Health & Fitness 2012

by Lorriel Blaise
Gentle Touch Medical
Aesthetics & Wellness Spa
www.gentletouchmedispa.com
407-877-7003

From smartphones to social media, technology in all facets of people’s lives continues to accelerate at breakneck speeds, changing how everyone works, lives and plays. Anti-aging and skin rejuvenation are part of this revolution, with significant advances through laser and intense pulsed-light scientific innovations.

Aesthetic providers use lasers for hair removal, liposuction, skin resurfacing, acne treatments for scars, wrinkle treatment, stretch marks and photofacials for pigmented and vascular lesions. These procedures are faster, more comfortable and deliver greater results.

During the 70th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, Palomar Medical introduced Skintel — the only Food and Drug Administration-approved device that is used with the state-of-the-art Icon Aesthetic System for better treatment guidance and an added level of confidence. Until now, aesthetic treatment providers relied on subjective tools to determine a client’s skin type, including the Fitzpatrick skin-type evaluation; observation; and the client’s account of recent sun exposure. The Skintel Melanin reader enhances clinical assessment and detects melanin that cannot be seen with the eye, helping to prevent the over-treatment of tanned or pigmented skin.

Lasers have transformed aesthetic treatments for dramatic improvements in skin appearance. Technology will continue to evolve, so when people are considering laser treatments to help achieve their goals, it is important that they do research. People should seek a committed aesthetic provider who stays current with cutting-edge technology, ongoing training and education.

by John Young, owner
Exercise Systems
www.exercisesystems.com
407-996-8890

Once thought to be an extravagance, massage is a perfect elixir for good health. It can also provide an integration of body and mind. By producing a meditative state or heightened awareness of living in the present moment, massage can provide emotional and spiritual balance, bringing with it true relaxation and peace.

The following are some of the benefits massage provides:

• Increases circulation to allow the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.

• Stimulates the flow of lymph, the body’s natural defense system against
toxic invaders; and improves the condition of the body’s largest organ — the skin.

• Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles.

• Reduces spasms and cramping.

• Increases joint flexibility.

by Jennifer Gruber, M.A., L.M.F.T., L.M.H.C., community liaison
Sutton Homes Memory Care Homes
www.suttonhomes.com
407-740-8815

Some people may ask, “Which is better for weight loss — cardio or strength training?” With most forms of traditional cardiovascular exercise, people expend calories while exercising, but, once they stop, quickly go back to their normal metabolic rates. However, strength training builds muscle, which helps burn more calories — even while doing nothing but sitting on a couch. The more muscle a person has, the more fuel he is constantly burning. If the goal is to lose weight and get lean, this is the advantage strength training offers.

Most people find it hard to get to a local gym to do strength training, so some simple workouts at home can help reach these goals. In the time it takes to drive to and from the gym, a person can get an efficient, complete workout at home with a multistation gym. These compact gyms can fit in a corner of a room or garage. They allow a person to get a complete workout with very user-friendly adjustments. They offer several different stations to incorporate all body parts, so an overall workout can be achieved. The goal is to stay active to help in living a healthy, long life.

by Shelley Davis, P.A.-C.
Harris Internal Medicine
www.harrisinternalmedicine.com
407-351-9696

Hypovitaminosis D has become a widespread international epidemic, affecting all ages and genders. According to Peterlik and Cross, it is estimated that 85 to 90 percent of the American population is deficient in vitamin D, and this prevalence is comparable in other countries of Central and Western Europe and North America.

There is mounting evidence that a deficiency in vitamin D also predisposes various chronic diseases, including insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as certain metabolic disorders and cancers, particularly colon, breast and prostate cancers. These diseases are so widespread that evidence of relief from a simple vitamin supplementation could have benefits reaching staggering proportions.

It is abundantly clear that vitamin D plays a huge part in determining the occurrence of autoimmune disorders and in alleviating the symptoms of autoimmune diseases through supplementation. Nearly 90 percent of people worldwide are suspected to be vitamin D deficient, indicating an easily reversible health issue. To date, vitamin D supplementation has shown promising results for those who are currently afflicted by autoimmune diseases or are at high risk for such diseases, and could be an inexpensive, simple remedy for combating this widespread health epidemic.

by Nasrin Lakhani, B.S., M.N.M.
& Diamond Lakhani, Ph.D.
Biofit Health Center
www.biofithealthcenter.com
407-992-9955 • 407-350-1155

Baby boomers, now 78 million strong, face the inevitable challenge of successful aging as Alzheimer’s numbers soar, now one in eight. The fact that the brain has the ability to adapt and regenerate through one’s lifespan, termed brain plasticity, bears much hope. Reduced brain activity as people age weakens the connection between brain cells, which impacts memory.
Studies about aging consistently point to the following key factors:

• People should do something new every day to mentally stimulate their brains. This can be as simple as taking a new route to work, remembering word lists or joining a brain-fitness program that stimulates all brain faculties.

