Prevention is the Key to Skin Deterioration
The deterrence of skin aging is essential to maintaining a healthy, youthful look. Two main causes of skin deterioration are sun damage and collagen loss. Protection from the sun is best achieved by the use of a sunscreen containing a physical blocker like zinc. We recommend an SPF of at least 35. Using topical antioxidants such as vitamin C with E also prevents damage from the suns rays. Generating collagen prevents sagging, large pores and wrinkles. Human growth factors, like TNS Recovery Complex by Skin Medica, are an excellent way to create collagen. Antioxidants and retinols are another way to stimulate collagen.
Resource: Dr. Ingber of DermaCure Valencia 257-8400

Numbness, Tingling & Chiropractic
Many people experience numbness or a lack of sensation at some point in their life. It may be an "arm going to sleep" or a "pins and needles" sensation. This occurs when a sensory nerve becomes impinged, leading to a decrease in input from that nerve to the brain. The impingement must be removed for normal sensation to return. If the impingement has been longstanding or severe, it can cut, tear or damage the nerve, which leads to ongoing or even permanent numbness. The spine is one of the most common places for an irritated nerve to occur due to subluxation or a herniated disc. The chief concern of chiropractors is to remove nerve interference. They use specific means to remove nerve irritation without invasive drugs, shots or surgery. Several studies show the benefits of chiropractic care for nerve irritation and numbness. One such study revealed 90 percent of sciatic patients (sciatic nerve irritation from the lumbar spine, causing pain and/or numbness) experienced relief, while another showed patients experiencing a 50 percent reduction in sciatic symptoms within 16 days of care. Specific spinal adjustments help to normalize spinal reflexes, which are a means for the body to relay messages from the body to the spinal cord and vise versa.
Resource: Bowne Chiropractic 288-2321

Safety Tips for Diabetic Foot Care
Foot problems are a big risk in diabetics. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or face severe consequences, including amputation, so here are some helpful hints: Buy shoes late in the day. Never buy shoes that need "breaking in." They should be immediately comfortable. Request shoes with deep toe boxes and made of leather upper material. Do not wear new shoes more than two hours at a time. Rotate your shoes. Do not wear the same ones every day. Do not file down, remove or shave calluses or corns yourself. Do not use any chemicals or strong antiseptic solutions on your feet. Iodine, salicylic acid and corn/callus removers are dangerous. Do not wear stockings or socks with tight elastic bands and do not use garters. In the winter, wear warm socks and protective footwear. Avoid getting your feet wet in the rain and avoid letting your toes get cold. Keep feet away from heat (heating pads, hot water pads, electric blankets, radiators, fireplaces). You can burn your feet without knowing it. Water temperature should be less than 92 degrees. Lubricate your entire foot if your skin is dry, but avoid putting cream between toes. Never walk barefoot, neither indoors nor out. Never wear sandals or thongs.
Resource: Dr. Tony Avakian of Valencia Foot & Ankle Center 288-2321

It's Time to Try Pilates
Even if you practice yoga or exercise regularly, Pilates takes you to a whole new level by working your core muscles - the deep abdominal muscles that support the spine. This is essential for strength and flexibility. A system of movement and strengthening, Pilates promotes full breath, healthy joint articulation and stability in the important core muscles of the body. Pilates has deep therapeutic benefits, too. In fact, practicing Pilates regularly has shown tremendous results in providing relief from chronic back pain, where other methods have failed.
Resource: Yogaworks of Valencia 799-2645

Permanently Resolve Medical Problems
Associated with being Overweight
Have you tried for years to lose weight and not had success? For some people diet and exercise alone are just not enough. Obesity has been a growing problem in our country for years. You don't have to be part of that statistic. The Lap-Band system is a safe tool that can help patients lose weight and keep it off. Living a healthier life is not out of reach. Lap-Band is a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure. This procedure is FDA approved for permanent weight reduction. With this weight loss procedure, diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, gastric reflux disorder, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and other medical problems can be permanently resolved. To calculate your BMI and determine if you are a candidate visit www.beverlyhillsphysicians.com/bariatric
Resource: Kevin Hayavi, MD of Beverly Hills Physicians 800-788-1416