November 3, 2011 (Aventura, FL) – In the time it takes to enjoy a business lunch, men and women can now eliminate varicose veins with the new Lunchtime Leg Lift.  Performed by Dr Adam Gropper MD at North Beach Vascular & Aesthetics, the 60-minute procedure is possible thanks to a new, twirling endovenous device called Clari-Vein which destroys abnormal veins without anesthesia and with minimal discomfort.  North Beach Vascular & Aesthetics is the first in South Florida to offer this varicose veins treatment Aventura men and women can use in the fight against varicose veins.

“Clari-Vein and devices like it are likely to be the future of varicose vein treatment,” states Dr. Gropper, who also serves as Chief of Radiology with Jackson Health System Community Hospitals.  “There are many advantages to Clari-Vein over existing techniques – including minimal discomfort, negligible bruising, no risk of thermal (heat) damage to nerves or skin, no multiple needle punctures, and rapid return to normal activities.  The best part is this quick and painless procedure conveniently fits into the busiest of schedules.”

Clari-Vein works by placing a small needle through the skin and into the vein. Once inside, a chemical solution is introduced into the target area and a rotating wire scrapes the inside walls of the vein.  The scraping enables the chemical to penetrate deeply into the wall of the vein, enhancing the effects of the treatment.   Ultrasound imaging is used before (to locate the target section of the vein), during (to monitor the therapy), and after (to ensure the treatment has been completed and larger veins have not been damaged).

After the procedure, patients can to drive themselves home or back to the office.  Exercise and other activities can resume the next day.  Studies show Clari-Vein is just as effective as radio frequency and laser energy treatments.   However, unlike other therapies, patients undergoing varicose vein removal with the Clari-Vein device appear to experience less post-procedure swelling, bruising and pain.

“More than 80 million adults suffer from venous disorders and many people do not seek treatment due to the discomfort and recovery time of traditional treatments,” said Gropper.  “Our Lunchtime Leg Lift treatment aims to treat venous disorders in a comfortable, calming environment without disrupting patients’ lifestyles.”

About North Beach Vascular & Aesthetics

North Beach Vascular and Aesthetics is boutique-style, medical center dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of medical and cosmetic vascular disorders under the supervision of Dr. Adam Gropper.  For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 305.957-7277 or visit http://www.northbeachvascular.com.

Many people have heard rumors about diet’s effect on skin – “eating chocolate or greasy food will give me acne!” – and some say there may be a grain of truth to some of these so-called secrets.  According to dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu, author of Feed Your Face, things we don’t normally think about related to our dietary choices can affect our skin.

For example, Dr. Wu claims that a high-protein diet can fight sagging because collagen and elastin, the substances that comprise skin, are made of protein.  Dairy products are high in hormones (even organic dairy, which contains cow hormones), which apparently increase the number of oil glands in the skin and cause breakouts.  Zinc helps fight acne, and vegetables will give you smoother skin.

Any physician can tell you that eating high amounts of protein won’t help you build up more muscle (also made of protein), so how could it help build up skin?  Protein consumed is simply broken down and either used for fuel or converted into fat and stored, just like any other caloric substance.  It’s important for dermatology patients to think carefully and critically about what they hear from their doctors.

As a dermatologist Westchester’s Dr. Michelle Abadir advises all her patients to take care of their skin by drinking plenty of water, avoiding tanning and always wearing sunscreen when they go outside.  Any bizarre or unfounded claims should be taken with a grain of salt.

You deserve beautiful, healthy skin. Forget the pictures of airbrushed models and actresses. With the proper care and suitable skin products you can achieve skin that’s smooth, a complexion that’s clean, and confidence that’s sky high.

Start with your lifestyle. Your eyes might be the window into your soul, but I have always considered your skin the window into your eating and exercise habits. Forget about greasy foods. Drink water. Do some form of exercise you love every single day. Your skin will reflect those lifestyle changes.

Next, you need products made especially for African American skin. How does a moisturizer that will leave your skin hydrated but not greasy sound? Or African American acne skin care products that work against scarring? Take care of your skin. Look in the mirror and be perfectly content with the face you see smiling back at you, starting today.

New studies have revealed an increasing number of people are seeking cosmetic surgery in an attempt to boost their career. This is especially common amongst middle aged men who opt for surgery offered by a dermatologist in Long Island or Westchester, where they can find a solution to their aging (which they feel is an obstacle to success).

