By: Melisa A. Ferriola, CPCP

Welcome to the summer heat!  How’s that mascara holding up?  A bit smudgy?  Time to waterproof your eyes.  Eyelash Extensions are a fantastic alternative and have gained tremendous popularity in the last few years because of their natural look, ease of application, and affordability. With semi-permanent eyelash extensions, eyelashes are made thicker and longer through professional application of a synthetic eyelash that replicates a natural lash.  Extensions are applied one lash at a time with care and precision using special bonding agents for a completely natural look! The result is thicker, longer eyelashes that are safe in the shower, while swimming, sleeping or exercising.

A full set of lashes requires a relaxing 90 to 120 minute session. Partial sets require 60 to 90 minutes. The strong hold adhesive used will give you a long-lasting enhancement without damaging your own lashes. As your natural lash grows, your extension grows with it! Extensions can last up to six weeks depending on the life cycle of your own natural lash.  Other factors, such as your eyelash characteristics, lifestyle and care of your extensions will also affect the longevity of the extensions.  As your natural lash turns over, a new extension is applied to keep your lavish look fresh.  These one hour Refining Applications are recommended every 2 to 3 weeks. Timeframes can vary person to person depending on your custom wants and needs.

Pricing for eyelash extensions varies.  Be sure to compare application method, materials used, amount of time dedicated and technician experience when pricing initial sets and refining applications.  Ask to see the technician’s before and after portfolio.  Some establishments claim to do eyelash extensions when they are actually applying lash flares that are glued to your skin or to several lashes.  Large clumps of glue pull on your skin and can cause irritation. They have a cheap, fake look.  This is not what you want – make sure you know what you are paying for.

On the other hand, don’t be swayed by high priced applications that may not come with experience.  Does the brand of lash matter?  There a few high profile companies that claim superiority in training and quality.  And yes, some training courses are better than others, but it all comes down to the experience, quality, attention to detail and artistic ability of the technician – not the marketing power of a national company.  An experienced technician can apply 80 to 100 lashes per eye in 2 hours – that takes practice and skill!  Check the technician’s portfolio to see what you are getting.

Who would benefit from eyelash extensions???

> The Business Professional, for a polished image;
> The Blushing Bride and bridal party, for a joyful celebration;
> The Mature Retiree, to bring back the lashes of her youth;
> The 20-Something, for a glamorous night on the town;
> The Fitness Enthusiast, for looking great while working hard;
> The Natural Blond, for dark, dramatic lashes.

Whether you are looking for a time-saving, everyday look, lashes for your wedding day, or just a weekend away, Lasting Looks has the professional, perfected technique, applied by a licensed, certified and experienced Eyelash Extension Specialist. Safe and affordable, trust your eyes to Lasting Looks!  www.LastingLooksForYou.com

Profile:
Melisa had a 20 year corporate career, but craved to get back to the beauty industry.  She found permanent cosmetics and the possibilities became endless.  She opened Lasting Looks, a permanent cosmetics studio, lash bar and mini day spa located in Newark, Delaware in 2006.  The Lasting Looks mission starts with the desire to empower women to take charge of their appearance and to put their best image forward.  Melisa lends her talent in skin care and makeup artistry to bring out the very best in her clients.  As owner and operator, Melisa personally ensures that every client receives private, exclusive care.  Her artistic skills and attention to detail show through in every service she provides.

Melisa is a licensed Aesthetician and Certified Permanent Cosmetic Artist.  Lasting Looks is located in downtown Newark on West Park Place.  Melisa resides in Newark, DE with her husband and children.  She can be found at Swift Park in the spring enjoying Piedmont Baseball and Softball.

Testimonials:
Not only is it a relaxing experience, but having hassle-free, long, thick lashes is priceless. Melisa is an expert technician who pays great attention to detail. Her patience and skill have given me a natural, yet enhanced look that makes me feel confident and polished. I love being a client of Melisa’s for many of her services. She is always professional and is a pleasure to do business with.

~ Jen B.

“I have been getting eyelash extensions from Melisa at Lasting Looks for quite a while. I absolutely love waking up ready to go without having to use mascara.  I have had many complements on the length of my lashes, to which I respond, ‘they are the best thing I have ever done for myself and my appearance.”

~ Shirl Lord, BMS Massage

“I was thrilled with my lashes… I decided to have Melisa do my lashes before I went to Puerto Rico in the winter hoping that it would make the care of my makeup easier. Between the permanent makeup and the lashes I was able to add a little blush and lip gloss and I was set for the entire day. I was able to swim, shower, and lay in the sun and my lashes looked great. I was amazed at how long they lasted with the proper care.”

~ P.R.

