or check the company site. If that doesn’t help, don’t be shy about turning to a pro.

ShopSmart Hair Poll Methodology:

The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted a telephone survey of a nationally representative probability sample of telephone households. 1,031 interviews were completed among women aged 18+. Interviewing took place over January 28 – February 1, 2010. The margin of error is +/-3.1% points at a 95% confidence level.

3 Best Hair Color Kits

Clairol Textures & Tones

2N Dark Brown

$7, 45 minute dye time

L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference

4 Dark Brown Natural

$9, 30 min. dye time

Clairol Natural Instincts

28 Nutmeg Dark Brown

$9, 20 min. dye time

About ShopSmart magazine:

Launched in Fall 2006 by Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, ShopSmart draws upon Consumer Reports’ celebrated tradition of accepting no advertisements and providing unbiased product reviews. The magazine features product reviews, shopping tips on how to get the most out of products and “best of the best” lists. ShopSmart is ideal for busy shoppers who place a premium on time. ShopSmart has a newsstand price of $4.99 and is available nationwide at major retailers including Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, Borders, Kroger, Safeway and Publix. ShopSmart is available by subscription at www.ShopSmartmag.org.

Rosacea Sufferers Perceived as Unhealthy, Insecure, Less Smart

2010-07-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

BARRINGTON, Ill., April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- From job interviews to first dates, creating a positive and lasting first impression often goes a long way. For women with symptoms of the common skin condition rosacea, just how much does the appearance of their skin affect how people perceive them? A unique digital perception survey, developed in partnership with the National Rosacea Society (NRS) and Galderma Laboratories, contrasted images of women with signs of mild to moderate papular/pustular rosacea (an inflammatory skin condition characterized by redness, bumps and blemishes) and images of women with clear skin. The survey was taken by 1,009 members of the general population and 502 women with rosacea, equaling 1,511 survey respondents in total. In the survey, adults were asked to give their opinions of women based solely on photographs of their faces: half of the photographs featured the women with clear skin and half of the photographs were digitally enhanced to simulate rosacea symptoms on their faces. The survey found that based on first impressions of the images, when it comes to attributes such as confidence, attitude and intelligence, women with rosacea symptoms were consistently ranked differently than their clear-skinned counterparts.

For more infrmation about Rosacea Treatments at Derma Health Institute, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=169

The results, which are part of the national educational campaign Rosacea SKINsights sponsored by Galderma Laboratories, also reveal the lengths that women with rosacea would go to if they could get rid of their rosacea forever, and highlight the low awareness and complicated diagnosis path for this common condition. On average, women with rosacea waited at least seven months before receiving a correct diagnosis, and only half of respondents had ever heard of the condition upon the time of diagnosis. This reveals the high level of misunderstanding and confusion that surrounds rosacea, a chronic disorder primarily of the facial skin, often characterized by flare-ups and remissions.

Rosacea's Impact on Health and Personality Traits

According to survey results, women with rosacea are more likely than women without the skin condition to be perceived by others among the general population as looking unhealthy (11% vs. 2%) and tired (43% vs. 32%). Survey respondents also formed personality judgments about women with pustular/papular rosacea, describing them as more likely to be insecure (33% vs. 13%) and shy (34% vs. 18%) than their counterparts. In contrast, women with clear skin were more commonly perceived as having positive social characteristics such as confidence (49% vs. 27%) and happiness (54% vs. 36%).

The appearance of rosacea also influenced survey respondents' perceptions of important personal characteristics that could negatively impact how rosacea sufferers are viewed in the workplace. Compared to women with clear skin, women with rosacea symptoms were considered to be less intelligent (36% vs. 43%) and not as successful (18% vs. 32%).Women with rosacea symptoms were also perceived to be more stressed (40% vs. 23%) and more likely to have entry level positions (22% vs. 11%).

Women with Rosacea Perceived as Less Lucky in Love

Career and personality traits were not the only perceived source of disparity between women with rosacea and those without – survey results show that Americans thought that women with rosacea were less lucky in love, including less likely to be in a relationship (64% vs. 81%) and less likely to go on weekend dates (14% vs. 22%).One in five women (19%) with rosacea surveyed would even rather have clear and smooth skin than an eternally fulfilling love life.

The Lengths Rosacea Sufferers Would Go To for Clear Skin

The women with rosacea who participated in the survey judged rosacea as the negative focal point of their faces. In order to achieve clear skin, women with rosacea said they would be willing to forgo wearing make-up (33%), exercising (22%) and watching television for one year (21%).They would also give up eating chocolate (44%) and dating (25%) for one year if that meant that they did not have to deal with their skin condition on a daily basis. Lastly, despite today's challenging economic environment, women with rosacea would pay an average of nearly $6,000 and 14 percent would reduce their income by 10 percent for five years, to have clear and smooth skin forever. Nine percent would choose clear skin over being financially well-off for life.

"The survey results confirm that rosacea can have a strong impact on people professionally, socially and romantically," said Samuel Huff, Executive Director of the National Rosacea Society. "The National Rosacea Society urges people to educate themselves about this widespread, yet often misunderstood disease, and encourages anyone who thinks they may have rosacea to see a dermatologist to receive a timely diagnosis and appropriate therapy."

"Unfortunately, many people with rosacea do not recognize the symptoms and often mistake their rosacea for another skin condition; therefore they are not taking advantage of the effective medical solutions that are available," said Dr. Doris Day, dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of Dermatology at the New York University Langone Medical Center. "Without proper treatment, rosacea flare-ups can progressively worsen so it is critical to visit a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Your skin's appearance can be a prominent factor in how you perceive yourself and how others perceive you, so it is very important that everyone takes control of their skin and puts their best face forward."

Rosacea Awareness Month Resources

The National Rosacea Society annually designates April as Rosacea Awareness Month to increase recognition of the signs and symptoms of rosacea and to help people understand that rosacea is a medical condition that can get progressively worse without treatment. People who suspect that they may have rosacea or those who would like to learn more about this common condition are encouraged to learn the facts on rosacea at www.rosaceafacts.com, which is a site dedicated to arming people with the facts on rosacea, including symptoms and triggers, and providing them with additional resources about the condition.

About Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic disorder primarily of the facial skin, often characterized by flare-ups and remissions. It typically begins any time after age 30 as a redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead that may come and go. Over time, the redness tends to become ruddier and more persistent, and visible blood vessels may appear. Bumps and pimples are a symptom, and in severe cases the nose may grow swollen and bumpy from excess tissue. Although rosacea can affect all segments of the population, individuals with fair skin who tend to flush or blush easily are believed to be at greatest risk. While there is no cure for rosacea and the cause is unknown, medical therapy is available to manage its signs and symptoms. Individuals who suspect they may have rosacea are urged to see a dermatologist or other knowledgeable physician for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

About the National Rosacea Society

The National Rosacea Society (NRS) is the world's largest organization dedicated to improving the lives of the estimated 16 million Americans who suffer from this widespread but poorly understood disorder. Through education and advocacy, its mission is threefold: to raise awareness of rosacea, to provide public health information on the disorder, and to encourage and support medical research that may lead to improvements in its management, prevention and potential cure. Since 1992, the NRS has made a difference in the way rosacea patients are treated and the way this widespread disorder is perceived and understood. Information and materials are available on the society's Web site at www.rosacea.org.