Sadly, some men feel they are being discriminated against for looking old so decide Botox or a facelift is the best solution to their problems.  Botox may not be the right choice for everyone, and it’s important to consult with your doctor and have your treatments at an accredited dermatologist’s office to stay safe.  Many employers do judge their workers on their appearance, whether they are conscious of this or not. However, surgery should not be the answer to this potentially career-threatening problem.

Why take such drastic measures when there are simple changes we can make in our everyday lives to tackle the effects of aging? Here are just 3 of the ways we can prevent the effects of aging:

1. Boost your Brain – swap your TV for activities that will train your brain and help prevent forgetfulness, or even the onset of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, in old age. Playing a musical instrument, learning new dance routines or even completing a Sudoku every morning will keep your brain on the ball.
2. Eat more (of the right things) – foods rich in antioxidants also play a role in the onset of illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. On the other hand, pro-inflammatory foods such as sugars, starches and trans-fats can accelerate the aging process as they trigger an anti-inflammatory response.
3. Exercise- Exercise will help keep you on your toes, give your metabolism the helping hand it needs, and make you FEEL young again!

For more information on dermatologist Westchester County Botox services, visit Abadir Associates online.

It’s important for men and women interested in wrinkle treatments to understand the risks as well as the benefits.  With the services of an experienced and licensed cosmetic dermatologist Westchester NY trusts, your procedure with likely go smoothly with no unpleasant or unexpected side effects – however, an empowered patient should always be prepared an ask their doctor what they can expect.

While a traditional facelift or s-lift (also called a “mini-facelift”) used to be the only ways to significantly improve the appearance of wrinkles, Botox is now the standard wrinkle treatment for patents interested in looking younger.  Botox and cosmetic surgery each come with advantages and risks.

Advantages and Risks of a Facelift
Whether the patient chooses a traditional facelift or a mini-facelift, both carry the same pros and cons.  A facelift is a permanent procedure with excellent results.  The surgeon can tailor his work to the patient’s exact specifications, and excess sagging skin can also be removed.  However, as a facelift is a surgical procedure which requires general anesthesia, it carries the risk of surgical complications like bleeding and infection.  Scars may also be visible (though a good surgeon will hide them in the hairline).  The procedure may cause pain or numbness in the face and swelling that lasts for weeks.

In addition to the risks brought on by surgery, a poor surgeon can botch the procedure and produce undesirable results – such as asymmetry, skin contour irregularities, or skin discoloration.  A typical facelift patient has up to eight weeks of recovery time to look forward to before being able to return to work.  The procedure cannot be reversed, but patients dissatisfied with the results have the option of having additional surgeries to correct poorly done facelifts.

Advantages and Risks of Botox
Botox offers excellent wrinkle-reducing results at a cost far more affordable than cosmetic surgery.  A favorite of dermatologists in CT, Botox can be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes and forehead.  Many injectable dermal fillers (such as Radiesse and Juvederm) are also available to fill in lines around the mouth and nose.  The results last up to four months, and the procedure involves no general anesthesia and little pain.

Botox carries two main disadvantages.  First, the results are temporary – patients need to have the procedure repeated every few months to maintain results (when compared against the permanent results of a potentially botched facelift procedure, however, this becomes an advantage).  Botox also can’t deliver the lifting results that surgery can, nor can it remove sagging skin.  Results with Botox are more comfortable and require less recovery time, but they aren’t as dramatic as the results seen with a facelift.  Botox has a low risk of complications, but it may not be safe during pregnancy and some patients have reported a loss of muscle function (known as “freezing”) in the forehead.  While this is not harmful, it may limit a person’s ability to show facial expressions.

Knowing the risks as well as the advantages of any cosmetic procedure helps patients weight their options and make smarter choices.  Being well-informed about your treatment options will help you to make the best decision for you.

As a dermatologist Westchester practice Abadir Associates offers a wide range of skin care services – but which method is best?

Choosing a skin care procedure and routine is more about making a good choice based on you and your body than finding a product decided upon by a third party as “the best.”  The secret to younger-looking skin is to consult with your Connecticut dermatologists on the right choice for you.

Botox and Dysport are great for adult women of all ages who are looking for a non-invasive solution to facial wrinkles.  The treatment is considerably less expensive than surgery, but temporary.

Restylane and Juverderm are injectable dermal fillers that can be used to “fill in” deep, hollow areas of the face.  This is a temporary yet minimally invasive solution for women with deep wrinkles or thin lips that might otherwise be filled with surgical implants.

Face lifts or mini-lifts (also called s-lifts) are a permanent solution to wrinkles and sagging skin.  They tighten and remove excess skin and, when performed properly, can produce natural-looking results. Surgical procedures can be expensive, however, and often come with a long recovery time and post-surgical pain.

