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For the month of August 2010, CHANGES Medical & Wellness Spa will be tweeting and blogging about the importance of taking vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements.
Vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements are important in your daily healthy regimen, like eating breakfast every morning, consuming small meals throughout the day, drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day (64 ounces TOTAL for good hydration), and exercising at least 20 minutes a day.
If you are interested in taking vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements, first ask the following questions:
- Do you eat less than 2 meals per day?
- Is your diet restricted?
- Do you not eat meat, milk or milk products,or eat less than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day?
- Do you eat alone most of the time?
- Do you take 3+ prescription or over-the-counter medications daily?
- Without trying to, have you lost or gained greater than 10lbs in the last 6 months?
- Do you have 3+ drinks of alcohol a day?
Vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements may be useful for providing nutrients that may otherwise be eaten in less than recommended amounts. However, if you are already eating the recommended amount of a nutrient, you may not get any further health benefit from taking a dietary supplement. Remember: dietary supplements are not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure disease, or to replace essential foods to maintain a healthy diet. Some supplements may cause a reaction with certain medications and foods as well.
Unlike prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements are not all approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its safety and effectiveness. Therefore, the importance of having a licensed physician oversee its use is highly recommended. The manufacturers/distributors have responsibility to ensure that their products are safe and that their label claims are accurate and truthful.
At CHANGES Medical & Wellness Spa, we recommend and promote XYMOGEN professional products, exclusively distributed only to licensed healthcare practitioners.
Follow our blogs and twitter page and be informed. Call CHANGES at (407) 282-7300 for a complimentary consultation.
As of 10.2010, Julie M. M.S.P.H. (former Medical Office and Social Media Coordinator) relocated to Atlanta for more public health-related opportunities.
REFERENCE
Office of Dietary Supplements. “What Dietary Supplements Are You Taking?” Retrieved from http://ods.od.nih.gov/pubs/partnersbrochure.asp
Changes Medical & Wellness Spa offers state-of-the-art medical and cosmetic services and pharmaceutical grade products sold exclusively at our medical spa, located in Orlando, FL behind the Waterford Lakes Town Center.
Breakthrough studies in weight loss suggest use of natural amino acids may be key to long term success in keeping the weight under control.
These new studies are finding that a definite connection exists between proper utilization of natural amino acids and weight control. Review from high school chemistry will remind us that amino acids are the building blocks to high functional protein that is responsible for so many functions within the human body, including proper metabolism and homeostasis. These are components that keep the body in check and in a state of balance and well being. For the purpose of weight loss, the amino acids to be utilized are:
How Do Amino Acids Aid Weight Loss?
All amino acids are the building blocks of several different functions within the body.
L-Tyrosine works with the amino acid phenylalanine to produce catecholamines, which include dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters trigger the hunger center of the brain to provide a natural satiety that is long lasting, effective, and safe. Studies have shown that L-Tyrosine is helpful in dieters to prevent depression, maintain performance, and enhance muscle memory for toning.
L-Phenylalanine works in conjunction with a chemical called cholecystokinin to regulate your brain’s ability to recognize the need for food. More importantly, phenylalanine gives your body the signal to stay at your desired weight once it has been reached.
L-Carnitine has natural appetite suppressant qualities, as well, but more importantly it is the active molecule that transports fat into the mitochondria furnaces in our bodies where it is burned and not stored as fat. With a deficiency in L-Carnitine, your body’s metabolism is reduced and weight control not optimized. Additionally, L-Carnitine has been recognized for its memory enhancing effects on the central nervous system.
L-Tryptophan works as a precursor to serotonin, which is a component in stress/anxiety reduction and alleviating depressive tendencies. Serotonin also has a function in satiety control as a trigger for letting the brain know that the body’s need for food has been met. This amino acid is usually at low levels in the body, because a lot of it is easily consumed. Enough of this amino acid counters over-eating and obsessive-compulsive actions. Although L-Tryptophan is not available as a supplement in the U.S. at this time, its converted state of 5-Hydroxytryptophan has been created to help fill this need.