About Galderma

Galderma, created in 1981 as a joint venture between Nestle and L'Oreal, is a fully-integrated specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated exclusively to the field of dermatology. The Company is committed to improving the health of skin with an extensive line of products across the world that treat a range of dermatological conditions. With a research and development center in Sophia Antipolis, France, Galderma has one of the largest R&D facilities dedicated exclusively to dermatology. Leading worldwide dermatology brands include Differin®, MetroGel® 1%/Rozex®, Clobex®, Tri-Luma®, Loceryl®, Vectical® Ointment, Epiduo™ Gel and Cetaphil®. For more information on Galderma, visit www.galdermausa.com.

About the National Rosacea First Impressions Survey

Kelton Research conducted two separate national online surveys, one with a sample of N=1,009 nationally representative adults age 18+ and one with a sample of N=502 women ages 18+ who had been diagnosed with rosacea. Both groups took the survey which was fielded between December 10th and December 28th, 2009. Quotas were set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of each audience. Each respondent answered questions about several pictures of people with or without rosacea. The overall margin of error for the general population in this study is +/-3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. for the women with rosacea it is +/- 4.4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. Margins for subgroups are slightly higher.

The survey was sponsored by Galderma Laboratories and developed in partnership with the National Rosacea Society.

SOURCE National Rosacea Society; Galderma Laboratories, L.P.

FDA Warns About Lipodissolve Product Claims

2010-07-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

It's a tempting premise: Get a series of drug injections and see pockets of fat on your body go away for good.

But the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting consumers about false and misleading claims being made about products used in lipodissolve, and about other misbranding of these products.

Recipients of lipodissolve get a series of drug injections intended to dissolve and permanently remove small pockets of fat from various parts of the body. The process is also known as injection lipolysis, lipozap, lipotherapy, and mesotherapy.

“We are concerned that these companies are misleading consumers,” says Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “It is important for anyone who is considering this voluntary procedure to understand that the products used to perform lipodissolve procedures are not approved by FDA for fat removal.”

The drugs most regularly used in the lipodissolve injection regimen are phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate (commonly called PC and DC, respectively). Other ingredients may also be used, including drugs or components of other products such as vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts.

What Consumers Should Know

FDA is alerting consumers that

it has not evaluated or approved products for use in lipodissolve
it is not aware of evidence supporting the effectiveness of the substances used in lipodissolve for fat elimination
the safety of these substances, when used alone or in combination, is unknown
it is not aware of clinical studies to support medical uses of lipodissolve

In addition, FDA has reports of unexpected side effects in people who’ve undergone the lipodissolve procedure. These side effects include

permanent scarring
skin deformation
deep, painful knots under the skin in areas where the lipodissolve treatments were injected
FDA Actions

On April 7, 2010, FDA announced it had sent warning letters to six medical spas in the United States—and a cyber letter to a company in Brazil—for making false or misleading statements on their Web sites about drugs used in the procedure, or for otherwise misbranding lipodissolve products. (Cyber letters are letters sent to companies whose U.S. online sales of products may be illegal.)

The U.S. medical spas receiving warning letters make various unsupported claims about lipodissolve, such as assertions that the products used in lipodissolve

are safe and effective
have an outstanding safety record
are superior to other fat-loss procedures, including liposuction
Additionally some of the letters indicate that the companies have made claims that lipodissolve can be used to treatcertain medical conditions, such as male breast enlargement, benign fatty growths known as lipomas, excess fat deposits and surgical deformities.

The U.S. companies receiving warning letters in regard to lipodissolve products are

Monarch Med Spa, King of Prussia, Pa.
Spa 35, Boise, Idaho
Medical Cosmetic Enhancements, Chevy Chase, Md.
Innovative Directions in Health, Edina, Minn.
PURE Med Spa, Boca Raton, Fla.
All About You Med Spa, Madison, Ind.
FDA is requesting a written response from these U.S. companies within 15 business days of receipt of the letters stating how they will correct these violations and prevent similar violations in the future. These firms were told that failure to promptly correct the violations may result in legal action.

The Brazilian firm getting a warning letter markets lipodissolve products on two Web sites: zipmed.net and mesoone.com. FDA will notify regulatory authorities in Brazil of this action. The agency has issued an import alert against the zipmed.net and mesoone.com entities to prevent the importation and distribution of unapproved lipodissolve drug products into the United States. Importing and distributing unapproved drug products is a violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

How to Report Side Effects
Consumers and health care professionals may report serious side effects with the use of lipodissolve products to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program either online, by regular mail, by fax, or by phone.

online: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/medwatch-online.htm4
by regular mail: Use postage-paid, pre-addressed FDA form 35005
by Fax: (800) FDA-0178
by phone: (800) FDA-1088
This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page6, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.

Research Proves Botox Calms Muscles That Cause Migraine Headache

2010-07-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

New research published in the Archives of Dermatology confirms that Botox injections may reduce the frequency of migraine headaches. Houston plastic surgeon Norman Rappaport, MD, uses Botox strategically to identify each patient’s migraine triggers, and offers surgical and non-surgical treatments to lessen the frequency and severity of migraines.

Houston, Texas April 13, 2010 -- Botox is best-known for smoothing out wrinkles by relaxing key facial muscles—but new research proves it can also help prevent migraine headaches.

A study in the February 2010 Archives of Dermatology, published by the American Medical Association, finds that Botox may reduce the frequency of “imploding migraines,” described as crushing, vice-like or eye-popping—but not pain experienced as a buildup of pressure inside the head, known as “exploding migraines.”

“Using Botox prevents muscles from squeezing on sensitive nerves and causing migraines,” says Norman Rappaport, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston, Texas.

Botox can address three major migraine trigger points: around the eyes, at the temples and at the back of the neck. A single Botox treatment can last from six weeks to several months.

“I use Botox as a diagnostic tool to help find a patient’s migraine trigger points,” Dr. Rappaport explains. “By injecting Botox in strategic areas at intervals, we can rule out the muscles that aren’t causing a patient’s headaches.”

Years ago, patients of Cleveland, Ohio plastic surgeon Bahman Guyuron, MD, reported that their migraines improved after having a forehead lift. This discovery led Dr. Guyuron to conduct research on a surgical solution to address migraine trigger points.

Dr. Guyuron’s double-blind clinical study was published in the August 2009 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He found that 80% of migraine patients who had surgery in one of three “trigger sites” had significantly fewer headaches, compared with 55% of the control group who had sham surgery. More than half of the patients who had the real surgery said their headaches were completely eliminated.

“I’ve been working in concert with neurologists for many years as a result of Dr. Guyuron’s studies and my personal communications with him,” says Dr. Rappaport. “Most of my migraine patients are referred to me by neurologists. These are patients whose migraines are not significantly improved by medications or ‘shotgun-approach’ Botox treatments.”

This was the case with Joseph, a 35-year-old Texas attorney. For 10 years, neurologists prescribed an array of preventive drugs, including antidepressants such as Elavil, Inderal, Prozac and Cymbalta, as well as triptans—drugs that try to stop a migraine.

“At one point, we even tried Topamax, an anti-epilepsy drug,” Joseph recalls. “I had terrible side-effects.

“Before starting Botox, my worst migraines were an eight or nine on a scale from one 10 10, with 10 being the worst—just debilitating,” says Joseph. “I was having three to four headaches a week, and sometimes the same headache would last two or three days.

“Part of the purpose of Dr. Rappaport’s Botox treatments is trying to zero in and figure out exactly which pieces of the muscles in my face and around my eyes are triggering my migraines,” Joseph explains. “We’re trying to find out where the headache trigger is by process of elimination. Surgery would find the pressure point that’s been relaxed by Botox, take out that piece of muscle and free the nerve.