Dermabrasion – and its gentler cousin microdermabrasion – are ways to buff away the outer layers of skin to reveal younger, newer-looking skin underneath.  This treatment is well-suited to patients with scarring, large pores, or fine lines to minimize.

Laser skin resurfacing is a treatment that removes small, shallow wrinkles with a carbon dioxide laser.  A modern alternative to dermabrasion, it is also a good option for patients with sun-damaged skin.

For more information on skin rejuvenating treatment options, visit www.drabadir.com.

June 20, 2011 (Daytona Beach, FL) – Concierge medicine, executive health, and corporate healthcare provider EliteHealth is announcing its addition of a Daytona Beach concierge doctor.  Led by family practitioner Dr. Delicia Haynes of Family First Health Center, the new location offers the comprehensive concierge medical services that have made EliteHealth a world leader in VIP healthcare.

These services – including executive physicals, preventive care plans, family memberships, and online Patient Portal access – give patients the opportunity to manage their health in the most efficient way possible.  Members of EliteHealth’s concierge medical plans enjoy priority appointments with lower wait times as well as priority access to any of EliteHealth’s US or international locations.  EliteHealth also offers patients a significantly more personal experience with their doctor by giving them 24/7 cell phone and email access to their doctor and the ability to video chat online with their physician through the myEliteHealth.com online patient portal.  myEliteHealth also allows patients to request appointments, refill prescriptions, securely message their physician, and store their medical history online.  EliteHealth members are also assigned a Personal Health Advocate to assist them with scheduling appointments, managing their health histories, finding a specialist, and all other aspects of navigating the healthcare system.

In addition to concierge and preventive health plans, EliteHealth offers a range of plans catering to business executives and corporations seeking better-quality care.  Their Executive Wellness plan offers yearly executive physicals including full bloodwork, a thorough physical exam, a medical history analysis, stress tests, and heart and lung function tests to help maintain optimal health throughout the year.  EliteHealth’s corporate wellness programs start at under $6 per month per employee and offer the entire company excellent preventive screenings and online medical access.

EliteHealth is now prepared to offer members in the Daytona Beach area better access at the Family First Health Center.  In addition to her services as an EliteHealth physician and a family practitioner, Dr. Haynes specializes in aesthetic treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, laser hair removal, and skin treatments.  She also focuses strongly on nutrition, offering nutraceuticals and medical weight loss programs.  “I was looking for a partner to help me offer a higher level of service and an even better patient experience by improving availability and offering more on-site services,” says Dr. Haynes.   Daytona Beach residents can learn more about EliteHealth’s new location at http://www.elitehealth.com/location/daytona_beach_fl_medical_office.

About EliteHealth
EliteHealth is a concierge medical program offering comprehensive care, executive physicals, and 24/7 access to a personal physician.  Their Daytona Beach office is the newest in a series of locations serving members worldwide.  For more information, visit http://www.elitehealth.com.

June 10, 2011 (Miami, Florida) – A leading provider of executive health and corporate health programs, concierge medical service EliteHealth has been selected by the southern division of Holman Automotive Group – one of the nation’s top auto dealership and leasing companies – to provide a Wellness Program for their managerial staff.  The move follows a successful implementation of EliteHealth’s Executive Wellness Program in 2010, which has provided concierge medical services to 15 of Holman’s southern executive management group.

More and more companies are recognizing that corporate success is dependent upon the strength of the corporation’s staff – and keeping employees healthy is the best way to improve productivity, reduce sick leave, and prevent sub-par performance while at work.  Offering employees a higher-level healthcare plan also increases employee satisfaction in the workplace and reflects upon the corporation’s positive attitude toward its staff.  By selecting programs from EliteHealth, Holman Automotive Group is demonstrating its dedication to caring for its valuable employees.

The wellness program selected by Holman Automotive Group for their managerial staff serves around 70 managers and features a range of exclusive concierge healthcare services.  Managers will enjoy an annual executive physical exam, which features CIMT cardiac testing, a heart scan, advanced lipid profiling, and chest x-ray; a thorough medical history evaluation; and nutrition counseling.  This intense focus on preventive cardiology and healthcare acts to “ensure they’re not missing any diseases,” says Dr. Perry Krichmar, M.D. and Chief Operations Officer at EliteHealth.  “Holman recognizes this because we had done this last year and it rolled so well with their executives.”  Holman’s managers will also receive priority medical appointments with their physicians as well as a personal Health Care Advocate to help them make appointments, find physicians, manage their medical records, and navigate the healthcare system.