Picture yourself going to your dentist or doctor! You are not feeling well and a rather unsmiling person slides open a glass partition just a crack and asks you to sign in on a clipboard or worse yet, says “Just take a seat and we’ll be with you.” Then she calls out –  NEXT. You sit waiting with only a magazine from 2005 available and everyone looks like this is the last place on earth that they would want to be. And you are investing your care to this practice? When you go to a dentist or doctor, do you feel that you are being treated like a person or simply rushed in and out without your needs being met, or your concerns heard?
So what do you want? A professional team that treats you with respect and dignity, naturally – but how about physical and emotional comfort, integrity and honesty, timeliness, cleanliness, good communication and affordable payment options? Sounds like a lot, doesn’t it?  But it shouldn’t be. We were always taught- do unto others as we would like to be treated. So why is that so difficult? Let’s look at some of the key requirements you should find when you go to your health care provider.

Communication
It should not be too much trouble to be able to speak to our patients, one on one, giving them our undivided attention. You should be able to have us listen to your concerns, and have a conversation in which the language is in layman’s terms. And, importantly – to have feedback from the patient. Gone are the days of whatever the doctor says being the final word. It is more beneficial to have a two-way conversation between the patient and the doctor to decide the best course of treatment. The patient should have a clear understanding of what their expectations of the visit is, what procedures will be performed that day and what their responsibilities will be following their visit. You should also know how the office works, in case of an emergency. An explanation of what we are going to do-before we do it, should be expected.

Financial Options
We understand that these are tough economic times. Money is tight and there must be priorities on how we wisely spend our money. You should ask if there are options for your treatment and have the team explain affordable financial options in which to take care of your treatment. Remember, your overall health is the most important, most valuable possession that you have. If you invest wisely in caring for your dental health with regular hygiene visits, you can prevent or reduce other health concerns. As we spoke about in the previous Journal issue, there is a correlation between the bacteria present in your mouth and the diseases that occur in your body such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, some forms of cancer, low weight, pre-term babies, etc.  Also, if the muscles, jaw and joints are in alignment (their most natural position), then you might enjoy relief from headaches, neck and muscle pain, grinding, stress, etc.
Insurance can play a role in your selection of a provider, however, before you make that decision, know exactly what benefits your insurance covers and what your financial obligations may be. A team that is concerned about you and your family, works with you to try to maximize your insurance benefits, offers an affordable method for financing the balance and provides exceptional customer service, will always be a better investment than an insurance plan that dictates the kind of care that you need and will only pay for the least alternative method of treatment. An investment in your health will always provide a beneficial return.

Attitude
“Everything was great. I was greeted with a little humor, which I love. Nothing better than going to an appointment or business and the folks are uplifting and happy. The service was outstanding. Keep it up and everyone will be happy to visit the dentist!”
~ Dennis

“I am always satisfied with the service, professionalism, and dental services that I receive- keep up the good work.”                        ~ Stephen

You have so many options in selecting a provider, why not select a team that is happy, smiling and energetic, provides exceptional care and looks out for you and your family. Your dental visit should be comfortable. You deserve to have a WOW experience like the patients quoted above, and if not, perhaps it’s time for a change.

All About Smiles Office Staff
Back row: Carine Hoermann, Dr. Grace Liu,
Dr. LewisYu, and Patti Warren Seated: Ashely Paulino and Cindy Wright

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact all about smiles at 302-239-1641 or visit
www.AllAboutSmilesde.com

Dr. Lewis Yu earned his degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry in 1996. He received two years of advanced post-graduate oral surgery training in both the New York City Hospital System and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.  He continues his education through extensive training at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Studies and the Pankey Institute. He has practiced in Philadelphia and Newark, DE before joining All About Smiles, P.A. He is a member of the Delaware State Dental Society, American Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry.

Dr. Grace Liu and Dr. Lewis Yu are married and have two children.

]]> http://thewomensjournal.com/20100821/customer-service-%e2%80%93-what-are-you-looking-for-in-a-health-care-provider-2/feed/ 0 http://thewomensjournal.com/20100821/the-art-and-science-of-pharmacy-compounding/ http://thewomensjournal.com/20100821/the-art-and-science-of-pharmacy-compounding/#comments Sat, 21 Aug 2010 18:13:06 +0000 Brenda Pavlic http://thewomensjournal.com/?p=9793 By: Brenda Pavlic, CPhT

With the history of pharmacy spanning over 5,000 years, the art of pharmaceutical compounding has ancient roots.  Until the 20th century and the development of standardized manufacturing all medications were compounded. Compounding is defined as the mixing or preparing of medications to meet the unique needs of an individual patient; whether that patient is a human or an animal.   While compounding has always been a basic part of pharmacy practice, today it is an area that is rapidly growing.  Compounding is unique in that it allows the specially trained pharmacist and technician to use their scientific, mathematical and theological background more so than other practice settings.  Compounding pharmacists and other staff members develop a close relationship with medical professionals as well as the patients they serve.  They work closely with doctors, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, veterinarians, and others with prescriptive authority to solve problems that are not addressed by commercially available dosage forms.