“Botox makes my migraines a lot less frequent and a lot less intense,” says Joseph. “For me, a Botox treatment works for six weeks to three months. It’s proved effective. I haven’t had a headache in eight days now.”

Haley, a 19-year-old college student who came to Dr. Rappaport for Botox migraine treatments, had surgery when they discovered her daily migraines were caused by specific muscles at the back of her neck.

“In my case, the Botox treatments were very effective for six weeks, but then they wore off,” Haley recalls. “I couldn’t keep getting Botox treatments every six weeks, so I chose surgery.

“I had surgery on the right side of my neck last August,” Haley explains. “Dr. Rappaport cut through the two layers of muscle right above the occipital nerve and then went in to where the muscle joins with the nerve and separated them so there’s no pressure on the nerve—and that relieves the headaches.

“I’ve had only a few headaches in the eight months since the surgery, and I used to get them every day,” says Haley. “I’m planning to have surgery on the left side in May.”

For more information on Botox treatments for migraines, visit www.normanrappaportmd.com/injectables/botox-migraines

Norman Rappaport, MD, FACS, is a Houston, Texas plastic surgeon board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. For more information, visit www.normanrappaportmd.com.

Report: Vitamins for the Treatment of Sun-Damaged Skin

2010-07-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., April 12 -- While everyone knows that getting an adequate daily dose of vitamins and minerals is important in maintaining one's overall health, many question whether or not the vitamins touted in skin care products work in reducing the signs of sun-damaged skin. Now, a new study reviews the currently published scientific literature to determine what evidence exists to support the use of vitamins in skin care products to slow or reverse the effects of sun damage.

In the report entitled, "Vitamins and photoaging: Do scientific data support their use?", published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, dermatologist Jenny Kim, M.D., Ph.D., FAAD, associate professor in the division of dermatology, department of medicine, at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles, presented results of a study that may support the use of certain vitamins in oral or topical formulations.

"It is well documented that ultraviolet (UV) radiation contributes to premature skin aging through the process of photoaging, and there is increasing evidence that the antioxidant properties of vitamins may contribute to the prevention and treatment of photoaging," said Dr. Kim. "In fact, numerous companies developing cosmeceuticals base their effectiveness claims on the fact that their formulations contain vitamins proven in laboratories to modify cellular processes thought to contribute to the appearance of photoaged skin. As dermatologists, we can help our patients navigate this maze of marketing claims by sharing scientific data on the known efficacy of vitamins in skin care products."

Based on a comprehensive review of the available published data on the role of vitamins in skin care products, Dr. Kim and her colleagues, Jamie Zussman, M.D., FAAD, and Jennifer Ahdout, M.D., found there is evidence to support the potential role of vitamins A, C, E, and B3 in modifying the photoaging process.

"While it's evident that these vitamins can play a role in fighting sun damage, the question still remains whether these properties are effective when delivered in skin care products," notes Dr Kim.

Vitamin A: Effective in treating a variety of skin conditions

The two most common forms of vitamin A studied for their role in protecting the skin from UV-induced damage are retinols and carotenoids. Retinol is found in foods such as liver, milk and eggs, and is the most biologically active form of the vitamin. Carotenoids are found in many fruits and vegetables, and have strong antioxidant capabilities.

While carotenoids are not shown to be beneficial in the treatment of photoaging, research suggests that they may play a role in photoprotection by preventing UV-induced collagen breakdown.

"Although the evidence available at this time is not strong enough to offer definitive support for the use of dietary carotenoids for photoprotection, a role for carotenoids as a supplement to photoprotective agents should not be discounted yet," said Dr. Kim. "We hope to see larger-scale clinical trials conducted to further explore the photoprotective effects of carotenoids."

Unlike carotenoids, there is vast evidence supporting the role of topical retinoids (the class of substances formed by retinol and its natural and synthetic derivatives) in treating photoaged skin. For example, prescription retinoid formulations have the most scientific data to support their use in this area.

Dr. Kim noted that both tretinoin cream (0.025% and 0.05%) and tazarotene cream (0.1%) are already FDA-approved for the treatment of fine wrinkles, skin roughness and mottled hyperpigmentation caused by aging and sun exposure. In addition, she added that studies of other retinoids have shown that a once-daily application of 0.1% isotretinoin cream for 36 weeks was effective in reducing fine wrinkles.

Retinoids also are found in over-the-counter cosmeceuticals, but there is less clinical evidence supporting their effectiveness in improving photoaged skin. "An important point to remember with retinoids is that we cannot assume that all retinoids are equal in their ability to fight photoaging," said Dr. Kim. "In over-the-counter products, retinol appears to be the most effective retinoid based on clinical studies completed to date. However, patients should consult their dermatologist before using any topical retinoid, as side effects can occur when used with other topical products. When properly instructed by a dermatologist, most patients can tolerate topical retinoids and benefit from their effect."

Dr. Kim added that unlike topical retinoids, there is minimal evidence supporting the use of oral retinoids in the treatment of photoaging.

Vitamin C: Possible skin care product value

Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin also known as ascorbic acid that is found in citrus fruits and dark green leafy vegetables, plays an essential role in the production of collagen and elastin. Because of its antioxidant properties, vitamin C may reverse the negative effects of UV radiation in the skin, but there are few clinically controlled studies to confirm this theory.

"An animal study examining the role of vitamin C in reversing sun damage found that when 5% ascorbate was applied two hours before UVB and UVA exposure, UVB-induced skin wrinkling was reduced," said Dr. Kim. "Some of the human clinical trials have shown similar favorable results when applying a daily dose of L-ascorbic acid treatment, but all of these studies involved small sample sizes."

In addition, Dr. Kim pointed out that one concern of adding vitamin C to cosmeceuticals is that vitamin C is unstable when used in formulations, and it is not known how much, if any, intact molecule remains when applied to the skin.

"This problem has been partially overcome by chemically modifying ascorbic acid," said Dr. Kim. "However, for the body to use the supplied ascorbic acid, it must convert it to L-ascorbic acid, and many of the stabilized, commercially available forms have not been examined to determine whether this conversion is possible. For that reason, the average consumer will not be able to determine if a cosmeceutical containing vitamin C will be effective."

Vitamin E: A primary antioxidant

Vitamin E, or tocopherol, is a fat-soluble vitamin, and its synthetic form is found in many over-the-counter products. Working as an antioxidant, vitamin E protects cell membranes and is thought to play an important role in skin aging because of its antioxidant properties. While topical vitamin E is available in a variety of products, there is no data which support claims that it improves skin wrinkling, discoloration and texture.

"Topical vitamin E has been studied in humans, as in mice, more as a protectant to be used before sun exposure than as an agent to be included in cosmeceuticals to reduce the signs of skin aging," said Dr. Kim. "Through research we have learned that UV exposure significantly decreases levels of cutaneous vitamin E, and vitamin C should be included in any formulation containing vitamin E because of the important role it plays in maintaining active vitamin E levels."

Research also has explored combining vitamins E and C as an oral supplement to provide sun protection. Multiple studies suggest that this combination therapy is beneficial for photoprotection. However, Dr. Kim noted that overzealous oral vitamin E supplements may be harmful, and two new studies also suggest that a high intake of vitamin E may be associated with an increased risk of basal cell carcinoma.

