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Healthy & Happy
Women's Health Guide
May, 2016 - Issue #139
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courtesy of Shutterstock

HEALTH & BEAUTY
Treat Pregnancy Skin Changes

Many women experience pigment changes in their skin during pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations. These changes are called melasma and can appear as muddy or brown spotches on the cheeks, around the eyes or forehead. They can even appear on the upper lip, which can look like a mustache. Sun exposure and even heat can make melasma worse. Melasma is not always easy to treat; not every option works for everyone. And some treatments can even make it worse. It is best to schedule a consultation to decide which treatment option may be the best for your individual skin type. Many patients see a dramatic improvement in as little as a few weeks at DermaCure Medical Aesthetics. 257-8400

Explore Micro-needling & Oxygen Facial Therapy as Alternatives to Injections
Micro-Needling therapy, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally-invasive skin-rejuvenation procedure that involves the use of a device that contains fine needles that puncture the skin to create a controlled skin perforation. Each puncture creates a channel that triggers the body to fill these microscopic splits with new collagen and elastin. Through the process of neovascularization and neocollagenesis, there is improvement in skin texture and firmness, as well as reduction in scars, pore size and stretch marks. Oxygen Facial Therapy is done after exfoliation or other type of skin treatment. The skin therapist will use a machine that introduces oxygen directly into the skin's pores. The oxygen used is usually treated with a number of supplements that are good for the skin, such as vitamins, to help the skin retain its firmness and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. The procedure is painless and requires no harsh chemical peels. Both of these treatments are available at Skinartistry, which also provides breast-cancer survivors with areola medical tattooing. 904-2083

Look & Feel Good with WAX
There's no better stress reliever than looking good and feeling good, which is just what a session at WAX by Heather Nelson guarantees. Her award-winning techniques insure that every woman leaves confident in her appearance, self-esteem boosted and beauty shining from the inside. Just 15 minutes in her restorative salon offers a respite from the daily hustle and contributes to an overall healthy lifestyle.
Waxing is a time-honored method of removing unwanted hair safely, emphasizing each person's unique curves and highlights. At WAX by Heather Nelson, a variety of services are offered, from a simple brow grooming to a Brazilian, which many women say gives them a heightened sense of comfort and hygiene.
644-4346

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courtesy of Shutterstock

FEELING FIT
Take Advantage of Cycling Health Benefits for Women

Cycling at Cycleup is one of the best ways for women to reduce their risk of health problems. It is also one of the best ways to improve our mental health and combat your changing metabolism as women age. Regular cycling has many health benefits for women, like serving as a mood and energy booster. Each time you cycle, your brain receives a bath of dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter, improving mood, boosting energy and even reducing stress. Cycling can reduce stress on ankles, knees and spine more than walking or running. Cycle regularly for tight buns and legs of steel while reducing your risk of heart disease. A study involving women prone to heart disease were observed riding a bike for 30 minutes, three times a week; after a year's time their tests showed lower blood pressure and lower LDL cholesterol. Cycleup will help you lose that unwanted fat. In their 45 minute classes, riders burn approximately 500 calories. If you cycle only three days a week, you would lose 15 pounds in one year. With unlimited rides at only $99 a month, you can lose even more. 645-3060

Work Out at Home
Drop your "too busy to go to the gym" excuse and set up at home with the help of Direct Source Fitness. They have a wide variety of fitness machines designed especially for women that work those hard-to-keep-in-shape areas. From elliptical machines to accessories like stretch bands and wall balls, they really do have it all - including fit pros who can help you select the right products that are the best match for your goals and fitness potential.
702-1361

Set your "Barre" Higher with a Workout that Works for Every Woman
Bella Barre is a boutique fitness studio that specializes in the woman's body. This low-impact, high-intensity tiny movements are designed to heat the muscles to fatigue and then, while the muscles are still hot, you complete each set with a complimenting stretch, giving long and lean results. Although barre was created by a ballerina, there is no rhythm required. In fact, anyone can do barre no matter what your fitness background. Bella Barre staff is proud to cultivate a safe place for women to learn about and invest in their own bodies. They understand that everyone is in a different place on their fitness journey and classes offer options no matter where you're at. 299-7767

Ignite your Passion for Fitness
The Paseo Club is an oasis for women. You could literally spend a whole day in their country-club-esque environment and enjoy every second! Start your day with a fitness class in their state-of-the-art gym, enjoy a tennis drill class with awesome tennis pros, have a delicious lunch from the cafe poolside with your girlfriends and then treat yourself to a spa service. This is how we "staycation" in Valencia! 257-0044

Address Stubborn Fat with CoolSculpt
CoolSculpting gently targets and cools unwanted fat cells in the selected area to induce a noticeable, natural-looking reduction in fat bulges. It's a new, non-invasive way to gently and effectively reduce stubborn fat in specific problem areas of your body. CoolSculpting uses advanced cooling technology to selectively "chill away" the fat that creates love handles, muffin tops, bra bulges, tummy pooch and other trouble areas. You will see a 20- to 25-percent reduction of fat in the treated area after just one visit. Unlike a lot of other procedures, CoolSculpting takes very little time and is pretty simple to fit into your life. After your CoolSculpting treatment you can typically get right back to your busy day. Each treatment lasts one hour, the same time you might spend at the gym. Consultations are free at Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Care. 254-3686
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courtesy of Shutterstock

