High Blood Pressure? It’s time to make a change.

Join the battle against heart dieases by staying well informed.

February is American Heart Month!! Since 1963 American Heart Month has been celebrated as a way to educate Americans by joining the battle against heart disease.

This is a time when all people can focus on their cardiovascular health. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Not to worry! You can do a lot to protect your heart and stay healthy.

This year the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention is shining a light on hypertension (high blood pressure). This is a leading risk factor for heart diseases and strokes.

Heart-healthy living means understanding your risk factors and taking steps to reduce your chances of getting heart disease. Your risk rises based on the following: lifestyle choices, age-related changes, if you are overweight, smoking, or consuming excessive alcohol.

A diet high in saturated fats, added sugars, salts, and a low dietary fiber diet may contribute to heart disease. Taking preventive measures such as achieving exercising, and meal planning can lower your risk of developing heart disease and also improve your overall health. Think back to your diet this month, what changes have you made to improve your heart health? Take the step towards a healthier lifestyle today and consult with our R.D.N. Valerie!

Learn more about the following topics here at Essentials by scheduling a visit with our Registered Dietitian!

  • How to live a heart-healthy lifestyle.
  • Preparing heart healthy meals.
  • How to manage Hypertension, a silent killer!
  • Choosing Healthy fats to protect your heart health.
  • Managing cholesterol and triglycerides

Sources:

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/american-heart-month

https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/american_heart_month

Is Laser Hair Removal Right for You?

Is Laser Hair Removal Right for You?

Laser hair removal allows you the freedom to stop shaving, waxing, plucking and pulling unwanted hair from your body. Laser hair removal is appropriate for men or women and most parts of the body. The procedure works best on patients with naturally dark, coarse hair and usually do not work with very light, or fine hair. Regardless of whether unwanted hair is due to a personal preference or is a source of shame, let Essentials Medispa and Salon help eradicate your unwanted hair!

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is the process of using a pulsating laser beam to remove hair from your body permanently. It is non-invasive and performed by a licensed skin care expert. It is entirely safe for any healthy adult and is successfully on many areas of the body.

What parts of the body can be treated?

Extra Small Area: Upper lip, chin, sideburns, cheeks, areolas, nose, forehead, hands, eyebrows, feet or ears
Small Area: Underarms, bikini line, happy trail, upper lip and chin, inner or outer thigh, jawline, upper or lower arms, or two extra small areas combined
Medium Area: Brazilian, buttocks, upper back, upper legs, lower legs, back neck, front neck, upper chest, full face, full arms or two small areas combined
Large Area: Full legs, full front, full back, or medium and small area combined

How does laser hair removal work?

During your procedure, our staff will hold a wand on your skin which contains a laser. When initiated, that laser beam will pass through your skin to the hair follicles. The light from the laser is absorbed by the melanin (or pigment) in the hair and converted to heat which damages the hair follicles. This damage makes future hair growth from that follicle difficult or impossible thereby leaving you hair free in that area. Although the procedure may sound painful, it is not. There may be some minor discomfort during the process which you should indicate to your skin care specialist.

What happens after the procedure?

Redness or swelling of the treated area may be noticeable for the first few hours after the procedure. Ice or cooling gels may be recommended immediately after laser hair removal to reduce pain. Over the next days and weeks, you will begin to shed the hair from the treated area. Since hair has four stages of the growth cycle, you will need subsequent treatments to make sure you have addressed hair in each stage. Typically, a series of two to six treatments are required based upon the location of the area being treated.

What are the risks of laser hair removal?

The risks vary based upon skin type, hair color, treatment plan and adherence to pre-treatment and post-treatment care. The most common side effects include temporary discomfort, redness, swelling, skin irritation, changes in the pigment of the affected area. In rare cases, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or excessive hair growth around the treated areas. Laser hair removal should never be performed on eyelids, eyebrows or surrounding areas as the laser beam could cause severe eye injury. (1)

Ready to try laser hair removal?

Stop fighting unwanted hair with messy and painful treatments. We have a better solution for you! We offer a convenient monthly payment plan that is interest-free to get you on your way to being hair free. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation for laser hair removal. We will perform our state-of-the-art laser technology on that pesky hair and leave you feeling pampered and ready to bare all. Our laser hair removal treatments come with a 2-year guarantee. If you are not entirely hair free within two years, your additional procedures are free. Essentials Medispa & Salon in Melbourne, FL serves patients in the Orlando and Central Florida area.