Vitamin B3: A possible treatment for photoaging

The B vitamins consist of eight different water-soluble vitamins that are found in a variety of foods. Vitamin B3 has been shown to reduce blood cholesterol and atherosclerosis (a condition in which fatty materials collect along artery walls), but now new insights are examining its role as an effective treatment for several skin conditions – from acne to photoaging.

Specifically, Dr. Kim noted that vitamin B3 has been found to increase collagen production in in vitro studies and to reduce skin hyperpigmentation (dark spots) in clinical studies.

"There has been one clinical trial conducted in Caucasian women in which 50 women applied 5% niacinamide (topical vitamin B3) to one side of their faces twice per day for 12 weeks, and these women experienced significant reductions in the appearance of hyperpigmented spots, redness, wrinkles, and yellowing, as well as improved skin elasticity," said Dr. Kim. "While initial studies show promise that topical vitamin B3 may prevent UV-induced skin aging, larger clinical trials are needed to confirm its role as a definitive treatment of photoaging."

Bottom Line: Maintain healthy lifestyle, healthy diet, practice sun protection

Dr. Kim added that it is important for everyone to get an adequate daily supply of vitamins to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and any insufficiencies may negatively impact the skin's overall appearance.

"Research has shown a potential role for various vitamins in reducing the damaging effects of sun exposure on the skin. Whether topical or oral formulations containing these vitamins have a protective effect is uncertain. Given the number, type and variability of preparations available, consumers should understand from our study that skin care products with vitamins may not provide clinically meaningful improvement," said Dr. Kim. "What is known is that proper sun protection is key to the prevention of photoaging and should be top of mind at all times."

For more information on improving the appearance of your skin, go to the "AgingSkinNet" section of www.SkinCarePhysicians.com, a Web site developed by dermatologists that provides patients with up-to-date information on the treatment and management of disorders of the skin, hair and nails.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 16,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.

Survey: 83 percent of Women Wear the Wrong Size Swimsuit

2010-07-28T13:00:00.000-07:00

Whether it’s a revolution or simply a revelation, women have discovered they are wearing the wrong sizes when it comes to bras, jeans and now, swimsuits. In fact, according to a recent survey of more than 1,000 women conducted by Lands’ End®, eight out of ten surveyed (83 percent) confessed to having worn the wrong size swimsuit. They also believe other women wear the wrong size suit as well; 71 percent believe the majority of women wear the wrong size suit. This could explain why respondents have experienced swimsuit-sizing mishaps such as saggy bottoms (65 percent), cleavage overflow (58 percent), behind busting out/seat creep (56 percent) and muffin top (54 percent).

“With so many advances in swimsuit design, high-performance fabrics and a full range of available sizes, there is no reason why any woman should experience muffin top or saggy bottoms,” said Suzanne Bryant, vice president of design, Lands’ End. “At Lands’ End, we know it’s critically important to have a proper-fitting swimsuit so women can feel and look great on the beach or by the pool. As a result, we offer hundreds of styles that provide solutions for every shape with design details to fit and flatter. And, we offer a full range of sizes including regular, petite (short) and long (tall) torso, mastectomy, D-DDD cup sizes and plus sizes.”

Sizing Up Swimwear Option

The survey also found more than half of respondents (54 percent) purchase swim bottoms in a size that is too big hoping for more coverage while a third (34 percent) have squeezed into a suit that is too small because a larger size was not available. It’s not surprising that women are compromising when it comes to finding their true size since an overwhelming majority of survey respondents (79 percent) stated they fell in love with a swimsuit style, but it was not available in their size.

“Women are not one size fits all especially when it comes to swimwear,” stated Bryant. “At Lands’ End, we offer a large variety of sizes in every swimsuit style and this year we have more options than ever before. In addition, we offer several collections of swim separates to help women mix and match sizes and styles.”

Swimwear Beyond the Numbers

According to Bryant, it’s more than a numbers game when it comes to finding a figure-flattering swimsuit. Body shape, style preference, color and pattern play a key role as well. Seven out of ten survey respondents agree and believe the biggest swimsuit mistake women make is purchasing the wrong style suit for their body shape. Bryant suggests using resources such as the Lands’ End body shape icons to easily search out swimsuits that are designed to flatter differing body shapes. This season, the company has introduced a new “circle” icon to the mix offering a total of five body shape icons: Inverted Triangle, Star, Triangle, Circle and Rectangle. The icons help women easily seek out swimwear to complement their proportions and specific body shapes.

Another consideration is color. This season’s preferences go beyond basic black. In fact, Deep Sea Blue (26 percent) ranked as the number one swimsuit color choice by survey respondents followed by Black (18 percent), Blackberry (18 percent), Mango Orange (12 percent), Brown (10 percent), Kelly Green (9 percent), Slate Gray (6 percent) and Yellow (1 percent).

When it comes to swimsuit silhouettes, the tankini still reigns. More than half (54 percent) will most likely purchase a tankini, followed by a one-piece (39 percent) and only 7 percent plan to purchase a bikini.

Shopping for Swimsuits

This season, seven out of ten women (70 percent) plan to purchase a new swimsuit and will do so in a variety of ways; by shopping in stores (79 percent), surfing the Internet (68 percent), shopping by catalog (46 percent) and looking through magazines (28 percent).

Women are really resourceful when it comes to shopping for swimwear,” said Bryant. “They tend to do their homework both online and offline and enjoy receiving expert advice.”

Women would love to turn to swimwear experts. The survey found 39 percent would select a swimwear designer to help them pick out a great swimsuit before their best friend (19 percent).

Lands’ End offers several ways to shop for swimsuits. The company offers advice from dedicated Swim Fit Experts that can either chat online at www.landsend.com or on the phone at 1-800-675-4853. A variety of Lands’ End swimsuit styles can also be found online at www.landsend.com or at the 294 Lands’ End Shop at Sears locations.

Additional Survey Highlights Include:

Slather on the Lotion – In addition to sunblock, women are slathering on moisturizer. When asked what women do to get ready for swim season, 80 percent moisturize their skin.
Sizing Up Men – Women don’t believe men buy the wrong swimsuit size (67 percent).
In a Crunch – More than half of women (53 percent) do stomach crunches to get ready to wear a swimsuit.
Tune in to the Tunic – 53 percent of those surveyed believe a Tunic Cover-up is the most important swimwear accessory.
Call the Pros – Almost nine out of ten survey respondents (89 percent) would love a complimentary professional swimsuit fitting to help them find their ideal size.
Hands to Toes – When getting ready for swimsuit season two-thirds (66 percent) of women get a manicure and pedicure.
Take a Wild Guess – While 12 percent of survey respondents stated they “take a wild guess” at their swimsuit size, 47 percent base it on their bra or dress size.
Mixed Up – More than seven out of ten women have worn the wrong swim top or bottom size because they were not sold as mix-and-match separates.
How it Measures – Two-thirds (66 percent) of women have never taken their measurements with 43 percent stating they don’t know how to do so.

Survey: Clean Shaven Men Have More Sex - Laser Hair Removal

2010-07-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

According to the Schick Skin-dex survey, a national research poll conducted by StrategyOne, men who shave regularly (5 times a week or more) have twice as much sex (15.5 vs. 7.8 times per month). They're also happier (89% vs. 82%), more outgoing (41% vs. 32%), more social (42% vs. 34%), more likely to report they are living their dreams (76% vs. 64%) and more likely to report more attractive significant others.

Material, Emotional and Romantic Satisfaction:

The Skin-dex survey also shows a clear link between material, emotional and romantic satisfaction and the frequency of men's shaves. In fact, men who shave five days a week or more are more confident, twice as likely to be employed as those who shave two days a week and are much less likely to live with their parents. On average, they earn $15,100 more per year than infrequent shavers and are more likely to own luxury items.