In addition to healthcare and wellness programs for executives and managers, EliteHealth also specializes in Corporate Wellness Programs which offer comprehensive lab testing, 24/7 online access to an ER physician plus their personal medical records through EliteHealth’s patient portal myEliteHealth.com, in-home or in-room doctor visits while traveling, and personal health consultations.  Starting at under $6 per month per employee, these programs offer corporations an extremely affordable way to ensure that the entire staff is well-cared for.  Holman Automotive Group’s southern division has taken a smart step toward total employee health by offering their executives and managers care plans from EliteHealth.

About EliteHealth
A leading provider of concierge medical services, EliteHealth offers comprehensive and affordable healthcare plans for individuals, executives, and corporations as well as executive physicals geared towards improving the health of busy executives.  For more information on care plans, visit http://www.elitehealth.com/executive_healthcare.php or http://www.elitehealth.com/executive_corporate_programs.php.

Over the past few years, the word “Botox” comes to mind when you hear the words “fine lines”, much like “Kleenex” comes to mind when you think of “runny nose”.  Did you know that Botox is actually a brand name for botulinum toxin, like how Kleenex is a brand of facial tissue?  There are two main brands of the botulinum toxin: Botox and Dysport and yes, there is a difference between the two brands.

Botox and Dysport have more similarities than differences.  Both medications are made from the protein produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum.  This protein is a neuromuscular blocking toxin that relaxes targeted muscle areas.  They are injectable solutions applied to the face and other areas to reduce the appearance of skin wrinkles caused by aging.

Botox slightly different from Dysport, as it can be applied to spots on the whole face, like forehead, around the eyes and eyebrows as well as sides of the nose and around the lips.  It has a more concentrated effect than Dysport and works better in smaller, tighter spaces like between the eyes.  According to Botox specials Connecticut, Drs. Michelle and Dale Abadir, Botox has more subtle effects than Dysport, with visible results in about 3-5 days.

The way Dysport differs from Botox is that it’s mainly applied to the forehead because it has a larger spread.  Dysport has less protein than Botox and therefore the body forms fewer antibodies against it.  Many whose bodies have become immune to the effects of Botox can use Dysport just fine.  Another noted benefit is that it can have visible results in 1 day, as opposed to 3.   Dysport has a different diffusion ratio than Botox and its formula is more diluted.  Being that it’s a more diluted solution, Dysport tends to be a little bit cheaper.

Contact the office Dr. Abadir about Botox promotions Westchester today.

1. Maintain a Healthy Skin pH: Aloe vera gel regulates the pH level of your skin. The level can fluctuate around 5.5 on the pH scale, which is slightly on the acidic side. Aloe 3.5 to 4.7 on the scale, therefore creating a more than adequate barrier that prevents the invasion of microorganisms of the skin. It’s balancing effect and non-toxic nature are what make it so popular in so many cosmetic products.It Has Profound Effects: Aloe vera penetrates deep into the skin upon contact.
2. It penetrates four times as deep as water and actually aids other topical compounds, like vitamin E, through the dermis and hypodermis layers. The deep penetration nourishes the skin as well as micro-circulate blood in the area where it was applied.
3. Nourishment for Your Skin: Combined with clay or fruit masks, aloe vera doubles its nourishing effect. The vitamins and amino acids in the aloe penetrate the mask’s nutrients deeper through the layers of skin.
4. Exfoliates the Skin: Thanks to its proteolytic enzyme property, aloe vera sloughs off the dead skin cells your skin. The shedding of the old skin cells is necessary to make room for new cells. If not, the old cells would accumulate and form a hard layer that prevents flexibility and breathability of the skin.
5. Regenerates New Cells: Aloe vera assures and accelerates the full growth of new skin cells with its numerous nourishing elements. Studies have shown that aloe vera gel – or referred to “gel puro aloe vera” in Spanish – speeds up the production of fibroblast cells (common cells in connective tissue) 6 to 8 times more rapidly than normal production. Additionally, aloe vera accelerates the production of collagen, which maintains the skin’s elasticity.
6. Both a Moisturizer and Astringent: Whether your skin is dry or oily, it needs to be well moisturized. A moisturizing cream with a base of aloe vera can perfect the skin’s surface, as aloe is composed of 99% water and makes a great hydrator. It also serves as an astringent (constricts the skin tissues) due to the fact it contains mono and polysaccharides, which is an antioxidant and reduces inflammation.

For more ways to use aloe vera, check out Robyn’s health blog here.