 

  1. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-hair-removal/about/pac-20394555

 

Trigger Point Injection

What is a Trigger Point Injection?

A trigger point injection is an injection of small amounts of steroids and anesthetic. The injection is intended to help relieve muscle pain associated with muscle spasms or inflammation. Also described as painful “knots” in your muscles, trigger points are the unfortunate result of a muscle that is contracted and cannot relax. A trigger point can be felt under the skin and is often tender to the touch. When pushed, pain radiates from the trigger point to the surrounding area. A trigger point that is left untreated can lead to chronic issues, disorders and ongoing pain.

Is a Trigger Point Injection right for you?

Trigger Point Injections are an excellent solution for muscle pain that has not responded to other treatments such as pain medication, physical therapy or even massage. Especially muscle pain in your arms, legs, lower back, shoulders, and neck. Trigger Point Injections can also treat or reduce pain caused by fibromyalgia, tension headaches, and myofascial pain.

How is Trigger Point Injection performed?

Your appointment will begin with an initial consultation and assessment by our medical staff. While you lie down or sit (depending on the location of your issue) our medical staff will locate the site of pain and talk to you about the severity and symptoms associated with your trigger point. Then, they will insert a small needle directly into the trigger point and inject the mixture of steroid and anesthetic.

After your injection, there is no reason why you cannot participate in all your normal daily activities. We recommended that you avoid anything strenuous for approximately 48-72 hours.

How long will a Trigger Point Injection last?

Because each treatment situation is unique, there is not a definitive answer on treatment length. However, typically the anesthetic will numb the area for 1 to 3 hours. The steroids in the mixture will generally remain in the tissue for about one month.

What are the risks?

As with any other medical procedure, there are always potential risks and side effects associated with treatment. With a trigger point injection, the risks and complications are very low. Potential issues may include bleeding, infection at the injection site or long-term numbness. All of these risks are uncommon and an unlikely outcome from the procedure. After your injection, you may experience temporary soreness or short-term numbness at the injection site.

How do I schedule my appointment?

If Trigger Point Injection sounds like the answer to your suffering and pain, please contact us at Essentials Medispa & Salon. Our staff is trained to discuss your situation and assess whether this treatment is right for you. Call us today at 321.722.2860 to schedule an appointment.

  1. Driver, C. Trigger Point Injection. Retrieved from https://www.rxlist.com/trigger_point_injection/article.htm#when_do_patients_need_a_trigger_point_injection

 

Medical Marijuana for Chronic Pain Management

Chronic pain is the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. Surveys show that chronic pain affects more people than cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. That is an alarming amount of Americans suffering from pain with no hope for relief. What can be done to help alleviate the symptoms of chronic pain?

What options are available for chronic pain management?

Treatment of chronic pain should encompass a variety of approaches which address a person’s body, mind, and spirit. “What the brain perceives is indisputably modifiable by emotions,” notes Judith Scheman, Ph.D., program director of the Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. “Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience. When we focus only on the sensory aspect, we fail to appreciate the suffering component of the pain, which is important to recognize because pain is not what occurs at the periphery.” That means that people who are fearful of pain, depressed, or anxious may experience pain differently, and perhaps more severely, than someone who has pain but isn’t experiencing those other emotions. (1)

Medication combined with therapy and other pain management options (i.e. meditation, TENS, relaxation techniques, YOGA, massage) is usually the most effective approach.

What medication is available for chronic pain management?

  • NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), including ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Antidepressants, which can improve sleep and alleviate pain
  • Anti-seizure medications, which can be useful in treating pain related to nerve damage or injury
  • Steroids, like dexamethasone and prednisone, to reduce inflammation and pain
  • Opioids (narcotics) and benzodiazepines (1)
  • Medical Marijuana

How can marijuana treat pain?

Medical marijuana is growing in popularity as an alternative drug treatment for chronic pain. Marijuana contains compounds called cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body. These receptors reduce pain and stimulate the pleasure and reward center in the brain. CBD does not cause a high or have any psychoactive effect. Instead, it interacts with pain receptors in the brain and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Alternatively, THC is a psychoactive drug that produces an elevated state of mind or a “high.” It activates the brain’s reward system and reduces pain levels. (2)

Does marijuana work for chronic pain?

There is insufficient medical evidence and studies to prove the effectiveness of medical marijuana. However, the FDA has approved medications containing synthetic THC cannabinoids for cancer patients. They have also approved medical marijuana for the treatment of two rare and severe forms of epilepsy. Aside from those specific uses, the FDA has not yet approved medical marijuana for pain relief.