PHYSICAL WELLBEING
Treat your Feet Better

A study conducted by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society found that nine out of 10 women wear shoes that are too small; eight out of 10 say that their shoes are painful and seven out of 10 have developed a bunion, hammertoe or other painful foot deformity. No surprise: nine out of 10 women's foot deformities can be attributed to tight shoes. High-heeled, pointed-toe shoes can cause numerous orthopedic problems, leading to discomfort or injury to the toes, ankles, knees, calves and back. Many high-heeled-shoes also have a pointed, narrow toe box that crowds the toes and forces them into an unnatural triangular shape. These shoes distribute the body's weight unevenly, placing excess stress on the ball of the foot and on the forefoot. To relieve the abusive effects of high heels, women should limit the amount of time they wear them and alternate these shoes with good quality sneakers or flats for part of the day. Women-centered treatment for these conditions is available at Valencia Foot & Ankle Center. 288-2321

Detox, Relax & Lose Calories in 30 Minutes
While you might feel like all you're doing during your 30-minute infrared treatment at Organic Sweat Shack is relaxing, your body is busy releasing copious toxins as you "sweat it out" in the Shack's top-quality HealthMate cedar-lined saunas. The deep-penetrating heat prompts your bod to burn up to 600 calories while the therapeutic aroma and chronotherapy address your distinctive health concerns, from stress and bacterial infections to autoimmune conditions and more. Collagen is built and cellulite is smoothed while libido is boosted and skin conditions like acne and eczema are soothed. Clients report dramatic results ranging from weight loss and complete alleviation of cystic acne to relief from fatigue that too-often plagues those suffering with chronic conditions. 678-0880
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courtesy of Shutterstock

MENTAL & INTIMATE HEALTH
Find Out who You Really Are

Women share a history of being told who they are, how they should think and how they should feel. Many times the messages are incorrect, unhealthy and prohibitive. Psychotherapy and sex therapy can be growth producing and freeing; it's empowering to learn the reality about your mind, body and sexuality and to gain insight into ways that can provide a healthier, happier life. With a 25-year private practice working with some wonderful bright women and men, Dr. Judith Curts serves clients in Santa Clarita and Beverly Hills. The highly-trained and board-certified (Both in psychotherapy and sex therapy.) practitioner is also an ordained interfaith minister. Phone consultations are complimentary. 754-4022

Feel Rejuvenated with "Down There" Treatments
Labiaplasty, clitoral hood reduction, perineoplasty, vaginoplastsy, ThermiVa and more are some of the treatments offered at Aesthetic Center of Santa Clarita. The warm, spa-like medical office is staffed exclusively by women and is a safe place to discuss and treat your most intimate concerns. Whether you need birth control counseling and management, a pap smear or Pelleve for the face and neck, or you are suffering from vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, a reduction in sensation or tightness, Dr. Courtenay Poucher and her staff will listen, advise and change your life with quick, painless treatments that leave you feeling younger, happier, more physically fulfilled and more engaged with life. 312-0497
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courtesy of Shutterstock

HEARING CARE
Choose an Audiologist Over a Hearing Aid Dispenser

A hearing aid dispenser is an individual engaged in the fitting or selling of hearing aids to an individual with impaired hearing. A hearing aid dispenser is focused on the sale of a specific item - hearing aids - and has the ability to test your hearing, but only as those tests relate to the fitting and sale of a hearing aid. An audiologist holds a masters degree or Au.D (doctor of audiology) and is a professional with eight years or more of education in hearing and the rehabilitation of hearing. An audiologist is typically trained in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology/Communication Sciences and Disorders prior to attending the four-year certification program necessary to become an audiologist. Audiologists are the primary health care professionals who evaluate, diagnose, treat and manage hearing loss and balance disorders in adults and children. They provide treat ments by cleaning ear canals; fitting hearing aids and other assistive devices; conducting auditory training, fitting and tuning cochlear plants; counseling patients and families; and conducting programs in aural rehabilitation. Rehabilitation and technical training offered by an audiologist result in a more holistic approach to solving hearing problems. Free hearing screening; general hearing loss consultation; live hearing aid demonstration and special discounts are available through May 15, 2016 at Advanced Audiology. 425-9330

Women are the Primary Caregivers for Dementia Sufferers
Investing in Self Care is Good for both of You

Family caregivers are disproportionally women, often with their own families, jobs and relationships that suffer because of the additional strain caregiving places on her. Caregiver mental and physical health can quickly decline without a familial, community or private support system.

Help with the Challenges of Dementia
For people with Alzheimer's Disease or other dementias, aging at home can be very challenging - and it's tough on family caregivers, too. Symptoms such as forgetfulness, wandering and erratic behaviors mean that being alone is a safety issue. Visiting Angels is there to help. Their services enable people dealing with dementia to remain in the comfortable, familiar surroundings of their own home; or give family caregivers a much-needed rest. Angel Caregivers help with meal preparation, medication reminders, personal care, errands and shopping as well as keeping the senior engaged in meaningful activities. They have helped hundreds of families in Santa Clarita successfully handle the challenges of dementia. 263-2273

Resources that make it Easier
Every day Home Instead Senior Caregivers confront the emotions and suffering caused by Alzheimer's and dementia. Their CAREGivers offer hands-on personal assistance with all the activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing and toileting. And, their plan of care for every client includes both mental and physical stimulation in the form of customized activities and exercises meant to keep clients, even those with cognitive impairment, as engaged and motivated as possible. However, even with help, family caregivers often feel alone and stressed - guilty that they're not doing more, or confused about the options available to care for loved ones, from home care to alternative housing to financial aid. That's why Home Instead Senior Care has developed the website, www.caregiverstress.com. Click on "Caregiver Resources" and you'll find answers to so many questions, not only about caring for your loved ones, but caring for yourself, as well. Home Instead Senior Care is the world's largest non-medical home care company. 254-8701
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