Fact vs. Fiction: Top 5 Misconceptions About Laser Hair Removal Busted

March 12, 2013 by Leave a Comment

For people considering laser hair removal for the summer, there’s good news – now is the perfect time to start. Easily hidden under typical cool weather clothing like bulky sweaters and leggings, skin is shielded from the sun and thus in perfect condition for hair removal. However, many men and women are on the fence when it comes to investing in long term hair removal due to several common misconceptions.

Here are the top five laser hair removal myths busted by Dr. Paul Flashner, chief medical director for American Laser Skincare:

1. Doesn’t treat all skin types
Today there are more advanced technologies, such as the GentleMax Pro system, which delivers a wide range of treatments for effective hair removal on all skin types. Each treatment focuses on the individual, and the system prompts a series of questions about the person’s skin tone and overall makeup to help determine optimal settings for best results. It leverages two fast and powerful lasers: the Alexandrite and the Yag, for customized results on all skin types, light and dark. It is important to note that if you are considering laser hair removal, you should first work closely with a skincare consultant to understand what treatment options work best for your individual skin.

2. Too painful
No pain no gain? The leading edge technology in laser hair removal has enabled a more comfortable experience for those nervous about the “ouch” factor. It delivers an intense but gentle burst of energy onto targeted areas of the skin, delivering a controlled amount of therapeutic heat to the area. In addition, many of our clients report that the system’s cool pulse provides increased comfort during treatment.

3. Too expensive
While laser hair removal does require a more substantial upfront investment, long-term results significantly trump traditional routines such as shaving or waxing. Studies have shown that women spend, on average, $10,000 on shaving over their lifetime, with waxing more than doubling the investment, especially when done by a professional. Laser hair removal can help save time and money over the course of a lifetime, and aesthetic service providers like American Laser Skincare offer a true personalized experience based on real, effective and achievable results.

4. Requires frequent clinic visits and treatments
GentleMax Pro treatments are separated by a window of four to 12 weeks depending on the treatment area and the individual’s hair regrowth cycle, making long-term hair removal a much less tedious and time consuming task. In order to be ready for summer, now is the perfect time to start.

5. Need to let unsightly hair grow in between treatments
Laser treatments target the root of the hair rather than the surface hair so you are able to shave in between treatments and not worry about growing any unsightly hair. 17683796

“Anyone is who is thinking about getting laser hair removal wants to experience fast and effective results,” says Dr. Flashner. “The technologies available now target faster results, fewer treatments and less discomfort. Now is the perfect time for people to make sure they’ll be beach ready by summer.”

Laser hair removal treatments are available at all 100+ American Laser Skincare clinics across the country. For more information or to book a free consultation, visit www.americanlaser.com for a full list of local clinics. For additional tips and useful information about hair removal, visit www.hairremovalforum.com.

 

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Helping The Brain Use Alternative Fuel May Ease Symptoms Of Alzheimer’s

March 12, 2013 by Leave a Comment

17355280Whether a patient faces a simple health problem, such as a head cold, or one as complex as Alzheimer’s disease, relieving the symptoms is often as important as resolving the issue itself. Yet for the more than 5 million Americans affected by Alzheimer’s, treating the symptoms is even more vital.

Some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s include memory loss that disrupts daily life, mood and personality changes, and difficulty solving otherwise simple daily tasks.

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Of the top 10 causes of death, it is the only one for which there is no cure or preventive measure. However, research suggests that addressing one early facet of the disease – decreased blood sugar in brain cells, also known as diminished cerebral glucose metabolism (DCGM) – may help relieve symptoms for certain people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s.

In a healthy brain, glucose is the primary energy source. A brain affected by Alzheimer’s doesn’t process glucose into energy as efficiently as a healthy brain.

“Unlike other cells in the body that can metabolize fats as fuel, brain cells rely on glucose (sugar) for their primary energy source,” says Dr. Richard S. Isaacson, associate professor of clinical neurology and vice chair of education at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. “One aspect of Alzheimer’s is that it hinders the brain’s ability to use glucose, and this significantly affects brain function.”

“DCGM is an early feature of Alzheimer’s disease, represented by region-specific declines in brain glucose – or energy – metabolism,” Isaacson says. “DCGM correlates with both the cognitive decline and the pathology associated with Alzheimer’s. Research suggests that addressing DCGM may help mitigate symptoms for some patients.”

Providing brain cells with an alternative energy source may help ease the effects of DCGM, while enhancing memory and cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients. One prescription-only medical food aims at helping Alzheimer’s patients by addressing DCGM – Axona by Accera, Inc. 17355499

The easy-to-mix, once-daily drink is currently the only prescription therapy for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s that addresses the link between the brain’s inability to process and use glucose with the degenerative symptoms of Alzheimer’s by providing the brain with an alternative energy source. The liver digests and metabolizes Axona to produce the naturally occurring compounds – ketones- that the brain can use as an alternative energy source. Patients or caregivers mix the powder with other liquids or foods and take it once a day in conjunction with commonly prescribed Alzheimer’s medications.