Practitioners sometimes need to prescribe individually compounded medications for a patient with special health needs.  It may be changing the dosage form from a solid pill to a liquid because a patient is unable to swallow a tablet or capsule due to age or because of a disability.   For example, patients with a feeding tube must have their medications liquefied.  Having the medication compounded from the pure chemical  results in a product that is free of all the extra ingredients contained in a tablet or capsule that can clog the tube, resulting in the patient not getting the full dose or having to have the tube changed more often.

Preparing a liquid offers the needed flexibility in dosing for the patient requiring a much lower dose than is available.  This is often seen when treating infants and small children who have serious health issues usually seen in adults and there is no pediatric dose or dosage form commercially available.

The ability to prepare medications free from substances that cause negative effects is extremely helpful to patients with special dietary needs or requests such as those with autism, celiac disease, and gluten or lactose intolerances. Patients with allergies or sensitivities to certain substances can have their medicines custom-made without the offending ingredients.  This can be extremely beneficial for those who cannot tolerate artificial dyes, preservatives, nuts, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, sugar, gluten, wheat, corn, etc.

Some medications have been discontinued by the manufacturer due to low profitability or because a new drug has taken its place.  A compounding pharmacy can duplicate these medications allowing patients who still need them to continue with effective therapies.

Hospice patients especially benefit from compounding by having access to alternate dosage forms such as lollipops, topical transdermal gels, or suppositories as they lose the ability to swallow pills or liquids to treat their pain, agitation, anxiety, or nausea.  Treating these symptoms with ease helps both the patient and the caregiver.

Compounding has proven to be an invaluable service for the veterinary community.  Animal doses are based on weight so there is a need for multiple strengths of the drugs that are prescribed for them.  In addition, a compounding pharmacy can concoct the medications in dosage forms that make dosing easier for both the pet and the owner resulting in better compliancy.  Some of the options include flavored liquids, chewable treats, capsules, transdermal gels, or suppositories.  Having all these options allows the pets’ prescription to be prepared in a form and flavor that best suits the animal’s preference.  Compounding also provides the ability to combine several medications into a single dosage allowing for fewer doses.  This can mean less stress for both the animal and the owner.  For animals in a fragile health state this can improve their quality of life and potentially add time to their lifespan.

Pharmacy compounding has often been described as an art form.  As with any creative endeavor, it is imperative that the preparer pay close attention to detail.  A qualified compounder will have extensive training enabling him/her to advise and offer viable solutions to medication problems.  The role of the compounding pharmacist has come full circle and returned to the roots of pharmacy.  Meeting the unique needs of individual patients with carefully prepared individualized medications offers benefits that positively affect all that are treated, regardless of species.

Brenda Pavlic is a nationally certified pharmacy technician and co-owner of SaveWay Compounding Pharmacy in Newark, DE.  With more than twenty-five years of pharmacy experience she has furthered her career with extensive training and education in Pharmacy Compounding, Women’s Health, Cosmeceutics, Pain Management, Aseptic and Veterinary Compounding.  She has published articles and presented seminars both locally and nationally to healthcare practitioners.  Her experience and education provide her with skills needed to develop formulations that ease medication administration, improve compliance and ultimately result in positive outcomes for patients.

SaveWay
Compounding Pharmacy
31 Albe Drive; Unit 1
Newark, DE  19702

Ph. (302)369-5520
Email:
savewaybrenda@aol.com
Website:
www.savewaypharmacy.com

Hours:  M-F 9am—6pm
Sat 10am—2pm
Closed Sunday

Testimonials for SaveWay Compounding Pharmacy:
Thank you for your attention and service. We appreciate your compassion and thoughtfulness. ~LJ

We greatly appreciate you taking time out of your busy day to educate us and share your expertise. ~PP

It is very hard to find people with compassion as great as yours.  Words cannot express how grateful I am to you for helping me and my daughter in our time of desperation.  I had all but given up on finding medicine for my daughter when I called SaveWay.  I will never forget you and wish there were more people out there like you.  ~JR

Calvin & Brenda—Just a quick thank you for all of your help with the nursing home and especially working with the nursing supervisor.  We really appreciate it.  ~DPP

By: Joseph J. Thornton, M.D., Kyo A. Kim, M.D.,
Ellen E. Radziewicz, PA-C,
Lawrence D. Chang, M.D.

The warmth of the summer sun.  The golden sand beneath your feet.  The smell of the salty surf.  Summer’s here, boosting our spirits but with a dangerous tradeoff.  The longer days and more intense sunlight exposes you to the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet radiation (UVR).  This ‘dark’ side of the sun leads to more than 3.5 million cases of skin cancer in the US each year. Also, most of the skin damage associated with aging, such as wrinkling, sagging, leathering, is UVR related.
Many people consider skin cancer to be a minor health concern, however, someone dies from skin cancer every hour.  This is unfortunate, since most skin cancers are preventable or at least curable when detected at an early stage.

