By: Juliet Cohen

Anorexia nervosa is one type of eating disorder. Anorexia does not harm everybody the same way. For example, evidence suggests that the results of the disease in adolescents may differ from those in adults. It usually starts in the teenage years. Anorexia is more than just a problem with food. Most people with anorexia are female. It is characterized by low body weight and body image distortion with an obsessive fear of gaining weight. Individuals with anorexia often control body weight by voluntary starvation, purging, vomiting, excessive exercise, or other weight control measures, such as diet pills or diuretic drugs. Anorexia is a life-threatening condition that can put a serious strain on many of the body’s organs and physiological resources. For many individuals with anorexia, the destructive cycle begins with the pressure to be thin and attractive. A poor self-image compounds the problem.

Read the rest of this entry »

 By: Linda Liszka

Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic disorder characterized by chronic achy muscular pain and joint pain as well. The pain from this disorder is usually described as burning, throbbing, shooting, and stabbing. The pain and stiffness is often greater in the morning, and may also be accompanied by chronic headaches, strange sensations in the skin, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome and TMJ. Other symptoms often experienced by people with fibromyalgia include PMS, painful periods, anxiety, palpitations, memory impairment, irritable bladder, skin sensitivities, dry eyes and mouth, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Depression is frequently a part of the picture also.The most distinctive feature of fibromyalgia, however, is the existence of certain tender points – nine pairs of specific spots where muscles are abnormally tender to the touch.

Read the rest of this entry »

Pollen allergies can occur in spring, summer or fall. Various plants pollinate at different times of year. Symptoms can vary depending on climate and the severity of one’s allergic reaction. They can be hard to identify because they are so similar to other allergy symptoms, like those that occur with mold and pet dander: itchy skin and eyes, stuffy nose, and possibly nose bleeds, headaches, sore throat, trouble breathing and asthma attacks, dark circles under eyes, increased congestion, sneezing, wheezing and coughing, feeling drowsy, tired and weak. To help identify if you are suffering from pollen allergy a doctor can do skin testing for different allergens. Diagnosis can also be done through blood.  If you think you may suffer from pollen allergy, see your doctor and get a diagnosis; then you can take steps to reduce your exposure and start treating your symptoms.

The Alexa Medispa is very proud to carry Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup. “The Jane Iredale line is the best I’ve found. Until now, most physicians did not recommend a traditional makeup, but we have found that minerals offer anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties,” said Dr. Paul Blair. “Not all minerals are the same.  Iredale Mineral Cosmetics is the most technically advanced makeup in the world.  As you wear this makeup, you will be able to see how flawless your skin looks.  My surgery patients need to be able to go home and conceal bruising and redness.  Concealing is simple with Jane Iredale and a little help from our estheticians. It has been proven to be very safe and effective soon after a procedure,” he explained.  “I also love the fact that the minerals give a natural sunscreen that last all day.  It is very water resistant, so it’s good for the beach or pool. The right application is essential, that’s why we suggest you make an appointment with one of our estheticians for a makeup consultation.  They will match you with the perfect shade and teach you application techniques,” Dr.  Blair suggested.

Read the rest of this entry »

Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM, has been writing about veterinary medicine topics since 1998.

“Most people are aware that leaving a pet in a locked car on a 100F degree day would be dangerous. However, it is the seemingly mild days of spring (and fall) that pose great danger, too. Driving around, parking, and leaving your pet in the car for “just a minute” can be deadly. Cars heat up fast—even with the windows cracked,” states Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM. Dr. Crosby alerts everyone, “If you see pets or children in cars on warm days, please take action and call the police or fire department – time is critical.” According to Dr. Crosby, jogging is also dangerous this time of year for your pet.  “So your dog jogs everyday with you and is in excellent shape – why alter the routine?  As the weather warms, humans alter the type and amount of clothing worn, and we sweat more. Dogs are still jogging in their winter coat (or a slightly lighter version) and can only cool themselves by panting and a small amount of sweating through the foot pads. Not enough! Many dogs, especially the ‘athletes’ will keep running, no matter what, to stay up with their owner. Change the routine to early morning or late evening to prevent heat stroke.”

Also during the upcoming warmer weather, consider your pet’s housing. Dr.  Crosby says that if they are kept outdoors, you pet needs shade and fresh water access at all times. Dr. Crosby suggests that if you live in a warm climate, it is a good idea to hose down the dog before work, at lunch or whenever you can to provide extra cooling (if you dog is not over heated in the first place).  Although normally accepted, not all dogs are excellent swimmers by nature. “If Fido has underlying health problems, such as heart disease or obesity to contend with, consider protecting your pet just as your human family—with a life preserver. If your pet is knocked off of the boat (perhaps getting injured in the process), or is tired/ cold from choppy water or sudden storm, a life jacket could be what saves your pet’s life.”