“More research is necessary to determine the exact reasons why DCGM can have profound effects on cognition over the long term,” Isaacson says. “When blood glucose drops rapidly, significant decline in cognitive function occurs and may be accompanied by confusion, coma and even brain death.”

While Axona is not a cure for Alzheimer’s, it can help some patients mitigate the symptoms of the disease. Doctors and caregivers of patients using Axona have reported patients appear more alert and engaged in daily activities and conversations. “If you or a family member experience symptoms such as poor short-term memory, changes in behavior and difficulty with language, see your doctor for a full evaluation,” says Isaacson.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, visit www.alz.org, the website of the Alzheimer’s Association. For more information on DCGM and Axona, visit www.about-axona.com.

Filed Under: Health & Wellness Tagged With:

Rise And Shine: Tips For Throwing The Ultimate Brunch

March 12, 2013 by Leave a Comment

17598515Nothing gets your day off to a better start than a tasty breakfast – but on most days, you’re too rushed and stressed to enjoy it. Thankfully, on weekends and holidays, it’s a whole different story. There’s time to relax, enjoy the company of family and friends and prepare and serve that best-loved of all leisurely meals: brunch.

A table full of delicious dishes that inspire conversation and interaction is an essential part of a truly great brunch experience. To encourage guests of all ages to linger around the table and enjoy the festive atmosphere, include a variety of options that will please all palates. Catherine McCord of Weelicious, a family-centric food blog and cookbook author, offers some of her favorite tips for putting together the ultimate brunch:

* Make brunch interactive and fun for kids. The more you get them involved, the more they’ll be interested in the food you serve.- That can make it easier for everyone to enjoy the foods you’ve spent time preparing.-

* “French Toast on a Stick” turns a brunch staple into something a bit more fun. Make French toast cubes using different types of bread such as brioche, French bread, croissants or even regular sandwich bread. There’s no need to worry that you don’t have a particular variety – they will all produce delectable results.

* Fill bowls with fresh fruits like sliced bananas, strawberries, pineapple and melon balls for kids to skewer.

* Keep health in mind. Wash all fruits – even organic varieties – carefully. Since eggs are always an essential element of brunch, opt for Safest Choice Eggs. These eggs go through an all-natural pasteurization process that eliminates the risk of salmonella, while still maintaining that farm-fresh flavor everyone loves. Safest Choice Eggs also let kids get in on the fun of preparation, while eliminating worries you might have about their getting sick.

* Put out an assortment of drinks for everyone to make non-alcoholic “kiddy” cocktails: sparkling water, orange, cranberry or grapefruit juice, lemonade, herbal iced tea and sliced fresh fruits are great options.-

*Fill the buffet table with a mix-and-match assortment of glasses, plates, placemats, napkins and silverware. It will add visual appeal to the festivities and act as a conversation starter.

Sweet or savory, formal or relaxes, brunch is one of those meals that can do it all, and be whatever you want it to be. With these tips, and McCord’s recipe for ‘French Toast on a Stick’, you’ll be well on your way to organizing an easy, yet impressive, brunch that will brighten any day. For more ideas and recipes, visit www.safeeggs.com/recipes and www.weelicious.com.

French Toast on a Stick

Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk (any kind of milk will work)
  • 2 large Safest Choice Eggs
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 cups brioche, French or sandwich bread (cut into 2 inch cubes)
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil
  • 16 strawberries, stems removed
  • 2 bananas, sliced into 1/2 inch coins
  • 8 wooden skewers

Preparation
1. In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, honey and cinnamon.
2. Dip the bread cubes in the milk mixture to coat each side.
3. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook the bread for 1 1/2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
4. Skewer the French toast cubes, strawberries and bananas and serve with maple syrup for dipping.

Accompaniments: maple syrup, honey or raspberry-wee sauce

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Top Technology Trends For 2013 That Make Your Life Easier

March 12, 2013 by Leave a Comment

15468640Whether you are a college student, working parent or empty-nester, modern life has never been busier. Luckily, a variety of technology innovations are dramatically affecting the way we live, helping us streamline our routines, reduce stress and maximize each minute of the day. Which new technologies are proving to be indispensable?

Here are the current top technology trends that can help you manage your hectic life and enjoy it a little bit more:

Trend 1: Home security in the palm of your hand

Keeping your home and loved ones safe is a top priority, and now new technologies make it easy to stay informed and protect your property and family even when you’re not there. How would you like alerts sent instantly to your phone or computer if a window breaks, a door opens or a pipe bursts? If you have a Honeywell home security system, you can get all this and more when you stay connected through Honeywell Total Connect Remote Services.

Remote services like this use advanced software technology to keep you informed about your property through alerts to your computer, smartphone or tablet. Kids come home early? You can see who is at your door via online video and unlock the door remotely. Keep children and elderly relatives safe by setting up alerts for restricted areas – you’ll know when the liquor cabinet has been opened or a family member leaves the property.

Trend 2: Energy efficiency goes on auto pilot

What was once only imagined in fictional TV shows like the Jetsons is now reality. Homes are quickly becoming more automatic, allowing homeowners to use energy and resources efficiently, which reduces their carbon footprint as well as their utility bill. Lighting, heating, cooling, water use – just about everything your home does can be regulated automatically.