What’s the harm in sunburn?
Sunburn, the skin reddening caused by overexposure to the sun’s harmful UVR, may seem like a temporary irritation, however, it causes long-lasting damage to the skin.  One blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person’s chance of developing melanoma later in life; and even five ‘mild’ sunburns at any age will do the same.
Now you’re worried the damage is already done, so why do anything different now?  This is because the two most common skin cancers, basal cell and squamous cell directly correlate with sun exposure.  More sun equals more skin cancer.
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the #1 cause of skin cancer, but UV light from tanning beds is similarly harmful.  People who use tanning beds, nearly 30 million people every year, are 1.5-2.5 times more likely to develop skin cancer.

What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer occurs when malignant cells are found in the outer layers of the skin, particularly in areas exposed to sunlight such as the face, neck, hands, and arms.  Some risks of developing skin cancer include time spent in the sun, overexposure/sunburn, artificial ultraviolet radiation (tanning beds), skin type, abundance of moles or freckles, and family history.
There are three main types of skin cancers:  basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
• Most common form of skin cancer
• Appear as a small pearly or waxy bump which can often bleed easily
• Cut that won’t heal

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
• Growths appear as flat and red, becoming scaly-raised mounds
• The most common form of non-melanoma cancer that can spread
Both BCC and SCC mainly occur on areas of the skin frequently exposed to the sun, but can occur anywhere on the body.

Melanoma
• Appear as a dark flat or raised area on the skin and follow the ABCD rule:
Asymmetry: the shape of one half does not match the other
Border:  edges are ragged or blurred
Color:  uneven shades of brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue
Diameter:  significant change in size (> 6mm)
• Can spread to other parts of the body through the lymph system or blood

Skin Cancer Surgery
The diagnosis of “skin cancer” is scary, but the good news is that most skin cancers are curable if detected at an early stage.  Plastic surgeons can surgically remove skin cancers using specialized techniques to preserve one’s health and appearance.
Skin cancer is diagnosed by performing a biopsy.  This involves taking a sample of tissue, which is placed under a microscope and examined by a pathologist.  Sometimes a biopsy can remove all the cancer tissue, and no further treatment is needed.  However, further surgical intervention may be needed to remove additional cancer tissue or reconstruct the area.  Although no surgery is without scars, a plastic surgeon will make every effort to treat the skin cancer without dramatically changing your appearance.

Prevention
Sunscreen
Sunscreens are chemical agents that help prevent the sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from reaching the skin.  Two types of UVR, UVA and UVB, damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.  UVB is the chief culprit behind sunburns, however UVA rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply, are the cause of photoaging.  Therefore, a broad-spectrum sunscreen which offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays is recommended.
Most sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher do an excellent job of protection.  SPF, Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of the sunscreen’s ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin.  But what does this mean?  If it takes 20 minutes for unprotected skin to start to turn red, using an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer—about 5 hours.  In addition, SPF 15 blocks approximately 93% of all incoming UVB rays, 30 blocks 97%, and 50 blocks 98%.
To ensure that you get the full SPF of the sunscreen, 1 ounce, the size of a shot glass, should be applied to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside and reapplied every 2 hours.

Self Examination
Most people have freckles, birthmarks, or moles, but any irregularities or a change in the shape, edge, color, or size can be a warning sign of skin cancer.  Since most skin cancers are treatable, early detection is key.  A self examination every 6 months is recommended.  This could take no longer than 10 minutes, a short amount of time to save your life.  Concerning areas should be brought to the attention of your primary care physician for further evaluation.

Advanced Plastic Surgery Center is located at
774 Christiana Road, Suite 101. For more information call (302)623-4004 or visit www.advancedplasticde.com