The next step is how to supplement. Since there is high variability in every person’s hormones, chemicals, and effects of amino acid supplementation, it is advisable to go to a medical professional who will be able to recommend a precise program for you. Appropriate testing, physical examination, and proper medical history are important steps prior to starting a program, as certain medical conditions may prohibit the use of supplements that pose a risk to your health. Individuals who try to attain the supplements on their own without recognizing the recommended doses and unknowing of the optimal manufacturer brand(s), may also fail to get the best results.
For any questions regarding amino acid supplementation for achieving your weight loss goals, feel free to contact Changes Medical and Wellness Spa at (407) 282-7300. A team of licensed medical professionals will be ready to get you in the right track. Written by: Ismael A. Beloso, II, D.O., Medical Director, Changes Medical and Wellness Spa.
To start, the better term should be “laser hair reduction” as any company that tells you that laser hair procedure is permanent is giving you false information. Depending on location and intensity of each treatment, it takes between 4-6 laser hair removal sessions spaced one month apart to see 70-80 percent reduction in hair growth. For best results, I recommend getting maintenance treatments once a year for a couple years at least.
Hair reduction procedures can be performed by either lasers, intense pulsed light (IPL,) electrolysis and radio frequency. At Changes Medical and Wellness Spa, we use the gold standard long pulsed 1064 nm wavelength laser, ideal for patients with darker skin or tanned skin and a 755 nm wavelength laser better suited for patients with lighter skin. When patients shop for a clinician to perform these procedures, I recommend booking only with a physician or technician who is licensed to operate the machine. Ideally, a place that has a medical director in house who operates with licensed technicians only.
755 nm wavelength and other lasers use pulsed light to target, break down, and destroy the dark pigment of the hair all the way down to the follicles. The long pulsed 1064 nm wavelength is infrared meaning it can pass through a dark skin without burning and target blood supply in the hair follicles. Laser hair treatment only works only in the growth phase, hence the need for repeated treatments. Most lasers will also target the melanin in dark skin, which can cause discoloration. For dark and tanned patients, extra care needs to be taken before proceeding with the treatment and only a long pulsed 1064 nm wavelength should be used. A patient must be completely honest with their ethnicity or background to ensure that the clinician is prepared to treat with the proper laser at the correct frequency and ideal strength for their skin type.
Lasers and pulsed light target several follicles at once, so you can treat large areas of skin like the back, shoulders, arms, and chest. While it takes a long time for electrolysis and radio frequency to achieve similar results, a typical laser hair removal session on both legs usually takes under an hour in Changes Medical & Wellness Spa. Hair falls out within 10-14 days, and I recommend using exfoliation with a scrub around day 10 to help in the process. For upper lip and chin, lasers work but only on dark hair. I would recommend electrolysis or radio frequency for blond/white/red hair in these areas.
Choosing the laser clinic with the right laser is one thing but the most important is the comfort level. When treating any area, lasers can put a lot of heat to the skin and proper cooling is a must for patient comfort and safety. I used cooling sprays, cooling gels, ice packs, cold crystals and numbing cream in the past. I prefer the use of constant cold air cooling for patient comfort level. This cooling method is preferred for treating multiple areas.
Ideally, patients should consider buying a long term package when proceeding with laser hair treatments since one or two sessions will not achieve the results they are looking for. There are many excellent deals out there, so be sure to shop around before making the commitment, and make sure that it is performed by a licensed physician or laser technician only. Feel free to contact Changes Medical and Wellness Spa at (407) 282-7300 for any additional questions you have regarding laser hair reduction procedures. Written by: Ismael A. Beloso, II, D.O., Medical Director, Changes Medical and Wellness Spa.
As a waxing specialist I always like to inform my clients about the do’s and don’ts of waxing. I find it helps them and gives them peace of mind no matter what area is being waxed. I hope these help you and that I see you soon!
Sincerely,
Joanna L. Licensed Esthetician
1. Do Grow the hair out: You need some hair growth for the wax to hold onto, but not too long which can make the waxing hurt more than it needs to. Make sure to trim the hair down to the right length before your appointment (1/4 of an inch).