• Physical activity reduces gray matter loss and strengthens neural connections. Therefore, a 30-minute daily walk or yoga are important.

• People who sustain social ties with friends and family members seem to do better with aging. Getting out more and engaging in social interactions actually keep the brain healthy and happy.

• The overproduction of the stress hormone glucocorticoids is known to impair memory. Effective stress management utilizing biofeedback relaxation and meditation reduces stress.

The bottom line is that everyone should adopt a brain-healthy lifestyle. The small changes today can produce a big impact tomorrow.

by Mark Trolice, M.D.,
F.A.C.O.G., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.E.
Fertility C.A.R.E.
www.myfertilitycare.com
407-672-1106

Young women and men faced with the devastation of a cancer diagnosis are focused on one thing — survival. The thought that cancer treatments could possibly cause sterility usually does not cross one’s mind. Thanks to the growing field of oncofertility, oncologists, gynecologists and reproductive endocrinologists are working together as a team to protect their patients’ fertility prior to cancer treatments.

If it is determined that sterility is possible because of treatments like chemotherapy, a reproductive endocrinologist can recommend the best treatment options available to protect the patient’s fertility. Options for fertility preservation include egg freezing, embryo freezing, semen and testicular tissue freezing, and the freezing of ovarian tissue.

Fertility preservation is a vital part of a cancer patient’s care if they are of child-bearing age or younger and hope to some day have children after cancer treatments. All those who must face this disease should be educated about the options available and discuss them with their team of doctors.

by Charles S.C. Garnette, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Vascular Surgery
& Vein Care Center
www.orlandoveins.com
407-363-7760

Approximately 25 million Americans, both male and female, suffer from venous reflux disease or venous insufficiency. Many may experience severe complications, such as bleeding, ulceration, aching, pain and swelling of the legs. Although not immediately life threatening, it is a significant problem with real symptoms and long-term consequences, including the emotional impact of its disfiguring appearance.

Common symptoms include varicose veins; pain; swelling; skin changes; leg ulcers; and heavy, fatigued and aching legs.

Varicose veins are a common manifestation of underlying venous insufficiency.

Venous insufficiency, with its skin changes, including varicose veins, is often branded as cosmetic. Many individuals with varicose veins and spider veins do not understand the significance of these manifestations and that they may be from chronic venous insufficiency. When severe complications, such as bleeding from ruptured varicosities, ulceration and disfiguring skin changes present themselves, the impact of the problem is suddenly more visible.
The treatment of varicose veins continues to evolve. Methods for treating this disease with minimal interference in everyday function are a key component of modern day therapeutic interventions. The introduction of minimally invasive therapies is revolutionizing the approach to vein care.

For a full evaluation and proper treatment, patients should seek the care of a vascular surgeon.

by Debora Fahmy, owner/director
Bikram Yoga Winter Garden
www.bikramyogawintergarden.com
407-877-7800

Bikram yoga is a yoga series of 26 postures performed twice in 90 minutes. It is performed in a heated room, which allows deeper and safer stretching. The heat heals and prevents injury, while sweating aids in flushing toxins from the body.

Bikram yoga is specifically designed to work every muscle, bone, joint, ligament, tendon, gland and organ in the body. While improving strength, balance and flexibility, participants will reshape and heal their bodies, as well as relieve stress and tension. Additional benefits include the prevention of illness and injury, and the limiting affects of aging.
Yoga students of all ages and levels, including beginners, will benefit from this total body and mind workout, as they change their lives, one class at a time.

submitted by Dwight Howard
Basketball ProCamp
www.dwighthowardcamp.com
888-389-2267

Summer is a time for children to be together, relax and have fun with their friends. Camps are a perfect way for children to enjoy themselves, as well as to get some exercise and out of the house. Camps not only give children the chance to hone their skills in a particular area, but allow them to meet new people and create friendships.

There are many types of camps, from those that focus on a specific sport to ones that cover a variety of sporting activities. Basketball camps are a fun way for both girls and boys to learn the fundamentals and skills of basketball, as well as life skills, including the importance of physical fitness, education and teamwork.

Regardless of the activity, exercise for youth is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

by Sean Vigue
Sean Vigue Fitness
www.seanviguefitness.com
321-443-4411

It seems that everyone from Kim Kardashian to the current Super Bowl champions, the New York Giants, have caught the Pilates bug. Designed for elite athletes, men and women of all fitness levels can benefit from the intense core-building, strengthening and toning that Pilates offers. Rather than the part-by-part approach of most workout regimens, Pilates emphasizes using one’s own body weight, moving from the powerhouse (core) outward, to build a long, lean and toned body all over.