Evolution of Laser Hair Therapy
This non-invasive technology has been used successfully in Europe for over 10 years and is being hailed today in the United States as a major break-through in combating hair loss. Laser Light Therapy was first tested in Europe over fifteen years ago. It was designed to treat diseases of the scalp and skin.
In 1964, Professor Andre Mester began experimenting with the use of low-power laser energy in Budapest, Hungary. He observed that low energy laser exposure has a stimulating effect on the biological system, while high energy laser exposure had an inhibiting effect.
In his experiments with wound treatment on mice, he noticed rapid healing due to microcirculation of blood supply. This healing was also obvious in laser light treatment of diabetic patients suffering with dystrophic sores. He was amazed to find sores that would not otherwise heal were healed, and he also observed accelerated hair growth and thickening of hair in the treated areas.
Laser Light Therapy
The laser therapy functions on the same scientific principal of that of photo biotherapy; where the laser light stimulates cell metabolism and causes damaged cells to be repaired. This breakthrough technology has recently been featured on national newscasts across the country. Physicians are praising this technology as an effective treatment to combat hair loss. A Low Level Laser Device used to stop hair loss and re-grow lost hair was recently named Time Magazine’s Invention of the Year.
Treatment
Our laser treatment is non-surgical, new and revolutionary. It utilizes therapeutic, low-level laser diodes in the treatment of hair loss as well as other problems of the scalp, and works in harmony with natural hair care products. The result is thicker, healthier hair.
Laser light therapy is not to be confused with the conventional laser. It uses soft (or what is commonly known as cool) lasers, which means there are no thermal components to cut, burn, or vaporize tissue. The use of a soft laser provides a painless treatment experience for the client.
Hair Loss for Women
Virtuesse is the best and most natural non-surgical cosmetic hair loss solution available. Virtuesse is real hair … with attitude. If you are a woman who has genetic or hormonal hair problems or has lost hair through medical treatments, you no longer need to feel self-conscious about your looks. With Virtuesse you can have real, lush hair, which is perfectly blended to your own.
What is Virtuesse for Women? Virtuesse by Virtual Reality is an innovative technology that is only available in exclusive studios worldwide. Select technicians attend state of the art training session to become qualified to use the Virtuesse system. So, you are in the hands of the best of the best with Virtuesse.
Virtuesse is a thin, flexible, second skin like surface with natural hair growth patterns. The base being so thin and natural, it adheres with no ridges or bumps. It is literally undetectable to the human touch. No matter what your hair looks like, we can match its color, texture and style with Virtuesse. This cutting edge technology creates a customized solution for each individual client.
•Safe for any personal styling tool
•Hair that styles any way you want it
•Unique capability to replicate natural maturing grey
•Euro Texture Human Hair for the most natural appearance   and touch Virtuesse non-surgical cosmetic hair loss solution is so chic, so real, and so undetectable. It is demanded by stars, directors and stylists in Hollywood. Virtuesse has been featured on news and makeover shows from coast to coast! If Virtuesse can make actresses look good on a 20-foot movie screen, it can make you look good at home, at work, at play, at the gym – anywhere!

Hair Loss for Men
Virtual Reality is a thin, flexible, second skin like surface with natural hair growth patterns. The base being so thin and natural, it adheres with no ridges or bumps. It is literally undetectable to the human touch.
Virtual Reality Premier Benefits
* Always look your best
* Change your style when you choose
* National Affiliation Service Program
* Best most innovative service available
* No bumps or ridges
* Brush back front
* Undetectable in any activity
* Can create short, close to the scalp hair styles
* Natural polymers replicate scalp pigment color
* Can be as thin as your natural hair without bangs
* Ease of self maintenance allows more personal styling
* Unique ability to replicate natural maturing gray
•Virtual Reality is the Best and most importantly
the most Natural hair replacement method
available today!

Specializing in non-surgical cosmetic hair loss solutions for men and women.

…we are a full service Virtual Reality and Virtuesse Studio. We offer a full range of non-surgical based hair replacement for men, women and children.
When it comes to hair loss everyone is going to be different and everyone is going to handle their hair loss in a different way. Knowing this, we didn’t want to just design a studio that can offer hair replacement we wanted to design a studio that our clients can be comfortable in.
With more than 15 years of experience, our team of professionals understands the anxiety and uncertainty that is associated with hair loss. Take action today, call us and set up your free, and confidential consultation to assess and determine the best options available to you.
* Our commitment is to be the compassionate, caring, and encouraging people in your life; that will make a difference not only in your appearance, but also through your recovery.

Delaware Hair Solutions
1082 Old Churchman’s Road, Suite 200
Newark, De 19713
Phone: (302) 525-6241
www.vrhair.com

By: Linda G. Everett,
MD, MHA

If you are dieting, exercising, and not losing the weight, it’s quite possible that you are consuming more calories than
you think.

Studies have shown that dieters who prepare their own foods tend to overestimate their caloric intake. Similarly, dieters usually overestimate the intensity, frequency, and duration of physical activity. As you can imagine, this combination of underestimating caloric intake coupled with overestimating calories burned can lead to a very frustrating cycle of failed weight loss attempts.

Research shows that the wider variety of foods available in a given meal, the more calories people consume. A study performed at Johns Hopkins University has shown that as the number of food choices decreases, the lower the caloric intake. We know that stimulation of the senses, including taste, smell, and texture, contribute to satiety, or the sense of being full. Therefore eating the same foods all the time allows you to be less over stimulated (hungry), and more easily satiated by those foods.

Limiting the variety and quantity of available foods is called stimuli narrowing. By controlling the amount of stimulus one receives while eating, people eat less, are less hungry, and lose more weight. Multiple studies show that weight loss is improved when all of the foods are provided
and no choices were made by the subjects.

Liquid based formula diets are a perfect application of the stimuli narrowing technique. These meal replacements are portion controlled and calorically precise. Only physicians can prescribed a nutritionally complete formula based diet, such that it provides 100% of all necessary vitamins, minerals, protein, and essential fatty acids. Due to the overall lack of stimulation, patients report feelings of fullness while consuming very little calories. These diets are successful not only due to the caloric restriction, but also improved adherence achieved on this diet. Taking this “food vacation” also allows dieters to recognize environmental situations which may have caused them to overeat so that they can make lasting behavioral changes.