Women and Shaving:

According to the Skin-dex survey, women ranked "irritated skin" among the top three biggest turn-offs in a man -- right after body odor and dandruff. In fact, irritated skin is more of a turn-off than baldness and gray hair.

Sixty-six percent of women associate men who shave regularly with a variety of positive qualities, including higher self awareness, deeper commitment and greater comfort with themselves. Eighty-two percent report a preference for cleanly shaven men and another 83% say it's sexy when a man has a smooth touchable face. Additionally:

•76% say they love it when their man shaves
•76% agree a "cleanly shaven man turns me on"
•64% say when their man shaves, they just can't keep their hands off of him
•78% would rather kiss a cleanly shaven man than a scruffy man
•64% would rather have sex with a cleanly shaven man than a scruffy one

Regional Differences:

Men in Los Angeles and DC may have reason to celebrate with these localities reporting the greatest number of shaves per year (198). Philadelphians and Atlantans shave the least, with only 161 shaves a year. Yet Los Angeles men, along with Philly and New York men are the most likely to report having a full beard. Most shaves by region:

•Los Angeles (198)
•Washington, NC (198)
•Dallas-Ft. Worth (192)
•Chicago (192)
•Boston (182)
•Seattle (182)
•New York (172)
•Austin (166)
•Atlanta (161)
•Philadelphia (161)

Meanwhile, men in Dallas report the highest number of soul-patches per capita (14%). Atlanta takes the sideburns (27%) and goatee (32%) titles, while Boston and Washington are the clean shave capitals (31% and 29% respectively). Atlanta (26%), New York (24%), LA (24%) and Dallas (23%) own the mustache crowns while Philadelphia (21%) New York (19%) and LA (19%) are the most bearded cities.

For more information about Laser Hair Removal at Derma Health Institute, see:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=171

VelaShape Cellulite Treatment Featured on "The Doctors" Episode

2010-07-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

IRVINE, Calif., April 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- During the April 23 episode of THE Doctors, Dr. Glynis Ablon of the Ablon Skin Institute in Manhattan Beach, Calif. and Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA will demonstrate how VelaShape treatments can help consumers achieve the toned, smooth physique they desire before summer. As the first FDA approved non-invasive treatment, physicians have been using VelaShape to help women and men around the world smooth cellulite, shed inches and sculpt curves.

"As many of my patients are gearing up for summer vacations, the idea of getting into a swimsuit can be daunting," says Dr. Glynis Ablon. "I'm consistently impressed with the results I'm able to offer my patients with VelaShape. I recommend this treatment for patients who are looking to smooth cellulite, achieve more visible tone, or just to tighten loose skin or small pockets of fat without liposuction."

"Getting VelaShape was a great way to help me get ready for bathing suit season and smooth the lumps and bumps," said Cathy Davis, patient of Dr. Ablon featured on THE Doctors. "The treatments were comfortable, easy and painless and gave me the confidence I need to feel great in anything I put on this summer!"

In multiple controlled clinical studies, VelaShape patients saw an average loss of one inch on the thigh, two inches around the buttocks, and nearly three inches in the abdomen after five treatments. VelaShape is an ideal treatment for patients seeking to tone up and tighten a variety of troublesome areas on the body. Patients should receive four to six treatments, spaced one week apart to achieve optimum results. Most patients experience no side effects, though a few may exhibit some short-term local reddening on the area treated.

For more information about VelaShape at Derma Health Institute, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=173

Catch new episodes of THE Doctors every weekday. For local listings, please visit http://www.thedoctorstv.com/main/local_listings.

About Syneron Medical Ltd.

Syneron Medical Ltd. (Nasdaq: ELOS) is the leading global aesthetic device company with a comprehensive product portfolio and a global distribution footprint. The Company's technology enables physicians to provide advanced solutions for a broad range of medical-aesthetic applications including body contouring, hair removal, wrinkle reduction, rejuvenation of the skin's appearance through the treatment of superficial benign vascular and pigmented lesions, and the treatment of acne, leg veins and cellulite. The Company sells its products under two distinct brands, Syneron and Candela. Founded in 2000, the corporate, R&D, and manufacturing headquarters for Syneron Medical Ltd. are located in Israel. Syneron also has R&D and manufacturing operations in the US. The company markets, services and supports its products in 86 countries. It has offices in North America, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, UK, Australia, China, Japan, and Hong Kong and distributors worldwide. Additional information can be found at www.syneron.com and www.candelalaser.com.

SOURCE Syneron Medical Ltd.

Get a $20 Rebate and Gift Bag When You Buy Latisse Online

2010-07-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

Latisse® LashPerks is the rewards program that delivers. Sign up now and get a $20 rebate on your LATISSE® purchase. Plus, once you redeem your rebate, Latisse will send you a stylish bag as a special gift (while supplies last). Signing up truly has its perks.

Now, you can grow longer, fuller, darker lashes. It's not an illusion. It's your own lashes -- only better. Get rid of your eyelash extensions and get ready for a new innovation in lashes! Latisse is the first and only prescription treatment approved by the FDA for inadequate or insufficient eyelashes, growing them longer, fuller and darker.

To order Latisse online, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/order_latisse_eyelash_grower_online.html

After that, go to http://latisse.com/SignUp.aspx to get your Latisse rebate and gift bag.

Leann Rimes Encourages Psoriasis Patients to 'Make A Change'

2010-07-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

SCHAUMBURG (Mar 29, 2010) — Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and psoriasis patient LeAnn Rimes is calling for people with psoriasis to pledge to better manage their disease as part of the awareness campaign “Stop Hiding from Psoriasis.” In partnership with the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) and National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), LeAnn is encouraging people to take a stand against psoriasis by taking the Make a Change Pledge online at StopHiding.org.

“The purpose of the Make a Change Pledge is to empower people living with psoriasis to make changes that can help them increase their understanding of the disease and its impact on their everyday lives, as well as encourage them to work with a dermatologist to optimally manage their disease,” says LeAnn.

Diagnosed at age 2, LeAnn is familiar with the physical and emotional toll psoriasis can have on people with the disease. “As a performer in the public spotlight, coping with my psoriasis was scary and frustrating at times. I had to recognize how psoriasis was affecting many aspects of my life and commit to managing it. Personally, I learned to control my disease by working with a dermatologist to develop a treatment plan that is best for me.”

At StopHiding.org, people with psoriasis can join LeAnn in thinking about their personal priorities and the changes they would like to make to better manage their disease. Individual pledges range from “recognizing that psoriasis is a chronic immune disease” and “telling my dermatologist about all the ways psoriasis affects me” to “increasing psoriasis awareness by educating others about the condition” and “sharing my personal story and inspiring others to take control of their psoriasis,” among others.

"We must help patients learn how best to manage their disease so that they — and their aspirations — are not limited," said Richard Seiden, chair of the National Psoriasis Foundation Board of Trustees. "We hope the Make a Change Pledge helps patients learn how to make changes in their lives so that they can deal with their disease effectively."

As part of “Stop Hiding from Psoriasis,” LeAnn, the Academy and Foundation are also highlighting the importance of finding the right dermatologist. Currently, there is no cure for psoriasis, but, together with their dermatologists, people can create treatment plans that may include simple, everyday changes to better manage their symptoms and the effects their disease has on their lives.