Independent research studies show positive results for participants. Marijuana seems especially useful for people suffering from neuropathy (nerve pain), chronic migraines, and cancer treatment. It also appears that using medical marijuana for pain management allowed participants to decrease opioid use significantly.

There is a need for additional research before medical marijuana is a viable option for pain management. It is important to consider the risks associated with using medical marijuana before choosing this option. Schedule a consult at Essentials Medispa & Salon to discuss all your options.

 

How Can I Slow or Reverse the Effects of Aging?

They say aging is inevitable, but no one says it has to be noticeable.  Every day we live ages us, but how can we slow down the effects on our bodies? Social media shows retouched images of supermodels and photos which use filters to defy the natural consequences of aging. Mainstream media promotes expensive procedures that are not available to the average American.  Isn’t there something that can be done that is affordable and available to all?

The simple answer is “yes a healthy lifestyle can slow aging, but stopping the progression will require professional intervention.” 

Does Water Improve the Appearance of Aging Skin?  

The skin is about 30 percent water, but there is little evidence indicating that drinking more water every day (such as 8 to 10 glasses) will flush toxins from the skin and generate a “glowing complexion,” as is widely touted in the beauty industry.  Adequate skin hydration won’t prevent wrinkles or other signs of aging related to genetics, but it will assist in keeping skin supple and reduce dryness.  (1) 

Can Supplementation Slow Down the Effects of Aging?

Free radicals are the leading culprit in accelerating the appearance of aging.  Dermatologist say “The best prevention strategy against the harmful action of free radicals is a well-regulated lifestyle, with low-stress conditions and a balanced nutritional diet, including anti-oxidative rich food.” (2) The standard American diet often falls short in supplying the vitamins and minerals our bodies need to combat free radicals effectively.  Supplements to consider in your fight for a youthful appearance are Vitamins C, D, E as well as Carotenoids which are derivates of Vitamin A.  Polyphenols, Coenzyme Q10 (known as CoQ10), Essential fatty acids, some proteins, and lactobacilli have also been referred to as “agents capable of promoting skin health and beauty.” (2) 

How Does Poor Sleep Accelerate Premature Skin Aging? 

“Our study is the first to conclusively demonstrate that inadequate sleep is correlated with reduced skin health and accelerates skin aging. Sleep deprived women show signs of premature skin aging and a decrease in their skin’s ability to recover after sun exposure,” says Dr. Elma Baron. (3)  Research shows poor sleep manifests itself through fine lines, uneven pigmentation and reduced skin elasticity. Studies also show that those who enjoyed quality sleep were more quick to recover from stressors to the skin such as sun and environmental toxins. “This research shows for the first time, that poor sleep quality can accelerate signs of skin aging and weaken the skin’s ability to repair itself at night,” said Dr. Daniel Yarosh. (3) 

Can Facials Help Diminish Aging? 

Yes, facials can make a big difference in skin tone and appearance.  The licensed staff at Essentials Medispa & Salon can “renew and invigorate your skin by providing deep cleansing and delivering essential nutrients to thirsty skin cells.”  Regular facial treatments condition, restore moisture, and increase elasticity to leave you with a healthy, supple, radiant glow.

What About Using Injectables and Dermal Fillers? 

Injectables and dermal fillers are incredibly useful in addressing many issues of aging skin. Whether it’s fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin or thin, brittle skin, dermal fillers can make a significant difference.  Essentials Medispa & Salon is a state-of-the-art cosmetic center that offers multiple fillers that address many signs and issues of aging.

What Other Options Are Offered at Essentials Medispa & Salon?

Although you can make an impact on your skin with healthy living, to indeed reverse the effects of aging, you will need professional help.  Essentials Medispa & Salon offers dermabrasion, chemical peels, micro needling and more to address signs of aging.  The best option to knowing how to improve your appearance is to schedule a consultation with a licensed skin care specialist at Essentials Medispa & Salon in Melbourne. We provide excellence in skin care treatments for our patients in Orlando and neighboring areas in Central Florida. 

(1) – Sinatra, S. Why Water is Key for Anti-Aging.  Retrieved from https://heartmdinstitute.com/health-and-wellness/water-important-anti-aging/

(2) – (2012 July 1). Discovering a Link Between Nutrition and Skin Aging. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583891/

(3) – Emling, S. (2013, July 24).  Sleep Deprivation Linked to Aging Skin, Study Suggests.  Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/24/sleep-deprivation-effects-aging-skin_n_3644269.html

Is my testosterone low?