While a stimuli narrowing formula based diet is not for everyone, it is a great and healthy way to lose a significant amount of weight without constantly having to worry about food. While on this diet, it becomes much easier to recognize those triggers that caused you to over eat in the past, and change bad eating habits for good. When transitioning back to prepared meals, those who have been through this “eating rehab”
can use their new found restraint to make better eating decisions for life.

Dr. Linda G. Everett is the founder and medical director of Everett Medical and the Center for Medical Weight Loss. Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Age Management Medicine, Dr. Everett has extensive training and experience in bariatric medicine, and is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians. She received her undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University and her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College. Dr Everett is on the medical staff of both Christiana Care Health System and Jennersville
Regional Hospital.

Dr. R. Anthony Carabasi III, M. D.

Dr. Carabasi is a board certified vascular surgeon who has been in practice for over 20 years at a prominent medical school in Philadelphia. He has been listed as a “Top Doc” in Philadelphia Magazine or as a “Top Doc” for Castle Connelly Medical, consistently since 1994. He is also listed in Castle Connelly’s “Americas Top Doctors”. He is committed to providing the highest quality care for your vein problems.
After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Villanova University, Dr. Carabasi completed his general surgery internship at Jefferson Medical College, and Columbia University College of Physicians And Surgeons, Presbyterian Hospital in New York. Following his general surgery residency at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, he went on to study at Pennsylvania Hospital and completed his Vascular Fellowship program. He then went into academic practice, where he has been until recently, when he opened the private practice of “Advanced Vein & Vascular Center, Inc”, to concentrate on his vein practice.
A unique technique for the treatment of spider veins has recently been FDA approved and introduced to the United States after 8 successful years of use by over 1,000 physicians in Europe. It is now available in our area as well!
Being a perfectionist, and one who wants to offer the very best to his patients, Anthony Carabasi, M.D. has used virtually every treatment option available for the removal of spider veins. Some techniques such as sclerotherapy have proven the test of time as a good option. Others such as lasers, while often successful, are painful and can cause pigmenting, skin burns, and scarring, and require time out of the sun. The search for the best way to treat these bothersome and often very unsightly veins has been a quest throughout Dr. Carabasi’ career.  As one of the most renowned vein surgeons in the Delaware Valley and now, with the addition of this latest tool, Veinwave, using thermo-coagulation, he feels he now has an adequate arsenal of choices to treat all aspects of spider veins, whether on the face, legs, or body trunk. No bandages or cover-ups are required, and the patient can resume everyday activity immediately after treatment.
Formerly the Chief of Vascular Surgery at Jefferson University Hospital, Dr. Carabasi left Jefferson in June of 2007, and with partner and former vein technologies clinical trainer Martha Stephens, opened a dedicated vein center on the main line in Wayne. Although knowing there is always considerable risk in introducing a new technology, they thoroughly researched this addition, even treating their own and the staff’s own legs and faces. They became convinced it is a winner! Veinwave was added to the practice in the autumn of 2009. As the first (and still only) practice in Southeastern Pennsylvania to offer this revolutionary new technology, the response has been overwhelming. Within the first few months over 100 patients were treated with Veinwave, most with excellent results. 
It is estimated that 25 to 30 percent of women and 10 to 20 percent of men suffer from spider veins or “telangectasias”: those clusters of red, blue, and purple veins on the legs. The numbers are even higher for veins on the face and around the nose – especially in the senior population. Dr. Carabasi added, “Until now, we really have haven’t had anything that I was happy with for treating facial veins – but with Veinwave those unsightly nose veins truly disappear as you watch!”
“Every new technology has a learning curve” says Dr. Carabasi. “We are excited to be among the early adopters in the United States and to now have a really good feel for the applications and limitations of Veinwave. Just like sclerotherapy, Veinwave is still a “process”, and particularly on the legs may require more than one treatment.” These treatments will be 3-4 weeks apart to avoid over-treatment. He has not replaced sclerotherapy, but uses the two techniques, Veinwave for the finer veins and sclerotherapy for the larger spiders and clusters. Together they work in a very complimentary manner. “A treatment plan will revolve around what the patient needs, and is tailored to them”.
“On the face we find one 15 to 20 minute treatment usually does the trick for eliminating unwanted veins. However, unlike laser, which our patients often say “hurts like heck”, our patients experience very little discomfort and are able to go out in the sun after treatment. It can be used on any complexion and skin color. And unlike sclerotherapy, patients are not required to wear compression and avoid direct sunlight. This allows us to do treatments right through the summer months” says Dr. Carabasi.
Especially gratifying is being able to effectively treat the early stages of Rosacea. Seen as a “blushing” effect, Rosacea is caused by the dilation of tiny blood vessels just under the skin that can appear at any age, but often manifests during menopause. It is exciting to have a new technology that will address this comfortably.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call
610-687-LEGS (5347)
or visit
www.mainlinelegs.com or
www.veinwaveusa.com

“I am really pleased with this new addition to our practice. My patients don’t have to apply make-up or wear compression, and all without the kind of pain many have had in the past. It does a great job,” added Dr. Carabasi. Thanks to this new technology, it looks like there will not be a vein too large or too small to treat at the Advanced Vein & Vascular Center, Inc.”