A single female flea can lay 30-40 eggs in just one day, that’s 280 eggs a week! They will hatch in 4-12 days. Flea eggs hatch into larvae which move away from light and downwards. This means that they are usually found deep in the carpet pile, bedding and/or beds. Fleas are one of the most common parasites to hop onto your cat or dog but they are easy to control if you follow a few simple rules. But you may not see any actual fleas as your pet can groom them out before you get the chance to find them.

The easiest way to check is to collect some “Flea dirt”, check their necks or perhaps the base of their tail. If you see little specs of “dirt” get some damp cotton wool and dab the area.  Check the cotton wool; has it got a some red color on it? If yes, you can be certain that your pet has been in recent contact with fleas. The Flea dirt is actually dry blood!

Prevention is the key. As with most things, prevention is better than cure.  It can take months to obliterate fleas once they get into your home. There are various products you can use. The choice is yours. Whatever you chose, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

If your dog or cat is already scratching and you see one flea, then you will need to treat EVERY cat and dog in the house.  It doesn’t matter what you use, or whether you can actually see fleas on all your pets, ALWAYS treat every cat and dog in the house. Once that is done move onto the house. Treat ALL areas of the house making sure you also treat the pets bedding and beds. There are various products on the market for this.

Normally, flea infestations should clear within a few days. However, flea eggs laid around your home can survive in the carpet, bedding and/or beds for up to 9 months. During this time, they can hatch and jump back aboard the pet no matter what treatment you used. If this happens, then you need to de-flea again as before.

By Dr. Arvind Viradia

Varicose veins are abnormally swollen and bluish in color which may appear like worms on the skin’s surface.  They occur due to a defect in vein valves leading to backward flow in the veins.  The most common symptoms include leg pain, night cramps, burning, swelling, and aching.

The previously used treatment was stripping the veins under general anesthesia. Newer options to treat varicose veins are the use of a laser to seal or close the veins.

Read the rest of this entry »

According to a recent study nearly 90% of women experience some degree of cellulite and demand for non-invasive cellulite treatments in the U.S. is expected to nearly double by 2011. This treatment is ideal for patients who have tried diet and exercise or ever other cellulite treatments without success. Now they can benefit from:
A single treatment with no surgery, injections or downtime
Smoothing of dimples and improved skin texture
Long lasting results

Read the rest of this entry »

For a female, hair loss can feel incredibly shameful. Our hair speaks volumes about our personality and is a big factor in the way we evaluate our looks. A healthy head of hair indicates vitality, youthfulness, and health. When women begin to lose their hair, it can be a huge blow to their self esteem, but there are ways to restore it. Before seeking treatment, it’s important to understand its causes.

Read the rest of this entry »

By: Michelle Normand

Water. O.K. no surprise here. Water is the best way to keep your skin plump and hydrated. It keeps dry skin and wrinkles at bay so drink up!

Salmon. By now most of us have heard all about the heart-healthy benefits of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids found in fish oils. These wonder fats are also important to your skin, fighting dry patches, eczema, and other conditions that rob the skin of a smooth, youthful glow.

Wheat Germ. Just one tablespoon of this powerhouse food is packed with skin essential B vitamins, along with vitamin E and Selenium. The B family of vitamins aids the skin in cell regeneration and combats the hormones that can cause unwanted blemishes. Vitamin E and Selenium work together to reduce the risk of skin cancer and fight against premature aging. Sprinkle some in your morning cereal or add a little crunch to your yogurt for a skin-friendly snack. 

Orange Fruits & Vegetables.  Vitamins A & C play vital roles in our goal for healthy skin. Carotene, the substance that gives carrots and sweet potatoes their deep orange color, turns into vitamin A inside the body.  This powerful antioxidant helps to both deter wrinkles and fight cancer causing radicals. Vitamin C is another important antioxidant. When used topically, it helps reduce age spots and when taken internally it helps stabilize the skin’s collagen creating a more elastic, supple texture. Next time you shop the produce section, look for rich, orange fleshed fruits and vegetables, like carrots, pumpkins, apricots, and papayas. 

Blueberries. A recent USDA study ranked blueberries as number one in cancer fighting antioxidants. Blueberries are rich in phytochemicals that not only give them their lovely color, but also provide a wonderful source of antioxidants. Combat the unpleasant effect of smoke and other environmental toxins with a ½ cup of blueberries each day.

Michelle Normand is a health and beauty freelance writer and author of 30-Minute Mandalas coloring book series.