It seems that testosterone is a favorite topic of conversation these days. TV commercials, lead articles in men’s health magazines and even ads on the radio bombard us with the shocking headlines that men are losing testosterone at alarming rates. According to the latest news and media reports, this is a new and overwhelming situation. Is there really an epidemic happening around testosterone?

What is testosterone and why do men need it?

Testosterone is a vital hormone found in the male bloodstream and body that is responsible for the changes that happen to a boy during puberty – facial and chest hair growth, increased muscle mass, deepening voice, and ultimately all things related to sex drive and sexual organ development. Testosterone is highest in boys during their teen years and decreases as they age. It is normal for men to begin to experience a gradual decline in testosterone as they enter their 30’s ultimately resulting in a significant decrease by the time they reach their 80’s. Declining levels of testosterone is not a new phenomenon and is an unavoidable part of aging.

How can I tell if my testosterone is low?

Men who are wondering if they have decreased production of testosterone generally site the same symptoms which may include: low sex drive, fatigue, and insomnia, hair loss, reduced lean muscle mass, increased body fat, irritability, erectile dysfunction, and depression.  Although these are all symptoms of Low-T (low testosterone), there may be other potentially severe conditions for these symptoms, so it is wise to get blood work done and seek medical assistance in determining the root cause of the symptoms. At Essentials MediSpa & Salon we offer testosterone testing.

Are some men more prone to TD (testosterone deficiency) than others?

TD is more common in men who have diabetes or who are overweight than in men of the similar age within the optimal weight range. In one research study, 30% of obese men had Low-T, compared to only 6.4% of those with normal weight. The same study found diabetes to be a risk factor for TD.  In another study, 24.5% of men with diabetes had Low-T, compared to 12.6% of those without diabetes. (1)

How can I increase my testosterone production?

  1. Increase your exercise and start lifting weights.
  2. Eat a balanced diet high in protein, healthy fat and low in carbs (in other words, lay off the processed foods).
  3. Minimize stress and cortisol spikes.
  4. Make sure you’re getting enough Vitamin D through sunshine or supplements.
  5. Take a high-quality daily multivitamin.
  6. Prioritize restful sleep for a minimum of 8 hours every night.

If you do not see an improvement in your symptoms and your overall quality of life after making these lifestyle changes, then you should consider some pharmaceutical assistance to elevate your testosterone production. (2)

So is Low-T an epidemic? No, it’s a natural part of the aging process which, for some men, has been accelerated due to lifestyle choices and unavoidable stress.  It is not a new reality, but with the help of media, it has become a mainstream topic where it once was only admitted and discussed behind closed doors.

 

 

 

 

  1. What is Low Testosterone?Retrieved from https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/low-testosterone
  2. Mawer, R. (2016, May 20).8 Proven Ways to Increase Testosterone Levels Naturally. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-ways-to-boost-testosterone

Creative Ways To Organize Your Beauty Clutter

It can be daunting when you think about the number of beauty products that are out there and let’s face it we own most of them. Whether you’re working with a small space or just have too much stuff, try these cute organizational ideas. They will not only help you declutter but save you much-needed space.

MAGNETIC MAKEUP BOARD
These are awesome. They can hold a lot of items and don’t take up much space. All you need is a frame without the glass. Personalize it however you want. Paint the frame and add some bling, make it your own. Then a buy a piece of sheet metal from a home improvement store and have them cut it to fit your frame. You can also put fabric over it to give it a beautiful background or use it how it is. I love the industrial look. Next glue magnetics to the back of your makeup items. Then stick them on! You can also magnetize small baskets to hold larger items like pallets and makeup brushes.

OVER THE DOOR SHOE ORGANIZER
I have used this trick in every apartment I have ever lived. You can never have enough storage. Free up some room with this neat idea. Forget shoes, most of our heels don’t fit in those things anyway. Place hair products, perfumes, lotions, brushes and styling tools in individual slots. Everything will be easy to identify and grab quickly. Also, your cords won’t be all tangled (I hate that). These are affordable and hold so much stuff.

TIERED CAKE STAND
Find a cheap tiered cake holder. Garage sales and consignment stores are good places to look. Decorate it. Then keep all your daily beauty ritual items in one convenient spot that doesn’t appear messy. You can separate things by the tiers. Some even rotate. A perfect way organize your essentials while keeping them nearby.