By: The Women of Nouveau Medispa

At Nouveau Medispa, we provide services and products to actively fight the aging process and sun damage and help you look and feel your best.

You may consider some of our body detoxifying and popular body slimming services. Body detoxification can be accomplished through the feet, known as foot detox, or through the lymphatic system using a lymphatic press massage system.

The ionic foot detox uses water and an ionic current to draw out toxins cleansing the body naturally. By introducing a high level of negative ions into the water of a foot bath, the feet, through principles of reflexology and the science of ionization and osmosis, create a positive cellular environment enabling the body’s natural detoxification processes to function at its peak. The water turns colors based on  your individual detox elements.

The lymphatic press massage is a computerized massage system used for swelling, cellulite, lymphatic drainage, as well as detoxification while providing total body relaxation and well-being.

Body slimming services including the M’Lis internal cleanse body contour wrap, is an all-natural holistic approach to body contouring that has been helping people lose cellulite and inches since 1979. When the body’s circulation and elimination systems become impaired, toxins and waste materials become trapped in the vulnerable fat cells of the connective tissue. Our body wrap uses circulation and gentle pressure to flush toxins out of the body. This creates body slimming results, while improving general health.

Other summer favorites like Botox can dramatically improve wrinkles and can even give you a mini brow lift. It’s used between the eyes, across the forehead and for crow’s feet. Botox is one of the most popular services at Nouveau Medispa and can even be used in the armpit area for excessive sweating.  No more stains on your shirts!

Another commonly performed treatment are injectable fillers such as Restylane and Perlane to fill in wrinkles and depressions in other areas of the face including nasolabial folds (smile lines), under the eye, as well as to plump the cheeks and lips for a firmer, fuller look. These injections provide instant results with no downtime and can provide dramatic results without surgery.

Want to look good for your special summer event?  Try a relaxing, customized clinical correction facial. This treatment is great for problem skin or to give you a healthy glow and can be augmented with micro-dermabrasion, chemical peels, laser peels or dermaplaning. Before your facial, our experienced aestheticians will analyze your skin to discover the many options available to enhance the way you look.  Nouveau Medispa offers personal complimentary in-depth skin analysis, discussion of your concerns, explanation of options along with recommendations for treatments.  All treatments, whether at Nouveau Medispa or continued at home, are designed for the highest level of outcome you may achieve.
And don’t forget the HEALTHY TAN with Fantasy Tan, which is a customized spray tan that will suit you and your skin type giving you a safe and natural, radiant glow. Medical researchers have indicated that tanning beds have the same skin cancer risk as the sun.  So if you want to reduce or eliminate your exposure to skin cancer, that leaves one option, sunless tanning.  To sum it up, sunless tanning is the only safe tan to get the sun-kissed look you’re after.  Most importantly, don’t forget that even if you have a sunless tan you still need an adequate sunscreen.  With lots of outdoor activities, our physicians and team at Nouveau Medispa stress the importance of sunscreen and sun safety practices.  We can recommend a sunscreen to you for maximum protection.  In addition, people can also protect their skin by wearing a hat, sunglasses and long sleeves.  If you have already suffered from sun damage including skin cancer or precancer, it is not too late to find an effective treatment program tailored to bring your skin back to health and radiance.

Not sure which treatment is right for you. One of our board certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Lawrence Chang, Dr. Kyo Kim or Dr. Joseph Thornton, as well as our nurse and team of aestheticians offer complimentary skin consults to analyze your skin, listen to your concerns and tailor a program that will satisfy your needs for radiant, healthy skin and wellness therapies.

By: Jeffrey B. Minkovitz, M.D.
Eye Physicians and Surgeons

Summer brings longer days, warmer weather, and more outdoor activity.  For many, there is no better time to enjoy the new freedom from spectacles made possible by new technologies in eye surgery. Despite new and improved surgeries which have greatly improved the safety and the success rate for reducing the need for everyday glasses, everyone should remember to protect their precious eyes.

Advances in laser vision correction have allowed better than ever distance vision, particularly liberating for swimming and other summer sports.  It is great to no longer be left on the sidelines or by the side of the pool fumbling with glasses or worried about contacts.  For cataract surgery patients, new advanced technology lens implants, including astigmatism correcting lenses, have allowed spectacle independence even for those who have worn glasses their entire lives.  And new multifocal implants (such as ReStor) and accommodating implants (such as the newest Crystalens AO) have reduced the need for reading glasses, as well.