“Partnering with a dermatologist who treats psoriasis is an important step in developing an appropriate disease-management plan,” said dermatologist William D. James, MD, FAAD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology. “Psoriasis is a chronic immune disease that can impact patients, physically and emotionally, but with proper management, it doesn’t have to control a person’s life.”

The Academy and Foundation joined together to create the “Stop Hiding from Psoriasis” campaign funded with support from Abbott, a global health care company. The program, which strives to raise awareness about the condition and encourages better disease management, was launched in 2008 to increase awareness about the disease and encourage patients to find a dermatologist and seek proper treatment. In addition, “Stop Hiding from Psoriasis” aims to educate the general public about psoriasis and dispel common misperceptions attached to the disease. A 2008 Foundation survey showed there is a stigma around psoriasis and widespread misconceptions about the condition.

About Psoriasis
Psoriasis affects nearly 7 million people in the United States. The chronic, non-contagious immune disorder speeds the growth cycle of skin cells and results in thick, scaly areas of skin. Psoriasis can occur in people of all ages, but it typically appears in patients between the ages of 15 and 35, and currently has no cure. The most common form, called plaque psoriasis, appears as red, raised areas of skin covered with flaky white scales that may itch or burn.

Psoriasis most commonly appears on the scalp, knees, elbows and torso, though it can develop anywhere on the skin. It may even occur on the fingernails and toenails. In addition to its physical symptoms, psoriasis also may affect one’s life, potentially leading to poor self image.

About the American Academy of Dermatology
The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 16,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1 (888) 462-DERM (3376) or visit www.aad.org.

About the National Psoriasis Foundation
The National Psoriasis Foundation is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to serving people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Through education and advocacy, the Foundation promotes awareness and understanding, ensures access to treatment and supports research that will lead to effective management and a cure. For more information, please call the Psoriasis Foundation, headquartered in Portland, Ore., at (800) 723-9166 or visit www.psoriasis.org.

Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels & Facials

2010-07-28T12:41:00.000-07:00

Skin rejuvenation is made easy with either or all three of these exfoliating procedures. A microdermabrasion, chemical peel or facial is perfect to complement your laser treatments by exfoliating the dead dry skin that builds up over time. It is also perfect for reducing pore size and minimizing fine lines and an ideal maintenance plan to your skin regimen. The treatments can be as gentle or aggressive as needed, depending on the advice of your medical aesthetician and your personal skin care goals.

Microdermabrasion is a skin-freshening technique that helps repair facial skin that takes a beating from the sun and the effects of aging. Your doctor uses a device similar to a fine sandblaster to spray tiny crystals across the face, mixing gentle abrasion with suction to remove the dead, outer layer of skin.

Your skin is made up of two main layers, the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the layer closest to the outside world. It's a set of dead skin cells on top of another layer of cells that are in the process of maturing. The topmost layer is called the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum mostly acts as a barrier between the outside world and the lower skin layers. It keeps all but the smallest molecules from getting through.

Benefits of Microdermabrasion

It is the least invasive dermatological procedure (compared to dermabrasion and laser resurfacing).
It is more affordable than cosmetic surgery.
Micro Derma Abrasion is painless.
It has the fewest side effects and it is effective on all skin types and colors.
Microdermal abrasion does not need anesthetic if performed at a spa, beauty salon or physician's office (unlike surgical skin resurfacing).
It helps your skin look younger, healthy, glowing and for some people, close to perfect.

Testimonial:

“When I came to Derma Health Institute about 6 months ago, I was totally frustrated with my complexion around my mouth and chin. Constant breakouts were common to the point my face never was totally cleared up. After just one facial and a new skin care plan my face cleared up. It’s been the best thing I’ve done for myself in ages and worth every penny. Thank you Derma Health for providing me a great staff and good product!” - Mary R.

Derma Health Institute
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com

Allergan BOTOX Launches "My Expressions of Kindness" Charity

2010-07-28T12:39:00.001-07:00

To celebrate acts of kindness around the country, Allergan, Inc. (NYSE: AGN), the maker of BOTOX® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA), has announced the "BOTOX® Cosmetic My Expressions of Kindness" charitable campaign. Allergan is asking everyone who is treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic, or is considering talking to their physician about treatment, to post acts of kindness online to help raise up to a quarter of a million dollars for three deserving charities: Make It Right, Dress for Success and Children's Action Network. The online fundraising campaign is being spearheaded by television personality, long-time volunteer and BOTOX® Cosmetic advocate Didiayer Snyder, who is joined by fellow BOTOX® Cosmetic fans Emmy®-nominated actress and singer Vanessa Williams, best-selling author Vicki Iovine, Oscar®-nominated actress Virginia Madsen and five-time gold medalist Nadia Comaneci as campaign ambassadors.

People are asked to get involved and show their support by visiting the campaign Web site at ExpressKindnessCampaign.com to complete a "My Expressions of Kindness" profile. Upon completion, a $25 donation will be automatically generated and each person will have the opportunity to choose whether it will benefit Make It Right, Dress for Success or Children's Action Network. The "My Expressions of Kindness" profiles completed by each of the campaign ambassadors who have pledged their support to one of the charity partners is also posted on the Web site. Other social media fundraising activities include Facebook and Twitter.

Mrs. Snyder is supporting Make It Right, which builds safe, green and affordable homes for working families in New Orleans Lower 9th Ward who lost everything in Hurricane Katrina. Ms. Williams, who spearheaded the 2009 "BOTOX® Cosmetic: Express Success" campaign with Dress for Success, returns this year and is joined by Ms. Iovine in support of Dress for Success, which helps disadvantaged women express success in the workforce by providing them with the tools they need to succeed in work and life. Ms. Madsen and Ms. Comaneci are supporting Children's Action Network, which finds homes for foster children who are waiting for an adoptive family and works to improve outcomes for children in foster care. The organizations were selected based on research that shows women are drawn to causes that support their core emotional values – underserved communities, family and health.

"I'm thrilled to be spearheading the 'BOTOX® Cosmetic My Expressions of Kindness' charitable campaign because it is a way to give back to the community by supporting causes that are important to many men and women," said Mrs. Snyder. "Allergan asked me to become involved because they knew I dedicated a significant amount of time to supporting those less fortunate and that I was a big fan of BOTOX® Cosmetic. Now people who are treated with or thinking about talking to their doctor about being treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic to temporarily reduce the appearance of the '11' – those moderate to severe vertical lines between the brows that can give your face a tired and stressed look – can spread kindness online to help raise much-needed funds for Make It Right, Dress for Success and the Children's Action Network. It's fun, easy and a great way to support those in need."

"With this campaign, we are delighted BOTOX® Cosmetic can serve as a champion for causes that consumers care about and can help raise awareness and support for organizations that serve those less fortunate," said Robert Grant, president of Allergan Medical, a division of Allergan, Inc. "Since the approval of BOTOX® Cosmetic eight years ago, we have spearheaded consumer education campaigns that provide education about the product. Now, we are combining these efforts with charitable support and are joining hands with long-time supporters including Virginia Madsen, Vanessa Williams, Vicki Iovine and Nadia Comaneci – plus work with Didiayer Snyder our new ambassador – to support causes important to both them and the people who choose to talk to their doctor about being treated with our products."

For more information about the "BOTOX® Cosmetic My Expressions of Kindness" campaign, please visit www.ExpressKindnessCampaign.com. For more information about BOTOX® Cosmetic, go to:

http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=175

New Treatments Helping Patients Control Acne and Rosacea

2010-07-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

Acne and rosacea are two seemingly different skin conditions that have one important thing in common: both are chronic and extremely common skin conditions. However, dermatologists recommend that with proper diagnosis, treatment and a healthy dose of good, old-fashioned skin care, acne and rosacea can be less of a nuisance for patients.

