There are plenty of reasons why grains can impact your weight loss goals, aside from gluten. We are aware of the obvious benefits of swapping burger buns for whole grains or gluten-free options, but often grains, and wheat in particular, are overlooked as a hidden cause of resistant weight loss. Let’s take a look at… Read more »
Health & Beauty
New Treatment for Varicose Veins
- By Pushpinder (Makku) Sivia, MD
- May/June 2016
Chances are that you either have, or you know someone who has, varicose veins. That is because vein disease affects 1 in 4 adults. A common myth is that varicose veins (veins that bulge underneath the skin in the legs) are a cosmetic problem, but in certain situations they can lead to swelling and pain… Read more »
The desert is an amazing landscape which can look barren and dry for months of the year and then in spring, vibrancy occurs. There is no better way to explore this beauty than through hiking. This spring unveiled a burst of color on many plants like the beavertail cactus with bright fuchsia flowers which open… Read more »
One of my favorite movies of all times is the 1997 HBO movie Breast Men with David Schwimmer and Chris Cooper. It was humorous and astonishingly accurate with regards to the evolution of the modern implant and the eventual controversy that enveloped it. There is something new with breast implant design that just came out,… Read more »
Eyelid Lumps and Bumps
- By Jennifer Hui, MD, FACS
- March/April 2016
The eyelids are delicate structures meant to protect the eyes. Like all skin, they are prone to various lumps and bumps that leave us wondering, “Is this something to worry about?” Areas of concern may appear gradually or seemingly suddenly. They may be quite obvious or very subtle. An exam by a physician is the… Read more »
In my practice, 2015 could be called “The Year of the Rear” because buttock procedures have exploded in popularity. Both men and women are having procedures done in higher numbers than ever before. The most commonly requested procedure is known as the Brazilian butt lift. There are a handful of high profile celebrities that deny… Read more »
Want to Lose the Double Chin?
- By B. Maya Kato, MD
- March/April 2016
A double chin can make you look older and heavier, no matter what your age and weight. Often, genetics play a big role, as the fat in this area (known as submental fat) may persist, despite efforts to diet and exercise. In the past, the only option to treat this often undesirable feature was surgical,… Read more »
Natural Remedies for Dry Skin
- By Pam Salvadore
- March/April 2016
Skin is the largest organ in our bodies. It’s what holds our muscles, bones, and tissue intact and also provides a barrier, keeping the bad organisms out and absorbing the good. Skin helps regulate our body temperature by absorbing and releasing heat and helps flush out toxins. Amazingly, skin also regenerates and heals itself. So,… Read more »
Did you know your skin is a reflection of your gut health? If you’ve tried every lotion and potion to achieve perfect skin without success, maybe it is time to take a look at the end of your fork. The key to beautiful skin is focusing on digestive function and quelling inflammation. Wheat and other… Read more »
Can Botox Make You Happy?
- By B. Maya Kato, MD
- January/February 2016
Based on the thousands of patients who receive Botox injections each year, one would think the answer to this simple question must be, “Yes!” Expression of emotions through facial animation is one of the most socially significant of human behaviors. More than a century ago, Charles Darwin, famous for his theory of evolution, wrote The… Read more »
Twenty years ago, non-invasive options for cosmetic improvement were few and were crude compared with what is available today. Collagen and silicone injections were the only options for fillers, and chemical peels were the solitary choice for skin resurfacing. The collagen of yesterday was effective for a very short time compared with today’s options, and… Read more »
Liposuction has been around since the mid-seventies. First used by an Italian gynecologist, the French surgeon Dr. Illouz was the first to apply the procedure to purely cosmetic cases. The technology has come a long way since then, but traditional liposuction remains a mainstay in plastic surgery. The primary goal of the advancing technology is… Read more »
Indie Lee was like many of us, an executive woman who worked hard, enjoyed life and paid great attention to what she put in her body. A native New Yorker, she had a large greenhouse in her back yard filled with organic herbs and vegetables and led a health-conscious existence. Then, in 2008, a string… Read more »
Travel and summer adventures are memories that linger with us the remainder of the year. I recently read that travel positively impacts the brain’s plasticity; when on an adventure away from home, we expand our brain’s capability, adaptability and flexibility. My biggest life lesson this summer was a visit to Croatia. There are over a… Read more »
Weight Loss with Traditional Chinese Medicine
- By Zaynah Shabo, L.Ac., CNC
- November/December 2015
As the days shorten and holiday festivities loom, so does the prospect of seasonal weight gain. Is it possible to prevent the inevitable cycle of gain and loss, or of denial and guilty indulgence that recur time and again? Fortunately, a balanced, systematic approach that includes acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can offer a solution.… Read more »
The Evolution of Microneedling Therapy
- By B. Maya Kato, MD
- September/October 2015
In today’s busy world, people are looking for aesthetic procedures that can make them look and feel rejuvenated with minimal downtime. The number of cosmetic surgical procedures remains at a steady plateau, but the number of non-surgical cosmetic injectable procedures continues to rise every year. These office procedures have become exceedingly popular, as patients can… Read more »
Lasers have always seemed futuristic. But they are a daily phenomenon at any plastic surgeon’s office or medical spa. As with any technology, cosmetic laser technology advances quickly and can be challenging to keep up with. And with so many advertisements and promotional pitches, the promises of minimal downtime and amazing results are easy… Read more »
Incorporating Growth Factors Into Treatment Modalities
- By Paul Malkin, RN, BSN
- September/October 2015
When considering factors that contribute to improving the properties of skin tightening, skin rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction, acne and acne scar reduction, smaller pores and generally fighting the effects of aging and gravity, one of the newest, most innovative treatments is the introduction of growth factor technology. A growth factor is a naturally occurring substance capable… Read more »
The Beauty of Your Genes
- By Darren Clair, MD
- July/August 2015
Since the unraveling of the human genome project concluded in 2003, genetic scientists and researchers have been studying human genes to determine how we age. The fact is, our cells age, and they begin to age from just moments after we are born. After 30 years or so, our cells begin to produce physical signs… Read more »
That Sneaky Desert Sun
- By Ritu Chopra, MD
- July/August 2015
Okay, I will admit it; I am trying to scare you. The big, bad summer is here and with it comes the threat of too much heat, too much sun, and the danger and risk that accompanies both. You might say, “I know, I know. I wear sun block” or “I’ll become prematurely aged and… Read more »