However, more time spent outdoors, particularly with the stronger summer sun, means greater exposure to harmful UV rays. UV radiation is a known cause of cataracts and macular degeneration, as well as skin cancer.  One of the most common sites for skin cancer is on the face, including around the eyes.  The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends protecting yourself by:
•  Wearing sunglasses which block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays.
•  Consider wrap around glasses and hats with a brim.
•  Be especially careful during times of greatest sun intensity; late morning through early afternoon.
•  Protect your children’s eyes too.
•  Though many contact lenses and intraocular lenses now filter UV light, sunglasses add further valuable protection.
•  Sunglass color and cost do not necessarily mean better protection – look for 100% UV blocking on the label.

Summer is also a time for activities which may pose some risk of injury.  Certain sports, use of fireworks, and even lawn care with powered mowers and trimmers, may all result in serious injuries.  Safety glasses with polycarbonate lenses, can protect the eyes from harm, and may be even easier to wear for those who no longer need vision correcting spectacles.

In ophthalmology, we are fortunate to have new technologies which can not only restore patients’ vision, but in many cases can improve upon lifelong vision limitations.  Given these options, more and more patients are choosing freedom from spectacles, and improving their performance as well as their enjoyment of many activities.  However, basic eye protection, worn during times of potential risk, will protect the eyes and eyesight.  Whether born with perfect vision or enhanced through one of many new procedures now available, everyone should practice prevention and safety.  And enjoy summer’s great pleasures for many years!

Dr. Jeffrey Minkovitz, a partner with Eye Physicians and Surgeons in Wilmington, DE focuses on corneal, cataract and refractive surgery.  After graduating Magna cum Laude from Harvard University, Dr. Minkovitz received his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School.  He completed his residency in ophthalmology at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, before serving a cornea and refractive surgery fellowship at Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute of John Hopkins.

Dr. Minkovitz participated in the early research on Excimer Laser photorefractive surgery (PRK) since 1994.  He has offered this procedure to his patients in Wilmington since FDA approval in 1996.  In addition, he performs the latest in refractive surgery to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism; cataract surgery without needles, patches or stitches; corneal transplants, and thoroughly screens for and treats a variety of eye diseases.

Dr. Minkovitz is on the staff of Christiana Hospital, Wilmington Hospital, and the Center for Advanced Surgical Arts. As an assistant clinical professor at John Hopkins University, Dr. Minkovitz received the Outstanding Teacher Award and was also voted Top Doc in ophthalmology by Delaware Today Magazine.  He has been an invited instructor at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting numerous times.

Dr. Minkovitz
is board certified in Ophthalmology.
For further information or to schedule
an appointment,
call 302-652-3353.

By: Heather Pleasants
Spa Director at Toppers Spa/Salon at the Dover Downs Hotel & Casin

Aging is one of the hottest topics on the skin care menu, and, it shows no signs of going away. According to IBIS World Market Research, the anti-aging industry will generate 291.9 billion in sales worldwide by the year 2015, and 5 billion of that will be earned in the United States. The same researchers report that cosmeceutical products are on course for a 7.7% growth within the next year, while color cosmetics are expected to decline by 1.2% during the same period.
If you think that this market is not going to affect you, think again.  In the past the aging skin program usually would start around age 40, but now that has completely changed.  With the onslaught of media, peer pressures and definitions changing about attractiveness, along with the increase in medical aesthetic services, the pressure to “look perfect” has become a phenomenon – and, it is not unusual to see 20 year olds asking how they can improve and care for their skin.  Most Spas now feature products and services that address the aging skin issue.  
Now, more than ever, is the time to know the market, and to know the good products and services -and the bad. There are lots of myths, half-truths, and out-right lies about certain products and services, and, our jobs, as professionals, is to educate our staff and clients alike on the myriad of choices – to insure that they make the right choice.
Remember that there are many types of skin and not all age the same way. There is no “cookie-cutter” solution, so always request a consultation with your Aesthetician and/or Doctor. Get a full skin analysis. Most Spas offer this as a complimentary service. This is the best way to determine your options and best course of treatment and/or products for you.
So, as we enjoy the season of spring and celebrate the season of re-birth and renewal, take the time to care for your skin. Remember, it is our biggest organ!

Change is in the Air at Toppers Spa Salon Dover Downs Hotel & Casino!
The Vitamin Renewal Facial (w/ Vitamin C)
As the remnants of winter fade away- and the snow melts allowing the beauty of spring to re-emerge, it is time for your own RENEWAL! Let your skin shed its winter blues and let your true radiance shine through! Join us this spring for a special facial geared to brighten and remove the layers of winter drab from your skin.
Our Vitamin Renewal Facial w/Vitamin C  is designed to smooth lines, brighten, tone and give you a refreshed, rejuvenated look! Vitamin C is a powerful exfoliate made by nature to give your skin the attention it needs.  A true gift from fresh fruit to shine up your look and give you a sunnier outlook towards the beautiful season ahead.

For more information or to
schedule your day of luxury,
visit www.toppersspa.com
or call (302) 857-2020.