Pilates can be performed anywhere, at any time and without any special equipment. All a person needs is a mat and a few minutes each day to build a beautiful, lean, flexible and powerful body. Results are visible after only a few sessions.

by M.J. Galceran, M.D.,
& Aparna Hernandez, M.D.
Southwest Internal Medicine Specialists/ImaginU
www.southwestinternalmedicine.com
407-345-0005

In order to stay fit and healthy, people must balance their weight. They should include more nutrient-rich foods like nonfat and low-fat dairy products, whole grains, fish, fruits and vegetables into their diets. Hunger pangs can be satisfied by snacking on apple slices, almonds, string cheese or yogurt.

People should not skip meals. Skipping meals leads to overeating and makes people more likely to choose impulse snacks that are less healthy.

Sleep is also important. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine indicated that overweight patients sleep less than normal-weight patients. An extra 20 minutes of sleep per night seems to be associated with a lower body mass index.

Daily exercise is a must. People should begin with 30 minutes of physical activity per day and slowly increase to 60 to 90 minutes.
In addition, drinking plenty of water daily helps to boost people’s concentration and keeps them from overeating.

by Daysi Merino
Merino Adult Family Care
www.merinoafch.com
407-295-8872
347-693-3620

It is a fact that the older-than-90 set is one of the fastest-growing factions in American life. The impact of this longevity revolution is evident by the following:

• The 90-plus group is mostly composed of women. They outnumber men three to one.

• They are not wealthy. Most have a median income, of which about one-half comes from Social Security.

• Seventy-four percent live alone or with a family member. The rest mainly reside in assisted-living facilities.

• The majority of the country’s elderly live in California, Florida or New York.
It is imperative that society focuses on the secret of longevity — active longevity at that. Other than a person’s genetics, aged people need to keep active — physically, emotionally and spiritually. Boredom, loneliness and isolation can be more dangerous than disease.

The secret to a long life is that people must get up in the morning, knowing they have something to do. There is a reality testing that seems to be present among the geriatric group, a sense that they only deal with what is and not what could be.

A 91-year-old man summed it up best by saying, “I thank God I was able to reach this age, but it is hard to be alone. Most of my friends are gone now.”
Health, in all of its aspects, is the key to growing stronger and living a fuller life.

submitted by Osceola Regional
Medical Center
www.osceolaregional.com
877-762-6801

Robots are not something seen only through movies and TV. Rather, they have been utilized in the medical field for years to perform a variety of surgeries. Robotic-assisted surgeries are of particular interest to patients seeking faster recovery, smaller incisions and minimally invasive surgical options to traditional and laparoscopic surgeries.

Dedicated surgeons specialize in providing the latest surgical techniques and treatments for patients. Through robotic-assisted surgeries, surgeons and experts are able to utilize minimally invasive techniques to provide patients with the best possible results and reduced recovery times.

According to the National Library of Medicine, robotic surgery is a technique in which a surgeon performs surgery using a computer that remotely controls very small instruments attached to a robot. Robotic-assisted surgery is an extension of the surgeon’s hands and can provide advantages to both the patient and surgeon.

Robotic-assisted surgeries allow the surgeon to view in 3-D, benefiting both the patient and surgeon. Robotic technology can provide patients advantages over conventional surgery. Some of the benefits include smaller incisions/scars; less pain and blood loss; shorter hospital stays; and low complication rates, like reduced rates of infection. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits to patients is a more rapid recovery and quicker return to normal routine, such as physical activity or work.

Multiple specialties, including gynecology, gynecologic oncology, urology, colorectal surgery and thoracic surgery, are now utilizing robotic technology.
Continued advancements in surgical technology, techniques and minimally invasive procedures provide patients with the best possible results and reduced recovery times.

by Omada Idachaba, M.D.
Family Physicians Group
www.fpg-florida.com
866-999-3741

Preventive medicine and wellness are becoming more essential in health care than ever before. It is important for Central Floridians to consider applying changes that can positively affect their well-being and quality of life.

Most people, if they are well, do not think they need regular contact with their doctors. However, it is important to have an exam at least once a year. A colonoscopy is needed every year beginning at age 50; but if there is a family history of cancer, a person should begin at a younger age. Along with annual Pap smears and mammograms, women need a bone-density scan at age 60.

People should exercise and be active in some form, even as they age. It is also important to monitor one’s diet. Even with a healthy diet, a person’s metabolism slows down with age, so portion control becomes very important in staying within a desired body weight.

During cold and flu season, it is advisable for people to get flu and pneumonia shots. An illness should be treated as soon as the symptoms arrive. Hand sanitization is important, and if one lives in a household where someone has a cold, all items they touch should be sanitized. The early stages are when most people are contagious. It is best for people to avoid others who are either sick or coming down with something.