I know everyone is ready for spring after the historic amount of snow we received.  Since we spent most of the last month hibernating, it's time to get out and make a difference.  The Institute has great specials to help you March into Spring.  

 

I have also included information about the latest information on cancer prevention.  Many of our Optimal Health clients are already doing this but this is great information for everyone else! 

 

We are also happy to offer Reiki, an ancient Japanese method to help heal the body and soul.  We believe in helping patients heal from the inside out so schedule your treatment today!

 

To help with your exercise, we have teamed up with our Podiatrist, Dr Smith to offer a free gait analysis to recommend the best shoe type for you. We will be offering this complimentary service in Ardmore 3.25.10 and all month in Center city!  

As we age, the facial and neck skin begin to lose the tight network of collagen and elastin, causing the skin to slow sag over time.  There are many new procedures out there claiming to tighten skin, but the latest research shows that Radiofrequency, warm heat that can penetrate deep into the skin can tighten skin, is still one of the most effective treatments in tightening and remodeling the skin. 

 

The Accent laser, uses radiofrequency and is one of the only lasers that offers both unipolar and bipolar radiofrequency.  The unipolar setting penetrates deep inside of the skin to help tighten and stimulate collagen and elastin.  The bipolar setting is more superficial and works to soften the crepy skin that often occurs on the eyes and neck area.  The Accent facial treatments combine both settings to provide you superior results.

 

When the Accent laser is combined with other laser technologies such as the Pixel, laser resurfacing and or the skin rejuvenation laser, you can optimize results further.  Most people will require multiple treatments for optimal results followed by maintenance treatments every 9-12 months.  We can not stop the aging process, but as technology improves, we can slow down the process and maintain a healthier and more youthful look.   And as the latest information from the Plastic Surgery News states that non surgical approaches work when done early in the process and maintained!  Be pro-active and prevent the sag!  To learn more, please email us or contact our office.

 

The latest information on what can increase or decrease your risk of cancer!

 

The Women's Health Initiative study has been shown that women USING hormone replacement have a significant decrease in the risk of developing colon cancer than the women who did not use hormone replacement.  People at increased risk of colon cancer are patients with a family history of colon cancer (especially before the age of 50), intestinal disorders such as Crohn's, Ulcerative colitis, and familial polyposis.  Dr Patel has advocated for HRT patients that are good candidates and here is one more reason to use it!

 

Bisphononates use:

Using two differently designed studies, researchers have found that women using bisphosphonates, medications to improve bone mass, have a sharply lower incidence of breast cancer than the women not using bisphosphanates.  Bisphosphonates are Fosamax, Actonel, and Boniva.  This was a retrospective review showing a 29% risk reduction in women after controlling for age, ethnicity, family history, diet, exercise, body mass index, age of pregnancy, calcium use and hormone replacement.  The decreased risk occured after one year of use for estrogen positive breast cancers.  Researchers think the biological reason may be that bisphosphonates reduce angiogenesis (the development of new blood supply that can help a tumor grow) and stimulate the immune system!

 

Soy use:

In Phase II clinical trials using mixed soy isoflavone dietary supplement showed NO significant change in breast cell in healthy high risk women for breast cancer.  Researchers stated the results argue against the efficacy of soy isoflavones supplementation of the adult Western diet for breast cancer prevention, but also do not suggest an adverse effect on the breast.  A Japanese study suggested that it is the supplementation of soy early in life that can help decrease the risk of breast cancer in later in life.  The Japanese study used natural forms of soy such as soybeans and tofu.  This is important information because man made soy products commonly consumed in the US such as protein drinks, soy milk, soy yogurt, soy ice-cream, etc have not been studied.  Dr Patel believes in limiting food manipulated by man and eating more natural foods or food that has very limited processing. 

 

Alcohol use:

Women who are moderate to heavy drinkers had a 1.3 fold increase in recurrence of breast cancer compared to those who abstained or drank minimally.  In all, 18% of the study cohort had a recurrence and 17% died.  Moderate to heavy drinking was defined as 3-4 drinks PER WEEK.  Minimal drinking was less than 1-2 drinks per week.  First time breast cancer risk is also higher in women who drank more than 7 drinks in a week.  The message women: drink in moderation.

 

To learn more on how to decrease your risk of cancer and optimize health, enroll in our Optimal Health program today.  Please feel free to email or call us for more information.

I also wanted to let everyone know that Kelly Miskin Maack has moved to San Francisco.  (Yes, she was so sad to move after 70 inches of snow!)  We will miss her but my great team with Dana, Leida, Regina, Kim and our new person, Annie are here to help you.  Please feel free to email or call us for more information.