2. Don’t drink a lot of caffeine or alcohol: While having a couple glasses of wine or beer before getting waxed sounds like a great idea, stimulants in the system can cause skin to be extra sensitive to waxing. Give yourself a couple hours after drinking coffee or alcohol before getting waxed.
3. Don’t think waxing at home will be easy: It’s hard to do on yourself, and will really hurt if you don’t know what you’re doing.
4. Do seek a professional:It doesn’t mean just anybody licensed (like an esthetician or cosmetologist), but someone also experienced. They will use the wax best suited for the hair, apply the right thickness of wax, hold the skin taut, and pull in the right direction. Important for any waxing but more crucial when receiving a bikini wax, especially a Brazilian.
5. Don’t use ice for numbing: You might think that ice would be great to numb skin and reduce waxing pain. But applying anything cold to the skin tightens pores. We want pores nice and relaxed.
6. Do use a body scrub: While the skin on the face is generally exfoliated enough in terms of waxing, the body needs a little extra help. A somewhat gritty body scrub will help rid dead cells around skin pores and hair follicle, providing an easier exit.
7. Don’t tense up: Some people hold their breath or tense their whole body while getting waxed. While it might be easier said than done, breathe deeply, a relaxed person will cope much better with the pain.
8. Do use a pain preventer: Take an Ibuprofen or Tylenol 30- 45 minutes before your appointment if you’re worried about pain.
9. Don’t-Too hot: No tanning beds, saunas or steam rooms for the next two days
10. Do-Fight the bumps: If you get any ingrown hairs try Tend Skin, a huge favorite for getting rid of pesky ingrowns.
Over my years as a physician, I have seen so many weight loss patients frustrated either because they don’t stick with a weight loss program long enough to see results, or when they do achieve results, they revert back to old habits and the lost pounds are quickly regained. This results in a feeling of defeat and, often times, a lack of interest in pursuing their original weight loss goals.
According to Kathleen Goodwin, RD of the Diet Channel, most popular diets are unsuccessful in the long run because they fail to address the multi-faceted nature of what successful, permanent weight loss entails. As a physician who promotes healthy, medical weight loss at Changes Medical and Wellness Spa, I’ve developed a program that combines several key factors designed not only to help you lose weight but also to control future weight gain.
The point is this: Lifestyle modifications that involve a balanced diet and regular, healthy exercise are a predominant theme for patients who achieve long-term, successful weight control. Important key factors regarding patient medical history, psycho-social influences, and life stressors may be contributing to weight gain and unhealthy practices. With this in mind, successful weight loss begins with the understanding that long term success will only come with a change of outlook that involves seeing the world in a completely different way.
To start, one must remember that a positive state of mind goes a long way to starting and maintaining a weight loss program that works. During situations of stress or depression, the brain releases neurotransmitters that may contribute to weight gain. That said, the first step to change is adjusting the way we think and finding positive channels such as cardiovascular and musculoskeletal exercise, meditation, or prayer trough which we can release our stress.
Next, each person must follow an individualized program that encourages portion/caloric control, along with a basic understanding of the FDA approved Glycemic Index Diet. Medical research has also shown the importance of essential fatty acids and certain amino acids that have significant effects on body composition. Supplementing one’s diet with these ingredients may result in enhanced fat metabolism, increased muscle tone, and improving the body’s overall metabolism. Additional benefits include an improved immune system and decreased inflammatory markers, thereby providing cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and neurological health.
In short, when starting a weight loss program, consider supplementing the benefits of proper diet and exercise with a multi-purpose formulation of essential fatty acids and amino acids that provide ingredients that optimize your body’s metabolism, enhance weight loss, and improve body composition. Integral to your success is educating yourself on the proper supplements required to fulfill to your body’s specific needs and deficiencies. As a proponent of education and disease prevention, the staff of Changes Medical and Wellness Spa will help guide you to achieve your goals in a healthy, positive way. Written by: Ismael A. Beloso, II, D.O., Medical Director, Changes Medical and Wellness Spa.
