Hindsight is 20/20 when it comes to the Sun
Regarding aging skin, nearly 83 percent of men and women surveyed over the age of 55 stated that if they had to do it all over again, they would either stay out of the sun or seriously limit their sunning/tanning from previous years gone by.
Resource: Carol Donnelly, LE of Dermal Solutions Esthetic Center 295-0027

One Meal won't Impede your Health Goals
If you've "slipped" and ate too much at an office party, drank too many margaritas or gorged on too many brownie bites, you probably are worried about the results. The pattern for "what happens next" is very common. You beat yourself up, vow never to do it again and punish yourself by not eating the next day. Of course, you find yourself starving and you end up overeating all over again.

Stop the cycle by realizing that each meal is exactly that: one meal. You are responsible for what you choose to eat, but no one is 100-percent perfect all the time. You can even plan around an upcoming indulgent "special occasion" meal. Sometimes unforeseen things happen and all planning goes out the window. If you happen to make bad choices or things get out of control, relax, regroup and remember, it's only one meal. Then, let it go and choose to make better choices for your next meal.
Resource: Felicia Oh of FLO Fitness 607-4797

Heel Pain in Children
A common problem seen by podiatrists in active children is heel pain. This condition is commonly referred to as "growing pains" and is usually not treated. The most frequent diagnosis for this is Sever's Disease. Common symptoms and conditions of this disease include: heel pain in one or both heels; physically active children (especially at the beginning of a new sports season); pain is usually experienced at the back of the heel.
Treatment can be simple. The first line of approach would be rest, ice, stretching and a topical or oral type of anti-inflammatory. If the pain persists, then medical intervention is suggested, including custom molded orthotics (insoles); physical therapy; heel cups or lifts. While it is true that Sever's is related to growing pains, the fact is your child can continue to be active and pain free if this condition is treated properly.
Resource: Dr. Tony Avakian of Valencia Foot & Ankle Center 288-2321

Foods worth Smiling About
What you eat will show in your smile. Some foods can harm your teeth, while others contain essential nutrients to keep them healthy and strong. Calcium is a prime ingredient for preventing tooth decay, especially for growing children. Dairy is a great source, with choices such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Calcium isn't hiding in the fat, so skim milk and low-fat yogurt are just as good. Yogurt and cheese can also help regulate acidity in the mouth, preventing harmful bacteria from overgrowing. Other good options are leafy greens such as broccoli, nuts and beans.

Fiber-rich foods like bananas, apples and oranges will keep your smile healthy by increasing salivary flow. Saliva has natural anti-cavity enzymes and keeps teeth clean by washing away acids and plaque. Whole grains are rich in Vitamin B and iron, which keep gums strong. They are also rich in magnesium - an important ingredient of teeth and bones. Vitamin C will help keep your gums and teeth healthy by boosting your immunity and increasing body's uptake of iron. To help prevent tooth decay, keep these food choices in mind.
Resource: Gina Dorfman, DDS of Dentistry for Kids and Adults
513-9393 (Valencia) or 299-2525 (Canyon Country)

Long Second Toe Trouble
Many people are embarrassed by a long second toe. This is a common condition, affecting about ten percent of the population. Fortunately, the condition is treatable with a simple outpatient procedure by an aesthetic foot specialist. The procedure may also be covered by health insurance. Often, a long second toe is not just unsightly, but also results in trouble walking due to poorly-fitting shoes. Feeling self conscious and uncomfortable should not be your only option; visit your podiatrist for a consultation and treatment options.
Resource: Chief of Podiatry and Aesthetic Foot Surgery Ali Sadrieh, DPM of Beverly Hills Physicians 800-788-1416

Pronation versus Supination
According to American Podiatry Magazine, 85 percent of the American population will pronate. Pronation is caused by low to medium arches, which cause an inward motion of one's gait. Certain pronation cases can cause an array of injuries, like plantar fasciitis (heel pain) and knee pain. On the other hand, 15 percent of the population will be in the category known as supination. Supination is due to medium to high arches. Supinators will have the tendency to walk on the outside of their feet. Supination can cause some IT ban pain and shin splints in individuals. Many times, supination can be addressed by footwear alone. It's recommended to always consult with a professional or expert shoe fitter.
Resource: Flo Mina of Runners Lane Inc. 260-3368

Boxing Burns Calories
According to NutriStrategy, nutrition and fitness software that calculates calories burned during exercises and activities, one hour of various forms of boxing and/or kickboxing burns up to 1,000 calories. By expending this many calories per hour of activity, you can reduce body fat, build stronger muscles and increase your energy level. Boxing allows you to exercise core muscle groups in a fun, unique environment. It is a great way to get your body in shape at any age, no matter your height, weight or sex.
Resource: Vish Hanoman of Valencia Executive Boxing 367-2444

Therapy through Creative Writing
Writing is a wonderful tool, long used by therapists to help people sort through their thoughts and externalize feelings. weSPARK Cancer Support Center now offers a healing class called Creative Writing. Inspiration can be found all around us and the writing encourages weSPARK's guests to use their various senses of sight, sound, taste, touch and smell to embrace their creative spirits. During this fun and joyful class, a safe and nurturing environment is created so that weSPARK guests can let their stress melt away and their imaginations soar. An intake is required before participating in our programming.
Resource: weSPARK Cancer Support Center 288-2322

Considering Surgery on the Jowls
Carol Donnelly of Dermal Solutions Esthetic Center in Valencia
reminds us that the only "real" and lasting solution for jowls is plastic surgery. If you are interested in having such surgery, Donnelly recommends doing you homework on the surgeon who will be performing it. "In my practice, we refer clients to a board-certified plastic surgeon, as it is a 'specialty surgery' and should be performed by a physician who has done this particular type of procedure many, many times," Donnelly cautions, adding, "I can tell you that the people who I have seen that get the surgery, do look years younger."
Resource: Carol Donnelly, LE of Dermal Solutions Esthetic Center 295-0027