Speaking today at the 68th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), dermatologist Jenny J. Kim, MD, PhD, FAAD, associate professor of dermatology at the University of California, Los Angeles, (UCLA) David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles, discussed the latest treatments for acne and rosacea and how ongoing research into the causes of these conditions holds promise for future therapies.

For more information about Acne Treatments at Derma Health Institute, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=177

“Sometimes it is hard for patients dealing with acne or rosacea to understand why, even with ongoing treatment, they cannot get rid of their symptoms forever,” said Dr. Kim. “I explain to them that these conditions are similar to having any chronic disease, like having diabetes – there is no cure yet, but we can control the symptoms. Just like insulin helps maintain a diabetic’s blood sugar, patients with acne and rosacea need to find a treatment regimen that works for them to maintain clear skin.”

Acne: An Equal-Opportunity Skin Condition

It is estimated that 40 million to 50 million Americans are affected by some form of acne. While acne is commonly associated with teenagers struggling with the growing pains of adolescence, this skin condition can strike at any age. In fact, Dr. Kim emphasized that it affects adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s and even in their 50s, especially in women and even in people who never had acne as teenagers. The causes of acne include excess oil production,skin inflammation, skin cells in the hair follicles that shed too quickly and an increased number of the acne-causing bacteria Propionbacterium acnes. However, hormones also influence both oil production and the shedding of skin cells, thereby contributing to the formation of acne lesions. For example, when androgens (the male hormones present in both men and women) over-stimulate the oil glands and hair follicles in the skin, hormonal acne flares can occur.

In the past, most cases of acne were treated solely with antibiotics. While these treatments can be very successful, a growing concern about long-term antibiotic use is that bacteria are evolving to become resistant to these medications. As a result, the development of other effective therapies and combination therapies has evolved.

For example, Dr. Kim noted that some of the newer therapies for acne are anti-inflammatories, which can be used in some cases to lessen the severity of acne. Controlled-release of lower dose doxycycline is a newer anti-inflammatory oral medication that some dermatologists use to reduce the redness and swelling of acne. Combination therapies, which may include an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects that can decrease resistance and are more convenient to use for patients, has made combination therapeutics increasingly common treatments used to manage acne.

Another newer approach to treating acne is the use of lasers and light-based technologies as a complementary treatment to traditional medical therapies. Dr. Kim noted that these technologies include the pulsed-dye laser, red and blue light, and photodynamic therapy, which target the sebaceous (or oil) glands and can reduce acne flares. While Dr. Kim does not recommend lasers and light-based technologies as first-line therapies for acne, she believes it is a promising new area of research.

“Patients are becoming increasingly concerned about the long-term use of oral medications to fight acne, so lasers and light sources appeal to them,” said Dr. Kim. “The problem is that there are limited large, prospective, well-controlled studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of laser and light technology at this point, so that will be an area we need to explore in the future. It’s very likely that with the advancement in dermatologic research, we will see sebaceous gland targeting lasers in the future that will be effective for the treatment of acne.”

Dr. Kim added that many patients are concerned about scarring that can result from acne, and many acne scars can be very aggressive and difficult to treat. For mild scarring, retinoids, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and lasers can give mild improvement. In addition, fillers can be used successfully to fill in depressed areas and improve the appearance of scars.

Another therapy that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for acne scarring is fractional laser resurfacing. This laser technology works by targeting damaged skin in columns of microscopic treatment zones, which include the outermost and underlying layers of skin known as the epidermis and the dermis. Fractional laser resurfacing thermally damages the tiny columns of scarred skin while the surrounding healthy skin is left intact.

“One of the main benefits of fractional resurfacing is wound healing and increased collagen production that reduces acne scars,” said Dr. Kim. “However, most patients will notice only a modest improvement in acne scarring and multiple treatments are required. For more severe scarring, such as deep ‘ice pick’ scars, several acne surgical procedures can be used – including punch grafting or punch excision – to remove, raise, fill or separate the scar tissue from the underlying skin. These surgical procedures in combination with other therapies, including lasers and fillers, can produce improvement for severe acne scarring.”

Rosacea Triggers and Treatments

Rosacea, another chronic skin condition, affects an estimated 14 million people in the United States and is characterized by redness, flushing and prominent blood vessels on the face. Dr. Kim explained that rosacea commonly occurs in older people, and there are many known triggers for this bothersome condition – including sunlight, alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine, heat, citric acid, and stress.

While the exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood, Dr. Kim noted that a recent study suggests that the presence of an abnormal peptide (a small protein) in the skin of rosacea patients may contribute to the disease.

“There is some evidence to suggest that the peptide cathelicidin within the skin is processed differently in rosacea patients than in individuals not affected by rosacea and induces inflammation that may contribute to rosacea,” explained Dr. Kim. “These findings are encouraging, as we can identify better treatments for the disease if we have a better understanding of what the cause might be.”

Over the years, lasers have been shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of rosacea. For example, Dr. Kim mentioned that pulsed-dye lasers work well for rosacea patients with lots of broken blood vessels, and both pulsed-dye laser and intense-pulsed light treatments are effective at treating redness on the face and flushing associated with rosacea.

"Patients undergoing laser therapy for rosacea will likely need multiple treatments. However, I have found lasers and light treatments to be very effective and produce long-lasting results,” said Dr. Kim.

In addition to oral treatments, a number of topical medications have been introduced to treat rosacea, and Dr. Kim explained that metronidazole and azeleic acid are two topicals that are tolerated well and effective in reducing the symptoms of rosacea.

Good Skin Care: Good for All

For patients with acne or rosacea whose skin is often sensitive, Dr. Kim emphasized that proper skin care is very important as part of their overall treatment regimen. In addition to avoiding products or behaviors that tend to make acne or rosacea worse, patients may find that gentle skin care can help alleviate some of the redness or irritation common with these conditions.

“I advise my patients to use a mild cleanser and sun protection that is non-irritating to the skin every day, particularly a moisturizer that contains sunscreen,” said Dr. Kim. “While skin care products containing too many acids can be irritating to sensitive skin, I find that products containing salicylic acid are useful for some acne patients. Separating treatments, such as using salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in the morning and a retinol-based product at night, might be helpful for patients with sensitive skin.”

Dr. Kim also noted that while over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide may help control mild acne, patients should avoid using too many products at once on their skin to try to manage acne.

“The old adage ‘less is more’ applies to patients with sensitive skin,” said Dr. Kim. “The best advice is to discuss your skin care regimen with your dermatologist who can recommend products based on not only your specific skin condition, but your individual skin type as well.”

To learn more about acne and rosacea, visit www.skincarephysicians.com, a Web site developed by dermatologists that provides patients with up-to-date information on the treatment and management of conditions of the skin, hair and nails.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 16,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.

For more information about Acne Treatments at Derma Health Institute, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=177

Advances Help Dermatologists Diagnose, Treat Early Melanomas

2010-07-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

According to estimates from the American Cancer Society, melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, was responsible for an estimated 8,650 deaths in the United States in 2009. Of growing concern among dermatologists is the fact that melanoma is now the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old1. Early diagnosis is the key to curing this potentially deadly disease, and diagnostic tools are playing a crucial role in aiding dermatologists to spot melanomas at earlier – and more curable – stages.