Heating and cooling can easily be automated with a programmable thermostat. Tie it to your Honeywell alarm system so when you set the alarm, the system recognizes you’ve left the house and makes the necessary temperature adjustments. Controlling lighting is simple now too, thanks to remote technology. Forget to turn off the basement light and shut the garage door when you left this morning? Now you can verify through Honeywell Total Connect Remote Services on your smartphone and fix in a few clicks.

Trend 3: Entertainment and learning made easy

The way we watch TV is changing thanks to DVR technology that allows viewers to record shows and watch them when it’s convenient. Plus you can fast-forward through commercials. A DVR can be set to record multiple shows at once and you can even watch your recordings in different locations, whether that’s a TV in another room or on your smartphone while traveling to another state.

How families read and learn is changing too. Today, people of all ages are opting to read ebooks. Rather than trekking to the library, you can now “borrow” books by downloading them online from the comfort of your home. In addition to ebooks, there are literally millions of apps that entertain and educate – today your toddler may learn colors or ABCs on your smartphone or tablet.

Trend 4: Cooking is fun in a futuristic kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of a home, and now technology is making this space more efficient than ever. Smart refrigerators now include LED screens with Wi-Fi capabilities. Make grocery lists, access recipes, listen to music and more, all directly from your refrigerator.

Ovens are smarter too – this year you can get an oven with a preprogrammed guide that takes the guesswork out of cooking popular dishes – simply select the recipe from the menu, place the dish inside and the oven does the rest, intuitively cooking the food to perfection and then switching to warming mode until you’re ready to eat.

These technology trends are booming in popularity for good reason – they make modern life easier, enabling us to run our households and day in the most efficient manner possible. Plus, new technology can be a lot of fun to use, too.

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From Golf To Fishing: America’s Ultimate Destinations For Active Travel

March 12, 2013 by Leave a Comment

17176734The word “vacation” means different things to different people. For some, it’s lounging poolside and sleeping until noon. Others, however, savor the opportunity to get outside, try some new activities and indulge in their favorite pastimes for days on end. If you’re one of the latter group, there are few better places to travel than right here in the United States.

Across the 50 states, there are countless opportunities to revel in natural beauty and explore new places, all while pursuing your favorite activities. But whether you envision yourself teeing up on a spectacular golf course or hiking through a rocky canyon, there are a few destinations among the pack that stand out as being the best.

As travel high season looms on the horizon, set your sights on these exceptional active travel destinations. All have opportunities for beginners to try their hand at a new activity, but they’ll also satisfy those who have long-established passions for their favorite pursuit.

Golf: Wisconsin

Settled into the rolling landscape not far from Lake Michigan, The American Club resort in Kohler, Wisc., provides golfers with the vacation of their wildest dreams. The resort is home to Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run, championship golf courses that have been featured in Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Rankings, one of the most respected rankings in the sport. The Straits course at Whistling Straits leads the way, coming in No. 2 among the 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses. Both Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run feature two 18-hole courses. For golfers, the opportunity to play courses that are host to major championships like the U. S. Women’s Open, -The PGA Championship and the 2020 Ryder Cup, is an opportunity that can’t be passed by. The resort also features luxurious accommodations and amenities like spa treatments, fine dining and other seasonal activities, from horseback riding to archery.

Fly fishing: New York

Reputed to be the birthplace of American dry-fly fishing, New York’s Catskills are still prime territory for anglers who love a bit of tradition – and a lot of brook, brown and rainbow trout. Quaint and charming Roscoe, N.Y., bills itself as “Trout Town USA” and the nearby Beaverkill River and Willewemoc Creek number in the ranks of the best streams in the country. 17176859

Canoeing: Minnesota

The upper Midwest – predominantly Minnesota and Wisconsin – is famed for its canoeing opportunities, but in Minnesota’s far north, the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) is a true paddler’s paradise. With more than a million acres, 1,200 miles of canoe routes and 2,000 campsites, you can go as far as your paddle – and ambition – will take you. The fact that this is some of the most pristine wilderness in the United States is another draw for those who truly love to be immersed in the great outdoors.

White water rafting: Idaho

With raging rivers and dramatic scenery, Idaho is the place to go when you want a wild ride. The state is home to Hells Canyon, the deepest canyon in the entire United States, and the best way to see it is a rafting excursion down the Snake River. You’ll go through thrilling rapids and still have enough smooth spots to get a good look at your surroundings. Idaho’s other star rafting attraction is the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, which boasts 100 frequent rapids over 100 miles.

Hiking: Utah

Utah’s abundance of national parks and monuments speaks volumes about the beauty of its landscapes. The spectacular red rock formations, canyons and arches that are the calling cards of Utah’s parks draw adventurous visitors year after year. Favorites include the Narrows at Zion National Park, Devil’s Garden at Arches National Park and the Needles district within Canyonlands National Park.

Whether it’s the best round of golf you’ve ever played or the most beautiful hike you’ve ever done, a great active vacation will pay you back in memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. For more information on active travel, from golf to fishing and beyond, visit www.AmericanClub.com.

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