BRUSH HOLDER
Get some cheap clear vases or use mason jars. Fill them halfway with vase fillers. They have everything from pretty gems to seashells. Make it your own or match them to your bathroom. Then stick your brushes in. The filler will enable them to sit upright. This is a great idea for not only storage but, essential for the health of your brush. It will protect the bristles and help keep them clean.

PALLET HOLDER
Since contouring became a thing, we have loved our pallets. Now there are ones for our brows, eyes, and lips too. Organize them. Get yourself a letter holder. There are a lot of cute ones out there or find one second-hand and jazz it up. The individual slots work great for separating your pallets and leave them easy to identify.

Cucumber Crush Cocktail

Spring is around the corner. It’s a time for renewal and regrowth. The weather breaks and landscapes change. We see beautiful flowers and hear melodious songs from birds. We begin to find ourselves and our neighbors outside more. It’s a time to not only enjoy this refreshing change in weather but refreshing cocktails as well. There are a lot of amazing drinks that mysteriously disappear during those winter months but make their comeback now. This cucumber cocktail is one of them. Delicious all year round but perfect for this time of year. It embodies all things spring, even the colors.

cucumber crush

  • 1 ½ oz. Skinny Girl Cucumber Vodka
  • 3 oz. Prosecco
  • 1 oz. simple syrup (make with truvia to save calories)
  • 1 tbsp. of seedless cucumber, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup raspberries
  • Juice from half a lime (save the other half for garnishing)

Directions:

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the chopped cucumber with the lime juice. Add the vodka, simple syrup and a few ice cubes, and shake away. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with lime wedges and mint leaves. Cheers to spring!

Get Your Daily Dose Of Vitamin C With Image’s Vital C

Vitamin C is great for your overall health. Your body needs it to form blood vessels, muscle and collagen in bones. It’s also vital to your skin’s health. When we think about vitamin C we often picture bright, juicy oranges. Oranges are loaded with it, but you aren’t going to go rub orange slices on your face. Vitamin C can be applied to your skin through: serums, oils and lotions. It’s a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells against the effects of free radicals. It can help with anti-aging by increasing collagen synthesis, stabilizing collagen fibers, and decreasing collagen dehydration, according to an article in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.

Hydrate and rejuvenate your skin while protecting it from future damage with Image’s Vital C collection. It’s an amazing line of Vitamin C packed products that helps prevent and treat aging, while leaving your skin looking beautiful and smelling like a sweet orange. After using these products your skin will thank you. The Vital C line comes in an array of products and even a trial kit to see if you’ll like it ( spoiler alert, you will). The kit includes Vital C hydrating facial cleanser, hydrating anti-aging serum, hydrating repair crème, hydrating enzyme masque and a prevention + hydrating moisturizer with SPF 30+. I know I have mentioned in the past about how much I love the prevention and hydrating moisturizer, because it’s amazing, but the whole line is incredible. All these products used together will change your skin’s life.

The facial cleanser is gentle but cleans deep while hydrating. Use it in the morning and before bed. The anti-aging serum is ideal for applying in the morning onto your clean skin. It immediately nourishes. It will also instantly lighten and tighten troubled spots. Follow it up with the Prevention and Hydration Moisturizer. It’s a long lasting lotion, great for all skin types with SPF 30+ built in to prevent future damage. Before bed use the cleanser again, follow it up every other day with the Hydration Masque. The masque exfoliates dead skin cells and infuses your skin with antioxidants and minerals. Leave it on your face for around 10 – 30 minutes and your skin will be glowing. Then apply the hydrating repair crème. It is a rich moisturizer that is also full of antioxidants and minerals to fight the effects of stress, smoking, fatigue and environmental damages. This is great for not only your face but neck too.

It does not get any better for your skin then this Vital C combo from Image. Try it as a set or pick out the pieces you enjoy most. They also makes a Vital C hydrating eye recovery gel, hydrating hand and body lotion, facial oil, and A C E serum. All these great products are available at the ESSENTIALS Boutique and Imageskincare.com. Call the boutique at ESSENTIALS to learn more or discuss it with one of the experts there next time you are getting a facial. Your skin is your body’s biggest organ. It’s important it stays hydrated and healthy. Vitamin C is very important for it’s health. Keep your skin happy with this amazing Vital C line.