Speaking today at the 68th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), dermatologist Harold S. Rabinovitz, MD, FAAD, volunteer professor in the department of dermatology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami, Fla., reviewed the latest diagnostics used to catch early stage melanomas and why a long-standing visual aid continues to help dermatologists – and patients – understand the nuances of this cancer.

“Unfortunately, melanoma is the great masquerader and millions of moles have at least one feature that falls into the criteria dermatologists refer to as the ABCDEs of melanoma,” said Dr. Rabinovitz. “That’s why in addition to visually inspecting the skin, high-tech diagnostic tools in the future will be helpful in determining whether a suspicious mole is actually a melanoma or a benign lesion.”

ABCDs and E of Melanoma

One of the key educational tools used to train physicians, medical personnel and the general public on how to recognize early melanomas is the ABCDEs of Melanoma Detection. These characteristics of moles for which individuals should check their skin include Asymmetry (one half unlike the other half), Border (irregular, scalloped or poorly defined), Color (varies from one area to another; shades of tan and brown, black; sometimes white, red or blue), and Diameter (the size of a pencil eraser or larger).

Dr. Rabinovitz explained that recently the Academy has added an “E” to these criteria, which stands for Evolving (or changing in size, shape or color). “A mole with any of these characteristics, or one that is an ‘ugly duckling’ – meaning it looks different from the rest – should be brought to a dermatologist’s attention immediately for proper evaluation,” said Dr. Rabinovitz. “Visually inspecting a suspicious mole is the first step in determining whether it is a melanoma, and dermatologists now have a host of technologically advanced tools to confirm a diagnosis.”

Dermoscopy

Since there are few surface features to distinguish melanomas from benign pigmented lesions, more dermatologists are using hand-held microscopes to identify features not visible to the naked eye. Dr. Rabinovitz explained that these hand-held microscopes, known as dermatoscopes, work by magnifying and illuminating the mole – increasing the ability to diagnose melanoma.

“In instances where a definitive diagnosis cannot be determined with dermoscopy, a biopsy – in which a small sample of tissue from the suspicious lesion is removed and examined in the laboratory – would be needed,” said Dr. Rabinovitz.

Full-Body Photography and Mole Mapping

Total-body photography is an important tool used by some dermatologists in the surveillance of high-risk individuals who may develop melanoma. For example, having numerous moles puts an individual at high risk for melanoma. Dr. Rabinovitz noted that there are some individuals who are at higher risk for developing melanoma not only within their existing moles but also within their normal skin. Only 30 percent of melanomas occur within a pre-existing mole.

Photographs provide a record against which we can assess changes in moles over time,” said Dr. Rabinovitz. “The documented change, or lack thereof, is biologic information that we can use to consider whether an excision is necessary.”

Some of the indications for using total-body photography include personal history of melanoma, family history of melanoma, atypical mole syndrome, or multiple moles of different size, shape and color.

Another less commonly used method of following change with pigmented lesions is mole mapping. With this technology, suspicious moles can be digitized with demoscopy cameras and reimaged at three- to six-month intervals to determine if any changes in characteristics have occurred in this time.

“Mole mapping has been selectively useful in detecting early melanomas, as it offers a baseline for comparing changes in skin lesions,” said Dr. Rabinovitz. “It is especially beneficial in high-risk patients who may have so many atypical moles that it becomes difficult to remove all of these unusual appearing moles that are not melanoma on biopsy.”

Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM)

The ongoing effort to enhance the clinical diagnosis of melanoma has led to the development of other non-invasive imaging techniques. One such technique is reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), which offers imaging at cellular level resolution and allows the visualization of both the epidermis (top layer of skin) and the upper dermis (the deepest layer of skin) in real time. This procedure is performed with a laser light that is able to focus on a specific spot within the tissue, which is then automatically scanned over the entire level of the skin.

“The ability to scan both the epidermis and the dermis has made RCM a promising technique for the non-invasive diagnosis of skin growths and response to non-invasive treatment,” said Dr. Rabinovitz. “In fact, a recent study has demonstrated that RCM enhances the secondary evaluation of moles and melanoma, making it potentially an important diagnostic tool in monitoring changes beneath the skin.”

Gene Profiling

Based on preliminary data, gene profiling is an exciting new research area within medicine that Dr. Rabinovitz believes might play a role in the clinical evaluation of melanoma. Gene profiling measures the activity of thousands of genes simultaneously to create an overall impression of how cells function.

Cancer at its most basic level is a genetic disease, and the biological events that initiate the malignancy represent alterations in the expression of genes. Like normal cells, biomarkers exist for cancerous cells and this signature can be used to identify“cancer,” said Dr. Rabinovitz. “In the case of melanoma, the object would be to identify an alteration in genes to create a classifier for clinical diagnostic purposes.” This is being performed with tape stripping of moles.

Future Technologies

Over the past 15 years, researchers have studied technologies that could accurately diagnose pigmented lesions, with the goal of developing a reliable, non-invasive diagnostic tool to aid dermatologists in the early detection of melanoma. One such device, the computerized image analysis system, uses a computerized analysis algorithm for the automatic diagnosis of melanoma.

“The technological advances in melanoma detection in the future will significantly improve our ability to detect early melanomas and help save countless lives,” said Dr. Rabinovitz. “However, keeping a vigilant eye on our skin for any changes that could signal a problem is an irreplaceable first step in the process.”

Academy Provides Free, Do-it-Yourself Tool for Tracking Moles

To help spot melanoma at its earliest, and most curable, stage, the Academy recommends that everyone should be familiar with the ABCDEs of melanoma and report any suspicious moles or changes in the skin to a dermatologist for proper diagnosis. In addition, the Academy’s “Body Mole Map,” which can be downloaded on the Academy’s website at http://www.melanomamonday.org/documents/Body_Mole_Map_11-09.pdf, is a tool that creates a record for people to track where spots appear on their skin and if these spots have changed over time when new skin self-exams are performed.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 16,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.

Derma Health Institute
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com

July 24th Botox and Breakfast One Day Only Event Specials

2010-07-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

July 24th, 2010, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm at all Four Derma Health Locations

Take a vacation from wrinkles and attend Derma Health Institute's one-day only Breakfast & Botox event at all four Valley locations.

Stock up and save with our lowest price of the year on Botox: $7.99/unit. 26 unit minimum with no maximum*. Can't attend the event? Click here to order Botox online at this special price and use it later.

The first ten people who show up to Breakfast and Botox, at each location, will receive $100 of Botox for FREE (based on regular price of $9.99 a unit).

Lift & Lengthen: FREE Latisse® Eyelash Lengthener ($120 value) with the purchase of 2 or more syringes of Juvederm. Can't attend the event? Click here to order online at this special price and use it later.

Smooth, Refine, Remove: 35% off all Laser Treatments, including Laser Hair Removal, Laser Vein Removal, Laser Genesis, Photofacials, Titan, VelaShape & Tattoo Removal.

Vacation For Your Face: $39 Papaya Coconut Express Facial.

Breakfast muffins, pastries, flavored coffees, orange juice and mimosas will be served.
Come early! Mark your calendar! Tell your friends! The event is ONE DAY ONLY!

*Not valid with any other offers. May pre-purchase as of Monday, July 19th. Must be present to receive $100 in Free Botox®, giveaways of Juvéderm XC and Latisse and $50 rebate. **Must be registered with Brilliant Distinctions to receive instant rebate. Non Brilliant Distinctions customers can receive a $50 mail-in rebate. Register at brilliantdistinctionsprogram.com.